City Council

OAKDALE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING January 28, 2020 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Oakdale was held on Tuesday, January 28, 2020, at Oakdale City Hall, 1584 Hadley Avenue, Oakdale, Minnesota. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Paul Reinke at 7 PM. CALL OF ROLL On a call of roll, the following were present: Mayor Paul Reinke Council Members: Jake Ingebrigtson Susan Olson Colleen Swedberg Kevin Zabel Absent: None Also Present: Brian Bachmeier, Public Works Director/City Engineer Susan Barry, City Clerk Craig Dawson, Interim City Administrator Alyssa MacLeod, Communications Specialist Chelsea Petersen, Administrative Services Director Bill Sullivan, Chief of Police Jim Thomson, City Attorney PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Special Meeting, December 17, 2019 Regular Meeting, January 14, 2020 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWEDBERG, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING HELD ON DECEMBER 17, 2019, AS PRESENTED. 5 AYES. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER ZABEL, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 24, 2020, AS PRESENTED. 5 AYES. PRESENTATION BY COUNTY COMMISSIONER KARWOSKI Regular Meeting January 28, 2020 Page Two Washington County Commission Chairperson Stan Karwoski presented the City Council with a plaque recognizing the City’s valued partnership in the Highway 36 and Hadley Avenue interchange project. Commissioner Karwoski also provided an overview of the County Board’s recent meet with area legislators where topics included the Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit project entering the engineering phase and the need to replace the 54-year-old 4th Street bridge. PUBLIC HEARINGS – CITY PROJECT 2020-01 (2020 STREET IMPROVEMENTS AND ASSESSMENTS Mayor Reinke welcomed those in attendance and provided a brief explanation of the procedures to be followed. He further explained that the improvements and assessments would be discussed separately and asked that assessment questions be held until that portion of the meeting. Attorney Thomson explained that objections to the proposed assessments would have to be submitted, in writing, prior to closing the assessment hearing. Improvement Hearing Public Works Director/City Engineer Bachmeier stated that 2.2 miles of streets would be improved. He noted that 80 percent of the streets have been improved since the street reconstruction program began in 1992. Public Works Director/City Engineer Bachmeier provided an overview of the 2020 project and reviewed the City’s objectives for the annual program: improving safety, minimizing future maintenance costs, and eliminating service barriers (i.e. weight restrictions) on older streets. He explained that each of the City’s streets is inspected and rated annually. Todd Blank, Short Elliott Hendrickson, reviewed the improvement process and proposed construction schedule. He showed “before and after” photographs of the 2019 project as well as images showing street conditions of select streets in the 2020 project. Mr. Blank noted that in addition to street improvements, the project would also address signage, storm sewers, underground utilities, fire hydrants, gate valves, and street lighting. Mr. Blank noted that affected properties would be accessible during the project and advanced notice would be provided to homeowners should any temporary access issues. He asked property owners to notify the City about any special events, such as graduation parties or garage sales, so that arrangements could be made. Mr. Blank reviewed the locations of street lights and reviewed the construction schedule. He noted that project staff would be on-site to address any issues and to work with property owners on special events such as backyard parties or deliveries needed during this time. Public Works Director/City Engineer Bachmeier noted that for boulevard restoration, the City would sod the area; however, private utilities seed the area. Regular Meeting January 28, 2020 Page Three Mayor Reinke opened the improvement hearing for comments from the audience Lisa Kunz, 1368 Granite Lane, said that she works from home and expressed concern about construction noise and access and inquired about the possibility of utilizing temporary work space at City Hall. Mayor Reinke invited her to work at City Hall or at the Discovery Center. Ms. Kunz also asked about the rating of her street. Public Works Director/City Engineer Bachmeier explained that Granite Lane was overlaid 12 years ago to extend its life until such time that it could be reconstructed with other streets in the area. In response to a question from Ms. Kunz, Public Works Director/City Engineer Bachmeier noted that he would look into how the pond adjacent to her property would be accessed to perform