Loading...
10-23-1979 CCMMINUTES REGULAR MEETING - HUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1979 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Black called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M., with the following members present: Aldermen Westlund, Peterson, Gruenhagen and Huntwork, in addition to Mayor Black. Absent: None. Also present were: Administrative Assistant Plotz, City Engineer/Public Works Director Priebe and City Attorney Schantzen. 2. INVOCATION The invocation was given by the Reverend Manley Swarthout of the Wesleyan Church. 3. MINUTES The minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 9, 1979 and Special Meeting of October 22, 1979 were approved as presented upon motion by Alderman Huntwork, seconded by Alderman Westlund and unanimously carried. 4. PUBLIC HEARING (a) CONSIDERING AMENDING SECTION 120:00 - SALARIES, MAYOR AND ALDERMEN, OF THE ORDINANCE CODE Mayor Black opened the public hearing at 8:00 P.M. and read Publication No. 2227. He then explained the purpose of the hearing was to consider a pro- posal to increase the salaries of Mayor and Aldermen, to be effective Jan- uary 1, 1980. The hearing was opened to the public for response, but there was none. Alderman Westlund made the motion to close the hearing at 8:05 P.M. Seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, the motion carried unanimously. 5. COMMUNICATIONS, REQUESTS AND PETITIONS (a) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR REDUCED TRASH AND REFUSE RATE: 1. CAROLYN E. PICHA 2. GLADYS KOESTER 3. ELENORA SLYTER 4. ERIC BRAUN Following discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund to approve the re- quests for reduced trash and refuse rates, with the exception of Eric Braun whose income exceeds the maximum limit per year. The motion was seconded by Alderman Peterson and unanimously carried. Council Minutes October 23, 1979 (b) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR DICK WAAGE, RON KIRCHOFF, JOHN GREGOR, AND DEAN 0`BORSKY TO ATTEND SEXUAL ABUSE WORKSHOP ON NOVEMBER 13, 1979 After discussion, Alderman Westlund made the motion to approve the request for the above named to attend the Sexual Abuse Workshop. Seconded by Alder- man Huntwork, the motion carried unanimously. (c) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR MARK FRATZKE TO MOVE BUILDING Following discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund that with the recom- mendation of the Building Official to approve the moving and relocation of a house by Mark Fratzke. The motion was seconded by Alderman Huntwork and unanimously carried. (d) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR ELDEN WILLARD TO ATTEND FALL SEMINAR FOR BUILDING OFFICIALS ON OCTOBER 31, 1979 After discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Peterson, seconded by Alder- man Westlund and unanimously carried, to approve Elden Willard attending the Fall Seminar for Building Officials. (e) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST TO REMOVE CURB IN FRONT OF CTC AUTO PARTS Mr. Ward Haugen, representing; GTC Auto Parts, requested permission to remove the curb in front of one-half the building at 31 First Avenue NE to allow approximately 65 feet of additional parking space. He further commented that some type of surface would be put on the area, possibly crushed rock. It was the recommendation of the City Engineer/Director of Public Works for a gravel surface and a dust cover in the spring. Also, the sidewalk in front of the building should be free from blockage. The motion was made by Alderman Westlund that with the recommendation of the Police Chief to approve the request to remove curb in front of GTC. The mo- tion was seconded by Alderman Peterson. The motion was amended by Alderman Westlund to include the stipulations that a dust cover be put on the road surface and the sidewalk not be blocked. The amended motion was seconded by Alderman Peterson and unanimously carried. 6. RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES (a) ORDINANCE NO. 13/79 - ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 120:00 OF THE 1974 ORDINANCE CODE OF THE CITY OF HUTCHINSON ENTITLED, SALARIES, MAYOR AND ALDERPIEN Following discussion, it was moved by Alderman Gruenhagen to waive the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 586 entitled Ordinance Amending Section 120:00 of the 1974 Ordinance Code of the City of Hutchinson Entitled, Salaries, -2- Council Minutes October 23, 1979 Mayor and Aldermen. The motion was seconded by Alderman Westlund and carried unanimously. 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS (a) MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT - SEPTEMBER 1979 There being no discussion, the report was ordered by the Mayor to be received for filing. (b) MINUTES OF PARK AND RECREATION BOARD DATED SEPTEMBER 5, 1979 There being no discussion, the minutes were ordered by the Mayor to be re- ceived for filing. (c) MINUTES OF TRANSPORTATION BOARD DATED SEPTEMBER 12, 1979 There being no discussion, the minutes were ordered by the Mayor to be re- ceived for filing. (d) MINUTES OF DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD DATED AUGUST 14, 1979 AND OCTOBER 9, 1979 There being no discussion, the minutes were ordered by the Mayor to be re- ceived for filing. (e) MINUTES OF PLANNING COMMISSION DATED SEPTEMBER 18, 1979 There being no discussion, the minutes were ordered by the Mayor to be re- ceived for filing. (f) MINUTES OF AIRPORT COMMISSION DATED SEPTEMBER 12, 1979 There being no discussion, the minutes were ordered by the Mayor to be re- ceived for filing. 