SUNFISH LAKE CITY COUNCIL MEETING – MAY 3, 2016

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

Attendants:

Mayor: Molly Park

Councilmembers: Mike Hovey, JoAnne Wahlstrom, Steven Bulach and Richard Williams

City Attorney: Tim Kuntz

City Planner: Ryan Grittman

Engineer: Don Sterna

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: Mayor Park opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. She introduced and welcomed Peter Lindstrom, the City of Falcon Heights Mayor, who would review the process for application to the Minnesota GreenStep Program.

2. APPROVE AGENDA: Mayor Park asked if there were any additions or corrections to the agenda. She suggested that Item 8.a. relating to the GreenStep Program be moved to Item 5.Presentations, so that Mayor Lindstrom could make his presentation.

Councilmember Williams requested an additional item under 8.b Other: to review possible storm water grant opportunities from the Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization (LMRWMO) and ask the City Engineer to advise if the City had any projects that would meet the criteria.

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

Councilmember Bulach moved to adopt the agenda as amended, seconded by Councilmember Williams and carried. (5-0)

3. CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor Park asked if there were any questions or comments relating to any items on the Consent Agenda.

The Mayor explained that she had advised the City Clerk of some changes to Regular Council meeting minutes of April 5, 2016 as follows:

Page 1 – Under “Comments from the Public”: She explained that Apple Valley Councilmember John Bergman should be listed as the At-Large Member of the Noise Oversight Committee (NOC) and represents Sunfish Lake and several other second tier cities on the NOC.

Page 6 – Under the Engineer’s Report Discussion of the tH110 Improvement Project: She explained that MnDOT agreed to install a drive over area at Charlton Road and a grassy drive over area at Sunfish Lane to accommodate emergency vehicles and that MnDOT would plow these areas in the winter.

Clerk Iago stated she would make the changes as requested.

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

Councilmember Hovey moved approval of the Consent Agenda with corrections to the April 5, 2016 Regular Council meeting minutes as requested by the Mayor, seconded by Councilmember Williams and carried. (5-0)

a. Special Joint Council/Planning Commission Meeting and Regular Council Meeting Minutes of April 5, 2016

b. List of Bills

c. Monthly Financials

4. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: The Mayor asked if there were any comments from the public.

Ibby Hammett, 2196 Charlton Road, asked if the Engineer could provide a cost comparison for road maintenance in the last 10 to 15 years for all roads in the City to compare with costs for Charlton Road maintenance.
Engineer Sterna stated that he could prepare a cost comparison for Charlton Road versus all other paved City streets.

Ms. Hammett noted that one of the posts located at the curve on Charlton Road was broken and asked if the City would replace it. She explained that only a few of the posts have reflectors attached and she requested the City place reflectors on all the posts for traffic safety.

Engineer Sterna stated he would review the post for replacement and that it would be possible to add reflectors to all the posts.

Ms. Hammett explained that when cars are making a left turn onto Charlton Road, southbound traffic on Delaware Avenue continues to pass on the right even though there is no designated passing lane.

Police Chief Shaver stated he would have a police officer review the traffic on Delaware in that area.

Ms. Hammett expressed concern that traffic may increase on Delaware Avenue when the new Minnesota Vikings training facility is constructed in Eagan as drivers may wish to avoid increased traffic on Dodd Road. She suggested that it may be possible to install a 4-way stop sign at Charlton Road and Delaware Avenue if traffic becomes too heavy.

Mayor Park explained that the Vikings have submitted traffic studies for the new facility to the City of Eagan and that information should be available for the public to review. She commented that she and staff have been attending the informational meetings and it does not appear that the traffic would impact Sunfish Lake.

Councilmember Williams commented that he had concerns regarding the MnDOT improvements at Mendota Road and Highway 110 due to the fact that it is a T-intersection and could create problems with westbound Highway 110 traffic attempting to make U-turns and Mendota Road traffic attempting to make right-turns on a red light. He questioned if the traffic studies address this concern and suggested that the City send a letter to MnDOT expressing this concern.

