City Council

REGULAR ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL MEETING – MARCH 19, 2019 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Julie Trude, March 19, 2019, 7:02 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Mike Knight, Sheri Bukkila, Valerie Holthus and Jamie Barthel Councilmember absent: None Also present: City Administrator, Jim Dickinson Director of Public Works/City Engineer, David Berkowitz Fire Chief, Jerry Streich City Attorney, Scott Baumgartner Others PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE RESIDENT FORUM No one wished to address the Council. AGENDA APPROVAL Mayor Trude noted the additional information received: Item #8 – Anoka County Sheriff’s Office Monthly Report (Supplemental) Item #10 – Mayor’s State of the City Presentation (Supplemental) Motion by Bukkila, Seconded by Barthel, to approve the Agenda as amended above. Motion carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES March 5, 2019, Regular Meeting: Correct as written. Motion by Knight, Seconded by Barthel, to approve the March 5, 2019 Regular meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously. CONSENT ITEMS Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – March 19, 2019 Page 2 Item 2 Approve Payment of Claims Item 3 Approve Permanent Drainage & Utility Easements/19-2/2019 Street Reconstruction Item 4 Approve Appointment Associate Planner Item 5 Approve Tobacco License/13652 Crosstown Boulevard NW Item 6 Approve City Code Amendment/Title 3-1 Liquor Control (Ordinance 489 & Ordinance 491 Fee Schedule) Item 7 Approve 2019 Used Vehicle Sales Business License Motion by Holthus, Seconded by Knight, approval of the Consent Agenda as read. Motion carried unanimously. ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MONTHLY REPORT Lieutenant Paul Lenzmeier provided a monthly report including 1,212 calls for service, 8 DWI’s, and 10 domestic calls during the month of February, 2019. He commented on the impact of weather keeping people indoors, noting this past weekend there was only 1 DWI and 0 DWI arrests during St. Patrick’s Day. Lieutenant Lenzmeier noted on February 22, 2019, a deputy made 3 DWI arrests during one night shift, and received a ‘hat trick’ recognition from the Department of Safety. Lieutenant Lenzmeier reported on a fire structure, noting in this case, a smoke detector saved the life of a 79-year-old. He also reported on a call made to the Speedway where a man was found unconscious but aid was rendered quickly and correctly and as a result, the man was alert and talking the next day. Mayor Trude stated Anoka County now has an application whereby 911 can alert qualified trained persons, if they so choose, which will result in a more rapid response. CONSIDER CITY CODE AMENDMENT – FIRE REGULATIONS CODE Fire Chief Streich presented the proposed amendment to City Code Title 7: Fire Regulations as some of the existing language has been in place since 1977 so updating was needed so the Code met the current direction/operation of the Fire Department. The proposed amendment also includes a change to the hours of operation for recreational fire. Currently, residents may not start a recreational fire until 5:00 p.m. primarily due to daytime staffing shortages. But with the new Duty Crew program, daytime fire service staffing has greatly improved. He recommended the proposed change to allow a starting time for recreational fires (non-permitted burns) to 12:00 noon with the ending time for such fires remaining at 1:00 a.m. It was noted this Code amendment was discussed at the February 26, 2019 Council Workshop. Mayor Trude stated the Council had discussed this amendment and voiced support. Councilmember Knight asked about brush fires. Fire Chief Streich explained a permit is required if the fire is larger than 3-foot by 3-foot in diameter. A recreational fire must be a clean Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – March 19, 2019 Page 3 burn without things like leaves, tires, or other items. Fire Chief Streich read Code language relating to receiving a burning permit and a listing of prohibited materials. Mayor Trude stated the Council also discussed free-standing clay pots that are used for fires. Fire Chief Streich stated if the unit is portable with a grate on the exterior of the opening it is called a chiminea and can be 10 feet from a structure if supervised and there is a means to put out the fire. He stated during a burning restriction, it reduces everything down to only allowing a recreational fire. During such a restriction, all burning permits are suspended. During a burning ban, no permitted or recreational fires are allowed. Mayor Trude stated the Council also discussed residents installing patios and large back decks with a fire pit and the distance restriction from the structure. Fire Chief Streich stated structures fires can be caused by portable grills or recreational fires on a patio because hot coals can burn for a week, even when you think the fire is out. There is a 25-foot structure setback for coal and open burning fires. Councilmember Bukkila asked about restrictions on a gas fueled fireplace. Fire Chief Streich stated they are limited to ten feet from the structure. Councilmember Bukkila stated the three consecutive day restriction has not yet been mentioned. Fire Chief Streich explained permitted burn permits are limited to three consecutive days and then you must obtain another permit. Councilmember Holthus thanked Fire Chief Streich for the time taken in rewriting the code, stating it looks good. Mayor Trude agreed. Motion by Bukkila, Seconded by Barthel, to approve the updated changes to City Code Title 7: Fire Regulations and approve summary publication of the amendment. Motion carried unanimously. (Ordinance 490) MAYOR’S STATE OF THE CITY PRESENTATION Mayor Trude stated she recently made a State of the City presentation to the Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce and tonight will make a similar presentation. Her presentation included a welcome to newly-elected Councilmember Barthel and re-elected Councilmember Holthus, information on population growth, new housing starts, descriptions of approved developments and amenities, luxury senior rental units, strong local retail, ribbon cutting ceremonies for new businesses, new construction that adds significantly to the City’s tax base, and available tenant spaces. Mayor Trude stated the City is happy to see strong tax base growth with taxable market values over $3.1 billion, the third highest in Anoka