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02-14-1978 CCMMINUTES REGULAR MEETING - HUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1978 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M. by Mayor Black, with the following members present: Aldermen Westlund, B. Peterson, and Gruenhagen in addition to Mayor Black. Absent: Alderman K. Peterson. Also present were: Administrative Assistant Plotz, City Engineer/Public Works Director Priebe, and Acting City Attorney John Keefe. 2. INVOCATION The invocation was given by the Reverend Darrel F. Thalmann of the Our Savior'S Lutheran Church. 3. MINUTES i On motion by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, the minutes of: ® the Regular Meeting of January 24, 1978 and Special Meeting of February 8, 1978 were approved as amended. 4. PUBLIC HEARING None 5. COMMUNICATIONS, REQUESTS AND PETITIONS (a) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR JIM BRODD AND CLIFFORD PAULSEN TO ATTEND SHADE TREE SHORT COURSE ON FEBRUARY 21, 1978 After considerable discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, that Jim Brodd's request to attend the Shade Tree Short Course be denied. Motion unanimously carried. It was moved by Alderman West-lund to approve the request of Clifford Paulsen to attend the Shade Tree Short Course on February 21, 1978. Seconded by Alderman B. Peterson, the motion unanimously carried. (b) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR FRED ROBERTS AND JIM BRODD TO ATTEND 1978 ANNUAL CITIES CONFERENCE ON FEBRUARY 16, 1978 Mayor Black commented that Fred Roberts is the Assistant Weed Inspector for the City so he should attend the conference. It was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman B. Peterson, to authorize Fred Roberts to attend the Annual Cities Conference on behalf of the City. Motion unanimously carried. Council Minutes February 14, 1978 (c) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST TO PURCHASE MUG SHOT CAMERA FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT The present Polaroid camera being used by the Police Department is in need of replacement. There is an opportunity at this time to purchase a used multi lens camera valued at $600 for $200. The camera has the capability of putting four photographs on one film and has a flash attachment which plugs into a wall circuit, thus eliminating the cost of flashbulbs. It is the recommendation of the Chief of Police that approval be granted to pur- chase this camera. After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund to approve the purchase of the mug shot camera for the Police Department in the amount of $200. Seconded by Alderman B. Peterson, the motion unanimously carried. (d) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST TO ATTEND TIME MANAGEMENT SEMINAR BY ROD KEITH Inasmuch as all the information relating to the Seminar was not available, the Mayor requested to defer action until the next Council meeting. (e) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR JIM BRODD AND CLIFFORD PAULSEN TO ATTEND MUNICIPAL TREE INSPECTOR'S WORKSHOP ON MARCH 7, 1978 Following discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alder- man Gruenhagen, to approve the request for Jim Brodd and Clifford Paulsen to attend the Municipal Tree Inspector's Workshop on March 7, 1978. Motion unanimously carried. 6. RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES None 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS (a) BUILDING OFFICIAL'S MONTHLY REPORT - JANUARY, 1978 There being no discussion, the report was ordered by the Mayor to be re- ceived for filing. (b) MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT - JANUARY, 1978 There being no discussion, the report was ordered by the Mayor to be re- ceived for filing. (c) MINUTES OF PARK AND RECREATION BOARD DATED FEBRUARY 1, 1978 There being no discussion, the minutes were ordered by the Mayor to be re- ceived for filing. -2- Council Minutes February 14, 1978 (d) MINUTES OF AIRPORT COMMISSION DATED JANUARY 12, 1978 There being no discussion, the minutes were ordered by the Mayor to be re- ceived for filing. (e) MINUTES OF DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE DATED FEBRUARY 1, 1978 There being no discussion, the minutes were ordered by the Mayor to be received for filing. (f) MINUTES OF HUTCHINSON CIVIC ARENA BOARD DATED FEBRUARY 8, 1978 There being no discussion, the minutes were ordered by the Mayor to be received for filing. 8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (a) CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZING MAYOR TO ENTER INTO JOINT AGREEMENT WITH A&P GROUP Mayor Black commented on the procedure that had been used to arrive at the present proposed agreement between the City and the A&P Group. He further pointed out that it is not an exclusive contract for rights to the development of the downtown area. Messrs. Alfred Albert and B. J. Smiley will be the promoters of the proposed development, and the City has no monetary obligation. It is the recommendation of the Downtown Development Committee that the City Council approve the agreement and enter into a contract with the A&P Group on behalf of the City. After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman B. Peterson, to authorize the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the A&P Group. Motion unanimously carried. 