03-10-1981 CCMMINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - HUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1981
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Westlund at 8:00 P.M., with the follow-
ing members present: Aldermen Peterson, Lueneburg, Gruenhagen and Beatty, in addi-
tion to Mayor Westlund. Absent: None. Also present: City Administrator Plotz,
City Engineer Priebe and City Attorney Schantzen.
2. INVOCATION
The invocation was given by the Reverend Thoralf J. Skeie of Faith Lutheran
Church.
3. MINUTES
The minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 24, 1981 were approved as read
upon motion by Alderman Peterson, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen and unanimously
carried.
4. PUBLIC HEARING
None
5. COMMUNICATIONS, REQUESTS AND PETITIONS
WreMW
6. RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES
(a) RESOLUTION NO. 6730 - RESOLUTION FOR PURCHASE
City Administrator Plotz reported on the five items requested for purchase
and stated they were all budgeted.
Following discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Beatty to waive read-
ing and adopt Resolution No. 6730 entitled Resolution for Purchase. The
motion was seconded by Alderman Lueneburg and carried unanimously.
7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
(a) BUILDING OFFICIAL'S MONTHLY REPORT - FEBRUARY 1981
There being no discussion, the report was ordered by the Mayor to be re-
ceived for filing.
(b) MINUTES OF PARKS & RECREATION BOARD DATED FEBRUARY 4, 1981
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The minutes were amended to add "Ericson" after the name Bruce in the last
sentence of the third paragraph for clarification purposes.
The minutes were ordered by the Mayor to be received for filing.
(c) MINUTES OF "SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER" ADVISORY BOARD DATED FEBRUARY 2, 1981
There being no discussion, the minutes were ordered by the Mayor to be re-
ceived for filing.
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
(a),, 1981 IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Mayor Westlund reported the Council and City Engineer had discussed the pro-
posed 1981 improvement projects, and they are ready for approval and the
request for plans.
It was moved by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Lueneburg and carried
unanimously, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6731 entitled Resolu-
tion Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans, Project 81-03.
It was moved by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Lueneburg and unani-
mously carried, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6732 entitled
Resolution Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans, Project No. 81-07.
It was moved by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Lueneburg and carried
unanimously, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6733 entitled Reso-
lution Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans, Project No. 81-09.
It was moved by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Lueneburg and unani-
mously carried, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6734 entitled
Resolution Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans, Project No. 81-10.
It was moved by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Lueneburg and carried
unanimously, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6735 entitled Resolu-
tion Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans, Project No. 81-12.
It was moved by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Lueneburg and unani-
mously carried, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6736 entitled
Resolution Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans, Project No. 81-13.
It was moved by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Lueneburg and carried
unanimously, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6737 entitled Resolu-
tion Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans, Project No. 81-14.
It was moved by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Lueneburg and unani-
mously carried, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6738 entitled
Resolution Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans, Project No. 81-15.
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It was moved by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Lueneburg and carried
unanimously, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6739 entitled Resolu-
tion Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans, Project No. 81-17.
It was moved by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Lueneburg and unani-
mously carried, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6740 entitled
Resolution Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans, Project No. 81-18.
It was moved by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Lueneburg and carried
unanimously, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6741 entitled Resolu-
tion Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans, Project No. 81-19.
It was moved by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Lueneburg and unani-
mously carried, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6742 entitled Reso-
lution Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans, Project No. 81-20.
It was moved by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Lueneburg and carried
unanimously, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6743 entitled Resolu-
tion Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans, Project No. 81-21, as
amended for improvement of Miller Avenue from Lynn Road to Harrington Street
by the installation of bituminous surfacing and appurtenances.
It was moved by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Lueneburg and unani-
mously carried, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6744 entitled Reso-
lution Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans, Project No. 81-22.
It was moved by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Lueneburg and carried
unanimously, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6745 entitled Resolu-
tion Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans, Project No. 81-23.
It was moved by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Lueneburg and unani-
mously carried, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6746 entitled
Resolution Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans, Project No. 81-26.
It was moved by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Lueneburg and carried
unanimously, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6747 entitled Resolu-
tion Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans, Project No. 81-27.
It was moved by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Lueneburg and unani-
mously carried, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6748 entitled
Resolution Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans, Project No. 81-28.
It was moved by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Lueneburg and carried
unanimously, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6749 entitled Resolu-
tion Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans, Project No. 81-29.