Mayor Park stated that she talked to MnDOT Engineer Molly Kline today and she advised that the traffic studies done by MnDOT included information on the U-turns.

Councilmember Williams reiterated that the City should send a letter with the concerns so they are on record as doing so and offered to draft a letter on behalf of the City.

Chief Shaver explained that he had contacted MnDOT to express the same concern relating to the U-turns at that intersection and he has not received a response. He suggested the City request a separate lane for right turns on red from Mendota Road to reduce the risk of accidents.

Mayor Park asked if there were any further comments.

Ibby Hammett advised that a neighbor noticed a vehicle parked on the west end of Charlton Road near Delaware and the vehicle then drove extremely fast up Charlton Road as if it was racing.

Mayor Park asked Chief Shaver to follow up on the concerns expressed by Ms. Hammett. She explained that some residents on Charlton Road who requested the Open House were meeting tonight to prepare items they wished to discuss at the May 11 meeting. She suggested Ibby contact Kitzie Nye and explain her concerns with the traffic issues raised this evening.

Councilmember Hovey asked if there were still auto parts on Charlton Road near the pole where the accident occurred and asked if the Forester would check the area and remove the debris.

Forester Nayes stated he would check the area.

The Mayor asked if there were any further comments and there was no response. She thanked the Police Chief for his input on the Mendota Road intersection and suggested that it may be possible to request a “No Right Turn on Red” sign at that location.

5. PUBLIC HEARING/PRESENTATIONS: a. Presentations: Consider Resolution Authorize the City of Sunfish Lake Participation in the Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program: Mayor Park introduced the City of Falcon Heights Mayor Peter Lindstrom who was present to discuss the Minnesota Cities GtreenStep Program.

Mayor Lindstrom stated that the City of Sunfish Lake should be proud of Mayor Park as she recently served as President of the Minnesota Mayors Association. He explained that Mayor Park and the City of Sunfish Lake hosted 125 Minnesota Mayors at their annual conference last weekend and he praised the all-star cast of residents who were presenters at the event; Bonnie Holub, Ozzie Nelson, Mike McFadden and Myles Shaver. He advised that he was part of the steering committee to form the GreenStep Cities program and is also the Local Government Outreach Coordinator for the Clean Energy Resource Team (CERT’s). He thanked Council for inviting him to discuss the program.

Mayor Lindstrom explained that it is a free and voluntary program that provides a public/private partnership by implementing best practices focused on cost savings, energy use reduction and innovation. He noted that the government entities participating include the State of Minnesota Department of Commerce and Pollution Control Agency and the private agencies include the League of Minnesota Cities, Great Plains Institute, Urban Land Institute and Preservation Alliance of Minnesota, as well as the Clean Energy Resource Team (CERT’s). He noted that Falcon Heights was one of the pilot cities to adopt the program. He stated that there is technical assistance available online that provides experts to assist cities with adopting best practices and there are monthly workshops, retired engineers and student interns also available to respond to questions.

Mayor Lindstrom advised that 105 Minnesota cities have now signed on to the program and explained the program has flexibility for each city’s needs; he noted that there are categories for smaller cities such as Sunfish Lake. He advised that best practices are geared toward Transportation, Buildings & Lighting, Land Use, Environmental Management and Economic & Community Development. He commented that Sunfish Lake has most likely accomplished a sufficient number of best practices and step one in the process is to adopt the resolution. He commented that once the resolution is adopted, staff could work toward identifying best practices that will move the City of Sunfish Lake through the steps. He also advised that the City of Sunfish Lake would be recognized at the annual League of Minnesota Cities conference which would be held in St. Paul this June. He stated that he welcomed Sunfish Lake to the program and that other cities would be waiting to hear what Sunfish Lake has done to achieve their goals. He offered to respond to questions.

