City Council Meetings

Watertown City Council Mayor Steve Washburn Lindsay Guetzkow Adam Pawelk Michael Walters Dan Schuette 2/9/2021 - 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 in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 6:31 p.m. Tuesday, February 9, 2021 by Mayor Steve Washburn. Council Members present: Washburn, Michael Walters, Lindsay Guetzkow, Dan Schuette, and Adam Pawelk. City Staff present: City Administrator Shane Fineran, Administrative Services Director Lynn Tschudi, Public Services Superintendent Mike Dressel, and Fire Chief Ryan Schroeder. Guests: Julia Coleman Those who signed in: Jay Roos (via Zoom), Chris Rear, and Laura Detzlen. 2. Adopt Agenda PAWELK MOVED, SCHUETTE SECONDED A MOTION TO ADOPT THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 3. Consent Agenda Discussion And Approval WALTERS MOVED, GUETZKOW SECONDED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 3.A. Adopt A Motion To Approve City Council Regular Meeting Minutes From January 26, 2021 3.B. Adopt A Motion To Approve City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes From January 26, 2021 3.C. Consider Resolution #2021-13, Authorizing Fund Transfer 3.D. Consider Resolution #2021-14, Supporting LRIP Application For Quarry Avenue Upgrade 4. Open Forum 5. New/Old Business 5.A. Senator Julia Coleman 4. Open Forum 5. New/Old Business 5.A. Senator Julia Coleman Senator Julia Coleman addressed the Council. She updated that most committees at the Capitol are virtual right now. Coleman said she is working on three bills: mental health, transportation, and taxes. She wants to make sure that any PPE loans that were received are not taxed the same as ordinary income. Council Member Guetzkow stated she appreciates Coleman recognizing the Watertown wastewater treatment facility expansion project. Mayor Washburn asked Coleman to help with the overreach at the Governor’s office as it relates to Ordinance 421 the City is being required to pass. 5.B. Government Relations Consultant Contract City Administrator Fineran said the idea of hiring a government relations consultant was discussed at the January 26 work session. Fineran said a wastewater facility expansion plan has been in the works for many years at the City of Watertown and this project will require funding in the form of bonds and grants. Staff is recommending Lockridge Grindal Nauen P.L.L.P. (LGN) to lobby for grant funding and low interest rate loans for the upcoming wastewater treatment facility expansion on behalf of the City of Watertown. Fineran said the contract will be a two-year year commitment that can be cancelled. Fineran said the goal is to obtain $10M in funding for the project through a combination of low interest rate PFA loans and grants. Guetzkow asked that if the desired amount of PSIG grants is not received, if the City is able to make up the difference in low interest rate loans. Fineran said the first plan is to try to get the full $10M in PSIG grants and then go from there. Guetzkow asked if LGN could work on other projects if they finished the wastewater treatment facility expansion. Fineran said yes and that the City can determine what efforts are important such as senior housing, roads, etc. Council Member Schuette asked how often the City will receive updates from LGN on their efforts at the Capitol. Fineran said they can provide them as often as needed but will update at least bi-weekly to the City Administrator. Council Member Pawelk asked how soon after the contract is signed will the work begin. Fineran said the work will begin immediately. WALTERS MOVED, GUETZKOW SECONDED A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2021-15, APPROVING CONTRACT FOR GOVERNMENT RELATIONS CONSULTANT SERVICES. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 5.C. Watertown/Mayer High School Stadium Site Plan City Planner Mark Kaltsas said the Watertown-Mayer High School has applied for an expansion and remodel of the existing outdoor athletic stadium. The property is zoned P-1 and is guided as Institutional. The school has a plan to improve the stadium: replace home bleachers, move visitor bleachers, install turf, install new track, replace fencing, install small retaining walls, add triple jump area. Kaltsas said because of the impervious improvements, the school has wastewater requirements on the site plan. All improvements will be ADA compliant. The applicant will be removing some trees and replacing them with new trees. Kaltsas said there is an existing sanitary sewer line that runs underneath the field that serves the school. The applicant is proposing to relocate the sanitary sewer line, but the City would maintain an easement for future expansion. All stadium lights will be replaced, and staff is confident they will meet the lighting guidelines. Council Member and Planning Commission liaison Schuette said that the tree removal was a big concern among the Planning Commission. He would also like to review the sanitary sewer relocation