SUNFISH LAKE CITY COUNCIL MEETING – OCTOBER 5, 2010
7:00 P.M. - ST. ANNE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Attendants:
Mayor: Molly Park
Councilmembers: Judy MacManus and Richard Williams.
City Attorney: Tim Kuntz and Darcy Erickson
City Building Official: Russ Wahl
City Forester: Jim Nayes
City Planner: Carie Fuhrman
City Engineer: Tim Hanson
City Treasurer: Mike Blair
City Clerk: Cathy Iago
Police Chief: Manila Shaver
Officer Matt Muellner
and Members of the General Public.
Councilmember Cathy DeCourcy was absent. Councilmember Roger Conant arrived at 8:15 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Molly 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 and there was no response.
Councilmember MacManus moved approval of the Agenda, seconded by Councilmember Williams and carried. (3-0)
3. CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor Park asked if there were any other questions or comments relating to any items on the Consent Agenda.
Councilmember MacManus pointed out a minor correction to page 7 of the September 7 Council minutes; she explained that the wording in the motion was incorrect and that the word “aware” should be changed to “award” for the 2010 Shoulder Repair Contract. Clerk Iago stated she would make the correction.
Councilmember MacManus questioned the Forester expenditure of $200 to the Plant Disease Clinic. Forester Nayes pointed out that the test samples were relevant to identifying Oat Wilt.
Councilmember MacManus referred to the Cash Flow Chart in relation to the Building Inspector and questioned the discrepancy; she noted that last year was higher. Treasurer Blair explained that the $10,800 was budgeted and that 80 percent of the income is paid to the Inspector.
Councilmember Williams commented that this is basically a pass-thru item. The Treasurer advised that it is not necessarily a pass-thru item; however, the City does not lose any money. He explained that the permit income was earned last year, but paid this year.
Councilmember MacManus expressed concern that the City spent $40,000 for snow removal last year and only budgeted $30,000 for 2010. Treasurer Blair explained that the costs are estimated and last year was unusually high due to the amount of snow. Councilmember Williams pointed out that it is also a timing issue dependent upon whether or not the snow fall occurs in December or after the first of the year.
Councilmember MacManus thanked staff for the explanations.
Mayor Park asked if there were any further comments or questions and there was no response.
Councilmember Williams moved to approve the Consent Agenda with the correction to page 7 of the September 7, 2010 minutes, seconded by Councilmember MacManus and carried. (3-0)
a. Regular Council meeting minutes of September 7, 2010.
b. List of Bills
c. Monthly Financials
4. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: Lynette Olson, 2180 Charlton Road, expressed concern regarding the fact that no notice posted on the City website for the recent Candidate Forum that was televised on the local cable channel. She noted that the matter has since been rectified with the dates for the re-play of the forum and thanked the Website Manager Mike Hovey. She commented that someone should have been more proactive in providing this information to residents.
Councilmember Williams commented that the program will be replayed on the local cable channel for residents on several occasions prior to the election.
Ms. Olson further advised that she had sent an email to the entire Council and received only three responses; one response was “it is not my department, contact someone else” and two never responded.
Councilmember Williams stated he does not recall receiving an email from Ms. Olson. Councilmember MacManus indicated she did receive an email.
Ms. Olson also expressed her apprehension with having the permission slip for fishing on the lake on the City website; she explained that she is not familiar with all the residents around the lake and she does not believe it is wise to post the permission slip on the website for anyone to use.
Mayor Park asked Chief Shaver to respond. Chief Shaver pointed out that there have been no problems with anyone forging signatures on the permission slips and that the police call to check with the residents who have granted permission.
Ms. Olson explained that she also patrols the lake and she would not know if a new resident provided permission for someone to fish; she commented that anyone could print the slip and could find the name of a resident on the lake from the Dakota County website.
Chief Shaver assured Ms. Olson that the Police Department does follow-up and confirm that permission has been granted to anyone displaying a permission slip; he noted that forgery has not been an issue to date.
