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WEDNESDAY,
MAY 6, 2009, CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2009, SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY,
MAY 20, 2009, CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY,
MAY 20, 2009, CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6,
2009, BOARD OF REVIEW MEETING MINUTES
Pursuant to due call and notice
thereof a regular meeting of the Board of Review in and for the City
of Albany, Stearns County, Minnesota, was called to order by Mayor
Dennis Sand at 6:00 o’clock in the evening on Wednesday, May 6,
2009, in the Council Room at 400 Railroad Avenue for the said City.
Other members present were: Councilors
Daron Gersch, Jack Evens, Tom Kasner, and John Greer. None were
absent.
Jeff Johnson, Stearns County
Appraiser, the City Assessor, was present for the meeting.
Pat and Carol Cattarin,
owners of the Albany Golf Vistas subdivision, appeared in person to
appeal the property assessment for all vacant lots and two unsold
homes within the new subdivision. Mr. Cattarin informed the Board
that he has a signed purchase agreement on one home and an offer for
the other; whereby both sale prices are nearly 30% below the
estimated market value. Mr. Cattarin requested the Board consider
a reduction of 30% or more on all parcels within his subdivision due
to the lack of activity and/or interest from prospective buyers in
his subdivision. Mr. Johnson noted that a new law was passed that
does not give vacant lots within subdivisions plat deferral status
which upon transfer of ownership the lots are recorded as full
market value. Mr. Johnson informed the Board that the plat deferral
is being discussed in the current legislative session and changes
may be forthcoming which would truly help developers throughout
Minnesota. Councilor Jack Evens noted that he would support a
reduction similar to what other properties have received due to
neighboring activities which adversely affect a property or a bit
higher. Councilor Tom Kasner also noted that there’s been little
activity in sales within the subdivision the past two years and
would recommend nearly a 15% reduction in market value. After due
discussion and careful consideration, a motion was made by Daron
Gersch and seconded by John Greer to approve a market value
reduction of 10% on parcels 40.25901.0000 through 40.25901.0026 for
the 2009 estimated market value. Voting for the motion were Mayor
Dennis Sand, Councilors Daron Gersch, Jack Evens, and John Greer.
Councilor Tom Kasner voted against and the motion carried.
Rod Gerads, 116
Schwinghammer Drive, appeared in person to appeal his 2009 property
assessment value for parcel number 40.25655.0076. Mr. Gerads
informed the Board he paid $55,000 for the vacant lot and the
proposed estimated market value is $61,800 which is too high. Mr.
Johnson informed the Board that the assessment period is from
October 1, 2007 through September 30, 2008 and that three sales
within this period in this subdivision sold for more than the market
value he had given each lot. Mr. Johnson noted that Mr. Gerads
purchased his lot in December 2008 which was not recognized within
the timeframe of the assessment period. After due discussion, a
motion was made by Tom Kasner and seconded by Jack Evens to reduce
the 2009 estimated market value from $61,800 to $58,400 based on
sale price and market. All voted for the motion and it carried.
Mayor Dennis Sand adjourned the
meeting at 7:10 PM.
Tom Schneider
Clerk/Adm.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6,
2009, CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Pursuant to due call
and notice thereof a regular meeting of the Council in and for the
City of Albany, Stearns County, Minnesota, was called to order by
Mayor Dennis Sand at 7:15 o’clock in the evening on Wednesday, May
6, 2009, in the Council Room at 400 Railroad Avenue for the said
City.
Other Council members present were: John Greer, Daron, Gersch, Tom
Kasner, and Jack Evens. None were absent.
Also present were: Tom Schneider, Clerk/Adm., Joseph Mergen, Public Works
Supervisor, Stan Hanson, P.E. Bonestroo, Inc., Mike Kosik, Editor,
Stearns Morrison Enterprise, Jeff Eggert, Patrol Officer, and James
Stueve, Police Chief.
After due discussion, a motion was made by Tom Kasner and seconded by Jack
Evens to authorize the payment of the following:
Check Numbers 59397 to 59448 and 13180 to 13205. All voted for
the motion and it carried.
Mayor Dennis Sand called for any corrections or additions
to the minutes of the regular meeting held on April 15th and hearing
none declared the said minutes approved.
Richard Mareck,
740 7th Street, appeared before the Council to present
potable water samples he collected from his filter system at his
residence which depicted the water to be reddish in color. Mr.
