HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-28-2011 Council Minutes• ' ROLL CALL
MINUTES OF THE
ORONO .CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, November 28, 2011
7:00 o'clock p.m.
The Orono City Council met on the above - mentioned date with the following members present:
Mayor Lili Tod McMillan and Council Members Cynthia Bremer, Doug Franchot, Aaron Printup, and
David Rahn. Representing Staff were City Administrator Jessica Loftus, City Clerk Lin Vee, Finance
Director Ron Olson, Assistant City Administrator of Long -Term Strategic Planning Michael Gaffron,
Planning Coordinator Melanie Curtis, City Attorney Soren Mattick, City Engineer Darren Amundsen, and
Recorder Jackie Young.
Mayor McMillan called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of the Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Item Nos. 6, 7, 8, 11, 14, 15, and 17 were added to the Consent Agenda.
Bremer moved, Franchot seconded, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended. VOTE: Ayes 5,
Nays 0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
*2. COUNCIL WORK SESSION OF NOVEMBER 14, 2011
• Bremer moved, Franchot seconded, to approve the minutes of the City Council Work Session of
November 14, 2011, as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.
*3. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 14, 2011
Bremer moved, Franchot seconded, to approve the minutes of the City Council meeting of
November 14, 2011, as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.
PRESENTATION
4. HENNEPIN COUNTY UPDATE FROM COMNIISSIONER JAN CALLISON
Jan Callison provided the City Council with an update on the activities of the Hennepin County Board of
Commissioners.
Callison reported that over the past 10 years, Orono's population has declined 1.3 percent, which is fairly
consistent with the other cities in the 6th District. The state will be redistricting in 2012 and the 6"'
District will be getting slightly larger. Currently there are 14 cities within the 6th District. Orono's
median household and median family income are slightly down for 2010.
Callison thanked the City of Orono for being one of the host cities for the medicine collection drive held
on October 8, which was a success. This was the eighth time such an event was held and 5,500 pounds
were collected of various types of medications. 1,300 pounds of that consisted of controlled substances.
Orono averaged 2.65 pounds per participant.
Page 1 of 16
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MINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, November 28, 2011
7:00 o'clock p.m.
(4. HENNEPIN COUNTY UPDATE FROM COMMISSIONER TAN CALLISON, Continued) •
Hennepin County's Truth in Taxation hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, November 29th. The Board set
the maximum levy back in September at a 1 percent increase, which amounts to approximately a $47
million increase. Under that budget there is no increase for the Railroad Authority or the Housing &
Redevelopment Authority. Hennepin County's administrator has proposed a budget that is 3.13 percent
smaller in 2012 than it was in 2011, which is approximately a $50 million dollar decrease. In addition,
the administrator is not proposing any increase in property taxes for 2012.
One of the factors taken into consideration with the budget is state revenues. In 2011, Hennepin County
[received $33 million less than the state had originally projected they would be providing the County and
in 2012 that number is expected to be $20 million less than what was originally anticipated. Hennepin
County is seeing more people requiring government assistance. In July of 2011, the food service program
served more than 129,000 residents, which is up from 81,000.
Callison noted that under the budget by the administrator, he is proposing to eliminate the Eden Prairie
Service Center, reduce Hennepin County's capital budget, and continue to work department by
department to implement additional savings.
Hennepin County is also aware of the change in the market value program from a credit program to an
exclusion program. That means that other properties within the county have to make up for lower valued
counties. As a result of that change, even though the administrator is not proposing to increase property
taxes and the budget has declined, a residential property in Orono would see an increase of between 2.7
and 1.8 percent for their share of Hennepin County's budget and a business property would see an •
increase of 2.1 percent.
Callison stated she would welcome comments or questions from the Council.
McMillan noted that improvements to County Road 112 will be starting next year. McMillan noted
Jim Grube has elected to wait to pick a consultant on that project until Orono has had an opportunity to
hire a city engineer.
McMillan indicated she has spoken with residents and business owners in Navarre about various
improvements that could be done in that area. County Roads 19 and 15 experience a significant amount
of traffic and Orono will be working with the property owners and residents in that area regarding .
improvements and road safety. McMillan indicated the City will be passing those comments along to
Hennepin County and Jim Grube.
