02-11-2003 CCM
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - HUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2003
1. CALL TO ORDER - 5:30 P.M.
Mayor Marlm Torgerson called the meeting to order. Members present were Bill Arndt, Jim
Haugen, Duane Hoversten and Kay Peterson. Others present were Gary Plotz, City
Administrator, Marc Sebora, City Attorney and John Rodeberg, Director of Engineering/Public
Works.
2. INVOCATION - Due to the absence of Rev. Greg Nelson, Bethlehem United Methodist
Church, the mvocation was dispensed.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. MINUTES
(a) REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 28,2003
(b) BID OPENING MINUTES FROM JANUARY 28,2003
Minutes were approved as presented.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
(a) REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
1. PARKS, RECREATION & COMMUNITY EDUCATION BOARD MINUTES FROM
JANUARY 6,2003
2. BUILDING DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT FOR JANUARY 2003
(b) RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES
1. ORDINANCE NO. 03-331 - AN ORDINANCE VACATING UTILITY AND
DRAINAGE EASEMENTS LOCATED BETWEEN LOT 1 AND LOT 2, BLOCK 2,
OLSON'S ADDITION
2. RESOLUTIONNO. 12112 - RESOLUTION GRANTING APPROVAL TO CHANGE
STREET NAME FROM EAST GATE AVENUE TO GATEWAY AVENUE NE
LOCATED IN THE SELTZ SUBDIVISION
3. RESOLUTIONNO. 12113 -RESOLUTION RELEASING PLEDGED SECURITIES
FROM FIRST FEDERAL
4. RESOLUTION NO. 12114-RESOLUTIONTO SELL AT AUCTION UNCLAIMED
PROPERTY
(c) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF WASTEWATER TREAMENT FACILITY
BECOMING MEMBER OF MINNESOTA ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND
ECONOMIC REVIEW BOARD
(d) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF SHORT-TERM GAMBLING LICENSE FOR
MINNESOTA WATERFOWL ASSOCIATION ON APRIL 25, 2003, AT VFW POST 906
(e) CONSIDERATION FORAPPROV AL OF AWARDING BID FOR HV AC RENOVATION
PROJECT AT WASTEWATER PRETREATMENT BUILDING
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 11,2003
(t) CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT OF JOHN & JUNE LYMAN TO SENIOR
ADVISORY BOARD TO 2006
(g) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDER NO.2, LETTING NO.3,
PROJECT NO. 02-06
Motion by Haugen, second by Peterson, to approve consent agenda with the exception of
Item 5( c). Motion carried unanimously.
Item 5( c). Mayor Torgerson stated that that this membership is not completely necessary
at this time due to budget constraints. Motion by Hoversten, second by Arndt, to table
this item until more information is received regarding state funding. Motion carried
unanimously.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 6:00 P.M.
(a) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF OUTDOOR RECREATION GRANT
PROGRAM
DolfMoon, Parks/Recreation/Community Education Director, presented before the Council.
Mr. Moon explained that the City has, in the past, been successful at achieving these types of
grants such as with the Oddfellows Park and Tartan Park. Ifthis grant is received, the funds
would be used for Rotary Park. The total project is estimated to cost a total of $90,000 in
materials and labor, including funding from the grant, the City and Rotary. Parts of the
project include adding a shelter, restroom, recreation fields (sand volleyball).
Rhett Young, presented before the Council. Mr. Young expressed that this is a fantastic
opportunity and he hopes the City will take advantage of it.
Motion by Peterson, second by Hoversten to close the public hearing. Motion carried
unanimously.
Motion by Hoversten, second by Arndt, to approve outdoor recreation grant program
application process. Motion carried unanimously.
7. COMMUNICATIONS. REQUESTS AND PETITIONS
(a) REQUEST FORA STREET LIGHT ON GROVE STREET AT 430 GRACE LUTHERAN
CHURCH
Motion by Peterson, second by Arndt, to forward the petition to the Hutchinson Utilities
Commission. Motion carried unanimously.
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
(a) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROV AL OF ORDINANCE NO. 03-332 - AN ORDINANCE
GRANTING FRANCHISE TO CITIZENS BANK FOR THE USE OF PUBLIC RIGHTS
OF WAY (SECOND READING AND ADOPTION)
John Rodeberg, Director of Engineering/Public Works, presented before the Council. Mr.
Rodeberg explained that adjustments had been made to the plans as presented at the last
meeting which included placing the posts out approximately two feet.
Motion by Hoversten, second by Arndt, to approve Ordinance No. 03-332. Motion carried
unanimously.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 11,2003
9. NEW BUSINESS
(a) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF REVISIONS TO UNIFORM POLICY
Motion by Haugen, second by Hoversten to defer this item to a later date. Motion carried
unanimously.
(b) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF PROCEEDING WITH NEW LIQUOR STORE
SITE
Miles SeppeIt, EDA Director, presented before the Council. Mr. SeppeIt explained that staff
had reviewed several different sites to construct a new liquor store. The optlOn of expanding
to the current store was not recommended due to parking issues and loading/unloading
issues. Another option of moving into the current Econo Foods store was considered, but not
recommended due to parking spaces and reservations by Nash Finch who owns Econo
Foods. A third option was to construct to the east of Econo Foods which had parking and
visibility issues. An option ofthe State Theatre was considered but not recommended due to
renovation costs and current developments that are being considered by private developers.
