SUNFISH LAKE CITY COUNCIL MEETING – JANUARY 8, 2019
7:00 P.M. - ST. ANNE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Attendants:
Mayor: Dan O’Leary
Councilmembers: Mike Hovey, JoAnne Wahlstrom, Steven Bulach and Shari Hansen
City Attorney: Tim Kuntz
City Planner: Ryan Grittman
Engineer: Jeff Sandberg
City Treasurer: Ann Lanoue
Building Inspector: Mike Andrejka
City Forester: Jim Nayes
Police Chief: Manila Shaver
City Clerk: Cathy Iago
and Members of the General Public.
1. CALL TO ORDER – ADMINISTER OATHS OF OFFICE TO NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS: Mayor-Elect O’Leary opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Clerk Iago administered the Oaths of Office to Mayor O’Leary and Councilmembers Mike Hovey, JoAnne Wahlstrom and Shari Hansen and congratulated them on their newly-elected positions.
Mayor O’Leary called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. He explained that he wished to take the time to acknowledge and thank Jolene Owens and the Merry Elves of Sunfish Lake for conducting the “Sunfish Lake Ladies Favorite Things Gathering” which promotes friendship, welcoming and community comradery. He advised that the newly created “Welcoming Committee” would also be promoting community comradery in the future.
The Mayor distributed a holiday card from Neighbors, Inc. that was addressed to the Council to thank the City for their support of the Neighbors, Inc. program.
2. APPROVE AGENDA: Mayor O’Leary asked if there were any additions or corrections to the agenda.
Clerk Iago explained that Item 8.a. Consider Formal Proposal from Comcast, Inc. for the Cable Franchise Agreement would be considered at the February meeting and should be removed from the agenda. She further explained that she was advised by Dakota County that Minnesota State Statutes require all cities to designate polling locations in December each year for the upcoming year, even if they do not have an election that year; this is done in the event a special election is scheduled in the upcoming year. She stated she was not aware of this recently adopted Statute, however, she would place the matter on the December agenda each year so that the City would be in compliance in the future. She asked that a resolution designating the polling location be added to the agenda.
Mayor O’Leary suggested that the resolution be added as Item 8.a. to replace the Comcast proposal that was removed.
The Mayor asked if there were any other corrections or additions.
Attorney Kuntz asked if Council needed any further information relating to the Comcast Cable Franchise proposal prior to the February meeting from NDC4 and Council concurred they did not need any further information.
The Mayor asked if there were any further comments and there was no response.
Councilmember Bulach moved to adopt the agenda as amended, seconded by Councilmember Hansen and carried. (5-0)
3. CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor O’Leary asked if there were any questions or comments relating to any items on the Consent Agenda.
The Mayor stated that he noticed the invoice from Hometown Meats which provided dinners for the staff review meeting in December and he advised that there was a nice article in the Jan/Feb 2019 Inver Grove Heights Insights newsletter regarding this business. He stated he was very pleased with the dinners provided from the business and that he favored supporting local businesses whenever possible.
Treasurer Lanoue stated she had visited the store and had told the owner the dinners were very good.
Mayor O’Leary referred to the unreconciled account for 2018 in the amount of $3,496.08 and asked if she used the Peach Tree or Sage 50 accounting system.
Treasurer Lanoue advised she uses an older version of the Sage system and that she needs to do further research on the unreconciled amount for that account. She noted that the amount has not changed and she would work to find the source this year.
The Mayor asked the Police Chief about the “Damage to Property” incident listed in his report and the Chief explained that a mailbox was damaged.
Mayor O’Leary asked if the Building Inspector, Forester or Police Chief had any matter that required discussion and all responded no.
Mayor O’Leary asked if there were any other questions or changes and there was no response.
Councilmember Wahlstrom moved approval of the Consent Agenda as presented, seconded by Councilmember Hovey and carried. (5-0)
a. Minutes of the December 4, 2018 Special & Regular Council Meetings
b. List of Bills
c. Monthly Financials
d. Receive Building Inspector Report
e. Receive City Forester
f. Receive Public Safety Report
4. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: The Mayor asked if there were any comments from the public.
Forester Nayes advised that he had located two (2) copies of the “Sunfish Lake History Book” by author Robert Orr Baker on Amazon for $10 each if anyone was interested in purchasing a copy.
Mayor O’Leary thanked the Forester for the information.
Mayor O’Leary asked if there were any further comments from the public and there was no response. The Mayor then closed the meeting for comments from the public.
