10-14-1986 CCMMINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - HUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1986
1. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ackland at 7:30 P.M. The follow-
ing were present: Alderman Mike Carl s, Alderman Marlin Torgerson, Alderman
Pat Mikulecky and Mayor Paul L. Ackland. Absent: Alderman John Mlinar.
Also present: City Administrator Gary D. Plotz, Director of Engineering
Marlow V. Priebe, and City Attorney James Schaefer.
2. INVOCATION
The invocation was given by the Reverend Tim Maland.
3. MINUTES
The minutes of the regular meeting of September 23, 1986 and bid opening of
September 23, 1986 were approved as distributed.
4. ROUTINE ITEMS
(a) REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
1. BUILDING OFFICIAL'S REPORT - SEPTEMBER 1986
2. AIRPORT COMMISSION MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 15, 1986
3. POLICE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION/POLICE DEPT. MINUTES
4. NURSING HOME BOARD MINUTES OF AUGUST 21, 1986
S. PARK & RECREATION BOARD MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 3, 1986
6. TREE BOARD MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 3, 1986
7. CHARTER COMMISSION MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 24, 1986
(b) CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS
1. LIBRARY BOARD - LARRY LADD
2. PLANNING COMMISSION - BRUCE DRAHOS
The motion was made by Alderman Mikulecky, seconded by Alderman Torger-
son, to order the minutes and report filed and to ratify the appoint-
ments to the Library Board and Planning Commission. Motion carried
unanimously.
5. PUBLIC HEARING - 8:00 P.M.
(a) ROBERTS FIRST ADDITION - PROJECT NO. 87-01
Mayor Ackland called the hearing to order at 8:15 P.M.
Mr. Joe Wesley, 560 Larson Street, asked if it was necessary to put in
four catch basins and, if so, why. He also inquired about the slope of
the berm. He wanted to know how many gallons of water will be pushed
down. Mr. Wesley further inquired if it would be possible to run the
trunk line at the end of Larson Street adjacent to the property under-
neath the anticipated berm and run the catch basin under the berm. He
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - OCTOBER 14, 1986
wondered if the City had made wrong assumptions regarding future de-
velopment in the area when elevation studies were done in 1964. Mr.
Wesley questioned if the City assumed some responsibility.
City Attorney Schaefer stated the City was not negligent or responsi-
ble. It made determinations based on the information available at the
time.
Engineer Priebe explained the reason for the four catch basins. He
stated that berms do not have adequate inlet capacity for the system,
and a smooth berm would be put in that would not be objectionable to
anyone. The south end is the higher portion. The problem with running
the line as suggested was that it would be under personal property and
would have to be dug up in the event of a problem with the line.
It was reported that the project would be designed using two different
methods, and bids would be taken both ways. Then a decision would be
made based on the actual figures received from bidders.
Mr. Wayne Scott, 525 Larson, stated he was in favor of getting rid of
the water, but he questioned who was responsible for the water. He ob-
jected to the cost of the project and felt he would not benefit that
greatly. Mr. Scott commented that the storm sewer drain in front of
his mailbox was too small, and the storm sewer was not put in the
street.
The square footage cost of the project was reviewed by Engineer Priebe.
He stated the project would be assessed in the normal manner.
Mr. Roger Reinhart, 545 Larson, inquired if the City Council had con-
sidered sharing in the cost of the project and deferring assessment
costs to Mr. Wagner, owner of the undeveloped land. He did not feel
the job had been done properly to handle past problems.
Mayor Ackland stated that the Council had not given any consideration
to sharing in the cost of the project. He pointed out that develop-
ment of the vacant field would help eliminate some of the water prob-
lems.
Alderman Carls inquired if the assessment cost of the project would af-
fect the desire for completion of the project.
Mr. Dave Wieweck, 515 Larson, inquired about the berm on the east side
of Roberts First Addition. He asked if Roberts Road would be able to
handle the extra water if the drain ran north to Roberts Road. He
thought the storm sewer was overtaxed on the amount of water being
handled now. Mr. Wieweck asked if the proposed plan would take the
water to the street or would it still pond up.
