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03-25-2025HUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2025 CITY CENTER — COUNCIL CHAMBERS (The City Council is provided background information fog° agenda iten2s in advance by city staff, committees and boards. Many decisions regarding agenda iten2s are based upon this information as well as: City policy and practices, inputfiron2 constituents, and other questions or information that has not yet been presented or discussed regarding an agenda iten2.) 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER — 5:30 P.M. Mayor Gary Forcier called the meeting to order. Members present were Tim Burley, Dave Sebesta, Pat May and Chad Czmowski. Also present were Matt Jaunich, City Administrator and Marc Sebora, City Attorney. (a) Approve the Council agenda and any agenda additions and/or corrections Matt Jaunich, City Administrator, noted that Item 7(a) needs to be removed from the agenda. Motion by Czmowski, second by May, to approve the agenda with Item 7(a) removed. Motion carried unanimously. 2. INVOCATION — Church of Latter -Day Saints (The invocation is a voluntary expression of the private citizen, to andfor the City Council, and is not intended to affiliate the City Council with, or express the City Council's preferencefor, any religious/spiritual organization. The views or beliefs expressed by the invocation speaker have not been previously reviewed or approved by the Council or staff) 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 4. RECOGNITION OF GIFTS, DONATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICE TO THE CITY (a) Resolution No. 15847 — Resolution Accepting $90.34 Donation from Buffalo Wild Wings for Fireman's Park Project Motion by May, second by Burley, to approve Resolution No. 15847. Motion carried unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENTS (This is an opportunity fog° members of the public to address the City Council. If the topic you would like to discuss is on the agenda, please ask the Mayor if he will be accepting public comments during the agenda item if not a public hearing. Ifyou have a question, concern or comment, please ask to be recognized by the mayor state your name and address for the record. Please keep comments under 5 minutes. Individuals wishing to speakfor more than five minutes should ask to be included on the agenda in advance of the meeting. All comments are appreciated, but please refrain fi on2 personal or derogatory attacks on individuals) 5. CITIZENS ADDRESSING THE CITY COUNCIL 6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (a) Regular Meeting of March 11, 2025 Motion by Sebesta, second by Burley, to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously. CONSENT AGENDA (The iten2s listedfor consideration will be enacted by one motion unless the Mayor, a member of the City Council or a city staff member requests an item to be removed. Traditionally iten2s are not discussed) 7. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA I CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Mach 25, 2025 (b) Consideration for Approval of Resolution No. 15851 — Resolution Supporting the Pursuit of a Minnesota's Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant for Funding of the Otter and Campbell Lakes Accessible Recreational Opportunities Project T (c) Consideration for Approval of Replacement of Civic Arena Message Board and Accepting Burich Foundation Grant (d) Consideration for Approval of Chip and Fog Seal Award (e) Consideration for Approval of Crack Seal and Mastic Patching (f) Claims, Appropriations and Contract Payments — Register A Item 7(c) was pulled for separate discussion. Motion by Czmowski, second by May, to approve Consent Agenda I with the exception of Item 7(c). Motion carried unanimously. Matt Jaunich, City Administrator, noted that the low bid for this project is being awarded to Crow River Signs which is a business owned by the mayor's son, therefore the mayor wish to abstain from voting on this item. Motion by Czmowski, second by May, with Forcier abstaining, to approve Item 7(c). Motion carried unanimously. 8. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA II (a) Claims, Appropriations and Contract Payments — Register B Motion by May, second by Czmowski, with Forcier abstaining, to approve Consent Agenda II. Motion carried unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS — 6:00 P.M. 9. ASSESSMENT HEARING AND PROJECT AWARD FOR 2025 STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS (LETTING NO. 2, PROJECT NO. 25-02) (a) Approve/Deny Resolution No. 15849 — Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract (b) Approve/Deny Resolution No. 15850 — Resolution Adopting Assessment Mike Stifter, Public Works Director, presented before the Council. Mr. Stifter noted that the low bidder on the project has been identified as Wm. Mueller & Sons, Inc. in the amount of $1,636,868.62. The project includes Hassan Street SE (1st Avenue NE to Oakland Avenue SE) with a full depth reclamation of street, including partial curb and gutter replacement, water main, sanitary sewer and storm sewer repairs restoration and appurtenances. 1st Avenue SE (Main Street South to Jefferson Street SE) with a full depth reclamation of street, including partial curb and gutter replacement, restoration and appurtenances. 3rd Avenue SE (Main Street South to Hassan Street SE) with a full depth reclamation of street, including partial curb and gutter replacement, storm sewer replacement restoration and appurtenances. 