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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-13-2000 Council Minutes0 ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 13, 2000 ROLL The Council met on the above - mentioned date with the following members present: Mayor Gabriel Jabbour, Council Members Richard Flint, Charles Kelley, Barbara Peterson, and Bob Sansevere. Representing staff were City Administrator Ron Moorse, City Attorney Tom Barrett, Senior Planning Coordinator Michael Gaffron, Assistant Zoning Administrator Paul Weinberger, City Engineer Tom Kellogg, Public Services Director Greg Gappa, and Recorder Alissa Winternheimer. Mayor Jabbour called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Discussion of Item #1 follows Item #2 CONSENT AGENDA 2. Approve /Amend Items 6, 7, 9, and 12 were added to the Consent Agenda. is Peterson moved, and Sansevere seconded, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended. Vote: Ayes 5, Nays 0. 1. Park Commission Interviews The first applicant interviewed was Mr. Jim Morgan. Mayor Jabbour asked him to tell the Council about himself. Mr. Morgan stated that he grew up in the Twin Cities, and has lived in Orono for the past two years. He has also owned a small business, Mitten Software, Inc., in Long Lake since 1988. He is interested in the Park Commission because he wants to make a positive impact on the community. Mr. Morgan stated he has 3 major concerns with the parks which he calls "The 3 T's:" 1) Trees, creative landscape work to beautify the parks; 2) Trails, better network between parks and more of a community system of trails for various users; 3) Treasury, creative ways to fund raise for the parks. Mayor Jabbour asked if Mr. Morgan had reviewed the Park Commission's comprehensive philosophy. Mr. Morgan stated he has not reviewed the philosophy. Mayor Jabbour asked if he is familiar with most of the parks. Mr. Morgan stated he has been to many of the • parks, but cannot claim to have intimate knowledge of them. 1 ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 13, 2000 0 1. Park Commission Interviews- Continued Kelley asked why he moved to Orono. Mr. Morgan stated he grew up in Woodbury and likes a more open, country feel. Flint asked where he lives. Mr. Morgan stated he lives just south of the old ski hill on Bayside Road. Sansevere asked if any of Orono's parks are distressing to him. Mr. Morgan said none were distressing, but he felt some of the parks could be made more appealing with some creative landscaping. Sansevere asked how expensive is the landscaping Mr. Morgan had in mind. He replied that the community should be encouraged to donate funds for trees. Kelley asked if he was married. Mr. Morgan stated he is married and has a fourteen -year- old son. Mayor Jabbour stated that almost 100% of the City's parkland has been donated. He then informed Mr. Morgan that the City has more applicants than positions available, and he encouraged Mr. Morgan to apply for future positions if he is not selected for a current opening. • The second candidate interviewed was Ms. Debora Hahorson. Mayor Jabbour asked her to tell the Council about herself. Ms. Halvorson stated she lived in Orono for eight years, then moved to Bloomington in 1994, and moved back to Orono last November. She found a list of parks that she didn't know had existed, even though she had lived here for eight years. She stated she has the time available and would like to give something back to the community. Sansevere asked what Ms. Halvorson thinks of the City's parks. She stated she has driven around and visited about 90% of the parks. Many are neighborhood parks. Ms. Halvorson stated she likes the idea of hiking trails. She also said it is difficult to walk or bike along some residential streets because they don't have sidewalks. Ms. Halvorson stated she does not have a personal agenda, but is interested in acting on behalf of the community. Flint asked where she lives. Ms. Halvorson stated she lives half way between Noerenberg Park and Bohn's Point Road on North Shore Drive. Kelley asked why she moved back to Orono. Ms. Halvorson stated she missed the open land and privacy here. Mayor Jabbour informed Ms. Halvorson that the City has more applicants than positions 2 I ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 13, 2000 • 1. Park Commission Interviews- Continued available, and he encouraged Ms. Halvorson to apply for future positions if she is not selected for a current opening. The third candidate interviewed was Ms. Pauline Bouchard. Mayor Jabbour asked the candidate to tell the Council about herself. Ms. Bouchard stated she has lived in Orono for 23 years and has never been involved in civic activity at the municipal level. She retired last summer and decided it is time to give back to the community. She feels the parks are not promoted actively enough to the community. She would also like the citizens to know they have a sympathetic ear on the Parks Commission. She would also like to poll citizens about their park use. She has