Mareck noted that his filter is changed more frequently since the
new Water Treatment Plant went on-line and questioned the quality of
the potable water. Mr. Mergen informed the Council that water
samples are taken daily at the Water Treatment Plant and submitted
to the Minnesota Department of Health on a regular basis and no
irregular samples have been observed. Mr. Gersch informed Mr.
Mareck that he should take a sample of water at the first point of
entry to his residence and not the water within the filter canister
that already has traveled through the plumbing system. Mayor
Dennis Sand thanked Mr. Mareck for attending the meeting and to
report his findings to the Council when completed with his water
samples and directed Mr. Mergen to contact Mark Wallis, the City
Engineer for the construction of the Water Treatment Plant for any
additional information that may provide answers to the aforesaid
issues brought forward by Mr. Mareck.
David Drown,
David Drown Associates, appeared before the Council to present
information relating to the City financing the 2009 Golf View and
Fairway Drive Street Improvements. After due discussion, a motion
was made by John Greer who introduced the following Resolution and
moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION 2009-014
PROVIDING FOR THE COMPETITIVE
NEGOTIATED
SALE OF $835,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION
PERMANENT
IMPROVEMENT REVOLVING FUND BONDS,
SERIES 2009A
(2009 GOLF VIEW DRIVE AND FAIRWAY
DRIVE
STREET IMPROVEMENTS)
The motion for the foregoing
Resolution was seconded by Jack Evens and after a full discussion
thereon and upon a vote being taken thereon, the following voted in
favor thereof: Mayor Dennis Sand, Councilors Tom Kasner, Jack
Evens, Daron Gersch, and John Greer and none voted against the same;
whereupon the said Resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
The full text of the said Resolution is on file at the office of the
City Clerk/Administrator for public inspection during normal office
hours.
Mr. Hanson appeared before the
Council to discuss the proposed Stearns County Road 157 (Railroad
Avenue) ditch cleaning maintenance project. Mr. Hanson informed the
Council that the project consists of redefining the ditch and
reshaping the side slopes for safety purposes along the roadway;
whereby the City will maintain the ditch during the growing season.
Mr. Hanson noted that the City would
provide to the County a topographical survey, layout a proposed
grading and erosion control plans, quantify construction items, and
manage all permits requirements from the County and State. Mr.
Hanson also noted that the estimated cost for Bonestroo to provide
the aforementioned services would be approximately $6,000, but
additional costs to be incurred by the City will be stabilizing the
site, erosion control protection, seeding, rip rap, storm sewer
outlets, a culvert for a trail crossing, and possible extending
existing storm pipes which said additional costs would be quantified
in Bonestroo’s plan. After due discussion, a motion was made by
John Greer and seconded by Daron Gersch to authorize Bonestroo to
prepare the necessary engineering documents as mentioned above for
the County to review at an estimated cost not to exceed $6,000. All
voted for the motion and it carried.
The Council took
notice of a memo drafted by Matt Mohs, City Engineer with Bonestroo,
Inc., relating to an on-site meeting held with the general
contractor and sub-contractor to discuss the defective striping on 6th
Street (County Road 53) and how the striping issue will be
corrected. Mr. Hanson informed the Council that the City will
request the warranty to be extended once the striping is completed.
Ralph Linn, 1030 Court
Avenue, was present for the meeting.
Councilor John
Greer, Planning Commission Liaison, informed the Council that
pursuant to a duly held public hearing before the City’s Planning
Commission on April 23rd, the Planning Commission approved a request
by Ralph Linn, 1030 Court
Avenue, for a variance to relax the front yard requirement of
twenty-five (25) feet to allow for the construction of a roof over
an existing deck which includes a portion to be screened within an
R2 Zone. After due discussion, a
motion was made by John Greer and seconded by Tom Kasner to approve
the aforementioned variance request as per the following:
-
Twenty five (25) feet front yard set back be reduced to
eighteen (18) feet.
-
Structure is defined as non-conforming having been
constructed prior to Zoning Ordinance.
-
Interior layout of home prevents new deck on south side of
home.
-
Screened in porch will “not” protrude any farther north than
existing house line.
-
Existing deck will be maintained and only a roof or overhang
to cover deck for that portion that protrudes beyond the house line,
but not to be enclosed.
-
No adverse impacts to City easements and services.
-
Side yard set back of ten (10) feet will be met.
