Alexandria, Minnesota
June 10, 2013
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting of the City Council was held in the Council Chambers with those present reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the Invocation by Pastor Lynndene Way, after which Mayor Sara Carlson called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
The following Council Members were present: Thalman, Miller, Benson, Jensen
The following Council Members were absent: Batesole
Two news media representatives were also present.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approve May 28, 2013 City Council Minutes
B. Approve May Bills and Authorize Issuance
C. Approve License Applications and Authorize Issuance
Heating: Sam Hendrickson Plumbing & Heating Inc.
Giese Sheet Metal Co., Inc.
Gambling: Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce (sell raffles for event on
8/7/13)
A motion was made by Benson and seconded by Thalman to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
YES: Thalman, Miller, Benson, Jensen
NO: None
ABSENT: Batesole
TOM MCSPARRON, WEST CENTRAL INITIATIVE – ANNUAL UPDATE
Tom McSparron, Donor Services Officer, West Central Initiative (WCI), always appreciate giving the update for West Central Initiative. He noted on the cover of the WCI Annual Report, you will see the question "What's at the Heart?" As you read the report you will see many stories and examples of programs and projects that at least partially answer that question. Some of those stories are a result of the more than $1 million in grants WCI made last year or the $750,000 in loans. Others are because of the nearly $3.9 million in grants that were made by their component funds. Each of the nine counties in their region saw the benefits of the efforts of the component fund volunteers and the WCI staff. The grants and loans made in Douglas County combined for a total of $9,131,875. From the buildings which received paint, coatings or sealants through the Minnesota Beautiful program to the staff and volunteers of the 13 Early Childhood Initiatives across our region, you can see the heart that gets put into those efforts. While the evidence of these efforts can be seen in new or expanding businesses, upgraded baseball fields, enhanced equipment and programs in our schools, the upgraded and expanded water treatment plant in Perham and improved community swimming pools, what sometimes is not as easy to see is the dedication of the WCI staff, the component fund volunteers and the Early Childhood Initiative (ECI) workers that make those stories possible. WCI is always proud to talk about the past successes at these annual reports and let the City know the positive affect that the efforts have made here in west central Minnesota. The Access to Capital for small business financing has been extended and will continue to make it easier for local small businesses to access financing from their bank and from WCI. They are adding new ECI coalitions to better serve our youngest citizens so they are prepared to excel in school and in life. New Component Funds are being established to further improve the quality of life for all the citizens they serve. The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) will be updated to help meet the needs of cities and counties as they plan new projects which will help existing businesses to expand and help in recruiting new businesses. WCI staff will be working with school districts and cities to develop "Safe Routes to Schools" so that students will have access to secure avenues mornings and afternoons. WCI knows that its past successes, its new programs and the impact they continue to have in their region would not be possible without the support they receive from the cities, counties, corporations and individuals who share their vision and mission. That support allows WCI to continue to address the critical needs in economic and community development, youth and family services and childcare. As the City of Alexandria begins the budgeting process for fiscal 2014, WCI asks that they consider continuing that support with the requested amount of $8,000. Mr. McSparron reminded the City Council that gifts to the unrestricted endowment fund of WCI are matched dollar-for-dollar by the McKnight Foundation, essentially doubling their gifts. On behalf of WCI, Mr. McSparron thanked the City Council for the confidence they have shown through its support and WCI is proud to call the City a partner is each of these efforts. As always, WCI’s pledge is to continue the careful stewardship of each gift and every dollar.
Council Member Miller recognized that WCI made a contribution to the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities and thanked Mr. McSparron for that contribution.
A motion was made by Benson and seconded by Jensen to continue the support for WCI with a commitment from the City of Alexandria in the amount of $8,000 in 2014. The motion carried by the following vote:
YES: Thalman, Miller, Benson, Jensen
NO: None
ABSENT: Batesole
The Mayor and City Council thanked Mr. McSparron for his annual report.
SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA HOUSING PARTNERSHIP (SWMHP) – GRANT APPLICATION
SWMHP CEO Rick Goodemann noted one of the major goals is to build affordable housing. The Lakewood Apartments project involves about $2 million in rehabilitation just to bring it up to standards. This year they have to go through a separate application for the Small Cities Development Program Fund. They would be applying for $300,000 of those funds. City Planner Mike Weber visited with HRA Director Jeff Hess about the project; it is compatible with their plans. The HRS does not have an application this round so it will not be in competition. Council Member Miller noted the question is – would the HRA be approved the next time around since this is already on the books for Alexandria. What about the current tenants? MR. Goodemann stated they will remain; he feels they can do this with minimum disruption and SWMHP would be obligated to pay for the tenant’s relocation. There would be an on-site manager. Miller has concerns about the resolution and that this was just presented to them and feels the City Council needs more information. Mayor Carlson explained the SWMHP wants the Small Cities Grant to flow through the City of Alexandria because they cannot get the grant without going through a local unit of government. Thalman noted at first he thought this conflicted with the HRA until he read Mr. Weber’s memo regarding the project. Mr. Weber stated he sent Mr. Hess the memo to confirm the language plus he met with him earlier in the day. Thalman asked if the City could be liable for any funding. Mr. Weber pointed out the City will not have any administrative costs that are not covered by the grant. Funds will be in the application to offset any City administrative costs. Mr. Goodemann stated the application deadline is June 18th. Miller asked how long this been in the office and felt it would be nice to have this information ahead of time so they are not backed up against the wall to make a decision. Mr. Goodemann apologized he was dealing with the Minnesota Housing and getting the required information. Thalman indicated he had the same concerns as Miller but felt City staff recommends it so the City Council should trust them, and there is no cost to the City.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Thalman and seconded by Benson to adopt Resolution No. 2013-53, RESOLUTION SUPPORTING SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA HOUSING PARTNERSHIP’S PROPOSED LAKEWOOD APARTMENTS PROJECT. The motion carried by the following vote:
YES: Thalman, Benson, Jensen
NO: Miller
ABSENT: Batesole
The full text of this Resolution appears in the Resolution file.
