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01-27-1981 CCMMINUTES REGULAR MEETING - HUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1981 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Westlund called the meeting bers present: Aldermen Peterson, to Mayor Westlund. Absent: None. Engineer Priebe, and City Attorney 2. INVOCATION to order at 7:30 P.M. with the following mem- Lueneburg, Gruenhagen and Beatty, in addition Also present: City Administrator Plotz, City Schantzen. The invocation was given by the Reverend Peter Ramstad of the Vineyard United Methodist Church. 3. MINUTES The minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 13, 1981, Special Joint Meeting of January 21, 1981 and Special Meeting of January 27, 1981 were approved as read upon motion by Alderman Peterson, seconded by Alderman Beatty and unani- mously carried. 4. PUBLIC HEARING - 8:00 P.M. (a) CONSIDERATION OF OFF-STREET PARKING The Council meeting adjourned at 8:00 P.M. to move the public hearing up- stairs to the Auditorium. Mayor Westlund reconvened the hearing at 8:05 PM and read Publication No. 2373, Notice of Hearing on 1981 Off -Street Parking Project. Mayor Westlund commented that the Parking Committee and City staff have been working on a revised off-street parking formula for some time. The new form- ula was presented and adopted at the January 13, 1981 City Council meeting. City Administrator Plotz and City Accountant Merrill gave a presentation of the off-street parking proposal. It was stated the parking program will cost $1.5 million and provide for 700-750 new parking spaces within the downtown parking district, which was the area inside the red lines on the displayed map. The financing of the parking lots would come from two sources: 1) $500,000.00 from the City (1/3 the cost), and 2) $1 million from property owners in downtown area (2/3 of cost). It was pointed out that the Tax Increment Financing Plan, in the amended version, has made possible the financing of the City's portion for the project. COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 27, 1981 City Accountant Merrill presented a detailed report on the formula and stated the following two factors were used to determine the assessments to property owners: 1) 50% - Market value of land and building(s) 2) 50% - Parking requirement The Planning Commission has reduced the parking requirement to .55 spaces per 100 square feet. The City Engineer's office recently did a survey of available parking spaces, and credits have been given where applicable to the property owner(s). It was further pointed out that the parking meter heads will be removed from the downtown area on a trial basis, with perma- nent removal at a later time. Mayor Westlund reported the Hutchinson Downtown Retail Association was in support of the off-street parking plan and read the Resolution adopted by the Association. The hearing was then opened to the public for comments. Ward Haugen Commented that in conversations with other GTC Auto Parts people, there were some questions on the park- ing spaces required by the formula used. Asked what the total number of spaces would be in the downtown district vs. the formula being used. Stated this could be critical for those getting a credit if the formula showed a need for more spaces than possible in the space available. Felt it was an in- flated formula if the formula stated one amount of needed parking space and, in fact, there could only be one-half that number. The form- ula inflates the number required with what is provided. Would spend additional money beyond what he felt was needed. Mayor Westlund Responded that the spaces needed would be the land available at that time. The project would provide as many parking spaces as possi- ble. The City is proposing 700-750 addi- tional spaces, but this figure could change. Russell Meade Urged the Council not to adopt the formula Meade's 66 Station at this meeting. Stated it needed more study and work. No input was put into it from those who are on the fringe. Some have already taken care of their responsibilities for parking. Felt it was unfair in view of the money and time and effort that has been put into the location. -2- COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 27, 1981 Robert Rozmarynowski Stated he had just bought his business. Felt Wash Tub the square footage was out of line. Instead of paying for all the parking lots, asked why a group couldn't get together and build lots. Chuck Wilson Commented he understood from the introduc- McCombs-Knutson Assoc. Inc. tion that this presentation constituted a preliminary. Stated he hadn't seen any form- ula but rather only some examples. Asked if the post office would be involved in the one- third cost the City is paying. Urged the City to use an equal payment method rather than equal principal method for computation as it is not difficult to compute. Kenneth Merrill Explained how the staff had arrived at the City Accountant formula being used. The figures of 6� per dollar market value and $355 per parking space were used to determine