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It was moved by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Lueneburg and unani-
mously carried, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6750. entitled
Resolution Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans, Project No. 81-30.
It was moved by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Lueneburg and unani-
mously carried, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6751 entitled Reso-
lution Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans, Project No. 81-31.
It was moved by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Lueneburg and unani-
mously carried, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6752 entitled Reso-
lution Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans, Project No. 81-32.
It was moved by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Lueneburg and unani-
mously carried, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6753 entitled
Resolution Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans, Project No. 81-33.
9. NEW BUSINESS
(a) CONSIDERATION OF PURCHASE OF SHOP EQUIPMENT
Director of Maintenance Operations Neumann commented on the hoist for the
motor pool operations and requested it be purchased from Hutchinson Whole-
sale Supply at a total cost of $3,742.40, including installation and delivery
costs.
Following discussion, Alderman Lueneburg made the motion to approve the pur-
chase of shop equipment. The motion was seconded by Alderman Peterson and
carried unanimously.
(b) CONSIDERATION OF BOARD OF REVIEW ON MAY 27, 1981 AT 10:00-A.M.
After discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Gruenhagen to approve the
date set by the county for the Board of Review on May 27, 1981 at 10:00 A.M.
Seconded by Alderman Beatty, the motion unanimously carried.
(c) CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATION FOR "ON SALE" INTOXICATING LIQUOR LICENSE
BY VERLA JOHANNING FOR MAX'S
Mr. Ronald Johanning appeared before the Council regarding an application
for an intoxicating liquor license in conjunction with the opening of a
Max's Restaurant at the new shopping center. He presented a drawing of
the floor plan for the proposed restaurant, as well as a menu from a Max's
already in operation. He reported the menu would be strong on lunches with
sandwiches, salads and soups; steak would be available in the evening. The
proposed two -floor restaurant would seat approximately 140-150 people.
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City Administrator Plotz inquired about the ordinance provision that there
be a local manager. Mr. Johanning stated his daughter would be moving to
Hutchinson and managing the restaurant. He further stated it was antici-
pated the restaurant would open the first of November, 1981.
Mayor Westlund commented that the City had the precedent to investigate
an application before issuing a license. He estimated it would take a month
to review the application and for the Council to reach a decision.
Following discussion, the motion was made by Alderman Gruenhagen to defer
the application until the April 14, 1981 Council meeting. Seconded by Ald-
erman Lueneburg, the motion carried unanimously.
(d) CONSIDERATION OF 1981 TREE REMOVAL AND STUMP REMOVAL
After discussion, Alderman Peterson moved to authorize advertising for bids
on 1981 tree and stump removal to be opened March 23, 1981 at 2:00 P.M. The
motion was seconded by Alderman Beatty and unanimously carried.
(e) CONSIDERATION OF PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT FOR PARK DEPARTMENT
Parks and Recreation Director Ericson reported on the requested equipment
for the Park Department. It was his recommendation to replace a 1950 Allis
tractor and a 1948 Willy Jeep with two Toro Groundsmaster 72's or equivalent
equipment with cabs and one snow blower attachment, one broom attachment and
two 72" mowing decks.
Following discussion, Alderman Beatty made the motion to authorize adver-
tising for bids on the above equipment. Seconded by Alderman Lueneburg,
the motion carried unanimously.
(f) CONSIDERATION OF RECOMMENDATION REGARDING REVISED DOWNTOWN PARKING PLAN
AND TO CONTINUE PUBLIC HEARING ON MARCH 24, 1981
Alderman Beatty reported on the Parking Committee's meeting and the study
of the downtown parking plan. It was the committee's recommendation to the
Downtown District Advisory Board to scale the project down. After unsuccess-
ful attempts at different formulas, it was determined to keep the formula as
before, based on square footage and credit for parking provided. The total
amount of the project would be $1,250,000, with $750,000 assessed to down-
town commercial/business property owners in the downtown district and $500,000
from tax increment financing. The proposed plan would provide 570 parking
spaces, with a net need of 387 spaces, allowing for growth in the downtown
area. It was further recommended to continue the public hearing on March
24, 1981 at 8:00 P.M.
Alderman Gruenhagen commented that when they first started talking about
the parking plan, it was agreed among the Council members the City would
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pay one-third of the project's cost. The remaining two-thirds would be
assessed to the downtown property owners. Now the project has been scaled
down, but not the City's portion. He felt that if the City has one-third
of the parking space, it should pay only one-third of the cost of the proj-
ect. He stated he was not against the parking project, but he was opposed
to the breakdown of the cost; two-thirds of the cost should be assessed to
the property owners as previously agreed upon.
