Loading...
03-22-2011 CCMMINUTES REGULAR MEETING – HUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2011 CALL TO ORDER – 5:30 P.M. 1. Mayor Steve Cook called the meeting to order. Members present were Mary Christensen, Bill Arndt, Eric Yost and Chad Czmowski. Others present were Jeremy Carter, City Administrator, Marc Sebora, City Attorney, and Kent Exner, City Engineer. INVOCATION 2. – Due to the absence of a pastor, the invocation was dispensed. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS 4. Bryce Grundahl, Drop-n-Go Shipping, presented before the Council. Mr. Grundahl read a statement in st opposition to the closing of 1 Avenue SE to hold the Farmers’ Market for 2011. MINUTES 5. (a)REGULARMEETING OF MARCH 8, 2011 Motion by Czmowski, second by Arndt, 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) RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES 1.RESOLUTION NO. 13855 – RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE TRAILS LEGACY GRANT APPLICATION DAKOTA RAIL TRAIL 2.RESOLUTION NO. 13862 – RESOLUTION TO SELL AT AUCTION FORFEITED VEHICLES (b)PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS 1.CONSIDERATION OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REQUESTED BY RUNNINGS TO ALLOW A GARDEN CENTER IN THE PARKING LOT FROM MARCH 15 – JULY 30, 2011, AND OUTDOOR DISPLAY OF GARDEN SOIL, MULCH AND ROCK UNTIL NOVEMBER 1, 2011, LOCATED AT 1090 HWY 15 SOUTH WITH FAVORABLE PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION (ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 13856) 2.CONSIDERATION OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REQUESTED BY WALMART TO ALLOW A GARDEN CENTER IN THE PARKING LOT FROM APRIL 1 – SEPTEMBER 5, 2011, LOCATED AT 1300 HWY 15 SOUTH WITH FAVORABLE PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION (ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 13857) 3.CONSIDERATION OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REQUESTED BY SHOPKO TO ALLOW A GARDEN CENTER IN THE PARKING LOT BEGINNING MARCH 27, 2011, TO APPROXIMATELY SEPTEMBER 30, 2011, LOCATED AT 125 MAIN STREET NORTH WITH FAVORABLE PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION (ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 13858) CITY COUNCIL MINUTES –MARCH 22, 2011 4.CONSIDERATION OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REQUESTED BY THE PLANT PLACE TO ALLOW A GARDEN CENTER IN THE CASH WISE PARKING LOT BEGINNING APPROXIMATELY APRIL 15 – JULY 31, 2011, LOCATED AT 1020 HWY 15 SOUTH WITH FAVORABLE PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION (ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 13859) 5.CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE CHAPTER 154; SECTION 154.137 D(4) AND 3(11) REGARDING BANNER SIGNS WITH FAVORABLE PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION (WAIVE FIRST READING AND SET SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 11-0666 FOR APRIL 12, 2011) AND APPROVAL OF SUMMARY ORDINANCE 6.CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CITY CODE CHAPTER 54; STORMWATER MANAGEMENT ADDING LANGUAGE IN SECTION 54.05, USE OF STORMWATER PONDS WITH FAVORABLE PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION (WAIVE FIRST READING AND SET SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 11-0667 FOR APRIL 12, 2011) (c)CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWALS (d)CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF ITEMS FOR 2011 PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM PHASE 1 (LETTING NO. 3, PROJECT NO. 11-04) (e)CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF CROW RIVER CORVETTES CAR SHOW EVENT TO BE HELD IN LIBRARY SQUARE ON MAY 28, 2011 (f)CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF ISSUING TRANSIENT MERCHANT LICENSE TO BETTY JODZIO TO OPERATE HOT DOG AND BEVERAGE CART (g)CLAIMS, APPROPRIATIONS AND CONTRACT PAYMENTS Items 6(b)1 – 6(b)6 and 6(d) were pulled for separate discussion. Motion by Czmowski, second byYost, to approve consent agenda with the exception of the items noted above. Motion carried unanimously. Items 6(b)1 had further discussion. Mayor Cook suggested that the Resolutions adopting these conditional use permits reference an approved diagram of each area that is the subject of the garden centers. Mayor Cook suggested also that the condition placed on the Runnings CUP referencing tidiness and unsightliness also be included on the other CUPs as well. Dan Jochum, Planning Director, noted that these conditions could be placed on all of the CUPs. Mr. Jochum also spoke in more detail of the CUP application at the Runnings site. The proposal Runnings submitted would have left them 94 parking spaces short with the garden center in place. A revised plan allows them to use 52 parking spaces for the garden center. It was noted that CUPs can always be reviewed at the request of the applicant. Jack Grausam, Runnings District Manager, presented before the Council. Mr. Grausam noted that Hutchinson is the only community in nine areas where they have stores that require a conditional use permit. Mr. Grausam spoke that the garden center has been scaled back drastically as to what their proposal was when submitted. Mr. Grausam noted that, unfortunately, their parking lot is not over exceeded with customers. Mr. Grausam asked if they could revise the CUP down the road if they were able to acquire more parking spaces and grow their garden center business. 