MINUTES–MORRIS CITY COUNCIL- REGULAR MEETING– FEBRUARY 13, 2007
The regular meeting of the Morris City Council was called to order at 5:15 p.m. this 13th day of February, 2007, by Mayor Giese in the Council Chambers of the Morris Senior Citizens/Community Center.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken with the following members present: Council member Webster, Miller, Storck and Mayor Giese. Council member Carrington arrived at 5:17 p.m. Also present was City Manager Larson, Finance Director Krosschell, Public Works Director Dittbenner and Assistant City Attorney Klopfleisch.
ADDITION TO AGENDA: Mayor Giese added a Resolution Authorizing Application and Primary Contact Person to the agenda under Ordinances and Resolutions.
READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1/23/07 Regular Meeting Minutes: Council member Webster moved, seconded by Storck, to approve the 1/23/07 regular meeting minutes. Motion carried.
1/23/07 Condensed Version: Council member Miller moved, seconded by Webster, to approve the 1/23/07 condensed version minutes. Motion carried.
AUDIT OF CITY BILLS: Council member Storck moved, seconded by Webster, to authorize payment of the City bills dated February 13, 2007. Motion carried.
CITIZEN’S COMMENTS: Carolyn Peterson from Chamber: Peterson was present at the meeting and presented the council with the winning drawing from the logo contest, submitted by Sharon Van Alstine. It was the consensus of the council that the logo looked great. Larson noted the city would likely use it on their letterhead.
Council member Storck moved, seconded by Miller, to accept the winning logo from the Chamber. Motion carried.
Design Morris Tree Planting Project: Sue Granger, a member of the Design Morris Commercial Corridors Action Team, was present at the meeting to discuss a grant available through MN DOT. Granger indicated one of the items that came out of the Design Morris meetings was to enhance the entrances to the city with trees. Granger
noted they have received a grant from MN DOT to plant trees from Highway 28 (starting at Coborn’s) to Iowa Avenue. Granger stated MN DOT has designed the
planting for a total of 300 trees over two years. Granger indicated what is needed from the city is a guarantee to do the planting, watering and
maintenance for three years. Granger pointed out they have 160 volunteers signed up and 14 people on the steering committee. Granger indicated they hope to have a planting day of May 5th.
Granger asked that the council approve this application to enter into an agreement with MNDOT. Granger stated the committee has a goal to raise $3,000 to help with the
watering and maintenance and they have currently raised $2,600. Granger noted Dave Poppe will donate his time and watering truck and asked that the city donate the water.
Granger indicated the trees are 5 feet tall and 1 ½ inch caliber so they should make a nice impact right away. Granger indicated MN DOT is talking about redoing the Hwy 28 intersection and Hwy 9 from Dairy Queen to Hancock. If that happens there may be a possibility to enhance those corridors at that time.
Use of Council Chambers: Bob Rose stated the seniors have been told that they can no longer use the council chambers. Rose asked that the Senior Citizens be allowed to utilize the council chambers as they have many things planned including flu shots and income tax help. Rose indicated they would like to see a dialogue between the
city and the seniors rather than canceling all their efforts.
Ruth Moerke, who works with the NAPS program as a volunteer, indicated they cannot find as good of a location as the council room for the delivery of their products. Moerke stated that she believes they are able to use this room according to their agreement with the city. Larson noted that over the years very little attention has been
given to the condition of the room. Larson indicated when using the cart to unload the NAPS product it tracks in a lot of dirt. Larson also noted the scheduling of the room goes through city hall and many events never even get on the calendar.
Mayor Giese asked when things changed. Larson stated since the room has been redone with new carpet, paint and chairs it was decided to limit the activities taking place in the council chambers. Council member Storck stated he feels this building was built years ago for the seniors and it belongs to the taxpayers. Storck believes it should
be shared and if the carpeting needs to be redone again in two years so be it. Storck stated he could care less if they use the room every day.
Giese suggested taking a look at the agreement the city has with the senior citizens center. Webster noted it would be important for the city to talk with the vendors using the room and have some common courtesies in place.
Council member Carrington moved, seconded by Miller, to continue the agreement as far as usage of the room until the next meeting. Motion carried.
Mobile Food Unit: Todd Nohl was present at the meeting and indicated he and his brother Doug are planning to start a mobile food unit and wanted to run their idea by the council to see if they had a problem with it. Nohl stated they raise hogs and would be selling pork products, going to bigger industries within a fifty mile
radius. Nohl indicated they would stop by businesses and provide a lunch while selling their product. Nohl pointed out they would have the necessary state and federal licenses and inspections.