the assessment. Since this hearing is a preliminary, the figures can be recomputed. Chuck Wilson Felt the estimates were low on the credit given for some parking lots. Gary Plotz Stated the post office has had experience City Administrator with special assessments before. He had talked to the Post Master, and the City can- not levy assessment against the post office. Kenneth Merrill Responded there would be a problem with the law asth s ate Ir does not allow the plan �y Mr. Wi`son. sugkested Bill Fahey, Consultant Explained there may be some problem with Ehlers & Assoc. legality. Some cities have state-wide excep- tions; others do it without authority. Mr. Fahey stated he had met with the Dorsey law firm to discuss Hutchinson's situation. Both the Chapter 429 and 459 State Statutes are being used, and the Dorsey firm wanted more clarification. Jim DeMeyer Commented he was trying to get clarification DeMeyer Realty of residential vs. commercial property. Ex- pressed concern about property removed from the tax rolls to create parking lots and treat- ed as City -owned property. Stated there was a shifting of taxing obligations. Asked how the loss would be recaptured. -3- COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 27, 1981 Gary Plotz City Administrator Stated the City would first have to buy the property, and then it would be taken off the tax rolls. Jim DeMeyer Commented on increased value of property in downtown area. The parking lots would be owned and maintained by the City. He felt that in fairness to the people who have park- ing, this area should be given some thought. Mayor Westlund Stated the availability of the parking should increase the property values in the commercial area. This would make up for the lost value. Also, the City would have to assume the costs for maintenance of the lots. Dick Piehl, Mgr. Felt the project was a little premature with Prudential Ins. Co. a shopping center going in south of town. It would be better to wait until the center is established to see if it affects the downtown parking. Didn't feel there was a need at this time. Stated there is always a place to park in the downtown during the day. With the gen- eral trend of what is happening, it is a time to reduce taxes, not increase them. Neil Wagner, Mgr. Asked if any consideration was given to busi- Am. Legion Post 96 ness hours. Looking at maximum parking during hours of 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., but other busi- nesses may have need after those hours. Victor Olesen Stated he had been required to put in 13 off - Main Motors street parking stalls when he built his build- ing. Now the number had been increased to 26. Didn't feel he needed more parking space. Arlie Schlecht Questioned the number of parking spaces needed Plowman's, Inc. and the cost per spot. Lanny Waalen Asked if added parking required and substracted Anderson-Waalen Interior parking provided to get the net parking needed and divided that into the $500,000. Arlie Schlecht Stated he didn't feel the figures matched up. Asked: "Where are we going, and what are we asking for?" -4- COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 2 7, 19 81 Marlow Priebe Reported there are 358 meter heads and 272 City Engineer spaces for off-street parking without meter heads, except on private lots. The City Or- dinance requires approximately 2,420 parking spaces of those who received notices; 972 spaces are provided by the property owners receiving notices of the hearing. That would mean the City would be short 818 parking spaces from what the Ordinance would require for busi- ness places sent notices. Herb Franzen Stated the emphasis should be on business Property Owner rather than worrying about parking. Felt there was parking space available on Main Street at any time. Russell Meade Commented on unmetered off-street parking. Asked Alderman Peterson if he remembered when it was necessary for him to contact an attor- ney regarding parking. Stated he had 12-17 parking spaces, but he was given credit for only four. Felt the project needed more home- work. Frank Fay Pointed out on the map the property he owns Frank Fay Realty in the downtown district. Stated he felt there was a need for parking in the downtown area; however, he did not feel the City should proceed with the formula at this time. He would be assessed 14% for property he owns, and the Hutch Hotel and Kirby building do not produce much income. Furthermore, he was not given full credit for existing parking spaces. Recommended the matter be tabled or continued to a later meeting. He was opposed to it. Alice Lovald Asked where the parking lots would be located. Home Bakery Also, asked if one parking lot would be taken away if the fire station referendum goes through. Mayor Westlund Responded that the parking lots would be lo- cated one-half block off Main Street, but no individual sites have been selected at this point. If the fire station referendum passes, one parking lot would be lost. -5- COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 27, 1981 Irvin Burich Citizens