All voted for the motion and it
carried.
The Council took notice of a proposed
amendment to Ordinance 41.07 Landscaping in the public right of way
for review. Mr. Schneider noted over the past several years, the
Council has approved reconstruction projects as per the City’s
Capital Improvement Plan; whereby many property owners throughout
the years have planted shrubs, flowers, and installed retaining wall
block, fences, within the public right of way which has caused
significant problems for the City when reconstructing a street. Mr.
Evens noted that he does not oppose residents planting flowers or
other low growing landscaping around utility boxes and/or mailboxes
which improves the image of the property significantly. Mr. Greer
noted that the expense for the removal of those landscaping items
will be borne by the property owner and not the City. Mayor Dennis
Sand, with the consensus of the Council, directed Mr. Schneider to
redraft the proposed amendment and present it at the next Council
meeting for review and consideration.
The Council took notice of a request
by the Albany Lions Club to conduct a raffle at the Heritage Day
celebration on August 1st for the purpose of supporting community
projects and individual requests. After due discussion, a motion
was made by Tom Kasner who introduced
the following Resolution and
moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION 2009-013
APPROVING MINNESOTA
OFF-SITE LAWFUL GAMBLING
(Albany Lions Club)
The motion for the
foregoing Resolution was seconded by Daron Gersch and after a full
discussion thereon and upon a vote being taken thereon, the
following voted in favor thereof: Mayor Dennis Sand, Councilors Tom
Kasner, Jack Evens, Daron Gersch, and John Greer and none voted
against the same. The full text of the said Resolution is on file at
the office of the City Clerk/Administrator for public inspection
during normal office hours.
Councilor
Jack Evens, Albany Golf Club Liaison, presented to the Council the
said Club’s Checkbook Register for review and consideration. After
due discussion, a motion was made by Jack Evens and seconded by
Daron Gersch to authorize the payment of the following bills: Check
Numbers 33118 to 33275. Voting for the motion were Councilors Daron
Gersch, Jack Evens, and
John Greer
and none voted against. Mayor Dennis Sand and Councilor Tom Kasner abstained and the motion carried.
The Council took notice of a public hearing notice received from the
Stearns County Planning Commission for comments relating to a plat
entitled “Trestle Ridge Two consisting of seven residential lots and
six outlots for non-residential or agricultural purposes submitted
by Wobegon Development Group (Paul Eisenschenk,
St. Joseph, MN) on behalf of Joseph and Janel Schiffler,
Albany,
MN. No
action was taken by the Council.
Mr. Schneider presented to the Council a request for a donation of $550
from the Initiative Foundation, Little Falls, MN, to support their
mission and work providing leadership training and support to
citizens who wish to engage in important proactive work of improving
the quality of life in and around the area including the City of
Albany.
Mayor Dennis Sand, with the consensus of the Council, directed
payment of the aforesaid amount to the Initiative Foundation.
Mayor Dennis Sand announced the next
regular Council meeting for 6:30 o’clock in the evening on
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 and adjourned the meeting at 9:20 PM.
Tom Schneider
Clerk/Adm.
WEDNESDAY,
MAY 13, 2009, SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Pursuant to due call
and notice thereof a SPECIAL meeting of the Council in and for the
City of Albany, Stearns County, Minnesota, was called to order by
Mayor Dennis Sand at 6:30 o’clock in the evening on Wednesday, May
13, 2009, in the Council Room at 400 Railroad Avenue for the said
City.
Other Council members present were: John Greer, Daron, Gersch, Tom
Kasner, and Jack Evens. None were absent.
Also present were: Tom Schneider, Clerk/Adm., and Stan Hanson, P.E.
Bonestroo, Inc.,
Mr. Hanson presented
to the Council the following bids that were publicly opened at City
Hall on Tuesday, May 12th, at 10:00 o’clock in the morning for the
2009 2nd Street and Railroad Avenue Storm Sewer Improvements:
Contractor Base
Bid
Molitor Excavating $41,942.00
Lange Trenching, Inc. $42,118.38
Kramer Trucking & Excavating, Inc. $42,992.48
C & L Excavating, Inc. $49,051.10
Sunblad Construction, Inc.
$55,703.05
Central Specialties, Inc. $57,453.00
Mr. Hanson noted that his estimate for the base bid or construction was
$58,000 and recommended to the Council that the low bid received
from Molitor Excavating in the amount of $41,942 be approved.