It was the consensus of the council that this would be a good business as long as they have the approval of the business where they are visiting and it doesn’t interfere with traffic.
PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS: Request for Council Meeting at High School: It was the consensus of the council that it would be a good idea to hold a council meeting at the high school. Carrington asked that it be held after April 15th.
HRA Meeting Minutes, 12/19/06 & 1/23/07: Mayor Giese moved, seconded by Council member Storck, to accept the 12/19/06 & 1/23/07 HRA meeting minutes. Motion
carried.
HRC Meeting Minutes, 1/17/07: Council member Webster moved, seconded by Carrington, to accept the 1/17/07 HRC meeting minutes. Motion carried.
Gambling Report: Council member Carrington moved, seconded by Miller, to accept the gambling report from the American Legion. With all voting in favor and Mayor Giese abstaining, motion carried.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: Public Hearing and Resolution Ordering an Improvement (West 6th Street): Mayor Giese opened the public hearing at 5:47 p.m. Larson explained this public hearing is being held to discuss the improvements that are proposed to be made to West 6th Street, from Pacific Avenue to
Lake Avenue and two blocks of Lyndale Avenue. The improvements would include water, sanitary sewer, curb & gutter and sidewalk.
Jeff Kuhn of WSN was present at the meeting and stated that the project will be phased out. Kuhn explained the first phase will start at Pacific Avenue and go to Idaho Avenue. Kuhn indicated they hope to begin work around May 15th. The second phase would be from Idaho Avenue to Wyoming Avenue and by that point the other
portion should be drivable. Paving would take place in late summer or early fall. The last phase would be from Lyndale out to Lake Avenue. Kuhn indicated
some of the curb & gutter may be pulled out, along with some of the sidewalk.
Larson noted some of the areas along the project are not accessible by an alley but the contractor is responsible for allowing access to the properties at the end of each work day. Kuhn indicated the width of the street from Pacific to Lyndale would be widened from 32 to 34 feet. Kuhn noted they hope that no trees will be taken down.
Lake Avenue wouldl not be made any wider.
Larson stated if the council decides to go ahead with the project bids would be opened on March 20th. Larson explained the estimated costs for sanitary sewer are $282,843. Of this, the city will pay 25% with the remaining 75% to be assessed. The estimated water costs are $389,057 with the same 25/75 split. Larson stated a
unit cost is used to determine the assessment. Based upon 54 hookups for sanitary sewer the estimated unit cost is $3,928 and for 68 water hookups the estimated unit cost is $4,291. Curb & gutter is based on a linear foot which is $12 per foot plus 15% for engineering costs for a total of $13.80. A property with 100’ of curb & gutter would pay $1,380. Sidewalk replacement is figured on a square foot basis at $5.25 per square foot, so a 100’ foot lot would have an assessment of $2,625. Larson estimated the total cost for all of these improvements to be $12,224.
Larson compared these costs to the assessments that were just done for West 8th Street. The total for sanitary sewer was $3,113, water was $3,438 and curb & gutter was $10.21 a square foot. Larson noted the council could change the percentage of the split to a 60/40 which would bring the figures more in line with those from
West 8th Street. The estimated costs for sanitary sewer would then be $3,143 and $3,438 for water. Curb & gutter and sidewalk would remain
the same.
Larson explained there are two ways to do the assessment hearing. The first is to hold the hearing once bids are opened and before the project starts. The other option is to hold the hearing at the end of the project and the assessments would be based on actual costs. Larson indicated it is the discretion of the council what they want to
do.
Dawn Henrichs, 710 West 6th Street, asked if the project would go all the way through Lake Avenue. Larson noted it would stop at Paul Watzke’s house. Henrichs asked if they would be assessed again since Lake Avenue was done a couple years ago. Larson indicated he believes that road was just overlayed and there was no assessment for that.
Dave Holman, 302 West 6th Street, complimented the city for finally starting on West 6th Street. Holman noted he feels it will be expensive but very worth it.
Tommy Tomlin, 111 West 6th Street, asked if there would be parking on one side when the project is done. Kuhn indicated there are no signs along the street right now. Larson stated it would be looked at to see which would work best. Council member Webster asked if the Historical Society had any off street parking in the back. Larson indicated they do not.
