Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-24-2003 Council MinutesMINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, March 24, 2003 7:00 o'clock p.m. ROLL The Council met on the above mentioned date with the following members present: Mayor Barbara Peterson; Council Members Jim Murphy, Jim White, and late arrivals Jay Nygard and Bob Sansevere; City Attorney Thomas Barrett; Representing staff were City Administrator Ron Moorse, Planning Director Mike Gaffron, City Planner Wendy Bottenberg, City Engineer Tom Kellogg, Public Service Director Greg Gappa, and Recorder Kristi Anderson. Mayor Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:02 P.M. Nygard arrived at 7:03 P.M. Mayor Peterson invited Medina Council Member Jim Lane to step up and accept a resolution honoring him for his leadership, dedication, assistance, and friendship to Orono in his role as a member of the Fire Advisory Committee and work on the Highway 12 project for many years. Murphy thanked Lane for his 20 years of service and commitment to the Highway 12 project. He recognized Lane for his support, class, and friendship to Orono. He complimented Lane on his work with the MCWD in solving issues related to the highway • project and his mediation of the Long Lake and Orono joint City Council meeting which established the overall design of the Long Lake Fire Station. • Sansevere arrived at 7:08 P.M. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approve /Amend Nygard added items # 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 to the Consent Agenda. He commented that he would like the City to pursue with the County a turn signal at County Roads 15 and 19, in addition to the semaphore proposed at Willow Drive. Although Sansevere felt item 8 should be tabled until the applicant could be present to comment, he asked if the City Council would prefer it be added to the consent agenda. Other Council members agreed the item should be tabled. White moved, Murphy seconded, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. Page 1 of 9 0 MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, March 24, 2003 7:00 o'clock p.m. . 2. 7:00 P.M. — SCHEDULED ASSESSMENT HEARING — NORTH ARM LANE PAVING PROJECT 1. ADOPT NORTH ARM LANE PAVING PROJECT ASSESSMENT RESOLUTION NO. 4940 2. ACCEPT QUOTATIONS FOR NORTH ARM LANE PAVING PROJECT — RESOLUTION NO. 4941 Mayor Peterson noted that the Affidavit for Publication had been made at 7:10 P.M. Gappa explained that the proposed assessment would be $2,400 per property for the seven properties that had driveway access on North Arm Lane. The assessment would be for a 10 -year time period at an interest rate of 6.25% which results in an annual payment of approximately $325 per year. He pointed out that if a property owner wished to appeal the assessment, they had been sent a notice informing them to file that intent or attend this evening's public hearing. Gappa indicated that he had received no complaints nor had any appeals been filed yet that he knew of. Jim Neilson, 340 North Arm Lane, thanked the Council for listening to his concerns in the past and indicated that he had no further comments. Mayor Peterson closed the Public Hearing at 7:14 P.M. • Sansevere moved, Murphy seconded, to approve RESOLUTION NO. 4940, a Resolution adopting the proposed assessment for the North Arm Lane Paving Project. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. Murphy moved, Sansevere seconded, to approve RESOLUTION NO. 4941, a Resolution accepting the quotation from Buffalo Bituminous, Buffalo, Minnesota, in the amount of $19,548 for the North Arm Lane Paving Project. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. APPROVAL OF MINUTES *3. Regular Council Meeting of March 10, 2003 White moved, Murphy seconded, to approve the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of March 10, 2003 as presented. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. PARK COMMISSION COMMENTS — Irene Silber Silber stated that the Park Commission looked forward to an upcoming work session with the City Council and that she had nothing new to report. • Page 2 of 9 .7 MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, March 24, 2003 7:00 o'clock p.m. PARK COMMISSION COMMENTS, Continued Gappa stated that the playground equipment at Bederwood had been tested and found to be within the acceptable range for arsenic levels. He believed much of the wood had been weathered enough to decrease the levels. Nygard inquired whether it might be prudent to have the equipment shellacked to ensure safety. Sansevere concurred, and encouraged staff to varnish the equipment as soon as the weather would permit, as a precautionary measure. Gappa indicated that he would do so. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS - J. Marc Fritzler, Representative As several Planning Commission items were pending, Fritzler indicated that he had nothing further to report. He noted that the Planning Commission looked forward to a joint work session with the City Council in the near future. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were none. ZONING ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT *4. #02 -2864 JOSEPHINE CARPENTER, 480 RUSSELL AVENUE, VARIANCE - RESOLUTION NO. 4942 White moved, Murphy seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 4942, a Resolution granting a variance to permit construction of a 239 s.f. (11.9'X20.1') detached garage closer to the front property line than the principal residence located at 480 Russell Avenue. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. 