5. 2019 STANDARD BUSINESS PROCEDURES: a. Appointment of Acting Mayor: Mayor O’Leary referred to the memorandum from the City Attorney dated January 2, 2019 which advised that State Statutes require Council appoint a member to serve as acting-mayor in the absence of the Mayor at the first meeting each year.
The Mayor recommended the appointment of Councilmember Hovey as the senior member of the Council to serve as Acting Mayor in his absence in 2019.
Councilmember Wahlstrom moved to ratify the appointment of Councilmember Hovey to serve as Acting Mayor in the absence of the Mayor in 2019, seconded by Councilmember Hovey and carried. (5-0)
b. Appointment of Planning Commissioners and Chair: Mayor O’Leary advised that he wished to thank Alan Spaulding for his service on the Planning Commission and that he asked Mr. Spaulding to appear at the meeting so he could receive a Certificate of Appreciation, however Mr. Spaulding explained that he would be unable to attend since he was taking his family to a Gopher Basketball game. The Mayor stated he would make sure to get the certificate to Mr. Spaulding to thank him for his service on behalf of the Council, staff and residents.
The Mayor introduced resident Dominic Driano and provided those present with a brief background of Mr. Driano’s family, education and work history. He stated he was looking forward to working with him as a member of the Planning Commission. He also introduced Tom Hendrickson who currently serves as Chair of the Planning Commission and thanked him for his service as a member of the Commission.
Mayor O’Leary recommended that Tom Hendrickson be reappointed to the Planning Commission to serve a three-year term from January 2019 thru December 2021 and also be appointed as Chair of the Planning Commission for 2019. He further recommended that Dominic Driano be appointed for a three year term commencing in January 2019 thru December 2021. He noted that Jeannine Nayes was appointed in November 2018 to serve the unexpired term of Councilmember Hansen and that her term would expire in December 2019.
Clerk Iago advised Mr. Driano that he would receive a copy of the Zoning Code from the Planner and that she would advise him of any seminars for newly-appointed Commissioners if he wished to attend. She stated that if he had any questions he should feel free to contact her or any other staff members.
The Mayor asked if there were any further comments or questions and there was no response.
Mayor O’Leary moved to reappoint Commissioner Tom Hendrickson to the Planning Commission for a three-year term commencing in January 2019 thru December 31, 2021 and to serve as Chair of the Planning Commission for 2019 and to appoint Dominic Driano to serve a three-year term commencing in January 2019 thru December 31, 2021, seconded by Councilmember Wahlstrom and carried. (5-0).
c. Memo and Resolution Designating Official Newspaper: Mayor O’Leary referred to the memorandum from the City Attorney dated January 2, 2019 stating that Council must designate an official newspaper annually for publication of legal notices and public hearings. He also referred to the memorandum from Clerk Iago dated December 27, 2019 stating that the rates for publication had not changed from 2019 and the letter from the Lille Suburban Newspapers dated December 3, 2018 requesting the SouthWest Review be designated as the official newspaper for 2019.
Clerk Iago explained that Lillie Suburban Newspapers had submitted their request for the SouthWest Review to be designated as the City of Sunfish Lake Official publication for the year 2019 and that there was no rate increase this year. She recommended appointment of the SouthWest Review as the official newspaper for 2019 and noted that this is the only local newspaper that serves Sunfish Lake.
The Mayor asked if there were any questions or comments and there was no response.
Councilmember Hovey moved to adopt Resolution No. 19-01 titled, RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE SOUTH-WEST REVIEW NEWSPAPER AS THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR THE CITY OF SUNFISH LAKE for 2019, seconded by Councilmember Bulach and carried. (5-0)
d. Memo and Resolution Designating Official Depositories for City Monies: Mayor O’Leary referred to the memorandum from the City Attorney dated January 2, 2019 which explained that each year the City designates official depositories for City funds. He advised that the Wells Fargo Bank and Wells Fargo Advisors would be designated and that the Mayor, Acting Mayor, City Clerk and City Treasurer have the authority to draw checks, drafts or other orders for payment and may also transfer funds as necessary.
The Mayor asked if there were any further comments and there was no response.
Councilmember Wahlstrom moved to adopt Resolution No. 19-02 titled, RESOLUTION DESIGNATING FUND DEPOSITORIES FOR THE CITY OF SUNFISH LAKE, seconded by Councilmember Hansen and carried. (5-0)
e. Appointment of NDC4 Cable Commission Representatives: Mayor O’Leary explained that Councilmember Wahlstrom and resident Mike Kampmeyer currently serve as the representatives to the Northern Dakota County Cable Communications Commission (NDC4) and recommended their reappointment for two-year terms beginning January 2019 through December, 2021.