8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (a) CONSIDERATION OF VIOLATION OF BUILDING CODE BY JAMES H. RETZLAFF Building Official Willard reported the certified letter sent to Mr. James Retzlaff was returned to his office unclaimed. However, Mr. Retzlaff phoned Mr. Willard this evening and promised to be in Wednesday morning to pay for a building permit. Following discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund to refer the viola- tion of the building code to the City Attorney if the permit fee was not paid by noon on Wednesday, October 24, 1979. Seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, the motion unanimously carried. -3- Council Minutes October 23, 1979 (b) CONSIDERATION OF AWARDING BID FOR TWO HOUSES AND/OR GARAGES (DEFERRED 10-22-79) City Engineer/Public Works Director Priebe reported one bid was received from Juul Contracting Co. for demolition of structures at the two city -owned sites at a price of $200 each, with the work to be done after November 15, 1979 and the City of Hutchinson to furnish trucks and haul debris. After discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alder- man Huntwork and unanimously carried, to award the contract for demolition to Juul Contracting Co. at $200 each. (c) CONSIDERATION OF LIGHTING ALONG OAKWOOD LANE (DEFERRED SEPTEMBER 11, 1979) Mr. Dennis Hukriede appeared before the Council to continue discussion of lighting along Oakwood Lane. Since more wattage would be used than allowed by the City for this area, he had contacted each property owner to determine if they would be willing to pay for the additional electrical expense. He then presented a list of signatures of individuals who were agreeable, with the exception of one owner who had his lot for sale. Therefore, the cost would be divided nine ways for an additional electrical charge of $7-10 per year per property owner. Mayor Black inquired what would happen when a new owner bought the lot for sale. Would he contribute toward the lighting. Mr. Hukriede responded the nine signed names would be responsible for the cost of additional street lights. Alderman Westlund asked if a new agreement could be written stating this addi- tional cost would be binding on the sale of the property involved. He then made the motion to approve the lighting along Oakwood Lane, subject to a writ- ten agreement that future sale of property would be contingent upon the addi- tional cost of electricity. The motion was seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen. City Attorney Schantzen questioned the motion, and during discussion it was determined that legally future property owners could not be bound to this type of agreement. The motion died. Administrative Assistant Plotz reported he had received a phone call from one of the property owners on Oakwood Lane who wanted the price of the installed fixtures assessed rather than paying for it now. Discussion then followed on the proper method of handling the installation cost for the additional four poles. Mr. Hukriede felt the matter should be resolved among the property owners in- volved on Oakwood Lane, and he offered to contact them. -4- Council Minutes October 23, 1979 It was moved by Alderman Peterson to table the matter until Thursday, October 25, 1979 at 9:00 A.M. following the Department Head meeting. Seconded by Ald- erman Gruenhagen, the motion unanimously carried. 9. NEW BUSINESS (a) CONSIDERATION OF HUTCHMOBILE DRIVER FOR SATURDAY SERVICE DURING HOLIDAY SEASON Following discussion, Alderman Westlund moved that with the recommendation of the Transportation Board to approve Dee Powell as Hutchmobile driver for Sat- urday service during the holiday season. The motion was seconded by Alderman Huntwork and carried unanimously. (b) CONSIDERATION OF DELINQUENT WATER AND SEWER ACCOUNTS Mayor Black read a copy of the letter sent to all delinquent account holders. He then inquired if there was anyone present wishing to be heard regarding his/her account. No one responded. After discussion, Alderman Westlund moved to discontinue service immediately for the following accounts: 02-0125-0-00, 03-0540-0-00, 06-0505-2-00, and 42-0070-1-00; and discontinue on the promised date if payment was not received by said date for the following accounts: 02-0280-1-00, 03-1055-1-00, 07-0305-5-00, and 07-0480-0-00. The motion was seconded by Alderman Peterson and unanimously carried. (c) CONSIDERATION OF PART-TIME DISPATCHER FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT Following discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman Huntwork and unanimously carried, to approve Mike Monge as a part- time dispatcher for the Police