McMillan noted Orono is just finishing up their organics recycling grant, and that the City appreciates the
work the Environmental Services Department has done for this program. McMillan expressed her thanks
to Hennepin County for making the resources available to allow this program to get up and going in
Orono. McMillan commented that in her view the organics recycling is a great program in addition to the
medicine collection program.
Callison noted the State has set some aggressive goals for recycling, which may be difficult to meet in the
coming years, but that she appreciates Orono's participation.
McMillan stated Orono will continue to promote the organics recycling and medicine collection drives as
much as possible, and thanked Commissioner Callison for providing her update to the Council. is
Page 2 of 16
MINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, November 28, 2011
7:00 o'clock p.m.
• PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS — JOHN THIESSE, REPRESENTATIVE
Thiesse stated he had nothing to report but would be available for questions.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
PLANNING DEPARTMENT REPORT
5. ADOPTION OF BIG ISLAND MANAGEMENT PLAN — RESOLUTION NO. 6095
Gaffron stated in 2006, the City purchased the Big Island Veterans Camp. That purchase, in part, was
funded by a grant from the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District in ekchange for a conservation easement
over the entire property. The conservation easement is intended to preserve the natural resources of the
property and includes the Maple/Basswood forest wetlands and about 7500 feet of undeveloped Lake
Minnetonka shoreline. The conservation easement limits the permitted uses of the protected property and
specifies that the allowed uses be contained in the Park Management Plan.
The goals and policies established in the plan reflect what can be deemed an evolutionary process and
would allow the City to revisit the plan from time to time as issues arise. Gaffron stated an example of a
• possible future change would be inclusion of a cultural resources section: The plan also includes some
appendices for management of Big Island Park.
The overall goals of the Plan are to:
Document the background leading to the City's acquisition of the site and define for future
City leaders a set of fundamental principles for management of the Park.
2. Provide a structure for defining and managing the major natural, cultural, interpretive, and
recreation resources of Big Island Nature Park.
3. Establish a general, long -term management direction for Big Island Nature Park.
Gaffron noted the plan was adopted by the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District approximately one
month ago.
McMillan thanked Mike Gaffron and the Big Island Committee for their work on this management plan.
Franchot asked if the recommendations would then become direction once the plan is approved or
whether the recommendations would be something that would be considered over time.
Gaffron stated to his understanding they are worded such that they would provide general direction.
Some of the recommendations are that certain items are studied.
• Franchot asked if the plan is approved whether the City is dedicated to carrying out all of the
recommendations or whether they are merely recommendations for the group to consider in the future.
Page 3 of 16
MINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, November. 28, 2011
7:00 o'clock p.m.
(S. ADOPTION OF BIG ISLAND MANAGEMENT PLAN, Continued)
Gaffron stated in his view they are recommendations and not directions.
Franchot asked whether there is any review process in place to see if the plan is working as expected.
Gaffron indicated a specific time frame has not been established and that there will likely be certain issues
that arise that will trigger a review of the plan.
Franchot asked when the bonds will be paid off for the park.
Olson indicated the final year of payment is 2018 and the last year for property tax levies for this bond is
2017.
Rahn stated to his recollection the direction of the Council was that the well would be sealed.
Gaffron stated they contacted the Health Department, who responded in a way that gave Staff the
impression that the well could be left as is and that it is an open issue.
Bremer commented she has the same recollection as Council Member Rahn.
U
Gaffron stated his recollection is that the City was not going to absolutely seal it but that Staff would do
the necessary steps with the Health Department to ensure that the well was legal. Gaffron noted the well
is protected and not open to the general public. •
Printup noted on Page 37 of the report there is an acknowledgement of the efforts of Gabriel Jabbour, and.
that he would like to personally thank Gabriel Jabbour for all the work that he has done on Big Island.
Printup asked as it relates to the docks maintained by the City, what type of maintenance the City
provides.
Gaffron indicated the docks are floating docks and are installed every spring and removed every fall. The
docks are stored in a segment of the bay southeast of where the docks would extend from the shore. That
arrangement has been acceptable to date. Gaffron stated there is always a risk that the docks would break
loose from their moorings and be subject to vandalism but that they are generally protected.
Bremer noted the docks were installed for free for the first three years as part of the initial purchase..