After due discussion, a motion
was made by Daron Gersch and seconded by Tom Kasner to approve the
aforesaid low bid received from Molitor Excavating contingent upon
the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MN DOT) approval.
Mayor Dennis Sand adjourned the
meeting at 6:45 PM.
Tom Schneider
Clerk/Adm.
WEDNESDAY,
MAY 20, 2009, CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
NOTICE OF ALBANY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
There will be a
meeting of the City Council in and
for the City of Albany, Stearns County, Minnesota at
6:30 o’clock in the evening
on Wednesday, May
20, 2009, in the
Council Room at 400 Railroad Avenue for the said City.
AGENDA
1.
Convene meeting
2.
Audit Bills
3.
Act on regular Council minutes of the meeting held on May 6th
and May 13th
4.
Open Forum/Public comments
5.
Steve Blenker, Emergency Management Director – update on
spring emergency management meeting with utility and emergency
agencies serving the community
6.
David Drown, David Drown Associates – resolution approving
the issuance of 2009A PIR Bonds ($835,000) for the 2009 Golf View
and Fairway Drive Improvements and related information.
7.
Stan Hanson, City Engineer - update on-going public
improvement projects
8.
Public hearing – amendment to Ordinance 81.13, Park
Dedication fee commercial and industrial developments
9.
Joseph Mergen, Public Works Supervisor
10.
Daron Gersch, Utility Department and Community Education
Liaison
11.
Dennis Sand, Park Department, and Equipment
12.
Tom Kasner, Fire Department and EDA
13.
Jack Evens, Albany Golf Club
14.
John Greer, Police and Street Department
15.
James Stueve, Police Chief
16.
Tom Schneider, Clerk/Adm – Heritage Day parade permit and
large gathering permit
17.
Mayor’s announcements and letters
18.
Announce meeting date (June 3rd) and adjourn
Tom Schneider
Clerk/Adm.
WEDNESDAY,
MAY 20, 2009, CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Pursuant to due call
and notice thereof a regular meeting of the Council in and for the
City of Albany, Stearns County, Minnesota, was called to order by
Mayor Dennis Sand at 6:30 o’clock in the evening on Wednesday, May
20, 2009, in the Council Room at 400 Railroad Avenue for the said
City.
Other Council members present were: John Greer, Tom Kasner, and Jack
Evens. Daron Gersch arrived at 6:45 PM. None were absent.
Also present were: Tom Schneider, Clerk/Adm., Stan Hanson, P.E. Bonestroo,
Inc., and James Stueve, Police Chief.
After due discussion, a motion was made by Tom Kasner and seconded by John
Greer to authorize the payment of the following:
Check Numbers 59449 to 59486 and 13206 to 13219. All voted for
the motion and it carried.
Mayor Dennis Sand called for any corrections or additions
to the minutes of the regular meeting held on May 6th,
May 6th Board of Review, May 13th Special
meeting and hearing none declared the aforesaid said minutes
approved.
Richard Mareck,
740 7th Street, appeared before the Council to inform the
Council that he had taken potable water samples from various
locations within his home and submitted samples to a certified
testing laboratory; whereby the final lab results or report will be
completed in a day or so. Mayor Dennis Sand informed Mr. Mareck
that he may forward the final results to the City for review, then
discussed at the next meeting.
Steven Blenker,
the City’s Emergency Management Director, appeared before the
Council to update the Council on the City’s preparedness in the
event of a disaster within the City. Mr. Blenker informed the
Council that a meeting was held at City Hall a week ago with several
utility companies, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Public Works
Department, Stearns County Emergency Management, school, hospital
and nursing home staff to discuss preparedness and emergency
response for issues that will affect health, safety, and welfare of
the public.
Mr. Gersch
arrived for the meeting at 6:45 PM.
