08-08-2000 CCM
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - HUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2000
1. Mayor Torgerson called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. with the following members
present: Mayor Marlin Torgerson, Council Members Jim Haugen, John Mlinar, Kay
Peterson and Duane Hoversten. Also present: City Administrator Gary D. Plotz, Director of
Engineering John Rodeberg and City Attorney Richard Schieffer.
2. Pastor Michael Wuehler gave the invocation.
3. The minutes of the regular meeting of July 25, 2000 were approved as amended.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
(a) REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
1. LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES OF JULY 24, 2000
2. AIRPORT COMMISSION MINUTES OF JUNE 26, 2000
3. BUILDING OFFICIAL'S REPORT FOR JULY 2000
(b) RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES
1. ORDINANCE NO. 00-281-AMENDINGORDINANCENO. 00-271; AN
ORDINANCE EXTENDING THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY
OF HUTCHINSON TO INCLUDE CERTAIN LAND OWNED BY NORTH
AMERICAN BROADCASTING PURSUANT TO MINNESOTA
STATUTES 414.033, SUBDIVISION 2(1) AND 2(3) (WAIVE SECOND
READING AND ADOPT)
2. RESOLUTION NO. 11545 - RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE
LOCATION OF POLLING PLACE FOR ALL PRECINCTS AND
APPOINTING JUDGES FOR THE 2000 FEDERAL PRIMARY AND
GENERAL ELECTIONS
( c) GAMBLING LICENSE FOR 3M CLUB OF HUTCHINSON
(d) REVISED CHANGE ORDER NO. 3 FOR ROLLING MEADOW; UTILITY AND
STREET IMPROVEMENTS
(e) CHANGE ORDER NO.4 FOR CENTURY AVENUE/DALE STREEET;
PROJECT NOS. 99-03 & 99-04
(f) OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL FOR FIRE CHIEF BRAD EMANS
Motion by Haugen, second by Peterson to approve the consent agenda. Motion
unanimously carried.
5. PUBLIC HEARING- 6:00 P.M.
(a) PUBLIC INPUT REGARDING PRE-DESIGN OF PROPOSED COMMUNITY
CENTER
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - August 8, 2000
The Mayor called the hearing to order at 6:00 p.m.
The City Administrator commented that the public hearing process was a means for
the City Council to obtain public input on the proposed Community Center and the
facility's pre-design. Any information obtained from the public would be passed on
to the Pre-Design Committee for their consideration. Also, the hearing would
enlighten the public on the most recent happenings. He noted that the timeframe was
rather compressed since the Community Center report was scheduled to be presented
at the August 22 City Council meeting.
Steve Cook, 728 Juul Road, stated that although the law did not require a vote on the
Community Center, he thought it was the "right thing to do." He referred to the
community survey where it showed that the public wanted the right to vote on maj or
new facilities. He also reported that the current petition showed the public wanted a
vote on the proposed City Charter amendments. Cook further noted that the survey
revealed that the public thought banquet rooms, meeting rooms and a senior center
should be included in a Community Center. In closing, he declared that the decision
on a Community Center should not be driven by trymg to use the $1 million state
grant, but rather to decide what type of facility the public wants.
Jim Mills, 962 Rolling Greens Lane NW, commented that he served on the HAHC
Board of Directors, and he still has an interest in the hospital. Therefore, he was
happy to see that the hospital was able to purchase the Plaza 15 property since it
would provide an additional facility for the Community Center as well as for hospital
use. In the future all of the health care facilities could be incorporated into the Plaza
15 area. Mills stated he was in favor of the Community Center and felt it was
needed. He wanted to see the plans develop and wished the City success in this
venture.
Tom Wirt, 17614 240th Street N., stated that he had worked with the art center and
was fully aware ofthe problems associated with lack of space. He thought there was
a need for the proposed program, but there was no facility. Wirt would support the
Community Center as a teacher, and he noted there were others who would also
support it. He recommended the Minnetonka Center as a model to consider.
