SUNFISH LAKE CITY COUNCIL MEETING – APRIL 7, 2015

 

7:00 P.M. - ST. ANNE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

 

Attendants:

 

 

 

Mayor: Molly Park

 

Councilmembers: Mike Hovey, Cathy DeCourcy, and Steven Bulach.

 

City Attorney: Tim Kuntz

 

City Planner: Michelle Barness
City Engineer: Don Sterna and Environmental Specialist Meghan Litsey

City Treasurer: Ann Lanoue
City Forester: Jim Nayes
Building Inspector: Mike Andrejka
Police Chief: Manila Shaver
City Clerk: Cathy Iago
and Members of the General Public.
Councilmember JoAnne Wahlstrom was absent.

 

1. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Park opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m.

2. APPROVE AGENDA: Mayor Park asked if there were any additions or corrections to the agenda.

 

Clerk Iago asked that an additional item be placed under 8.d. Other Business, a request from the City Forester for funds to attend a Composting Workshop.

The Mayor asked if there were any other additions and there was no response.

Councilmember Bulach moved approval of the Agenda, seconded by Councilmember DeCourcy and carried. (4-0)

 

3. CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor Park asked if there were any questions or comments relating to any items on the Consent Agenda and there was no response.

Councilmember Hovey moved approval of the Consent Agenda, seconded by Councilmember Bulach and carried. (4-0)

 

 

 

     

  1. Regular Council meeting minutes of March 3, 2015.
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  3. List of Bills
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  5. Monthly Financials
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4. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: Mayor Park asked if there were any comments from the public and there was no response.

 

5. PUBLIC HEARING: a. Review the City’s Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program Plan (SWPPP) and the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) MS4 Permit Program: Mayor Park opened the public hearing for the purpose of reviewing the City’s Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program Plan (SWPPP).

 

 

 

Engineer Sterna explained that as part of the MS4 permitting process the City must conduct a meeting annually to educate residents on water quality issues, to review the City’s SWPPP Best Management Practices (BMP’s), and to receive comments from the public on the City’s MS4 program. He introduced Environmental Specialist Meghan Litsey who would provide information and receive public comments.

 

 

 

Environmental Specialist Meghan Litsey distributed information relating to the Phase II National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit. She explained that the City must report the previous year’s activities by June 30 each year. She stated that the City is required to conduct an annual public hearing for the purpose of educating the public on methods to improve water quality, to ensure permit requirements have been met, and to receive public input. She advised that the City is also required to update their current Best Management Practices (BMP’s) and reviewed the six minimum control measures undertaken annually; 1) public education and outreach, 2) public participation and involvement, 3) illicit discharge detection and elimination, 4) construction site storm water runoff control, 5) post-construction storm water management, and 6) pollution prevention and good housekeeping for municipal operations.

 

Ms. Litsey explained that the City fulfilled the 2014 permit requirements by completing plan reviews for construction within the City, posting information to residents on the City website and via the four (4) issues of the City newsletter. She noted that the articles in the newsletter included information relating to recycling and encouraging installation of rain gardens. She further advised that the City also supported the Blue Thumb workshops by partnering with Dakota County SWCD, that the City completed street sweeping, updated septic pumping record, and participated in the Citizen Associated Monitoring (CAMP) Program for monitoring lake water quality. She also advised that in 2014 the Watershed Restoration and Protection (WRAP) Study continued.

 

 

 

Ms. Litsey advised the 2015 MS4 Permit objectives are to expand public outreach and storm water related programming, continue the Arbor Day clean-up, update the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) and review grant opportunities. She further stated that the City would continue to target illicit discharges and develop response procedures and prioritize system maintenance. She noted that WSB staff would recommend updates to the City ordinances to meet development and redevelopment infiltration standards as needed; would suggest reviewing standard operating procedures and development procedures and prepare documentation to amend the current ordinances. She offered to respond to questions.

 

 

 

Engineer Sterna explained that street sweeping would be completed this spring. He asked Mr. Litsey to provide information to Council on the results of the inspection of the water discoloration in the culvert on Angell Road that was brought to Councils’ attention at the last meeting.

 

 

 

Ms. Litsey explained that she inspected the culvert water on Angell Road and found it contained natural algae; she explained that it does not appear to contain any pollutants or show signs of illegal discharges.

 

 

 

Mayor Park asked if the water may have been contaminated due to recent construction on Angell Road and what, if anything, could be done to eliminate the problem.

