HomeMy Public PortalAbout11/19/96 CCM183
MEDINA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 19, 1996
The City Council of Medina, Minnesota met in regular session on November 19, 1996,
at 7:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Anne Theis presided.
Members present: John Ferris, Jim Johnson, Ann Thies, and Mayor Theis.
Members absent: Phil Zietlow.
Also present: Public Works Director Jim Dillman, City Engineer Shawn Gustafson,
City Attorney Ron Batty, and City Clerk -Treasurer Paul Robinson.
1. Adoption of the Agenda
Moved by Johnson, seconded by Thies, to adopt the published agenda with the
following additions:
1. Discussion on Boxing License.
2. Resolution Thanking Election Judges.
3. Issue regarding Albert LaFontaine.
4. Communities In Collaboration.
5. Metropolitan Council Update.
Motion passed unanimously.
2. Minutes - Tabled until later on the agenda.
3. Consent Agenda
Moved by Thies, seconded by Theis, to approve the consent agenda, as follows:
A. Resolution 96-56 Authorizing Publication by Title and Summary
Ordinance Establishing a Moratorium On the Construction of Privately
Owned Towers for Public Commercial Wireless Telecommunication
Services.
B. Resolution 96-57 Certifying Delinquent Utility/Recycling Bills for Tax
Collection.
C. Resolution 96-58 Certifying Delinquent Liquor License Fines for Tax
Collection.
Motion passed unanimously.
4. Park Commission Comments - There were none.
5. Planning Commission Comments
Jim Johnson asked Penny Elsenpeter about a proposal the planning commission
received for a Dairy Queen or liquor store that involved the possible construction of a 2
story building.
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Penny responded that the proposal was very confusing and the commission sent the
proposal back for further clarification.
There was some discussion between Penny Elsenpeter and Ron Batty about
scheduling to work on ordinances that need updating when there are few or no items
on the planning commission agenda.
Mayor Theis stated that this seemed like a good idea especially during the winter when
planning commission agendas are fairly light.
OLD BUSINESS
6. Resolution 96-59 Designating Snowmobile Trail.
Ron Batty stated that according to both the City's snowmobile ordinance and the park
ordinance the City Council has the authority to designate snowmobile trails in City
parks.
Ann Thies stated that the designation of this trail was only for the 1996-97 season.
There was some discussion about where the trail was located on the exhibit. Jim
Johnson redrew the trail on a new exhibit. The new exhibit was then passed to each of
the City Council members.
Jim Dillman stated that the signs for the trail were already up.
Mayor Theis stated that we will have to see if the signs are respected.
Moved by Mayor Theis, seconded by Johnson, to adopt Resolution 96-59 designating
snowmobile trails for the 1996-97 season as shown in the revised exhibit A.
Motion passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
7. Floodplain Ordinance
Ron Batty stated that when this ordinance was originally adopted the City was under
pressure from the DNR to adopt such an ordinance. At that time the City used a model
ordinance provided by the DNR. The City Council passed the model ordinance
knowing that at some future point the City would need to modify the ordinance to best
meet the City's needs and take out excessive language.
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Batty stated that there were no substantive changes, just ones that better incorporated
this ordinance into the City code. Batty stated that a resolution to publish this update
by title and summary was also included.
Ann Thies pointed out that there was a reference missing on page 29. He stated that he
would insert the correct reference.
Moved by Thies, seconded by Mayor Theis, to adopt the revision to the Floodplain
Ordinance and to adopt Resolution 96-60 authorizing publication of ordinance by title
and summary. Motion passed unanimously.
8. Resolution 96-61 Electing to Continue Participation in the Local Housing
Incentives Account Program Under the Metropolitan Livable Communities Act for
1997.
Paul Robinson stated that this resolution would allow the City to participate in funding
opportunities provided by the Livable Communities Act.
