City Council Work Session

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 6:00 PM Baxter City Hall, 13190 Memorywood Drive, Baxter, MN “A Growing Community” CALL TO ORDER Mayor Olson called the meeting to order at 7:00 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, Police Chief Jim Exsted, Public Works Director Trevor Walter, Finance Director Jeremy Vacinek, and Community Development Director Josh Doty were present. BUSINESS ITEMS 1. 2023 Audit Exit Interview Brittney Lemke, BerganKDV, presented the results and findings of the city’s 2023 audit. Ms. Lemke provided a summary of the city’s general and enterprise funds and recommendations contained in the Communications Letter and Independent Auditor’s Reports. Once again, a clean unmodified opinion was issued. This is the best opinion an auditor is able to offer. The acceptance of the 2023 financial statements and 2023 BerganKDV audit report and its findings is included on the regular council agenda. 2. Timberwood Drive Traffic Impact Study Justin Anibas, consulting engineer with SEH, presented the findings of the study. The study is related to the proposed development of a 49,500 square foot distribution center. Timberwood Drive will be extended to the southern limits of the property. Another east-west public roadway will be constructed along the south side of the property, which will eventually provide access further to the east. The distribution center is estimated to generate 760 daily trips. The study analysis of the intersection of TH 210 and Timberwood Drive does not meet the all-way stop or traffic signal warrant volume thresholds for a single hour of the day under any scenario. Overall, the proposed distribution center does not have a significant impact on overall traffic operations at the intersection. The council did not have any questions. 3. Camping Code Discussion Chief Exsted and Community Development Director Doty presented the camping code discussion. The proposed ordinance is to prohibit camping where the intent of camping is to have a temporary place to live. This type of camping has been occurring in Baxter and throughout the county. City staff have met with Brainerd staff and there was support for a collaborative and consistent approach moving forward. 7/16/2024 City Council Work Session Minutes Page 2 The council expressed concerns about issuing a fine and criminalizing homelessness. Staff was directed to develop our ordinance with legal review. ADJOURN MOTION by Council Member Cross, seconded by Council Member Tabatt to adjourn at 6:44 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Approved by: Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ Darrel Olson Kelly Steele Mayor Assistant City Administrator