City Council Meeting Minutes

Monday, April 20, 2009
Albertville City Hall 7:00 PM

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Klecker called the regular Albertville City Council meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Klecker asked the members in the audience to please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL

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

ABSENT: City Planner Alan Brixius

OTHERS PRESENT: Utilities Superintendent John Middendorf and Finance Director Tina Lannes

RECOGNITIONS – PRESENTATIONS – INTRODUCTIONS

No comments


CITIZEN FORUM

No comments

AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA

Mayor Klecker asked the members of the Council if there were any changes to the agenda. The following amendments were made:

K. Administration
2). InFit Lease for 5975 Main Avenue (discussion)
3). Assessments – Downtown ‘Railroad Exchange’ Plat
4). Building Permits

MOTION BY Council member Fay, seconded by Council member Sorensen to approve the Monday, May 4, 2009 regular City Council agenda adding the following items:
K. Administration
2). InFit Lease for 5975 Main Avenue (discussion)
3). Assessments – Downtown ‘Railroad Exchange’ Plat
4). Building Permits

Motion carried unanimously.

MINUTES

April 20, 2009 regular City Council minutes

Mayor Klecker asked the Council if there were any changes to the April 20, 2009 regular City Council minutes. Council member Sorensen pointed out a minor error under Citizen Forum, which Klecker reported was noted and will be removed.

MOTION BY Council member Sorensen, seconded by Mayor Klecker to approve the Monday, April 20, 2009 regular City Council minutes as amended removing the second ‘Citizen Forum’, in which they will be corrected, printed and signed; after signing the minutes will be scanned and the electronic scanned version will be kept on file in the office of the City Clerk that will serve as the official copy. Motion carried unanimously.


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, staff, or citizen so requests. In such event, the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda; a separate discussion will take place during the General Order of Business and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda that will require a separate motion.

Mayor Klecker acknowledged that item(s); 8.I.1. Approve Resolution Number 2009-013 entitled Resolution Accepting Bids for 2009 Albert Villas 6th Addition Improvements was pulled from the Monday, May 4, 2009 Consent Agenda.

MOTION BY Council member Sorensen, seconded by Council member Wagner to approve the
Monday, May 4, 2009 Consent Agenda that included the following items: 8.D.1. Accept the Building Official’s Report dated April 14, 2009; and 8.E.1 Authorize the Monday, May 4, 2009 Payment of Claims (bills) for check numbers 026975 to 027025; and 8.E.2. Approve Resolution No. 2009-014 entitled a Resolution Certifying the 2009 First Quarter of Uncollected Utility Bills to Wright County for Collection with Real Estate Taxes; and
8.F.1. Approve a One-Day 3.2% Malt Liquor License applications submitted by the Geez Sports Bar & Grill for a Charity Kickball tournament which funds will be donated to Brain Cancer Research and the event will be held at Central-City Park on Saturday, June 6 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and to allow the park to remain open until 10:15 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. to give the members time to vacate the park; and 8.F.2. Approve Friendly City Days Committee request to extend the hours in the Central-City Park on Thursday, June 11 to 10:30 p.m.; Friday, June 13 to 1:30 a.m., and Saturday, June 14 to 1:30 a.m.; and, closing down the following streets for the annual Friendly City Days celebration as follow: 58th St. NE (Main Ave. NE to Lander Ave. NE)- June 8-15All Day, Lander Ave. NE (58th St. NE to 11435 58th St. NE)- Lander Ave. NE (58th St. NE to 11435 58th St. NE)- All Day, Main Ave. NE (57th St. NE to 59th St. NE)- June 12-6:00 p.m. – 2:30 a.m. for Friday Activities, Lander Ave. NE (57th St. NE to 58th St. NE)- June 13- All Day for Sat. Activities, Main Ave. NE (57th St. NE to 59th St. NE)- June 13-3:00 p.m. – 2:30 a.m. for Saturday Activities, Main Ave. NE (50th St. NE to 60th St. NE)- June 14-1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. for the Grande Day Parade, 59th St. NE (Barthel Ind. Dr. NE to Main Ave. NE)- June 14-1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. for the Grande Day Parade, Barthel Ind. Dr. NE (51st St. NE to 59th St. NE)- June 14- June 14, 51st St. NE (Barthel Ind. Dr. NE to Main Ave. NE)- June 14-1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. for the Grande Day Parade, 60th St. NE (CSAH 37 to Main Ave. NE)-June 14-1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. for the Grande Day Parade.
Motion carried unanimously.

