HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-19-10Hastings, Minnesota
City Council
January 19.2010
The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a regular meeting on Tuesday
January 19, 2010 at 5:30 PM in the Council Chambers at the Hastings City Hall, 101 East 4'h
Street, Hastings, Minnesota.
Members Present: Mayor Hicks, City Councilmembers Alongi, Balsanek, Hollenbeck, Elling
Schultz and Slavik
Councihxtember Hollenbeck arrived at 5:33 p.m.
Councilmember Elling Schultz arrived at 5:52 p.m.
Members Ahsent: City Councilmember Nelson
Staff Present: City Administrator Dave Osberg
City Attorney Data Fluegel
Assistant City Administrator Melanie Mesko Lee
Planning Director John Hinzman
Public Works Director Tom Montgomery
Public Works Superintendent John Zgoda
Approval of Minutes
Mayor Hicks asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes of the regular
City Council meeting on January 4, 201.0. Hearing none, the minutes were approved as presented.
Presentation -Youth Recycling Program
Bret Bell from Waste Mataagement was available to present Girl Scout Troop #114 with a
check for $618.75. Boy Scout Troop #503 will be the next group.
Colin McCauley was congratulated on his recent Eagle Scout status
Council Items to be Considered
City Administrator Osberg requested that the following items be added to the Consent Agenda:
• Authorization for Fire Training
• Appoint Assistant City Administrator Melanie Mesko Lee as the Alternate Member
to the Dakota Communications Center Executive Committee
• Authorize the nominee of Jim Holzem as a member of the Charter Commission
Moved by Councilmember Alongi, seconded by Councilmember Balsanek to add items as
requested.
5 Ayes; Nays, none.
Consent Agenda
Moved by Councilmember Slavik, seconded by Councilmember Alongi to approve the
Consent Agenda as presented.
5 ayes; Nays, None.
1. Pay Bills as Audited
2. 2010 Council Committees
3. Resolution O1-06-10-Approve Temporary Liquor License and Raffle for St. Elizabeth
Ann Seton for April 10, 2010
4. Resolution. OI-07-10 Approve Raffle for Knights of Columbus for Apri125, 2010
5. Resolution O 1-08-10-2010 Arbor Day Proclamation
City of Hastings January 19, 2010
City Council Minutes Page 2 of 4
6. Declare Excess Equipment
7. Pay Estimate #5-Industrial Park Area Improvements: Northwest Asphalt, Inc.
{$55,226.71)
8. Change Order #q-Industrial Park Area Improvements ($440.00)
9. Resolution O 1-09-10-Approve Raffle for Hastings National Guard Enlisted Association
for April 1 S, 2010
10. Authorization for Fire Training
11. Appoint Assistant City Administrator Melanie Mesko Lee as the Alternate member to the
Dakota Communications Center Executive Committee
12. Authorize the nominee of Jirn Holzem as a member of the Charter Commission
Public Hearing-Storm Water Utility
Public Hearing-Fee Ordinance Amendment: Storm Water Utility Fees
Public Works Director Montgomery introduced the item and provided an update on the
rt~eetings that have occurred since this was first before the Council on December 7, 2009.
Mayor Hicks opened the public hearing at 5:47 p.zn.
Phil Veith, 1516 Eddy Street, and member of the Hastings' Environmental Protectors, stated
no position in support or against the proposed utility. He stated that water is a valuable resource
which should be protected.
Wes Lund, 120 7`~' Street East, asked why the meeting was being held on a Tuesday at 5:30
p.m., whether this proposal was intended as a budget balancing measure, and how runoff from
city-owned property is calculated.
City Administrator Osberg read a letter from Three Rivers Mobile Home park into the record,
stating opposition to the utility unless a credit as calculated is applied.
Hearing no further comments, Mayor Hicks closed the public hearing at 5:57 p.m.
Ordinance Amendment Storm Water Utility
Mayor Hicks stated that the meeting was held at 5:30 to accommodate the Chamber of
Commerce, which is holding its annual meeting at 7:00 p.m. City Administrator Osberg stated
that the 2010 budget includes some current staff costs as being paid out of a storm water utility
fund. Todd Hubmer from WSB, the City's consultant on this project, stated that streets are
necessary for transportation in a community and are part of the calculations for each category of
property.
It was asked if there was any feedback from the Chamber on the revised ordinance. A copy
of the January Operations Committee was sent to Executive Director Michelle Jacobs; to date no
further comments have been received. Hubmer mentioned that he has spoken with a number of
businesses with questions about the specific impact of the proposed utility.
Councihnember Alongi asked about the fee impact on Kings Cove. Montgomery provided
the breakdown of commercial, wetland {exempt) and vacant designations for that property.
