SANDSTONE CITY COUNCIL

REGULAR MEETING

April 20, 2005

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Atterbury called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL

Members present: Johnson, Edmond, Atterbury, Gafkjen, Bonander

Members absent: None

Staff present: Administrator Griffith, Recording Secretary Hormillosa, Billing Clerk Clarke, Newey, CATV

Other present: Tim Franklin, Shannon Smith of S.E.H., Gordon Britton, Judy Britton, Rachel Johnson, Darlene Moseng, Paul Christensen of PeopleService, Geoff Hilty, Bailey Beckman, Shelly Beckman, Delaney Beckman, Taylor Johnson, Morgan Johnson, Paul Simonson, Ken Gerard, Bianca Olson

WORKSHOP

Billing Rates of Storm Water Utility

Shannon Smith, hydrologist with S.E.H., reviewed for the Council and the public the engineering calculations and practices used to determine billing rates for the storm water utility.

After discussion, Council consensus was to retain the current billing rate. Adjustments may be made on a case-by-case determination.

Letters disputing billing had been received from four parties. These were discussed individually.

Council recessed at 6:50 p.m.

Council reconvened at 7:00 p.m.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

East Central students Bailey Beckman, Shelly Beckman, Delaney Beckman, Taylor Johnson, and Morgan Johnson led Staff and members present in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA

Motion Gafkjen, second Johnson to approve the agenda with the additions of 9D – Approve twilight rates at Golf Course, 9E – Authorize Administrator attendance at MMUA meeting on April 28, 13G – report of the Golf annual meeting on April 19 and 13H - report of the Golf Board of Directors meeting on April 19. Motion carried 5-0.

SPECIAL ITEMS OF BUSINESS

PeopleService – 2005 Contract

Paul Christensen, PeopleService, reviewed the operations and maintenance agreement, along with the annual CPI adjustment. The total increase is $267 per month.

Motion Johnson, second Bonander to approve the 2005 PeopleService contract. Motion carried 5-0.

Storm Water Billing

Billing rates were discussed earlier in this meeting at a workshop at which no action could be taken.

Motion Gafkjen, second Johnson to address disputed storm water utility bills in the following manner: Petry property (and others on the east side of the Kettle River, with no city services) will continue to be charged the single family rate; Lucas property – may be billed as vacant land – direct staff to advise him to apply for credit; gravel pits – qualify as vacant land, maps already on file; Britton property – create two billing rates for

the two uses on the property and bill accordingly. Motion carried 5-0.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

2005 Deer Control Program

The City, in previous years, has had a deer control program and is listed in the DNR regulations identifying Sandstone as a place where archery hunting is allowed. The rules and regulations are subject to an annual review. There is no proposed change from 2004.

Motion Gafkjen, second Johnson to open the public hearing at 7:23 p.m. Motion carried 5-0.

Darlene Moseng stated that she was pleased with the effort, but wanted to know who was hunting on her property. Griffith responded that the hunter must obtain written permission from the property owner and carry that letter as their permit. A copy of the permit is kept in the City office so that the City is also aware of who is hunting where.

Motion Gafkjen, second Johnson to close the public hearing at 7:27 p.m. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion Johnson, second Gafkjen to approve the 2005 Deer Control Program. Motion carried 5-0.

SPECIAL ITEMS OF BUSINESS (cont)

Storm Water Management Plan

Shannon Smith, S.E.H., presented the Council with a proposal and contract for engineering work with the City of Sandstone to create a Storm Water Management Plan.

Johnson expressed concern that revenues generated from the storm water utility be used doing projects so that the residents could see some benefit for their participation.

Gafkjen suggested that preliminary projects be prioritized by Public Works and some drainage work done this summer. As funds are available, the planning work could begin in the fall.

Motion Johnson, second Gafkjen to defer signing contract with S.E.H. for a Storm Water Management Plan. Motion carried 5-0.

PRESENTATION OF AWARDS, PETITIONS OR COMPLAINTS

Bonander mentioned an issue at the cemetery where the Skoczen grave which is adjacent to a maintenance shed is being driven upon as vehicles back up from the shed. He suggested a gravel easement indicating an appropriate place to back up or a stake indicating the location of the gravesite. Griffith stated he would refer the matter to Cemetery Sexton, Doris Helm.

Johnson suggested the Council consider an ordinance prohibiting the feeding of deer within the City limits. Gafkjen responded that enforcement is difficult and that educating the public by way of Channel 13 has been effective in the past.

Johnson also questioned rumors that Tim Johnson was no longer patrolling the City. Griffith responded that this information is erroneous.

APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

Motion Gafkjen, second Bonander to approve regular meeting minutes for April 6, 2005. Motion carried 5-0.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion Gafkjen, second Johnson to approve the consent agenda as follows: Approval of liquor licenses for Rich’s Bar, Gaslight, Quartyard Liquors, Sandstone Country Club, Sandstone Lanes, subject to background checks and required insurance; Approve overnight camping in Robinson Park for clean up day; Approve twilight rates at Golf Course; Authorize Administrator attendance at MMUA meeting on April 28. Motion carried 5-0.

Approve site work for War Memorial in Train Park

Griffith explained that the site selected for the War Memorial requires the removal of three trees in the corner toward Krantz’ lot. City ordinance requires that trees be planted to replace them. These will be planted in Johnson Park. The City will own the Memorial and individual names will not be listed.

Motion Gafkjen, second Bonander to defer taking action on this matter until receiving a report or further information from the War Memorial Committee. Motion carried 5-0.

NEW BUSINESS

Consider approval of Lourey Conditional Use Permit

Eugene Lourey has applied for a conditional use permit. A public hearing was held by the Planning Commission on April 13. Mr. Lourey is proposing to operate a wood processing facility in the former industrial arts area of the old high school building and

store dried lumber in that building and in the bus barns. A Finding of Facts from the Planning Commission and a staff report was reviewed. An inspection was completed by the Fire Chief and the Building Inspector.

Bonander wondered what would be the term of the permit. Griffith responded that the Commission recommends the permit be reviewed in one year.

Motion Bonander, second Johnson to approve the proposed Lourey conditional use permit, based on a Finding Of Fact, which will be on file at City Hall, as discussed and with the conditions as recommended by the Planning Commission. Motion carried 5-0.

FINANCE OFFICER’S REPORT

Claims

Motion Gafkjen, second Johnson to approve and pay claims in the amount of $13,134.25. Motion carried 5-0.

Accounting change – Payroll

To improve bookkeeping and reduce the number of journal entries, Staff is recommending that a new General Fund account, Administrative Personnel, be established for all payroll expenses with the exception of the Fire Department and seasonal Golf. The Water, Sewer, Storm Water and Golf Funds will each be billed a quarterly administrative fee for the wages and benefits attributable to that fund.

Accounting change – reduce number of funds

To improve bookkeeping and reduce the number of journal entries and the number of funds, Staff is recommending that certain funds be eliminated and replaced with restricted reserve accounts.

Motion Johnson, second Bonander to approve the recommended accounting changes, implementing the payroll change at the earliest possible payroll period and the reduction in the number of funds retroactive to January 1, 2005. Motion carried 5-0.

The Finance Officer provided the Council with a first quarter financial report for informational purposes only.

The Council recessed at 8:25 p.m. The Council reconvened at 8:37 p.m.

NEW BUSINESS continued

Consider land sale proposal – Moseng

Darryl and Darlene Moseng have asked the City to consider selling them some city owned property which is adjacent to their own. The Planning Commission has reviewed the request and is recommending that the City consider the sale, provided the City has an appraisal done and that the sale be at the appraised value.

Griffith reminded the Council that the City has flexibility in the sale of real estate and that it only need determine if the property in question has any future public use.

Consensus of the Council was that there was no real future public use for this particular piece of property.

Motion Bonander, second Gafkjen to offer city owned parcel 45.0106.000 for sale to Darryl and Darlene Moseng at market value to be determined by a professional appraiser. Appraisal to be paid for by the City. Motion carried 5-0.

OLD & CONTINUING BUSINESS

Old Military Road

Sandstone Township and the City of Sandstone have an agreement regarding Old Military Road. On-going discussions with the township regarding the upgrade and ditching of this road have not been particularly productive. Staff is again asking the Council to consider what, if anything, is to be done.

Johnson suggested that improvements be postponed until 2006. Gafkjen agreed that improvements to Old Military Road are not a priority. Edmond added that drainage work could be incorporated as part of the storm water utility project planning.

Motion Gafkjen, second Johnson to include ditching work on Old Military Road to the list of potential storm water utility projects, to be prioritized at a later date. Motion carried 5-0.

2005 Capital Projects

The Council has previously reviewed the list of proposed 2005 Capital Projects. Staff has recommendations for street overlay and Class V work.

Motion Gafkjen, second Johnson to authorize advertising for quotes on street overlays and Class V work. Motion carried 5-0.

Standing Rules

The Council has had an ongoing discussion regarding public participation in Council proceedings.

Johnson has strongly urged that the City needs more public input and that participation by the public should be encouraged rather than curtailed.