The motion was made by Alderman Torgerson to close the hearing at 9:02
P.M. Motion seconded by Alderman Mikulecky and carried unanimously.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - OCTOBER 14, 1986
Alderman Torgerson moved to approve project No. 87-01 with alternatives
and to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 8403. Alderman Mikulecky
seconded the motion and unanimously carried.
(b) FIFTH AVENUE NORTHWEST AND MAPLEWOOD ACADEMY - PROJECT NO. 87-05
Mayor Ackland called the public hearing to order at 9:07 P.M.
Ms. Nancy Marshall, 37 Fifth Avenue N.W., presented a petition signed
by property owners requesting the project to be completed. She asked
why no drainage was required when Maplewood Academy did their build-
ing and why they could run their water off onto private property for so
many years. Ms. Marshall inquired who was responsible for putting in the
small drain in her backyard which goes to the park.
Ms. Delores Saar, 45 Fifth Avenue N.W., submitted pictures showing the
water situation in her backyard. She then commented on the tile run-
ning across her back yard and inquired if it could be dug up. Ms.
Saar stated that when Maplewood Academy expanded their facilities in
the 1960's, the water problem increased. The excavation created a
run-off onto the adjoining properties. She asked if it was legal to
change the contour of land to better one's own property. Ms. Saar
requested that the water problem be resolved and suggested building the
proposed berm so that the water would remain on Academy property.
Mr. Chuck Nelson, 105 Fifth Avenue N.W., stated he had lost his garden
from water run-off, and his yard was too wet to mow until about June.
He felt that Maplewood Academy had created the problem and should have
to take care of resolving it.
Mr. Jon Marshall, 37 Fifth Avenue N.W., felt he had the only private
drain in the City from Maplewood Academy and -wanted it taken care of.
Atty. Curt Bradford stated he was representing Maplewood Academy, and
it was his client's position that they were not a benefited party to
the project and did not intend to pay any assessment. He pointed out
that the public hearing was for a 429 assessment project, but the real
issue was a dispute between property owners, which should be settled
through civil court action to determine to what degree the Academy and
the City were at fault. It was his suggestion to table the matter for
a one month period to allow the parties time to attempt to work out a
solution to the problem.
City Engineer Priebe stated a 429 project was the basic avenue to do
the project but other alternatives were possible.
Mayor Ackland asked the legal counsel if the City had some legal obli-
gation to attempt to resolve the water problem. City Attorney Schaefer
responded it did not.
Alderman Torgerson moved to close the hearing at 9:40 P.M. Motion
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - OCTOBER 14, 1986
seconded by Alderman Carls and unanimously carried.
The motion was made by Alderman Carls to approve project No. 87-05 and
to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 8404. Alderman Torgerson
seconded the motion and carried unanimously.
6. COMMUNICATIONS, REQUESTS AND PETITIONS
(a) REPORT BY CHUCK BARGER OF RCM RE. COPPER SERVICE LEADS
Mr. Chuck Barger of RCM reported on the study regarding copper service
leads and the recommendations made to alleviate the problem.
Following discussion, Alderman Carls moved to direct the City Adminis-
trator and City Engineer to make a recommendation on resolving the
problem. Motion seconded by Alderman Torgerson and unanimously car-
ried.
(b) PRESENTATION BY POLICE DEPARTMENT BUILDING COMMITTEE
Chairman Dick Burgart presented an update report on the progress of the
Police Department Building Committee. The conceptual design of the
building had been reduced to 9,118 square feet at an estimated cost of
$808,422 and a contingency fee of $68,000. The basement would not be
finished off during construction. It was the recommendation of the
committee to proceed with working drawings and to advertise for bids,
with spring construction.
After discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Torgerson, seconded
by the Chair, to proceed with working drawings and the bidding process
and address additional cuts in the future. Motion unanimously carried.
7. RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES
(a) ORDINANCE NO. 23/86 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 635:10 OF THE
1974 ORDINANCE CODE OF THE CITY OF HUTCHINSON ENTITLED WEED
ELIMINATION
The motion was made by Alderman Carls, seconded by Alderman Torgerson,
to waive second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 749. Motion carried
unanimously.