9. NEW BUSINESS (a) CONSIDERATION OF MERIT ADJUSTMENT FOR WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES When asked why one department was being considered for merit review and not the others, City Engineer/Public Works Director Priebe responded that money was not provided in the 1977 budget to cover salary increases for this department. Mayor Black suggested that merit reviews should be done on a systemized basis. Mr. Priebe withdrew his request for merit adjustment in the Water and Sewer Department at this time. 0 (b) CONSIDERATION OF BUILDING PERMIT FEES FOR MOBILE HOME INSTALLATION -3- Council Minutes February 14, 1978 Effective as of January 1, 1978 it will be necessary to obtain a building permit from the Building Department of the City of Hutchinson to install a mobile home as well as for additions, alterations, installation or re- pair to existing mobile homes. It is the recommendation of the Staff that a Building Permit Fee of $15.00 per inspection be charged. After discussion, it was moved by Alderman B. Peterson to approve a Build- ing Permit Fee in the amount of $15.00 for mobile home inspections. Seconded by Alderman Westlund, the motion unanimously carried. (c) CONSIDERATION OF POLICE PATROL ELIGIBILITY ROSTER Mayor Black explained the background for establishing a Police Patrol Eligi- bility Roster. He further commented that Robert Ringstrom of Mankato, number one on the list, will not be available until May or June as he is a student. It is, therefore, recommended that the position of police patrol officer be offered to Mr. Ringstrom, although he will decline at this time, and then consider the second person on the list, Charles Jones. After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, to certify the Police Patrol Eligibility Roster. Motion unani- mously carried. It was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, to ac- cept the recommendation of the Police Civil Service Commission to offer the position of Police Patrol Officer to Robert Ringstrom, No. 1 on the list, and upon his declination in writing, to offer the same position to the No. 2 name on the list, Charles Jones. Motion unanimously carried. (d) CONSIDERATION OF NO PARKING SIGNS ON ROBERTS ROAD It was the consensus of the Council that a safety hazard exists along Roberts Road when vehicles park on the north side of the street between Kay Street and Alan Street. After studying the problem, it was the recommendation of Chief of Police O'Borsky to limit parking on the north side of Roberts Road from a point half -way between Kay Street and Alan Street to prohibit park- ing west from the sign to Alan Street at any time. After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund to waive the first read- ing of Ordinance No. 1/78 entitled Ordinance Amending Section 715:20 of the 1974 Ordinance Code of the City of Hutchinson, Entitled "No Parking Areas" by Adding Subdivision No. 7 Thereto, Relative to "Parking, Local Regula- tions and set second reading for February 27, 1978. Seconded by Alderman B. Peterson, the motion unanimously carried. (e) CONSIDERATION OF TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES PAY RATES AS ADDITION TO CITY POSITION CLASSIFICATION PLAN -4- Council Minutes February 14, 1978 Personnel Coordinator Sitz commented that the proposed pay rates would be used for temporary employees. Inasmuch as some summer help hired is under 18 years of age, no minimum wage is involved. Therefore, an addi- tional classification of "Under $2.30 Hour" should be included for students under 18 years of age hired in the recreation programs. After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, to waive the reading and adopt as modified Resolution No. 6088 entitled Resolution Amending Resolution No. 6065 and Making Temporary Employee Pay Rates An Addition to City Position Classification Plan. Mo- tion unanimously carried. (f) CONSIDERATION OF CONFIRMING APPOINTMENT OF CLARICE COSTON TO TRANSPORTATION BOARD Mayor Black reported that Frances Gruhn recently resigned from the Trans- portation Board due to moving out of Hutchinson. It is his recommendation to appoint Mrs. Clarice Coston to fill the unexpired term on the Transpor- tation Board. It was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, to ratify the appointment of Mrs. Clarice Coston to the Transportation Board to fill the term until October 1, 1978. Motion unanimously carried. (g) CONSIDERATION OF PERMANENT APPOINTMENT OF JANELL SWANSON AS RECEPTIONIST/ CASHIER Alderman B. Peterson moved to approve the permanent appointment of Janell Swanson as Receptionist/Cashier at City Hall with the recommended salary adjustment. Seconded by Alderman Westlund, the motion unanimously carried. (h) CONSIDERATION OF ASSESSMENT SEARCH - CLAIM FOR BARBDON, INC. In preparing an assessment search for Barbdon, Inc. an error in the amount of $100.00 was made, showing $186.04 payable in 1978 instead of $286.04. It is the recommendation of the City Attorney that the City absorb the loss resulting from the City's error in this particular instance. After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, for the City to absorb the cost of $100.00 