Gabriel Jabbour stated the docks are floating docks and are extremely industrial/commercial grade docks.
They are similar to the docks used by big ships. Jabbour indicated they float them into in the lagoon and
then a telephone pole is inserted between them to make sure they do not float away.
Jabbour stated what was not factored in was the cost to remove zebra mussels. The docks are made out of
recycled product. There will now be charges to put the docks back in and it is not something that a couple
of individuals can do. The installation of the docks require a big crane to lift the telephone pole and then
to hammer the dock in place and hammer it in place in a manner' where it can be pulled back out. If the
docks have to be brought back in for cleaning, that will be an unknown cost but will likely be rather
expensive. Jabbour noted they have put additional poles in to accommodate the Minnehaha boat.
Page 4 of 16
•
MINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, November 28, 2011
7:00 o'clock p.m.
(S. ADOPTION OF BIG ISLAND MANAGEMENT PLAN, Continued)
Jabbour noted that 100 percent of the reported debris was in the water and has been removed. Two large
barges of debris have been taken off the shores.
Jabbour stated as it relates to the well, it has to be cored and grouted all the way up. The well should not
be left open to allow anything to be exposed to the ground water. Jabbour stated in his opinion the well is
fine the way it currently is since it is a modern well and the cap is located 12 feet underground. The
average person will not be able to open it up.
Jabbour noted he sent the City Council a CD recently about re- vegetating the bluffs and the shoreline and
getting special permission from the DNR to encroach as much as 15 feet from the shore to create a
platform for the bluffs. The vegetation is an excellent stabilizer and the Watershed District has indicated
they would be willing to share in the costs. Jabbour stated he did point out to the Watershed District that
there are some cisterns as deep as 40 feet that are uncapped. The cisterns have finally been capped and
fenced.
Jabbour commented the contributions of the volunteers save the City approximately $20,000 a yeaf.'
McMillan commented the bluff project is a great example of what can be done to re- vegetate the
shoreline.
Jabbour noted the CD contains before, during and after photographs., Jabbour stated the King Fisher birds
• do nest in the vegetation but would not be a problem if the shoreline is re- vegetated.
•
Jabbour thanked the Council for sending the very thorough letter to the Minnehaha Creek Watershed
District.
Rahn moved, Franchot seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 6095, a Resolution Approving the
Big Island Nature Park Management Plan. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.
*6. #09 -3435 LOREN AND STACEY SCHOENZEIT, 4480 FOREST LAKE LANDING —
VARIANCE EXTENSION — RESOLUTION NO. 6096
Bremer moved, Franchot seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 6096, a Resolution Granting an
Extension of the Variances Established Per Resolution No. 5895, for the property located at 4480
Forest Lake Landing. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. ''
*7. #11 -3535 AMEND CITY CODE RELATING TO SCHOOLS — ORDINANCE NO. 89,
THIRD SERIES
Bremer moved, Franchot seconded, to adopt ORDINANCE NO. 89, Third Series, an Ordinance
Amending the Orono City Code Regarding School Uses Within RR -1A, RR -1B, and RR -1B -1
Residential Districts. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.
Page 5 of 16
MINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, November 28, 2011
7:00 o'clock p.m. •
*8. #11 -3536 SANDY BEACH, LLC, "1545 MAPLE PLACE" — FINAL PLAT —
RESOLUTION NO. 6097
Bremer moved, Franchot seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 6097, a Resolution Approving the
Plat of Elizabeth Addition, and to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the development
agreement upon completion by the City Attorney. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.
9. PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICANT — ALTERNATE MEMBER
Curtis noted there have recently been some vacancies on the Planning Commission. One applicant has
applied for the alternate Planning Commissioner position. Staff is looking for direction on whether the
City Council would like to interview him for the position.
McMillan asked if Mr. Walsh is interested in the alternate position or whether he would prefer to, be
appointed to a full -time position.
Walsh indicated he is interested in the alternate position.
Bremer asked whether there should be more alternates.
Curtis stated it is always nice to have an alternate who is interested in being appointed to a regular
position and that currently the City does not have a large pool of alternates.
Printup moved, Rahn seconded, to appoint Dennis Walsh to the position of Planning Commissioner •
Alternate. ' VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.
