City Council Meeting Minutes

Monday, August 18, 2008
Albertville City Hall 7:00 PM

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE

Mayor Klecker called the Albertville City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL

PRESENT: Mayor Ron Klecker, Council members Dan Wagner, Tom Fay, LeRoy Berning and John Vetsch, City Attorney Mike Couri, Assistant City Engineer Adam Nafstad, City Planner Al Brixius, City Administrator Larry Kruse, and City Clerk Bridget Miller

ABSENT: none

RECOGNITIONS – PRESENTATIONS – INTRODUCTIONS – no comments

CITIZEN FORUM

Mayor Klecker asked if there was anyone in the audience that wanted to discuss an item with the Council that was not already on the agenda.

Mark Barthel of 11435 – 58th Street NE had a concern with Central-City Park. He brought to the Council’s attention that on Wednesday, August 13, there was a considerable amount of noise, which he called 9-1-1 at 11:45 p.m. On Thursday, August 14, there was another incident at Central-City Park, which the Wright County Sheriff was present. On Friday, August 15, again there were people hitting balls towards the cars in the parking lot until they broke a windshield. Mr. Barthel went on to report there have been a number of occasions when he went over park to shut-off ball field lights.

City Administrator Kruse stated that staff has contacted Ms. Greninger regarding the ball field lights, which she said the lights are supposed to be turned off every evening there is a game. Staff informed the Council that certain members have the combination to the paddle lock that accesses the switch to the ball field lights; however, the ball field box could use updating. Staff has received a copy of the police report that involved the broken windshield. Staff suggests installing a timer for the lights, which they have received a quote. Kruse reported that PW employees have noticed an increase in the amount of garbage left behind since the beginning of the summer.

Council directed staff to try without the timer for the remainder of the summer season of ball games. Beginning in 2009, Council will consider the installation of a timer with a secure lock so others are not allowed to over-ride the timer by simply turning on the lights.

Lynda Hughes of 11473 – 58th Street NE informed the Council that the lights at the Lions Pavilion were left on recently by some kids there were skateboarding. Ms. Hughes went on explaining to the Council the main reason she was here in regards to Full Moon Saloon Bar and Grill. Ms. Hughes reported that the noise from Full Moon has continued to get worse and worse. Not only is the noise a problem. She also stated she has problems accessing her property as the beer trucks block her driveway or customers park across the driveway.

Ms. Hughes brought to the Council’s attention such as Friendly City Days. Every year it gets worse and worse. She or other family members have a hard time accessing her property. Full Moon continues to play their music after the park closes. Her son had a hard time getting home as he was not allowed through. Ms. Hughes contacted the police dept. numerous times when Full Moon has a band. But nothing ever seems to be done about it.

Council directed staff to notify Full Moon Saloon Bar and Grill that a number of complaints have been filed against their establishment.

AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA

Mayor Klecker asked if there were any amendments to the agenda. Upon hearing no amendments to the agenda, Klecker asked for a motion to approve the agenda as presented.

MOTION BY Council member Berning, seconded by Council member Vetsch to approve the Monday, August 18, 2008 regular Albertville City Council agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

MINUTES

August 4, 2008 regular City Council minutes

Mayor Klecker asked the Council if there were any changes needed to be made to the Monday, regular City Council minutes. Upon hearing no comments from the Council, Mayor Klecker then asked for a motion to approve the August 4, 2008 regular City Council minutes as presented.

MOTION BY Council member Fay, seconded by Council member Wagner to approve the Monday, August 4, 2008 regular City Council minutes as presented, which a signed copy will be scanned and an electronic copy will be kept on file in the office of the City Clerk. Mayor Klecker, Council members Berning, Fay, and Wagner voted aye. Council member Vetsch abstained. Motion carried.

CONSENT AGENDA

* CONSENT AGENDA
All items with an asterisk (*) are considered to be routine in nature by the City Staff and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Council member or citizen so requests. In such event, the item will be removed from the General Order of Business and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda.

Mayor Klecker asked the Council members if there were any items they wanted pulled from the August 4, 2008 Consent Agenda. Upon hearing no comments from the Council, Mayor Klecker asked for a motion to approve the August 4, 2008 Consent Agenda as presented.