6th Avenue SE (Main Street South to Hassan Street SE) with a full depth reclamation of street, including partial curb and gutter replacement, restoration and appurtenances. 7th Avenue SE (Main Street South to Hassan Street SE) with a full depth reclamation of street, including partial curb and gutter replacement, storm sewer replacement restoration and 2 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES March 25, 2025 appurtenances. Stoney Point Road SW (School Road SW to Roberts Road SW) with a full depth reclamation of street, including partial curb and gutter replacement, restoration and appurtenances. Mr. Stifter also provided an assessments overview and noted that the project cost came in 13% lower than estimated. Motion by Czmowski, second by May, to close the public hearing at 6:07 p.m. Motion by Burley, second by Sebesta, to approve Resolution Nos. 15849 and 15850. Motion carried unanimously. COMMUNICATIONS, REQUESTS AND PETITIONS (The purpose of this portion of the agenda is to provide the Council with information necessary to craft wise policy. Includes items like monthly or annual reports and coniniunications f on2 other entities.) 10. PUBLIC WORKS YEAR END REPORT Mike Stifter, Public Works Director, presented before the Council. Mr. Stifter provided an overview of the Public Works 2024 year end report. The Public Works Department includes Engineering, Streets & Roadways, Cemetery, Airport, HATS Facility, Water, Wastewater, and Storm Water. Mr. Stifter reviewed core services provided, highlights from 2024, goals/objectives for 2025, and utility rate comparisons. 11. DISCUSSION ON AMENDING CHAPTER 93 OF THE HUTCHINSON CITY CODE PERTAINING TO CHICKENS Matt Jaunich, City Administrator, spoke before members in attendance at the meeting clarifying that this item will be a discussion of the Council only. This item has not been scheduled as a public hearing at this time, although maybe at a future date. But again, the discussion will only be amongst Council Members this evening. Mr. Jaunich noted that Council Members had requested to have on the agenda a discussion on the City's regulations of chickens within the city. This topic has come up several times in the past with previous Councils electing to continue with the prohibition of chickens. To assist the Council in its discussion, Mr. Jaunich had provided a copy of the last ordinance that was considered by the City Council in 2019 and some information that was shared with the Council back when the previous ordinance was considered. The information is a little dated, but should still be relevant for the discussion at this meeting. Again, Mr. Jaunich noted that this is for discussion only at this time and nothing is being considered for an action item. Mayor Forcier noted last time this was discussed he was somewhat in favor of allowing chickens if chicken owners were required to obtain education on raising chickens. Council Member Burley noted he has done research with organizations that can provide proper education to potential chicken owners. Council Member Burley noted that he is in favor of allowing chickens to be raised within the city. He would like education as part of a permitting process. He noted that accountability is very important to him and wants to hold citizens accountable. Council Member Sebesta noted that residents he has spoken to are not necessarily in favor of allowing chickens, but he is in favor of allowing them. He noted that other cities that have been polled have not had any major issues with allowing chickens to be raised in their cities. Council Member May acknowledged the number of attendees at the Council meeting tonight. Council Member May noted he is not in favor of allowing chickens and residents that have reached out to him are not in favor either. He did acknowledge that it doesn't appear that allowing chickens in other cities have had major issues. Council Member Czmowski noted he is in favor with moving forward with the ordinance that was proposed in 2019 other than he thinks five chickens should be allowed. He expressed that this has been discussed several times and feels that the harboring of chickens should proceed. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Mach 25, 2025 Mayor Forcier expressed that he feels an ordinance should be drafted for the Council to consider. Mr. Jaunich asked for more direction from the Council. Should the ordinance from 2019 be reconsidered? Should a workshop be held? Should a public hearing be held? Are there specific items that should be added to the 2019 ordinance or removed? Mayor Forcier expressed that he feels a public hearing would not be required. He asked that an educational requirement be included in the draft ordinance that the Council considers. Staff will plan on having a draft ordinance before the Council at the next Council meeting. The Council determined they would allow members of the public to speak before them tonight on this subject. Michael Massmann, 525 Larson Street, presented before the Council. Mr. Massmann spoke of the benefits of harboring chickens and doesn't necessarily feel that the current interest isn't just a fad due to the high egg prices currently as has been expressed. Mr. Massmann did note that he has a petition containing 505 signatures of residents in favor of harboring chickens. Paisley VonBerge, 17546 Zane Avenue, presented before the Council. Ms. VonBerge noted that she is with the FFA organization. Ms. VonBerge spoke of the benefits of harboring chickens. Tyriina Kalenberg, 710 Shady Ridge Road, presented before the