 

 

 

Ms. Litsey stated that in her opinion it appears to be a pre-existing condition and not caused by construction. She indicated that nothing needs to be done and that the problem should be taken care of naturally.

 

 

 

Mayor Park asked what could be done to inform residents that there were no hazardous materials found in the culvert.

 

 

 

Engineer Sterna explained that the recent construction on Angell Road may have made the issue of the culvert more visible, but had not caused a problem. He suggested an article be placed in the next City newsletter and that he would have Ms. Litsey prepare the information.

 

 

 

Mayor Park asked if there were any comments from the public and there was no response. The Mayor closed the public hearing and thanked Meghan Litsey for her presentation.

6. PLANNING COMMISSION/PLANNER’S REPORT: a. Consider Request for shoreline Setback Variance, 389 Salem Church road, Stephanie & Jim Stowell: Planner Barness explained the applicants are requesting approval of a shoreline setback variance to allow construction of a home addition at 389 Salem Church road. She stated that the variance is to permit an addition to the kitchen, front entry, and garage. She advised that the when the City increased the shoreline setback the property became legally non-conforming.

The Planner explained that the proposed addition would be 480 sq. ft., which is considered a minor site and building plan application that may be approved by staff and does not require review by Council or Planning Commission. She noted that the variance request required both review by the Planning Commission and approval by Council.

Councilmember DeCourcy asked what the Planning Commission recommended and the Planner responded the Commission recommended approval of the request.

Planner Barness explained that the application meets all other ordinance standards relating to building materials and height and also conforms to garage size at 750 sq. ft. She noted that the patio and deck are also slated for renovation and would be included in the variance request.

The Planner advised that the City Engineer reviewed the application and recommended approval of the request with conditions that include installation of erosion control measures prior to any site grading and video recording of the shared driveway pavement prior to construction to verify any damage caused by construction traffic. She noted that the Engineer also required the contractor adhere to the axel load limits when delivering material to the site while the limits are in place so that any damage to the road or right-of-way could be repaired to the City’s satisfaction by the applicant prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
Planner Barness advised that the City Engineer worked with the applicants to identify the location of a new rain garden west of the home to treat all new stormwater runoff resulting the proposed 480 sq. ft. addition. She further explained that new landscaping is proposed with the project which include plantings within the rain garden, shrubs at the perimeter of the driveway, and a hedge surrounding the A/C unit on the north side of the home. She noted that no vegetation would be removed from the site. She also explained that there is substantial existing tree coverage between the lake and the existing home to screen the property from adjacent properties. She stated that the existing home is setback 116 ft. from the lake and with the addition it would be 126 ft. from the lake. She advised that the Planning Commission determined the visual impact on the lake side of the property would be minimal.

The Planner stated that staff recommended approval of the minor site and building plan portion of the application pending approval of the variance request.

Planner Barness reviewed the practical difficulty factors associated with the request including the unique condition that the property was legally established and recorded prior to the establishment of new shoreline setback standards that resulted in the home becoming legally non-conforming structure within the setback area. She also noted that the shape of the shoreline is unique in that it curves significantly resulting the shoreline setback being applied to a significant portion of the property. She explained that Council should consider if an addition to a single-family home may be considered a reasonable use of the property in an R-1 District. She indicated that Council should also consider if the property conforms to surrounding properties and if it would change the character of the locality.

The Planner stated that adjacent neighbors were notified and all had positive feedback on the proposed addition and no negative concerns were expressed.

Planner Barness stated that the Planning Commission recommend approval of the variance request based on the findings of fact and the conditions as listed in the draft resolution presented to Council this evening.

Planner Barness introduced Chris Strom, architect for the applicants, who was present to respond to questions.

Mayor Park stated she was impressed with the fact that the property owner asked for feedback from neighbors relating to the application. She pointed out that the Planning Commission discussed the fact that home would be no closer than the 116 ft. existing portion of the home and that no setback adjustments are needed for the adjacent neighboring parcels.

Councilmember Hovey asked about the structure on the diagram to the left of the home and if the septic system had been reviewed by the inspector.

The Planner explained the structure shown on the diagram was a shed and that the septic system is located outside of the construction zone. She noted that the inspector had not expressed any concerns in his review.

Architect Chris Strom explained that the property has a newer septic system in place and should not pose any concerns.

Councilmember DeCourcy commented that in her opinion it should be a lovely addition to the community.

Mayor Park asked if there were any further questions and there was no response.