Bank & Trust Co. Ward Haugen Asked about the cost of the parking plan and questioned the amount of the assessments. Asked if the assessments were based on half of what is being charged or one-half of the formula. Jim DeMeyer Asked Bill Fahey, Consultant, about the Tax Increment District. The funds to be coor- dinated are from the Tax Increment District. Thought it would present a problem if these monies were spent outside of the district. Asked if there would be any parking lots out- side the district. Bill Fahey, Consultant Explained the parking area includes two of the tax increment districts. Must show that there are enough spaces and that one-third the cost was spent for it. Stated it was the opinion of the bond counsel that it is legal and can be done if the money is spent within the redevelopment area. The City would be selling parking lot improvement bonds, and the bond proceeds would be used to make the improvements. Don Krasen Stated he bought property 15 years ago to pro- Krasen Plumbing & Heating vide for his own parking needs. Let those who need parking space buy property for it. Felt the project was too expensive and not needed. Robert Rozmarynowski Asked how long the revenue from the shopping center would take. Suggested using the $500,000 to build lots and stop there. Mayor Westlund Stated that many people have felt over the years that additional parking was needed for downtown Hutchinson. Since the City has quite a bit of property downtown, it should share in a portion of the parking cost. Instead of the tax payers throughout the community pay- ing for downtown parking, the City would pro- vide $500,000.00 from shopping center revenues. This money would not, however, be brought in without assessments from the downtown property owners for two-thirds the cost of parking lots. COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 27, 1981 Mayor Westlund Jay Alrick Alrick`s Men's Clothiers Stated he had heard only negative comments and asked for positive comments. Felt there was a need for off-street parking downtown. Stated he would rather pay the as- sessments to shop downtown than go to a shop- ping center and pay monthly rent, plus help pay for the parking lot. Expressed concern for keeping the downtown alive and doing busi- ness. Clarice Coston Commented that in a telephone survey taken, Chamber of Commerce 25 of the 38 Downtown Retail Association mem- bers were contacted. Only three or four had negative comments and were against the park- ing plan. The others had positive comments because they realize the customers need places to park. Although many businessmen do not own their own building, they realize any increase in taxes will be passed on to them in increased rent. The Chamber of Commerce owns its build- ing and will be participating. Russell Meade Remarked that his comments were meant to be constructive. He favored downtown parking but felt there needed to be more homework on the program. Urged the Council to table or post- pone action at this time. Mayor Westlund Stated he had heard more negative than construc- tive comments to continue working on the formu- la and plan. Asked if the City should continue its work if the feeling is negative. The City could provide something to make the downtown alive but would need some work from the busi- ness people. The parking assessment could be needed to protect the investment downtown, but the City didn't want to place an assessment on the downtown if it is not wanted. Irvin Burich Did not want his comments to be taken as nega- tive. Felt there was a need for downtown park- ing. The downtown cannot continue as it has without a lot more parking. It has been short of parking space since he came to Hutchinson. This is a once in a life -time opportunity with $500,000.00 offered for downtown parking by the City. -7- COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 27, 1981 Al Cheney Stated he had worked for the City and was Deputy Sheriff aware of the lack of parking spaces downtown. Commented he didn't hear it mentioned, but one fear is not knowing where the parking lots are going to be built. Perhaps more study could be done as to the location of the park- ing lots. Businessmen are objecting to pay- ing for lots that would benefit someone else because the location was closer to his/her business. He wouldn't want to buy something unless he knew what he was buying. Mayor Westlund Remarked there was a need to be flexible at this point. The parking lots would be scat- tered one-half block off Main Street, start- ing at the river. Parking is needed, and the committee has done much work on the plan. It may be necessary to close off streets for park- ing. Many things are being taken into con- sideration. Ward Haugen Pointed out his objection was to the formula and that it needed more work on it. Dave Jensen Stated the Citizens Bank was twilling to pay Citizens Bank & Trust Co. its assessment on the project. Dennis Schroeder Inquired about the size of the district. Asked Rep. for Elks Lodge if those on the east side would get their share of the parking. Gary