Montgomery stated that the City is responsible for maintaining the access road and covering the
property as part of the stormwater protection requixements.
Councihnember Alongi also asked about infrastructure by Malcolm Avenue. Montgomery
stated there is not modern infrastructure in that location, and probably will not be installed for
another I0-15 years. The City is still responsible for managing water within City limits.
Councilmember Balsanek asked if new staff would be hired as a result of this mandate.
Montgomery stated that existing staff is currently doing stormwater management and would be
paid from a dedicated fund.
Councilmember Slavik stated that half of the proposed revenue is current expenditures and
half is for future capital expenditure planning. Public Institution category has been removed.
Clty of Hastings January 19, 2t114
City Council Minutes Page 3 of 4
Moved by Councilmember Slavik, seconded by Councilmember Schultz to approve the
Operations Committee recommendation from January 2010 with regards to the storm water utility
ordinance.
Councilmember Alongi stated that he is unable to support the utility as a result of feedback
from constituents and that the current structure doesn't give users an ability to decrease their
usage and thus fee.
Councilmember Schultz stated that this is a mandated environmental issue and the City's
requirement and responsibility to invest in the future to protect our water.
Mayor Hicks stated that other communities use a similar structure to pay for this obligation.
Councilmember Balsanek asked about the ability to review rates. it was noted that they can
be reviewed as part of annual fee and budget reviews.
Councilmember Schultz stated that a dedicated fiznding is a good way to meet the needs.
Councilmember Balsanek stated support for a grant process. Montgomery stated that criteria
and a program could be discussed if the utility is adopted.
A vote on the motion was taken.
5 Ayes; Nays, one. Councilmember Alongi voting against.
Ordinance Amendment-Fee Ordinance Amendment: Storm Water Utility Fees
Moved by Councilmember Slavik, seconded by Councilmember Hollenbeck to approve as
presented.
5 Ayes; Nays, one. Councilmember Alongi voting against.
Informational-Pleasant DrivelSouth Frontage Road Traffic Study
Montgomery introduced the item and stated that a traffic study indicates that afour-way stop
at that intersection is warranted.
Hastings Provisionally Accredited Levy Study Recommendations
Montgomery introduced the item and stated that the repairs needed for accreditation will be
completed by this summer.
Moved by Councilmember Slavik, seconded by Councilmember Balsanek to approve as
presented.
6 Ayes; Nays, none.
Authorize Purchase of Multi-Purpose Tractor
Moved by Councilmember Schultz, seconded by Councilmember Hollenbeck to approve as
presented.
6 Ayes; Nays, none.
Resolution-Deny Variance #2010-02: Fence Height at 2025 Forest Stree# (Richard Bond}
Planning Director Hinzman stated that the request is for a ten foot fence, which would require
a four foot variance from the City's six-foot fence limit. The Planning Commission has
recommended denial of the variance. Staff recommends a 2.5 foot variance to install an $.S foot
fence, aclmowledging the approximate 2.5 foot depression in the back yard.
The Council discussed options for alternative screening, including trees.
Moved by Councilmember Alongi, seconded by Councilmember Schultz to approve a 2.5
foot variance to build an S.5 foot fence.
5 Ayes; Nays, one. Councilmember Balsanek voting against. Motion fails, as variances need six
votes for approval.
Moved by Councilmember Balsanek to deny the request. Motion failed for lack of a second.
City of Hastings January 19, 2014
City Council Minutes Page 4 of 4
Moved by Councihnember Alongi, seconded by Councilmember Slavik to table the item to
the February 1, 2010 meeting.
6 Ayes; Nays, none.
Approve Restructure of EDRAIPIanning Department Responsibilities
Moved by CounciImember Slavik, seconded by Councilrncmber Balsanek to approve as
presented.
6 Ayes; Nays, none.
Comments from the Audience
Richard Bond, 2025 Forest Street, asked the Charter Commission to perhaps consider
changing the Council structure to two ward councilmembers per ward.
Wes Lund, 120 T~ Street East, said he appreciated the Council's serious deliberation over
penalties from recent liquor license compliance check violations.
Announcements
• The Administrative Committee will meet on Wednesday, January 27 at 5:30 to discuss a
variety of licensing issues.
Mayor Hicks was presented with a flag that was flown in Iraq.
The Mississippi Makeover Open House will be held on Thursday, January 28 from 3:30 -
7:30 at the Hastings High School Commons.
Adjournment
Moved by Councilmember Aloxlgi, seconded by Councilmember Slavik to adjourn the
meeting at 7:56 p.m.
~.
Paul J. Hicks ~ Melanie Mesko Lee
Mayor City Clerk