DEPARTMENT BUSINESS

FIRE DEPARTMENT – no comments

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT – no comments

UTILITIES DEPARTMENT (WWTP)

Accept the Utilities Superintendent’s Report dated April 22, 2009

Utilities Superintendent Middendorf brought up the Fire Hydrant Rod Replacement Program. Middendorf asked if the Mayor and Council members would reconsider their previous decision on the Fire Hydrant Rod Replacement Program. Middendorf explained that all Waterous Hydrants manufactured from 1999 to 2004 need the operating rod plus the old grease replaced with new product. The number of hydrants to be cleaned and updated is approximately 220. Waterous is providing the parts with free shipping back to them, and $40 per hydrant to offset labor costs. This represents approximately $8,800 worth of income to the City that will be turned directly over to a contractor if they are selected to work on this project. While a contracted company may promise quicker results, they would not likely do as thorough a job cleaning or identifying other issues with the hydrants. The Utility Department has already worked on several hydrants to get a real perspective on the time it would take to complete the work properly. Staff feels the companies are claiming faster completion time, which would not include performing real maintenance it would be just exchanging out the parts and potentially leaving work undone. Ultimately, it is the Utility Department’s priority to ensure the safety of its residents and proper operation of its equipment. Staff is confident that they can accomplish the project in the course of our work schedule. Additionally, the funds received from Waterous would allow the City to hire a seasonal summer worker that would be a student graduate from a Water/Wastewater Program to would assist staff with the Fire Hydrant Rod Replacement Program, plus other projects. The graduating student would have relevant experience on hydrants as well as being able to assist on other projects such as jetting once the hydrants have been addressed.

City Attorney Couri shared that he was aware of another City that performed the same process, in which as the employees replaced out the hydrants became more experienced at the process; therefore, became faster as the project progressed.

Council was concerned with the cost, which staff would do their best to keep it within the $8,800 amount. Council then questioned if there was a timetable or timeframe when the project needed to be completed by. Staff was unaware as to whether there is a deadline. Staff reassured the Council that the seasonal employee or intern would have water/wastewater knowledge and would be performing more than just hydrant rod replacement activities. The employee would be assisting with jetting, mowing, and whatever else is needed.

MOTION BY Council member Fay, seconded by Council member Wagner to authorize hiring a Water/Wastewater Graduating Student to assist with the Fire Hydrant Rod Replacement Program and other tasks such as jetting and mowing but not limited to performing other tasks for the summer season. Motion carried unanimously.

BUILDING DEPARTMENT

* Accept the Building Official’s Report dated April 14, 2009

MOTION BY Council member Sorensen, seconded by Council member Wagner to accept the Building Official’s Report dated April 14, 2009 as presented on the Consent Agenda. Motion carried unanimously.


FINANCE DEPARTMENT

* Authorize the Monday, May 4, 2009 Payment of Claims (bills) for check numbers 026975 to 027025 as presented

MOTION BY Council member Sorensen, seconded by Council member Wagner to the authorize the payment of check numbers 26975 to 027025 as presented on the Consent Agenda, which did not require a separate discussion from the Consent Agenda; the checks will be signed by the authorized personnel, scanned with supporting documents, and mailed; the electronically scanned version will be kept on file in the office of the Finance Director that will serve as the City’s official record. Motion carried unanimously.

* Approve Resolution No. 2009-014 entitled a Resolution Certifying the 2009 First Quarter of Uncollected Utility Bills to Wright County for Collection with Real Estate Taxes

MOTION BY Council member Sorensen, seconded by Council member Wagner to approve Resolution No. 2009-014 entitled a Resolution Certifying the 2009 First Quarter of Uncollected Utility Bills to Wright County for Collection with Real Estate Taxes that was pulled from the Consent Agenda to allow for a separate discussion and any member to dispute their uncollected utility bills, which will be printed and signed; then the signed copy will be scanned and the electronic scanned version will be kept on file in the office of the City Clerk that will serve as the official copy. Motion carried unanimously.