Tom Smith, 523 Pacific, stated he owns an apartment building and feels the amount of his assessment would be very unfair to his tenants. Larson noted Paul Bankord has brought up the same matter and the council would be holding a worksession sometime before the final assessment hearing to discuss this issue. Smith also indicated he
has a patch of grass about 2 ½ feet wide on either side of the street and wondered if it would be wise to make it sidewalk all the way to the curb. Kuhn explained this is just in the planning stages but that is something that could be looked at. Smith stated he is also quite concerned about parking once the project starts. Larson indicated some temporary spots would have to be found along Pacific Avenue. Smith noted he would also like to see better communication from the city on this project. Smith indicated he was involved in the West 4th Street project also and they weren’t informed of a lot of things that happened. Webster asked who the point person is to go to on
a project like this. Larson indicated City Engineer Jay Fier would be the one to talk to.
Larson explained the city usually goes fifteen years on an assessment and the interest rate is usually 1% over the bond rate.
Cindy Nichols stated they own some rentals in the project area and asked if each assessment was the same no matter the value of the property. Larson responded everyone is the same regardless of value. Nichols asked if there was a state law that says there has to be a reasonable relationship between the improvement and the value or the
property. Larson stated after the assessment hearing a property owner would be allowed an opportunity to present a written or oral objection to the assessment.
Kurt Gartland, 606 West 5th Street, indicated he does not know where his line goes. Larson stated city maps show his sewer running out to Lyndale, but not his water. Gartland asked what happens when it crosses someone else’s property. Larson noted Gartland should check to see if an easement has been recorded.
A gentleman from the audience asked if the city was planning to put stop or yield signs at each intersection. Larson noted there are no plans at this time to change the signage but it could be looked at.
Dawn Henrichs stated they currently don’t have sidewalk and asked if there were plans to put sidewalk in. Kuhn stated no. Larson indicated a property owner should let the city know if they have recently taken part in a sidewalk program. Kuhn indicated Fier is also careful to take note of the condition of sidewalks.
Chris Devries, 307 West 6th Street, indicated he has a fairly new sidewalk. Devries also asked if the water would be shut off for a period of time. Larson and Kuhn indicated that would more than likely happen but it shouldn’t be for an extended period of time.
Jerry Schmidt, 210 West 6th Street, indicated his sidewalk is fairly new too.
Henrichs asked if they would have time to notify a contractor if they would like their own line replaced. Larson suggested they line up a contractor as soon as they can. Henrichs asked if their water shut off would be replaced and Larson stated it would.
Council member Carrington
left the meeting at 6:21 p.m.
Daryl Strand, whose mother
Ruth lives at 608 West 6th Street, asked when the first assessment
payment might be due. Larson suggested that if a fall assessment hearing is
held a property owner would have 30 days to pay with no interest. After that
time the amount would be certified to the County Auditor and placed on the pay
2008 property tax statement.
Chris Devries asked if they
would be assessed on the bid amount or the actual construction costs. Larson
indicated if the assessment hearing is done at the end it will be based on
actual costs. Giese noted that decision would be made when the bids are
opened.
Mayor Giese closed the public
hearing at 6:25 p.m. and brought the matter back to the council for action.
Council member Miller moved,
seconded by Storck, to adopt Resolution #2695-2-07, Resolution Ordering
Improvement and Calling for Bids. Voting was as follows:
Council
member Webster aye
Council
member Carrington absent
Council
member Storck aye
Council
member Miller aye
Mayor
Giese aye
With all present voting in
favor, motion carried.
Resolution Authorizing the
Issuance of Industrial Bonds for Westmor Industries: Larson indicated this
is for the conduit financing for the new building at Westmor Industries. There
is no obligation from the city to repay this debt.
Council member Storck moved,
seconded by Miller, to adopt Resolution #2696-2-07, Resolution Authorizing the
Issuance and Sale of Industrial Development Bonds for Westmor Industries.
Voting was as follows:
Council
member Miller aye
Council
member Storck aye
Council
member Carrington absent
Council
member Webster aye
Mayor
Giese aye
With all present voting in
favor, motion carried.
Resolution Accepting and
Establishing Municipal State Aid Street: Larson explained that with the
completion of the annexation of areas along East 7th Street, between
the Eagles Ballpark and Hwy 59, the county has proposed that that portion of
the roadway be redesignated from a County State Aid Highway to a Municipal
State Aid Highway. Larson indicated the County Board accepted this
recommendation at their February 6th board meeting. Mayor Giese
asked if this would take effect upon annexation. Larson indicated it would
need to be approved by the Director of Transportation.
Mayor Giese moved, seconded
by Council member Storck, to adopt Resolution #2697-2-07, Resolution Accepting
and Establishing Municipal State Aid Street. Voting was as follows:
Council
member Storck aye
Council
member Miller aye
Council
member Webster aye
Council
member Carrington absent
Mayor
Giese aye
With all present voting in
favor, motion carried.
