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Nowthen City Council Workshop meeting, February 8, 2018

City Council

Thursday, February 8, 2018

Agenda

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What was on the agenda.

Packet

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The supporting materials the board reviewed.

Minutes

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The official record of what happened.

One-line summary

Council held a workshop covering two CUP-related planning items (Uhde lot split; Bill's Superette expansion), several ordinance/comp plan/code enforcement updates, multiple consent items (minutes, financials, audited claims, official newspaper, contracts/park field use/land purchase offer), and road project hearing scheduling; the only recorded vote was to adjourn.

What was on the agenda

21 items as recorded in the minutes, each with a short summary of what was at issue.

  1. 1.aGary Uhde CUP request to allow subdivision of a 20-acre lot into two parcels (6080 Gypsy Valley Road)

    Discussion of flag lot/public access and easement/variance needs for a proposed lot split; council discussed nonconforming lots and access to Gypsy Valley Road.

    Council discussed Gary Uhde’s request for a conditional use permit to split a 20-acre, landlocked parcel into two parcels. Members raised concerns about whether the lots would be nonconforming and whether the ordinance requires access all the way to Gypsy Valley Road. The attorney advised the city should review the existing easement language and suggested making approval conditional on that review, and also noted a variance would be required for the request; the applicant said he could provide the easement and described the situation as a temporary subdivision arrangement until a future street connection is built.

    Workshop discussion only; no motion recorded in minutes in this bundle.

    • Gary Uhde CUP
    • 6080 Gypsy Valley Road
    Discussion only
    p. 1City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)Gary Uhde - A request for a Conditional Use Permit to allow subdivision of a 20- acre lot into two parcels for property located at 6080 Gypsy Valley Road.p. 2City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)Ruppe said that the City needs to see the easement, because it could very broad or very limited, in the terms of the language used.p. 2City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)He would suggest also that if they grant the applicant's request, he would need to apply for a Variance. The City does require a Variance for this request.
  2. 1.bGrant Rademacher CUP requests for Bill's Superette expansion (8077 Viking Blvd)

    Discussion included correcting lighting language (seeking 3 lights), drainage direction changes, easement documents, and storm sewer/drain tile risks and potential costs; landscaping/buffer discussion.

    Council discussed CUP requests related to Bill’s Superette, including a correction to the conditions to allow three downward-shining lights near the northern curb line. They also discussed drainage changes and the easement documents needed (permanent access, public utility, and encroachment), and potential risk to the city’s shallow storm sewer line during construction. Engineer Nelson described possible cost ranges for replacing or reconfiguring stormwater infrastructure, and council discussed addressing drain tile and a manhole during construction as well as possible landscaping/buffer restoration between the park and road.

    Workshop discussion only; no motion recorded in minutes in this bundle.

    • Bill's Superette CUP
    • Grant Rademacher
    • 8077 Viking Blvd
    Discussion only
    p. 3City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)Grant Rademacher - A request for a Conditional Use Permit for parking lot setback and a Conditional Use Permit for expansion of the motor fuel facility by Bill's Superette store/gas station by the Grant Rademacher Family at 8077 Viking Blvdp. 3City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)Grant said that on page 3 of Exhibit A it states that there will be no perimeter lighting on the property. He said there was an error on that, and he is asking to put in 3 lights along the northern curb line,p. 3City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)He doesn't have any costs or quotes, but it could be anywhere from $5,000 - $10,000.p. 3City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)That would cost around $1,000 - $1,500.
  3. 1.cProposed Subdivision Ordinance Amendment (Section 10) re: park and trail dedication fees

    Discussed clarifying that park and trail dedication fees apply only to newly established lots (not parcels with existing homes) and suggested changing 'may' to 'shall'.

    Workshop discussion only; no ordinance adoption motion recorded in minutes in this bundle.

    • Subdivision ordinance amendment
    • park and trail dedication fees
    Discussion only
    p. 4City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)A Proposed Subdivision Ordinance Amendment - (Section 10 of the City Code) to clarify the application of park and trail dedication fees to only newly established lots, not inclusive of parcels with existing homes.p. 4City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)It was suggested to change "may" to "shall" on page 2 item G.
  4. 1.dProposed amendment to Chapter 1, Section 5 (Administrative Enforcement) re: pre-notice letter

    Discussed adding procedural requirements for a letter to be sent prior to an Administrative Notice or Citation; noted as 'No changes.'

    Workshop discussion only; no ordinance adoption motion recorded in minutes in this bundle.

