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10-09-2007 CCMMINUTES REGULAR MEETING – HUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2007 CALL TO ORDER – 5:30 P.M. 1. Mayor Steve Cook called the meeting to order. Member present were Bill Arndt, Jim Haugen, Kay Peterson and Casey Stotts. Others present were Gary Plotz, City Administrator, Kent Exner, City Engineer, and Marc Sebora, City Attorney. INVOCATION 2. – Due to the absence of Pastor James Rainwater, Seventh Day Adventist Church, the invocation was dispensed. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS 4. MINUTES 5. (a)REGULARMEETING OF SEPTEMBER 25, 2007 Motion by Haugen, second by Arndt, to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously. CONSENT AGENDA 6. (a) REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS 1.PUBLIC ARTS COMMISSION MINUTES OF JUNE 21, 2007 2.PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES OF JULY 23, 2007, AND AUGUST 27, 2007 3.BUILDING DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 2007 4.FIRE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 2007 5.HUTCHINSON UTILITIES COMMISSION FINANCIAL REPORT FOR JULY AND AUGUST 2007 6.HUTCHINSON AREA HEALTH CARE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR JULY AND AUGUST 2007 (b)RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES 1. RESOLUTION NO. 13276 – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING GARY D. PLOTZ, CITY ADMINISTRATOR, TO EXECUTE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR REAL ESTATE PURCHASE 2. RESOLUTION NO. 13280 – RESOLUTION APPROVING TRANSFER OF FUNDS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF TEMPERED VEHICLE/EQUIPMENT STORAGE BUILDING 3. RESOLUTION NO. 13281 – RESOLUTION CLOSING OF VARIOUS DEBT SERVICE FUNDS AND TRANSFERRING FUND BALANCES TO EXCESS BOND FUND 4. RESOLUTION NO. 13282 – RESOLUTION FOR PURCHASE (SPHAGNUM PEAT BULK, UNLEADED GASOLINE, BIODIESEL) 5. ORDINANCE NO. 07-0478 - AN ORDINANCE VACATING UTILITY AND DRAINAGE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES – OCTOBER 9, 2007 EASEMENTS LOCATED BETWEEN LOTS 1 AND 2, BLOCK 4, SOUTHWIND (SECOND READING AND ADOPTION) (c)CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF SHORT-TERM GAMBLING LICENSE FOR CROW RIVER AREA CHAPTER OF MINNESOTA DEER HUNTERS ASSOCIATION AT MCLEOD COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS ON APRIL 5, 2008 (d) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF SHORT-TERM GAMBLING LICENSE FOR HUTCHINSON FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES AT BEST WESTERN VICTORIAN INN ON FEBRUARY 3, 2008 (e)CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF 2008 PAWN SHOP LICENSE RENEWAL FOR SECURITY COIN & PAWN SHOP, INC. LOCATED AT 140 NORTH MAIN STREET (f)SUMMARY OF CLOSED MEETING PROCEEDINGS FOR THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL SESSION HELD ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2007 (g)CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF USING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUNDS FOR PURCHASE OF TASER GUNS (h)CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF REVISED ASSESSMENT ROLL NO. 5079B (i)CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF REVISED ASSESSMENT ROLL NO. 5076A Item 6(b)3 was pulled for separate action. Motion by Stotts, second by Peterson, to approve consent agenda with the exception of item 6(b)3. Motion carried unanimously. Item 6(b)3 was discussed further. Mayor Cook noted that once the funds are transferred to the excess bond funds, they are available for any use. Mayor Cook questioned whether or not these excess funds should be used to pay off other debt service funds. Ken Merrill, Finance Director, noted that the City is currently on track with their debt service funds and funds should not be needed for use from the excess bond fund. Motion by Cook, second by Haugen, to approve Item 6(b)3. Motion carried unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS – 6:00 P.M. 7. (a) CONSIDERATION OF EXTENDING INTERIM ORDINANCE FOR HWY 7 CORRIDOR STUDY MORATORIUM (WAIVING FIRST READING AND SETTING SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 07-0479 FOR OCTOBER 23, 2007) Rebecca Bowers, Planning/Zoning/Building Director, presented before the Council. Ms. Bowers explained that staff is requesting to extend the moratorium for another six months. T he moratorium area was previously . The request is to protect the planning process and the study area. reduced to a limited area within the study area Motion by Peterson, second by Stotts, to close public hearing. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Haugen, second by Stotts, to approve first reading of Ordinance No. 07-0479, extending the moratorium for six months. Motion carried unanimously. COMMUNICATIONS, REQUESTS AND PETITIONS 8. (a) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF STREET LIGHTING ON 500 BLOCK OF LINDEN AVENUE John Olson, Public Works Manager, presented before the Council. Mr. Olson explained that a petition has been received from residents in the area of Linden Avenue requesting a streetlight near the alley by Merrill Street and Linden Avenue. A destination light is also needed by Linden Avenue and Lynn Road. The 2 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES – OCTOBER 9, 2007 requested streetlight is proposed to be placed between 520 and 530 Linden Avenue. A basic streetlight can be placed for approximately $800. This light is similar to the other lights along the street. A more decorative light will cost approximately $1800. Mr. Olson is recommending the $800 light be installed. Mr. Olson further noted that the City needs to establish standards for street lighting, such as where decorative lighting should be installed versus basic lighting. Motion by Arndt, second by Peterson, to approve placing a basic streetlight between 520 and 530 Linden Avenue. Motion carried unanimously. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 9. NEW BUSINESS 10. (a) PRESENTATION BY TIM FLAHERTY ON ACTIVITIES OF COALITION OF GREATER MINNESOTA CITIES Tim Flaherty, Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC), presented before the Council. Mr. Flaherty reviewed the mission and activities of CGMC. CGMC mainly provides legislative advocacy for greater Minnesota cities. CGMC also provides policy analysis and media relations. The Coalition is made up of 68 member cities. The membership dues to be part of the Coalition are $24,000/year. A phase-in due schedule is being offered to the City of Hutchinson if they should decide to join the Coalition. New Ulm Mayor, Joel Albrecht, presented before the Council. Mayor Albrecht spoke of the benefits of being a member of CGMC. (b) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF SALE OF 2007 IMPROVEMENT BONDS (ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 13279) Ken Merrill, Finance Director, presented before the Council. Mr. Merrill noted that a bid opening was held today in relation to the bond sale. Steve Apfelbacher, Ehlers & Associates, presented before the Council. Mr. Apfelbacher informed the Council that an A-2 bond rating has been given to the City by Mooty’s. This bond is to finance the City’s final improvement projects. Six bids were received with 3.85% coming in as the lowest interest rate. The projected rate was over 4%, therefore the bid came in very competitive. Motion by Stotts, second by Peterson, to approve sale of 2007 improvement bonds, adopting Resolution No. 13279. Motion carried unanimously. (c) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF SETTING WORKSHOP TO IDENTIFY, CLARIFY AND PRIORITIZE 2008 OBJECTIVES OF CITY ADMINISTRATOR/CITY OF HUTCHINSON Gary Plotz, City Administrator, noted that several objectives have been identified by the Council as goals for the City Administrator to complete. Mr. Plotz requested that a workshop be held to discuss some of the objectives to identify how in-depth of a process the Council wishes for him to proceed with. Mr. Plotz would also like to establish a priority list of the objectives as well. Motion by Stotts, second by Peterson, to set Council workshop for October 23, 2007, at 3:00 p.m. to identify, clarify and prioritize 2008 objectives for City Administrator/City of Hutchinson followed by a budget workshop at 4:00 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. (d) DISCUSSION OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ACTIVITIES/PROJECTS BY THE CITY OF HUTCHINSON Mayor Cook noted that he would like work to begin on researching alternative energy projects for the City. He noted that other cities have started looking at alternative resources. Mayor Cook suggested putting 3 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES – OCTOBER 9, 2007 together a working group to study different resources of alternative energy. Gary Plotz noted that he has spoken with Don Walser of the Hutchinson Utilities Commission (HUC). HUC is currently researching various alternative resources as well. The City of Northfield is using and researching various mechanisms of wind energy, biothermal and other methods. Mayor Cook asked other Council Members to consider being part of this working group, as well as any residents. (e) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF SETTING BUDGET WORKSHOP FOR OCTOBER 23, 2007 See action under Item 10(c). (f) CONSIDERATION OF SETTING PUBLIC MEETING FOR OCTOBER 16, 2007, AT 5:30 P.M. FOR SIGNING OF HOSPITAL/CITY PRIVATIZATION DOCUMENTS AT THE HOSPITAL BOARD MEETING AT THE HOSPITAL Mayor Cook thought that this meeting could be of a ceremonial type since it is such a monumental event. In addition, a presentation is going to be made by Jim Rice on Governance. Motion by Stotts, second by Peterson, to set October 16, 2007, at 5:30 p.m. as public meeting for Council Members to attend hospital board meeting. Motion carried unanimously. MISCELLANEOUS 11. Jim Haugen – Haugen noted that a groundbreaking for the Charter School is being held October 12, 2007, at 1:15 p.m. Motion by Haugen, second by Peterson, to set October 12, 2007, at 1:15 p.m. as a public meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Bill Arndt – Council Member Arndt commented on the turning lanes at the Bluff Street/Hwy 7 intersection. Kent Exner, City Engineer, noted that Mn/DOT has conducted an analysis and they have noted at this time the no right turn lane is warranted. Council Member Arndt also commented on the left-hand turn lane on Hwy 15 north. The turn signal cycles at Hwy 15/Hwy 7 was mentioned as well. Kent Exner – Mr. Exner noted that the Crow River Dam project was delayed a few days due to wet weather. Mr. Exner thanked Gopher Campfire in their work with the coordination of the draw down from the basin in the sanctuary. Mayor Cook – Mayor Cook noted that Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities’ Fall Conference is being held from November 7 – 9, 2007. The Coalition has invited the entire Council and the City Administrator to attend free of charge. The conference will be held in Alexandria. A session on climate protection will be held at the US Mayors Conference in Seattle, WA. Mayor Cook noted that he is interested in attending and asked for the Council’s approval. The Council noted that perhaps this opportunity could be passed upon. CLAIMS, APPROPRIATIONS AND CONTRACT PAYMENTS 12. Motion by Stotts, second by Arndt, to approve claims, appropriations and contract payments. Motion carried unanimously. ADJOURN 13. Motion by Haugen, second by Arndt, to adjourn at 6:53 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. 4