maintenance. In response to a question from Ms. Kunz, Public Works Director/City Engineer Bachmeier explained how existing trees are factored in to street lighting plan; however, should any be trees identified by the City forester for removal, the forester would work with the property owner on planting a suitable replacement. Mayor Reinke closed the improvement hearing. There were no comments from the City Council. Assessment Hearing Public Works Director/City Engineer Bachmeier provided an overview of the City’s assessment policies, how assessments are calculated, and rates. Administrative Services Director Petersen reviewed project financing and explained that property taxes are not utilized to fund street improvement projects as it would result in a permanent tax increase for all property owners in the City. She also provided an overview of assessment payment and prepayment options and hardship deferrals. Attorney Thomson reiterated the need to submit assessment appeals in writing before the close of the assessment hearing. Mayor Reinke opened the assessment hearing for comments from the audience. Karen Holt, 1371 Granite Lane, stated that a property tax increase and the assessment would adversely affect her ability to sell her home in 2020. Regular Meeting January 28, 2020 Page Four Dustin Rockow, 2172 Grafton Avenue, asked that the City Council consider changes that could be made to the City’s street improvement long-standing model as well as to funding options. He also asked that the City pay all the interest on the project. Mr. Rockow also felt that the project had already been approved although official action had not yet been taken by the City Council. In response to a question from an audience member, Public Works Director/City Engineer Bachmeier explained that corner lots are assessed per shortest frontage and other lots are assessed up to the minimum lot width for the zoning district. The audience member noted that in 2019, her street had been torn up by Xcel Energy crews replacing underground cabling. In response to a question from the audience member, Mayor Reinke noted that should actual projects costs come in higher than estimated, the assessments identified for each property would not increase. Mayor Reinke closed the assessment hearing. Public Works Director/City Engineer Bachmeier reviewed the project timeline. In response to a question from Council Member Zabel, Administrative Services Director Petersen indicated that the submittal deadline for hardship deferral forms was October 15, 2020, and that staff was available to assist with the application process. In response to a question from Council Member Zabel, Administrative Services Director Petersen indicated that the interest rate has stayed at four percent since 2013. She added that the project cost is bonded and paid off over ten years. Council Member Ingebrigtson added that the interest charged on assessments pays the interest the City pays for selling bonds for the project. Mayor Reinke acknowledged that there are affordability concerns and noted that a hardship deferral was available and that the City Council recently adopted a reduced levy rate for 2020. He cited the importance of continuing with the annual street improvements program. Council Member Ingebrigtson commented on the prime condition of streets in Oakdale as a result of the street improvement program. Bob Valencour, 2184 Grafton Avenue, agreed. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER ZABEL, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2020-09, ORDERING CITY PROJECT 2020-01 (2020 STREET IMPROVEMENTS) FOR THE FOLLOWING STREETS: Regular Meeting January 28, 2020 Page Five STREET NAME FROM TO RECONSTRUCTION 12th St N Granite Avenue Greene Avenue 12th St N Greene Avenue Gresham Avenue 13th St Cir N Granite Avenue Cul-de-sac 13th St Ct N Granite Avenue Cul-de-sac 22nd St N Grafton Avenue Granada Avenue N. 22nd St N Stillwater Boulevard Cul-de-sac 33rd St N Hadley Avenue Cul-de-sac Grafton Ave CDS Bulb Grafton Avenue Cul-de-sac Grafton Ave N 22nd Street N Cul-de-sac Grafton Ave N S Cul-de-sac 22nd Street N. Granada Ave N 15th Street 931' N of 15th (Aspen South) Granada Ave N 931' N of 15th (Aspen South) Granite Avenue Granada Ave N Granite Avenue Upper 20th Street N. Granite Ave N 12th Street N. 13th Street Court Granite Ave N 13th Street Circle 15th Street N. Granite Ave N 13th Street Court Granite Lane Granite Ave N Granite Lane Granite Lane Granite Ave N Lower 12th Street N. 12th Street N. Granite Ln N Granite Avenue (S. Jct) Granite Avenue (N. Jct) Greene Ave N Lower 12th Street N. 12th Street N. Lower 12th St N Granada Avenue Granite Avenue Lower 12th St N Granite Avenue Greene Avenue OVERLAY Hadley Avenue Hallmark Avenue CSAH 14 5 AYES. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER ZABEL, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWEDBERG, TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2020-10, ADOPTING THE ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR CITY PROJECT 2020-01 (2020 STREET IMPROVEMENTS) IN THE AMOUNT OF $954,520. 5 AYES. CONSENSUS MOTIONS A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER ZABEL, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER OLSON, TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CONSENSUS MOTIONS: Regular Meeting January 28, 2020 Page Six a) Waive reading and adopt Resolution 2020-11, Approving the appointment of election judges to serve at the March 3 Presidential Primary Election. b) Waive reading and adopt Resolution 2020-12, Accepting the resignation of Police Sergeant Scott Olson, retroactive to January 24, 2020; and authorizing the Police Department to commence a selection process to fill the vacant position. c) Approve the quote of $23,200 from Tyler Technologies for the Incode Financial Software migration project. d) Approve issuance of a one-day Temporary On-Sale Liquor License to Transfiguration Church, 6133 - 15th Street, for an event being held on February 22, 2020. 5 AYES. ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS a) Tree Board: Board Member Resignations A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER ZABEL, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWEDBERG, TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATIONS OF DIANE CREA, BILL RASMUSSEN, AND ROBERT STIGLICH FROM THE TREE BOARD, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 28, 2020. 5 AYES. ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORTS a) City Administrator Search Update Interim City Administrator Dawson announced that the City Council-approved recruitment materials would be disseminated on January 29. b) Washington County Interim City Administrator Dawson announced that it was Washington County Administrator Molly O’Rourke’s last day and that Deputy County Administrator Kevin Corbid would be talking the helm. COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS a) Local Sales Tax Interim City Administrator Dawson reviewed a request to support moving forward with imposing a 20 year, 0.5 percent local sales tax to fund an expansion to the police department and a new public works facility. He added that the sales tax questions would be on the November 3 ballot, if approved by the Legislature. Regular Meeting January 28, 2020 Page Seven Mayor Reinke commented on the importance of both projects and that a local sales tax would be the best course of action to accomplish the projects. Council Member Ingebrigtson added that the projects are “needs, not wants.” A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER ZABEL, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2020-13, SUPPORTING THE AUTHORITY TO IMPOSE A LOCAL SALES TAX TO FUND SPECIFIC CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROVIDING REGIONAL BENEFIT, TO ESTABLISH THE DURATION OF THE TAX AND THE REVENUE TO BE RAISED BY THE TAX, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY TO ISSUE BONDS SUPPORTED BY THE SALES TAX REVENUE; AND DIRECT STAFF TO SUBMIT THE APPROPRIATE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION TO THE TAX COMMITTEES OF THE MINNESOTA SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BY THE JANUARY 31, 2020 DEADLINE. 5 AYES. b) Events and Reminders Mayor Reinke announced the following: early voting hours for Presidential Primary, Indoor Market (February 8, Discovery Center), Winter Parking in place until April 1, and Town Hall Meeting with area legislators (February 15). He also sought applications from persons interested in serving on the City’s advisory bodies. CLAIMS A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER ZABEL, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SWEDBERG, TO APPROVE THE CLAIMS FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY 11 TO JANUARY 24 IN THE AMOUNT OF $550,964.15. 5 AYES. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION A MOTION WAS MADE BY MAYOR REINKE, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ZABEL, TO RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION AT 8:30 PM. 5 AYES. The City Council meeting reconvened at 8:40 PM. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER ZABEL, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, TO WAIVE READING AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2020-14, TERMINATING THE EMPLOYMENT OF WARMINGHOUSE ATTENDANT J. MARTIN, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 28, 2020. 5 AYES. Regular Meeting January 28, 2020 Page Eight ADJOURNMENT A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER ZABEL, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER INGEBRIGTSON, TO ADJOURN THE JANUARY 28, 2020 MEETING AT 8:42 PM. 5 AYES. Respectfully submitted, Susan Barry, City Clerk