Curtis noted the posting will remain on the City's website until additional applicants apply.
McMillan suggested if the vacancies are not filled before the holidays, that an ad be placed in the
newspaper after the holidays.
CITY ENGINEER'S R EPORT
10. WAYZATA BOULEVARD SANITARY SEWER
McMillan stated her concern was whether this was a high priority project. McMillan asked whether the
City at some point will need additional capacity in that sewer line.
Amundsen stated the existing line is failing and the pipe is falling apart internally. This project will also
provide additional capacity for portions west of Old Crystal Bay Road.
McMillan asked if the whole line is failing.
Amundsen indicated one of the events that triggered the I &I event came about largely from the manholes
and the new manholes would resolve that issue. The manholes are located in a ditch that floods
periodically, and if there is anything wrong with the manhole covers, it will take in water.
Page 6 of 16
MINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, November 28, 2011
• 7:00 o'clock p.m.
(10. WAYZATA BOULEVARD SANITARY SEWER, Continued)
McMillan stated she was attempting to determine whether it was simply the manhole covers. that needed
replacement or whether the entire line.
Bremer noted the pipe is failing in addition to the I & I issue.
Rahn asked what percent of the I & I is from the manholes and what percent is from the pipes.
Amundsen indicated it depends on whether there is water in the ditch, but that the manholes are highly
susceptible to the rain events. There will be a consistent base infiltration of seepage through the pipe
given its poor condition.
McMillan asked what the $25,000 for rebidding consists of in the project cost estimate.
Amundsen indicated $5,000 would be to revise the plans and going through the bidding process and
$20,000 is for next summer in construction services. Approximately $252,000 is for the construction
work. Amundsen stated in his view it may be an eight week process. The project is somewhat difficult
given the amount of other utilities in the area and maintaining access to the local businesses.
Loftus asked whether there is a way to recapture some of these costs as the area to the west becomes
developed.
• Gaffron indicated future development will be assessed a portion of the costs for the expanded capacity. If
50 percent of the project is to expand capacity, that cost can then be passed on to new developments.
Gaffron noted this project would be funded by the Sanitary Sewer Fund.
Mattick stated typically what cities will do is to create a unit or hookup charge for the new developments.
Franchot asked whether the recommendation needs to be changed to reflect a unit or hookup charge.
Mattick indicated it does not.
McMillan commented she wanted to make sure this was a high priority project and that if it is merely an
I &I situation, the City can replace just the manholes at this time.
Amundsen stated in his view this is the worse sewer line in the City.
Scott Oberaigner, Orono Public Works, stated the pipe is delaminating on the inside and blocking the
flow. It will become a problem area if nothing is done to it in the near future. Oberaigner noted the
Metropolitan Council sewer is located right next to it.
Amundsen stated infiltration is an issue and the structural integrity of the pipe will come into question in
the very near future. Amundsen stated if the work is not done within the next year, it is likely repairs will
need to be done on an emergency basis.
Franchot moved, Rahn seconded, to authorize Staff to prepare plans and specifications for the
• Wayzata Boulevard Sanitary Sewer project in accordance with the schedule outlined in the report.
VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.
Page 7 of 16
MINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, November 28, 2011
7:00 o'clock p.m.
*11. STUBBS BAY RAVINE STABILIZATION PROJECT
Bremer moved, Franchot seconded, to approve the plans and specifications for the Stubbs Bay
Ravine Stabilization Project and authorize advertisement for bids. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.
12. 1359/1365 PARK DRIVE EROSION
Amundsen indicated the City was contacted by the homeowner at 1359 Park Drive regarding erosion.
Amundsen indicated he visited the property with Don DeBaere and reviewed the site with the property
owner on October 20`h. The property receives significant amounts of offsite runoff that is contributing to
a small ravine between 1359 and 1365 Park Drive.
This ravine is currently small and does not extend into Lake Minnetonka, but it will continue to erode and
grow with time. During heavier rainfalls silt is washed into the lake. It does not appear that there is
imminent danger to the homes in the area, but in time this may be more of a serious issue with its
proximity to 1365 Park Drive's walkout basement.
Franchot asked how the issue would be addressed.
