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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-12-2012 Council Minutes• • r i LJ MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL Monday, March 12, 2012 7:00 o'clock p.m. ROLL CALL 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, and Aaron Printup. 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, Planner Ben Gonzola, Consulting City Engineer David Martini, City Engineer/Public Works Director Jesse Struve, and Recorder Jackie Young. Mayor McMillan called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF AGENDA x , Item Nos. 6 through 10 were added to the Consent Agenda. Bremer moved, Franchot seconded, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. APPROVAL OF MINUTES *2. COUNCIL WORK SESSION OF FEBRUARY 27, 2012 Bremer moved, Franchot seconded, to approve the minutes of the Orono City Council work session of February 27, 2012, as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. *3. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 27, 2012 Bremer moved, Franchot seconded, to approve the minutes of the Orono City Council meeting of February 27, 2012, as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. PRESENTATION 4. FOREST LAKE CHANNEL BRIDGE REPLACEMENT Jim Archer, Hennepin `County Transportation Department, provided an update on the Forest Lake Channel bridge replacement project. Archer reported the Transportation Department held a public involvement meeting on January 26th, and since that time they have been coordinating with the utility companies in order to relocate the utilities. They have also obtained a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers and have applied for a permit from the Watershed District. Page 1 of 7 02. V L MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL Monday, March 12, 2012 7:00 o'clock p.m. • (4. FOREST LAKE CHANNEL BRIDGE REPLACEMENT, Continued) The plans have been submitted to State Aid Bridge and comments returned. As a result of their comments, two changes will be made to the plans. The plans have also been submitted to the Metro District and the Transportation Department is waiting to hear back from them on federal funding. In addition, the plans have been submitted to Orono City Staff for their review and comment. At this time there does not appear to be any serious concerns raised by Staff. Archer stated the plans are 95 percent complete and that March 3151 is the deadline for plans to be submitted for federal funding. Archer indicated they anticipate the project will be substantially completed by October or early November of this year. At the public hearing a number of issues were raised concerning right -of -way, tree removal, noise, aesthetics treatments, and construction staging.- The two main issues raised were the duration of channel closures, the number of closings, as well as aesthetic treatments. As it relates to channel closures, the engineer's estimate assumes the contractor will need to work in the channel at different points during the project and that the channel will be unsafe for boat traffic, so a 16- day closure period has been scheduled. During those periods the channel will be closed from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., which will still allow for evening and weekend boat traffic. To accommodate boat traffic during the week of July 4, there will be no closures that week. Hennepin County also has a number of orange buoys that will be supplied to the contractor, who will be • in charge of the channel closures. The Transportation Department will be monitoring the closures, which will avoid the need to have the Water Patrol involved. The details of the closures will be listed in a plan sheet and they are in the process of working on the plan details with the Water Patrol. Archer stated as it relates to the aesthetics of the structure, the bridge will have a special surface finish, which essentially will be a painted concrete surface. That special surface will be applied to the interior of the traffic barrier, the edge and bottom of the slab, and the pier cap and columns. There will also be an architectural surface finish on the exterior and columns of the bridge. In addition, the bridge will have an ornamental metal railing, road crossing imprint, and granite riprap along the shoreline. Archer displayed a picture of the existing bridge and then a colored rendering of the proposed bridge. Gaffron asked if the stone pattern will be stamped into the concrete. Archer indicated it would be and that the finish will be low maintenance. The Transportation Department is working with the Water Patrol and emergency response units. The Transportation Department does not anticipate any costs to the City for this project and the rest of the funding will be state aid dollars. The Orono City Council will have the opportunity to review and approve the plans later this evening. McMillan asked whether this bridge will be similar in color to Gray's Bay. Archer indicated the coloring would be similar but that the style of the structure will be slightly different. McMillan asked whether the neighbors were able to see the depictions of the bridge. • Page 2 of 7 MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL Monday, March 12, 2012 • 7:00 o'clock p.m. (4. FOREST LAKE CHANNEL BRIDGE REPLACEMENT, Continued) Archer stated they did not since they were just received last week. McMillan suggested the color renderings of the bridge be placed on the City website. The City Council took no formal action on this item. 5. LONG LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT - 2011 ANNUAL REPORT Fire Chief James Van Eyll, Long Lake Fire Department, addressed the City Council regarding the 2011 Annual Report of the Long Lake Fire Department. Van Eyll stated the mission of the Long Lake Fire Department is to minimize the loss of life and property for its fire service recipients in the Cities of Long