There was some discussion about whether or not the City would be able to receive any
of the funding available. Then there was some discussion about if this program would
become mandatory and if participating in it would somehow obligate the City at some
future date.
The consensus was that it is better to participate for the time being.
Moved by Mayor Theis, seconded by Johnson, to adopt Resolution 96-61 electing to
continue participation in the local housing incentives account program under the
metropolitan livable communities act for 1997. Motion passed unanimously.
9. Equipment for Tandem Truck
Jim Dillman stated that he had underestimate the cost for the new truck and equipment
and that he would need an additional $ 3,873 to be allocated from the revolving capital
fund.
Moved by Johnson, seconded by Ferris, to approve an additional $3, 873 from the
revolving capital fund for the tandem truck and equipment purchase.
Motion passed unanimously.
10. Water Conservation Report
Jim Dillman stated that this reporting requirement came about from a drought in 1988
when the Jordan aquifer was significantly depleted.
He stated that staff was looking for feedback from the City Council on this report.
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There was some discussion about several charts and graphs in the report. These
showed the variation in water usage based on varying weather conditions of that year.
Shawn Gustafson stated that the Morningside and Independence Beach systems both
used less water than the metropolitan average for a community of that size and age.
Jim Johnson asked why there was a population estimate of 25,000 for Medina for the
year 2050.
Shawn Gustafson responded that the estimates used for this plan were based on a
saturated population. This was done to make sure that there would be an adequate
water supply in the future.
Mayor Theis agreed that it would be better to estimate for a higher water usage.
There was some discussion about the Metropolitan Council and their future population
estimates for the City of Medina.
Jim Johnson was concerned that by using this population estimate, which does not
even come close to the current comprehensive plan, the City will be setting itself up for
a higher density development situation. He felt that it would be better to design a
system that falls more in line with the City's current comprehensive plan.
Mayor Theis stated that the next steps were for the DNR and the Metropolitan Council
to review the plan. She suggested that the City Council wait to hear their response
before making any decisions.
Ann Thies suggested that the City Council downsize the population numbers first.
Shawn Gustafson stated that he would downsize the estimates.
There was some discussion about the current discussions that Loretto was having with
the City of Corcoran for additional water capacity. After this discussion the consensus
of the City Council was to have Jim Dillman see what Loretto's current plans were.
11. 1997 Budget Funds 225-602
Paul Robinson summarized areas that had changed from 1996 or areas that would
need some City Council action. There was some discussion about if more City funds
would be used to develop Hamel Park but that issue was tabled since it did not directly
impact the 1997 budget.
There were a few debt service funds that Robinson said he would need more time to
fully clarify but that for 1997 every fund except the 302 - 1987 Debt Service Fund would
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have enough revenues to cover the bond expenditures. In 1997 fund 302 would need
to have a transfer bf around $20,000 to cover the costs of the bonds for that year.
There was some d scussion about the Hamel and Independence Beach revolving
Funds. The discu sion was primarily about where monies in these funds originally
came from. Staff s directed to research this issue.
Robinson stated tat there were no significant changes in the sewer and water funds.
There was some d scussion about if the City Council needed to look at raising fees.
Jim Dillman statedjthat he and the City Clerk -Treasurer could look into water and sewer
rates in the area and bring this information back to the City Council.
12. Update on General Fund Budget
Paul Robinson staed that the information provided in the packets was in response to a
request from the City Council at the last City Council meeting. The information
included a comparison of City Council salaries from surrounding cities and a letter from
Ron Batty outlining when and how the Minnesota State Statutes allow City Councils to
adjust their salaries.
Ron Batty summarized his letter stating that the City Council could raise its wage, but it
could not take effect until after the next general election in 1998.
Based on this information the City Council decided to wait until next year to address
this issue.
13. LMC Policy Adoption Conference
Paul Robinson stated that the LMC policy adoption conference was this coming Friday.
In an effort to prioritize the many issues on the agenda for next year, the LMC has
asked cities to pick their top five issues for 1997.