    • Administrative Enforcement amendment
    • code violations notice letter
    Discussion only
    p. 4City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)A Proposed Amendment - to Chapter 1, Section 5 of the Nowthen City Code (Administrative Enforcement) to add language/procedural requirements regarding the issuance of a letter to be sent to properties with code violations or suspected code violations prior to issuance of an Administrative Notice or Citation. - No chang…
  5. 1.eSchedule Comp Plan Meeting/Workshop

    Discussed need to finalize the Land Use Plan on the expansion of the commercial area; Pilon and Bettinger to work with Stockman and Met Council regarding the Diversified Rural Area; Stockman to check Kurt Daudt availability.

    Workshop discussion only; scheduling details discussed but no motion recorded in minutes in this bundle.

    • Comprehensive Plan workshop
    • Land Use Plan
    • Diversified Rural Area
    Discussion only
    p. 4City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)Schedule Comp Plan Meeting/Workshop - We need to finalize the Land Use Plan on the expansion of the commercial area.p. 5City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)Pilon and Bettinger agreed to work with Stockman and Met Council about the Diversified Rural Area. Stockman will check with Kurt Daudt to see his availability.
  6. 1.fCode Enforcement Updates

    Planner Stockman read the Code Enforcement Report.

    Workshop update only; no motion recorded in minutes in this bundle.

    • Code enforcement report
    Discussion only
    p. 5City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)Code Enforcement Updates - Stockman read the Code Enforcement Report.
  7. 2.1.1Approve December 7, 2017 and January 4, 2018 Workshop minutes and December 12, 2017 City Council Meeting minutes

    Listed on consent agenda as 'No Comments'.

    Consent agenda items were listed, but the minutes in this bundle do not record a consent-agenda motion/vote.

    • Consent agenda
    • Meeting minutes approval
    Outcome unrecorded
    p. 5City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)1.1 Approve the December 7, 2017 and January 4, 2018 Workshop and December 12, 2017 City Council Meeting Minutes - No Comments
  8. 2.1.2Financial Report

    Listed on consent agenda as 'No Comments'.

    Consent agenda items were listed, but the minutes in this bundle do not record a consent-agenda motion/vote.

    • Consent agenda
    • Financial report
    Outcome unrecorded
    p. 5City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)1.2 Financial Report - No Comments
  9. 2.1.3Approve all audited bills Claim #572 through Claim #615, plus Net Distribution reports dated January 8 and January 22, 2018

    Listed on consent agenda as 'No Comments'.

    Consent agenda items were listed, but the minutes in this bundle do not record a consent-agenda motion/vote.

    • Consent agenda
    • Audited bills
    Outcome unrecorded
    p. 5City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)1.3 Approve All Audited Bills Claim # 572 through Claim # 615, plus Net Distribution reports dated January 8th and January 22nd, 2018 - No Comments
  10. 2.1.4Adopt Resolution 2018-06 (designating the City's official newspaper)

    Council discussed official newspaper coverage, font size, and concerns about the Anoka Record; noted they would vote Tuesday to go with Anoka Union/Herald and potentially post a statement on the website.

    While reviewing the consent agenda item to designate the city’s official newspaper, council members debated publication requirements (including a preference for 6-point font), coverage and subscription reach, and expressed strong concerns about content previously published by the Anoka Record and its business closure. Members stated the prior article was not the opinion of the council and discussed posting a clarification on the city website; the mayor said they would vote at the next meeting (Tuesday) to go with the Anoka Union/Herald and would draft a website statement for attorney review.

    Item appeared under consent agenda, but the minutes reflect discussion and state a future vote; no adoption vote recorded here.

    • Official newspaper
    • Resolution 2018-06
    Discussion only
    p. 5City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)1.4 Adopt Resolution 2018-06 - Resolution designating the City's official newspaper.p. 7City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)Pilon said that they will vote on Tuesday to go with the Anoka Union/Herald.p. 7City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)Pilon will put something together and run it by Ruppe.
  11. 2.1.5RCA - Approve 2018 Safe Assure Contract

    Listed on consent agenda as 'No Comments'.

    Consent agenda items were listed, but the minutes in this bundle do not record a consent-agenda motion/vote.

    • Consent agenda
    • Safe Assure contract
    Outcome unrecorded
    p. 8City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)1.5 RCA - Approve 2018 Safe Assure Contract - No Comments
  12. 2.1.6RCA - Use of Baseball Field at Nowthen Memorial Park

    Terry Olson (Nowthen Knights coach) asked for use of the baseball field in lieu of maintenance; note about removing tarps for use.