and easement as it reaches Highway 25. Schuette asked what the reasoning for abandoning the sewer line is. Kaltsas said it will conflicting with the drainage of the synthetic field. Fineran said the Utilities  easement for future expansion. All stadium lights will be replaced, and staff is confident they will meet the lighting guidelines. Council Member and Planning Commission liaison Schuette said that the tree removal was a big concern among the Planning Commission. He would also like to review the sanitary sewer relocation and easement as it reaches Highway 25. Schuette asked what the reasoning for abandoning the sewer line is. Kaltsas said it will conflicting with the drainage of the synthetic field. Fineran said the Utilities Superintendent Doug Kammerer also noted the line is old and could require repairs in the future. Council Member Pawelk noted that the sewer line will be removed from under the field per the plans in the packet. Laura Detzlen, contractor for the school, stated that it is showing removal of the sanitary sewer lines so it is out of the way. Council Member Guetzkow asked if the school is the last connection on the line. Fineran said yes. Guetzkow asked if the retention pond is existing. Detzlen said it is existing but it will be expanded so the school can use the water as irrigation as recommended by the Watershed. Council Member Walters asked if the turf is considered impervious. Detzlen said yes, the Watershed is considering the turf impervious and there are paths being added to increase the impervious area as well. PAWELK MOVED, SCHUETTE SECONDED A MOTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2021-18, GRANTING SITE PLAN APPROVAL TO ALLOW THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE ATHLETIC STADIUM AND ASSOCIATED SURROUNDING COMPLEX ON THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1001 HWY 25. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 5.D. Riverpointe Replat And Site Plan City Planner Mark Kaltsas said applicant WR2, LLC would like to replat four parcels located within the Riverpointe Development. The proposed replat will convert four (4) six-plex buildings into four (4) 4-unit townhome buildings. Kaltsas said the subject property is located on Riverpointe Road along the east side of State Highway 25 near the south end of the City and just north of CSAH 122. The proposed re- platting and development of the remaining lots would decrease the density from the approved 7.1 units per acre to the proposed 6.1 units per acre. This net density would comply with the existing comprehensive plan. The City and Planning Commission have recommended that the applicant plant trees on the south side of each unit to screen the porch/deck/patio from the next unit and to screen this addition from the initial units constructed in the development. Kaltsas said at a minimum, the City is requesting that the applicant provide buffer landscaping in the rear yards of the townhomes. Kaltsas explained that it was noted that the applicant would need to work with the home owner’s association (HOA) of the initial development phase to resolve any future issues relating to the maintenance of the shared driveway. Staff is recommending that the applicant provide a private maintenance agreement to the initial development HOA to allow them an easement for access and maintenance of the driveway. The Planning Commission found the applicant met the requirements and is recommending for council approval. Schuette noted that he would like to hear a resolution on the HOA situation before a disaster occurs. Kaltsas said it would be up to the HOA’s to work out between themselves. Kaltsas said he recommends focusing on the buffer landscaping between the two phases. Jay Roos with WR2, LLC, stated that it is unique because it was envisioned as one project that has become two townhome projects next to each other. Roos noted that there should have been an easement created right away. He said an easement document is being drafted and will be recorded prior to the plat recording. City Administrator Fineran explained the process for approving or denying the replat and site plan. Guetzkow asked if there are concerns from the first HOA for maintenance of the road. Roos said that is a question only they can answer. He said the first step is to get the easement document in front of them for review. Mayor Steve Washburn asked why the change from the six plex to the four-plex. Roos said the window placement of the six-plexes that exist have been harder to sell. The four-plexes do not have a neighbor  Guetzkow asked if there are concerns from the first HOA for maintenance of the road. Roos said that is a question only they can answer. He said the first step is to get the easement document in front of them for review. Mayor Steve Washburn asked why the change from the six plex to the four-plex. Roos said the window placement of the six-plexes that exist have been harder to sell. The four-plexes do not have a neighbor