Plotz Commented there was a similar district four years ago. The Parking Committee, Downtown Development District Advisory Board and City Council had input in determining the area of the downtown parking district. Milburn Henke Stated Clarice Coston had made reference to Property Owner the assessments being passed on to the rent- ers in additional rent. Some of the agree- ments are written leases covering a long-range period of time and cannot be adjusted to ab- sorb the assessment. Felt he was being asked to pay for something that he didn't know what he was getting, and he was negative to the plan. Asked what would happen to the money raised by the bonds if construction takes two or three years. we COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 27, 1981 Robert Rozmarynowski Commented on the credits given for parking. Felt the figures were off 50%. Suggested the study be redone. Mayor Westlund Stated the City Council had agreed that the tax increment money would not be used to pay for the total project, but rather the business people would have to participate. He then called on the Aldermen for comments. Alderman Bruce Peterson Remarked that he was glad to see unity on the need for off-street parking downtown. Felt the hearing should be continued at some future date. He was glad the project got to the point where a public hearing could be held, and he hoped people would come to var- ious meetings and help the Council make a final decision on the project. Alderman Milton Lueneburg Pointed out he had been working on the down- town parking program for the last 15 years. Stated persons have the right to disagree, but more people should have had input when the staff and committee were meeting on the plan.so they would be aware of their feelings. Alderman Ken Gruenhagen Stated he agreed with Aldermen Peterson and Lueneburg's comments. Said he had many peo- ple say to him that something had to be done5 there was a need for more parking. He point- ed out it was not up to the Council to do all the work. Someone has to pay for the project. He was in favor of more research and tabling at this time. Alderman Ted Beatty Reported he was in favor of a downtown park- ing program. Felt it was not the City's re- sponsibility to pay for the total project. The motion was made by Alderman Peterson to defer the public hearing. Seconded by Alderman Lueneburg, the motion unanimously carried. In summary, Mayor Westlund commented that from the public hearing just com- pleted some comments were negative and some felt the formula should be re- vised; some felt the assessments were not fair. The City staff will do further study on the project,and the public hearing will be continued at a later date. COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 27, 1981 5. COMMUNICATIONS, REQUESTS AND PETITIONS (a) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST BY MRS. HULDA SCHULTZ FOR REDUCED TRASH AND REFUSE RATES After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Lueneburg and carried unanimously, to approve reduced trash and refuse rates for Mrs. Hulda Schultz. (b) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST BY MRS. EDWIN H. PETERSON FOR REDUCED TRASH AND REFUSE RATES ' Following discussion, Alderman Beatty moved to approve reduced trash and refuse rates for Mrs. Edwin H. Peterson. Seconded by Alderman Peterson, the motion unanimously carried. 6. RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES (a) ORDINANCE NO. 1/81 - AN ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 513 PERTAINING TO OFF-STREET PARKING City Administrator Plotz reported that about five or six years ago the City and Chamber of Commerce worked on a parking formula which was adopted but never put into effect. The Parking Committee reviewed the existing formula and did a survey of several other cities. Each city had a different formula, but three factors seemed to emerge, namely: 1) parking requirement of build- ing, 2) value of building, and 3) proximity of parking lots. The City staff decided the present formula should be repealed. The motion was made by Alderman Lueneburg, seconded by Alderman Beatty and carried unanimously, to waive the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 615 entitled An Ordinance Repealing Ordinance No. 513 Pertaining to Off -Street Parking. (b) RESOLUTION NO. 6719 - RESOLUTION ORDERING PREPARATION OF REPORT ON IMPROVEMENT, PROJECT NO. 81-32 After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Beatty to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6719 entitled Resolution Ordering Preparation of Report on Improvement, Project No. 81-32. The motion was seconded by Alderman Peter- son and unanimously carried. (c) RESOLUTION NO. 6720 - RESOLUTION RECEIVING REPORT AND CALLING HEARING ON IMPROVEMENTS, PROJECT NO. 81-32 Following discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Peterson, seconded by Alderman Beatty and carried unanimously, to waive reading and adopt Resolu- tion No. 6720 entitled Resolution Receiving Report and Calling Hearing on Improvements, Project No. 