resulting from the assessment search error for Barbdon, Inc. Motion unanimously carried. (i) CONSIDERATION OF SPECIFICATIONS FOR NUMERALS ON BUILDINGS After considerable discussion on the various proposed specifications for numerals on buildings, it was moved by Alderman Westlund to refer the reso- lution back to the committee for further review. Seconded by Alderman Gruen- hagen, the motion unanimously carried. -5- Council Minutes February 14, 1978 (j) CONSIDERATION OF PLACING PART-TIME CITY EMPLOYEE ON PAYROLL Civic Arena Coordinator Neumann reported that he presently has two part- time employees working at the Civic Arena who are under the VO -TECH Work Study Program. Since the funds under this program have expired, he requests that Paul Rannetsberger and Ken Delaney be added to the City payroll on a part-time basis until the ice is removed at the Arena. They would both be working approximately 20 hours per week at a salary of $2.65 an hour. After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, to approve the placement of Paul Rannetsberger and Ken Delaney on the City payroll as part-time employees. Motion unanimously carried. (k) CONSIDERATION OF JOINING MINNESOTA DEPUTY REGISTRARS ASSOCIATION It was the consensus of the Council that the City of Hutchinson should join the Minnesota Deputy Registrars Association and submit $100 for an- nual dues. Alderman Westlund moved to approve membership in the Minnesota Deputy Reg- istrars Association at a cost of $100 for annual dues. Seconded by Alder- man B. Peterson, the motion unanimously carried. (1) CONSIDERATION OF ENTERING INTO NAVIGATION AID AGREEMENT AND NON -OBJECTION TO CONTROLLED AIR SPACE AT AIRPORT Administrative Assistant Plotz reported that no public hearing would be necessary to approve the installation of an "H" marker transmitter at the Hutchinson Municipal Airport. However, the Council is required to adopt a resolution of approval for controlled air space at the airport and enter- ing into a Navigation Aid Agreement with the State of Minnesota. After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6090 entitled Resolu- tion Establishing Controlled Air Space for Instrument Approach to Hutchin- son Municipal Airport. Motion unanimously carried. Alderman Westlund moved to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6091 en- titled Resolution Authorizing Entering Into Navigational Aid Agreement. Seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, the motion unanimously carried. (m) CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTING CHARLES NELSON AS ASSISTANT LIQUOR STORE MANAGER After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, to approve the appointment of Charles Nelson as full-time Assis- tant Liquor Store Manager. Motion unanimously carried. Council Minutes February 14, 1978 (n) CONSIDERATION OF NAMING STREET ALONG WEST RIVER PARK "LES KOUBA PARKWAY" AND PORTION OF WEST RIVER PARK "LES KOUBA POINT" Mr. Eugene (Bud) Daggett appeared before the Council and requested the Council to consider naming the roadway on the north side of the Crow River as "Les Kouba Parkway." It would start at Main Street North and be con- tiguous with Third Avenue N.W. for one block. Then it would continue through North River Park and past Gopher Campfire Sanctuary to north of State Highway 7. The western edge of West River Park, west of the road- way, would be named "Les Kouba Point." This particular name would be in honor of Les Kouba, a world-famous wildlife artist, who is a native of Hutchinson. After considerable discussion, it was moved by Alderman Gruenhagen to waive the first reading of Ordinance No. 2/78 entitled Ordinance Naming Street Along West River Park "Les Kouba Parkway" and Portion of West River Park "Les Kouba Point" and set second reading for February 27, 197b. Sec- onded by Alderman B. Peterson, the motion unanimously carried. (o) CONSIDERATION OF PERMANENT APPOINTMENT OF KENNETH MERRILL, CITY ACCOUNTANT/ CONTROLLER AND SALARY ADJUSTMENT It was moved by Alderman B. Peterson, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, to approve the permanent appointment of Kenneth Merrill as City Accountant/ Controller and the recommended salary adjustment. Motion unanimously car- ried. (p) CONSIDERATION OF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE'S PROPOSAL FOR PURCHASE OF CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS Mrs. Clarice Coston and Mr. Ted Beatty appeared before the Council on be- half of the Chamber of Commerce and presented a drawing of the proposed skyline -canopy style Christmas decorations the Christmas Decoration Commit- tee would like to purchase from Vaughn Display Sales of Minneapolis. Mr. Beatty reported that the decorations would cost $9,900, with $3,000 to be paid at the time of the order and the balance paid on delivery in June or July, 1978, and a trade-in value of $4,500 will be given the City for the present decorations. If the order is placed before March 1, 1978, a sav- ings of $1,400 can be realized. During discussion Mayor Black raised a question about a matching fund be- tween the City and the Chamber of Commerce. In previous years a referendum had been put before the people to raise money for purchasing Christmas decor- ations. Since no one seemed to k,ow the facts about a matching fund, it was decided to defer the decision on Christmas decorations until a special meeting of the Council on Thursday, February 23, 1978 at 8:30 A.M. -7- Council Minutes February 14, 1978 (q) CONSIDERATION OF VACATION OF STREET EASEMENT AND VARIANCE ON SIDE LOT FOR PROPERTY OF TOM O'CONNELL The request was withdrawn. 