Accept the Finance Director’s Progress Report dated April 29, 2009

Finance Director Lannes reported on the First Quarter Un-audited General Fund. Lannes pointed out that the City received $59,000 from Charter Cable for Franchise fees on April 30; therefore, it is not included in the Revenue. Lannes asked the Council if there were any questions or comments regarding the remainder of the report.

There were no additional comments from the Council.

CITY CLERK

* Approve a One-Day 3.2% Malt Liquor License applications submitted by the Geez Sports Bar & Grill for a Charity Kickball tournament which funds will be donated to Brain Cancer Research and the event will be held at Central-City Park on Saturday, June 6 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and to allow the park to remain open until 10:15 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. to give the members time to vacate the park

MOTION BY Council member Sorensen, seconded by Council member Wagner to approve a One-Day 3.2% Malt Liquor License application(s) submitted by the Geez Sports Bar & Grill for a Charity Kickball tournament which funds will be donated to Brain Cancer Research and the event will be held at Central-City Park on Saturday, June 6 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and to allow the park to remain open until 10:15 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. to give the members time to vacate the park. Motion carried unanimously.

* Approve Friendly City Days Committee request to extend the hours in the Central-City Park on Thursday, June 11 to 10:30 p.m.; Friday, June 13 to 1:30 a.m., and Saturday, June 14 to 1:30 a.m.; and, closing down the following streets for the annual Friendly City Days celebration as follow: 58th St. NE (Main Ave. NE to Lander Ave. NE)- June 8-15All Day, Lander Ave. NE (58th St. NE to 11435 58th St. NE)- Lander Ave. NE (58th St. NE to 11435 58th St. NE)- All Day, Main Ave. NE (57th St. NE to 59th St. NE)- June 12-6:00 p.m. – 2:30 a.m. for Friday Activities, Lander Ave. NE (57th St. NE to 58th St. NE)- June 13- All Day for Sat. Activities, Main Ave. NE (57th St. NE to 59th St. NE)- June 13-3:00 p.m. – 2:30 a.m. for Saturday Activities, Main Ave. NE (50th St. NE to 60th St. NE)- June 14-1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. for the Grande Day Parade, 59th St. NE (Barthel Ind. Dr. NE to Main Ave. NE)- June 14-1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. for the Grande Day Parade, Barthel Ind. Dr. NE (51st St. NE to 59th St. NE)- June 14- June 14, 51st St. NE (Barthel Ind. Dr. NE to Main Ave. NE)- June 14-1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. for the Grande Day Parade, 60th St. NE (CSAH 37 to Main Ave. NE)-June 14-1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. for the Grande Day Parade

MOTION BY Council member Sorensen, seconded by Council member Wagner to approve Friendly City Days Committee request to extend the hours in the Central-City Park on Thursday, June 11 to 10:30 p.m.; Friday, June 13 to 1:30 a.m., and Saturday, June 14 to 1:30 a.m.; and, closing down the following streets for the annual Friendly City Days celebration as follow: 58th St. NE (Main Ave. NE to Lander Ave. NE)- June 8-15All Day, Lander Ave. NE (58th St. NE to 11435 58th St. NE)- Lander Ave. NE (58th St. NE to 11435 58th St. NE)- All Day, Main Ave. NE (57th St. NE to 59th St. NE)- June 12-6:00 p.m. – 2:30 a.m. for Friday Activities, Lander Ave. NE (57th St. NE to 58th St. NE)- June 13- All Day for Sat. Activities, Main Ave. NE (57th St. NE to 59th St. NE)- June 13-3:00 p.m. – 2:30 a.m. for Saturday Activities, Main Ave. NE (50th St. NE to 60th St. NE)- June 14-1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. for the Grande Day Parade, 59th St. NE (Barthel Ind. Dr. NE to Main Ave. NE)- June 14-1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. for the Grande Day Parade, Barthel Ind. Dr. NE (51st St. NE to 59th St. NE)- June 14- June 14, 51st St. NE (Barthel Ind. Dr. NE to Main Ave. NE)- June 14-1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. for the Grande Day Parade, 60th St. NE (CSAH 37 to Main Ave. NE)-June 14-1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. for the Grande Day Parade. Motion carried unanimously.

