City Council Meetings

Watertown City Council Mayor Steve Washburn Deborah Everson Lindsay Guetzkow Adam Pawelk Michael Walters 8/13/2020 - Minutes 1. Call To Order And Roll Call Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the regular meeting of the Watertown City Council was called to order at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 13, 2020 in the Council Chambers of City Hall by Mayor Steve Washburn. Council Members present: Washburn, Michael Walters, Deborah Everson, Lindsay Guetzkow, and Adam Pawelk. City Staff present at City Hall: City Administrator Shane Fineran. Those who signed in: Brei Brandenburg and Erik Weaver. Those who requested open forum: Scott and Stephanie Eaton. 2. Adopt Agenda EVERSON MOVED, GUETZKOW SECONDED A MOTION TO ADOPT THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 3. Consent Agenda Discussion And Approval PAWELK MOVED, WALTERS SECONDED A MOTION TO ADOPT THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 3.A. Adopt A Motion To Approve City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes Of July 28, 2020 3.B. Adopt A Motion To Approve City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Of July 28, 2020 3.C. Consider Resolution #2020-102, Approving Use Of Streets For Mario’s Italian Kitchen 3.D. Consider Resolution #2020-103, Accepting Resignation Of Fire Fighter And Authorizing Recruitment 3.E. Consider Resolution #2020-105, Approving Peddler, Canvasser, And Transient Merchant Permits 4. Open Forum Resident from 656 Castle Ridge Road, Scott Eaton approached council. He would like to see side by side vehicles allowed on city streets. He stated that the newer side by sides are built like a car with blinkers  3.E. Consider Resolution #2020-105, Approving Peddler, Canvasser, And Transient Merchant Permits 4. Open Forum Resident from 656 Castle Ridge Road, Scott Eaton approached council. He would like to see side by side vehicles allowed on city streets. He stated that the newer side by sides are built like a car with blinkers and horns. Eaton feels the ordinance is out of date. 5. New/Old Business 5.A. Recognition Of Park Commissioner Brei Brandenburg City Administrator Shane Fineran recognized Brei Brandenburg for her three years of service on the Park Commission. Brandenburg is resigning due to moving out of Watertown. 5.B. Utility ERU Adjustment For Restaurants & Bars Fineran reviewed the equivalent residential unit calculation for restaurants and bars used to calculate utility bills. He said the ERU’s were lowered for restaurants and bars due to the impact COVID-19 had on indoor dining. Fineran stated that most the restaurants and bars are back open to 50% capacity and their water usage has reflected the increased customer traffic. Fineran suggested increasing the ERU’s to 50% of their calculated rate. Walters asked when the new rates would be in effect. Fineran said for the August usage. Guetzkow agrees with the 50% increase. EVERSON MOVED, GUETZKOW SECONDED A MOTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2020-104, AUTHORIZING THE ADJUSTMENT OF EQUIVALENT RESIDENTIAL UNITS FOR UTILITY BILLING PURPOSES. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 5.C. Dollar General Site Plan & Variance Extension City Administrator Fineran said in July the Dollar General presented a site plan and variance to the Planning Commission. At that time, the Planning Commission denied both the site plan and the variances. The applicant is now asking for additional time from council so they can finalize their plan and bring it directly to council. Guetzkow clarified that Dollar General will not need to present to council. Fineran confirmed. Walters addressed residents to inform on the legal process of a business acquiring land and opening a business. He expressed that council is open to hearing constructive criticism rather than derogatory emails. WALTERS MOVED, PAWELK SECONDED A MOTION TO GRANT REQUESTED EXTENSION FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION FOR THE DOLLAR GENERAL SITE PLAN AND VARIANCE. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 6. Other Reports Fineran reported on the Primary Election results. There were 397 in person voters and 140 absentee voters. Fineran updated on the soil and erosion control efforts in the new developments in Watertown. Fineran updated on the local candidate filings: Steve Washburn (Mayor), Adam Pawelk (Council), Erik Weaver (Council), Dan Schuette (Council). Mayor Washburn updated on stockpiling of dirt in Forest Hills and in Kings Highland. He stated the piles in Forest Hills are permitted through Carver County through the development process. Adam Pawelk updated on the Park Commission meeting to be held on August 19, 2020 to discuss a concept plan for Sugarbush Playground. Mike Walters updated on the July Planning Commission meeting where Dollar General was requesting a site plan and variance. Lindsay Guetzkow updated that there will be a new Community Education catalog being released soon. Deborah Everson updated council on the three new EDA programs.  Mike Walters updated on the July Planning Commission meeting where Dollar General was requesting a site plan and variance. Lindsay Guetzkow updated that there will be a new Community Education catalog being released soon. Deborah Everson updated council on the three new EDA programs. 7. Claims 7.A. Approve August 13, 2020 Claims Roster GUETZKOW MOVED, PAWELK SECONDED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE 2020 CLAIMS AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 8. Adjournment PAWELK MOVED, EVERSON SECONDED A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:21 PM. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 309 Lewis Avenue South; P.O. Box 279, Watertown, MN 55388