Councilmember Hansen moved to confirm the appointment of Councilmember Wahlstrom as the Council representative and Mike Kampmeyer to serve as the citizen representative to the Northern Dakota County Cable Communications Commission (NDC4) for a two-year term commencing January 2019 through January 2021, seconded by Councilmember Bulach and carried. (5-0)
f. Appointment of Weed Control Manager: Mayor O’Leary recommended the appointment of City Forester Jim Nayes, dba/Living Sculpture Tree and Shrub Care, Inc. as the Weed Control Manager for 2019.
Mayor O’Leary moved to approve the appointment of City Forester Jim Nayes, dba/Living Sculpture Tree and Shrub Care, Inc. as the Weed Control Manager for 2019, seconded by Councilmember Wahlstrom and carried. (5-0)
6. PLANNING COMMISSION/PLANNER’S REPORT: a. Planner’s Report: Planner Grittman reviewed the following information listed in his report dated January 8, 2019 and explained that the December Planning Commission meeting was cancelled due to lack of agenda items.
2040 Comprehensive Plan Update: Planner Grittman stated staff had posted the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update on the City website and was preparing to send the document to the Metropolitan Council for their review. He noted that before the plan is submitted to the Met Council, the City must pass a resolution allowing staff to submit the plan to Met Council. He advised that the Planning Commission would conduct a public hearing to seek input from resident on the proposed draft plan in February and the final draft would be presented to Council in March. He explained that all affected communities and other agencies have received notice of the plan submission and had been sent copies to review and provide comments. He noted that MnDOT had reviewed the draft plan and submitted comments to staff.
Fee Schedule: The Planner explained that staff had reviewed the current fee schedule that was last updated in 2016 and found that the current fees to not require any changes. He noted that the City updates the fee schedule every several years as needed.
Applicant Checklist: Planner Grittman advised that staff is currently reviewing the application checklist for any necessary updates. He explained that the checklist was last updated in 2011 and since that time, some requirements have changed or been added to as necessary over the years. He advised that staff would be preparing an updated checklist that may also require a Zoning Ordinance amendment to comply with the proposed changes. He commented that he would be working with a new person at the WSB Engineering firm and would prefer to discuss some of the changes with staff prior to submitting any changes. He indicated that the changes would most likely be presented in the spring to Council.
Mayor O’Leary commented that in his opinion it would be a good time to “clean house” and update any checklists, fees or ordinance requirements that are deemed necessary. He noted that he had also discussed placing the City Code on the website and had asked staff and the “Welcome Committee” to work on updating the website in 2019.
The Planner stated he also had some forms to send to the Website Manager for placement on the website.
Council thanked the Planner for his report.
7. ENGINEERS REPORT: 1. Engineering Activities Undertaken in December: A. Approve Plans and Authorize Bidding for Charlton Road Improvement Project: Engineer Sandberg explained that the plans and specifications for the Charlton Road and Sunfish Lake Outlet project were completed and that staff requests Council approve the plans and authorize the advertisement for bids.
B. Hold Open House for Charlton Road Project: The Engineer stated that staff plans to hold an Open House for residents on Charlton Road to review the plans and project schedule. He noted that the meeting was originally scheduled on January 23, however, due to some attendance conflicts and room availability, staff plans to hold the meeting on February 13. He stated that the City Clerk contacted the Mendota Heights Fire Department to determine if there is a room available for the meeting since the City would have to pay an additional fee to hold the meeting at the church.
Councilmember Hansen suggested that staff contact the Heartland Credit Union which offers space to the “Welcome Committee” for meetings at no charge.
Mayor O’Leary agreed and explained that the LMRWMO will also be using the space for an upcoming meeting at no charge to the City.
Engineer Sandberg stated he would work with staff to secure the Heartland Credit Union space for February 13, 2019.
Mayor O’Leary asked if there were any questions regarding the plans and specifications and there was no response.