Lake, Medina, and Orono from fires, natural disasters and life- threatening situations. Its goal is to perform these services in a professional and efficient manner by maintaining effective training, fire prevention, fire suppression, and emergency response. Van Eyll reviewed the leadership of the fire department and its organizational chart. There are currently 47 active members, with all firefighters being state certified as either Firefighter I or Firefighter R. In addition, all firefighters are either certified as a First Responder and /or EMT certified and HazMat • Operations certified. There are currently nine firefighters who are probationary members. Van Eyll reviewed the facilities and equipment for Station 1 and Station 2. Station 1 was constructed in 2003 and is located at 340 Willow Drive North. Station 2 is located at 3770 Shoreline Drive and was constructed in 2004. In 2011, the fire department responded to 319 emergency calls in Orono, 71 emergency calls in Long Lake, and 18 emergency calls in Medina. There was a decrease in 2011 in total calls over 2010. The average response time for Long Lake was 5:05 minutes, 7:03 minutes for Medina, 6:32 minutes for Orono. On average 13.97 members responded per call, with 56 percent of the calls happening between the hours of 0600 to 1800. Van Eyll indicated they expect the number of calls to be slightly higher in 2012 than in 2011. In 2011, the Long Lake Fire Department was under budget by approximately $6,912. This was due to the receipt of a grant for training from the Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and Education. The Long Lake Fire Department goals for 2011 were to continue to improve the Health and Wellness program, create a new position to handle all of the uniform and firefighter gear, continue to review and improve standard operating procedures, continue to create preplans and submit them to dispatch, to organize the medical bags to make them all the same, improve officer development training, continue with fire ground tactics and more advanced tactics, improve medical scene training, implement training with the three police departments that the Long Lake Fire Department works with, and to review and improve on the new recruit education program. • Van Eyll stated the fire department's goals for 2012 include: improving the standard operating procedures, having a united front for the officers, conduct performance reviews for fire fighters and officers, and to standardize the engines and equipment. The training goals for 2012 include additional Page 3 of 7 V L MM UTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL Monday, March 12, 2012 7:00 o'clock p.m. (S. LONG LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT - 2011 ANNUAL REPORT, Continued) medical and officer training as well as driver training, and additional Saturday training specializing in water rescue, boat driving, etc. Printup asked when the annual pancake breakfast is scheduled. Van Eyll noted the pancake breakfast is scheduled for April 15'' starting at 8:00 a.m. at Station 1. McMillan asked whether the fire department is still conducting practice burns in the area. Van Eyll stated this is the first year that they have not had any structures in the area to conduct a controlled burn on and that the firefighters will be sent to the training tower in Edina. The City Council took no formal action on this item. LMCD REPORT - ANDREW McDERMOTT, REPRESENTATIVE McDermott reported that the LMCD is likely going to declare a low water emergency, which will be discussed at the March 28th board meeting. The water level is currently at 927.93'. Whenever the water level goes below 928', the LMCD can declare a low water emergency, which basically means that the • lakeshore residents can extend their docks out further than normal. The Save the Lake Fund has been approached by the Hennepin County Sheriff's Patrol to assist with purchasing an underwater camera that can help find bodies and perform other underwater functions. During the Brackett's Point incident, the Water Patrol used an underwater camera with an articulating arm on it which allowed them to search the bottom of the lake without the need for the rescuers to continuously dive. The cost of the camera is approximately $100,000. At the present time the Save the Lake Fund does not have enough funds to purchase the camera, but there is a group of local business people that will match whatever Save the Lake contributes. McDermott commented one issue that will likely be discussed is the fact that this purchase is not a typical use of the Save the Lake Fund and that typically some of the Save the Lake funds are used for the purchase of life preservers and other items that are used on the lake. The camera will be used county -wide. McMillan asked how much the Save the Lake Fund would contribute. McDermott indicated it would be approximately half the cost. If the camera is purchased, the Save the Lake Fund would have very little left in it. McDermott noted fundraising went well this past year and that in his view they would have enough money in the Save the Lake Fund if they use all the funds raised last year, but that there would be no other money for other projects. They have already pledged $15,000 towards the purchase of the camera from the Save the Lake Fund. Franchot asked if the LMCD would essentially raise all the money needed for what would be a county resource. McDermott noted that half of the money would come from private sources and that there are other uses • for the camera. Page 4 of 7 • MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL Monday, March 12, 2012 7:00 o'clock p.m. (LMCD REPORT- ANDREW MCDERMOTT, REPRESENTATIVE, Continued) Loftus noted the City received a request from Dick Osgood of the LMA and that he would like to make a presentation to the City Council and the LMCD. Loftus indicated she will forward the letter to Mr. McDermott. Loftus stated Mr. McDermott will be invited to the meeting once it is scheduled. Basically Mr. Osgood is asking the City Council to direct the LMCD to take a look at a comprehensive herbicide program and the funding of it. McMillan asked if this is the final year of the pilot study. McDermott indicated it is. A lake -wide management plan would need to be completed if they treat other bays outside of the five that are currently being treated. McMillan asked if there is any information on the fundraising efforts. McDermott indicated he does not have any information regarding the current fundraising efforts. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS — LIZZ LEVANG, REPRESENTATIVE Levang stated the Planning Commission discussed the dock resolution at its last meeting and there will be • a public hearing held on March 19. The Planning Commission is hoping that a number of residents attend that meeting and provide their input on the matter. Levang commented that it is an important issue for the City and that the Planning Commission will be diligent about collecting information and providing that to the City Council. Levang noted the Planning Commission has been a little busier with planning applications than in the recent past. McMillan pointed out that if there is a feeling of needing additional time for public input, the dock application could be carried over to the April meeting. McMillan commented she does not feel the need to rush the application. Levang stated due to spring break happening in March, she is not sure how many homeowners will be in attendance. The Planning Commission is receptive to carrying the public hearing over to April if a small number of private residents are in attendance at the March meeting. McMillan encouraged the City Council members to attend that public hearing if possible. PUBLIC COMMENTS None • Page 5 of 7 MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL Monday, March 12, 2012 7:00 o'clock p.m. PLANNING DEPARTMENT REPORT *6. #12 =3538 COLIN AND ANNA PETERS, 3520 NORTH SHORE DRIVE - VARIANCE - RESOLUTION NO. 6119 Bremer moved, Franchot seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 6119, a Resolution Granting a 0- 75' Hardcover Zone Variance and a 75 -250' Hardcover Zone Variance for a Proposed Addition and Driveway Relocation on the Property Located at 3520 North Shore Drive. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. *7. #12 -3545 JOHN AND PATTY BAILEY, 2807 CASCO POINT ROAD - VARIANCE - RESOLUTION NO. 6120 Bremer moved, Franchot seconded, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 6120, a Resolution Granting a 75- 250' Hardcover Zone Variance for a Proposed Addition and an Average Lakeshore Setback Variance for the Property Located at 2807 Casco Point Road. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. CITY ENGINEER'S REPORT *8. STUBBS BAY RAVINE - PAY REQUEST NO. 1 • Bremer moved, Franchot seconded, to approve Request for Payment No. 1 for the Stubbs Bay • Ravine project, Peterson Companies, Inc., in the amount of $87,149.66. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. *9. PURCHASE OF TWO FLAT BED UTILITY TRAILERS Bremer moved, Franchot seconded, to approve the purchase of two flat utility trailers from Redi Haul Trailers, Inc., in the amount of $10,914.15, and to approve disposal of the current utility trailers by public auction. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. *10. PURCHASE OF NEW 3/4 TON PLOW PICKUP Bremer moved, Franchot seconded, to approve the purchase of a 3/4 ton pickup from Midway Ford in an amount of $23,967.60, and to approve disposal of the current 3/4 ton pickup by public auction. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORT McMillan noted she attended the TMDL meeting and that the attendees were provided with basic information about the watershed and the impacts that the total maximum daily load regulations will have on local cities. McMillan noted this was a preliminary meeting and that it likely will be a year -long process. McMillan stated the regulations will impact Orono. McMillan reported that the Long Lake corridor study is also underway and that currently there are four projects anticipated for the Long Lake corridor. McMillan stated the City will be receiving an update on • the Long Lake corridor study as things progress. Page 6 of 7 • • MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL Monday, March 12, 2012 7:00 o'clock p.m. (MAYORICOUNCIL REPORT, Continued) Gaffron noted the Watershed District is still in the plan design phase and that the work will likely commence in 2013. Gaffron stated he will obtain that information and provide it to the Council. CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT 11. APPROVAL OF HENNEPIN COUNTY BRIDGE PLANS Gaffron noted he provided the City Council with some possible issues regarding the bridge project. Staff is recommending approval of the project. As Mr. Archer noted earlier, there is a March 31" deadline to have the plans signed by all the parties, and Staff is looking for approval by the City Council on this project. Bremer moved, Franchot seconded, to grant municipal consent for the Forest Lake Channel Bridge and to authorize the City Engineer to sign the plans on the City's behalf. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. Loftus noted that Orono's Local Board of Appeal is scheduled for Wednesday, April 18`t', at 7:00 p.m., and that Jim Grube will be attending the April W" meeting to report on the turn back process. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT None *12. LICENSES AND PERMITS None *13. BILLS Bremer moved, Franchot seconded, to approve payment of the All Funds Account. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. ADJOURNMENT Printup moved, Franchot seconded, to adjourn the Orono City Council meeting at 7:50 p.m. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. ATTEST: J,.:c I ( J, J!45� 'j� Linda S. Vee, City Clerk Lill Tod McMillan, Mayor Page 7 of 7