Councilmember DeCourcy moved to adopt Resolution No. 15-12 titled, RESOLUTION APPROVING A SHORELAND SETBACK VARIANCE TO PERMIT CONSTRUCTION OF A HOME ADDITIONS FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 389 SALEM CHURCH ROAD, SUNFISH LAKE, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA, based on the findings of fact and subject to the conditions as listed, seconded by Councilmember Hovey and carried. (4-0)

 


b. Discuss Solar Energy System Regulations: Planner Barness referred to her report dated April 1, 2015 regarding discussion relating to establishment of Solar Energy Systems regulations. She explained that she was contacted by a resident regarding electrical power by solar energy systems and also received an inquiry from Minnesota Community Solar Company, although she was unsure if it related to property within the City. She indicated that solar energy systems are becoming more popular and that there is also the potential for geo thermal systems inquiries. She noted that these alternate types of energy systems are not permitted uses since the City currently has no regulations and only provides a definition of "solar energy system" in the City Zoning Code. She indicated that typically communities have a solar energy ordinance and her memorandum questions if the City wishes staff research whether or not regulations should be established and if solar energy uses should be permitted as a principal or accessory use within the City.
The Planner indicated that if Council agrees this issue warrants further investigation by the City, they should direct staff to conduct additional research into a potential amendment to the City Code with specification conditions under which solar energy systems may be permitted within the City. Staff would then prepare a draft ordinance amendment for a public hearing with the Planning Commission and final consideration and approval by Council.

Council concurred that staff should conduct further research on the matter. Councilmember Hovey asked if all types of new energy should be examined and Council agreed that staff should research all new energy methods.

Council concurred to direct the Planner to conduct research on all alternate energy sources and prepare a draft ordinance amendment for conducting a public hearing at the Planning Commission and for Council consideration.

c. Planning Report: Planner Barness referred Council to her report dated April 1, 2015. She stated that the Planning Commission met to review the Stowell application at their March 18, 2015 meeting and that the April meeting was cancelled since no new applications were received.

The Planner stated that the City discussed the issue of the proposed realignment of Argenta trail/County Road 63 at their March meeting. She advised that a memorandum was composed by Mendota Heights’s staff resulting from discussion on the issue between Mayor Park, the Mendota Heights Mayor, Administrator and City Engineer, and the Delaware Crossings Group. She noted that Council supported the pointed raised in the draft memorandum and planning staff prepared response letters to Inver Grove Heights and Dakota County reflecting the joint concerns identified. She noted that three response letters reflecting the Mendota Heights memorandum and incorporating feedback on the Argenta trail realignment from the Sunfish Lake City engineer were sent to the Inver Grove Heights Planner and Public Works Director and the Dakota County Transportation Department. She reviewed the summary of the letters as listed on page 2 of her report dated April 1, 2015 and noted that the letters were attached to her report..

Mayor Park reiterated that she suggested encouraging Inver Grove Heights and Dakota County to think more regionally and to review the east/west traffic connections rather than just the north/south traffic connections.

The Planner reviewed the inquiries she received in March as listed on page 2 of her report dated April 1, 2015 and offered to respond to questions.

Council thanked the Planner for her report.

7. STAFF REPORTS: a. Building Inspector: Building Inspector Mike Andrejka stated that he issued eight (8) permits and closed three (3) permits in March.

Inspector Andrejka explained that he wished to have someone appointed as a "back-up" in the event he took a vacation or had to be on an extended leave due to illness. He advised he discussed this with the Septic Inspector Ron Wasmund, who was capable of conducting building, mechanical and plumbing inspections, and Mr. Wasmund agreed to serve as the backup inspector if necessary.

Mayor Park asked who would be responsible for paying Mr. Wasmund and the Inspector responded that he would pay Mr. Wasmund for any inspections that were conducted in his absence.

Councilmember Bulach asked how contractors would contact Mr. Wasmund and the Inspector responded that inquires would be sent to him and he would forward them to Mr. Wasmund.

Councilmember Hovey moved to appoint Ron Wasmund as the person responsible for conducting building inspections in the absence of Inspector Andrejka and that Inspector Andrejka would be responsible for payment to Mr. Wasmund for any inspections conducted by Mr. Wasmund, seconded by Councilmember DeCourcy and carried. (4-0)

Mayor Park stated that the Building Inspector provided information relating to the new siding materials that are being used at the February Council meeting in conjunction with a planning application. She explained that she asked the Building Inspector if he would be willing to provide a tutorial to the Planning Commission for review of updated building materials for possible inclusion into the City Code. She explained that Inspector Andrejka agreed to schedule a meeting with Planning Commissioners at Lowe’s to review these new materials. She suggested that information on the newer materials could also be included in the Fire Wise Program.