Councilmember Hovey moved to adopt Resolution No. 19-03 titled, RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND ORDERING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR CITY PROJECT NO. 2018-01 (CHARLTON ROAD IMPROVEMENTS) AND CITY PROJECT NO. 2018-02 (SUNFISH LAKE OUTLET IMPROVEMENTS), seconded by Councilmember Wahlstrom and carried. (5-0)
2. Building and Site Reviews in December: None.
3. Public Works Activities Undertaken in December: A. Road Maintenance Report: Engineer Sandberg stated he assisted in a city-wide mailing for residents to report road condition concerns about icy roadways. To date staff have received one email with road concerns and the contractor worked to resolve the issue. He advised that if residents have concerns they should report the conditions by email to
B. Charlton Road Ditch Cleaning: The Engineer explained he worked with the City’s snow removal contractor to clean a ditch along the road in order to prevent melting runoff from freezing across Charlton Road. He advised the cost to clean the ditch was $1,000 from the Road Maintenance Fund however he checked and determined that water was again flowing over the road.
4. Anticipated Engineering Activities for January: The Engineer stated that the City contractor will evaluate roadways for conditions and the need for salt or sanding throughout the month and perform snow removal as required. No other Engineering/Public Works activities are anticipated for January.
Council thanked the Engineer for his report.
8. NEW/OTHER BUSINESS: a. Consider Formal Proposal from Comcast, Inc. for Cable Franchise Agreement: This item was removed from the agenda and will be considered at the February meeting.
8. a. Consider Resolution Designating Polling Place for 2019 Elections: Clerk Iago referred to her memorandum dated January 4, 2019 regarding the State Statute that requires cities to designate polling locations for any elections held in 2019. She explained she was unaware that polling locations had to be designated even if the City was not conducting an election.
Mayor O’Leary asked Council if they had any questions and there was no response.
Councilmember Bulach moved to adopt Resolution No. 19-04 titled, RESOLUTION DESIGNATING POLLING LOCATION FOR THE 2019 ELECTIONS, seconded by Councilmember Hovey and carried. (5-0)
b. Discuss Addendums to Employment Agreements and Independent Contractor Agreements Between the City of Sunfish Lake and the City Clerk/Administrator, City Treasurer and City Forester: Attorney Kuntz referred to his memorandum dated January 4, 2019 and explained that Councilmembers Hovey and Bulach had met to discuss compensation for staff.
Councilmember Bulach advised that he and Councilmember Hovey discussed salary adjustments and recommend a three (3) percent salary increase for 2019.
The Mayor asked the City Attorney if the salary increases and employment agreements could all be handled with one motion from Council and Attorney Kuntz responded yes.
c. Consider Resolution Approving Addendum No. 12 to Employment Agreement between the City and Catherine Iago for City Clerk Services and Addendum No.10 to Independent Contractor Agreement between the City and Iago Consulting, LLC for Administrative Services; Addendum No. 6 to Employment Agreement Between the City and Ann Lanoue for City Treasurer Services; and Addendum No.10 to Independent Contractor Agreement between the City and Living Sculpture Tree and Shrub Care, Inc. for City Forester Services: Mayor O’Leary read the title of the resolution approving the addendums to the employment agreements for the City Clerk, City Administrator, Treasurer and City Forester and asked if there were any questions or comments from Council and there was no response.
The Mayor referred to the City Attorney’s memorandum dated January 2, 2019 which outlined the employment agreements, the current salaries for the positions and the proposed salary adjustments for 2019 with a 3% increase. He asked if there were any questions or comments and there was no response.
Councilmember Hansen moved to approve a three (3) percent salary increase for 2019 and to adopt Resolution No. 19- 05 titled, Resolution Approving Addendum No.12 to Employment Agreement between the City and Catherine Iago for City Clerk Services and Addendum No. 10 to Independent Contractor Agreement between the City and Iago Consulting, LLC for Administrative Services; ADDENDUM No. 6 to Employment Agreement Between the City and Ann Lanoue for City Treasurer Services; and Addendum No. 10 to Independent Contractor Agreement between the City and Living Sculpture Tree and Shrub Care, Inc. for City Forester Services, seconded by Councilmember Wahlstrom and carried. (5-0)
d. Discussion of Right Turn Exemption for Intersection at Salem Church Road and Windy Hill Road: Mayor O’Leary stated that during earlier discussion of this item, the City Clerk had recommended putting the matter to a vote from residents in the area. He commented that this was “democracy in action” and that the vote count was 17 in favor of removing the stop sign and allowing the right turn without stopping and 16 voting to keep the signage as is; he advised that two (2) residents abstained from voting. He commented that he had advised the residents that “democracy would rule”
Councilmember Hansen asked what the cost would be to change the signs at the intersection. She noted that one of the stop signs at that location was damaged.
Engineer Sandberg estimated that the cost should not exceed $500.00 and that he was aware of the damaged sign.
Councilmember Bulach stated he was not at the two meetings and asked how this matter came to Councils’ attention.