Mayor Park thanked Mayor Lindstrom for his presentation. She asked which member of his staff oversees the program in Falcon Heights.

Mayor Lindstrom responded that the City Administrator oversees the program, but the work is shared by other members of his staff. He commented that one of the Environment Committee members in his city prepared a grant application and volunteers may also be used for the program.

Mayor Park suggested that the City Forester and Master Recycler Shari Hansen may be willing to work on the program; she displayed the Arbor Day newsletter flyer that was prepared by the newsletter editor Holly Divine.

Mayor Lindstrom agreed that residents of the city or staff may be appointed to work on the program. He pointed out that one of the Minnesota GreenStep cities is smaller in population than Sunfish Lake with only 200 residents.

Mayor Park referred Council to the City Attorney’s memorandum dated April 26, 2016 and includes a draft resolution. She advised that the City Forester had agreed to be appointed as the City’s GreenStep coordinator.

Attorney Kuntz reviewed the five (5) best practices that the City had already accomplished and noted that the resolution would include the names of the City Forester and Shari Hansen, Master Recycler, to serve as the program coordinators. He advised that not all the best practices would pertain to Sunfish Lake, but the City Forester could identify additional items for Council review and to proceed through the program.

Mayor Park noted that the Alternative Energy Ordinance would reviewed for adoption later this evening and may qualify as a best practice. She explained that by adopting the ordinance, the City would be recognized at the League of Minnesota Cities conference in June.

Councilmember Williams asked if adopting the first item listed on page 2 of the Attorney’s memorandum, a subsurface sewage treatment system ordinance, would prohibit well and septic systems in the City.

Attorney Kuntz responded no and explained that by adopting the ordinance the City is in conformance with the Minnesota Counties model ordinance. He noted that there are five (5) best practices identified which should move the City to Step 2 of the process and that adoption of the Alternative Energy Ordinance would also move the City forward in the program.

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

Councilmember Bulach moved to adopt Resolution No. 16-12 titled, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF SUNFISH LAKE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MINNESOTA GREENSTEP CITIES PROGRAM and appointing City Forester Jim Nayes and Master Recycler Shari Hansen as the program coordinators, seconded by Councilmember Wahlstrom and carried. (5-0)

6. PLANNING COMMISSION/PLANNER’S REPORT: a. Consider Adoption of Ordinance Amendment Relating to Fees for Planning Applications: Planner Grittman referred Council to the draft ordinance amendment relating to an increase in fees for planning applications. He explained that this item had been discussed by the Planning Commission and by Council and the Commission at the Special Joint Council/Planning meeting. He advised that the recent applications have required a more complex review process and Council directed staff to review the applications and determine if any items could be removed from the process to lower the fees.

The Planner stated that staff does not recommend removing any steps from the application process at this time and also recommends approval of the fee increase to more closely reflect the actual costs and staff time to process the applications. He commented that having all staff members involved in the initial application review may save the applicants from increased costs as the application proceeds through the Planning Commission and Council review.

Mayor Park asked what the Planner foresees as an educational procedure to inform citizens of the fee increase.

Planner Grittman explained that applicants would have to pay the overage costs that the escrow fees do not cover at the current fee rates. He explained that rather than bill an applicant for the overage costs later in the process, the increase fees would assist with eliminating the additional billings.

Mayor Park concurred that an increase of the initial fee to cover costs at the onset may result in a refund from the escrow funds.

The Planner indicated that a refund may occur, but the recommendation was based on the fact that the fee increase more closely reflects the actual cost for staff time to process the application and for follow-up to insure all conditions are met.

Councilmember Williams pointed out that the larger issue may be explaining the cost increase for previous applicants when they request an application for additional work at their residence. He commented that residents need to realize that the application process became more complex with the stormwater regulations and that by including all staff members at the beginning of the process it may reduce additional costs later in the process.