(b) ORDINANCE NO. 24/86 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 464
CONCERNING ZONING REGULATIONS IN THE CITY OF HUTCHINSON AND THE
OFFICIAL ZONING MAP
Alderman Carls moved to waive second reading and adopt Ordinance No.
750. Motion seconded by Alderman Torgerson and unanimously carried.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - OCTOBER 14, 1986
(c) RESOLUTION NO. 8402 - RESOLUTION ACCEPTING $75,000 FROM THE HUTCHINSON
UTILITIES COMMISSION
The motion was made by Alderman Torgerson to waive reading and adopt
Resolution No. 8402. Motion seconded by Alderman Carls and carried
unanimously.
(d) RESOLUTION NO. 8405 - RESOLUTION TRANSFERRING $20,968 FROM 1980 TAX
INCREMENT DEBT SERVICE FUND TO 1982 TAX INCREMENT DEBT SERVICE FUND
Alderman Torgerson moved to waive reading and adopt Resolution No.
8405. Alderman Carls seconded the motion and unanimously carried.
(e) RESOLUTION NO. 8406 - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TRANSFER OF $554,819 AND
ANY ACCRUED INTEREST FROM THE FEDERAL REVENUE SHARING FUND TO THE
GENERAL FUND
The motion was made by Alderman Torgerson, seconded by Alderman Miku-
lecky, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 8406. Motion carried
unanimously.
(f) RESOLUTION NO. 8407 - RESOLUTION FOR PURCHASE
Alderman Carls moved to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 8407 for
four regular purchases and an emergency need. Motion seconded by
Alderman Torgerson and unanimously carried.
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
(a) CONSIDERATION OF AWARDING BID FOR PROJECT NO. 86-15 (FREEMONT AVENUE
CUL-DE-SAC) (DEFERRED SEPTEMBER 23, 1986)
City Attorney Schaefer commented on the letter received from Retirement
Living's legal counsel stating the City Ordinance did not require a
cul-de-sac at the end of Freemont Avenue and that the driveway turn-
around met the definition of a cul-de-sac. Upon review, it was Attor-
ney Schaefer's legal opinion that there was no need for a cul-de-sac.
Fire Chief Henke commented on the Uniform Fire Code, 1982 edition. He
stated that Greencastle did not comply with the verbal agreement made
with the Fire Marshal and Building Official regarding a trade-off.
Specifically, the trade-off was to require the developer to move the
fire hydrant to the end of Freemont Avenue and to install a cul-de-sac
in lieu of not putting in the two and one-half inch pipe throughout the
building with a fire department hook-up.
Following discussion, Alderman Mikulecky moved to defer the awarding of
bid to the next City Council meeting. Motion seconded by Alderman Tor-
gerson and unanimously carried.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - OCTOBER 14, 1986
(b) ITEM DELETED FROM AGENDA
(c) CONSIDERATION OF APPRAISALS FOR EMMA LAKE PROPERTY
The motion was made by Alderman Carls to defer. Motion seconded by
Alderman Mikulecky and carried unanimously.
(d) CONSIDERATION OF WATER SUPPLY TO GOPHER CAMPFIRE SANCTUARY
(DEFERRED SEPTEMBER 23, 1986)
Alderman Torgerson moved to defer. Motion seconded by Alderman Miku-
lecky and unanimously carried.
(e) CONSIDERATION OF SERVICE CONTRACT WITH MAGUIRE IRON FOR INSPECTION OF
WATER TOWER (DEFERRED SEPTEMBER 23, 1986)
Following discussion, Alderman Torgerson moved to approve the contract
with Maguire Iron. Alderman Carls seconded the motion and carried
unanimously.
(f) CONSIDERATION OF ENGINEERING CONTRACT FOR PHASE III WASTEWATER
TREATMENT PLANT
Donohue & Associates representatives Mike Hoff and Jim Miller reported
on the engineering contract for Phase III of the wastewater treatment
plant. It was stated that Donohue would accept the City's offer of a
$128,000 fixed fee, a 17 -month construction project, and survey work to
be done by Donohue, for a total of $1,075,300.