MOTION BY Council member Berning, seconded by Council member Vetsch to approve the Monday, August 18, 2008 Consent Agenda pulling items 8.K.1, 8.K.2., and 8.K.3., which the items will be removed from the General Order of Business and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda and will require a separate motion. Motion carried unanimously.

DEPARTMENT BUSINESS

FIRE DEPARTMENT – no comments

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT – no comments

UTILITIES DEPARTMENT (WWTP) – no comments

BUILDING DEPARTMENT

Accept the Building Official’s Report dated August 7, 2008

Mayor Klecker noted that the Building Official was not present, but asked the Council members if they had any questions or concerns regarding the Building Official’s Report. Hearing no comments from the Council members, they proceeded to accept the Building Official’s Report dated August 7, 2008 as presented in the Monday, August 18, 2008 City Council packet.

FINANCE DEPARTMENT

* Approve the Monday, August 18, 2008 Payment of Claims (bills) for check numbers 026005 to 026061

MOTION BY Council member Berning, seconded by Council member Vetsch authorizing the Monday, August 18, 2008 Semi-monthly Payment of Claims (bills) for check numbers 026005 to 026061 as presented except the bills specifically pulled, which will require a separate discussion from the Consent Agenda and a separate motion from the Consent Agenda. The checks and supporting documents will be scanned and kept electronically on file in the office of the Finance Director. Motion carried unanimously.

CITY CLERK

* Approve One-Day 3.2 % Malt Liquor License Application from the Albertville Lions for a Benefit to be held at the St. Albert Parish Center within the Albertville city limits on Saturday, September 6 from 3:00 p.m. to 12:00 mid-night

MOTION BY Council member Berning, seconded by Council member Vetsch to approve One-Day 3.2 % Malt Liquor License Application from the Albertville Lions for a Benefit to be held at the St. Albert Parish Center within the Albertville city limits on Saturday, September 6 from 3:00 p.m. to 12:00 mid-night as presented except the items specifically pulled, which will require a separate discussion from the Consent Agenda and a separate motion from the Consent Agenda, which a signed copy will be scanned and kept electronically on file in the office of the City Clerk. Motion carried unanimously.

* Approve One-Day 3.2 % Malt Liquor License Application from the Albertville Lions for the annual Pork Chop Dinner event to be held at the St. Albert Parish Center within the Albertville city limits on Saturday, September 13 from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

MOTION BY Council member Berning, seconded by Council member Vetsch to approve One-Day 3.2 % Malt Liquor License Application from the Albertville Lions for the annual Pork Chop Dinner event to be held at the St. Albert Parish Center within the Albertville city limits on Saturday, September 13 from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. as presented except the items specifically pulled, which will require a separate discussion from the Consent Agenda and a separate motion from the Consent Agenda, which a signed copy will be scanned and kept electronically on file in the office of the City Clerk. Motion carried unanimously.

* Approve a One-Day Temporary Intoxicating Liquor License Application from the Albertville Lions for the Albertville Fire Department Annual Retirement Dinner to be held at the Albertville Fire Hall on Saturday, September 20, 2008 from 3:00 p.m. to 12:00 mid-night

MOTION BY Council member Berning, seconded by Council member Vetsch to approve a One-Day Temporary Intoxicating Liquor License Application from the Albertville Lions for the Albertville Fire Department Annual Retirement Dinner to be held at the Albertville Fire Hall on Saturday, September 20, 2008 from 3:00 p.m. to 12:00 mid-night as presented except the items specifically pulled, which will require a separate discussion from the Consent Agenda and a separate motion from the Consent Agenda, which a signed copy will be scanned and kept electronically on file in the office of the City Clerk. Motion carried unanimously.

CITY COUNCIL – no comments

PLANNING AND ZONING

Accept the City Planner’s Monthly Report dated August 11, 2008

Mayor Klecker asked the Council members if they had any questions or concerns for the City Planner regarding the August 11, 2008 Planner’s Report. Upon hearing no comments from the Council, they proceeded to accept the City Planner’s Monthly Report dated August 11, 2008 as presented in the Monday, August 18, 2008 City Council packet.

