SANDSTONE CITY COUNCIL

REGULAR MEETING

March 16, 2005

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Atterbury called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.

ROLL CALL

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

Members absent:  none

Staff present:                Administrator Griffith, Recording Secretary Hormillosa, Deputy Clerk Grundmeier CATV

Other present:               Dorothy Dybvig, Tim Franklin, Charlene Petry, Judy Britton, Delores Evans, Gordon Britton, Tim Raymond, Gene Sears, Gary Stafne, Butch Sears, Marv Hansen, Vonda Beckman, Bailey Beckman, Shelby Beckman, Delaney Beckman, Brad Hiler

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Atterbury introduced Bailey, Shelby and Delaney Beckman who then 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 addition of 9C – Gambling permit for Sportsmen Club, April 9 and 9D – Gambling permit for Sportsmen Club, April 30.  Motion carried 5-0.

SPECIAL ITEMS OF BUSINESS

The Council acknowledged the Lion’s Club donation of a new flag to City Hall in honor of the U.S. servicemen. 

PRESENTATION OF AWARDS, PETITIONS OR COMPLAINTS

Johnson raised the issue of animal control on weekends.  Griffith responded that there are several animal control people to be contracted.  When questioned about dealing with feral cats he stated that Lee Greenly has trapped and disposed of nuisance animals in the past.

Delores Evans requested that the City pursue a non-smoking policy in restaurants in the City.  Griffith responded that she might consider contacting the Pine County organization which previously presented information to the Council on this issue.

A number of residents expressed concern regarding the City’s implementation of the storm water utility.  The primary issues were:  individuals paying for a service with no perceived benefit, questions regarding foresight and planning on the part of the City, and a disparity between the fees charged to residential and commercial properties.

Griffith stated that previous budgets have rarely funded and major drainage work in the past.  Additionally, as the opens spaces are filled in with building expansion, the City’s drainage plan needs to be improved.  Also, the City is anticipating state and federal regulations which will require storm water to be treated before it enters streams or rivers.

He further explained that the fees for the storm water utility are devised by an engineering formula based on use, that the revenue generated is dedicated to drainage issues, and that the engineer would be better able to address specific concerns.  He proposed to invite the engineer to the April 6^th meeting to allow for additional question and answer opportunities.

APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

Motion Johnson, second Bonander to approve regular meeting minutes for March 2, 2005.  Motion carried 5-0.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

In response to loss and safety concerns, the Council has proposed a sidewalk improvement plan.  The policy states that the City will split the cost of replacement with the property owner on a 50/50 basis.  A feasibility study was completed assessing needed repair and/or replacement.  A City held public hearings to take public comment.

Motion Gafkjen, second Johnson to reopen the public hearing at 7:15 p.m.  Motion carried 5-0.

Written comments from Carl Sorenson, Adine Sandeen, and Don Shavor were read into the record.  Brad Hiler questioned whether the City would include a curb cut on his property.  He also questioned the estimated assessment to his property, as it was higher than that of his neighbors with comparable sidewalks.  Griffith responded that the curb cut was his responsibility although the work could be arranged in conjunction with the sidewalk work to obtain a better price.  He also assured Hiler that the estimated assessment was in line with the other assessments.  Charlene Petry requested that the City allow for her unusual sidewalk configuration and acknowledged that she would be responsible for additional costs.  She also asked the Council to consider retaining the sidewalks which lead to City parks.

Motion Gafkjen, second Bonander to close the public hearing at 7:25 p.m.   Motion carried 5-0.

There was no action taken at this time.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion Gafkjen, second Johnson to approve the consent agenda as follows:  Set Public Hearing for 7:15 p.m., April 20, 2005 for Deer Control program; Authorize advertising and hiring of summer staff for Golf Course; Request approval of application and agree to waive 30 day waiting period – gambling permit – Sportsmen Club – April 9; Request approval of application and agree to waive 30 day waiting period – gambling permit – Sportsmen Club – April 30. Motion carried 5-0.

FINANCE OFFICER’S REPORT

Claims

Motion Gafkjen, second Johnson to approve and pay claims in the amount of $18,898.80.  Motion carried 5-0.