Albertville vs. St. Michael Fourth Annual challenge (discussion item)

City Clerk Miller basically explained that about four years ago Mayor Peterson encouraged Albertville Council to challenge the St. Michael Council to a softball game. Miller stated that the novelty has worn off and is difficult to get members to participate.

Mayor Klecker brought up that the City of St. Michael has a Daze and Knights event, which they challenged Albertville to a ‘bean bag toss’ that was fun. Klecker pointed out that the bean bag toss allowed individuals who are unable to play softball an opportunity to play. Klecker wanted to know if the Council would like to continue the tradition of a 2-inning softball game or consider doing something else.

Council members Wagner, Fay, and Sorensen were game to continuing the tradition of having a 2-inning softball game that would be held on Friday, June 12 beginning at 5:30 p.m. and held at Central-City Park on Field No. 1.

Klecker concluded with “game on” and informed Miller to line up the players.

CITY COUNCIL

Oral Update on the Joint Powers Water Board meeting

Mayor Klecker turned it over to Council member Fay to report on the Joint Powers meeting.

Council member Fay noted that there was not much to report on. Fay continued by stating the meeting was pretty basic, there was really nothing out of the norm to report on.

Friday STMA School Talent Show

Mayor Klecker brought up an STMA School Talent Show that took place on Friday, May 1 at the High School. Klecker informed the Council there were three (3) judges, which Klecker was one of the judges. Klecker was proud to say there is a lot of talent in Albertville.

PLANNING AND ZONING – no comments

ENGINEERING

Approve Resolution No. 2009-013 entitled Resolution Accepting Bids for 2009 Albert Villas 6th Addition Improvements

City Engineer Nafstad reported this is a Resolution accepting and awarding the bid for landscape, sidewalk, and other general maintenance items that were not completed by the contractor/developer in the Albert Villas 6th Addition.

Council member Sorensen wanted to make sure that Jereme Carlson’s sidewalk concern was included in the improvements. Staff shared that Mr. Carlson’s sidewalk/trail issue will not be resolved with this project. However, staff will coordinate the sidewalk/trail with another bituminous project, which staff notified Mr. Carlson of the situation. Mr. Carlson was pleased with the report that the sidewalk/trail concern will be addressed in the near future.

MOTION BY Council member Sorensen, seconded by Council member Fay to approve Resolution No. 2009-013 entitled Resolution Accepting Bids for 2009 Albert Villas 6th Addition Improvements, which was pulled from the May 4, 2009 Consent Agenda for additional discussion; a final copy will be printed and signed; the signed copy will be scanned; the electronic scanned version will be kept on file in the office of the City Clerk and serve as the official record. Motion carried unanimously.


LEGAL – no comments

ADMINISTRATION

Accept the City Administrator’s Written Report dated April 30, 2009

I-94 Project
City Administrator Kruse informed the Council that Tuesday, May 5 there will be a Project Management Team meeting with MnDOT, Wright County, Albertville, and Otsego regarding the I-94 design layout.

Kruse went on to report that Mayor Klecker recently signed Albertville’s Federal Transportation Bill Funding request for $5,440,000 representing 80% of the estimated $6,800,000 cost of our project.

Temporary Signs
Kruse pointed out to the Council that staff received a verbal request from a business representative regarding temporary signs. The individual asked if Council would consider increasing the number of temporary sign permits allowed. According to the City Code, businesses are allowed four temporary signs per year that would run for a two week period of advertisement. Taking into consideration the economic times, Albertville businesses are struggling and increasing the number of temporary signs to a total of eight temporary sign permits might help. Staff understands that it was Council’s initial goal to de-clutter the boulevards with all the signage.

