11-27-2012 CCMMINUTES
REGULAR MEETING — HUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2012
1. CALL TO ORDER — 5:30 P.M.
2. INVOCATION — Father Zac Peterson, St. Anastasia Catholic Church, delivered the invocation.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. RECOGNITION OF GIFTS, DONATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICE TO THE CITY
Council Member Bill Arndt recognized the Hutchinson athletic teams and coaches for their hard work and
dedication. He thanked those who traveled to the dome to support the Hutchinson football team. Council
Member Arndt also recognized Mayor Steve Cook for taking the lead to get McLeod County, City of
Hutchinson and the DNR to work together on a program.
City Administrator Jeremy Carter thanked the Southwest Chapter Building Officials who created a scholarship
for Lenny Rutledge, City of Hutchinson Building Official, to attend a conference.
Mayor Steve Cook mentioned the Hutchinson signs coming into the city have all been refurbished and thanked
those involved as this has been an effort from many organizations.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS
6. MINUTES
(a) REGULAR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 13, 2012
Motion by Christensen, second by Arndt, to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
7. CONSENT AGENDA (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. 14067 — RESOLUTION ADOPTING 2013 FEE SCHEDULE
2. ORDINANCE NO. 12 -699 — AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 31.28 OF THE
HUTCHINSON CITY CODE — AIRPORT COMMISSION (WAIVE FIRST READING AND SET
SECOND READING AND ADOPTION FOR DECEMBER 11, 2012)
3. ORDINANCE NO. 12 -700 — AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 113.99 OF THE
HUTCHINSON CITY CODE — TOBACCO REGULATIONS (WAIVE FIRST READING AND SET
SECOND READING AND ADOPTION FOR DECEMBER 11, 2012)
(b) PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS
CONSIDERATION OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A 1974 MOBILE HOME
TO BE INSTALLED ON LOT 2, MCDONALD'S LAKEVIEW TERRACE, 1525 MCDONALD
DRIVE SW WITH FAVORABLE PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION (ADOPT
RESOLUTION NO. 14066)
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES NOVEMBER 27, 2012
(c) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF ISSUING TEMPORARY LIQUOR LICENSE TO
HUTCHINSON THEATRE CO. ON NOVEMBER 30, 2012
(d) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF IMPROVEMENT PROJECT CHANGE ORDER NO. 6 —
LETTING NO. 8, PROJECT NO. 12 -09 — LES KOUBA PARKWAY IMPROVEMENTS PHASE 2
(e) CLAIMS, APPROPRIATIONS AND CONTRACT PAYMENTS
Items 7(a) 1 & 7(c) were pulled for separate discussion.
Motion by Arndt, second by Yost, to approve the consent agenda with the exception of the items noted
above. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 7(a) 1 had further discussion. Mayor Cook questioned why the Temporary Liquor License fee is
proposed to double. Jeremy Carter, City Administrator, explained that the Temporary Liquor License fee
should be higher than the 3.2 liquor license as there is more liability. Mayor Cook questioned the
Temporary Liquor License four day allowance and inquired if any organization has needed the license for
four days. He feels they would be buying three more days than what is typically needed. Mr. Carter agreed
to look into the option of a daily license. Mr. Carter will come back with the amendment to the fee schedule
in regards to the Temporary Liquor License.
Motion by Yost, second by Arndt, to approve the 2013 Fee Schedule with the exception of the Temporary
Liquor License Fee. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 7(c) had further discussion. Jeremy Carter, City Administrator, wanted the Council to be aware of the
revised application. The application stated that no liquor would be served, however Zella's is contracted to
provide liquor and this has been amended on the application. Hutchinson Theatre Company has general
liability insurance coverage as required.
Motion by Arndt, second by Christensen, to approve Item 7(c). Motion carried unanimously.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS — 6:00 P.M.
(a) REVIEW OF CITY OF HUTCHINSON 2013 BUDGET
Jeremy Carter, City Administrator, presented before the Council. Mr. Carter briefed the Council on the
2013 budget. The same information will be presented in greater detail at the December 11, 2012, truth in
taxation hearing which will be held at the City Council meeting. Mr. Carter stated the six areas focused on
most are public safety, health and recreation, transportation, economic development, environment, and good
government. The proposed budget has a 1.5 % increase. A major component of the city budget is salaries.
The city has combined some positions and has not filled some of those that have retired; yet service has not
been compromised. There is a debt management in place — staying within a solid business practice. City
looks at a five year budget in trying to be proactive. The assumption is 0% levy going forward. Some major
initiatives the city and staff are working on are the volunteer program which results in cost savings; the Fit
City wellness program has been established to try to control internal costs with health insurance. The city is
always looking at ways to cut costs by sharing or partnering with the county or state on projects. This
allows expense reduction and doing projects better and more efficient. Council Member Yost would like for
Mr. Carter to emphasize that about 39% of property taxes dollars goes to the city and even if there is a 0%
levy; taxes go up because of the value of the home.
