City Council Work Session

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES Tuesday, January 02, 2024 at 6:30 PM Baxter City Hall, 13190 Memorywood Drive, Baxter, MN “A Growing Community” CALL TO ORDER Mayor Olson called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Darrel Olson and Council Members Connie Lyscio, Zach Tabatt, Jeff Phillips, and Mark Cross were present. City Administrator Brad Chapulis, Assistant City Administrator Kelly Steele, Public Works Director Trevor Walter, Finance Director Jeremy Vacinek, Community Development Director Josh Doty, and Police Chief Jim Exsted were present. BUSINESS ITEMS 1. Bob Sullivan Storage Project – Intersection of CSAH 77 and Inglewood Drive Public Works Director Walter introduced the applicant, Bob Sullivan. Bob Sullivan provided a summary of his proposed mini storage project to be located at the intersection of CSAH 77 and Inglewood Drive. To develop the site, an extension of municipal utilities will be required. The project will consist of 13 buildings. Widseth is currently working with Mr. Sullivan to complete the plans and specifications for the private development improvements. Mr. Sulivan is asking for a 12-year assessment instead of the typical 5-year assessment for developer driven projects. A 12-year assessment term is typical for utility projects in an existing commercial area. The reason Mr. Sullivan is requesting 12 years is because the parcels in the project area existed prior to annexation in 2015 and no development can occur without city utilities. Alex Bitter, with Widseth, explained how municipal utilities will be provided to the property. An alternate option is for Mr. Sullivan to complete the project and turn the utilities over to the city once completed. This process was used for the construction of the Corner Lot apartment development. This option is not realistic since much of the necessary utility construction is located on separate parcels. If the city moves forward with the improvements, the estimated city cost is $237,500. Public Works Director Walter recommends the city install municipal utilities on CSAH 77 in 2024 from Edgewood Drive to Inglewood Drive contingent on a petition and waiver agreement signed by Mr. Sullivan. The city will need to complete a feasibility report. The report will provide the city and Mr. Sullivan with a better idea of project costs and assessments. If there is council consensus, staff will present an engineering contract for a feasibility study and a signed petition and waiver agreement at the next council meeting. 1/2/2024 City Council Work Session Minutes Page 2 Public Works Director Walter explained he has been discussing the proposed project with the neighboring property owners for over a year and believes they will provide the city with an easement. City Administrator Chapulis explained if the council is okay with moving forward with a feasibility study, the city will get quotes from engineering firms for a feasibility study. The council’s consensus was to move forward with a feasibility study. MOTION by Council Member Cross, seconded by Council Member Lyscio to adjourn at 7:00 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Approved by: Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ Darrel Olson Kelly Steele Mayor Assistant City Administrator