ENGINEERING

* Approve to Release in full the State Bank of Long Lake Letter of Credit No. 226 conditioned upon all outstanding balances owed to the City are paid in full

MOTION BY Council member Berning, seconded by Council member Vetsch to approve to Release in full the State Bank of Long Lake Letter of Credit No. 226 conditioned upon all outstanding balances owed to the City are paid in full as presented except the items specifically pulled, which will require a separate discussion from the Consent Agenda and a separate motion from the Consent Agenda, which a signed copy will be scanned and kept electronically on file in the office of the City Clerk. Motion carried unanimously.

* Approve to Release in full the T-Square Properties, LLC Letter of Credit No. NZS562465 conditioned upon all outstanding balances owed to the City are paid in full

MOTION BY Council member Berning, seconded by Council member Vetsch to approve to Release in full the T-Square Properties, LLC Letter of Credit No. NZS562465 conditioned upon all outstanding balances owed to the City are paid in full as presented except the items specifically pulled, which will require a separate discussion from the Consent Agenda and a separate motion from the Consent Agenda, which a signed copy will be scanned and kept electronically on file in the office of the City Clerk. Motion carried unanimously.

Accept the Assistant City Engineer’s Progress Report

Assistant City Engineer Nafstad reviewed the Park Improvements, which staff has been working on with the Parks and Recreation Committee. Staff has requested quotes from local Contractors to better identify costs and to tailor the Central-City Park Project scope. Quotes for the Central-City Park Parking Lot Improvement were due to the City on August 14th, which would be presented to Council at their August 18th meeting. Staff reported that two surfacing options for the parking lot are being explored. The 1st option consists of a more substantial parking section that would be adequate for future bituminous surfacing. The 2nd option proposes a reduced parking lot section that consists of less aggregate material and requires less excavation. Although Option No. 2 will cost less, it will most likely not be adequate for future bituminous surfacing and will require more routine maintenance.

Nafstad reported that the quotes received for Option 1 and Option 2 are as follows:

Option 1 Option 2
Dennis Fehn Excavating $61,422.90 $39,594.40
Omann Bros. $97.808.00 $54,000.00 (after adjustments)

Nafstad went on to report that the $39,594.40 would be the costs associated with salvaging as much of the rock and other material that would be cleaned as best can be with minimal effort as it would be re-used in the park improvement. Nafstad reminded the Council that Option 2 will require more routine maintenance and not adequate for future bituminous surfacing.

Council questioned where funds were available in the budget for the Park Improvement. Council member Berning brought up the fact that he had contacted the Knights of Columbus who would donate towards the improvement, which the Albertville Lions said they would match the donation. The draw back to the Albertville Lions donation is the City would not receive the donation until 2009.

Council had a concern with the type of material being used. If the City changes the surface from gravel to asphalt, how would that affect the drainage? The water slowly drains through the gravel, whereas with asphalt it would not be able to drain through. Where would the water drain or run-off to.

Staff recommended that they would do research that would include the costs and where funds are available in the City’s Budget to implement the Park Improvement. Staff states that Central-City Park has been here for a many years and feels the park will continue to exist for many more years. Staff noted that if the improvement is achievable, it would be beneficial to invest in the project.

Staff reported that as for the drainage concern and what type of material to use there is a slight difference between using asphalt or gravel. During the research, staff has identified that the water is supposed to run north.

Council was in favor of the Central-City Park Parking Lot Improvement and directed staff to report back at a future date with updated proposals.

After hearing Assistant City Engineer Nafstad’s additional information regarding Central-City Park, the Council accepted the Assistant City Engineer’s Progress Report dated Friday, August 8, 2008 as presented in the August 18, 2008 City Council packet.

LEGAL

* Approve request that the Joint Powers Water Board convey a water line easement in Westwind Third Addition to the City and set a public hearing for 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 2, 2008 to consider vacating a portion of this easement and a portion of the drainage and utility easement on the Westwind Third Addition plat

MOTION BY Council member Berning, seconded by Council member Vetsch to approve request that the Joint Powers Water Board convey a water line easement in Westwind Third Addition to the City and set a public hearing for 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 2, 2008 to consider vacating a portion of this easement and a portion of the drainage and utility easement on the Westwind Third Addition plat as presented except the items specifically pulled, which will require a separate discussion from the Consent Agenda and a separate motion from the Consent Agenda, which a signed copy will be scanned and kept electronically on file in the office of the City Clerk. Motion carried unanimously.

