City Council

MAHTOMEDI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 5, 2017 Mayor Jud Marshall convened the regular City Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. with the following Council members in attendance: Timothy Deans, Richard Brainerd, Lael Ramaley and Joel Schilling. Also in attendance were City Administrator Scott Neilson, City Attorney Jay Karlovich, City Engineer John Sachi, Finance Director Scott Schaefer, Public Works Director Bob Goebel and Administrative Support Specialist Patricia McGing. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Administrator Neilson stated that Washington County Patrol Commander Brad Marquardt was in attendance to update the City Council and audience under Presentations. Council member Ramaley moved, and Council member Deans seconded the motion to approve the agenda as amended. The motion was unanimously approved CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE NOVEMBER 21, 2017 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Council member Schilling moved, and Council member Brainerd seconded the motion to approve the minutes of the November 21, 2017 City Council meeting as written. The motion was unanimously approved. 4. PRESENTATIONS Patrol Commander Marquardt stated that theft from motor vehicles is on the rise. In 2016, there were a total of 32 theft reports, and so far this year there have been 54. The theft has been occurring mostly on Mondays and Tuesdays. The thieves are looking for valuables left out in plain view; some windows have been broken if the vehicle is locked. The Washington County Sheriff’s Department encourages citizens to call 911 to report any suspicious activities. Make sure to lock your vehicle, lock all garage doors, don’t leave valuables in your car and leave exterior lights on. He also reminded citizens that no parking is allowed on any city street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., November 1 through April 1, and no parking is allowed when snow exceeds 3” until all the streets are fully cleaned. Council member Schilling asked if any of the break-ins are drug related. Patrol Commander Marquardt said a high percentage is. He stated the City of Lake Elmo is also experiencing the same problem. Patrol Commander Marquardt also informed the Council and audience that the Sheriff’s Department conducted a traffic enforcement at the intersection Wildwood Road and Wedgewood Drive for crosswalk violations. On August 15 they stopped six vehicles and issued warnings and three violations were issued on November 19. MAHTOMEDI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES -2- DECEMBER 5, 2017 5. DISCUSSION FROM THE AUDIENCE Mr. Manley Johnson, 352 Quail Road, Dellwood, said that Quail Road does not have any pedestrian pathways, and there are a lot of speeders. He suggested putting up signs on how fast drivers are going to help eliminate the speeders. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Council member Brainerd moved, and Council member Schilling seconded the motion to approve the consent agenda as outlined below. The motion was unanimously approved. 6a. APPROVAL Close City Offices for Thursday, December 14, 2017 from Noon to 1:30 p.m. for Employee Holiday Lunch. Permission to close City Offices for Thursday, December 14, 2017 from Noon to 1:30 p.m. for the employee holiday lunch was granted. 6b. APPROVAL-Construction Pay Voucher No. 2 (Final) and Closeout in the amount of $23,105.48 for Fitzgerald Excavating and Trucking, Inc. for Phase 1 Katherine Abbott Park Improvements. Construction Pay Voucher No. 2 and closeout documents in the amount of $23,105.48 for Fitzgerald Excavating and Trucking, Inc. for Phase 1 Katherine Abbott Park Improvements was approved. 6c. APPROVAL-Resolution Authorizing the Donation of Real Property to the City of Mahtomedi by Thane D. Hawkins and Blanche E. Hawkins Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 465.03. A Resolution and associated documents authorizing a Donation Agreement and Trail Easement Agreement between the City of Mahtomedi and Thane D. Hawkins and Blanche E. Hawkins was approved. 6d. APPROVAL-Construction Pay Voucher No. 1 in the amount of $29,093.75 for New Look Contracting, Inc. for Phase 1 White Bear Lake Outlet Improvements. Construction Pay Voucher No. 1 in the amount of $29,093.75 for New Look Contracting, Inc. for Phase 1 White Bear Lake Outlet Improvements was approved. MAHTOMEDI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES -3- DECEMBER 5, 2017 6. (Continued) 6e. APPROVAL – Resolution Authorizing the Donation of Real Property to the City by Betty Jane Damsgaard Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 465.03. A Resolution authorizing the Donation of one parcel or property to the City by Betty Jane Damsgaard was approved. 