Inspector Andrejka commented that he had three candidates in mind to provide tutorials relating to new building materials and that he would schedule an event for the May Planning Commission meeting.

Mayor Park offered to participate with the presentations. She suggested that staff could prepare a report for discussion at the May Planning Commission meeting and for Council their June meeting.

Council thanked the Inspector for his report.

 

     

  1. City Engineer: City Engineering Activities Undertaken in the Month of March:

    A. City Bench Mark Survey: Engineer Sterna reviewed the letter from Pete Helder, Survey Group Coordinator, dated February 25, 2015 which outlined the proposal for surveying services to obtain benchmark elevations within the city limits. He advised that the last time this was undertaken in the City was in the 1990’s. He explained that once the information is compiled, it would be set in existing wood power poles or concrete transmission pole bases and could be published and sent to builders.

    Councilmember Bulach questioned how it could be done since the City has no fire hydrants or manholes.

    Mayor Park commented that the City does have one of each.

    The Engineer explained that the benchmarks could be placed in the ground with a marker and also on power poles or traffic signals. He noted that the benchmarks are used by builders and contractors to check elevations. He stated that the proposal quotes a cost of $4,500 to complete the work for 30 to 40 benchmarks and to supply the city with a comma delimited text file for use with the City’s GIS system. He noted that the quote contains an optional cost of $1,000 to create the GIS base map for the City’s use, for a total cost of $5,500. He explained that the GPS collected data would be linked on the NAD 83 (1996) HARM horizontal Dakota County Coordinate system and level loop would be on the NAVD 88 vertical datum.

    Engineer Sterna stated that he had estimated and the $5,500 cost for this survey in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for this year’s activities.

    Councilmember Hovey asked if the quote includes taking photos of the fifty-seven (57) culverts.

    Engineer Sterna explained that would be under a separate quote but that it would include photos of the culverts and also list the type of culvert, the condition of the culvert and the date of the photo.

    Mayor Park asked if the culverts on Charlton Road would be included.

    The Engineer responded that the culverts in the public right-of-way and City easements would be included. He further explained that the report would answer the questions as to where some culverts end and if an outlet requires cleaning.

    Mayor Park asked the cost for the culvert project.

    Engineer Sterna explained the project would include the culvert review and also pavement evaluation at a cost of $5,500. He noted the pavement evaluation is done every three (3) years and was last done in 2012.

    Councilmember DeCourcy asked what would be done to fix the culvert replacement on Angell Road.

    Engineer Sterna stated he talked to the contractor and was advised that the road would be repaired at no cost to the City as soon as the frost is gone.

    Councilmember Bulach asked if any core samples would be taken.

    The Engineer responded no and explained that this would only be a visual review to determine where cracksealing and sealcoating should be done. He commented that core samples are normally taken when reconstruction is warranted. He advised that the Benchmark Project would only be done once and the Pavement Management is done every 3years.

    Engineer Sterna explained that both these items were included in the 2015 budget.

    Mayor Park asked if there were any further questions and there was no response.

    Councilmember Bulach moved to authorize the expenditure of $5,500 as outlined in the report dated February 25, 2015 for services as listed the Benchmark Survey Proposal from WSB, seconded by Councilmember DeCourcy and carried. (4-0)
    B. 2015 Pavement and Culvert Management Update: Mayor Park asked if there were any further questions on this matter and there was no response.

    Councilmember Hovey moved to authorize the expenditure of $5,500 as outlined in the report dated March 27, 2015 for services as listed in the 2015 Pavement and Culvert Management inspections, seconded by Councilmember Bulach and carried. (4-0)

    C. Snowplowing Activity for March 2015: Engineer Sterna stated there was one more snow event after March 15 that required plowing and would be added to the total of $22,700 shown in his report for an approximate cost of $25,000 for4 the season. He stated that the total amount budgeted for the season was $30,000.

    Public Works Activities Undertaken in the Month of March: None.

    Anticipated Engineer/Public Works Activities’ for the Month of April: A. Snow Plow Monitoring: Engineer Sterna advised the City has finally neared the end of the snowplow season and that it would most likely be November before any funds are utilized.