After extensive discussion, Alderman Carls moved to enter into an en-
gineering contract for Phase III with Donohue & Associates in the
amount of $1,075,300. Motion seconded by Alderman Torgerson and unani-
mously carried.
City Attorney Schaefer reported on the status of the easements for the
wastewater treatment plant site.
9. NEW BUSINESS
(a) CONSIDERATION OF ENTERING INTO 1987 ASSESSMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY
AND COUNTY
Following discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Torgerson to
approve and enter into contract. Motion seconded by Alderman Carls and
carried unanimously.
(b) ITEM DELETED FROM AGENDA
(c) CONSIDERATION OF SUBDIVISION AGREEMENT FOR SANTELMAN'S SECOND ADDITION
Mr. Kenneth Santelman requested the Council to reduce or eliminate the
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - OCTOBER 14, 1986
amount of the deferred improvement assessments under No. 9, page two,
of the subdivision agreement. He was concerned that the interest could
be higher than the value of the property in a period of 10 years.
Following discussion, Alderman Carls moved to defer action on the sub-
division agreement for Santelman's Second Addition until the next regu-
lar scheduled meeting. Motion seconded by Alderman Torgerson and car-
ried unanimously.
(d) CONSIDERATION OF AIRPORT COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION FOR GAS POLICY
It was the recommendation of the Airport Commission to establish a gas
fuel mark-up policy for both 80 and 100 octane fuel by using the formu-
la of taking the cost of fuel plus freight, adding a 15% mark-up, plus
aviation fuel tax, plus $.05 per gallon.
After discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Torgerson to approve
the recommendation of the Airport Commission. Motion seconded by Ald-
erman Mikulecky and unanimously carried.
(e) CONSIDERATION OF AIRPORT COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION FOR PRIORITY USE OF
HANGAR SPACE AT AIRPORT
The recommendation of the Airport Commission regarding allocation of
hangar space was that residents living within city limits would have
priority in obtaining space, and all others would be on a waiting list
with the individual at the top of the list being first to acquire
hangar space. No fee would be charged for open air tie -down space.
Following discussion, Alderman Torgerson moved to approve the recommen-
dation of the Airport Commission. Alderman Mikulecky seconded the mo-
tion and carried unanimously.
(f) CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATION BY HUTCHINSON JAYCEES FOR GAMBLING LICENSE
AT SPANKYS
The motion was made by Alderman Torgerson, seconded by Alderman Miku-
lecky, to approve the application and issue the license. Motion unan-
imously carried.
(g) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR RATE ADJUSTMENT FOR HUTCHINSON UTILITIES
(PRESENTED BY UTILITIES STAFF)
Mr. Ivan Larson reported that the Hutchinson Utilities Commission
wished to reduce its power factor requirements from 98% to 94%, effec-
tive with the October billing. This reduction in rate would affect the
intermediate/small business.
Following discussion, Alderman Torgerson moved to approve the rate ad-
justment as presented by the Utilities Commission and to waive reading
and adopt Resolution No. 8411. Motion seconded by Alderman Carls and
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - OCTOBER 14, 1986
carried unanimously.
(h) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR SENIOR CITIZEN DEFERRED ASSESSMENT BY
LOUIS HENKE
The motion was made by Alderman Mikulecky, seconded by Alderman Torger-
son, to approve the request. Motion unanimously carried.
(i) CONSIDERATION OF UPDATING POLICY FOR RENTAL OF CITY HALL
After discussion, Alderman Torgerson moved to approve the policy, with
the deletion of local religious groups. Motion seconded by Alderman
Mikulecky and carried unanimously.
(j) CONSIDERATION OF CONTINUATION OF INSURANCE CONSULTANT AGREEMENT
Following discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Carls, seconded
by Alderman Mikulecky, to approve continuing the agreement with Ameri-
can Risk Services. Motion unanimously carried.
(k) DISCUSSION OF STRENGTHENING CONTROL OF JUNK CARS BY ORDINANCE
Alderman Mikulecky moved to defer to next Council meeting. Motion
seconded by Alderman Carls and carried unanimously.