Mike Ribich, 1350 Campbell Lane NW, asked that the City Council obtain input
from the people regarding the Community Center. He stated that the public is
interested in politics and would vote on the issues. Ribich thought the Community
Center deserved a vote on the November ballot.
Lisa Hergenrader, 636 Grove Street, commented that she felt compelled to come to
the meeting and address the City Council. She thought there needed to be a vote by
the citizens on this issue. It was her opinion that the Community Center would be an
asset to the City, but the people want a right to vote on it.
Bob Steams, 1004 Rolling Greens Lane, stated he was disappointed that there wasn't
any proposed plan available for the people to view. He didn't have any
recommendations on what should be included in the facility. Steams commented
that many people were losing sight of the fact that this was not a democracy but a
representative republic. He commended the Task Force's idea to use the elementary
school for a Community Center and thought it was a good idea since it was at a good
location and would provide many uses. Steams thought this would require a vote
prior to acquisition of the property, but he noted it would be a number of years before
the school would be available. He thought the hospital spent minimal money on the
purchase ofthe Plaza 15 building. It would be economical and the use ofthe facility
would be assured.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - August 8, 2000
The Mayor reported there were two preliminary plans. One plan was drawn by
Norman Hoefer, a committee member. The consultant, Wold Architects &
Engineers, drew the other plan.
Norman Hoefer, 1225 Golfview Court, stated that the senior citizens did not want to
be forgotten in the process. They should be kept in mind when the plans are
prepared.
Torgerson read a portion of the 1999 Minnesota State Statute that referred to the $1
million grant money. He noted that the total $1 million did not have to be paid back,
but only whatever portion was left outstanding.
Motion by Peterson, second by Haugen to close the public hearing at 6:32 p.m.
Motion unanimously carried.
6. COMMUNICATIONS, REQUESTS AND PETITIONS - NONE
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE
8. NEW BUSINESS
(a) CONSIDERATION OF AWARDING REFUSE/COMPOST/RECYCLING
COLLECTION CONTRACT
Plotz reported that the Solid Waste Subcommittee had met individually with the
three finalists and reviewed the process in the "Request for Proposal." Two haulers
submitted a "final and best offer" at 5:00 p.m. on August 1,2000. The City Solid
Waste Committee reviewed the collection choices of a two compartment truck and
two separate ( one compartment) trucks. The Committee and City staff recommended
to award the service contract to Waste Management, utilizing a two-compartment
truck, one-pass collection system.
Motion by Peterson, second by Hoversten to approve the proposal of Waste
Management for the refuse/compost/recycling collection contract and to authorize
the Mayor and the City Administrator to execute a contract. Motion unanimously
carried.
(b) CONSIDERATION OF AWARDING BID FOR WALKING FLOOR TRANSFER
TRAILER IN CONJUNCTION WITH REFUSE COLLECTION CONTRACT
Plotz explained the operation of the walking floor transfer trailer in conjunction with
the refuse collection process. He noted that only one bid was received, and it was
recommended to make award to Wilkins Industries, Inc. in the amount of$67,350.
Motion by Mlinar, second by Peterson to approve the bid award. Motion
unanimously carried.
(c) CONSIDERATION OF CHANGES TO GUIDELINES AND POLICIES OF
EXISTING HUTCHINSON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
DOWNTOWN LOAN PROGRAM AND CREATION OF THREE NEW
DOWNTOWN REHABILITATION PROGRAMS USING RECAPTURED FUNDS
Christie Rock, Executive Director of HCDC/EDA, summarized the three new
programs, namely, sign and awning grant program, storefront revitalization matching
grant program, and commercial rehabilitation loan program. She explained the
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - August 8, 2000
guidelines, general conditions and procedures for each program.
Motion by Hoversten, second by Peterson to approve the new programs. Motion
unanimously carried.