Mayor Park commented that would be a perfect article for the newsletter and she agreed that by having all staff review the application together, any issues that would have caused delays in the past could be dealt with at the beginning of the review

Planner Grittman explained that the process to have all staff review the initial application had already been initiated.

Attorney Kuntz asked if the public hearing for the ordinance was held by the Planning Commission.

Planner Grittman responded yes and that the notice was published as required; he stated that there were no comments from the public at the hearing. He stated that staff recommends the fee for a Minor Site Plan Review and escrow increase from $400 to $1,200 and the fee for a Major Site Plan Review and escrow increase from $1,450 to $3,000.

Mayor Park asked if there were any further questions or comments and there was no response. She stated that the application.

Councilmember Wahlstrom moved to adopt Ordinance No. 2016-02 titled, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1201.10 OF THE SUNFISH LAKE ZONING CODE RELATING TO FEES AND CHARGES FOR LAND USE AND SITE PLAN APPROVALS as recommended by the Planning Commission and staff, seconded by Councilmember Hovey and carried. (5-0)

Councilmember Hovey asked the Planner to send him a copy of the new fee schedule for posting on the City website.

b. Consider Ordinance Pertaining to Alternative Energy Systems: Planner Grittman referred to his report dated April 27, 2016 relating to the proposed Alternative Energy System Ordinance. He explained that per Council direction at their April 5, 2016 meeting he added two small changes to the prposed ordinance;

1. A limit was placed on the total amount of coverage a ground-mounted solar system may have. A ground-mounted may not exceed half of the building footprint which allows property owners to install a ground-mounted system that is proportionate to the principal structure on the property; and,

2. Ground-mounted solar systems are only permitted as a conditional use and an exception was made for systems under 17 sq. ft. to allow smaller standalone solar panels.

Councilmember Hovey asked if a normal standalone panel is 3 ft. x 4 ft. and commented that a 17 sq. ft. should be sufficient for a motorized boat lift.

Planner Grittman agreed and noted the 17 sq. ft. panel is approximately 3-1/4 by 4-1/2 feet. He stated that staff recommends approval of the proposed ordinance with the changes as presented this evening.

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

Councilmember Williams moved to adopt Ordinance No. 2016-03 titled, AN ordinance amending the sunfish lake city code, article XII (Zoning regulations), to establish alternative energy system regulations with the changes discussed by the Planner and included in the ordinance as presented this date, seconded by Councilmember Bulach and carried. (5-0)

b. Planner’s Report: Planner Grittman referred Council to his report dated April 27, 2016 and advised that the Planning Commission reviewed a request for a Major Site Plan and Variance application at 5865 South Robert Trail. He stated the Commission tabled action on the request to allow the applicant time to submit more information on compliance with fire truck access and to provide an updated landscaping plan to show the location for planting nine (9) replacement trees. He advised that the request was to tear down an existing home and rebuild a new home on the site.
The Planner stated that at their May meeting the Planning Commission would review a request for a Minor Site Plan and Variance to add an addition to an existing home at 331 Salem Church Road. He explained the applicants are seeking a variance from the required side-yard setback and the shoreland setback. He noted the existing home sits well within the 200 ft. OHWL setback and well within the 50 ft. side-yard setback and the applicant is request a variance from these requirements. He noted the addition would not be visible from the lakeshore due to trees and vegetation.

Planner Grittman explained that in April, 2015, the resident at 389 Salem Church Road requested a minor site plan and variance and was approved for an addition and deck onto an existing home. He noted that the applicants have not yet started construction as they had not found a builder to suit their needs and are therefore requesting an extension on the approval. He noted that staff may grant a one-year extension if significant progress has not been made on a request and, since no work has been done to date, staff granted a one-year extension on the project to April, 2017.

The Planner further advised that he had discussed a request for a conditional use permit to add a second accessory structure for the property at 55 Salem Church Road, but no formal application had been submitted at this time. He noted the property owner wishes to add a detached garage on the property which currently house a sport court as an accessory structure, and therefore a conditional use permit is required to add a second accessory structure on the site.