After some discussion the City Council chose the following five issues.
1. FF-1 Property Tax Reform.
2. LE-17 Management of Public Rights of Way.
3. LE10 City Role in Telecommunications.
4. SD-2 Unfunded Mandates.
5. FF-6 Sales Tax on Local Purchases.
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14. Land Use Planning/Comprehensive Plan
Ann Thies presented information on a workshop on cluster housing which she believed
may be a good alternative for housing development in Medina. She said that this type
of housing moves homes closer together making it more efficient to provide public
services such as roads, sewer and water yet still dedicates a large amount of green
space between clusters.
There was some discussion about this type of housing.
Penny Elsenpeter was asked if the Planning Commission had ever dealt with this
issues. She said that the commissioners had been presented with information about
this type of development at various seminars and that it would be allowable in Medina
under the City's planned unit development ordinance.
Ann Thies stated that the question may not be if it is allowed but rather should the City
encourage this type of development.
15. Discussion on Boxing License
Paul Robinson stated that the Midwest Golden Gloves Association and the Minnesota
Tool and Die Association were planning to have a joint fundraising event at the Medina
Ballroom. As a part of this event they want to have a boxing exhibition. According to
MN State Statute 341.08 they will need the City's consent in order to have this event.
Robinson said he had put this on the agenda to make sure the City Council would be
aware that this will be on the next City Council agenda.
There was some discussion and Robinson stated that he would invite representatives
of each group to the next meeting in order to answer the City Council's questions.
16. Resolution Thanking Election Judges
Moved by Thies, seconded by Johnson, to approve Resolution 96-62 Thanking Election
Judges For A Job Well Done. Motion passed unanimously.
17. Issue regarding Albert LaFontaine
John Ferris stated that he received a call from Rick Rabenort that Albert LaFontaine
was at city hall and wanted to discuss opening a casino. John Ferris stated that he told
LaFontaine that the City's position had not changed since early this year and that there
were a number of things that LaFontaine would have to do before opening a casino.
Since none of these things were done if LaFontaine insisted on opening a casino the
City would be forced to enforce City and State laws.
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18. Communities in Collaboration
Jim Johnson asked the City Council if they would like to actively support Communities
in Collaboration's "We Love Our Kids Month". There was some discussion about the
cost and what this effort entailed.
Moved by Ferris, seconded by Thies, to approve up to $150 from the general fund for
purchasing banners and other items to promote Me Love Our Kids Month" . Motion
passed unanimously.
19. Metropolitan Council Update.
Jim Johnson updated the City Council on information that he had received at a public
hearing on the Metropolitan Council's current growth options. Jim Johnson said that
according to their current proposal by the year 2040 a vast majority of Medina would
within the MUSA line and inhabited at urban densities. Jim Johnson said that he could
not understand why the Metropolitan Council would ignore the City's current
comprehensive plan.
Jim Johnson stated that the Metropolitan Council was requesting input on their current
plans and Johnson felt that the City Council should respond to this plan.
There was some discussion about how to respond and why the current plan did not
mesh with the realities of Medina such as the large amount of wetlands and poor soil
conditions.
Ann Thies stated that the City Council should respond by stating that the City has
reviewed the plans and that the City Council does not agree with them and when the
City completes its update of the Comprehensive Plan the City will be better prepared to
give a detailed response.
Mayor Theis stated that the Metropolitan Council was ignoring what Medina prefers.
The City Council directed the Clerk -Treasurer to draft a letter with the City Attorney
based on using what Ann Thies had stated as a guide.
20. Approval of the Minutes from November 6, 1996
Moved by Thies, seconded by Johnson, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting
of November 6, 1996, with a language modification to the second paragraph from the
bottom on page 7. Motion passed unanimously.
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21. Approval to Pay The Bill
Moved by Johnson, seconded by Thies, to approve order checks numbers 16489-
16535 for $ 33, 300.37 and payroll checks 15011-15040 for $ 12,142.40.