Councilmember Williams asked Ms. Olson to provide her email address and stated he would check for her email.
Tom Schlehuber stated that in July he submitted a complaint on the condition of the property at 10 Acorn Drive relating to trash, newspapers piling up, long grass and the house in disrepair. He advised that he contacted the City Forester and Planner Laurie Smith. He commented that he believes Planner Smith sent a notice to the owner in July; however, nothing has been done to correct the problems. He stated the grass has not been cut all summer and now leaves are piling up in the driveway. He asked if Council has some method to contact the owner to clean-up the property.
Councilmember Williams agreed and noted that the condition of the property also affects his property and other neighbors. He noted that one neighbor made an attempt to contact the property owner, but received no response and advised that other neighbors have also attempted to reach the owner.
Mr. Schlehuber pointed out that the 2.5 acre parcel also contains approximately 90 percent Buckthorn. He noted that others in the neighborhood are attempting to control the spread of Buckthorn, but the berries from this parcel are spreading to adjacent properties.
Mayor Park asked the City Attorney if the City has any recourse under the current ordinance.
Attorney Kuntz explained that under the City’s Nuisance Ordinance the property could be cited for trash or rodents; he suggested that staff review the condition of the parcel. He pointed out that there appears to be a problem with contacting the property owner.
Planner Fuhrman advised that Planner Smith sent a letter to the property owner, but did not receive a response. She offered to work with the City Attorney regarding options to resolve the matter.
Mayor Park questioned if the current code contains some method for the City to clean-up the parcel and bill the owner for the costs. Attorney Kuntz responded that under the current ordinance there is no such provision.
Councilmember Williams asked if the ordinance could be amended to include a process for clean-up and billing the costs to the resident.
Attorney Kuntz responded yes, however, he noted that the City would have to develop a process to follow prior to imposing a fine. He suggested that the Planner review the matter and report back to Council.
Councilmember MacManus questioned if there are any State or County regulations that may apply.
Tom Schlehuber asked if a fine could be imposed.
Attorney Kuntz indicated that if the property is found to be a nuisance under the current ordinance, a fine could be imposed.
Mayor Park suggested that the Planner research the matter and report back to Council at the November meeting. She asked if there were any further comments and there was no response.
5. PUBLIC HEARING/PRESENTATION: Holly Divine, Co-Chair of the Environmental Commission was present and distributed a report on the activities of the commission. She advised that she Co-Chairs the commission with Councilmember MacManus and that Commissioner Tom Schlehuber was also present this evening.
Ms. Divine reported that she attended the Small Communities Solid Waste meetings with Clerk Iago and that the group discussed the 2011 Funding Application. She explained that the funds received may be used for activities that supplement the County’s efforts towards meeting the Master Plan outcome and to offer and promote recycling to residents. She noted that Dakota County landfills have a 5-7 year life cycle remaining and that the County will be enforcing the rule of recycling. She pointed out that trash haulers are not mandated to recycle and that is why it is important for residents to do so.
Ms. Divine explained that Rebecca Kulas, Dakota County Environmental Management Specialist, has advised that there are numerous informational resources available from the County for cities to use to promote recycling; the County also provides free recycling bins to residents and businesses. She advised that these recycling informational materials would be a useful tool and bins could be handed out to residents in conjunction with the Arbor Day activities.
Holly stated that the Sunfish Lake Green tab on the website should be completed within the next month and will provide useful links and images from Dakota County. She further explained that she has volunteered to work with Clerk Iago to continue the Sunfish Lake Quarterly until such time as an editor can be found. She noted that the publication includes helpful tips relating to recycling and composting and will continue to promote both.
Councilmember MacManus asked if the $1,100 grant money is the same the City has received in past years and if the money could be used for publishing the Quarterly. Councilmember Williams responded yes.
Mayor Park explained that she had placed a notice in the last issue of the Quarterly asking for volunteers.
Councilmember MacManus suggested also placing a notice on the website and Mike Hovey stated he would do so.
Clerk Iago explained that she and Holly would attempt to keep the Quarterly published until a volunteer comes forward.