2 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES –MARCH 22, 2011 Steve Bruhn, 924 Merrill Street – Runnings employee, presented before the Council. Mr. Bruhn questioned the parking space requirement when there are six empty stores within the mall. Mr. Bruhn also spoke of the snow storage that takes up so many spaces. Council Member Arndt spoke of the logistics at Shopko with the garden center and Wells Fargo. Mr. Jochum responded that the parking space ratio more than meets capacity. Mr. Grausam noted that downsizing the garden center may bring in less traffic.He asked that the Council reconsider allowing Runnings to use 72 parking stalls for the garden center and then deal with parking issues down the road if necessary. Motion by Arndt, second by Cook, to approve Items 6(b)1, with the revised language noted above (52 parking spaces and including a diagram). Motion carried unanimously. Item 6(b)2 had further discussion. Mr. Jochum noted that WalMart is requesting two garden center areas, one along the north side of their building and one in the parking lot. Staff is recommending that the conditions be added that they meet parking requirements and that a diagram is attached. Motion by Czmowski, second by Arndt, to approve Item 6(b)2. Motion carried unanimously. Item 6(b)3 had further discussion. It was noted that the same conditions would apply to Shopko as to WalMart. Motion by Arndt, second by Christensen, to approve Item 6(b)3. Motion carried unanimously. Item 6(b)4 had further discussion. It was noted that the same conditions would apply to Cash Wise as to WalMart and Shopko. Motion by Czmowski, second by Christensen, to approve Item 6(b)4. Carried unanimously. Item 6(b)5 had further discussion. Council Member Czmwoski noted he had received comments in reference to a new business coming into town that may need a banner sign prior to securing a permanent sign. Staff noted that it should not be a problem for a business to obtain a permanent sign within 45 days. Motion by Czmowski, second by Yost, to approve Item 6(b)5. Council Member Yost asked how this ordinance effects a RiverSong type of event and those other events that are temporary. Mr. Jochum explained the off-premise regulation of signs. Motion carried unanimously. Item 6(b)6 had further discussion. Kent Exner, City Engineer, noted this is an ordinance provision that somewhat regulates how stormwater ponds are utilized. Mr. Exner stressed that stormwater ponds are considered infrastructure that are located on private properties but the City holds blanket drainage and utility easements for the City to maintain the ponds. The proposed ordinance makes it unlawful for persons to wade, swim or operate vehicles in or on stormwater wet ponds or to go on frozen surfaces of stormwater wet ponds. Council Member Yost asked if signage should be incorporated near the ponds indicating that individuals should “keep off”. Effectiveness, location, and cost were some issues considered with signage. Fencing around the ponds was also discussed. Mr. Exner noted that research from the League of Minnesota Cities suggested that fencing was not in cities’ best interest due to access issues, cost, aesthetics, etc. Steve Bruhn, 924 Merrill Street, presented before the Council. Mr. Bruhn spoke of the proximity of stormwater ponds near city parks. He noted he was not concerned with pollutants in stormwater ponds effecting people. Motion by Arndt, second by Christensen, to approve Item 6(b)6. Motion carried unanimously. Item 6(d) had further discussion. Council Member Yost spoke of the potential for costs to increase. Mr. Exner noted that these are cost estimates and he noted that staff is not being conservative but rather using numbers off of the capital improvement plan. If fuel and oil prices stay where they are today, perhaps these numbers could be higher. Motion by Yost, second by Arndt, to approve Item 6(d). Motion carried unanimously. 3 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES –MARCH 22, 2011 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 BY MILES SEPPELT, EDA DIRECTOR, ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY Miles Seppelt, Economic Development Director, presented before the Council. Mr. Seppelt provided a presentation on the EDA’s strategy on attracting new and retaining current businesses in the city. Mr. Seppelt spoke of the precision high-tech manufacturing that is currently in place in the city, with world-class companies including 3M, Hutchinson Manufacturing, Ohly and Goebel Fixture Company. The strategy of the EDA contains three elements which includes business retention & expansion, business incubation and business recruitment. Mr. Seppelt spoke of recent success stories of new companies including Warrior Mfg., Customer Elation, Inc. and NuCrane Mfg. Future plans of the EDA is to obtain “shovel ready” site certification for the Industrial Park, prepare for a small business incubator project, promote development of a McLeod County EDA and continue efforts to diversify the local economy. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 9. NEW BUSINESS 10. (a)CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF STAFF RECOMMENDATION PER THE JOB EVALUATION AND COMPENSATION STUDY COMPLETED BY LAUMEYER HUMAN RESOURCES SOLUTIONS AND CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 13854 – A RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 13828 – 2011 CITY OF HUTCHINSON COMPENSATION PLAN Jeremy Carter, City Administrator, noted that in February, the job evaluation and compensation consultant presented before the Council noting that their study was complete. As a result of the study, staff is recommending revising the 2011 Compensation Plan. Brenda Ewing, Human Resources Director, presented before the Council. Ms. Ewing noted that the job evaluation consultants reviewed 17 positions on the City’s job classification table. Based on the consultants’ recommendations, staff is recommending that the following positions move one grade upward on the classification table: Controller, Environmental Specialist, General Maintenance Worker, Public Works Secretary and Utility Billing Specialist. According to the City’s compensation plan, the City Administrator and Human Resources Director can administratively approve reclassifications that do not exceed two grades upward or downward and therefore, these actions do not require City Council consideration. The wage adjustments associated with the job grade classifications will result in an increase of approximately $1900 for the four positions that currently have incumbent employees (the Controller is currently vacant) for the year. Ms. Ewing also explained that the consultants reported that market study information indicates that a 10% market variance for public sector positions is the norm, but for critical positions, the accepted norm is 5%. The consultants indicated that the City pay rates for positions compares favorably with the norms. However, the market information indicates that the position of City Administrator is 11.88% below the market. Therefore, it is recommended that the pay rate for the incumbent in the City Administrator position be increased to the market rate. This would result in a 0% variance from the market rate indicated in the study. If the increase is granted effective as of March 6, 2011, the budget impact for the remainder of 2011 is approximately $4000. In addition, Ms. Ewing requested additional language be approved in the compensation plan to better clarify market adjustments for all pay grades being effective January 1 of each year. Council would still retain the authority to withhold or rescind that market adjustment. Motion by Czmowski, second by Cook, to approve the staff recommendation per the job evaluation and compensation study completed by Laumeyer Human Resources Solutions and approve Resolution No. 4 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES –MARCH 22, 2011 13854 adopting a revised 2011 City of Hutchinson compensation plan including additional language proposed this evening. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Czmowski, second by Christensen, to approve market adjustment for City Administrator position. Motion carried unanimously. 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)PARKS, RECREATION, COMMUNITY EDUCATION BOARD MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 7, 2011 (b)HUTCHINSON HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY BOARD MINUTES FROM JANUARY 18, 2011, AND FEBRUARY 15, 2011 (c)PLANNING, ZONING, BUILDING DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 2011 (d)HUTCHINSON AREA JOINT PLANNING BOARD MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 16, 2011 (e)PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES FROM DECEMBER 21, 2010 Item 11(b) had further discussion. Council Member Yost asked if the Hutchinson Housing and Rehabilitation Association could provide a report on foreclosure rates and what may be projected with the HTI announcement of it closing its manufacturing site in Hutchinson. Jeremy Carter, City Administrator, noted that the HRA’s Executive Director will be providing a formal report at the next Council meeting to review foreclosures and resources available in the future. No action required for these items. MISCELLANEOUS 12. Bill Arndt – Council Member Arndt noted that there is an opening on the Aging Committee with the Mid- Minnesota Development Commission. Interested persons can contact Don Winckler, Bill Arndt or Sheldon Nies. Jeremy Carter – Mr. Carter noted that Hutchinson had applied to be considered as a host city for community dialogue meetings being sponsored by the League of Minnesota Cities. Unfortunately, Hutchinson was not selected. It was further noted that the Council should set another workshop to review core city services and continue to review Ends statements. Motion by Yost, second by Christensen, to set Council workshop for April 12, 2011, at 4:00 p.m. to review core services and ends statements. Motion carried unanimously. Kent Exner – Mr. Exner noted that a neighborhood meeting will be held tomorrow evening for Letting No. 3. Mr. Exner explained that that project will be accelerated to get the project initiated sooner than planned. th A public hearing will be held at the April 12 City Council meeting, with bids being received in early May, with the anticipation of the project being awarded on May 10, 2011. Mr. Exner reviewed the flood open house that was held last week. An information packet is available at City Center and on the City’s web site. General discussion was held regarding flood preparations and river peaking. ADJOURN 13. Motion by Arndt, second by Czmowski, to adjourn at 7:25 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. 5 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES –MARCH 22, 2011 ATTEST: Steven W. Cook Jeremy J. Carter Mayor City Administrator 6