5. #02 -2874 RICHARD KAIL — 3753 CASCO AVENUE - VACATION Bottenberg explained that the applicant was seeking approval to vacate 7' of that portion of the unimproved dedicated alley adjacent to his property. The alley was originally dedicated in the plat of Casco Heights in 1911. She noted that the alley is 14' in width and 317.8' in length. The applicant was proposing to vacate half of the alley (7'), while the other 7' would go to the neighbor to the east. Bottenberg reported that the applicant had another zoning application pending, in which he • had proposed to build a new single family residence on the property. Since the proposed structure was above the allowed 15% lot coverage by structures, the Planning Commission Page 3 of 9 MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, March 24, 2003 7:00 o'clock p.m. 5. #02 -2874 RICHARD KAIL — 3753 CASCO AVENUE —VACATION, Continued approved the lot area, but denied the lot coverage by structures variance. The application was then heard by the City Council on February 24, 2003, during which the Council discussed two options to increase the size of the property: vacating the adjacent alley or purchasing city owned land adjacent to the property. The applicant chose to pursue vacating the adjacent alley. The Planning Commission recommended by a 5 to 0 vote to deny the application for vacation, since the unimproved right -of -way may someday be used for stormwater drainage management, possible future utilities, and/or public access for the neighborhood to reach Lake Minnetonka. Bottenberg continued that, staff too, would recommend denial of the vacation application as proposed by Richard Kail. Sansevere asked the applicant if he could provide a more compelling argument that would overcome concerns expressed by staff in the packet. Kail stated that, currently, his structural coverage was 16.3 %, if he were allowed to vacate the alley; his structural coverage would decrease to 15.07 %. While both Planning Commission and City Council representatives wish to be good neighbors, Sansevere explained that there is a point in which they must follow the restrictions set forth in the codes and maintain staff recommendations. Sansevere indicated that his position would be small lots, small homes, big lots, big homes and he could not support the application. White agreed that, based on staff's opinion, he would have to support their position. Kail asked why the City felt the need to retain two alleys, and questioned the rationale for stormwater runoff when the water doesn't flow thru his alley in the first place. Sansevere maintained that City staff had legitimate concern and issues with regard to stormwater drainage and utilities. He asked staff to explain why they felt the alley would be necessary. Gappa stated that no one knows what the future might hold with regard to stormwater, access, or utilities, and pointed out how difficult it often is to obtain easements later for stormwater etc. Kail indicated that he would grant easements back to the City, and was merely looking for enough land to cover his structural coverage requirement. is Bottenberg stated that, even with the alley, the applicant would be 28 s.f. over with his plan. . Page 4 of 9 MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, March 24, 2003 • 7:00 o'clock p.m. 5. #02 -2874 RICHARD KAIL — 3753 CASCO AVENUE —VACATION, Continued Nygard moved, Murphy seconded, to deny Application #02 -2874, Richard Kail, 3753 Casco Avenue, an adjacent alley Vacation. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. Bottenberg pointed out that the vacation would come back as a resolution at the next City Council meeting. Kail stated that his next plan would come back with less driveway, two garages, and no deck. Gaffron indicated that the revised application may have to revert to the Planning Commission prior to City Council depending on the number of changes that are made. *6. #03 -2875 SANDRA ANN BENSON, 1376 BALDUR PARK ROAD - VARIANCES -RESOLUTION NO. 4943 White moved, Murphy seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 4943, a Resolution granting variances to reconstruct and expand the roof of the existing principal structure located at 1376 Baldur Park Road. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. • *7. #03 -2879 GARY HEGENES, 2675 SHADYWOOD ROAD — VARIANCE — RESOLUTION NO. 4944 • White moved, Murphy seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 4944, a Resolution granting a side yard adjacent street setback variance to allow a 20.1' setback where 35' is required to construct a 330 s.f. (15'X22') single stall attached garage addition to the existing attached garage located at 2675 Shadywood Road. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. 8. #01 -2714 FRED PUZAK, 1340 BALDUR PARK ROAD, REVIEW OF VARIANCE CONDITIONS. Mayor Peterson moved, Murphy seconded, to table Application #01 -2714, Fred Puzak, 1340 Baldur Park Road, Review of Variance Conditions, until the applicant is able to attend. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. MAYOR/CITY COUNCIL REPORT White complimented the local newspaper for its informative and positive piece on the Navarre Town Meeting held March 13, 2003. He was impressed by the spirit of volunteerism, the pride, and energy displayed by residents at the meeting. Page 5 of 9 MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, March 24, 2003 7:00 o'clock p.m. • MAYOR/CITY COUNCIL REPORT, Continued Murphy suggested a video be edited together from the meeting and also complimented the local paper on a terrific article. Mayor Peterson questioned the tree trimming job done on the Burwell property along County Road 15. She also indicated that she had received calls and letters regarding a home on Olive that has had a tarp on the roof for a number of years. Gappa stated that the City needs to discuss enforcement of Codes in this respect. Nygard suggested the City investigate how they could possibly help homeowners complete their work. He felt, if it's an economic situation, it would be nice if the City could provide the resources or volunteers to assist homeowners who've fallen on tough times. White encouraged staff to investigate CDBG grants, which are designed to help people based on need, to get things done. He maintained that there are needs not being recognized in Orono. White stated that, while affordability should start at home, one priority should be to keep the affordable homes we have and assist the elderly who can't afford many things. He believed Orono could tweak the CDBG formula in order to set more money