Joint Powers Resolution
for the Purchase of Light Structures and Lights for Chizek Field: Larson
noted this item is part of the 2007 Capital Improvement Plan. It would include
the replacement of six new light towers and a complete new lighting system for
Chizek Field for $118,281. There is $119,000 in the capital budget for this
project. Larson explained the city has an opportunity to purchase the
equipment off a bid that the City of Rogers let in 2004. Larson indicated this
would be similar to buying the items off the state bid. The system would have
a 25 year warranty and the existing towers and lights would be taken down.
Larson stated the money has
already been earmarked for this project. Council member Webster asked if they
money could be moved around for other things. Larson indicated it could, but
feels if the city doesn’t do this project now it will never get done. Council
member Storck asked if the underground wiring was okay. Public Works Director
Dittbenner indicated it would probably be wise to do the wiring at the same
time, which would be an added expense.
Council member Miller stated
he feels the ballfields are used by a lot of people and it’s a nice place for
kids to be able to go. Giese agreed with Larson that if it doesn’t get done
now, it never will. Council member Webster stated he would not have spent city
money in that way.
Council member Miller moved,
seconded by Storck, to adopt Resolution #2698-2-07, Resolution Authorizing
Execution of Joint Powers Agreement with City of Rogers. Voting was as
follows:
Council
member Storck aye
Council
member Miller aye
Council
member Webster nay
Council
member Carrington absent
Mayor
Giese aye
With three voting in favor,
one voting against and one absent, motion carried.
Resolution Opposing any
Proposals or Legislation Allowing the Increase in the Size and Weight of Trucks
on MN Highways: Council member Webster moved, seconded by Mayor Giese, to
adopt Resolution #2699-2-07, Resolution Opposing any Proposals or Legislation
Allowing the Increase in the Size and Weight of Trucks on Minnesota Highways.
Voting was as follows:
Council
member Carrington absent
Council
member Webster aye
Council
member Miller aye
Council
member Storck aye
Mayor
Giese aye
With all present voting in
favor, motion carried.
Resolution Authorizing
Application and Primary Contact Person: Larson indicated this is for the
tree planting project that Sue Granger discussed earlier in the meeting.
Granger indicated the total grant for this year is $6,500. The trees will be
ordered along with the city bid with reimbursement from MN DOT.
Council member Miller moved,
seconded by Webster, to adopt Resolution #2700-2-07, Resolution Authorizing
Application and Primary Contact Person. Voting was as follows:
Council
member Webster aye
Council
member Carrington absent
Council
member Storck aye
Council
member Miller aye
Mayor
Giese aye
With all present voting in
favor, motion carried.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORTS
& RECOMMENDATIONSCITY MANAGER’S REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS: Joint
Planning Proposal with Stevens County: Larson indicated the county
accepted a recommendation to initiate discussions on the joint planner project.
Larson indicated there is no commitment at this point, but asked that the
council appoint two members to represent the city in these discussions.
Mayor Giese moved, seconded
by Council member Storck, to appoint Jeff Miller from the City Council and to
request Margaret Kuchenreuther from the Planning Commission. Motion carried.
Council member Miller noted that meetings during the day may be tough to
attend. It was the consensus of the council that if this was the case they
would send a replacement.
Disposed Assets Report:
Council member Webster moved, seconded by Miller, to accept the disposed
assets report for 2006. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS: School
Building: Council member Storck asked how long the city is going to wait
to see something happen with the school building and wondered if it should be
sent back to the Planning Commission. Webster stated he feels it should be
given the time it deserves to make it usable and that is the only way to avoid
costs. Larson indicated there are a lot of ideas floating around. Storck
stated he thinks there needs to be a back up plan. Mayor Giese suggested an
update from Sue Dieter and the reuse committee.
Meetings on Access Channel:
Council member Miller stated there has been a lot of talk about getting the
city council meetings aired on the access channel. Larson indicated the city
doesn’t have the equipment necessary to do that. Miller asked if it was
required by the cable companies to provide the equipment. Council member Webster
offered to do some research on this item.
Clean Up Spruce Up:
Mayor Giese asked that this item be put on the next agenda.
OLD BUSINESS: None
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: 1/23/07
Worksession Minutes: Council member Storck moved, seconded by Miller, to
approve the 1/23/07 worksession minutes. Motion carried.
January Transit Report:
Mayor Giese moved, seconded by Council member Storck, to accept the January
transit report. Motion carried.
Revenue & Expenditure
Reports: The reports from December and January were informational for the
council.
ADJOURNMENT: There
being no further business, Mayor Giese adjourned the meeting at 6:56 p.m.
|