behind them and more windows. Guetzkow asked if any public comment was received. Fineran said at the Planning Commission meeting there was comment on the landscape buffer and the private drive. There were residents in favor of the 4-plex design. Mayor Washburn said he is confident that Kaltsas can handle the landscaping plan without further guidance from Council. He understands there is apprehension on the HOA issue with the easement. Fineran said he does not see merit in addressing the HOA business at a City meeting. Washburn clarified that if an easement doesn’t exist, then the re-plat does not occur per the language in the resolution. Council Member Walters said that being the easement is over a private driveway, he feels the City should not be involved in working with the HOA’s. WALTERS MOVED, PAWELK SECONDED A MOTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2021-19, RESOLUTION APPROVING SITE PLAN REVIEW, PRELIMINARY PLAT AND FINAL PLAT FOR THE SUBDIVISION TO BE KNOWN AS RIVERPOINTE SECOND ADDITION. MOTION CARRIED, 5- 0. 5.E. Capital Project #UC038 – 1-Ton Dump Truck Public Services Superintendent Mike Dressel addressed council to discuss soliciting quotes for a 1-ton dump truck. Dressel explained that the current 1-ton is being used for hauling material like dirt, rock, gravel, trailers, brush, debris, equipment to various jobsites, replacement hydrants, valves, grates, and manhole covers, and snow removal. He also said during the summer there are three seasonal maintenance workers who need to use the 1-ton dump body for wood chips and various other summer maintenance and a second 1-ton would provide more flexibility. Dressel said the dump truck is budgeted at $74,160 and would be purchased through the state cooperative purchasing program. Pawelk asked if the $74,160 includes the chassis and the box. Dressel said everything is included in the price. Pawelk asked for an explanation of the uses for all trucks in Public Works. Dressel explained the vehicles and staff assigned to the vehicles. He explained the 1-ton is being shared between 3 to 5 people. GUETZKOW MOVED, PAWELK SECONDED A MOTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2021-16, RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SOLICITATION OF QUOTES FOR TRUCK CHASSIS, DUMP BODY, CHIPPER BOX, AND PLOW. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 5.F. Capital Project #FC – Aerial Ladder Truck Plans And Specifications Fire Chief Ryan Schroeder approached council to explain that Ladder 11 will be needing replacement soon. Ladder 11 was purchased used for under $200,000. For the past fourteen years, Ladder 11 has served as a multipurpose apparatus for fire, medical, and rescue situations. Schroeder said the apparatus pumps water to extinguish fires and carries equipment to serve as a resource for nearly every type of incident. However, the most important component of the apparatus is its aerial ladder. Due to its age, mechanical issues, and operational deficiencies, Ladder 11 is at the end of its useful life. The company that manufactured the apparatus has gone out of business, making it difficult to get parts and find mechanics. Schroeder noted the following down falls of Ladder 11: An undiagnosed mechanical issue causes the apparatus to shift into a non-operable gear when attempting to transition to pumping operations. After multiple mechanics have attempted to troubleshoot the issue, an $8,000 part replacement was recommended. However, it is unknown if the  age, mechanical issues, and operational deficiencies, Ladder 11 is at the end of its useful life. The company that manufactured the apparatus has gone out of business, making it difficult to get parts and find mechanics. Schroeder noted the following down falls of Ladder 11: An undiagnosed mechanical issue causes the apparatus to shift into a non-operable gear when attempting to transition to pumping operations. After multiple mechanics have attempted to troubleshoot the issue, an $8,000 part replacement was recommended. However, it is unknown if the part replacement will fix the issue. The issue delays our ability to extinguish fires/search fire buildings until we can shift the apparatus into pump gear. • Ladder 11 does not meet emission standards. • Ladder 11 is not compliant with the NFPA standards of today. • Scene lighting is limited which creates safety issues while operating in lowlight situations. • The apparatus utilizes a relief valve versus a pressure governor to manage pump pressures. The difference in equipment from our other suppression apparatus creates operational and training challenges. • Aerial set-up and deployment operations are slower compared to modern apparatus. • The aerial ladder length of 65 feet limits our ability to access the roof on one and two-story buildings. The short length also limits our ability to conduct technical rescues (grain bin rescue, patient removal from an elevated platform, etc.) • Ladder 11 lacks backup and side cameras. • Ladder 11 