Edmond has expressed concern that each individual be allowed the opportunity to address the Council in an orderly fashion and that the Council be allowed to conduct its business with a certain degree of decorum. Griffith suggested that all were in agreement with idea that the chair be responsible for controlling the discussion.

Motion Edmond to approve the proposed Standing Rules. Motion died for lack of a second.

NEW BUSINESS

Parking

Some residents have voiced concerns about the lack of visibility at Main Street and Highway 123 and wish the City to consider extending the no parking area south of the intersection. A letter was received from another resident who would like to see a no parking zone established in front of his mail box on Division Street as he has had parking and mail delivery troubles.

Consultation with the City Attorney resulted in the following advice: amend the City parking ordinance to allow designating no parking areas via City resolution.

Bonander asked the Council to consider the impact that a no parking designation has on a commercial establishment’s property value and its ability to conduct business. He requested that Staff attempt to get statistics from the MNDOT regarding accidents at Highway 123 and Main Street. He suggested that diagonal parking might be a consideration.

Gafkjen acknowledged that parking around the hospital has been an issue and asked how the no parking zones would be determined.

Griffith responded that a public hearing would be held once the parking ordinance has been amended.

Motion Gafkjen, second Johnson to amend the City’s parking ordinance to allow designating no parking areas via City resolution by approval fo Ordinance 2005 – 02. Motion carried 5-0.

Excavation Permit renewal – Johnson

MPJ Enterprises has applied for renewal of their fill and excavation permit.

Motion Johnson, second Gafkjen to approve MPJ Enterprise’s fill and excavation permit with the same conditions as last year, subject to inspection by the Administrator, subject to the conditions outlined in the engineering report dated February 24, 2003 from Forensic Engineering Services, Inc., and subject to restoration drawing submission and acceptance. Motion carried 5-0.

Flea Market/Farmer’s Market

The Council has been presented with the opportunity to sponsor a flea market and/or farmer’s market for fund raising purposes. Mayor Atterbury is arranging for the specifics of the flea market such as parking, garbage, advertising, etc. Councilmember Bonander is coordinating the farmer’s market effort. Each has submitted a proposed budget. There is no City money budgeted for these activities, but anticipated revenues would be used to reimburse the City for any financial outlay. The Planning Commission is on record supporting the enforcement of the existing zoning ordinance which does not allow garage sales in the Downtown Commercial zone.

Atterbury stated that he had very positive feedback from the vendors who sell at the Pine City flea market and that a majority of them were interested in selling at the Sandstone flea market also. He would like to see the flea market begin on May 9^th.

Bonander stated that he respects the opinions of the Planning Commission, but that he views the proposed markets as a limited sort of events that would fall under “Community Special Events.” He anticipates managing the farmer’s market from the Gaslight.

Gafkjen stated that she would like to see each item on the list of concerns addressed separately.

Motion Johnson, second Bonander to approve sponsorship of the flea market and farmer’s market and to approve the budgets as proposed. Motion carried 4-1.

Contract for forester

The Council has approved logging on a portion of the KREEC site. The Park & Recreation Commission has received a proposal from Dave Eggen of Mud Creek Enterprises, with whom they have worked previously to supervise the logging.

Motion Johnson, second Bonander to authorize agreement for logging with Mud Creek Enterprises, subject to Park & Recreation Commission negotiating the final terms of the contract. Motion carried 5-0.

REPORTS

Motion Gafkjen, second Johnson to accept the reports as follows: Summary of paid claims; Planning Commission minutes – April 13; Park & Recreation Commission minutes – April 14; PeopleService operations – April 6; Fire & Rescue minutes – March 28; Safety Committee minutes – April 12; Sandstone Area County Club annual meeting – April 19; Sandstone Area Country Club Board of Directors meeting – April 19. Motion carried 5-0.

WRITTEN NOTICES AND COMMUNICATIONS

The City received an informational letter from the LMC regarding electronic communications between Council members which suggest guidelines so that Council members may avoid violating open meeting law.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Griffith reminded the Council members of the April 28^th Board of Review and the upcoming Neighborhood Watch meeting on May 3^rd at City Hall.

He also mentioned the need for Skate Park Booster Club members; the Northern Technology Initiative annual meeting on May 12; Spring Clean Up scheduled for June 11; the Community Health Fair on April 23 at the Fire Hall and Senior Center; and the Robinson Park clean up day on Saturday, May 21.

ADJOURN

Motion Johnson, second Gafkjen to adjourn at 10:20 p.m.

______________________________

Randy Atterbury

Mayor

Attest:

_______________________________

Donna Hormillosa

Recording Secretary