Alderman Beatty made the motion to continue the public hearing on the down-
town parking plan on March 24, 1981 at 8:00 P.M. Seconded by Alderman
Lueneburg, the motion unanimously carried.
10. MISCELLANEOUS
(a) COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATOR
City Administrator Plotz reported that on Thursday, March 12, there will be
a Legislative Action Conference in St. Paul. The agenda will include the
official League membership adoption of 1981 LMC legislative policy as well
as an address by Governor Quie on his budget proposals. Four from the City
will be attending this conference.
A Task Force of six individuals has been working on a proposal for Burling-
ton Northern to upgrade the railroad track in Hutchinson to handle 54 -unit
car trains. This will be an on-going project.
Mr. Plotz stated that the county/city sheltered workshop application did not
receive favorable approval. Some other alternatives will be considered.
(b) COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Westlund reported that the terms for Don Erickson and Clinton Tracy on
the Planning Commission expire this month. He, therefore, asked for Council
ratification to reappoint said individuals to the Planning Commission.
It was moved by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen and unani-
mously carried, to ratify the appointments of Don Erickson and Clinton Tracy
to the Planning Commission.
Mayor Westlund then requested Council ratification for reappointment of
Emma Lake and Erna (Mrs. John) McKenzie to the "Seniors Activity Center"
Advisory Board.
It was moved by Alderman Peterson to ratify the appointments of Emma Lake
and Erna McKenzie to the "Seniors Activity Center" Advisory Board. Seconded
by Alderman Beatty, the motion carried unanimously.
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Attention was called to a memorandum from City Accountant Merrill regarding
the 1981 real estate tax.
(c) COMMUNICATIONS ON ELECTION RESULTS
City Accountant Merrill reported the election results were in and that the
fire station referendum had passed by a two to one vote. He then presented
the election results to the Mayor and City Council and requested them to ap-
prove the canvassing.
Mayor Westlund expressed thanks to the firemen for their efforts and work
on the referendum and to the public for voting favorably on the issue. He
stated that a new fire station is a key for Hutchinson to be continually
aggressive, and he was happy with the election results. The Mayor further
commented thatthis referendum had not been handled in the conventional manner
of the past in that a site had not been chosen prior to the election. There-
fore, the public was putting trust in the City Council to make a wise choice
in the location of the fire station.
Realtor Jim DeMeyer informed the Council that he had done research on dif-
ferent properties that might be potential fire station sites. He then stated
he had an option and several other possibilities of property that could be
considered for a location of the fire station.
It was moved by Alderman Beatty, seconded by Alderman Lueneburg and carried
unanimously, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6729 entitled Resolu-
tion Canvassing Election Returns of City Special Election Held March 10,
1981.
(d) COMMUNICATIONS FROM ALDERMAN GRUENHAGEN
Alderman Gruenhagen inquired about the status of the joint airport project
with the City of Litchfield.
City Administrator Plotz reported that a joint airport committee had been
established, with John Miller and Milton Lueneburg representing the City of
Hutchinson. Litchfield has a representative from the Airport Commission and
City Council. The committee had a meeting, at which it was determined that
a feasible site for the new airport might be in the area of the "Y" where
the roads meet on Highway 7 and 22. Several of the committee members plan
to fly over the area on March 12 and look for a potential site(s). This in-
formation would then be forwarded to the consultant for review. After an
agreeable site has been selected, a more formal operating board will be
established and the details of the project will be pursued.
(e) COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY ENGINEER
City Engineer Priebe informed the Council that the State Highway Department
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has requested a different location for the lights involved with the High-
way 7 and 15 project. The present lights are the old type and need to be
replaced. There is money within the project fund to cover this cost,
which would amount to approximately $3,500. The Hutchinson Utilities has
provided a cost breakdown for the work.
No action was taken at this time, and it was decided to place this item on
the agenda for the next Council meeting.
11. CLAIMS. APPROPRIATIONS AND CONTRACT PAYMENTS
(a) VERIFIED CLAIMS
It was moved by Alderman Peterson, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen and car-
ried unanimously, to approve the verified claims and authorize payment from
the appropriate funds.
12. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:50 P.M. upon motion
by Alderman Gruenhagen, seconded by Alderman Lueneburg and unanimously carried.