    Item appeared under consent agenda but discussion is recorded; no approval vote recorded here.

    • Consent agenda
    • Nowthen Memorial Park
    • Baseball field use
    Discussion only
    p. 8City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)1.6 RCA - Use of Baseball Field at Nowthen Memorial Park - Terry Olson who coaches the Nowthen Knights is asking for use of the baseball field in lieu of maintenance of the field. If someone wants to use the baseball field they can just take the tarps off.
  13. 2.1.7Offer to Purchase Lot 1, Block 2 in Burns Town Center for $78,400 (Justin Sundell, Newport Land Group LLC)

    Council noted the need for a signed purchase agreement, not just an offer to purchase.

    Item appeared under consent agenda but discussion is recorded; no acceptance vote recorded here.

    • Burns Town Center
    • Land purchase offer
    Discussion only
    p. 8City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)1.7 Offer to Purchase Lot 1; Block 2 in Burns Town Center for $78,400 - Justin Sundell, Newport Land Group LLC - We need to get a signed purchase agreement, not just an Offer to Purchase.
  14. 3.aResolution 2018-04 - Pinnaker Lake Estates Road Project (feasibility report; call for public hearing)

    Consensus to schedule Improvement Hearing March 20 at 7:00 PM and invite Road and Bridge Committee.

    Council reviewed feasibility reports and discussed calling public hearings for two road improvement projects. For the Pinnaker Lake Estates Road Project, they reached consensus to schedule the improvement hearing on March 20 at 7:00 PM and invite the Road and Bridge Committee. For the Old Viking Blvd Road Project, they reached consensus to schedule the improvement hearing on March 20 at 8:00 PM.

    Consensus noted; no formal adoption vote recorded in these minutes.

    • Pinnaker Lake Estates Road Project
    • Resolution 2018-04
    • Public hearing scheduling
    Discussion only
    p. 8City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)Resolution 2018-04 - Receiving feasibility report and calling for a public hearing on improvement for Pinnaker Lake Estates Road Projectp. 8City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)Consensus is to schedule the Improvement Hearing March 20th at 7:00 PM and to invite the Road and Bridge Committee.
  15. 3.bResolution 2018-05 - Old Viking Blvd Road Project (feasibility report; call for public hearing)

    Consensus to schedule Improvement Hearing March 20 at 8:00 PM.

    Council reviewed feasibility reports and discussed calling public hearings for two road improvement projects. For the Pinnaker Lake Estates Road Project, they reached consensus to schedule the improvement hearing on March 20 at 7:00 PM and invite the Road and Bridge Committee. For the Old Viking Blvd Road Project, they reached consensus to schedule the improvement hearing on March 20 at 8:00 PM.

    Consensus noted; no formal adoption vote recorded in these minutes.

    • Old Viking Blvd Road Project
    • Resolution 2018-05
    • Public hearing scheduling
    Discussion only
    p. 8City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)Resolution 2018-05 - Receiving feasibility report and calling for a public hearing on improvement for Old Viking Blvd Road Project. - Consensus is to schedule the Improvement Hearing March 20th at 8:00 PM.
  16. 3.cRCA - Purchase of a used Pup-Trailer

    Rainville raised concerns about bid differences to modify trailer; Glaze said bidders had same info; item moved to consent agenda.

    Moved to consent agenda during workshop; no purchase approval vote recorded in these minutes.

    • Pup-trailer purchase
    • Bidding
    Discussion only
    p. 8City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)RCA - Purchase of a used Pup-Trailer - Rainville said that based on the difference in bids to modify the trailer she wants to make sure that they are bidding the exact same thing. Glaze said they were provided the same information. Move to Consent Agenda
  17. 3.dRCA - Funding for Capital Improvement Projects

    Breyen suggested transferring unused funds to other capital funds as a one-time transfer; exclude technology fund; item moved to consent agenda.

    Moved to consent agenda during workshop; no transfer approval vote recorded in these minutes.

    • Capital improvement funding
    • Fund transfers
    Discussion only
    p. 8City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)RCA - Funding for Capital Improvement Projects - Breyen is suggesting transferring unused funds to other capital funds. This is a one-time transfer. Take out the technology fund. Move to Consent Agenda.
  18. 3.eRCA - Annual COLA Increase

    Discussed possible COLA (2% to 3%), availability of funds, impact of filling Deputy Clerk position, audit concerns, and suggestion for a wage study.

