11-12-2002 CCM
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - HUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 12, 2002
1. CALL TO ORDER - 5:30 P.M.
Mayor Marlm Torgerson called the meeting to order. Council Members present were John
Mlinar, Jim Haugen, and Kay Peterson. Absent was Council Member Duane Hoversten. Also
present were Gary Plotz, City Administrator, Marc Sebora, City Attorney and John Rodeberg,
Director of Engineering/Public Works.
2. INVOCATION - Rev. Scott Daniels, of Vineyard United Methodist Church, delivered the
mvocatlOn.
3. MINUTES
(a) REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 22,2002
Minutes were approved as presented
4. CONSENT AGENDA
(a) REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
1. BUILDING DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2002
2. PIONEERLAND LIBRARY SYSTEM FINANCIAL REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER
2002
3. HUTCHINSON AIRPORT COMMISSION MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER 5,2002
4. PARKS, RECREATION & COMMUNITY EDUCATION BOARD MINUTES FROM
SEPTEMBER 9, 2002
5. FIRE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2002
(b) RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES
1. RESOLUTION NO. 12060 - RESOLUTION DEFERRING ASSESSMENT FOR
SENIOR CITIZEN
2. RESOLUTION NO. 12062 - RESOLUTION TRANSFERRING FUNDS FROM THE
GENERAL FUND, ECONOMIC LOAN, ENERGY LOAN, TO HUTCHINSON
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (EDA) FUND
3. RESOLUTION NO. 12063 - RESOLUTION TRANSFERRING $158,500 FROM
SPECIAL ASSESSMENT BOND FUND TO AIRPORT CONSTRUCTION FUND
4. RESOLUTION NO. 12064 - RESOLUTION TRANSFERRING $170,000 FROM
CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND TO AIRPORT CONSTRUCTION FUND
5. RESOLUTION NO. 12065 - RESOLUTION RELATING TO FINANCING
EXPENDITURES RELATING TO NATURAL GAS PIPELINE
6. RESOLUTION NO. 12066 - RESOLUTION RELATING TO FINANCING
EXPENDITURES RELATING TO IMPROVEMENT TO HUTCHINSON
COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
7. RESOLUTION NO. 12067 - RESOLUTION FOR PURCHASE
8. ORDINANCE NO. 02-323 - AN ORDINANCE ANNEXING 41.3 ACRES OF
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - NOVEMBER 12, 2002
PROPERTY IN HASSAN VALLEY TOWNSHIP (SECOND READING AND
ADOPTION)
9. ORDINANCE NO. 02-324 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OFFICIAL
ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF HUTCHINSON FOR A PROPERTY TO BE
REZONED FROM R-l TO C-2 (SECOND READING AND ADOPTION)
(c) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDER NO.1 (LETTING NO.3,
PROJECT NO. 02-06)
(d) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROV AL OF CHANGE ORDER NO.1 (LETTING NO.4 & 5
PROJECT NO. 02-11, 02-12, 02-13, 02-14)
(e) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF HUTCHINSON AREA CONVENTION &
VISITORS BUREAU BUDGET
(f) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF ACQUIRING RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR GOLF
COURSE ROAD
(g) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF FLEXIBLE BENEFIT PLAN DOCUMENT
AND PLAN SUMMARY DOCUMENT RESTATEMENT
(h) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF REVISING STATE AID STREET SYSTEM
Motion by Mlinar, second by Peterson, to approve consent agenda. Motion carried
unanimously.
5. PUBLIC HEARING - 6:00 P.M. - NONE
6. COMMUNICATIONS. REQUESTS AND PETITIONS
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
8. NEW BUSINESS
(a) DISCUSSION OF VEHICLE(S) REMOVAL DURING SNOW EVENTS (STREET &
PARKING LOTS)
John Olson, Assistant Director of Public Works, presented before the Council. Mr. Olson
explained that the major issues that arise during snow removal season are mainly larger snow
equipment, increased city street mileage and fine/enforcement limitations. One of the
options discussed to improve the snow removal procedure was to utilize the police
department's Community Service Officer for snow removal operations. Other options
discussed were to establish new parking regulations and increase enforcement efforts.