County. She described the City’s strong outlook for growth, noting there will be changes coming to Andover. Mayor Trude displayed a map depicting available lots, growth areas, and commercial property within Andover. She described the City’s efforts to work on redevelopment opportunities along Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – March 19, 2019 Page 4 Bunker Lake Boulevard that will offer a rental product. Mayor Trude listed the types of community events held each year, including the welcome home celebration for Maddie Rooney, the City’s first Olympic gold medalist. She reviewed the City’s efforts and events related to conserving natural resources, protecting our environment, and youth partnerships to promote those efforts. Mayor Trude commented on the importance of the City’s partnership with the YMCA. She provided an overview of the proposed community center additions, which will be out for bid shortly. Mayor Trude also described the new Public Works facility that will be constructed this summer. Mayor Trude presented slides of City parks that were refreshed and improved in 2018, indicating most equipment is on a schedule of 12-15 years for being refreshed or replaced. She reviewed the active farms within Andover and events that occur at them. She commented on the City’s involvement with the North Suburban Home Improvement Show and encouraged residents to take advantage of that event. CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION FOR APPOINTMENT / COON CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT VACANCY Director of Public Works/City Engineer Berkowitz stated this item is in regard to recommending to the Anoka County Board of Commissioners an individual or individuals to serve as a Manager on the Coon Creek Watershed District. He explained the terms of Coon Creek Watershed District (CCWD) Board Members Anthony Wilder of Blaine and Warren Hoffman of Ham Lake expire on May 27, 2019. Member Wilder has made application to reapply but staff has not received correspondence from Mr. Hoffman. Mr. Berkowitz stated applications were received from Steve Kothman and Wes Volkenant, both Andover residents who are interested in serving on the CCWD Board of Managers. He stated it has been a while since an Andover resident served on this Board so staff would be supportive of that appointment. The Council is requested to consider submitting a letter recommending an individual(s) to the Anoka County Board of Commissioners to serve on the Coon Creek Watershed District Board of Managers. Motion by Holthus, Seconded by Knight, to direct staff to submit a letter recommending the appointment of Andover residents Steve Kothman and Wes Volkenant to the Anoka County Board of Commissioners to serve on the Coon Creek Watershed District Board of Managers. Motion carried unanimously. ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT City Staff updated the Council on the administration and city department activities, legislative updates, updates on development/CIP projects, and meeting reminders/community events. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – March 19, 2019 Page 5 (Staff Activities) Mr. Dickinson reported on staff’s activities during the past few weeks relating to development review, annual reporting to the State, and the issuing of 22 new home permits so far this year, along with some under review. He noted the budget is for 50 new home permits so the City is almost half way there. He encouraged residents to take advantage of the Parade of Homes to see the types of homes being constructed in Andover. Mr. Dickinson stated he has also been involved with Quad City Cable TV and North Metro Mayors Association. Tomorrow is the Day at the Capitol for North Metro Mayors, which he and Mayor Trude will attend and meet with local Senators and House Representatives as well as other north metro legislators, reminding them to not forget the north metro in funding. Mr. Dickinson stated he was appointed to Youth First to assist on the financial side. He announced that Kat Perkins, a recent finalist on The Voice who has a strong voice on youth issues, will be the speaker at the 25th Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. Mr. Dickinson stated the Community Center project is approaching 95% review and then it will be determined whether recommendations for bid can come before the Council in the next two to three weeks. He reported staff has received significant resident requests for information, some due to activities, Community Center expansion, property tax statements and the 2020 market value statements. He noted the City contracts with the Anoka County Assessor to undertake that review. The Board of Review will be held on April 30th to discuss property values. (Public Works Facility Update) Mr. Berkowitz provided an update on the Public Works facility, noting tree clearing is scheduled next week, which may generate some telephone calls. He stated the Public Works Department is changing from winter to spring activities and addressed minor flooding situations. They anticipate an active construction season with the 2019 Street Reconstruction Projects that are out for bid this spring. Mr. Berkowitz announced the Hanson Boulevard project was bid and Anoka County will notify the City on the projected start date. (Fire Call Update) Fire Chief Streich stated the Fire Department had an active winter season with multiple structure fires, collapse of structures, helping Public Works with the flooding issues, and this spring will get the trucks ready. He reported there is now a waiting list to get on the Fire Department and an informational session will be held this spring for those who are interested in becoming a firefighter. (Comprehensive Plan Public Hearing) Mr. Dickinson announced the Comprehensive Plan Update public hearing will be on March 26, 2019 at the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting. (WDE Hazardous Waste Removal Project Update) Mr. Dickinson reported on the WDE hazardous pit waste removal project, which is a State project and now fully funded. Clean Harbors is the responsible contractor. He assured the Council that staff will be kept aware of what is going on with this project and the MPCA will be holding a public information meeting. He stated staff will be working closely with the MPCA to make sure residents are well represented as that project moves forward. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – March 19, 2019 Page 6 Councilmember Barthel thanked Public Works for doing a great job during this difficult winter, noting they even dug out the storm drains to assure water could flow. MAYOR/COUNCIL INPUT (Local Government Aid House File 2031) Mayor Trude reported she received a letter from a State Representative proposing House File (HF) 2031 that will add Andover to the list of cities that receive Local Government Aid (LGA), which the City has not received for about 15 years. The bill would add LGA funds for every city and the Representative is asking Andover to submit a letter in support of those efforts. She asked the Council if they supported her writing a letter of support, which can be brought to the Capitol tomorrow. City Administrator Dickinson explained the proposed bill would expand the LGA pool and set aside 2% of the total pool for cities that currently do not receive LGA. Based on that formula, it will provide a State paid aid payment to Andover of $200,000. Mayor Trude stated only 95 cities do not receive LGA, which Andover has seen as a fairness issue so she supports that letter and discussion. Councilmember Bukkila stated she does not know about this bill or if there is a concern that the State will raise overall taxes to accommodate a bill to pay Andover another $200,000. City Administrator Dickinson explained three bills related to LGA have been submitted to committee. Two bills would identify the same number seen in the past, zero. All bills suggest an additional $30 million to the LGA allocations to distribute to communities. HF 2031proposes allocating 2% of the LGA funds to cities not currently receiving LGA. Councilmember Holthus asked if the LGA funding will go somewhere else if Andover decides not to accept it. City Administrator Dickson stated there is not a Senate companion bill with HF 2031 and it would first have to pass; however, it did get a hearing and does have some bi- partisan support. If LGA is received, he recommended the funding go to the Road Fund. Mayor Trude stated HF 2031 does not make the tax bill larger. Councilmember Bukkila stated the Governor’s budget is expansive. Mayor Trude stated instead, this bill is more inclusive to remember cities not receiving LGA. The Council and staff discussed the LGA calculation and why Andover no longer receives LGA because of its strong tax base and growth. Motion by Knight, Seconded by Holthus, to authorize the Mayor to draft a letter in support of HF 2031 relating to reallocation of LGA funds. Motion carried unanimously. (Arbor Day Events) Mayor Trude stated she received a letter expressing appreciation for the City’s support of Arbor Day, which is in April, and for providing trees during Recycling Day. Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – March 19, 2019 Page 7 Councilmember Bukkila reminded residents that the City has an Arborist on staff who can help if they have trees with a problems or disease. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Barthel, Seconded by Bukkila, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Carla Wirth, Recording Secretary Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes – March 19, 2019 Page 8 REGULAR ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – MARCH 19, 2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE..........................................................................................................1 RESIDENT FORUM.......................................................................................................................1 AGENDA APPROVAL.................................................................................................................. 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES........................................................................................................... 1 CONSENT ITEMS..........................................................................................................................1 Item 2 Approve Payment of Claims............................................................................................. 2 Item 3 Approve Permanent Drainage & Utility Easements/19-2/2019 Street Reconstruction.... 2 Item 4 Approve Appointment Associate Planner.........................................................................2 Item 5 Approve Tobacco License/13652 Crosstown Boulevard NW.......................................... 2 Item 6 Approve City Code Amendment/Title 3-1 Liquor Control (Ordinance 489 & Ordinance 491 fee schedule................................................................................................................2 Item 7 Approve 2019 Used Vehicle Sales Business License....................................................... 2 ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MONTHLY REPORT.................................................2 CONSIDER CITY CODE AMENDMENT – FIRE REGULATIONS CODE (Ordinance 490)... 2 MAYOR’S STATE OF THE CITY PRESENTATION................................................................. 3 CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION FOR APPOINTMENT/COON CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT VACANCY.............................................................................................................. 4 ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT.................................................................................................... 4 (Staff Activities).......................................................................................................................... 5 (Public Works Facility Update)................................................................................................... 5 (Fire Call Update)........................................................................................................................ 5 (Comprehensive Plan Public Hearing)........................................................................................ 5 (WDE Hazardous Waste Removal Project Update).................................................................... 5 MAYOR/COUNCIL INPUT...........................................................................................................6 (Local Government Aid House File 2031).................................................................................. 6 (Arbor Day Events)......................................................................................................................6 ADJOURNMENT........................................................................................................................... 7