not looked into whether there is an extensive city plan regarding parks, but she would like for there to be one. Mayor Jabbour stated that the present Comprehensive Plan for the City does not promote parks. The Council, the Park Board, and the City Planner have decided to change that. He then asked what Ms. Bouchard thinks about the City's desire to change the Dakota Line to a trail. Ms. Bouchard stated she is very much in favor of making the Dakota Line a trail because there are no sidewalks along County Road 15. If appointed, Ms. Bouchard would work hard to see the conversion happen. Flint asked where she lives. Ms. Bouchard stated she lives between Fox Hill and Sailor's `Vorld on County Road 15. Mayor Jabbour informed Ms. Bouchard that the City has more applicants than positions available, and he encouraged Ms. Bouchard to apply for future positions if she is not selected for a current opening. APPROVAL OF MINUTES *3. Council Work Session of February 14, 2000 Peterson moved, and Sansevere seconded, to approve the Minutes of the Council Work Session of February 14, 2000. Vote: Ayes 5, Nays 0. *4. Regular City Council Meeting of February 28, 2000 Peterson moved, and Sansevere seconded, to approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council meeting of February 28, 2000 as submitted. Vote: Ayes 5, Nays 0. 0 ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 13, 2000 • PARK COMMISSION COMMENTS — RICK MEYERS, REPRESENTATIVE Meyers brought a number of items to the Council's attention. In regard to Navarre Park, the grant application will be ready to submit by the deadline of March 31, 2000; and they should hear back on the grant by mid -April. The Commission is still wondering about other sources of funding. They believe the City should explore the possibility of funding from pull -tabs. In other cities, 10% of revenue generated by pull -tabs stays with the city. The Commission feels the City should ask for the money before pull -tabs grow in popularity. The Commission has not yet addressed the Comprehensive Plan. One major problem facing them is that many residents are unaware of the parks in Orono. Parks need to be better defined in terms of signage, access, and boundaries. Meyers also stated they need to address access to the parcel of land at Lowry Woods if tlfey are going to have it as a park. The Commission also discussed Hackberry Park. Staff have met with the property owner in the middle of the park. He is willing to sell his property to the City. The Commission feels that park would be ideal as a baseball park. It is important the City get something in writing from the property owner stating he will come to the City first when he is ready to sell his . property. The Commission also discussed the Crystal Bay Park. It has two parcels split by a road. If they eliminated the road and joined the parcels, the park would make an excellent soccer park. Peterson stated there was also discussion of putting in a skating rink. Mayor Jabbour stated the Council couldn't have an opinion regarding the matter until there is a public hearing on the issue. The Commission would like to have a trail access from Navarre Lane. The Lafayette Circle neighbors are interested in having a trail in that area. Mayor Jabbour stated the City should work diligently to establish pedestrian paths in this area. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS — JAY NYGARD, REPRESENTATIVE Nygard stated the Commission realizes the importance of growing Hackberry Park, and that the City is lucky the property owner there likes the kids and the park around his home. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. • 0 ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 13, 2000 ZONING ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT 5. #2556 Barbara and Collins Cavender, having an interest in 1395/1405 Rest Point Road — Variances — Resolution No. 4430 Mr. and Mrs. Cavender were in attendance. Weinberger stated that the Cavenders were seeking variances to permit construction of a new residence on two properties: 1395 and 1405 Rest Point Road. The south lot (1405) is developed; the adjacent lot to the north (1395) is vacant. The current house sits 41 feet from the lakeshore; it is a one -story house similar to other houses in the neighborhood. The Cavenders want to remove the existing house, purchase the north lot and combine t`he parcels into one tax ID, making one legal lot. The required setbacks allow a very small building pad. Any construction would require variances for lakeshore setback. Another consideration is the City has a lift station on the property. The Cavenders would allow a utility easement on the property. Also, the Cavenders want to keep the house as far • from the lift station as possible. The proposed house is two stories above ground. A basement is not possible due to the water table. The house would include a two car attached garage. The Cavenders want to maintain as much front yard as possible and create a buffer zone between the house and the lift station. The lift station will require weekly maintenance and could sometimes emit an odor. Is The current proposal has moved the house back creating a 34 -foot setback from the lake and the house has been reduced to meet the 15% allowance on the property. The average setback is actually closer to 40 feet, but the lakeshore cuts into the property and the setback is measured from that point. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the plan with a 4 -0 vote based on the following hardships: it is nearly impossible to build 75 feet from the lakeshore, the lift station requires vehicles to pull off the road for maintenance and may emit an odor, the lot has been developed and used as a residential property for years. A condition of approval would be that both lots are combined into one tax parcel and filed with Hennepin County before any building permits are issued. 5 ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 13, 2000 5. #2556 Barbara and Collins Cavender, having an interest in 139511405 Rest Point Road — Variances – Resolution No. 4430 - Continued Mrs. Cavender stated that the existing house, which they own, actually extends into the road. Kelley asked if the Cavenders understand the City's hardcover issues. Mayor Jabbour added that the Cavenders current plan maximizes use of the lot, and structural coverage has been maximized at 15 %. As a result, the Cavenders would not be approved in the future for any patios or decks. Mayor Jabbour moved, and Kelley seconded, to adopt Resolution No. 4430 approving the existing resolution with the addition to the language that no additional hardcover will be allowed on the property. Vote: Ayes 5, Nays 0. MAYOR/COUNCH, REPORT Mayor Jabbour stated he had been approached by Mr. Kent Carlson of Ryan Company who wants to buy Washington Scientific and tear down the building, then build a pharmaceutical company office and small warehouse on the property. He wants to work with the City regarding environmental clean up of the property. He is also interested in working with the • City on developing building standards. Kelley asked if the Fire Marshall has ever visited the site. He stated that most large fires happen in vacant buildings and that he would like to see a report on the W.S.I. and V.C.I. buildings. Mayor Jabbour stated he is not certain a frontage road serving the industrial area is a good idea because it would push traffic into residential areas. Mayor Jabbour stated he had attended a positive Big Island Committee meeting. A resident asked about parties. Mayor Jabbour stated that it should be considered the same as any other party permit. Mayor Jabbour stated he has viewed a potential realignment of the lots in Fleming Addition in Long Lake. An issue everyone should consider is that they could serve the subdivision by doing a curb cut on the private road. He asked if the Council wants a new road dissecting what might be considered parkland in the future. He asked for a copy of the subdivision plan so that the Council could discuss the plan. Sansevere asked if the Council has ever considered changing the Regular City Council Meeting meeting day. Mayor Jabbour stated they don't want Council meetings to conflict with other community meetings so they have a chance at receiving press coverage. Kelley stated that if the Orono/Long Lake merger occurs they will have to reconsider the meeting day. • 3 • ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 13, 2000 Mayor /Council Report - Continued Mayor Jabbour spoke to the School Board about the City's purchase of School District property for public works use. He informed them that the City has never burned brush or branches, so children with asthma will not be affected. The School Board wants the City to identify two parcels: 4.42 acres and 6.6 acres. The City needs to put out stakes so they can walk the property. He would like the Council to authorize staff to make an offer on the property if necessary. Staff should attempt to get the 6.6 acres and should offer $30,000 per acre for the first 4.42 acres and $15,000 per acre for the extra 2 acres in the 6.6 -acre parcel. Flint moved, and Peterson seconded, that the Council authorize staff to make an offer on the land. Vote: Ayes 5, Nays 0. Sansevere attended a Healthy Communities meeting. The school is cutting a number of programs, such as JV basketball, dance, and cheerleading unless they can be funded through fees. Too many programs are in need of money, such as band and gifted and talented. The quality of life in Orono will be affected if the school district is perceived poorly and the school continues to lose students and prestige. • Kelley stated he attended a Fire Department meeting last week and pushed the architect on site selection. A 20,000 s.f. building requires a 60,000 s.f. lot. He also mentioned Second Call, a fund raising group for the Fire Department. Those who make a donation are given a tour of the fire station. Flint stated that the Long Lake Consolidation Committee Public Hearing minutes claimed Orono is only in favor of the merger because Orono wants the fire department here. Kelley, Peterson, and Mayor Jabbour all stated that is not true. • ENGINEER REPORT *6. Park Mowing Contract Peterson moved, and Sansevere seconded, to accept the quotation from Shaughnessy Lawn Service, Orono, Minnesota for the 2000 season park mowing in the amount of $13,900. Vote: Ayes 5, Nays 0. *7. Approve Purchase of Fuel Tank for Golf Course Peterson moved, and Sansevere seconded, to accept the quotation from Westside Equipment for a 500/500 gallon dual compartment concrete vaulted fuel storage tank in the amount of $19,170. 