6f. APPROVAL – Resolution of Support for Preliminary Engineering of Multi-use Trail and Grant Agreement between the State of Minnesota and City of Mahtomedi for preliminary engineering of a multi-use Trail. A Resolution of Support and Agreement between the State of Minnesota and City of Mahtomedi for the $34,000 appropriated from the legislative bonding bill for the preliminary engineering of the proposed Lake Links Trail was approved. 6g. APPROVAL – Construction Pay Voucher No. 1 in the amount of $173,886.66 for G.L. Contracting, Inc. for Phase 2 Katherine Abbott Park Improvements. Construction Pay Voucher No. 1 in the amount of $173,886.66 for G.L. Contracting, Inc. for Phase 2 Katherine Abbott Park Improvements was approved. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7a. 2018 City Budget Hearing – Receive 2018 Budget Presentation Finance Director provided a power point presentation and said the proposed General Fund Budget is $5,490,522. This total includes the debt service transfer of $1,145,944. This results in a City levy of $4,094,890 - $296,763 (fiscal disparities) = $3,798,127. Using the local levy amount divided by the City’s local taxable value of $11,178,335 results in a City local tax rate of 33.978%. In 2018, the City’s share of taxes on a home valued at $250,000 will be $799.50. This assumes that the home had a market value of $230,400 for 2017 and an 8.5% increase in market value for 2018. This results in a $4.34 decrease or 0.5%. In addition to the General Fund, the City also considers annual budgets for its Utility Funds, Park Fund and Equipment Replacement Fund. The proposed budgets are: o Water Fund (12.88% increase) $1,383,852 o Sewer Fund (6.16% increase) $1,234,103 o Storm Water (108.76% increase) $ 735,889 o Equipment and Building Replacement $ 261,500 o Park Fund $ 380,000 MAHTOMEDI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES -4- DECEMBER 5, 2017 7a. (Continued) Utility rates will be increased in 2018 in the Water, Sewer and Storm Water Funds. These increases are needed to support necessary capital improvements and repairs required to the systems. The revenue increases are: o Water 6% o Sewer 4% o Storm Water 10% Engineer Sachi said the five year (2018-2022) Capital Improvement Plan has $17,636,000 in planned improvements. He outlined the Capital Improvement Plan for 2018 and explained the funding sources. Projects anticipated for 2019 are the Echo Lake Area Improvements and CSAH 12 Improvement Project Phase 1 from Ideal Avenue to Hilton Trail. Council member Schilling commented that the Equipment Replacement Fund calls for the replacement of Unit #59 truck for $220,000. Finance Director Schaefer said the money goes back into the equipment fund from the sale of the old vehicle. Council member Brainerd asked about the meter replacement program. Finance Director Schaefer said that we should hit our goal of 400 this year. Council member Brainerd said staff spends a lot of time on the budget and is comfortable adopting it. Mayor Marshall opened the public hearing to the audience for commentary. Hearing none, the public hearing was closed. Council member Schilling moved, and Council member Brainerd seconded the motion to approve Resolution 2017-43 approving the proposed tax levy for 2018 and cancellation of debt levy in the amount of $1,445,944 for taxes payable in 2018. The motion was unanimously approved. Council member Schilling moved, and Council member Ramaley seconded the motion to approve Resolution 2017-42 approving the proposed 2018 annual budget for the general fund. The motion was unanimously approved. 7b. CONSIDER APPROVAL – Ordinance Adopting an Annual Fee Schedule Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 462.353, Subd. 4A Finance Director Schaefer said the proposed changes for the 2018 Fee Schedule as follows: • Ambulance transport rates were increased. • Increase in City Equipment Rental Rates. • Increase in the Utility Rates and included in the 2018 Utility Fund Budgets. • Water Meter and Accessory prices were updated for 2018. MAHTOMEDI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES -5- DECEMBER 5, 2017 7b. (Continued) • Updates to Building Construction and Electrical Permits. • Increase in Planning and Zoning Permits and Fees. • Addition of Building Plans Deposit Council member Schilling said that the meter prices are proposed to be raised, and asked if that is the price a property owner has to pay when their water meter is replaced. Finance Director said no; the price of the meters are for new construction. In response to a question from Council member Brainerd, Finance Director Schaefer and Public Works Director Goebel explained the size and type differences in meters. Council member Brainerd also asked how Mahtomedi’s fee schedule compares to other communities. Finance Director Schaefer said that staff looks at the fee schedule every year, and are compatible. Staff will be reviewing liquor license fees in the near future. Mayor Marshall opened the public hearing for commentary. Hearing none, the public hearing was closed. Council member Brainerd moved, and Council member Ramaley seconded the motion to approve Ordinance No. 2017-06 adopting the annual Fee Schedule pursuant to Minnesota Statues, Section 462.353, Subdivision 4A. The motion was unanimously approved. 