David Drown,
David Drown Associates, appeared before the Council to inform the
Council that his firm received bids on behalf of the City for the
sale of $790,000 General Obligation Permanent Improvement Revolving
Fund Bonds, Series 2009A relating to financing the 2009 Golf View
and Fairway Drive Improvements. Mr. Drown noted that as per the
Council’s request, the bond sale amounts received were tax exempt
and taxable (Build America Bonds) which also depicted potential
savings between the two types of bonds. After due discussion, a
motion was made by John Greer who introduced the following
Resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION 2009-015
PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE, SALE, AND
DELIVERY OF
$790,000 TAXABLE GENERAL OBLIGATION
PERMANENT IMPROVEMENT
REVOLVING FUND BONDS, SERIES 2009A,
(BUILD AMERICA BONDS), TO PAY A PORTION OF THE COSTS OF LOCAL PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENTS; ESTABLISHING
THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS THEREFOR;
CREATING A CONSTRUCTION ACCOUNT AND A DEBT SERVICE ACCOUNT THEREFOR;
AND AWARDING THE SALE THEREOF
The motion for the foregoing
Resolution was seconded by Daron Gersch and after a full discussion
thereon and upon a vote being taken thereon, the following voted in
favor thereof: Mayor Dennis Sand, Councilors Tom Kasner, Jack
Evens, Daron Gersch, and John Greer and none voted against the same;
whereupon the said Resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
The full text of the said Resolution is on file at the office of the
City Clerk/Administrator for public inspection during normal office
hours.
Mr. Hanson appeared before the
Council to update the Council on the various construction
improvements within the City. Mr. Hanson noted that he and Mr.
Mergen have been researching ideas on how to correct several street
failures or settlement adjacent to storm sewer catch basins in
various residential subdivisions. Mr. Hanson informed the Council
that the street and storm sewer failures are due to a severe spring
thaw/freeze cycle that caused ground water to be trapped adjacent to
the storm sewer pipe and catch basin which also occurred in other
nearby cities. Mr. Hanson noted that he received a bid from a
contractor to correct the aforesaid problem in an amount of $18,429;
whereby the storm sewer pipe supplier has agreed to pay $11,846, the
contractor and City would share the expense of the remaining
amount. Mr. Hanson also noted that the City’s share could be less
if some corrections are not required on the storm sewer structures.
After due discussion, a motion was made by Daron Gersch and seconded
by Tom Kasner to accept the City’s share to correct the street and
storm sewer problems in an amount not too exceed $3,300. All voted
for the motion and it carried.
Pursuant to due notice, at 7:35 PM,
Mayor Dennis Sand opened the public hearing to
consider an amendment to the
Subdivision Ordinance, Section 81.13, Subd. 1 (b) relating to Park
Dedication fees for commercial or industrial developments. No
members from the public were present for the meeting and no written
comments were received. Mr. Schneider informed the Council that the
proposed amendment will still require developers to pay a Park
Dedication fee similar to previous years because the ultimate goal
is to encourage commercial and industrial development without
requiring developers to pay substational Park dedication fees being
the development is much different than residential subdivisions. Mr.
Greer noted that the Planning Commission recommended approval of the
proposed aforesaid amendment. Mr. Schneider also noted that
a re-plat of previously platted properties shall not be subject to
the dedication requirement or cash in lieu thereof, provided the
re-plat will not result in a change of use from commercial or
industrial to residential and will not result in a greater density
of uses from the original plat. Mayor Dennis Sand closed the public hearing at
7:35PM.
After due discussion, a motion was
made by John Greer who introduced
the following ordinance
amendment and moved its adoption:
AMENDMENT TO ORDINANCE 81.13
REGARDING FEES IN LIEU OF PARK
DEDICATION
(Commercial or industrial
development: $500 per acre)
The motion for the
foregoing Resolution was seconded by Jack Evens and after a full
discussion thereon and upon a vote being taken thereon, the
following voted in favor thereof: Mayor Dennis Sand, Councilors Tom
Kasner, Jack Evens, Daron Gersch, and John Greer and none voted
against the same. The full text of the said Amendment is on file at
the office of the City Clerk/Administrator for public inspection
during normal office hours.
Mr. Schneider
informed the Council on all the activities scheduled for Heritage
Day which will be held on Saturday, August 1st which includes a
Parade and 5K Run/Walk similar to past years with the event to occur
at 400 Railroad Avenue. Mr. Schneider also noted that the Chamber
of Commerce submitted a Large Gathering Permit for the event. After
due discussion, a motion was made by Jack Evens and seconded by Tom
Kasner to approve the MN DOT Parade and 5K Run/Walk permit. All
voted for the motion and it carried.
Mayor Dennis Sand announced the next
regular Council meeting for 6:30 o’clock in the evening on
Wednesday, June 3, 2009 and adjourned the meeting at 8:05 PM.
Tom Schneider
Clerk/Adm.
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