Council. Ms. Kalenberg expressed that she feels the large number of people in attendance at the Council meeting shows the support for allowing chickens within the community. She also supports harboring of chickens within the city. Jim Bobier, 29206 Skyview Avenue, presented before the Council. Mr. Bobier noted he has been raising chickens for years with his daughters and he expressed the benefits of harboring chickens. Joy Schmitz, 1155 Westshore Drive, presented before the Council. Ms. Schmitz noted that she is in favor of harboring chickens and benefits of them. Tony Stark, 502 Monroe Street, presented before the Council. Mr. Stark noted he is in favor of harboring chickens and benefits of them. Ann Lamecker, 7th Avenue NW, presented before the Council. Ms. Lamecker asked the Council their preferred method of receiving information from constituents. It was noted emails are preferred, attendance at Council meetings are good, phone calls, or talking with them in person. UNFINISHED BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS 12. APPROVE/DENY FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 25-852 — AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HUTCHINSON, MINNESOTA, TO REZONE PROPERTY AT BLOCK 1, LOTS 1 THROUGH 3, BAR PROPERTIES PLAT Dan Jochum, Planning/Zoning/Building Director, presented before the Council. Mr. Jochum explained that the applicant has applied for a rezoning of three lots located on Texas Avenue. The applicant has applied to rezone the property to R-3 PD from R-3. The existing development to the east and northeast is zoned R-3 PD and the area directly to the north across the street is R-3 and the area to the west is R-4. The property to the south and southeast is zoned Industrial/Commercial. There were no comments received during the public hearing held with the Planning Commission. 11 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES March 25, 2025 Motion by Sebesta, second by Czmowski, to approve first reading of Ordinance No. 25-852. Motion carried unanimously. 13. APPROVE/DENY FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 25-853 — AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HUTCHINSON, MINNESOTA, TO REZONE PROPERTY AT 135 AND 145 1ST AVENUE NW AND 125, 135, 145 GLEN STREET NW Dan Jochum, Planning/Zoning/Building Director, presented before the Council. Mr. Jochum explained that the City of Hutchinson has applied for a rezoning for the former R-2 zoned lots that were bought by the City for redevelopment purposes in this area. The west side of the existing alley is proposed to be rezoned to be consistent with the east side of the alley, which is C-3 Downtown Commercial which would accommodate the construction of an apartment building with a first level office and enclosed parking as well as a stormwater pond. There were no comments received during the public hearing held with the Planning Commission. Motion by Sebesta, second by Burley, to approve first reading of Ordinance No. 25-853. Motion carried unanimously. 14. APPROVE/DENY RESOLUTION NO. 15852 — RESOLUTION ADOPTING FINDINGS OF FACT AND REASONS FOR APPROVAL OF A PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR ELK RIDGE ESTATES Dan Jochum, Planning/Zoning/Building Director, presented before the Council. Mr. Jochum explained that Elk Ridge Estates is a 51-lot preliminary plat consisting of 29 single-family homes and 22 twin homes. Mr. Jochum noted that there was a lot of discussion regarding this item at the Planning Commission meeting. The vast majority of the discussion centered around sidewalks. Staff requested sidewalks be included in the development, however after extensive discussion at the Planning Commission meeting and further review of the City subdivision ordinance during the meeting, sidewalks are not required for this development because the lots are on average greater than 60' wide and the development is not located on a collector or arterial street. The Planning Commission suggested that there be a discussion in the future regarding how sidewalks are regulated, including a discussion on the various City policy documents such as Complete Streets policy, Growth Plan and Safe Routes to school. Currently, City policy documents indicate sidewalks should be part of developments but City Code only requires sidewalks in certain situations. The Planning Commission voted 3-1 to recommend approval of the preliminary plat without sidewalks and requiring the street to be 37-feet wide. Staff is comfortable with this recommendation based on the information presented and would recommend approval of the plat. Motion by May, second by Sebesta, to approve Resolution No. 15852. Motion carried unanimously. GOVERNANCE (The purpose of this portion of the agenda is to deal with organizational development issues, including policies, performances, and other matters that manage the logistics of the organization. May include monitoring reports, policy development and governance process items.) 15. MINUTES/REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, BOARDS OR COMMISSIONS (a) City of Hutchinson Financial Report and Investment Report for February 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Mach 25, 2025 MISCELLANEOUS 16. STAFF UPDATES 17. COUNCIL/MAYOR UPDATE Gary Forcier — Mayor Forcier provided updates from the HRA, Resource Allocation Committee, and Airport Commission. ADJOURNMENT Motion by May, second by Czmowski, to adjourn at 7:00 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. ATTEST: Gary T. Forcier Matthew Jaunich Mayor City Administrator