Mayor O’Leary explained that a resident had requested allowing right turns without stopping since there was no opposing traffic coming from that direction at the intersection. He noted the biggest traffic danger would be from traffic heading north on Salem Church Road and noted that the northbound traffic would most likely go through the stop sign. He explained that an email was sent to all residents on Windy Hill Road and Windy Hill Court after the City Clerk suggested putting the matter to a vote of the residents and that there was 100% participation from the residents. He noted that he advised the residents in the email that the majority vote would rule.
Mayor O’Leary moved to recommend Council approve changing the stop sign configuration at the intersection of Salem Church Road and Windy Hill Road to allow exemption from stopping for vehicles heading southbound on Salem Church Road making a right turn at the Stop sign to head westbound on Windy Hill Road and direct the City Engineer to replace the signage at the intersection to advise traffic of the change.
In discussion, Councilmember Hovey expressed concern relating to traffic safety if the vehicles do not stop at the intersection and asked why the City does not place a police squad car at the location to issue tickets if traffic does not stop for the sign.
Mayor O’Leary explained that the northbound traffic going through the sign does not have anything to do with the right turns onto Windy Hill Road.
Engineer Sandberg stated that he could place a small sign on the other stop signs that states “traffic making a right turn onto Windy Hill Road does not stop”.
Councilmember Hansen explained her concern was that drivers may not see or read the smaller sign.
Mayor O’Leary suggested that if problems arise the City could put back the 4-way stop signs, however, in his opinion it should not be a problem for traffic entering the area.
Engineer Sandberg pointed out that from an Engineering standpoint this appears to be more of a convenience than a traffic problem. He stated that in his opinion the current set-up is the safest for traffic and he would recommend it remain as is.
Mayor O’Leary thanked the Engineer for his input and advised that if a problem arises the City could go back to the 4-way stop at that location.
Councilmember Bulach asked why the polling vote was not extended to the entire area. He expressed concern that he has two (2) young children driving and that they might be confused by the new signage.
Councilmember Hovey asked if there were any legal issues by removing the sign since it is more for convenience.
Attorney Kuntz pointed out that it should not pose any legal issues since it is a discretionary action by Council and they are weighing several factors including safety issues.
Councilmember Wahlstrom seconded the motion in order for discussion to occur.
Mayor O’Leary explained that he advised the residents he would abide by the final vote tally and explained that his word has always been his bond which, everyone I have ever dealt with could trust implicitly. He pointed out that this is the first time in his career that he has not lived up to his word by indicating to residents that their vote would decide the issue. He stated he was uncomfortable in telling residents that their votes did not matter.
Councilmember Hansen pointed out that it was a very close vote and not a large majority.
Mayor O’Leary commented that he should not have told residents they had the right to vote if now that Council opposes the matter, saying their vote doesn’t matter.
Clerk Iago explained that she was suggesting that residents be polled for an opinion so that Council could have more information to make a decision and was not suggesting that they had a final vote on the matter.
Councilmember Bulach stated he was not at the meeting when this was discussed, however, he advised he is not comfortable with the change as it is his opinion everyone drives too fast at that location.
Councilmember Hansen stated she was happy that the residents provided their vote, but Council has to vote as they see fit for the safety of all residents, not just one neighborhood.
Mayor O’Leary explained that as a lawyer his word is his bond and he would not have asked the residents for a vote if he did not believe that the votes would count.
Councilmember Wahlstrom questioned if a change should be made for a trial period and then wait until there is a problem to put it back the way it was.
Dominic Driano asked if the City could pose the question to the residents of Sunfish Lake to determine their opinion.
Councilmember Hovey commented that the Councilmembers are elected to make decisions that insure safety for all the residents.
Councilmember Bulach asked if the City could try the change for a few months and have the police department monitor it to see if it is working.
Councilmembers Hansen questioned what would happen if it doesn’t work.
Dr. Lamey pointed out that if residents see there are traffic issues they probably will still stop before making the turn. He indicated that most of the time the traffic makes the right turn without stopping late at night when there is no traffic.
Tom Hendrickson explained that the same situation occurs on Grieve Glen and the residents aren’t able to make a turn without stopping. He commented that it is unfair to make this type of decision based on the neighbors’ input.
Mayor O’Leary explained that he believes the tape recording of the meeting would show that he stated Council would let the citizen’s decide.
Mr. Hendrickson stated it is his opinion that citizen’s opinions should not override a Council decision.