81-32. -10- COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 27, 1981 (d) RESOLUTION NO. 6721 - RESOLUTION ORDERING PREPARATION OF REPORT ON IMPROVEMENT, PROJECT NO. 81-33 After discussion, Alderman Peterson moved to waive reading and adopt Reso- lution No. 6721 entitled Resolution Ordering Preparation of Report on Im- provement, Project No. 81-33. The motion was seconded by Alderman Beatty and carried unanimously. (e) RESOLUTION NO. 6722 - RESOLUTION RECEIVING REPORT AND CALLING HEARING ON IMPROVEMENTS, PROJECT 81-33 Following discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Peterson and unanimously carried, to waive reading and adopt Reso- lution No. 6722 entitled Resolution Receiving Report and Calling Hearing On Improvements, Project 81-33. (f) RESOLUTION NO. 6723 - RESOLUTION SETTING ELECTION, TIME, PLACE LOCATIONS OF PRECINCTS, AND APPOINTING OF JUDGES FOR CITY SPECIAL ELECTION After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Gruenhagen to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6723 entitled Resolution Setting Election, Time, Place Locations of Precincts, and Appointing of Judges for City Special Election. Seconded by Alderman Lueneburg, the motion carried unanimously. 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COM11ISSIONS (a) MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT - DECEMBER 1980 The end -of -year financial report was not ready so this item was deferred at this time. (b) MINUTES OF TREE BOARD DATED DECEMBER 16, 1980 There being no discussion, the minutes were ordered by the Mayor to be re- ceived for filing. (c) MINUTES OF TRANSPORTATION BOARD DATED NOVEMBER 12, 1980 There being no discussion, the minutes were ordered by the Mayor to be re- ceived for filing. (d) MINUTES OF DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD DATED OCTOBER 21, 1980 There being no discussion, the minutes were ordered by the Mayor to be re- ceived for filing. (e) MINUTES OF PLANNING COMMISSION DATED DECEMBER 16, 1980 There being no discussion, the minutes were ordered by the Mayor to be re- ceived for filing. -11- COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 27, 19 81 8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (a) CONSIDERATION OF AWARDING BID FOR ENERGY MANAGEMENT MICRO -PROCESSOR (DEFERRED DECEMBER 23, 1980) Administrator Philip Graves and a representative from Enertec Energy Man- agement System appeared before the Council and demonstrated the energy com- puter the hospital is planning to purchase. It was explained that this is a micro -processor based unit that has solid state electronic circuits which can be programmed to perform certain limited functions. Administrator Graves reported there were five bids on the energy management micro -processor, and it was the recommendation of the Hospital Board to award the bid to Enertec Energy Management System in the amount of $25,992.00 and to request authority to purchase a printer in order to produce hard copy. He pointed out the hospital had received a 50% matching grant of $34,690.00. The motion was made by Alderman Gruenhagen, seconded by Alderman Beatty and unanimously carried, to award the bid for an energy management micro -processor to Enertec Energy Management System in the amount of $25,992.00 and to author- ize purchase of a printer. (b) CONSIDERATION OF AWARDING BID FOR 1981 TREE PRUNING (DEFERRED JANUARY 27, 1981) City Forester Schnobrich reported four bids were received for tree pruning of 559 trees this afternoon. This work will be 100% funded by the DNR. It was his recommendation to award the bid to Hutchinson Landscaping in the amount of $9,978.15. After discussion, Alderman Peterson moved to award the bid for 1981 tree pruning to Hutchinson Landscaping. Seconded by Alderman Lueneburg, the mo- tion carried unanimously. 9. NEW BUSINESS (a) CONSIDERATION OF REQUESTING CITY ENGINEER TO PREPARE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR DOWNTOWN PARKING PLAN This item was deferred at the present time. (b) CONSIDERATION OF DELINQUENT WATER AND SEWER ACCOUNTS Mayor Westlund 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. Alderman Beatty moved to discontinue service on February 2, 1981 at 1:00 P.M. as recommended by staff for the following: Account No. 01-0570-0-00, 01-0660- 1-00, 02-0280-1-00, 02-0645-2-00, 03-0500-5-00, 04-0675-0-00, 06-0160-0-00, -12- COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 27, 1981 07-0135-1-00, 07-0880-8-00, 07-0900-1-00, 08-0850-2-00, 39-0260-0-00, and 42-0019-1-00. The motion was seconded by Alderman Lueneburg and carried unanimously. (c) CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTING POSITION CLASSIFICATION ASSIGNMENT TABLE Following discussion of the 1981 pay plan, the motion was made by Alderman Peterson to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6717 entitled Resolution Adopting Position Classification Assignment Table Effective January 4, 1981. Seconded by Alderman Beatty, the motion unanimously carried. (d) CONSIDERATION OF RECOMMENDATION FROM AIRPORT COMMISSION ON LOCATION OF AIRPORT Mayor Westlund suggested deferring