Mr. Rodeberg further elaborated by stating that this is the first phase in putting specific snow
removal procedures in place. He requested that the Council approve allowing the CSO to
perform four overtime hours during snow removal operations.
Jim Haugen asked what those residents that park in city lots do in snow removal times. Mr.
Olson explained that these residents are directed to park in other designated parking lots.
Gary Plotz requested that the Council approve the additional four hours for the CSO Officer
to assist with snow removal operations and at the next meeting possibly consider increasing
the fine for residents that do not move their vehicles during snow removal operations.
Motion by Mlinar, second by Haugen, to approve the additional hours for the CSO and move
on to Phase II for the snow removal operatlOns. Motion carried unanimously.
(b) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF SETTING BUDGET WORKSHOP FOR
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - NOVEMBER 12, 2002
NOVEMBER 26, 2002
Gary Plotz requested that the budget workshop be scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. in order to
hold a farewell/recognition party for Neil Wegner prior to the Council meeting.
Motion by Mlinar, second by Peterson, to set the budget workshop for 3:30 p.m. on
November 26, 2002, and set a farewell/recognition party for 4:45 p.m. for Neil Wegner,
former Liquor Store Manager.
(c) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF CONSULTING AGREEMENT WITH EARTH
TECH FOR WATER TREATMENT PLANT PILOT TESTING
John Rodeberg explained that this consulting agreement is to allow Earth Tech to move
forward with the pilot testing for the new water treatment plant. This new method will
include softening the water, which raises some issues for local water softening businesses.
Mr. Rodeberg explained that Earth Tech has stated that the water will only be softened
enough to reduce the copper in the water. This specific pilot test will be testing to see how
everything reacts when working together. Mr. Rodeberg noted that further meetings will be
held with local businesses regarding the softening of the water being conducted at the water
treatment facility.
Jon Hantge, Tri County Water, presented before the Council. Mr. Hantge asked if his
company and other local companies could take part with the pilot testing in the hopes that
they may be able to contribute some expertise and further knowledge.
Motion by Haugen, second by Mlinar, to approve the consulting agreement with Earth Tech
for water treatment plant pilot testing. Kay Peterson requested that the motion be amended
to include having local water treatment companies be involved with the pilot testing. Motion
carried unanimously.
(d) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF ASSESSMENT MANUAL
John Rodeberg, Director of Engineering/Public Works, presented before the Council. Mr.
Rodeberg briefly explained the policy and procedures guide ofthe Assessment Manual. Mr.
Rodeberg explained that this manual is based on Minnesota State Statute 429 and the "Local
Improvement Guide" developed by the League of Minnesota Cities. Mr. Rodeberg went on
to explain the types of improvements that the City is allowed to assess for. He also covered
some of the language changes made throughout the manual.
Motion by Mlinar, second by Peterson, to approve the assessment manual. Motion carried
unanimously.
(e) CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 02-325 - AN ORDINANCE PERMITTING
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS TO SERVE ON THE HUTCHINSON UTILITIES
COMMISSION (WAIVE FIRST READING AND SET SECOND READING AND
ADOPTION FOR NOVEMBER 26, 2002)
Marc Sebora, City Attorney, explained that it was suggested to him that communication lines
could be improved between the City Council and the Hutchinson Utilities Commission. As a
way to improve this communication, he had conducted research to determine whether or not
a Council Member or Mayor could serve in this capacity. Mr. Sebora did find that this is
allowable by state statute.
Steve Cook, 728 Juul Road, presented before the Council. Mr. Cook expressed that he feels
the proposed ordinance and the City Charter do not comply. He suggested that this change
be adopted by amending the City Charter, as in the same order the Council liaison is
appointed to the hospital board. Marc Sebora expressed that he feels this appointment could
be adopted in either capacity, either by ordinance or by amending the City Charter.