10. MISCELLANEOUS (a) COMMUNICATIONS FROM CLERK -ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Administrative Assistant Plotz reported that as a result of a survey by the Street Department, approximately 60 property owners received letters requesting removal of packed snow and ice on their sidewalks. City Hall has received a number of telephone calls as a direct result of the mail- ing. Over 30 City employees have been participating in the on-the-job training program of a communications workshop. To date it has been a very success- ful workshop. Mr. Plotz informed the Council that the Downtown Development Committee and Community Development Advisory Board recently received an update on the status of the Community Development discretionary grant. Over $210,000 of the grant remains for acquisition, relocation and demolition. On February 21, 1978, Mr. Al Albert of the A&P Group will be reporting to the ?downtown Development Committee on a suggested site for housing of the elderly. A Shade Tree Grant has been awarded to Hutchinson for fiscal year 1978 in the amount of $32,314 for shade tree sanitation cost and $4,997 for the reforestation cost. Mr. Plotz further reported that Mark Schnobrich, New Ulm representative, will be at City Hall one afternoon every two weeks to answer questions on the Shade Tree Program. Also, a demonstration trailer will be in Hutchin- son the end of May. Hutchinson will have a more active Shade Tree Program this year. The city is being considered for a supplemental grant for prun- ing and trimming and possibly trenching. The Cooley Bus Lines inter -connecting services will be starting on March 6, 1978 for at least a month trial period. The round-trip coach services will be between Hutchinson and Minneapolis on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Another CETA Grant has been awarded the City of Hutchinson in the amount of $34,034. The funds received will be used for four positions in the areas of Civic Arena, park, and recreation maintenance and grounds keeping. Mr. Plotz asked the Council to approve the merit increases for salaried employees which had been reviewed earlier and to determine an effective date. Council Minutes February 14, 1978 Alderman Westlund made the motion to approve the merit increases to be effective January 8, 1978 for Director of Public Works/Engineer, Assistant Director of Public Works, Chief of Police, and Personnel Coordinator, and effective February 1, 1978 for Administrative Assistant. Seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, the motion unanimously carried. Administrative Assistant Plotz made reference to a letter received from Jim Waldron in which he complained about infested property. Also, he had received a complaint from Clifford Popp concerning an abandoned ve- hicle. Mayor Black commented that there are several ordinances relating to this subject. He then requested the City Attorney to take action on this mat- ter. Mention was made that a vehicle at Lynden and Franklin was full of dehris, both inside and outside. City Attorney Schantzen was instructed to take action in this matter also. (b) COMMUNICATION FROM THE MAYOR Mayor Black reported that on Wednesday, February 15, 1978, the Senate Tax Committee will be receiving a report from the Senate Increment Tax Sub - Committee. He plans to attend the strategy meeting of the League and also the Senate Committee Hearing. Mayor Black also made reference to a Mid -Session Legislative Conference to be held on March 1, 1978. Since he will be on vacation, the Mayor asked if any of the Council members could attend. (c) COMMUNICATION FROM PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/ENGINEER Public Works Director/Engineer Priebe reported that he had heard the McLeod County Planning Commission has received a request for a special use permit for use of the house located one-quarter mile west of the Methodist Church. Since there are two entrances into the property and poor visibility of the road to create a traffic hazard, he feels this would be a poor location for a business. Mr. Priebe's recommendation was for the City to go on record as in favor of retaining this property for residential use. Mayor Black further authorized City Attorney Schantzen to determine the status of the two-mile radius limitation around the City. It was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6092 entitled Resolution Establish- ing Property as Residential. Motion unanimously carried. ® 11. CLAIMS, APPROPRIATIONS AND CONTRACT PAYMENTS Wen Council Minutes February 14, 1978 (a) VERIFIED CLAIMS A motion was made by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, to approve the verified claims and authorize payment from the appropriate funds. Motion unanimously carried. 12. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:25 P.M. upon motion by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman B. Peterson, and unanimously carried. -10-