7c. CONSIDER APPROVAL – Resolution Ordering Public Improvement Project 2016-02, Briarwood Area Improvements, Authorizing Preparation of Final Plans and Specifications, Authorizing the Advertisement for Bids, and Authorizing Preparation of Preliminary Proposed Assessment Roll for Pending Assessment Reporting Purposes Engineer Sachi provided a power point presentation and said this will be a roadway only project that would include Briarwood Avenue, Hazel Avenue, Laurel Road, Linden Street, Moccasin Street, Morgan Street, and Dwinnell Avenue and Quail Street with Dellwood’s participation. The project scope includes pavement replacement on existing paved roadways, match widths as concrete curb and gutter are not proposed, and to coordinate with the City of Dellwood on the shared roadways. The project would also include replacing existing culverts and storm water management with RCWD permitting. He reported the existing and proposed pavement widths of the roadways. Trail improvements would include a bicycle trail along the south side Briarwood from Quail to Dwinnell. He also described trail options for shared lanes. The estimated project cost is $948,130 with preliminary funding coming from the Street Improvement and Storm Water Utility Funds, special assessments and the City of Dellwood’s Share. Dellwood set aside $32,000 in 2015 for Quail Street. Dwinnell Avenue is not in Dellwood’s CIP until 2023 but their City Council will discuss it in December 2017. MAHTOMEDI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES -6- DECEMBER 5, 2017 7c. (Continued) Engineer Sachi said Special Assessments are proposed for properties receiving a benefit from the improvements. Single family properties are assessed a unit rate for roadway reclamation, and 100% of the cost is assessed for gravel roadway paving. The assessment may be prepaid or levied over a 10-year period. The next steps is to authorize preparation of the Plans and Specification and advertise for bids, and finalize the cost-share agreement with the City of Dellwood. Mayor Marshall opened the public hearing to the audience for commentary. Mr. Tony Yarusso, 125 Spruce Street, stated a trail should go up Quail Street and meet the Gateway Trail at Highway 96. The draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan states this area needs a trail. He asked the Council to consider these facilities in this area. A gentleman from Dellwood said that he lives north of Highway 96 and has walked Quail Street at night. He would like to see a wider pavement with a sidewalk. Mr. Dorian Grilley, 214 Park Avenue, said he supports a pedestrian trail on Quail Street. The City should look at striping options on Briarwood Avenue. He would like to make the entire community walking friendly. Mr. Bill Coleman, 1732 Briarwood Avenue, said he is all for making safe pedestrian walkways on Quail Street. He suggested the culverts be enhanced with items such as wildflowers. He expressed concern over the proposed utility project in the Quail and Briarwood area; it is not in the Comprehensive Plan, and it would significantly change the neighborhood. Mr. John Manship, 1810 Briarwood Avenue, said that a 13’ width is proposed on Hazel Avenue. There would be no way for a car to get around a truck if it were parked on the street. Ms. Karen Leko, 1835 Morgan Street, asked if it is feasible to pave Morgan Street if Dwinnell Avenue is not improved. There are only two residents on Morgan Street. Mr. Matthew Bouthilet, 1865 Morgan Street, said that there is a power pole right next to his driveway. If the road is paved he asked that the paving be shifted north away from his property. Engineer Sachi said that direction was given by the Council to look at the area. Paving provides better access and maintenance. Mr. Charles Bartholdi, 231 Quail Street, said that this have been going on for three years and asked if the Dwinnell/trail would delay this project. There has been a lot of planning on this project; let’s go ahead and get this done. He has been waiting to replace his driveway. MAHTOMEDI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES -7- DECEMBER 5, 2017 7c. (Continued) Ms. Leko said that she does not want to hinder this project; she