Amundsen stated it likely would be a combination of some rocks and some bioengineering plantings.
Rahn asked if this is a City issue because some of the runoff is coming from neighboring properties.
•
Amundsen stated it is up to the City on whether they feel this is a situation they should address. This •
situation is similar to Stubbs Bay and Forest Lake Drive, which has a lot of upstream water coming from
one property near the lake. The majority of the water in this situation is coming from offsite.
Rahn stated in his view this would be a good project where the new public works director would have
some good insight and that he would prefer to put the project on hold for the time being. Rahn suggested
placing this project on the City's CIP and revisit it next year.
McMillan commented she had the same inclination to place it on the CIP.
Amundsen stated putting this project on the City's CIP would give it a better chance to be eligible for
grants or other funding.
Bremer recommended that this item for sure be reviewed in the spring.
The City Council took no formal action on this item.
MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORT
McMillan commented Staff provided a good update about the meeting with the residents in Navarre.
McMillan stated in her view the discussion was good and the group made an attempt to narrow the issues
down to a couple of items that can perhaps be addressed next year. Two of the topics discussed were to
identify some of the safety issues associated with County Roads 15 and 19 and the beautification of the
downtown Navarre area. Staff will be drafting a letter that will go out to the City Council for review in •
January and then sent to the residents and business owners.
Page 8 of 16
NIINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, November 28, 2011
7:00 o'clock p.m.
(MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORT, Continued)
Gaffron indicated the letter should be ready by January and that the main goal is to identify some starting
projects and then to expand on those through the years.
Franchot asked whether these projects would have a financial impact on the City's budget and whether
there is some provision for the funding.
Gaffron stated as specific projects are identified, those will be brought before the City Council. One
example of a past project is the banners that were erected a few years ago, which were paid for by
individual businesses. The majority of the banners are no longer there. Gaffron indicated he is not sure
whether the group is looking at individual businesses purchasing them or the City, but that in his view the
cost of a banner project could be approximately $4,000.
Gaffron stated from a safety perspective, the City does need to take a look at the County Road 15 and 19
intersection and that it is probable the majority of the improvements will need to be made within the
County right -of -way.
Franchot noted the City is in the budgeting process currently and that it would make sense to make some
provisions for funding if that is the intent.
Gaffron indicated the committee has not gotten to that stage yet.
Rahn stated in the past the City got bogged down with the safety issues due to it being a county road and
the fact that the City could not proceed without the County's assistance. Rahn suggested that perhaps the
group look at projects that do not involve the County.
Bremer recommended organizations like the Chamber of Commerce in Navarre also be involved in this
process.
Gaffron concurred that to the extent those organizations still exist and are still viable, they should be
involved.
McMillan noted the former mayor of Long Lake had a December show on the LMCC called the Tonka
Report that she sat in on the show. McMillan commented they had a good discussion with the mayors of
Mound, St. Bonifacious and Minnetrista.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
13. PURCHASE OF DIGITAL IMAGING AND DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
(LASERFICHE)
Lin Vee stated this is a request to purchase a digital imaging system. The system would be a ten user
system to begin with and would include a support plan. A scanner would need to be purchased along
with the system.
is Franchot asked about the named user licenses.
Page 9 of 16
MINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, November 28, 2011
7:00 o'clock p.m. •
(13. PURCHASE OFDIGITAL IMAGING AND DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
(LASERFICHE), Continued)
Vee stated each computer or user has to be named and it would not be a concurrent license that anyone in
the City can log into.
Franchot asked if they are named to a particular person.
Vee stated they are either named to a person, a department, or a specific computer.
Franchot asked if the licenses can be transferred to another individual if that particular person leaves.
Vee indicated licenses can be transferred or a group created but that only one person in a specified group
can be logged on to the system at any one time.
Rahn asked whether those ten people would also be scanning documents into the system.
Vee indicated they can either scan documents into the system or view already scanned documents.
Currently the City has a Sharp scanner that is rather slow and can only scan on a small scale. The City's
present scanner is not designed to scan thousands of documents in a day.
Rahn commented having minutes from past years on the City's website is a valuable tool and asked how
this system would work with that. •
Vee stated with the current system a person cannot do a full search of the minutes on the website and find
every time a specific word appdars in the minutes. The Laserfiche system allows you to search
documents for particular words or phrases.
