Loading...
11-25-2008 CCMMINUTES REGULAR MEETING – HUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2008 CALL TO ORDER – 5:30 P.M. 1. Mayor Cook called the meeting to order. Members present were Bill Arndt and Jim Haugen. Members absent were Casey Stotts and Kay Peterson. Others present were Gary Plotz, City Administrator, Kent Exner, City Engineer, and Marc Sebora, City Attorney. INVOCATION 2. – Due to the absence of Father Gerald Meidl, St. Anastasia Catholic Church, the invocation was dispensed. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS 4. MINUTES 5. (a)REGULARMEETING OF NOVEMBER 12, 2008 Motion by Arndt, second by Haugen, to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously. CONSENT AGENDA 6. (Purpose: only for items requiring Council approval by external entities that would otherwise have been delegated to the City Administrator. Traditionally, items are not discussed.) (a) REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS 1. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 21, 2008 2. JOINT PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 15, 2008 3. HUTCHINSON HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY BOARD MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 21, 2008 (b) RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES 1. RESOLUTION NO. 13498 – RESOLUTION TRANSFERRING ADMINISTRATION & ENGINEERING FEES (c) PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS 1.CONSIDERATION OF PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLAT OF FAITH LUTHERAN ADDITION AND VACATION OF ALLEY LOCATED AT 335 MAIN STREET SOUTH WITH FAVORABLE PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION (ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 13495 AND WAIVE FIRST READING AND SET SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 08-0518 FOR DECEMBER 9, 2008) 2.CONSIDERATION OF PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLAT OF HUTCHINSON MANUFACTURING AND REZONING TO I-1 (LIGHT INDUSTRIAL) FROM I/C AND C-4 WITH FAVORABLE PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION (ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 13496 AND WAIVE FIRST READING AND SET SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 08-0519 FOR DECEMBER 9, 2008) CITY COUNCIL MINUTES – NOVEMBER 25, 2008 (d) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF 2009 LICENSE RENEWALS (TOBACCO, PAWN SHOP, MASSAGE AND HAULERS) (e) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO PIONEERLAND LIBRARY SYSTEM JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT (f) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF SCHOOL LIASION AGREEMENT WITH HUTCHINSON SCHOOL DISTRICT (g) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH HUTCHINSON SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR USE OF FACILITIES (h) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH MCLEOD COUNTY ASSESSOR (i) CLAIMS, APPROPRIATIONS AND CONTRACT PAYMENTS Motion by Haugen, second by Arndt, to approve consent agenda. Motion carried unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS – 6:00 P.M. - NONE 7. COMMUNICATIONS, REQUESTS AND PETITIONS 8. (Purpose: to provide Council with information necessary to craft wise policy. Always looking toward the future, not monitoring past) (a) PRESENTATION ON UPGRADES TO EVERGREEN SENIOR DINING – REBECCA BOWERS Rebecca Bowers, Planning/Zoning/Building Director, presented before the Council. Ms. Bowers explained that Evergreen Senior Dining is operated by Lutheran Social Services whom leases the facility for a regional dining program serving McLeod County residents. The City rents the space for special events during non- dining times. In 2006 capital money was approved by the Council to renovate the Evergreen Senior Dining area which included brighter, more efficient lighting, new windows, blinds, ceiling tile and fresh paint. In addition, doors were replaced and a separate room has been separated from the dining area. In addition, the kitchen was renovated and a convection oven was replaced with a new double oven. Also an old Vulcan stove was replaced with a new model. The mechanical and fire suppression systems were replaced with more efficient systems. Lastly, automatic door openers were installed on the main doors for better accessibility. Funding partners included the Mardag Foundation, IJ Burich Foundation, Sno Pros, City of Stewart, Hutchinson Utilities Commission and the City of Hutchinson. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 9. NEW BUSINESS 10. (a)PRESENTATION OF SKETCH PLAN FOR HUTCHINSON AREA HEALTH CARE SENIOR HOUSING CAMPUS, FOR THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF COUNTY ROAD 8 AND JEFFERSON STREET SE Rebecca Bowers, Planning/Zoning/Building Director, presented before the Council. Ms. Bowers explained that the Planning Commission has reviewed Hutchinson Area Health Care’s sketch plan and has provided some feedback and staff would now like the Council’s feedback. This sketch plan is for a senior housing development which includes 288 units on 15 acres. A variety of unit types is proposed including long term care, memory care, assisted living, and independent living. Staff is requesting any concerns be identified and direction provided to Hutchinson Area Health Care on the overall development, proposed density and site layout. The Planning Commission noted a desire for additional green space and trail connections. Also discussed was access and traffic onto Airport Road. Representatives from Hutchinson Area Health Care noted that the items could be accommodated into the plan. Linda Krentz, Burns Manor Nursing Home Administrator, presented before the Council. Ms. Krentz noted that the first phase of the project will include construction of memory care and transitional care. These care 2 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES – NOVEMBER 25, 2008 centers will replace the current nursing