Motion by Yost, second by Arndt, to close the public hearing. Motion carried unanimously.
9. COMMUNICATIONS REQUESTS AND PETITIONS (Purpose: to provide Council with information
necessary to cra t wise po icy. Always looking toward t e uture, not monitoring past)
10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES NOVEMBER 27, 2012
(a) CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 12 -698 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 95
PERTAINING TO PUBLIC PARKS (FIRST READING, SET SECOND READING AND ADOPTION)
Motion by Czmowski, second by Arndt, to approve Item 10(a). Motion carried unanimously.
11. NEW BUSINESS
(a) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF ENTERING INTO AGREEMENT WITH DEPARTMENT OF
NATURAL RESOURCES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR LUCE LINE TRAIL
IMPROVEMENTS
Mayor Cook briefed the audience on the agreement. This is a cooperative agreement between McLeod
County, City of Hutchinson, Department of Natural Resources, Winsted and Silver Lake to improve the
Luce Line Trail to make it more usable. Snowmobiling (with studs), horses and field crossing will be
allowed. Mayor Cook believes this will be an asset to visitors coming to Hutchinson and this will help make
our local economy stronger and diversify the community. This will be a high priority for the DNR to go to
the legislature and the legislature wants to fund this project. $750,000 donation will come from the City of
Hutchinson, McLeod County - $500,000, the DNR - $500,000, Winsted - $100,000 and Silver Lake still
talking about a donation. The goal is to have the base done in 2013 and the paving with the bonding done in
2014.
Gail Plaisance, Hutchinson resident and business owner, shared his concerns about the amount of money
that is going to be spent on the trail. He is also concerned about the asphalt creating a bigger heat load and
less square footage for the rain to soak into. He questioned if this is the best way to use the health and
wellness dollars from the Hospital.
Chester Kiekhafer, Hutchinson resident, shared his thoughts on Hutchinson already having paved trails as
well as bike paths. He feels the money would be better spent on an indoor swimming pool. He doesn't see
the economic impact on paving the Luce Line Trail.
Lucas Runke, Hutchinson resident, believes the biggest use of the trail now is snowmobiling and horseback
riding. He believes the city is trying to repurpose the trail by paving it. He doesn't see the economic impact
and says the City of Hutchinson should not be compared to the metro. Runke has concerns that the black
surface on the paved trail will cause the snow to stick less and melt faster.
Connie Runke, Hutchinson resident, believes paving the trail is not wellness dimensional.
Alvin Bertram, owner of Fun Sports of Hutchinson, does not see the economic impact. He believes his
business will see an economic loss.
Roger Wersal, Hutchinson resident, would like to see the dollars spent in the city rather than outside.
Wersal's son runs on the Hutchinson cross country team and prefers to run on the natural terrain rather than
on a paved trail. Wersal also reminded the Council that the Hutchinson Leader's survey shows a majority
against paving the Luce Line Trail. Wersal stated if the Council passes the paving of the Luce Line, the
Council is against constituents.
Brett Kuttner, Hutchinson resident, is a cyclist and a snowmobiler. Kuttner believes the Luce Line Trail is a
multi -use trail already and the runners, joggers and snowmobilers will not benefit, but just the few bicyclists
will. Kuttner also believes that snowmobile rods and studs will tear up the pavement.
Troy Elder, Hutchinson resident, questioned why ATV's are not able to us the trail. He feels he brings in
revenue by registering his ATV, therefore should be allowed to use the trail. Elder believes an
indoor /outdoor pool would be a better investment.
Council Member Bill Arndt stated he believes the black top will stand up to snowmobilers. He sees people
walking, biking and driving scooters on trails every day, he believes this IS health. He would like to see
everyone share the trail and use the trail.
Mayor Steve Cook shared that paving the trail allows everyone to be able to use the trail for their period of
time. He also advised Troy Elder that ATV use on State trails is prohibited by state law.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES NOVEMBER 27, 2012
Council Member Chad Czmowski shared information from a study showed cycling tourism is second to
hunting and fishing tourism. Council Member Czmowski asked residents to be patient to see the positive
impact this could have on the City.
George Jones, McLeod County Trail Administrator, asked that the Council keep the Snowmobile Club in the
loop regarding the trail as the club would like to purchase a piece of equipment to help maintain the trail.