aside for its people. Moorse indicated that Orono is one in a consolidated pool of a dozen communities who is share the CDBG funds. In general, Moorse stated that approximately $300,000 is available each year. He pointed out that several years ago, Orono and Spring Park did receive about $130,000 in funding for housing rehab projects in Navarre and Spring Park. He indicated that staff could strive to identify certain properties in Orono and resubmit an application for a portion of the funds next year. He noted that additional funding opportunities exist and could be investigated. A key would also be to get information out to the people and residents who need it. Murphy suggested contacting local churches, as they would have knowledge of their most needy parishioners. Nygard agreed that, at minimum, the City should strive to maintain the affordable housing it has. Mayor Peterson stated that, oftentimes, proud people don't ask for help, however, the City should be there as a resource. Murphy stated that Mrs. McCarthy on Chevy Chase, had contacted him regarding her water going out last Wednesday. She suggested the City do more to notify residents, like Wayzata does, when work is going to be done that will affect water pressure etc. She then noted that much rust had been stirred up in her pipes due to the work done. • Page 6 of 9 MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, March 24, 2003 7:00 o'clock p.m. MAYOR/CITY COUNCIL REPORT, Continued Gappa stated that the street department was working on drainage problems and shouldn't have opened the hydrant, but inadvertently did, which stirred up a great deal of rust. Murphy reiterated the need for the City to shellac the Bederwood playground equipment and suggested the City dispose of the spent Christmas trees at Hackberry Park as well. Sansevere stated that he had spoken to the head guidance counselor at Orono about the scholarships the City Council representatives wished to donate to both Orono and Mound schools, equivalent virtually to one paycheck from each representative. Nygard suggested the City investigate having those funds matched in the community. PUBLIC SERVICE DIRECTOR'S REPORT *9. ACCEPT QUOTES FOR TURN SIGNAL AT WILLOW DRIVE White moved, Murphy seconded, to accept the quotation in the amount of $9,200 from Ridgedale Electric, Long Lake, Minnesota for completion of the Willow • Drive/TH 12 Traffic Signal Revisions Project and approval of a budget adjustment for the Year 2003 State Aid Construction Fund to reflect this expenditure. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. *10. LONG LAKE WATER INTERCONNECTS White moved, Murphy seconded, to authorize a joint project with the City of Long Lake for the installation of two additional water system interconnections with a 50/50 installation cost split between the two cities. Estimated Orono cost for this project is $60,000. Further Council approval will be obtained after the contractor has been selected and final costs determined. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. White moved, Murphy seconded, to authorize proceeding with a project to install to interconnect the Industrial Park water services and to investigate the feasibility of a new 12" Highway 12 watermain crossing to serve the Industrial Park. Further Council approval will be obtained after the contractor has been selected and final costs determined. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. *11. SUPPORT OF NEW FUNDING FOR ROADS — RESOLUTION NO. 4945 White moved, Murphy seconded, to approve RESOLUTION NO. 4945, a Resolution supporting the League of Minnesota Cities Study on Funding Street Construction and Maintenance in Minnesota Cities. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. Page 7 of 9 MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, March 24, 2003 7:00 o'clock p.m. *12. SEASONAL EMPLOYEES FOR GOLF COURSE White moved, Murphy seconded, to approve a seasonal employee pay range of $7.72 to $8.43 per hour for the 2003 season. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT *13. PAY REQUESTS — LONG LAKE FIRE STATION White moved, Murphy seconded, to approve the request for payment from Here -U- Lift in the amount of $4,911.67, to be funded from the Joint Fire Account. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. *14. AGREEMENT FOR FIRE SERVICE WITH EXCELSIOR FIRE DISTRICT White moved, Murphy seconded, to approve the Agreement and Contract with the Excelsior Fire District. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. *15. PARK COMMISSION REAPPOINTMENTS • White moved, Murphy seconded, to approve the reappointment of Debora Halvorson • and Pauline Bouchard to an additional term on the Parks, Open Space and Trails Commission expiring on December 31, 2005. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. White moved, Murphy seconded, to recognize Sherokee Ilse for her years of dedicated service to the community as a member of the Parks, Open Space and Trails Commission. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. *16. APPOINTMENT OF PART -TIME CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSISTANT White moved, Murphy seconded, to approve the appointment of Barbara Silus to the position of part -time Customer Service Assistant at the Level 2, Step II pay rate of $13.67 per hour, effective March 31, 2003. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT Attorney Barrett had nothing new to report. 0 Page 8 of 9 • 0 9 MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, March 24, 2003 7:00 o'clock p.m. *17. LICENSES Kennel License Renewals: 1. "The Dog House Boarding Kennels" D. Brian Fulmer 3505 W. Wayzata Blvd. 2. Bob Sansevere 745 Orchard Park Road 18. BILLS White moved, Murphy seconded, to approve payment of the All Funds Account. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. ADJOURNMENT- -- Sansevere moved, White seconded, to adjourn the Orono City Council Meeting of March 24, 2003 at 8:06 P.M. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. ATTEST: i Linda S. Vee, City Clerk Page 9 of 9 Barbara Peterson, Mayor