Department. (d) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT SUBMITTED BY SIMONSON LUMBER COMPANY WITH FAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Huntwork to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6440 entitled Resolution Granting Conditional Use Permit under Section 6.07, C-5 of Zoning Ordinance No. 464 to Allow Construction of Two Independent Open Storage Buildings In Flood Fringe and IC -1 District, con- tingent that in the event of a flood, and with the recommendation of the Civil Defense Officer, all materials be removed to a higher elevation or secured. Seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, the motion unanimously carried. (e) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR "SWANSON'S ADDITION" SUBMITTED BY VICTOR SWANSON WITH FAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION Following discussion, Alderman Westlund moved to waive reading and adopt -5- Council Minutes October 23, 1979 Resolution No. 6441 entitled Resolution Giving Approval of Preliminary Plat for Swanson's Addition, contingent upon a 10 foot utility easement being given to the City. The motion was seconded by Alderman Huntwork and carried unani- mously. (f) CONSIDERATION OF EMPLOYMENT OF ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN After discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Ald- erman Huntwork and unanimously carried, to approve the employment of Larry J. Huhn as engineering technician, effective on or about November 13, 1979. (g) PRESENTATION BY R.C.M. OF UPDATE REPORT ON STEP I GRANT STUDY AND REVIEW OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROGRAM The Environmental Engineer of RCM presented a report to the Council on the study of the sewage treatment plant needs prior to expansion. Hutchinson has been designated for a Full -Scale Public Participation Program by the PCA, which will require the appointment of an eight member Advisory Committee. City Engineer/Public Works Director Priebe emphasized the importance of ap- pointing the committee immediately inasmuch as their first meeting must be held before the end of the year. Mayor Black responded the appointments would be made at the next Council meeting, and he asked the Council members to recommend names for appointment to the committee. (h) DISCUSSION OF OPERATING AN ARCADE BY DONOVAN HUNTER Mr. Donovan Hunter appeared before the Council and stated he had leased the property formerly known as Jack's Tavern where he plans to operate an Arcade. The Arcade will contain pool tables, pin ball machines, pop machines, etc., but no beer, liquor or set-ups, and cigarettes will be sold. He wondered if any permits or licenses would be required for the operation. Administrative Assistant Plotz commented there is no fee for billiards/pool tables, pin ball machines or pop machines in the City. Mayor Black remarked that he approved of an outlet being provided for youth, and he expressed his best wishes to Mr. Hunter in his new venture. It was moved by Alderman Westlund to approve the request of Donovan Hunter to operate an Arcade. Seconded by Alderman Peterson, the motion unanimously car- ried. (i) CONSIDERATION OF WAGES FOR WATER PLANT OPERATOR Following discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman Huntwork and carried unanimously, to approve the wage increase for Dick Nagy, Water Plant Operator. M Council Minutes October 23, 1979 (j) CONSIDERATION OF ERROR IN ASSESSMENT SEARCH FOR LOT 5, BLOCK 9, BONNIWELL SECOND ADDITION Administrative Assistant Plotz reported an error was made on an assessment search for Lot 5, Block 9, Bonniwell's Second Addition in the amount of $97.57. It was requested that the assessment be removed from the certified list in the amount of $97.57. After discussion, Alderman Westlund moved to remove the assessment in the amount of $97.57 from the certified Assessment Roll. Seconded by Alderman Peterson, the motion unanimously carried. (k) CONSIDERATION OF ESTABLISHING A SPECIAL MEETING DATE FOR CANVASS OF CITY GENERAL ELECTION Mayor Black explained the City Charter requires the City Council to canvass the City General Election results within five days following the election. Therefore, it will be necessary to set a date for a special meeting for this purpose. Following discussion, Alderman Westlund moved to set a special meeting of the City Council for November 7, 1979 at 12:00 Noon to canvass the City General Election. The motion was seconded by Alderman Huntwork and carried unanimously. (1) CONSIDERATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS BY AIRPORT COMMISSION 1) CONSIDERATION OF ACCEPTING PROPOSAL FOR AIRPORT LAND RENTAL FROM GRANT KNUTSON Administrative Assistant Plotz reported that Grant Knutson had submitted a proposal to the Airport Commission to renew the rental agreement for 80 acres of airport land on the terms of $80 per acre (1980), $90 per acre (1981), and $100 per acre (1982). It was the recommendation of the Air- port Commission to approve the proposal. Following discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman Huntwork and unanimously carried, to approve the above stated airport land rental proposal from Grant Knutson. 2) CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZING PREPARATION OF SPECIFICATIONS AND SOLICITATION OF BIDS FOR ADDITIONAL 2-4 ENCLOSED AND OPEN HANGARS RESPECTIVELY Administrative Assistant Plotz commented that additional open and enclosed hangars have been discussed at meetings of the Airport Commission for the past year and a half, but this was not included in the 1980 budget. There are no grants available for hangars; therefore, the Airport Commission -7- Council Minutes October 23, 1979 would like to include the financing of additional airport hangars in the upcoming general obligation bonding issue. After discussion, Mayor Black recommended the Airport Commission provide a plan to show the feasibility that the project would be self-liquidating. The motion was made by Alderman Westlund to reject the request and refer it back to the Airport Commission. Seconded by Alderman Huntwork, the motion unanimously carried. 3) CONSIDERATION OF CONTRACT FOR AIRPORT ZONING PLAN REVISIONS (TKDA) Administrative Assistant Plotz summarized the status of Airport Zoning and the revision necessary to complete the implementation of zoning. The Airport Commission recommended execution of a contract with TKDA in the amount of $4,400 to complete the zoning studies, with local total expense being $880 in the 1980 budget, and the remainder being paid through a 80-20 grant. After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alder- man Huntwork and carried unanimously, to authorize signing the contract with TKDA. 10. MISCELLANEOUS (a) COMMUNICATIONS FROM CLERK -ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Administrative Assistant Plotz reported on a Region 6E Energy Grant Workshop he attended today in Willmar. State and federal funds will be awarded over the next three years for mini and maxi energy audits, which are used to find ways to conserve energy in buildings, and in some cases for installing energy conserving measures. A follow-up meeting will be held in Mankato in November. Last Friday at a meeting in Alexandria Mr. Plotz obtained the final require- ments for a grant application for McDonald's Park. (b) COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR Since the terms of Russell Meade and Emma Lake had expired on the Transpor- tation Board, Mayor Black reappointed them to another three year term and asked for Council ratification. It was moved by Alderman Westlund to ratify the appointments of Russell Meade and Emma Lake to the Transportation Board. The motion was seconded by Alder- man Huntwork and unanimously carried. Likewise, Mayor Black reappointed Rolland Jensen and Ronald �t Graw to the Civic Arena Board for another two year term and requested Council ratification. Council Minutes October 23, 1979 Alderman Peterson moved to ratify the appointments of Rolland Jensen and Ronald McGraw to the Civic Arena Board. Seconded by Alderman Huntwork, the motion carried unanimously. Mayor Black reminded the Council of the Minnesota Extension Service meeting scheduled for Thursday night, October 25, 1979. (c) COMMUNICATIONS FROM ALDERMAN WESTLUND Alderman Westlund commented on the letter received from the Minnesota Pollu- tion Control Agency regarding dumping of sewage sludge in an abandoned gravel pit to the east of the City and asked if any action had been taken. City Engineer/Public Works Director Priebe reported he intended to answer the letter the next day. The sludge was put in the gravel pit while there was no other place available. He further stated they were trying to find a spot at the airport, or an alternative would be to stockpile the sludge at the park garage for a short period of time. Alderman Westlund reported he would contact Junker Sanitation on the driving habits of their drivers in response to a letter from the Hutchinson Safety Council. Also, Chief of Police O'Borsky was looking into the complaint of blind corners due to shrubbery and trees blocking the view. (d) COMMUNICATION FROM CITY ENGINEER/PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR City Engineer/Public Works Director Priebe reported on a letter received from Glen Grahn, District Traffic Engineer for the Minnesota Department of Trans- portation,concerning the speed studies and pedestrian crossings on T.H. 15 South. Mr. Priebe stated an error was made and the wrong lot mowed for weeds; thus, the City had received a bill for $235 covering damage to small trees and de- stroying 100 bales of hay from the Calvary Wesleyan Church. Following discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Westlund to approve pay- ment of $235 for damages due to negligence on the part of the City. Seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, the motion unanimously carried. 11. CLAIMS, APPROPRIATIONS AND CONTRACT PAYMENTS (a) VERIFIED CLAIMS It was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen and unani- mously carried, to approve the verified claims and authorize payment from the appropriate funds. 12. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:17 P.M. upon motion by Alderman Peterson, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen and unanimously carried.