    Workshop discussion only; no COLA approval vote recorded in these minutes.

    • COLA increase
    • Wage study
    Discussion only
    p. 8City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)RCA - Annual COLA Increase - Reighard said staff provided a spreadsheet of other Cities. It looks as though the average COLA increase was 2% to 3%.p. 9City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)After extensive Council discussion, Reighard stated that they should have a wage study done. He also stated that the current RCA is for a COLA increase only.
  19. 3.fRCA - 2018 Proposed Gravel Plan and Dust Control Plan

    Discussed sealed bids vs quotes for dust control, legal obligations, council vs staff involvement, and delegation of spending authority; referenced $30,000 being spent wisely.

    Council discussed whether dust control work should be procured through sealed bids or quotes, and how much the council should be involved in day-to-day contractor selection when a budget is already approved. The attorney explained legal implications of sealed bids versus quotes and emphasized that either council must authorize spending or the minutes must clearly delegate authority to staff within the budget. The discussion included concerns about transparency in the quote process and referenced ensuring a $30,000 amount is spent wisely; staff was to provide a prior resolution on mayoral emergency authorization, and staff and the attorney were to draft a possible delegation policy for council consideration.

    Workshop discussion only; no plan approval vote recorded in these minutes.

    • Gravel plan
    • Dust control plan
    • Bidding process
    • Delegation of authority
    Discussion only
    p. 9City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)RCA - 2018 Proposed Gravel Plan and Dust Control Plan - Rainville would like to see the RCA to include closed bids for the dust control plan.p. 10City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)Rainville thinks it is the Council's responsibility to make sure the $30,000 is spent wisely.p. 11City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)Ruppe said there are two ways to handle that. Either the Council authorizes the expenditure, or it needs to be very clearly in the minutes that the Council has delegated that authority to staff.
  20. 3.gDeputy Clerk position opening

    Plan to interview top candidates plus current fill-in candidate; candidates to LaDoucer by Feb 13; Lori Streich to sit in if available.

    Council discussed next steps for filling the Deputy Clerk opening. They planned to interview the top candidates along with the person currently filling in, with the top candidates to be provided to LaDoucer by Tuesday, February 13, after which interviews would be scheduled. Lori Streich was noted as intending to sit in on interviews if available.

    Workshop planning discussion; no hiring action recorded in these minutes.

    • Deputy Clerk hiring
    Discussion only
    p. 11City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)Deputy Clerk Position Opening - They would like to interview the top candidates along with the candidate that is currently filling in for the position. Then make a recommendation after that.p. 11City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)They will have the top candidates to LaDoucer by Tuesday, February 13th and then set up interviews. Lori Streich will sit in on those interviews if she available.
  21. 4Introduction of New Items

    No new items were introduced.

    Minutes explicitly state no new items.

    • New items
    No action
    p. 11City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)Introduction of New Items: - No new items were introduced.

Motions and votes

1 motion on the record.

  • M1Rainville made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:11 PM; Pilon seconded. All in favor; motion carried.

    Exact transcript text

    Rainville made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:11 PM; Pilon seconded. All in favor; motion carried.

    moved by Rainville, seconded by Pilon

    Passed

    All in favor

    p. 12City Council Workshop — 2018 02-08 Work Shop Final Approved (2018-02-08)Rainville made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:11 PM; Pilon seconded. All in favor; motion carried.

Sources

Documents and recordings archived for this meeting, when available.

Show a sample of the transcript (840 segments, 2:18:52 total)
  • 0:11 we have system is working now touch it lightly hey welcome to yen now then in City
  • 0:24 Council workshop Thursday February 18 7 p.m. appreciate distinguished contractors
  • 0:39 with us tonight thank you for being with us I'll try and give you lots of questions and make it worth your while
  • 0:47 I'll start the planning and zoning to get you tea there's a request here a lot
  • 0:56 split your stock when do you wanna address anything and particularly hurry
  • 1:05 to get us started [Music] I guess there's several different ways
  • 1:16 to look at it but you know we read by the letter of the Weidner under a flag while ordinance he does not own out to
  • 1:24 gypsy Valley Road now at the same time he's not creating another easement when
  • 1:34 he bought the property the easement was there he is offering up the 66 feet of
  • 1:40 frontage right away rather if the council so desires engineer Nelson
  • 1:49 provided us with concepts related to the road layouts in their region which are fairly important to decide how that area
  • 1:59 may end up looking someday and whether or not
  • Showing first 12 segments. Open the YouTube video for the full transcript.

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