Rahn asked what the City is waiting for to get the past minutes on the City's website.
Vee stated the majority of it is due to lack of time on the part of Staff.
Rahn asked how the past minutes got removed from the City's website.
Vee indicated when the City went to a new website, they had to recreate the documents and links. The
packet information is stored on an FTP site. Three years of past minutes along with all the other
information that was on the old website was transferred to the new website.
Printup asked whether the League of Minnesota Cities has a similar search function.
Vee commented she is not sure if it is the Laserfiche system but that it is a similar search engine.
McMillan asked where the information would be stored and whether it would be necessary to have
another server.
Vee indicated they would be upgrading the server with this system.
Olson stated they are in the process of upgrading the SQL server and next year the City will be updating •
their file server. Olson asked whether the information will be stored on the City's server or a web server.
Page 10 of 16
MINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, November 28, 2011
• 7:00 o'clock p.m.
(13. PURCHASE OFDIGITAL IMAGINGAND DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
(LASERFICHE), Continued)
Vee stated when they move to the web server, they will have to go through Logis because there are some
security issues.
Olson stated before anyone is allowed to access information on the city's server, security issues need to
be addressed. Olson stated the imaging system has a public portion and then also a Staff portion. Olson
indicated they will be starting with Staff being able to access scanned information from their desks rather
locating in physical file cabinets, and then as the information is placed on the website, it would become
public.
McMillan asked what information is currently available to the public on a piece of property.
Vee stated currently the City has some microfiche but that the majority of it is a physical file. Vee
indicated she is not sure at what point and what types of information will be made public. Minutes,
agendas, codgs, ordinances and resolutions would be the type of documents available to the public, but
some property files may contain private information that would need to be protected. The system can be
structured so that some types of information are available to the public, but staff may be able to access
additional information.
McMillan asked whether larger maps can be scanned in with the new software.
• Vee indicated those would still need to be sent out since the scanner would handle documents up to 11" x
17 ".
Printup moved, Rahn seconded, to approve the purchase of the Laserfiche Document Imaging
System and scanner from Crabtree Companies, Inc., at a cost not to exceed $40,000, to be funded
from the Improvement and Equipment Outlay Fund; and to approve the annual software support
program. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.
*14. NON - WAIVER OF TORT LIMITS —RESOLUTION NO. 6098
Bremer moved, Franchot seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 6098, a Resolution making a
selection not to waive the statutory tort limits for liability purposes. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.
*15. AUTHORIZATION TO DISBURSE FUNDS FOR CLAIMS RECEIVED
Bremer moved, Franchot seconded, to authorize the City Treasurer to disburse city funds in
payment of claims received for the December 26 council meeting which has been canceled, and that
such paid claims be presented for formal approval at the January 9, 2012, Council meeting.
VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.
16. LURTON PARK IMPROVEMENTS
is Gaffron stated the improvements made to Lurton Park to the present include the parking lot, park
identification signs, picnic tables, and the planting of two Maple trees. At the City Council work session
on November 12'h, the City Council discussed a number of further improvements, including a controlled
Page 11 of 16
MINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, November 28, 2011
7:00 o'clock p.m.
(16 LURTONPARKIMPROVEMENTS, Continued)
burn and reseeding of the open field area with native prairie vegetation; similar burn/re- seeding in'the
adjacent Hennepin County right —of -way and around the MnDOT wetland in the southeast corner of the
site; trail improvements (clearing as needed and wood chips); adding signage along the park boundaries
and buckthorn removal.
The City had received a quote from Prairie Restorations, Inc., in April of 2011 for this work. Subsequent
requests for quotes from four additional firms resulted in only one additional response from Minnesota
Native Landscapes, which substituted herbicide applications for the controlled bum.
Based on the two quotes, Staff is recommending that Council accept the proposal of PRI for the field
re- vegetation project. PRI has also quoted expanding the re- seeding project to include the Hennepin
County right -of -way for an additional $8,950. Staff has not yet had contact with Hennepin County
regarding whether they would allow that work.