Building Inspector Andrejka asked if the proposed home at 5865 South Robert Trail would have aluminum soffits, fascia and siding or if vinyl siding is proposed.

The Planner stated the applicants are proposing to install LP siding, which is not listed in the approved building materials list but had been approved for home construction in the past. He noted that the applicants were asked to bring samples of the siding for the Commission to review.

Councilmember Bulach questioned why this type of siding may be used, but it is not on the list of approved building materials.

Planner Grittman explained that Council may approve other materials not on the building material list and this type of siding has been approved by Council in the past.

Mayor Park asked if LP siding is a vinyl product.

Inspector Andrejka explained that the “LP” stands for the product name, Louisiana Pacific siding.

Councilmember Williams noted that the City has always had a list of approved building materials but new materials are developed over the years and that is why the code allows Council to approve different products on an individual basis.

Inspector Andrejka noted that LP siding is considered a top-of-the-line siding product and it is similar to hardy board siding.

Mayor Park asked that the Planner alert the applicant that Council also wishes to see the siding samples and warranties for the product.

Clerk Iago advised that the Commission also requested the applicant bring samples of the stone that they propose for placement on the home.

The Mayor asked the Planner to tell the applicant that they should also bring samples of the stone to both the Commission and Council for review.

Council thanked the Planner for his report.

7. STAFF REPORTS: a. BUILDING INSPECTOR: Inspector Andrejka stated he issued eleven (11) and closed one (1) permit in April.

Council thanked the Inspector for his report.

b. CITY ENGINEER: Engineering Activities Undertaken in April: A. Spring Load Limits: Engineer Sterna advised the spring load limits were removed in April.

B. Snow Plowing Invoice Resolution: The Engineer stated he is still working to resolve the invoicing issues with the snow plow company.

Councilmember Bulach asked the estimated cost for the plowing.

Engineer Sterna estimated the final cost to be between $8,000 and $10,000 and explained that the total cost for the year would be approximately $12,000.

C. TH 110 Improvement Project for 2017: Engineer Sterna stated he met with St. Paul Regional Water to discuss the possible connection to the watermain on the north side of TH110. He advised that he received approval for the connection to extend the watermain to place hydrants in St. Anne’s Church parking lot and Council should determine if they wish to proceed with the project. He explained that if Council wishes to move forward, St. Paul Regional Water would prepare a joint powers agreement for the project. He also advised that fire emergency response times would be dramatically reduced with the hydrant installation.

The Engineer stated that he could ask MnDOT if they would be willing to absorb the cost for installing a casing pipe across Highway 110 as part of their 2017 project. He noted that if MnDOT agrees to pay for the casing pipe installation, the City has the option to install the hydrants anytime in the future. He further explained that the City would have to reach an agreement with St. Anne’s Church for the hydrant installation and the use of their parking lot as a turn-around for the emergency vehicles.

Councilmember Hovey asked if the Engineer had contacted MnDOT about removal of the power pole at Charlton Road and TH 110.

Engineer Sterna stated he would contact MnDOT to determine if they are planning to bury the power pole.

D. Charlton Road Improvements Discussion: The Engineer advised that an Open House meeting was set for May 11 at 7:00 p.m. at the Mendota Heights Fire Department to discuss options and gather input from residents on potential improvements along Charlton Road and to also discuss financing options. He stated that he would prepare handouts that show cost comparisons for maintenance of Charlton Road versus other City roads as requested. He noted that he worked with the City Attorney to prepare financing options for improvements. He indicated that obtaining easements along the road would be one of the main issues for discussion at the meeting.

E. 2017 City Improvement Project Discussion: Engineer Sterna stated that the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) called for the reclamation and repaving of the eastern section of Salem Church Road from Roanoke Road to TH 3 and includes an overlay on Roanoke Road. He advised that the project was original scheduled for 2021, but the road has shown rapid deterioration and he recommended moving the project to 2017, with assessments scheduled for 2018.