just meant that if Dwinnell wasn’t done, why do Morgan Street. There being no further discussion from the audience, the public hearing was closed. Administrator Neilson said that the City received a letter from Steven and Karen Wolgamot that will be included in the record. (SEE ATTACHMENT I) Council member Brainerd asked the City Engineer what the turn-around would be if the Council asked to update the feasibility study to include trails. Council member Ramaley said that this has gone on too long and does not want to change this now. We either pass or kill it. Engineer Sachi said there is adequate right-of-way along Quail Street; we could increase the width of the shoulder any time. Council member Ramaley moved, and Council member Deans seconded the motion to approve Resolution No. 2017-44 ordering Public Improvement Project 2016-02, Briarwood Area Improvements, authorizing preparation of final plans and specifications, authorizing the advertisement for bids, and authorizing preparation of preliminary proposed assessment roll for pending assessment reporting purposes. Council member Brainerd said that we have discussed the Briarwood Area a long time and supports the resolution. A trail could come in the future. He asked about the 13’ proposed width of Hazel Avenue. Engineer Sachi said that curbs will not be installed on Hazel Avenue so a person can pull off the side of the road as currently done. Council member Schilling also supports the resolution. From a safety standpoint, he does not support a trail on Quail Street. The motion was unanimously approved. 8. STAFF REPORTS 8a. CONSIDER APPROVAL-Cooperative Agreement Between the City of Mahtomedi and Washington County for Maintenance of CSAH 12 from Trunk Highway 244 to Mahtomedi Avenue. Engineer Sachi said that Washington County requires a maintenance agreement after improvements are made on a county road that involve non-county improvements. MAHTOMEDI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES -8- DECEMBER 5, 2017 8a. (Continued) Engineer Sachi said that in 2017, roadway, sidewalk and plaza improvements were completed on Stillwater Road (CSAH 12) from Mahtomedi Avenue to TH-244. The agreement states the city will own and maintain all pavement, curbing and signage that includes: Triangle Park parking lot, sidewalk along Mahtomedi Avenue, stubs for side streets (Kindross and Derby), storm sewer and utilities on city streets, and portions of the plaza in county right-of-way. It also states the city will maintain corridor boulevards, minor maintenance on pedestrian ramps, sidewalks and trail, pedestrian cross flasher system on TH-244 and plaza improvements within right-of-way. The county will perform major maintenance on the sidewalks, pedestrian ramps and trail. The county will own and maintain pavement, curbing, signage and storm sewer on CSAH 12. Discussion ensued regarding maintenance responsibilities, i.e. snow removal, budget implications and the possibility of an ordinance amendment requiring the owner of the property to shovel the sidewalk in front of their business. Public Works Director Goebel said the Public Works Department could periodically remove the piled up snow if it gets too high. The consensus of the City Council was to amend the ordinance to require the property owners to shovel the snow in front of their property. Council member Ramaley moved, and Council member Brainerd seconded the motion to approve a cooperative agreement between the City of Mahtomedi and Washington County for the maintenance of CSAH 12 from TH-244 to Mahtomedi Avenue. The motion was unanimously approved. 8b. CONSIDER APPROVAL – Bill List Council member Ramaley moved, and Council member Deans seconded the motion to approve the bill list as presented. The motion was unanimously approved. 9. REPORT FROM THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR Administrator Neilson informed the Council that there will be a joint work session with the Planning Commission in January regarding the Comprehensive Plan, and in February there will be a joint work session with the Park Commission regarding the Park Plan. 10. COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL There were no comments from the City Council. MAHTOMEDI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES -9- DECEMBER 5, 2017 11. CLOSED SESSION – None Scheduled 12. ADJOURNMENT Council member Brainerd moved, and Council member Ramaley seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:55 p.m. The motion was unanimously approved. Respectfully submitted by Patricia K. McGing, Senior Account Clerk. APPROVED: ______________________________ JUD MARSHALL, MAYOR ATTESTED: ______________________________________ PATRICIA K. MCGING ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SPECIALIST