Albertville City-Wide Garbage Service (discussion and update)

City Attorney Couri began by stating a tentative date was set to hear from the Waste Haulers regarding their concern with a City-Wide Garbage Service. Since the August 18 City Council meeting, where staff received the approval to notify the Waste Haulers about the potential of a City-Wide Garbage Service, staff received language of a law that applies to going to a City-Wide Garbage Collection Service. City Attorney very briefly went over the State Statute and the necessary steps that are required to take in order to accomplish a City-Wide Garbage Service. One of the steps includes holding a public hearing, which would note what the City’s intentions are regarding garbage collection.

It was the consensus of the Albertville City Council to hold off on City-Wide Garbage Service until further notice (no date has been set at this time).

City Attorney Couri went on to report that there have been other court cases and where City’s attempted to go with City-Wide Garbage Collection Service. Couri reiterated that the State Statutes lays out the process and or steps to pass an ordinance to meet the goal of a single-waste hauler for collection throughout the City. Couri stated that staff is looking for Council direction on how they want to proceed.

Council directed staff to retract any previous notices from the waste haulers.

There was an additional concern of the Council, which included how is this really going to save on the roads and what resources are needed to accomplish this proposal.

In summary, it appeared the Council wanted to set back for now.

MOTION BY Council member Vetsch, seconded by Council member Wagner to drop the consideration of an Albertville City-Wide Garbage Service and any further notices at which time the City received more comments from vendors. Motion carried unanimously.

ADMINISTRATION

Approve purchase and installation of a one-ton air conditioning unit from Weidner’s Mechanical Contractors to be installed in the City Hall computer room at a cost of $2,780

Council informed staff they had no problem with the installation of an A/C unit in the computer/server room at City Hall. Council directed staff to obtain additional quotes from local vendors for consideration. Council reiterated the fact they want to do their best to support the local businesses.

Mayor Klecker tabled the request to purchase and installation of a one-ton air conditioning unit from Weidner’s Mechanical Contractors to be installed in the City Hall computer room at a cost of $2,780 until the Tuesday, September 2, 2008 regular City Council meeting, which would allow staff time to obtain additional quotes from local vendor.

Approve continuing with work hours at four (4) 10-hour days until at such time the City Council deems it appropriate to modify. Staff is to closely monitor customer service, employee safety and other factors and report back to Council regularly to determine any need to modify or change hours

Council had a concern with the future of the four (4) 10-hour days, which had to deal with the upcoming snowplow season and or winter. How will the four (4) 10-hour days effect the over-time should there be a snow storm on Fridays? Is it really cost-effective if we are potentially going to be paying over-time should there be a need to plow the streets on a Friday?

Council directed staff to report back what the projected cost-savings there would or could be with the four (4) 10-hour days.

MOTION BY Council member Berning, seconded by Council member Fay to approve continuing with work hours at four (4) 10-hour days until Daylight Savings Time (November 2, 2008). Staff is to closely monitor customer service, employee safety and other factors and report back to Council regularly to determine any need to modify or change hours as presented except the items specifically pulled, which will require a separate discussion from the Consent Agenda and a separate motion from the Consent Agenda, which a signed copy will be scanned and kept electronically on file in the office of the City Clerk. Motion carried unanimously.

Approve leasing marquee sign space to both Inspiration Fitness and LivMusic for $50 per month paid on a bi-monthly, subject to incorporating this amendment into their building lease

Council had a concern with the amount the current Sign Leasees’ are paying in comparison to the proposal to Inspiration Fitness and LivMusic. If the current Sign Leasees’ are paying more then Council would like to re-evaluate those agreements to be comparable in fees.