Staff has met with Mark Simenson of PRI and with Van Erickson to discuss this project as well,as.other
potential site improvement projects. PRI has provided a spreadsheet with cost estimates for the various
potential site improvements. Van Erickson has indicated he believes the two highest priority projects are
the field re- seeding and buckthorn removal.
•
Council has not had any in -depth discussion regarding a buckthorn removal program for this site so Staff
has asked Mark Simenson to attend tonight's Council meeting to answer any questions the Council may
have. •
Staff recommends accepting the quote of PRI, Inc., for the field burn/re- seeding project in the amount of
$13,200. Council should advise Staff as to whether there is support for expanding this to the Hennepin
County right -of -way if allowed by the County. Staff further recommends that Council provide Staff with
direction regarding a buckthorn removal program for Lurton Park. The project would not start until next
spring, which would give the city time to decide whether the Hennepin County right -of -way work will be
included in the project.
Rahn commented in his view the City can move ahead with the bid for $13,200 and then ask Hennepin
County whether the other work within the right -of -way can be done. Rahn stated he was unsure how
many improvements were going to be made to the park.
Franchot asked what the Lurtons' expectations were regarding the buckthorn.
Gaffron stated in his view they feel the re- seeding and burn are a higher priority than the buckthorn. Next
spring the City does need to perform some work on the trail. Staff is hoping to get some volunteers to
remove debris and place wood chips down. Gaffron stated in his opinion the removal of the buckthorn is
something that should be done since it is not well established at this point.
Franchot noted the City has approximately $130,000 left from the Lurtons' gift to the City and asked
whether that was intended as an endowment.
Gaffron stated it was intended for maintenance of the park and that there were no specific changes as to
how the remainder of the money was to be used. Gaffron noted that if the City is going to use the interest •
from the $130,000, it would not amount to more than a couple thousand dollars a year. Gaffron stated it
is not an endowment at this point.
Page 12 of 16
MINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, November 28, 2011
7:00 o'clock p.m.
(16. LURTONPARK IMPROVEMENTS, Continued)
Olson commented he was not involved in the original discussions regarding the money but that he
became involved when the money was donated to Big Island.
'-Franchot stated the concept of maintaining Lurton Park probably fell to the wayside when Big Island
came up and that in his view there is a moral responsibility on the part of the City to maintain this
property. Franchot stated in his opinion the City should take care of the buckthorn in the next year. Once
that donated money is used up, the City will have to take on the responsibility, of maintaining the property
on an annual basis. Franchot indicated he would be in favor- of the City maintaining the property since the
City has used the money that was designated for that for another purpose.
Mark Simenson, Prairie Restorations, Inc., stated he did look at the property and that it is a gem of a
property. The Lurton property is one of the few remaining basswood/oak forests in this area. There is
also a lot of ground cover, wild flowers, and contours to the property. Simenson stated he would .
recommend removing the buckthorn before it becomes well established.
McMillan asked whether some type of screening barrier would be lost if the buckthorn is removed.
Simenson stated they are speaking primarily about removal of buckthorn along the north side of the
property. Some other portions of the property have a small amount of buckthorn along the road and near
the trees. Removal of the buckthorn on the north side would result in some bare areas and that he would
recommend removing all the buckthorn but then in specific areas plant some native shrubs in pockets to
. fill in the voids.
McMillan asked whether he would wait a couple of years after killing the buckthorn before planting the
new vegetation..
Simenson stated that is normally his preference. Once the buckthorn is removed, the stumps need to be
treated to prevent it from spreading and coming back.
McMillan commented the replanting might be a better volunteer opportunity than the removal. McMillan
asked how the buckthorn would be removed.
Simenson recommended the bigger buckthorn be cut and burned. The smaller stuff could be cut and left
to decay.
McMillan commented that spending some money up front initially to improve the park would probably be
the best option. McMillan noted the park is designed to be passive in use so it should not cost a
tremendous amount of money to maintain it over time.
McMillan stated she personally is not in favor of doing the work within the Hennepin County right -of-
way and that she would prefer to take "that money and put it towards the park.
Franchot asked whether the close proximity of the weeds in the right -of -way would put any pressure on
the restored parts of the park.
• Simenson stated the road grasses will try to creep into the prairie grasses. Simenson stated he would
recommend the ditch area be left alone but that the side grasses should be taken care of to prevent it from
creeping into the prairie grass.