    B. SWPPP Public Hearing: The Engineer thanked Meghan Litsy for her presentation.

    C. Street Sweeping: The Engineer stated he notified the contractor of the bid award and he anticipates the streets will be swept near the end of April.

    D. 2016-2020 CIP Update: Engineer Sterna stated he would be preparing the draft 2015-2020 CIP for Council review at their June meeting. He advised that the document would outline infrastructure and maintenance projects to be done in 2016 and plans for the next 5 to 10 years of proposed projects for Council to consider. He explained that the document also assists with budgeting for the upcoming year and the goal would be to present the final document at the August Council meeting.

    E. Spring Load Limits: Engineer Sterna stated the load limits are in effect and should remain through most of April. He explained that he would remove the limits when subgrade conditions are acceptable.

    Councilmember Hovey asked the Engineer to forward information to the City website when the limits are removed.

    Councilmember Hovey asked if Council could discuss grading or possible improvements on the north end of Charlton road. He commented that the north end of the road develops problems due to the pavement ending just off of Hwy 110.

    Mayor Park asked who would pay for the grading or improvements on Charlton Road.

    Attorney Kuntz explained that the City could assess for improvements or use tax dollars. He suggested that if Council wishes to consider improvements to the road, they could initiate preparation of a feasibility report in order to define the scope of the project.

    Mayor Park questioned if the south end of the road would be included.

    Attorney Kuntz responded that Council could determine if they wished to consider improvements to the entire street or only the north end of Charlton Road. He commented that methods of obtaining easements and right-of-way acquisition should also be discussed. He indicated that it may be possible to have easements dedicated to the City at no cost and that the improvements could be phased, beginning at the north end of the street and working toward the south. He noted that the roadway appears worst and most in need improvements beginning near the Dobrantz parcel and moving north.

    The Engineer advised that he requested Pine Bend Paving to review patching to be done on Salem Church Road and that he would prepare a report for Council consideration at the May meeting.

    Engineer Sterna indicated that the guard rail posts that were damaged along the curve at Charlton road were placed
    there at the request of the former property owner; he asked if the new owner also requested the posts be replaced.

    The Mayor recalled receiving another inquiry, but she was unsure if it was the new property owner.
    The Engineer stated he would obtain a quote for replacement of the posts for the May Council meeting.

    Councilmember Bulach advised there was an "arrow" sign down on Salem Church Road at Salem Lane. The Engineer stated he would review the matter and replace the sign.
    Councilmember Hovey noted there were several bags of lawn debris placed at the home for sale on Charlton Road. He stated the bags have been there for a few months and asked if staff would contact the owners to have them removed.

    Forester Nayes offered to contact the property owner.

    Council thanked the Engineer for his report.
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  3. CITY FORESTER: Forester Nayes stated no burning permits were issued in March due to the high fire risk throughout the state. He advised that Horseshoe Lake was ice free as of March 22, 2015.He explained that as of March 25 Anoka County joined Dakota County and five other counties with known Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestations. He explained that the City is now surrounded on three sides with the infestation.

    The Forester stated the Parks and Public Lanes 5-year Plan Committee met on March 10 and will meet again on April 8 to confirm recommendations relating to future park and public land management that they wish to share at the May Council meeting He further explained that the Firewise Committee met on March 11 and agreed to postpone the fire truck drive through event due to road weight restrictions. He advised that the new date of Saturday, May 16 was chosen with a backup date of May 30 if weather causes another delay.

    Forester Nayes stated that he met with the Mayor, Councilmember Bulach, and the contractor regarding the buckthorn and firewood harvesting that occurred at the property on Acorn Drive. He stated that all involved hope for a final resolution following the meeting. He also explained that there was rutting on the property due to heavy equipment accessing the site and although it is minor, it should be repaired.

    The Forester advised that the aerial deer county would not occur this year due to the lack of sufficient snow and that he recommended retaining the funding allocated for the count to be used next winter.

    Forester Nayes explained that he attended a seminar relating to Lyme’s disease and reported that the disease is vastly under reported. She noted that the disease had been found in the City and that residents should be checking for ticks as they are active anytime the temperature is above 32 degrees. He also noted that the "target" type of rash only occurs on 20 percent of the persons affected and that it is important not to ignore the symptoms of the disease.