this matter to Thursday morning, follow- ing the Department Head meeting. It was moved by Alderman Gruenhagen, seconded by Alderman Peterson and car- ried unanimously, to defer action to Thursday morning, January 29, 1981. (e) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST TO PURCHASE AND INSTALL TWO DTS 550 CASH REGISTERS FOR LIQUOR STORE City Accountant Merrill reported that LOGIS began service this month for a liquor inventory control system. In order for Hutchinson to be operational with the system, it will be necessary to install cash registers at the liquor store which also capture the inventory sold. It was recommended that the City purchase two DTS 550 at a cost of $5,116.50 each, plus some minimum installation cost, through an agreement with Hennepin County. The machine will also carry a maintenance agreement of $526.10 per machine. One addi- tional cost would be installation of dedicated electrical outlines and fil- ter which would guarantee good operation of the machines caused by voltage drops at the store. Following discussion, Alderman Lueneburg moved to approve the purchase of the two above-mentioned DTS 550 cash registers for the liquor store. The motion was seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen and unanimously carried. (f) CONSIDERATION OF BID FOR CITY OWNED LOT City Administrator Plotz reported the City had received a letter from James R. Slyter in which he submitted a bid of $200.00 for a piece of property owned by the City and adjoining his property at 565 Peterson Circle. In- asmuch as the City also owns two pieces of property by the School Road Bridge, it was his recommendation to advertise for bids on all the proper- ties. -13- COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 27, 1981 After discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Ald- erman Lueneburg and carried unanimously, to advertise for bids on the three parcels of City -owned property. (g) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR VARIANCE(S) SUBMITTED BY KIM PIEHL WITH FAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION City Administrator Plotz reported that a request was made to split a lot on the corner of Lynn Road and Linden Avenue to allow for the construction of a home on one-half of Lot 7 of Merrill's Subdivision 86 Lynn Addition. This would require a variance from the lot depth and lot area. It was the recommendation of the Planning Commission to grant the following three var- iances: 1) One lot variance from lot depth from 100' to 62'; 2) one lot variance from lot depth from 100' to 97'; and 3) one lot variance from lot area from 6,000 sq. ft. to 5,797 sq. ft. Following discussion, it was moved by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen and unanimously carried, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6718 entitled Resolution Granting Variance from Section 6.05, B.3 of the Zoning Ordinance No. 464 to Allow Construction of Home on One -Half of Lot 7 of Merrill's Subdivision 86 Lynn Addition. (h) CONSIDERATION OF GUIDELINES FOR EMPLOYEE SELECTION PROCESS After discussion of the guidelines, Alderman Peterson moved to approve the guidelines for the employee selection process. The motion was seconded by Alderman Beatty and carried unanimously. 10. MISCELLANEOUS (a) COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATOR City Administrator Plotz reported he had attended two out of the three 6E Economic Development Workshops. The last one will be held in Hutchins son on January 29, 1981. It was pointed out that there was a letter from the insurance company re- garding the lawsuit of Dwight and JoAnn Freitag filed against the City of Hutchinson for denial of a building permit. The City Attorney will be de- fending the City on this case. The Council members were reminded of the Coalltion of Outstate Cities meet- ing scheduled for Thursday, January 29, 1981 in St. Paul. Mayor Westlund will be attending. Mr. Plotz stated that he and the Mayor would be meeting with Superintendent Birkeland and Donn Ulrich, Chairman of the School Board, on Wednesday morning. -14- COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 27, 1981 The City Administrator, the bonding consultant from Ehlers & Associates, and 3M representatives will be meeting on Wednesday, January 28, 1981 to discuss the City's bond rating. At present Hutchinson has an "A" rating but would like to increase it. The Council was reminded of the further hearing on the Schmidtbauer annexa- tion with the Minnesota Municipal Board on January 28, 1981 at 10:00 A.M. Mention was made that the Mayor, City Administrator and City Engineer would be meeting with the DNR at 1:00 P.M. on January 28, 1981. 11. CLAIMS, APPROPRIATIONS AND CONTRACT PAYMENTS (a) VERIFIED CLAIMS It was moved by Alderman Peterson, seconded by Alderman Beatty and unani- mously carried, to approve the verified claims and authorize payment from the appropriate funds. 12. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:20 P.M. upon motion by Alderman Gruenhagen, seconded by Alderman Peterson and carried unanimously. -15-