The Engineer explained the steps to proceed with the project as follows; 1. Direct the engineer to prepare a feasibility report; 2, Conduct a public hearing to receive citizen input; 3. Receive Council authorization to prepare plans and specifications for the project; and, 4. Conduct a public hearing on assessments for the project. He advised that if Council wishes to stay on target for moving the project forward this fall, they should consider authorizing the expenditure of $7,250 for the engineer to prepare a feasibility report. He stated that funds were included in the 2016 budget for this purpose.

Attorney Kuntz asked if the project cost included any right-of-way acquisition and if the project would be scheduled for spring 2017.

The Engineer stated that no right-of-way acquisition costs are included and that the project would begin in the spring of 2017 pending Council approval this fall. He stated that the project would be completed in approximately one month.

Mayor Park recalled that Engineer Sterna had discussed challenges with the assessments for the project.

Engineer Sterna agreed and noted that many of the homes do not have direct access to Salem Church Road as they are located on private roads; he commented that in hind-sight it may have been wise to complete the road improvements along Salem Church Road all at the same time. He pointed out that one of the homes has the potential to be assessed for the third time with this project.

Mayor Park asked if Salem Court and Salem Lane would be included in the assessments.

The Engineer responded yes and advised that any home that is accessed from Salem Church Road would be included in the assessments. He noted that none of the property owners on Roanoke Road were assessed previously for the first portion of Salem Church Road therefore, they would have two assessments for the project. He pointed out that Windy Hill Road and Windy Hill Court were assessed when the west section of the road was improved.

Engineer Sterna advised that the estimate project cost is $286,000 and 15 parcels are slated for assessments. He stated that the estimated assessment per parcel would be approximately $5,500.

Mayor Park commented that in her opinion that was a reasonable assessment amount and noted that the cost per parcel for the Windy Hill improvement project was $6,500 per parcel and Angell Road was $4,500 per parcel.

Engineer Sterna reviewed how the adopted assessment policy works and how it applies to road improvements based on the road designation.

Councilmember Bulach asked if Roanoke Road needs to be included in the improvement at this time.

Engineer Sterna responded yes and explained that if the overlay is not done at this time the road may require a full reclamation project which is more expensive. He explained that in his opinion it would be wise to finish Salem Church Road at this time since it would only require maintenance for a number of years forward. He explained that Council may have some options for financing the project that could be researched and discussed at the June meeting, but that it would be wise to keep the project moving forward.

Councilmember Bulach stated that in his opinion the road needs to be repaired. Councilmember Hovey agreed and commented that the longer the City waits the more expensive the project becomes.

Mayor Park asked what action is requested this evening.

The Engineer requested that Council authorize the preparation of the feasibility report.

Councilmember Bulach moved to authorize the City Engineer to prepare a feasibility report for the 2017 Road Improvement Project which includes reconstruction of the easterly section of Salem Church Road and overlay on Roanoke Road at an estimated cost of $7,250, seconded by Councilmember Wahlstrom and carried (5-0)

Attorney Kuntz noted that the CIP slotted this project for 2021 to coincide with final payment of the bonds. He suggested that the City Treasurer calculate the tax impact for the years 2018 thru 2021 to show Council how the project would impact the budget.

Treasurer Lanoue explained that she could contact the City’s Municipal Advisor to determine if the bond schedule could be accelerated to lessen the impact on the tax levy.

Engineer Sterna explained that the project costs are shown in step increments as the project proceeds, therefore Council has the option to stop the project at any time if necessary.

F. Building and Site Reviews: The Engineer stated he had one pre-application meeting for a future project, one minor plan review and one major plan review re-submission.

Public Works Activities Undertaken in the Month of April: A. 2016 Crack Seal and Seal Coat Project: Engineer Sterna explained that he sent out four (4) requests for quotes for the crack seal and seal coat project which includes restriping a section of the roadway. He advised that the two quotes were received and the low bidder was Allied Blacktop Company in the amount of $33,060.00. He recommended awarding the bid to Allied Blacktop.

