REGULAR MEETING
SAUK RAPIDS CITY COUNCIL
SAUK RAPIDS GOVERNMENT CENTER, 250 Summit Ave N.
Monday, April 28, 2014
MINUTES
6:00 PM.
1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Gunderson called the meeting to order at 6:00p.m. Members present: Paul Weber, Nick Sauer, Steve Heinen, and Kurt Hunstiger. Others present: Ross Olson, City Administrator, Adam Ripple, City Attorney, Todd Schultz, Community Development Director, Perry Beise, Police Chief, Terry Wotzka, City Engineer, Pete Eckhoff, Public Works Director, and Dana Furman, Administrative Services Coordinator.
2. Additions or Changes to the Agenda
Chief Beise requested to add an update on Recent Burglaries and Robberies as agenda item 11-B.
3. Approve the Agenda
Motion: Moved by Councilperson Hunstiger and seconded by Councilperson Heinen to approve the Agenda as amended. Motion carried unanimously.
4. Approve Minutes
A. 4-14-14 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
Motion: Moved by Councilperson Heinen and seconded by Councilperson Sauer to approve the 4-14-14 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes. Motion carried unanimously.
5. Receive and File
NONE
6. Mayor’s Communications
· 2014 Sauk Rapids Citizen of the Year, Mark Campbell
Mayor Gunderson recognized former Mayor Mark Campbell as the 2014 Citizen of the Year. He presented Campbell with a Mayoral Proclamation designating today as Mark Campbell Day in Sauk Rapids.
· Life Saving Award for Sauk Rapids Police Officer, Matthew Bosma, and Benton County Deputy, Cory Willman
Mayor Gunderson and Chief Perry Beise presented Sauk Rapids Police Officer, Matthew Bosma and Benton County Deputy, Cory Willman with the Life Savings Award for their actions in saving a life in October of 2013. Bosma and Willman responded to a call of a 21 year old man who was not breathing and did not have a pulse. Thanks to the quick response and lifesaving actions of Bosma and Willman the 21 year old was breathing within 4 minutes and is alive today.
7. Audience Items/Visitors Total Time Limit 2 Minutes for Items NOT on the Agenda
Jason Krueger, ? River Road, stated that he wanted to thank the Council for staying strong on their viewpoints with the aquatics center.
8. Public Hearings
A. Applicant Purpose
Torborg Builders To Consider A Request To Rezone A Parcel From The R-4, Supportive Care District To R-3, Multiple Family Residence District Zoning To Accommodate A 16 Unit Townhome Development
1. Open Public Hearing
Todd Schultz advised the Council that Torborg Builders has applied for site plan approval to construct 16 townhome units on the parcel that is immediately north of the existing apartment/townhome complex. Schultz explained that these townhomes would be rental like the ones on the south of the apartment building. This property was purchased by the Torborgs over 12 years ago with the intent of doing a senior housing project. Schultz noted that this is why the property is zoned R-4. He said that in 2011, the city rezoned the property to the south R-3 to accommodate the existing 154 unit apartment and townhome project. Schultz said that the Developer believed that Journey Home may expand onto this parcel, so they had it remain zoned R-4. Now that Journey Home has expanded to the north, the Developer would like to move forward with a market rate townhome project.
Schultz stated that when the southerly townhomes were constructed in 2011-12, they were leased out before construction was even complete, showing a need for these types of projects. He noted that both the existing townhomes and new townhomes will have access to the amenities of the apartment building such as the pool/hot-tub, party room, and exercise facilities.
Schultz noted that this property is guided “High Density Residential” in the Comprehensive Plan, which is appropriate guidance for apartments and townhomes. He said that because all setbacks are met, parking requirements are met, Floor Area Ratio and Green Space requirement have been met, as well as the minimum lot size requirement, staff has no concerns with zoning request. Schultz stated that staff is recommending approval with the following conditions:
· A lighting plan must be presented at the time of the building permit demonstrating that light sources are effectively contained within the development and shall not cause glare of light spillover to any adjacent property.
· Sidewalk is required along 10th Ave
· Developer works with the Building Department to locate another hydrant on the south side of the property.
· Developer provides cross easements for the parking stalls that straddle both properties to the satisfaction of the City Attorney.
2. Close Public Hearing
Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Hunstiger to close the public hearing. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Consider Action
Schultz said that staff has been talking to the Developer about possibly offering the same standard for Wac/Sac that is currently being offered for residential single family construction.
Mayor Gunderson questioned the extra parking spots that will be added and if the additional parking spaces were for the entire complex or just the new townhomes. Schultz stated that it was his understanding that the additional parking would be available to the entire complex.
Motion: Moved by Councilperson Weber and seconded by Councilperson Heinen to approve the site plan with the noted conditions.
Discussion:
Councilperson Weber thanked Mr. Torborg for bringing this successful project to the City.
Motion carried unanimously.
9. Consent Agenda
A. Accept Donation of Evidence Bags
B. Approve and Adopt Resolution Approving Temporary On-Sale Liquor License and Temporary On-Sale 3.2 Beer License For The Benton County Agricultural Society
C. Approve 1st Quarter Building, Mechanical, and Plumbing Permits
D. Approve Request To Sell Abandoned Bikes
E. Accept 2014 EMS Equipment Grant
F. Approve Quality Pool’s Proposal For Coating The Wading Pool--Pulled
G. Approve Rinke Noonan Contract and Fee Schedule For Acquisition Services on Second Street Project
H. Approve 2014 Plumbing and Mechanical Contractor Licenses
I. Approve Revisions To Section 3.60 Subd. 6 Of The City Code Regulating Wastewater Limitations— Adam Ripple noted that a revised ordinance for agenda item 9-I, which corrected an error, was placed on the dais prior to the start of the meeting.