Mayor O’Leary explained that he would have redrafted his memorandum if he knew Council had concerns or would not support the decision of the residents.
Councilmember Bulach asked if the Police Chief or Engineer had seen this right turn situation in other cities.
Chief Shaver explained that he lives in Hudson, Wisconsin, and that his City Council does get involved in changing signage at intersections. He commented that the changes are somewhat confusing since people are used to the signs and then there is a change. He stated that he could monitor the intersection and enforce whatever decision is made by Council.
Councilmember Bulach asked the Chief for his opinion on what should be done at the intersection.
Chief Shaver stated he preferred to defer the decision to Council. He indicated that drivers normally “roll through” stop signs late at night versus during daytime hours. He commented that accidents can happen at any time, however, they normally occur when people are in a hurry.
Dr. Lamey stated that traffic signals change all the time, such as installing flashing yellow lights for left turns. He suggested that Council could try the change for a few months and see what happens. He commented that he stops at the intersection and that if there are pedestrians he definitely would not roll through the sign.
Attorney Kuntz asked if the Council minutes reflected the Mayor’s comment that he would abide by the vote.
Councilmember Hovey read the minutes from the November meeting and the minutes indicated that the Council would poll the residents.
Councilmember Wahlstrom moved to install the signage change for a trial period of two months.
Councilmember Bulach stated he would prefer more information prior to making a change.
Attorney Kuntz asked what the outcome would be after the trial period; he questioned whether or not the signage would stay in place if there are no problems.
Dr. Lamey commented that the Mayor had learned a good lesson and would be more careful when making a presentation to residents.
Mayor O’Leary agreed that he would learn from this incident and would be cautious in his language when sending correspondence on any issues. He commented that he is a man of his word and was uncomfortable that he had to go back on his word after 45 years.
Engineer Sandberg pointed out that he could tell residents the Engineer recommended to Council no change be made. He noted that the vote of 17 in favor and 16 opposed was very close and does not reflect a large majority. He further advised that in December the City sent out a mailer stating driving safety was most important and that residents should “slow down”, which supports staying more consistent on the side of safety versus convenience.
Councilmember Hansen commented that in her opinion the neighbors would understand if they were told it was meant to be a “poll” for informational purposes.
Councilmember Bulach indicated that the Mayor could also tell the residents that he was not aware he was against the change since he was not in attendance for the discussion of this item.
Mr. Hendrickson pointed out that if the Council minutes are correct, the Mayor misunderstood the Council intent and could explain that to the residents.
Mayor O’Leary explained that he recalled stating it was “democracy in action” by asking the residents to decide although the minutes do not reflect his comment.
Councilmember Bulach suggested tabling the matter to get more information since he was still struggling with the issue. He pointed out that as a member of the Council he would vote for the safety of all residents not just for one neighborhood. He noted that during the winter months vehicles could slide through the intersection even if they are only going 20 mph. He asked Dr. Lamey if he stops prior to making the turn.
Dr. Lamey stated he always stops as he is scared he may slide through the intersection.
Councilmember Hovey pointed out that even if the change is denied at this time it doesn’t negate this issue coming before Council another time.
Councilmember Bulach commented that the vote was very close and did not reflect a large majority in favor of the change.
Councilmember Hansen commented that the Mayor had to remind people on several occasions to respond to his email and vote, so it may not have been high on their priority list.
Mayor O’Leary advised that he had 100% response for the residents.
Planner Grittman pointed out that if several people abstained those votes should be counted as against the change.
Mayor O’Leary explained that only two (2) residents abstained from voting.
The Planner stated that those two abstentions should be counted as “no” votes and would make the total 18 against and 17 in favor.
Mayor O’Leary asked if there were any further comments and there was no response. He asked if there was a second to Councilmember Wahlstrom’s motion and there was no response.
Councilmember Wahlstrom’s motion failed for lack of a second.
The Mayor called the question on his original motion to change the signage at the intersection.
Original Motion failed. 2-3 (2 Ayes: O’Leary, Wahlstrom) (3 Nays: Hovey, Hansen, and Bulach)
e. Other: Mayor O’Leary asked if there was any further business and there was no response.
9. ADJOURN: Mayor O’Leary adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m.
____________________________ ________________________________
Catherine Iago, City Clerk Dan O’Leary, Mayor
We are a small community proud of our heritage and committed to the preservation of our pristine, rural character. We cherish our privacy, yet know we are part of a thriving Dakota County and the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area. With these partnerships in mind, we strive to preserve that unique spirit which is Sunfish Lake, Minnesota.