    The Forester stated that he plans to mail the Arbor Day newsletter to resident at the end of the week and that the flyer was designed by resident Holly Hammett. He further noted that he is a member of the Blue Thumb organization and that he has volunteered with the organization for the past two years at the Minnesota State Fair to provide information on the installation of native plantings for rain gardens to insure clean water.
  4.  


    Request from City Forester for Funding to Attend Composting Workshop for Cities: Clerk Iago suggested this request be discussed in conjunction with the Forester’s report and explained that the recycling grant funds may be used for the Forester to attend the workshop.

    Forester Nayes advised that he used to teach composting however, he wished to attend to determine if the City needs to adopt any regulations relating to composting.

    Councilmember DeCourcy moved to approve the expenditure for the Forester to attend the Composting Workshop, seconded by Councilmember Hovey and carried. (4-0)

    Mayor Park stated that she wishes to submit the Forester’s Fire Wise Program to the League of Minnesota Cities for an award for innovate city accomplishments. She also advised that she would be sworn in as President of the Minnesota Mayor’s Association for 2015

    Council congratulated the Mayor and thanked the Forester for his report.

     

  5. PUBLIC SAFETY: Chief Shaver reviewed the public safety report dated March 25, 2015 and advised that the false alarm calls were up slightly during this service period. He advised that Severe Weather Week was scheduled for the week of April 13, 2015 and that he would provide information for the City website. He noted that a change was made to the outdoor Warning Siren Policy for Dakota County and he would also send information on the new policy. He stated that he is a member of the Rotary Club and that he would participate in the annual clean-up of Delaware Avenue this week.

    Councilmember DeCourcy asked if 70 mph winds are classified as a tornado or only straight-line winds.

    The Chief stated he was unsure of the rating for tornados and he advised that everyone has the opportunity to sign-up for weather alerts on their phones.

    Mayor Park advised that she has been working with Officer Syvertsen and one of the female police officers to plan summer activities such as an ice cream social which would allow children to become more familiar with the police department personnel.

    Councilmember Hovey asked if the personnel patrolling the City has changed. Chief Shaver stated that Officer Syvertsen now patrols the City and that he would provide information for the website.

    Council thanked the Chief for his report.
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8. NEW/OTHER BUSINESS: a. Consider Appointment of Mayor Park as Representative to the MAC Airport Noise Oversight Committee (NOC) At-Large Community Group: Mayor Park stated she offered to serve as the representative to the Airport Noise Oversight Committee and requested Council confirm her appointment. She further advised that a sound tracking device is scheduled for placement in the City this year.

Councilmember DeCourcy moved to appoint Mayor Park as the City’s representative to the Metropolitan Airport Noise Oversight Committee (NOC) At-Large Community Group for 2015, seconded by Councilmember Bulach and carried.

(4-0)

b. Consider Appointment of Richard Williams as the Citizen Representative to the Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization (LMRWMO): Mayor Park advised that former Mayor Richard Williams had agreed to serve as the citizen representative and requested that Council approve his appointment. She further stated that she would serve as the alternate for the City and that Clerk Iago would be removed as the alternate.

Councilmember Bulach moved to appoint Richard Williams as the citizen representative and Mayor Park as the alternate representative to the Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization (LMRWMO) and to remove Clerk Iago as the alternate, seconded by Councilmember Hovey and carried. (4-0)

 

 

c. Consider Authorizing the City Engineer to Conduct a Benchmark System for City Infrastructure and to Conduct a Review of City Pavement and Culverts: Clerk Iago stated this item was approved as part of the Engineer’s report.

 

d. Other Business: Request for Funding for City Forester to Attend Composting Workshop: Clerk Iago advised this was approved during the Forester’s report.

Mayor Park distributed an article from the League of Minnesota Cities relating to instituting organized garbage collection for the City; she advised that the article outlined two cities approach to establishing organized garbage collection. She pointed out that in order for the organized collection to occur the proposal must be citizen activated or an Ad Hoc committee should be appointed by Council to review the matter. She explained that Council could review the information to determine if they wished to undertake this issue in the future.

Forester Nayes advised that the Arbor Day celebration is scheduled for May 2 and that he would be mailing an informational flyer to all residents.

Mayor Park presented Planner Barness with a baby gift from Council and staff and wished her well pending the birth of her baby. She asked if there was any further business and there was no response. .

 

 

9. ADJOURN: Councilmember Hovey moved for adjournment at 8:25 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Bulach and carried. (4-0)



___________________________ ___________________________

Catherine Iago, City Clerk Molly Park., Mayor