Don DeMeyer, Hutchinson resident, stated he was in favor of paving the Luce Line Trail. He is a cyclist
and feels the trail would be safer for him and his kids rather than riding on city streets. As he travels to
other towns as a cyclist, he spends money at shops, restaurants or overnight establishments. He sees how
this will be an economic impact on the city.
Council Member Eric Yost has done lots of walking and biking on trails. He has seen anytime a trail comes
into a city, money is spent and hearing some of the businesses not in favor of paving the trail is surprising to
him.
Council Member Mary Christensen is in favor of the paved trail as she sees people of all ages with strollers
and scooters using the existing trails. She believes this will benefit more than dust the bicyclists.
Motion by Arndt, second by Cook, to approve entering into agreement with Department of Natural
Resources and appropriating funds for Luce Line Trail improvements. Motion carried unanimously.
(b) CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF AIRPORT AGRICULTURAL LAND LEASES
John Olson, Public Works Manager presented before council. Mr. Olson advised the Council of two minor
changes: Agricultural Lease Agreement (Area 42) page 3, section 8 and Agricultural Lease Agreement
(Tesch) omit `The Tenant shall pay all costs related to farming the property, including the cost of plowing
property back at the end of the lease.'
Motion by Arndt, second by Yost, to approve consideration for approval of airport agricultural land leases.
Motion carried unanimously.
(c) REVIEW OF PROPOSED CHANGES TO CITY ORDINANCE CHAPTER 94 — CEMETERIES
John Olson, Public Works Manager, presented before the council. Regulations set by the veterans'
administration were used while reviewing this ordinance. The areas addressed were definitions, lot
ownerships and lot decorations. This is a large ordinance, with numerous proposed changes; more work
will be done with this ordinance.
(d) REVIEW OF PROPOSED CHANGES TO CITY ORDINANCE SECTION 90.01 — ICE AND SNOW ON
PUBLIC SIDEWALKS AND TRAILS
Kent Exner, City Engineer, presented before the council. Mr. Exner advised the Council that trail language
to ice and snow on public sidewalks was added. Also, elaborating on the billing and the potential to assess
the property owner. Mayor Cook requested verbiage regarding Council approval be made more clear.
(e) REVIEW OF PROPOSED 2013 INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN PROJECTS LIST
Kent Exner, City Engineer, presented before the council. Mr. Exner presented the proposed projects for
2013. He stated the public hearing notices will be set to educate the community on the proposed projects.
Council Member Arndt raised discussion regarding the proposed pond in Letting 13 -09. His concern is
excavating a pond in a recreation area and losing two ball fields with the possibility of losing another ball
field if the pool area ever expanded. Discussion was held in regards to the dirt use and keeping it in the city.
Mr. Exner agreed to bring discussion to the next meeting.
(f) REVIEW OF TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE INFORMATION — PUBLIC INPUT
QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS, DRAFT MAPS AND TECHNICAL MEMO ITEMS
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES NOVEMBER 27, 2012
Kent Exner presented before Council the Local Traffic Flow & Safety Questionnaire (2012). This
information will also be shared at the Public Open House on Wednesday, November 28, 2012, at the Event
Center.
12. GOVERNANCE (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) CITY OF HUTCHINSON FINANCIAL REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2012
(b) CITY OF HUTCHINSON INVESTMENT REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2012
(c) CITY OF HUTCHINSON LOCAL SALES TAX UPDATE THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2012
(d) PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 16, 2012
13. MISCELLANEOUS
Jeremy Carter — City Administrator Carter advised the Council of the City of Hutchinson Holiday Christmas
Party on Friday, December 14, 2012, at the Event Center and requested the Council set this as a meeting.
Motion by Arndt, second by Christensen, to set Friday, December 14, 2012 as a meeting. Motion carried
unanimously.
Mr. Carter also reminded the Council of a workshop set for December 11, 2012, to review the project list and
what the City has for funding.
Kent Exner — City Engineer Exner noted the Hwy 15 /CSAH 115 Roundabout presentation will be held at the
Event Center on Thursday, December 6, 2012, at 6:00 p.m. The plan is to start this project in the spring after
school gets out and finish before the McLeod County Fair.
Steve Cook — Mayor Cook requested Council Member Eric Yost continue to be the City representative for the
hospital and asked for the support of the Council.
Motion by Christensen, second by Arndt, to have Council Member Eric Yost continue to be the City
representative on the hospital board. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Cook also commented on the trail discussion. He appreciated and welcomed the attendance. The
Council, as a whole, has to look at the City and into the future. This is a great opportunity for the community.
14. ADJOURN
Motion by Cook, second by Arndt, to adjourn at 8:53 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.
ATTEST:
Steven W. Cook Jeremy J. Carter
Mayor City Administrator