home, Burns Manor. Ms. Krentz detailed more on the concept of the plan. Cary Linder, Hutchinson Area Health Care, described the social concept of the new housing development. Ms. Krentz noted that Hutchinson Area Health Care’s hope is to break ground Fall of 2009 and move in Fall of 2010. General discussion was held regarding access sites to the site. Ms. Bowers noted the City’s comprehensive plan will need to be amended to allow the higher density that is being proposed. Motion by Arndt, second by Haugen, to support the project and to move forward with it. Motion carried unanimously. (b)CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO.13497 PERSONNEL POLICY REVISIONS Brenda Ewing, Human Resources Director, presented before the Council. Ms. Ewing explained that the proposed amendments add and/or amend language to Sections 14 and 17. The first amendment to Section 14 would allow an eligible City employee to use up to 40 hours of accrued sick leave in conjunction with State Parental Leave law and the Family Medical Leave in the event of the birth or care of a newborn child of the employee or the placement with the employee of a son or daughter for adoption or foster care. The second amendment proposed is in regard to the definition of immediate family members for the purpose of granting the use of sick leave for a death in the immediate family. It is proposed to broaden the definition to include stepson, son-in-law, stepdaughter, daughter-in-law and grandchild. The amendment proposed to Section 17 is in regard to allowing employees receiving workers’ compensation loss time wage replacement benefits to supplement these wages with accrued sick leave, vacation leave and/or compensatory time. Workers’ compensation loss time benefits are paid at 2/3 of the employee’s regular gross weekly wages on the date of injury. By adopting this proposed language change, an employee would be allowed to choose if he/she wanted to use accrued time to reach their regular gross pay rate. Council Member Stotts arrived at 6:15 p.m. Motion by Haugen, second by Arndt, to approve Resolution No. 13497, personnel policy revisions. Motion carried unanimously. (c)DISCUSSION OF CREATING A VACANT HOUSE ORDINANCE – MAYOR COOK Mayor Cook noted that at the last meeting discussion was held regarding a potential nuisance property. He had asked City Attorney Sebora if the City had anything in its code on dealing with such properties that are vacant. Since that time, Mayor Cook located information on how the City of Burnsville deals with vacant homes. City Attorney Sebora noted that the City of Hutchinson does not currently have an ordinance on how to deal with vacant homes, however it may be a good idea to enact something since this seems to be a growing problem. Council Member Haugen noted that maintenance-type issues are covered in city code, such as weed notices and snow/ice removal. David Gehrke, 570 Lynn Road, presented before the Council. Mr. Gehrke noted that there is a home on the north side of Madson Avenue that is in similar condition to the 220 Lynn Road property. Mr. Gehrke noted that the Madson Avenue home has gone through foreclosure and has junk in the yard. In addition, a neighbor has seen animals (chipmunks, squirrels) running in and out of the house. Mr. Gehrke feels that this property is a nuisance and feels that an ordinance should be enacted to deal with vacant homes that are virtually abandoned. Motion by Arndt, second by Stotts, to direct staff (police, building, utilities, etc.) draft an ordinance for consideration to deal with vacant, abandoned homes. Motion carried unanimously. (d)CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF SETTING DATE FOR CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S PERFORMANCE REVIEW It was noted that Gary Plotz’s review should be held in December or early January to allow Mr. Plotz time to meet with directors to discuss various goals that could then be passed down through the departments. It 3 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES – NOVEMBER 25, 2008 was suggested that Plotz’s review be held following the organizational meeting held in early January. Motion by Haugen, second by Stotts, to table this item to the December 9, 2008, Council meeting when the organizational meeting is set. Motion carried unanimously. (e)REQUEST BY PUBLIC ARTS COMMISSION FOR UP TO $50,000 OF START UP FUNDING Tom Wirt, Public Arts Commission, presented before the Council. Mr. Wirt noted that the Public Arts Commission was formed almost two years ago. The start-up funding being requested by the Public Arts Commission is needed to begin initial projects which the Commission would try to leverage as matching funds for specific projects. These projects include the Little Crow reinstallment, Gateway Park (Main th Street), Boy Scout Park (bronze statue commemorating 100 anniversary), and City garden enhancements. The Commission is requesting that the Council designate $50,000 of a community improvement fund to “seed” public arts projects. In addition, the Commission feels that ongoing funding is needed to replenish the fund and grow the program thereafter. Possibilities the Commission would like considered are raising the parkland dedication fee and using a portion for public art in public places, include a percent for public arts in future city improvement projects, obtain grants and local contributions and work with private and commercial developers to encourage public art in projects. Lastly, the Commission is requesting that the board membership be increased from five to seven members. Council Member Haugen, Council representative on the Public Arts Commission, noted that the Commission has catalogued a fair number of gifts that have been received and need to be maintained. Funds are needed to maintain these gifts. Rebecca Bowers spoke about alternate funding sources that the City of Minneapolis uses. Council Member Stotts noted that he would like staff to survey other cities to see how they fund public art. Council Member Stotts does not feel that at this time the Council can designate funds for public art. Mayor Cook stated that he feels other projects need to be considered as well to see what, if any, an appropriate amount would be to designate for public art. Motion by Stotts, second by Cook, to table the issue of the number of members on the Board as it may take an ordinance change. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Cook noted that the “seed money” request will be taken under consideration at this time and the Council will know more by the end of the year. (f)UPDATE ON REGIONAL CENTER CITY – COMPARISON PROJECT – GARY PLOTZ Gary Plotz, City Administrator, presented before the Council. Mr. Plotz explained that the concept of comparing Hutchinson to other regional cities came about last July at the request of the Council. City staff met last week in an effort to restart this project as very limited information was received initially. Mr. Plotz reviewed the information discussed during the meeting amongst staff. The project is proposed to be completed by the end of the year. Mr. Plotz then reviewed the type of measurements that should be surveyed for the general fund, debt service fund, population, and miscellaneous items. Mr. Plotz asked that if any Council Members want additional measures to be considered to inform any of the members that are working on this project. Mayor Cook suggested using the budgets from 2007 as that is a fixed number. Council Member Arndt suggested using Duane Hoversten and his business program at Ridgewater College to assist or conduct this project. This project will take much staff time to complete. Council Member Haugen suggested offering the results of the survey to the other nine communities suggested. Council Member Haugen also suggested identifying nine communities that the City of Hutchinson consistently compares itself to. Council Member Haugen also honored the fact that this will take much staff time and he suggested that any information that could be taken from other central sources, such as the League of Minnesota Cities, to do so. Mayor Cook also suggested looking at the differences on parks/recreation amongst the cities. (g)UPDATE ON 30 KEY MEASUREMENTS FOR CITY MANAGEMENT AND BUDGETING PURPOSES – GARY PLOTZ 4 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES – NOVEMBER 25, 2008 Gary Plotz noted that this item is also a project that was identified at his last review, as well as part of the policy governance process. Mr. Plotz noted that he would like input from various sources on the measurements that should be gauged. Ideas of sources of community input include focus groups, the City’s web page, the Hutchinson Leader, public hearings, etc. Mr. Plotz feels that measurement topic areas should include quality measurements, customer service and productivity/efficiency. As part of policy governance, measurements would be part of ends statements. The measurements could show trends, establish benchmarks and establish specific targets. Mr. Plotz asked that if there are measurements that would like to be gauged in specific programs, to let him know. Mayor Cook suggested asking the existing boards/commissions of measurements they would like gauged. GOVERNANCE 11. (Purpose: to assess past organizational performance, develop policy that guides the organization and Council and manage the logistics of the Council. May include monitoring reports, policy development and governance process items.) (a)CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF REVISING EXECUTIVE LIMITATION POLICY NO. 2.1 – TREATMENT OF PUBLIC Mayor Cook suggested adding a limitation to Policy No. 2.1. The limitation was suggested to read either: “Shall not fail to ensure that city ordinances, regulations, policies and rules are implemented, carried out, and enforced fairly and consistently” or “Shall not fail to implement, carry out, and enforce city ordinances, regulations, policies, and rules in a fair and consistent manner”. Mayor Cook prefers the second statement. Motion by Haugen, second by Stotts, to revise Policy No. 2.1 adding the language, “Shall not fail to implement, carry out, and enforce city ordinances, regulations, policies, and rules in a fair and consistent manner”. Motion carried unanimously. (b)CITY OF HUTCHINSON FINANCIAL REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2008 No action required. (c)CITY OF HUTCHINSON INVESTMENT REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2008 No action required. MISCELLANEOUS 12. Gary Plotz – Mr. Plotz noted that Stacy Sjogren, Policy Governance consultant, requested that the Council meet one last time to complete the ends statements. Motion by Haugen, second by Cook, set Policy Governance session for December 10, 2008, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Haugen, second by Cook, to set budget workshop for December 9, 2008, at 4:00 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. John Olson – Mr. Olson acknowledged that Eldon Barkeim will be retiring and his last day of employment is tomorrow after 28 years of service. Gary Plotz – Mr. Plotz noted that city staff attempts to meet annually with the state legislators on priorities. Mr. Plotz will attempt to get a meeting set up before the session starts in January. Mayor Cook – Mayor Cook noted that he has seen preliminary projections that the State is forecasting a $4 billion shortfall. Due to this, Mayor Cook asked if the Council would consider asking staff not to use the $200,000 in LGA funds. Mayor Cook suggested using these funds as cash preservation. No direct response was provided by Council. ADJOURN 13. 5 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES – NOVEMBER 25, 2008 Motion by Arndt, second by Haugen, to adjourn at 7:45 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. 6