There was general discussion regarding on how to appoint a Council Member to the Utilities
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - NOVEMBER 12, 2002
Commission.
Motion by Mlinar, second by Peterson, to waive first reading and set second reading and
adoption of Ordinance No. 02-325 for November 26, 2002. Motion carried unanimously.
(f) RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CITY COUNCIL MEMBER SEATS
Marc Sebora, City Attorney, explained that a petition was circulated and approved to place
on the election ballot an amendment to the City Charter having a designated seat system for
Council Member seats. The voters in Hutchinson approved this amendment to the City
Charter and the petition required that the designated seats be put in place at the following
Council meeting. Therefore, he requested that the Council approve the designated seat
system so illustrated on Resolution No. 12061.
Motion by Mlinar, second by Peterson, to designate the City Council member seats so
defined on Resolution No. 12061. Motion carried unanimously.
9. MISCELLANEOUS
(a) COMMUNICATIONS
Gary Plotz - Mr. Plotz requested that the second Council meeting in December be
rescheduled to December 23,2002, at 5:30 p.m. Motion by Haugen, second by Peterson, to
set the second meeting in December for December 23,2002, at 5:30 p.m. Motion carried
unanimously.
Mr. Plotz also explained that staff and Council would like to set an informal appreciation
event on December 23, 2002, for outgoing Council Member John Mlinar at 4:45 p.m.
Motion by Peterson, second by Haugen, to set appreciation event for December 23,2002, at
4:45 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Plotz requested that the Council set the organizational meeting for January 2, 2002, at
8:00 a.m. Motion by Haugen, second by Peterson, to set organizational meeting for January
2, 2002, at 8:00 a.m. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Plotz requested that the Council set a meeting to visit with new employees that have
joined city staff in recent months. Motion by Peterson, second by Mlinar, to set reception
event with new employees for January 14,2002, at 4:45 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Plotz reviewed the items discussed at the Team Leadership Meeting earlier in the day.
The items discussed were adding a t.v. monitor at the back ofthe Council Chambers, which
was decided to avoid installing at this time. Also discussed were bagging activities at the
compost facility, the EDA Director position, the Assistant Liquor Store Manager position
and the orientation for new elected officials.
John Rodeberg - Mr. Rodeberg explained that the DNR has requested that the City of
Hutchinson delay the Crow River Bank stabilization project for one year. Mr. Rodeberg also
explained that there is a Highway 7 Open House next week regarding the three passing lanes
that are being projected. Mr. Rodeberg stated that the Jefferson Street project will be
completed for the Fall next week.
Marlin Torgerson - Mayor Torgerson updated the residents on the gas pipeline project. He
stated that he, Clarence Kadrmas, and Dave Wetterling (President of HUC), met with
representatives from New Ulm and Fairfax regarding them tying into the proposed gas
pipeline, which went very well. Mayor Torgerson further explained the purpose and
projections of the natural gas pipeline.
10. CLAIMS. APPROPRIATIONS AND CONTRACT PAYMENTS
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - NOVEMBER 12, 2002
(a) VERIFIED CLAIMS A & B
Motion by Mlinar, second by Haugen, to approve and authorize payment of Verified Claims
A and B from appropriate funds. Motion carried unanimously.
Steve Cook, presented before the Council and requested that he be considered for serving on
the Planning Commission. Mr. Cook also asked of John Rodeberg as to when the new
streetlights will be installed on Juul Road. Mr. Rodeberg explained that the contractor
informed him that they would be installed last week and he is hopeful that they will be
installed by the end of next week.
Mayor Torgerson welcomed students from the New Century Charter School.
John Mlinar asked John Rodeberg if 2nd Avenue will be receiving a second coat of
bituminous this year. Mr. Rodeberg explained that it will not be this Fall but will be in the
Spring.
Mayor Torgerson noted that there was a workshop this afternoon with vacant seats. He
welcomed the public to attend all workshops.
11. ADJOURN
With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
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