7 ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 13, 2000 *7 Approve Purchase of Fuel Tank for Golf Course - Continued Vote: Ayes 5, Nays 0. CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT 8. Schedule Council Work Session The Council will hold a work session on Monday, April 10, 2000 at 4:00 p.m. The Council will hold a workshop on April 14 and 15, 2000. *9. 2000 Insurance Award and Resolution to Not Waive the Statutory Tort Limits for Insurance Purposes - Resolution No. 4431 Peterson moved, and Sansevere seconded, to award the 2000 insurance package effective January 1, 2000 to the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust for the worker compensation coverage, $34,592; for the comprehensive municipal property and casualty package, $83,830; for the umbrella excess liability, $18,848; for the petrofund • reimbursement, $595; for the open meeting law, $939; for the boiler and machinery, $1,585; for the surety bonds, $780; and for the golf course liquor liability, $625. Vote: Ayes 5, Nays 0. Peterson moved, and Sansevere seconded, to approve and adopt Resolution No. 4431, a Resolution Making a Selection to Not Waive the Statutory Tort Limits for Liability Insurance Purposes. Vote: Ayes 5, Nays 0. 10. Community Endowment Fund Mayor Jabbour stated that the Council should either buy back the city facilities bonds, or develop a policy regarding how to use the money in the City's Building Outlay Fund. He stated that he felt buying back the bonds would be a mistake. Kelley stated that the money is excess revenue over expenses from years past. Flint asked about purchasing some open space areas to set aside for future use. Mayor Jabbour stated he would rather see the money set aside and the city could use 90% of interest earned each year. He also stated that the City could borrow against the interest, but the money should be kept in case of large, unexpected future expenses. Kelley asked how much open space or parkland the City would want to maintain. He also asked if they move the money off of their balance sheet and place it into a fund, if it would affect the City's Moody's rating and bonding ability. • ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 13, 2000 10. Community Endowment Fund - Continued Mayor Jabbour reiterated that he feels the City should place the money in an endowment fund so the City will have a long term source of funding for capital needs. The Council decided to continue discussion of this issue at their work session. 11. Development of Highway 12 Design Standards Moorse stated that Long Lake has contracted with a firm to develop a master plan and design guidelines for the commercial area of Long Lake. Orono city representatives have been invited to participate, since design guidelines should be consistent across the two cities. The total cost of the project is $20,000. Long Lake is going to see if Mn/DOT will finance the project, but Orono is welcome to help with the financial burden. Mayor Jabbour stated the two cities' Planning Commissions should meet jointly to work on the project, and that meetings should be open to any Council members who want to attend. Kelley, Flint, and Moorse all expressed interest in attending the meetings. Mayor Jabbour moved, and Peterson seconded, that Orono should pay 50% of the expenses not covered by Mn/DOT for the Highway 12 commercial area master plan • and design guideline development process. Vote: Ayes 5, Nays 0. rte, U *12. Reappoint Planning Commission Members Peterson moved, and Sansevere seconded, to reappoint Jan Berg and Dale Lindquist to three year terms on the Planning Commission expiring March 31, 2003; and to reappoint William Stoddard to a three year term on the Planning Commission beginning April 1, 1999 and expiring March 31, 2002. Vote: Ayes 5, Nays 0. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT There was no City Attorney's Report. *13. LICENCES Peterson moved, and Sansevere seconded, to approve the following licenses. Vote: Ayes 5, Nays 0. W ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 13, 2000 *13. Licenses - Continued SET -UP LICENSE 1. Don Scherven Navarre Lanes, Inc. 3435 Shoreline Drive RESIDENTIAL KENNEL LICENSE 1. Tris Strulde Klohn 4455 North Shore Drive *14. BILLS • Peterson moved, and Sansevere seconded, to approve payment of the All Funds Account. Vote: Ayes 5, Nays 0. 19. ADJOURNMENT 0 Mayor Jabbour moved, and Peterson seconded, to adjourn at 9:18 p.m. ATTEST: Linda S. Vee, City Clerk Gab 1 Jabbour, Mayor • [till