Tom Mattaini asked if the City is considering limiting trash pick-up to only one hauler. Councilmember Williams explained that the staff recently completed a study on the issues and found it would be difficult to limit the haulers.
Clerk Iago advised that Rebecca Kulas from Dakota County recommended that neighborhoods get together to contract with only one hauler; she explained that it is easier for residents to limit the hauler by contract with only one than it is for the City to limit the number. She also pointed out that it may also result in a cost-savings for the residents.
Attorney Kuntz asked if a staff member is completing the funding application and Clerk Iago responded that she is working on the document.
Council thanked Ms. Divine for the report.
6. PLANNING COMMISSION/PLANNER’S REPORT: a) Planning Report: Planner Fuhrman referred to her report dated September 30, 2010. She stated that she met with the Engineer and Building Inspector to discuss final completion of the construction project at 348 Salem Church Road. She explained the project involved an in-ground swimming pool, pool house and addition to the detached garage. Staff surveyed the site and found all improvements to be consistent with approved plans, except for two minor Building Code issues. She advised that Inspector Wahl will conduct one final inspection before issuing a Certificate of Occupancy.
The Planner stated that the Larson’s at 11 Salem Lane were granted approval of a minor review for replacement of an existing paved sports area and landscaping work in the rear yard of their home.
Planner Fuhrman explained that a complaint was received regarding concrete work done in the rear yard of the property at 25 Sunnyside Lane. She explained the Building Official reviewed the property and discussed that a poured concrete fire pit was placed between the home and the lake without prior City approval. She advised a letter was sent to the property owner and that she has had a few conversations with the owner regarding the matter. She noted that further action is pending resolution of a City Code interpretation question.
Mayor Park asked if a fine would be imposed. Planner Fuhrman explained that she is unsure at this time and will report back to Council.
The Planner advised that the September Planning Commission meeting was cancelled due to lack of agenda items; she reported that no new planning or zoning applications have been received to date and, therefore, she would also be cancelling the October Planning Commission meeting.
Council thanked the Planner for her report.
b) Consider Resolution Authorizing Participation in the Metropolitan Livable Communities Act (LCA) Local Housing Incentives Account Program: Planner Fuhrman explained that the City currently participates in the program and that participation is voluntary. She noted that this program provides the City with opportunities to compete for grants and loans to support activities that help the City meet its affordable and life cycle housing goals, clean up polluted sites, and support demonstration projects lining jobs, housing and transit.
The Planner advised that the City was not assigned a share of the region’s affordable housing needs in the recent Comprehensive Plan update, therefore, the Met Council’s calculated goal for new affordable housing and life cycle housing for the City through 2020 is zero. She advised that state legislation for the LCA requires that the Met Council distribute funds to municipalities that have not met their affordable housing and life-cycle housing goals and obviously, a goal of zero means the City’s goal has been met. She stated that if the City wishes to continue its participation in the Livable Communities Act, it must choose to establish some kind of goals that exceeds zero and pass a resolution that incorporates new affordable and life-cycle housing goal ranges.
Planner Fuhrman explained that she spoke to the program manager at the Met Council who made suggestions for possible goal ranges. She noted that if the City chooses to continue its participation, the City must develop a Housing Action Plan before December 1, 2010 outlining the steps that will be taken to meets these goals.
In conclusion, the Planner advised that if the Council chooses to participate they should adopt the resolution electing to continue to participate, and if they do not choose to continue to participate, staff will relay that information to the Met Council.
Councilmember MacManus asked if it would be problematic for the City if Council chooses not to participate and pointed out that Sunfish Lake has never qualified for grants.
Planner Fuhrman explained that the funding is offered to those who have not met their goal and since the City’s goal was zero it was always met.
Councilmember MacManus questioned if there would be repercussions if the City does not choose to participate and the Planner responded no.
Councilmember Williams pointed out that the City would not meet goals for affordable housing without sewer and water availability and that most of the properties exceed the affordable housing status.
