11-20-1986 CCMMINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING - HUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1986
1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M.
Mayor Paul Ackland called the meeting to order. Members present in
addition to Mayor Ackland were Aldermen Mike Carls, John Mlinar, Marlin
Torgerson and Pat Mikulecky. Also present were City Administrator Gary
Plotz and Finance Director Ken Merrill.
2. WATER SUPPLY TO GOPHER CAMPFIRE SANCTUARY (Deferred October 28, 1986)
Dr. Virgil Voigt and other representatives of Gopher Campfire Club were
present and spoke concerning a well that would supplement the current
hydrant water supply which provides treated water to the wildlife
sanctuary. Hydrant is presently controlled to a flow of 50 gal/min. A 6 -
inch well, 2401 deep with 3 HP pump could provide about 200 gal/min and
would cost an estimated $6,000 to install. Last year water was pumped
for 107 days from November through March with usage of 7,704,000 gallons.
With proper maintenance, a well should last for 25 years.
After further discussion, it was the consensus of the Council that the
addition of a well would be a much more economical way to supply water to
the sanctuary in the long run. The Council asked if Gopher Campfire
would be willing to donate some portion of the cost. The club will
discuss the request and inform the Council.
3. ENTERPRISE FUNDS BUDGET
a) Liquor Store
b) Sewer & Water Fund
c) Central Garage
Finance Director Ken Merrill presented the budgets with assistance from
Chuck Nelson (Liquor Store), Ralph Neumann and Doug Meier (Central
Garage). Budgets will be placed on agenda for adoption at next regular
City Council meeting, as presented, except for Central Garage which will
have deletion of two vehicles.
After discussion of water department budget, Finance Director Merrill was
asked to prepare a recommendation for future water rate adjustments.
4. LIQUOR STORE SATELLITE SITE
Finance Director Merrill and Liquor Store Manager Nelson discussed a
study which suggests that a satellite store at the Hutch Mall would not
be economically feasible. Remodeling the present store would be a
difficult project due to its shape. An option would be to move the
store to Plaza 15. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Council
that we should continue to examine the possibility of remodeling the
present store. It was recommended by the Council to Liquor Store Manager
Nelson that he run weekly specials to enhance the image of the store as
competitively priced, and that this should be done even if it means
lowering the profit over an extended period of time.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - NOVEMBER 20, 1986
5. AIRPORT APPRAISALS
City Administrator Plotz reviewed the airport appraisals which have been
received from MN/DOT. He called two supervisors at MN/DOT to request a
review of the conclusions and was told the only chance for review would
be by a private appraiser whom the city would employ. After the private
appraisal, MN/DOT would review both reports and determine if an
adjustment should be made from their original appraisal.
Mayor Ackland questioned the accuracy of the "commercial" value placed on
portions of the properties, which he believes was based on incorrect
information used by the appraiser about another commercial property sale
price. City Administrator Plotz was instructed to contact MN/DOT with
correct information about the commercial value used (car wash property)
and to again request an appraisal change. If no change can be made, it
is the preference of the Council to take no action now.
The Council discussed options if zoning is not carried out as planned.
Airport improvements (the 8001 runway extension) may be stopped, with
only maintenance payments being received from the State in the future.
Property owners could take action to have the city rescind the zoning or
pay them for the value of their property (Zone A - fee title, Zone B -
easement).
6. ASSESSMENT POLICY FOR LARSON STREET AND FIFTH AVENUE PROJECTS
The council requested that staff provide alternatives and options for
cost sharing of the projects based on information from the League of
Minnesota Cities and the City of Litchfield, which developed a formula
for projects there. The City Administrator was directed to obtain
information on the number of accidents at the Highway 15 South semaphor
since its installation.
7. REVISION OF CITY POLICIES FOR POLICY BOOK
The drafted policies will be reviewed for discussion at the next regular
council meeting.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ackland adjourned the meeting at 10:15 p.m.
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