J. Approve Appointment to the Police Officer Position
Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Hunstiger to approve agenda items 9A-9E and 9G-9J. Motion carried unanimously.
9-F. Approve Quality Pool’s Proposal For Coating The Wading Pool
Mayor Gunderson asked Pete Eckhoff to further explain the Request For Action regarding the proposal for the wading pool. Eckhoff explained that the resinous floor coating that is being proposed is a relatively new process that is becoming more popular. The floor coating has been done in two pool so far in the State, but is becoming much more common in the western states. Eckhoff noted that the proposed floor coating comes with a warranty of seven years. He said that the Contractor would add aluminum oxide to the rolled on coating which would help make it less slippery. Eckhoff stated that he spoke with the Department of Health regarding this floor coating, and they recommended that the City try it due to the longer warranty and lower price. Eckhoff said that the process involves sandblasting the pool, fixing low spots and cracks with a product called rad mender, applying the resinous floor covering with a roller, adding vinyl chips, adding aluminum oxide and covering it with a polyaspartic topcoat. Eckhoff brought samples of the proposed coating for the council to view.
Mayor Gunderson asked if Eckhoff had asked the opinion of those reviewing option for the Wading Pool of just removing the pool. Eckhoff stated that while the wading pool does require work and upkeep, it is still a community asset.
Councilperson Heinen asked if the council was supposed to pick out the color. Eckhoff said that the Council sure could pick out the color. The Council agreed by consensus to have staff select an appropriate color for the pool floor.
Mayor Gunderson said that he will be voting against the recommended action as he feels that the pool requires too much upkeep and is not worth the additional money to keep it going.
Motion: Moved by Councilperson Weber and seconded by Councilperson Sauer to approve Quality Pools proposal for coating the pool for $18,500. Motion carried with 4 Councilpersons (Weber, Sauer, Hunstiger, and Heinen) voting in favor of the motion and 1 Councilperson (Gunderson) voting against the motion.
10. Regular Agenda
A. City Underground Project
Todd Schultz noted that back in March the City Council ordered the full engineering of the undergrounding of electrical lines on the old Checker Auto site and the Lions Park area. Schultz stated that at the time of the March meeting there was a preliminary estimate of $318,513.04. Xcel has now contacted the City with a formal engineer’s estimate of $318,349.72.
Schultz explained that at this point in order to move forward, the City must order the project. If the City chooses to move forward, then Xcel expects to start the project around August 1st and have it complete by mid-September. The Urban Moose would start constructing their building at that time. Schultz cautioned that everyone must keep in mind that this is an engineering estimate only. The City will be responsible for the actual cost of the project. He stated that running into granite would increase the costs.
Schultz said that originally the hope was to pay off the debt in about 14 months, but staff has learned from Xcel that regardless of the cost of an undergrounding project, the term of the tariff must be three years. He noted that because this is such a small project compared to the last two, the actual tariff on a residential bill will be for a much smaller amount than what residents are currently paying. Currently, the residential tariff is $4.50 per month. With this project the residential tariff will be $1.50 per month. Schultz noted that the current tariff is set to expire in about two months. The new one will not begin until the undergrounding is complete, which will be late summer or early fall.
Councilperson Weber clarified that in looking at his electric bill and discussing the tariff with other Council members it appears that the current tariff is $5.00. He asked if the tariff could be added to if other projects arrive. Olson stated that it could be added on to if the Council so desires.
Motion: Moved by Councilperson Heinen and seconded by Councilperson Hunstiger to authorize the City Administrator to execute the Statement of Work Request. Motion carried unanimously.
11. Other Staff Items
A. 4/2914 St. Cloud Area Joint Cities Meeting Reminder
Ross Olson noted that the next St. Cloud Area Joint Cities meeting is scheduled for tomorrow night in St. Augusta. This meeting has been posted as a public meeting of the City Council, and staff has notified St. Augusta of those Council members who are planning to attend. The half cent sales tax regional projects will be discussed.
B. Recent Burglaries and Robberies in Sauk Rapids
Chief Beise notified the Council that the City of Sauk Rapids has issued a news release regarding some recent burglaries that have been occurring since early April. Beise stated that 8 burglaries have been reported. The burglaries have been happening around the neighborhoods by Good Shepherd campus. He encouraged residents to report any suspicious activity to the Sauk Rapids Police Department.
Councilperson Hunstiger asked if the Home Check form was still available for residents who are going out of town but wanting the Police Department to possibly check on their home. Chief Beise said that the Police Department does still have this form, but the best line of defense is to have a trusted neighbor or a friend check on one’s place while you plan to be away.
12. Other Council Items and Communications
Councilperson Weber stated that with filing for the 2014 elections just around the corner he wanted to publicly announce that he will not be seeking will not be seeking a 3rd term.
Mayor Gunderson thanked Councilperson for serving on the City Council for as long as he did.
13. Approve List of Bills and Claims
Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Heinen to approve the List of Bills and Claims. Motion carried unanimously.
14. Adjournment
Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Weber to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Gunderson adjourned the meeting at 6:39p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dana Furman, Administrative Services Coordinator
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