(d) CONSIDERATION OF SETTING PUBLIC HEARING FOR AUGUST 22, 2000
AT 6:00 P.M. TO REVIEW PROPOSED GROVE-FRANKLIN STREET
NEIGHBORHOOD SMALL CITIES REHAB GRANT APPLICATION
Jean Ward, HRA Executive Director, requested setting a public hearing date of
August 22, 2000 at 6:00 p.m. The purpose of the hearing would be to provide
information and receive public comment regarding the application to the MN
Department of Trade and Economic Development for a Small Cities Development
Grant Program. The proposed grant would be utilized in the Grove-Franklin Street
neighborhood.
Motion by Mlinar, second by Peterson to approve the public hearing date. Motion
unanimously carried.
(e) CONSIDERATION OF CITY'S GENERAL LIABILITY AND
COMPREHENSIVE INSURANCE COVERAGE
Dennis Potter, financial consultant ofInsurance Planners, presented renewal rates for
the City's property, comprehensive and liability insurance policies. He reported that
the substantial rate increase was due to several factors. There has been an increase
in exposure due to increased liquor sales, additional cars have been added to the
City fleet, an increase in payroll at Hutchinson Utilities, and a $37,000 increase due
to City growth.
Motion by Mlinar, second by Haugen to approve the renewal rates for the City's
property, liability and comprehensive insurance policies. Motion unanimously
carried.
(f) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR FOOD SHELF SPACE IN PROPOSED
COMMUNITY CENTER
The McLeod Emergency Food Shelf requested consideration of approximately 600
square feet of space in the proposed Community Center. At the present time, they
are located in two small rooms at the Congregational Church, but they may need to
relocate in the near future.
This request will be taken into consideration when the future plans ofthe Community
Center are better known.
9. MISCELLANEOUS
(a) COMMUNICATIONS REGARDING CITY CHARTER
City Attorney Richard Schieffer reported that an organizational meeting of the
Charter Commission was held on August 7, 2000, and Charles D. Carlson was
elected chair. City Attorney Marc A. Sebora addressed the legal questions that were
asked. Steve Cook made a presentation to the Commission regarding the petition to
amend the City Charter. Another meeting of the Charter Commission will be
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - August 8, 2000
scheduled at such time when all the signed petitions would be received from Steve
Cook.
(b) COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Plotz stated that the bids for the composting facility/bagging building would be
opened at 4:00 p.m. on August 11,2000. He requested a brief meeting to award the
bid on August 15, 2000 prior to the scheduled special City Council meeting for a
hearing on revocation of liquor licenses.
Motion by Mlinar, second by Haugen to award the bid at 7:00 a.m. on August 15,
2000. Motion unanimously carried.
(c) COMMUNICATIONS FROM DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING
Rodeberg reported that the DNR had requested the City to sign an Amended
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the City and the Enhanced
Floodwaming System Cooperating Agencies, for whom the DNR remains the
authorized agent for execution. Also, the City has been asked to sign an agency
agreement, which clarifies that the National Weather Service (NWS) is not a
cooperating agency for purposes of the MOA.
Motion by Peterson, second by Hoversten to approve signing the Memorandum of
Agreement. Motion unanimously carried.
(d) COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAYOR MARLIN TORGERSON
The Mayor commented on a phone call he had received from a resident who lived in
the north part ofthe City. This individual expressed concern about the city changing
the sign ordinance and did not want signs. Also, this person thought the trucks
should be in the commercial district.
10. CLAIMS. APPROPRIATIONS AND CONTRACT PAYMENTS
(a) VERIFIED CLAIMS A & B
Motion by Mlinar, second by Peterson to approve the verified claims A and
authorize payment from appropriate funds. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion by Haugen, second by Peterson to approve the verified claims Band
authorize payment from appropriate funds. Motion carried with Hoversten
abstaining from voting.
11. ADJOURNMENT
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - August 8, 2000
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:43 p.m.
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