Councilmember Bulach asked if the City had used this company before and the Engineer responded yes.

Mayor Park asked if the City is required to take the lowest bid.

The Engineer stated that the City is not required to take the lowest bid, however, the City would have to find a valid reason not to do so. He explained that $4,500 would be used for restriping the road and that $27,000 was established for the seal coat and crack sealing for a total cost estimate of $311,500. He noted that it was a mild winter and recommended that the seal coating be completed from Delaware Avenue to Roanoke Road. He suggested that Council authorize an expenditure not to exceed $36,000 for this purpose as some overages may occur. He noted that his April 27, 2016 memorandum recommended $37,000, however, he wished to revise that figure to $36,000.

Mayor Park asked if the money saved from snow plowing could be used and the Engineer responded yes.

Councilmember Bulach moved to award the 2016 Crack Seal and Seal Coat Project to Allied Blacktop Company in an amount not to exceed $36,000, seconded by Councilmember Hovey and carried. (5-0)

B. Street Sweeping: The Engineer stated Mike McPhillips, Inc. completed the street sweeping which totaled $1,475.00.

Anticipated Engineering and Public Works Activities for May: A. Charlton Road Potential Improvements: The Engineer stated that further work on Charlton Road will depend on the outcome of the open hose meeting.

Councilmember Hovey asked if the Engineer had the cracks on the north end of Charlton Road repaired.

Engineer Sterna responded yes and explained that Pine Bend Paving had done the work. He stated that he would have Charlton Road graded again.

Councilmember Hovey suggested that it may be more appropriate to install a concrete apron in that area.

Engineer Sterna stated he would review the costs to do so.

B. TH 110 Improvement Project for 2017: The Engineer stated he would continue to communicate with MnDOT and noted that any final plan modifications would have to be resolved soon in order to be incorporated into the final plans.

C. 2016-2020 CIP Update: The Engineer stated he would present the draft 2017-2021 CIP at the June meeting.

Council thanked the Engineer for his report.

c. CITY FORESTER: Forester Nayes stated he did not issue any burning permits in April. He advised that he mailed out the Annual Forestry newsletter on April 12. He stated that the Tree Board met at the Bancroft’s home on April 21 and the board agreed to prepare and seed up to four additional native wildflower plantings along Salem Church Road this summer. He stated he met with an Eagle Scout regarding a project for Musser Park which includes bluebird houses and rustic benches being placed near the interior meadow trail this fall. He noted that he would review the project with the Land Trust to insure it is allowed.

Forester Nayes advised that the level of Horseshoe Lake is at the outlet and Sunfish Lake is over the outlet. He stated there are trees left over from the Abor Day event and that interested residents may contact him.

Council thanked the Forester for his report.

d. PUBLIC SAFETY: Chief Shaver reviewed his report dated April 26, 2017 and advised there were two (2) false alarms,

Mayor Park suggested that the next issue of the newsletter include a reminder about the costs for excessive false alarms as some residents have contacted her regarding this matter.

Council thanked the Chief for his report.

8. NEW/OTHER BUSINESS: a. Information on LMRWMO Grants: Councilmember Williams explained that there are grant monies available for storm water treatment or water quality projects and asked the City Engineer if he could identify and projects in the City that may qualify.

Engineer Sterna explained that because Sunfish Lake is a more captive community and has no larger land areas with runoff issues, in his opinion there are no projects that would qualify for grant monies.

Mayor Park thanked Councilmember Williams for the information.

B. Other: Mayor Park asked if there was any further business and there was no response.

9. ADJOURN: Councilmember Bulach moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 p.m. seconded by Councilmember Hovey and carried (5-0)

____________________________ ________________________________

Catherine Iago, City Clerk Molly Park, Mayor