MOTION BY Council member Fay, seconded by Council member Berning to approve leasing marquee sign space to both Inspiration Fitness and LivMusic for $50 per month paid on a bi-monthly, subject to incorporating this amendment into their building lease as presented except the items specifically pulled, which will require a separate discussion from the Consent Agenda and a separate motion from the Consent Agenda, which a signed copy will be scanned and kept electronically on file in the office of the City Clerk. Motion carried unanimously.

Council member Fay withdrew the Motion for approval of leasing marquee sign space to both Inspiration Fitness and LivMusic for $50 per month paid on a bi-monthly, subject to incorporating this amendment into their building lease.

MOTION BY Council member Berning, seconded by Council member Fay directing staff to contact the current leasees (Albertville Body Shop and Kay Marie’s Dance Studio) informing them of the rate of $60 per month paid on a bi-monthly basis, and discussing the rate with both Inspiration Fitness and LivMusic, which would be subject to incorporating this amendment into their building lease. Motion carried unanimously.

Accept the City Administrator’s Written Report

City Administrator Kruse proceeded to give a brief update, which Kruse touched on the Prairie Run Litigation that appeared to be looking good for Albertville.

After hearing the brief update from City Administrator Kruse, Council accepted the City Administrator’s Report dated Wednesday, August13, 2008 as presented in the August 18, 2008 City Council packet.

CITIZENS OPEN FORUM

Mayor Klecker brought up the presence of a Wright County Deputy in the audience. Council members asked and encouraged the Wright County representative to pass the message on that when a law enforcement officer is in the area to occasionally stop by and visit the local parks. Council recommended sharing the message with other officers that serve Albertville to have the officer stop by the park(s), step out of the vehicle to stretch and visit with the individuals within the park. By doing this simple task, Council is hoping this would send out a message that the City is monitoring the parks within the City.

ANNOUNCEMENTS and or UPCOMING MEETINGS

Mayor Klecker asked the Council to review the upcoming meetings and calendar of events. Klecker noted that the upcoming August 25, 2008 Budget Workshop has been cancelled.

August 2008
25 6:00 p.m. Joint Powers Water Board meeting
25 7:00 p.m. 2008 Budget Workshop (tentative)
26 8:00 a.m. Filing for Candidacy Opens

September 2008
1 all day Labor Day observed – City Offices closed
2 6:00 p.m. Committee of the Whole workshop (RFS City-wide Garbage)
2 7:00 p.m. City Council meeting
8 6:00 p.m. STMA Ice Arena Board meeting (Albertville upper level)
9 7:00 a.m. Primary Election – Poles Open
9 5:00 p.m. Filing for Candidacy Closes
9 8:00 p.m. Primary Election – Poles Close
10 7:00 p.m. Planning and Zoning Commission meeting (Wednesday)
15 7:00 p.m. City Council meeting
22 6:00 p.m. Joint Powers Water Board meeting
29 6:00 p.m. Jt. City of Albertville; City of St. Michael and
STMA School Board meeting (School Board Room)

October 2008
6 7:00 p.m. City Council meeting
13 all day Columbus Day observed – City Offices closed
13 6:00 p.m. STMA Ice Arena Board meeting
14 7:00 p.m. Planning and Zoning Commission meeting
20 7:00 p.m. City Council meeting
27 6:00 p.m. Joint Powers Water Board meeting
27 7:00 p.m. Committee of the Whole Workshop (tentative)

November 2008
2 2:00 a.m. Daylight Savings ends (set clocks back)
4 7:00 a.m. General Elections – Poles Open
4 8:00 p.m. General Elections – Poles Close
5 7:00 p.m. City Council meeting
6 6:00 p.m. Canvas Board (Canvas Election Results)
10 6:00 p.m. STMA Ice Arena Board meeting
11 all day Veterans’ Day observed – City Offices closed
12 7:00 p.m. Planning and Zoning Commission meeting
17 7:00 p.m. City Council meeting
24 6:00 p.m. Joint Powers Water Board meeting
24 7:00 p.m. Committee of the Whole Workshop (tentative)
27 all day Thanksgiving Day observed – City Offices closed
28 all day Thanksgiving Holiday observed – City Offices closed

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION BY Council member Wagner, seconded by Council member Berning to adjourn the August 18, 2008 regular City Council meeting at 8:45 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.

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