The final option considered is to construct on the lot to the north of the Dairy Queen where
an old service station and current pawn shop are located. This option appeared to be the
most favorable due to ample parking, high visibility and a nice gateway building as an
entrance to the city.
Candice Woods, Liquor Store Manager, presented before the Council. Ms. Woods expressed
that she feels the site to the north of Dairy Queen is the most preferred, due to the retail
setting. The financing for the liquor store will be from the liquor store enterprise fund and
revenue bonds.
Jim Haugen suggested that the member of the Downtown Revitilization Plan that works on
traffic issues could review this to see what his/her thoughts may be. John Rodeberg stated
that he could review this to see what his opinion may be, however this site was proposed in
the Plan for the liquor store and no issues were brought forth.
Motion by Hoversten, second by Peterson, to approve proceeding with new liquor store site
at the location to the north of the Dairy Queen. Motion carried unanimously.
Jim Haugen and Marlin Torgerson were appointed to the committee which will be planning
the development of the new liquor store.
(c) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF AWARDING SALE OF PUBLIC UTILITY
BONDS
Steve Apfelbacher, Ehlers & Associates, presented before the Council. Mr. Apfelbacher
explained that the sale of these utility bonds is for the purpose of the Hutchinson Utilities
Commission constructing a natural gas pipeline. Mr. Apfelbacher noted that Moody's
Investment Services has reaffirmed the Al rating for the City of Hutchinson. Mr.
Apfelbacher stated that the low bidder on these bonds is Piper Jaffer at an interest rate of
4.29%. The projections for bond payments is much less than anticipated due to the low,
aggressive bid.
Motion by Peterson, second by Haugen, to approve awarding the sale of public utility bonds,
Resolution No. 12117. Motion carried unammously.
10. MISCELLANEOUS
(a) COMMUNICATIONS
Gary Plotz - Mr. Plotz requested that Creekside Soils be granted the opportunity to bid on a
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 11,2003
stacker conveyor at an auction in Minneapolis. This conveyor will be used to process
screened material. Creekside has been leasing a conveyor at a rather high rate. The compost
site budgeted in 2003 $30,000 for a stacker conveyor. Mr. Plotz requested approval to attend
the auction and bid on a conveyor not to exceed $30,000. Mayor Torgerson suggested that
the compost site staff contact a representative from Hansen Gravel to see if there expertise
could be used in the selection of the conveyor.
Motion by Arndt, second by Peterson, to approve attending auction and bidding on conveyor
not to exceed the budgeted amount. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Plotz reminded the Council that the Visioning Workshop is scheduled for February 25,
2003, from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Mr. Plotz expressed that a major objective for this
workshop will be to discuss the budget deficit and how it effects the City. Mr. Plotz made
suggestions as to how to organize the meeting.
Mayor Torgerson expressed that he would like directors to meet with their employees to get
employee feedback as to how to tackle the deficit problem. Mayor Torgerson also noted that
if council members have specific ideas as to programs/services that need to be cut, to give
them to Gary Plotz so that they can be reviewed by the directors. Mayor Torgerson felt that
possibly services should be considered for elimination prior to positions being eliminated.
Duane Hoversten felt that it would be beneficial for the Council to meet with a facilitator and
develop a process prior to the Council meeting with directors. Mr. Hoversten suggested that
the first part of the session be an idea time and the remainder of the session be for the
Council to determine cuts.
Mayor Torgerson suggested that there may be volunteers throughout the city that would be
willing to assist the city with some labor items.
Mayor Torgerson - Mayor Torgerson noted that John Rodeberg had been voted Minnesota
Engineer of the Year.
John Rodeberg - Mr. Rodeberg explained that a neighborhood meeting was held regarding
the Elm Street project. He further explained that the project will not proceed until further
conversation is held with the residents in this area. He also noted that the biggest concern
with this proj ect is the proposal of the trail. The biggest concern for staff is public safety and
they will proceed when the issue is reviewed further. Mr. Rodeberg did note that there are
sanitary storm sewer issues in this area and will need to be addressed.
Bill Arndt questioned whether or not there is a possibility of making this a one-way street.
John Rodeberg stated that this is the only street that runs from McLeod Avenue to North
High Drive and does not think that a second street could be one-way in the opposite
direction. An issue is that there are limited options in this area to make improvements.
11. CLAIMS. APPROPRIATIONS AND CONTRACT PAYMENTS
(a) VERIFIED CLAIMS A
Motion by Haugen, second by Peterson, with Hoversten abstaining, to approve and authorize
payment of Verified Claims A from appropriate funds
(b) VERIFIED CLAIMS B
Motion by Peterson, second by Haugen, with Hoversten abstaining, to approve and authorize
payment of Verified Claims B from appropriate funds
12. ADJOURN
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - FEBRUARY 11,2003
With no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Peterson, second by
Hoversten, to close the regular meeting at 6:25 p.m. to conduct the performance appraisal
of City Administrator Gary Plotz. Mr. Plotz stated that he had no opposition to the
meeting being closed. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Peterson, second by Arndt, to adjourn the closed portion of the meeting.
Unanimous approval.
The regular meeting reconvened at 7:31 p.m. Motion by Peterson, second by Hoversten,
to adjourn the regular Council meeting. Unanimous approval. The regular meeting
adjourned at 7:32 p.m.
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