OLD & CONTINUING BUSINESS

2005 Fire Formula

The Council had agreed to not approve the 2005 Fire Formula until after the townships had their annual meetings and provided feedback.  Several adjustments are being proposed:  depreciate the turn out gear and air packs over 10 years rather than 7; City to reimburse itself $11,359 for the costs for the tanker from the Long Term Fund; spread the remainder of Wilma Township’s share over all of the formula, as it has terminated its relationship with Sandstone Fire Department.

Motion Johnson, second Bonander to approve the revised 2005 Fire Formula as presented.  Motion carried 5-0.

Tax Abatement policy

Staff has prepared a proposed policy for future tax abatement requests.  Due to the lengthy meeting and the nature of the policy, Griffith suggested that the Council members read and consider the proposed policy at a later meeting.

Motion Johnson, second Bonander to table discussion of the proposed tax abatement policy until April 6, 2005.  Motion carried 5-0.

Capital Projects – 2005

The Council reviewed the proposed 2005 Capital projects for drainage, manhole and utility work.

Motion Bonander, second Gafkjen to authorize Staff to advertise for quotes for manhole and sewer utility work which will then be brought back to the Council for final approval.  Motion carried 5-0.

Standing Rules

Council member Edmond has suggested the Council adopt more formal rules for public participation in the Council discussions.  Due the lengthy meeting and the nature of this discussion, it was suggested that this issue be addressed at a later meeting.

Motion Edmond, second Bonander to table the discussion of standing rules for Public participation in Council meetings until a later meeting.  Motion carried 5-0.

NEW BUSINESS

Verne Jensen lot split

Verne Jensen is requesting that he be allowed to split a 20 acre parcel into two parcels, a fifteen acre and a five acre parcel.  The Planning Commission reviewed the proposal and is recommending approval subject to providing the City with an updated survey with both parcels, their legal descriptions and easement shown. 

Motion Gafkjen, second Johnson to approve the Verne Jensen lot split with the conditions recommended by the Planning Commission.

Land & zoning review escrows and deposits policy

The City Fee Schedule sets certain fees for zoning and land use activities.  The City needs to ensure that it be reimbursed for expenses it incurs.  A policy has been proposed which will assert in writing what is already in practice with verbal agreements. 

Motion Johnson, second Bonander to approve the proposed Land & Zoning Review Escrows and Deposits Policy.  Motion carried 5-0.

Job Descriptions

The Personnel Committee has been reviewing all job descriptions.  The Assistant Clerk position description did not need revision.  The Public Works Laborer, Deputy Clerk, and Utility Billing Clerk position descriptions were all reviewed and revised.  The Committee felt that a log should be completed by all employees of actual work done during a set period of time to assist in determining job descriptions.  Some felt that such a log would not accurately reflect the responsibilities of a particular position since some responsibilities are not performed on a weekly basis.  Atterbury stressed the need for such an accounting.  Staff was directed to have log kept for a two week period.

Motion Johnson, second Gafkjen to approve the submitted revised job descriptions.  Motion carried 4-1. 

REPORTS

Motion Gafkjen, second Johnson to accept the reports as follows:  Summary of paid claims; Planning Commission minutes – March 9; Park & Recreation Commission minutes – March 10; PeopleService operations report – March 8.  Motion carried 5-0.

WRITTEN NOTICES AND COMMUNICATIONS

A letter was received from Mr. Evans regarding water rates and snow plowing issues.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Griffith reminded the Council and public of the open house on Wednesday, March 23, from 6-8 p.m.  He also again mentioned that members are needed for a Skate Park Booster Club.   The Fire Department will conduct a workshop at an April meeting.  He informed the Council of legislative activity regarding compliance checks, that he will be on vacation the week of March 21^st and that the City Day at the Capital is scheduled for March 31^st.

ADJOURN

Motion Johnson, second Gafkjen to adjourn at 9:12 p.m.

                                                                        ____________________________________

                                                                        Randy Atterbury

                                                                        Mayor

Attest:

_____________________________________

Donna Hormillosa

Recording Secretary