(1) CONSIDERATION OF MAILING NOTICES FOR CLEAR WATER (SUMP PUMP) HOOKUP
TO SANITARY SEWER
The motion was made by Alderman Carls to approve mailing notices. Mo-
tion seconded by Alderman Torgerson and unanimously carried.
(m) DISCUSSION OF MAPLEWOOD ACADEMY/LATERAL 1/COUNTY DITCH 18/COUNTY
BOARD
Alderman Torgerson moved to defer to next Council meeting. Motion
seconded by Alderman Carls and carried unanimously.
(n) CONSIDERATION OF RECOMMENDATION FROM PARK BOARD RE. USER FEE POLICY
CHANGE
Following discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Carls, seconded
by Alderman Torgerson, to approve the policy change. Motion carried
unanimously.
(o) CONSIDERATION OF POLICY FOR EXTRAORDINARY WASTEWATER RELEASES
(EXAMPLE: LACTOSE)
Alderman Carls moved to defer to next Council meeting. Alderman Miku-
lecky seconded the motion and unanimously carried.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - OCTOBER 14, 1986
(p) CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION INCREASING AUTHORITY OF UTILITIES
COMMISSION FOR PURPOSES OF A "POWER AUTHORITY"
Attorney Richard Peterson reported the Hutchinson Utilities wished to
sell a $4 million bond in order to provide a $600,000 a year savings
for the Hutchinson customers. The Utilities was, therefore, request-
ing approval from the Council of a Power Agency Resolution.
Administrator Plotz stated that the City's bond consultant, Ehlers &
Associates, was concerned about selling another large bond at this time
as it could hinder the wastewater treatment plant bond. It was recom-
mended that the City work out an overall plan to reduce the interest
rate.
It was agreed that the Utilities staff and City staff, as well as bond
consultants, meet to discuss the issue. No action was taken.
(q) CONSIDERATION OF MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT WITH RETAIL DATA SYSTEMS FOR
CASH REGISTERS AT LIQUOR STORE
Following discussion, Alderman Torgerson moved to approve the mainten-
ance agreement. Motion seconded by Alderman Mikulecky and carried
unanimously.
(r) DISCUSSION OF STATE DOT APPRAISALS FOR HWY. 7 WEST SERVICE ROAD
City Engineer Priebe reported the State will participate to some ex-
tent with the Highway 7 West service road. It will be necessary to
prepare some studies and drawings. Since the right-of-way will be in-
volved, it will also be necessary to obtain appraisals.
After discussion, Alderman Mikulecky moved to contact the State for a
range of what the appraisals might cost and to send letters to the af-
fected property owners showing the range and asking if they would pay
for the costs. Motion seconded by Alderman Carls and unanimously
carried.
(s) CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION ACTIVATING RAIL CROSSINGS IN CITY
Following discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Torgerson, sec-
onded by Alderman Mikulecky, to approve and waive reading and adopt
Resolution No. 8410. Motion carried unanimously.
10. MISCELLANEOUS
(a) COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Administrator Plotz reported a request was received for a Police Dis-
patcher to attend a seminar. Alderman Carls moved to approve the re-
quest. Motion seconded by Alderman Mikulecky and unanimously carried.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - OCTOBER 14, 1986
It was reported that the auditor's report on the police department
findings would be ready early next week. Therefore, a date for a
special meeting should be established. It was the consensus of the
Council to hold a special meeting on October 22, 1986 at 6:30 P.M.
(b) COMMUNICATIONS FROM ALDERMAN MARLIN TORGERSON
Alderman Torgerson stated he had been contacted by Lloyd Allen regard-
ing a complaint of four junk tractors parked next to his property on
Third Avenue Southeast. He requested proceedings be started for their
removal.
(c) COMMUNICATIONS FROM ALDERMAN PAT MIKULECKY
Alderman Mikulecky requested the minutes from the Hutchinson Community
Development Corporation meeting held in St. Cloud be placed in the next
Council packet.
11. CLAIMS, APPROPRIATIONS AND CONTRACT PAYMENTS
(a) VERIFIED CLAIMS
The motion was made by Alderman Torgerson, seconded by Alderman Miku-
lecky, to approve and authorize payment from the appropriate funds.
Motion unanimously carried.
12. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:10 A.M.
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