lacks airbag protection. • Ladder 11 lacks an enhanced suspension system. • Ladder 11 lacks a collision avoidance system. • Ladder 11 lacks a lateral g-roll indicator which alerts the driver to excessive chassis roll. • Ladder 11 lacks electronic stability control. • Ladder 11 lacks enhanced noise insulation and soundproofing on the interior of the apparatus. • Ladder 11 lacks a roll stability control auto braking system to prevent side rolls. • Ladder 11 lacks a tire protection including tire monitoring and tire blowout band protection. Utilitzing the equipment replacement point guideline, Ladder 11 received “needs immediate consideration”. The fire capital improvement plan has $1,060,000 budgeted for a new ladder truck. Council Member Walters asked how tall of a ladder will be needed. Schroeder said the exact specification has not been determined. The truck committee has a lot of work to do on creating the specifications. Schuette asked if any used trucks are being looked at. Schroeder said the department is not going after the best, but the price shared is very common. Chief Shroeder shared comparable prices of ladders from nearby Cities. Mayor Washburn asked what the process will be moving forward. Schroeder said they will create the truck committee, put together plans and specifications after interviewing other cities to gather data. Schroeder said this should take at least six months. Guetzkow said a maintenance plan and warranty should be considered with this purchase. City Administrator Fineran said he asks staff to bring back the used market, however the buying power from the state contract is incredible when you compare it to the condition and value of the used market. PAWELK MOVED, SCHUETTE SECONDED A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2021-17 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DEVELOPMENT OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR AERIAL LADDER FIRE APPARATUS. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 5.G. Adopt Ordinance #421, Amending Chapter 58, Article III – Water City Administrator Fineran said in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, there were a few “other items” that were under review that needed to be addressed by the City. The DNR is ready to approve the City’s water supply plan, but first an ordinance needs to be passed. Fineran said this is similar to the water conservation ordinance. GUETZKOW MOVED, WALTERS SECONDED A MOTION TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. There was no one present at the meeting and staff did not receive any comments. GUETZKOW MOVED, WALTERS SECONDED A MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.  MOTION CARRIED 5-0. There was no one present at the meeting and staff did not receive any comments. GUETZKOW MOVED, WALTERS SECONDED A MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Mayor Washburn expressed that he is not interested in giving control to one individual to abuse power. He said this needs to be changed at the state legislature. Walters asked Fineran what would happen if the ordinance is not passed at the meeting. Fineran said that the City’s water plan will not be approved. Mayor Washburn wants staff to have the DNR or someone come to the City to tell him why this language needs to be declared now when it never has been needed in the past. Council discussed reasons for not passing the ordinance. Washburn requested staff bring the item back at a later date when it does not give up local control to one person. WASHBURN MOVED, GUETZKOW SECONDED A MOTION TO TABLE ORDINANCE 421 UNTIL A LATER TIME. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 6. Other Reports City Administrator Fineran reported that planning items are keeping staff very busy. He said the AARP sponsored tax clinics will not be taking place in Watertown this year. Prescheduled appointments can be made in Waconia, Chaska, and Shorewood. Appointments are limited. The EDA approved application for the CDA grant program for $100,000 for a project in the Industrial Park. Fineran said there are also funds available through the County for businesses, homeowners, renters, etc. Council Member Guetzkow explained that the business applying for the CDA grant Fineran was referring to at the Industrial Park will be a high end storage and business incubator. The EDA will act as a passthrough for the $100,000 and funds will be disbursed as they are spent by the developer. Council Member Pawelk reminded residents to clear their sidewalks. Mayor Washburn thanked staff on the snow removal efforts. 7. Claims GUETZKOW MOVED, PAWELK SECONDED A MOTION TO ADOPT THE 2020 AND 2021 CLAIMS AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 7.A. Approve Claims For 2020 Budget 7.B. Approve Claims For 2021 Budget 8. Adjournment PAWELK MOVED, SCHUETTE SECONDED A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:03 PM. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 309 Lewis Avenue South; P.O. Box 279, Watertown, MN 55388