Motion passed unanimously.
22. Adjourn
Moved by Johnson, seconded by Thies, to adjourn the meeting at 10:06 p.m.. Motion
passed unanimously.
n
Anne E. Theis, l 1ayor
Paul Robinson, Clerk -Treasurer
ORDER CHECKS - NOVEMBER 19, 1996
16489 Air Touch Cellular $ 44.58
16490 Allstar Electric 76.12
16491 Amem 20.00
16492 American Express 63.89
16493 American Linen Supply 42.72
16494 B & B Products 46.39
16495 Budget Printing 59.05
16496 Commissioner of Revenue 830.93
16497 Cy's Uniforms 628.58
16498 Davies Water Equipment 219.38
16499 Egan Oil Co. 300.57
16500 ESS Bros. & Sons, Inc. 45.80
16501 Farmers State Bank of Hamel 3,485.3
16502 Feed Rite Controls 15.0
16503 Gary's Diesel Service 305.61
16504 Gateway 2000 5,790.41
16505 Genuine Parts 106.40
16506 Gopher State One Call 61.25
16507 Great West Life Assurance 1,720.00
16508 HealthPartners 443.32
16509 Hennepin County Support 565.00
16510 Hennepin County Sheriff 93.00
16511&12 Imprest Fund 2,005.35
16513 Kern, DeWenter & Viere 100.00
16514 Lakeshore Weekly News 28.75
16515 Law Enforcement Labor Services 132.00
16516 Medtox Labs 92.00
16517 Metro West Inspection 5,537.32
16518 Midwest Automotive 106.53
16519 Minn Comm 68.27
16520 Minn. Chiefs of Police Assn 12.78
16521 Minnesota Mutual 236.00
16522 Minnesota State Retirement Sys 164.00
16523 Mobil 202.35
16524 Northern States Power 782.51
16525 Orono I.S.D.#278 2,089.45
16526 P.E.R.A. 2,289.70
16527 Perry's Truck 119.70
16528 Paul Robinson 14.99
16529 Rochester Midland 332.79
16530 Tallen & Baertschi 3,261.91
16531 Twin City Water Clinic 20.00
16532 U.S. Filter/Waterpro 495.62
16533 U.S. West Communications 34.60
16534 Warning Lites 203.37
16535 West Hennepin Public Safety 7.00
$33,300.37
PAYROLL CHECKS - NOVEMBER 19, 1996
15011 Paul A. Robinson $ 773.34
15012 Steven T. Scherer 880.85
15013 Richard R. Rabenort 1,191.60
15014 Michael J. Rouillard 447.79
15015 James D. Dillman 1,141.28
15016 Robert P. Dressel 1,037.11
15017 Edgar J. Belland 1,200.78
15018 Cecilia M. Vieau 644.94
15019 Laura L. sulander 885.78
15020 Sandra L. Larson 820.60
15021 Joseph R. Heyman 818.67
192
PAYROLL CHECKS - 11/19/96 (CONT'D)
15022 Jon D. Priem 799.66
15023 Berniece Breitbarth 152.25
15024 Meghan Cosgrove 51.00
15025 Valerie Donahue 48.00
15026 Rose Dykhoff 96.00
15027 Ruth O. Elwell 60.00
15028 Virginia Etem 51.00
15029 Beverly Fries 60.00
15030 Patricia Gregor 96.00
15031 Anne M. Heideman 152.25
15032 Katie R. Hillegass 51.00
15033 Magery R. Jacobson 51.00
15034 Majorie Gay Kearin 114.00
15035 Judy Reutz 114.00
15036 Caroline Smith 54.00
15037 Jeanne Sorensen 63.00
15038 Eric Thompson 57.00
15039 Patricia Velch 133.50
15040 Marcia Wilcox 96.00
$12,142.40