CITY PLANNER’S ITEMS OF BUSINESS:
- Hocum Annexation Petition – City Planner Mike Weber noted he has received a petition for annexation for property located in LaGrand Township adjacent to Karnis Drive, near Lake Community Church, at the northwest corner of the City of Alexandra and owned by Troy and Malissa Hocum. It is completely surrounded by the City of Alexandria. Mr. Hocum is seeking to combine the two lots he owns however one lot is in the Township and one in the City. After Council approval, staff will then present the petition to the State of Minnesota and to LaGrand Township, and seek to obtain a formal, written waiver of objection from the Town Board. The Township has 90 days during which to object to the petition. After either the passage of 90 days or upon receipt of the waiver of objection, he will then present a second reading of the ordinance to the City Council.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Jensen and seconded by Benson to accept the Petition of Annexation, IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR ANNEXATION OF UNINCORPORATED ADJOINING PROPERTY LOCATED ALONG KARNIS DRIVE (Hocum), ALEXANDRIA, MINNESOTA and to refer to City staff for further processing. The motion carried by the following vote:
YES: Thalman, Miller, Benson, Jensen
NO: None
ABSENT: Batesole
A motion was made by Thalman and seconded by Jensen adopt for a first reading an ordinance annexing property located adjacent to Karnis Drive, near Lake Community Church at the northwest corner of the City of Alexandria (Hocum). The motion carried by the following vote:
YES: Thalman, Miller, Benson, Jensen
NO: None
ABSENT: Batesole
- Rezoning Ordinance – 1st Reading – McKay Avenue between 6th Avenue and 9th Avenue (Kittelson) – Mr. Weber noted the City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendation at the previous meeting, and now he is presenting a first reading for that rezoning.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Thalman and seconded by Miller to approve for a first reading an ordinance amending the City Code to rezone property along McKay Avenue between 6th Avenue and 9th Avenue (Kittleson). The motion carried by the following vote:
YES: Thalman, Miller, Benson, Jensen
NO: None
ABSENT: Batesole
- Rezoning Ordinance – 1st Reading – T.H. 29 North Frontage Road (Angelina’s) - Mr. Weber noted the City Council approved the Planning Commission recommendation at the previous meeting, and now he is presenting a first reading for that rezoning.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Benson and seconded by Miller to approve for a first reading an ordinance amending the City Code to rezone property along T.H. 29 North Frontage Road (Angelina’s). The motion carried by the following vote:
YES: Thalman, Miller, Benson, Jensen
NO: None
ABSENT: Batesole
- Waldeland First Addition Final Plat – Mr. Weber noted this is a replat of existing platted property currently comprised of a five-lot Planned Unit Development/PUD and a portion of an adjacent Judicial Plat, for the purposes of dismantling the PUD and creating separate, lot-and-block, legally conforming parcels. No new construction is contemplated as a result of this replat. This final plat process is authorized by City Code, Section 11.03, Subdivision 3. Since this is a replat of previously platted property, no public hearing is required and this allows it to come directly to the City Council. The property is located on Lake LeHomme Dieu, along the west side of Boys Avenue. The site is served by an existing sanitary sewer mainline, located in Boys Avenue. Municipal water will be provided as a part of the Phase IV waterline project. This is a replat of previously platted property, therefore no park dedication or park fee is required.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Miller and seconded by Thalman to approve the “Waldeland First Addition” final plat as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
YES: Thalman, Miller, Benson, Jensen
NO: None
ABSENT: Batesole
CITY ENGINEER’S ITEMS OF BUSINESS
City Engineer Tim Schoonhoven noted the Highway Committee met on Wednesday, May 15, 2013, to review a request for a stop sign at the intersection of Ninth Avenue and Douglas Street, stopping east-west traffic.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Jensen and seconded by Benson to accept the recommendation of the Highway Committee and adopt Resolution No. 2013-54, RESOLUTION FOR THE AUTHORIZATION TO INSTALL A STOP SIGN ON NINTH AVENUE WEST. The motion carried by the following vote:
YES: Thalman, Miller, Benson, Jensen
NO: None
ABSENT: Batesole
The full text of this Resolution appears in the Resolution file.
On another item, Mr. Schoonhoven mentioned he had received an agreement with Soo Line Railroad and MnDOT to install railroad crossing signals on Birch Avenue. This is 100% state funded with reimbursable with federal funds. The total cost of the project is $212,609.96. He recommends Council approval authorizing execution of the agreement and adoption of the resolution.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Thalman and seconded by Benson to authorize execution of the agreement #96939 with Soo Line Railroad and MnDOT for the installation of railroad crossing signals on Birch Avenue and to adopt Resolution No. 2013-55, AGREEMENT NO. 96939. The motion carried by the following vote:
YES: Thalman, Miller, Benson, Jensen
NO: None
ABSENT: Batesole
The full text of this Resolution appears in the Resolution file.
CITY ATTORNEY’S ITEMS OF BUSINESS
City Attorney Tom Jacobson noted he had two items for the City Council.
A. Charter Commission – He has looked at the State Statute and the City Charter; the City is required to have a Charter Commission. Technically the City has one, however it was never repopulated. He would recommend having staff work through the process of getting applicants for the Commission, which needs at least 7 to 15 members. The District Court makes the appointments. The Commission can have Council Members on the Commission but is not required. It seems logical to figure out the number of Council Members they want on the Commission and then appoint other people to fill the rest of the vacancies. He noted there is no Council action required as they have already directed staff to work on this item.