Page 13 of 16
MINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, November '28, 2011
7:00 o'clock p.m. •
(16. LURTONPARSIMPROVEMENTS, Continued)
Franchot stated he would like to make sure that the Lurtons are on board with this plan prior to
proceeding forward with the work, but that in his view it is money well spent. Franchot asked whether
the Lurtons are on board with this project.
Gaffron indicated Vari Erickson appeared to be enthusiastic about the project when they met on site.
Franchot moved, Printup seconded, to accept the quote of PRI, Inc., in the amount of $13,200 for
the Lurton Park burn /reseeding project, and to move forward with the buckthorn removal in the
wooded area, and to approach Hennepin County to see whether they would be willing to pay for the
portion of the work located within the right -of -way. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
Loftus noted they have received eight applications for the public works director /city engineer and that the
deadline for submission is December 15th.
Loftus reminded. Council of the Long Lake and Orono Council work session on Tuesday, November 29h,
at 6:30 pm in the Long Lake Council Chambers.
Loftus indicated she would also like to get Council's feedback on goals for the City and stated the last •
few years they began the goal setting process in November/December with a facilitator through the
Prouty Project. Loftus stated she was interested in the timing and how the City Council would like to go
about the goal process for 2012.
Printup indicated he would like a copy of the 2009 CIP and a list of the goals that the Prouty Project
raised for his personal reference. Printup stated in his view they do not need an outside group to
moderate.
McMillan stated she was thinking the end of January at a second work session might be a good time to
cover future goals and that in her view they can try to do something in house rather than bring in an
outside moderator. She added that they may need more time than an hour or two for discussion, with the
possibility of starting mid - afternoon.
Rahn asked if Staff would compile a list of potential goals.
McMillan stated one option would be to have each council member and individual Staff members list
their goals and then combine the goals for discussion.
Printup stated he would be in favor of discussing goals at a regular work session before a Council
meeting.
Bremer commented it is helpful to have a third party in charge and to take notes of the discussion.
Franchot stated in his view the goal setting should occur before the budget is set but that he is fine with
getting together to discuss the City's future objectives.
Page 14 of 16
MINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, November 28, 2011
7:00 o'clock p.m.
• (CITYADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT, Continued)
McMillan stated in her view the goal discussion session is an opportunity for the Counsel to compile a list
of items that the Council would like to see done in a calendar year, with some items tied to the budget and
others related to policies and philosophies, and whether they have fallen short on any of their previous
year's goals.
Loftus commented she concurs with Council Member Bremer that a facilitator is useful.
Franchot indicated he would be in favor of a facilitator since it is difficult for someone to participate in
discussions if they are also the facilitator.
McMillan stated a goals work session could be discussed at another Council meeting after the city
administrator gathers additional information.
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
Mattick had nothing to report.
*17. LICENSES & PERMITS
KENNEL LICENSE
1. Christina Chute
3765 Watertown Road
ANNUAL LIQUOR LICENSES
CLUB ON SALE AND SUNDAY LIQUOR
2. Wayzata Country Club
200 Wayzata Boulevard
OFF SALE LIQUOR
3. Wood Enterprises, Inc./Navarre Liquor
3421 Shoreline Drive
ON SALE 3.2 PERCENT MALT LIQUOR
4. Lakeview Golf of Orono
405 North Arm Drive
5. Tanner Enterprises of MN Inc./Navarre Lanes
3435 Shoreline Drive
OFF SALE 3.2 PERCENT MALT LIQUOR
6. Voyageur Service Centers, Inc. /O'Sullivan's Holiday
2420 Shadywood Road
• Bremer moved, Franchot seconded, to approve the above listed licenses. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.
Page 15 of 16
MINUTES OF THE
ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, November 28, 2011
7:00 o'clock p.m.
*18. BILLS
Bremer moved, Franchot seconded, to approve payment of the All Funds Account. VOTE: Ayes 5,
Nays 0.
ADJOURNMENT
Franchot moved, Printup seconded, to adjourn the Orono City Council meeting at 8:42 p.m.
VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.
ATTEST:
Y11'ex-1 Jart
Linda S. Vee, City Clerk Lili Tod McMillan, Mayor
Page 16 of 16
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