Council member Fay admitted that he was on the Council when they approved the ordinance limiting the number of signs. There were so many signs that it made Albertville look un-presentable. Fay commented that he would be okay with temporarily increasing the number of Temporary Signs allowing up to six (6) per year.

It was the consensus of the Council to direct staff to prepare an amendment to the City Code to allow six (6) Temporary Signs for the remainder of 2009 through December 31, 2010.

InFit Lease
Kruse informed the Council that InFit has not signed the Lease Renewal and is currently struggling to make ends meet leasing the City building located at 5975 Main Avenue NE. InFit brought to City staff’s attention that InFit has been checking around for another place to lease. During InFit’s search discovered that other places would give them the first month or two free. InFit is inquiring whether this is something the Council would consider, which is giving them a month or two of free leasing? Kruse suggested possibly lowering the monthly lease amount and have InFit sign a one-year lease instead of the month-to-month. Kruse pointed out that it took while to get a tenant and it could take some time to get another one. Reducing the monthly rate and having them sign a one-year lease the building would at least be rented out for another year.

Council shared that at previous meetings InFit gave the impression they were successful and looking for more space. Now they are struggling.

It was suggested that City Administrator work with InFit in drafting a lease agreement for Council review at the next meeting. Council appeared to be on board with the decision to consider lowering the monthly lease amount for a one-year period.

Assessments
City Administrator Kruse brought to Council’s attention that one of the individual’s that were assessed for the Albertville Railway Exchange asked if the City would consider extending their assessment one-year.

Council encouraged staff to talk to the individual again to obtain, if possible, additional information. Council would possibly consider extending it one-year subject to the applicant paying a $100 fee and City expenses.

Building Permits
Council member Fay informed the other Council members that he was checking out some of the model homes in the Hunter’s Pass Estates, in which he overheard a conversation regarding the amount of time it takes to obtain a new construction building permit in Albertville. One couple considered building and relocating to Albertville, but were discouraged because of the amount of time to get a building permit. Prior to leaving the model home, Fay talked to the Realtor, who also stated it takes approximately three (3) weeks to get a building permit in Albertville. Fay commented that these are not custom built homes and does not completely understand why it should take three (3) weeks to obtain a building permit.

City Administrator Kruse reported that Building Official Sutherland does a thorough job of permit issuance making sure everything is in accordance with the original development plan. Kruse is confident that permits get turned around in a timely manner, but will definitely follow up on the Council members comments. Sutherland has worked with some builders who have had deficiencies in their architectural plans. Following Albertville’s tornado, Sutherland makes sure the code is adequately enforced and has resolved some major issues. At times surveys are rejected as being incomplete and the builders are asked to re-submit surveys. Lack of complete submittals adds time to the process. Kruse will report back to the Council on his findings.

ANNOUNCEMENTS and or UPCOMING MEETINGS

Mayor Klecker asked the Council to review the upcoming meetings and calendar of events, which there were no comments.

May 2009
11 6:00 p.m. STMA Ice Arena Board meeting
12 7:00 p.m. Planning and Zoning Commission meeting
16 7:00 a.m. Annual jt. Spring Cleanup Day
18 7:00 p.m. City Council meeting
25 all day Memorial Day observed – City Offices closed
26 6:00 p.m. Joint Powers Water Board meeting

June 2009
1 7:00 p.m. City Council meeting
8 6:00 p.m. STMA Ice Arena Board meeting
9 7:00 p.m. Planning and Zoning Commission meeting
11-14 varies Albertville Friendly City Days
12 5:00 p.m. Albertville vs. St. Michael friendly challenge (tentative)
14 1:30 p.m. Albertville FCD Grande Day Parade
15 7:00 p.m. City Council meeting
22 6:00 p.m. Joint Powers Water Board meeting
29 7:00 p.m. Committee of the Whole Workshop (tentative)

July 2009
2 all day Independence Day observed – City Offices closed
6 7:00 p.m. City Council meeting
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
26 6:00 p.m. Joint Powers Water Board meeting
26 7:00 p.m. Committee of the Whole Workshop (tentative)

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION BY Council member Fay, seconded by Council member Sorensen to adjourn the Monday, May 4, 2009 regular City Council meeting at 8:20 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.

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