Mayor Park recalled that in the past the City had given funds through the CDA to assist another city in meeting their goals and asked if that type of funding could be used if goals were established.
Attorney Kuntz agreed that in the past the City took a regional approach to meeting goals and redirected funds to the County through the CDA. He suggested that the Planner research this approach to see if it is still an option.
Mayor Park noted that there is a deadline for submission and suggested the Planner research the matter for Council review in November.
Attorney Kuntz suggested the Planner ask if the opportunity still exists to support a County-wide plan and allow the County to act on the City’s behalf to meet any goals set by Council.
Council concurred and directed the Planner to research the matter and report at the November meeting.
7. INSPECTOR’S REPORTS:
a. Building Inspector: Inspector Wahl stated he conducted ten (10) inspections and issued six (6) building permits in September. He reported that Mr. Dobrantz had passed away and explained there are some concerns with the Dobrantz property that he is currently reviewing with staff.
Henry Hovey asked Council to observe a moment of silence in memory of Ray Dobrantz.
Mayor Park asked those present to observe a moment of silence for Mr. Dobrantz
Council thanked the Inspector for his report.
b. City Engineer: Salem Church Road Reconstruction: Engineer Hanson stated the project final punch list has been partially completed and that the shoulder repairs remain.
Musser Park: The Engineer explained that staff has not received a response from Minnesota Land Trust regarding the request to construct a parking lot in Musser Park.
Shoulder Repairs: Engineer Hanson stated that the shoulder repair work included re-grading, placing shouldering material and removal of excess material. He explained that restoration was completed on Salem Church Road, Windy Hill Road, Grieve Glen Lane, Angell Road, Sunny Side Lane and 55th Street West by Pine Bend Paving.
Culvert Inspections: Engineer Hanson explained that the culvert inspections are conducted annually as a requirement of the SWWP plan. He advised that he has inspected most of the culverts and found them generally to be in good conditions. He noted that on Angell Road he found a corrugated metal pipe corroding which will require either replacement or a new lining in the existing pipe. He advised that lining the existing pipe would not disturb the road, however it would be expensive. He stated the repairs could be done this fall or next spring and that he would report on the matter at the November meeting.
Public Works Activites Undertaken in the Month of September: Charlton Road Maintenance: Charlton Road was bladed for roughness.
Anticipated Engineer Activities for the Month of October:
- Obtain Quotes for 2010-2011 snow removal
- Grading Charlton Road
- Develop plans and specification for culvert replacement (relining)
Mayor Park explained that the Minnesota Land Trust sent a representative to conduct the annual inspection of Musser Park, but nothing has been received regarding the access issue.
Councilmember Williams recalled that Council determined the access could be placed in the right-of-way if permission was not received from the Land Trust.
Engineer Hanson agreed that is still an option. He pointed out that Council wished to hear from the Land Trust prior to making a final determination for placement for the access.
Council thanked the Engineer for his report.
- CITY FORESTER: Forester Nayes reported he issued one (1) Burning Permit in September and tested four (4) Oak Wilt samples; he found three samples of Red Oak to be positive and one sample of Burr Oak to be negative.
The Forester stated that he notified the residents of Purple Loose Strife on their property and that they had taken care of the problem.
Council thanked the Forester for his report. - PUBLIC SAFETY: Chief Shaver explained that police responded to a suspicious circumstance call at the Dobrantz property and found nothing suspicious. He noted that the County coroner was called for the death of Mr. Dobranz and upon entering the property some housing concerns were identified; he stated is working with the Building Inspector regarding these concerns and will report to Council at a future meeting.
The Chief advised that the Criminal Sexual Contact call listed on his report was from a young lady who took a cab home from a wedding reception; he noted that the cab driver drove her to Sunfish Lake where the incident occurred. He stated that she worked with the department to find the driver. He also noted that the West St. Paul Police Department Investigation Division had received an award for their work.
Mayor Park asked if the Chief would report on the Dobrantz property in November and Chief Shaver responded that he would check with the City Attorney prior to presenting a report to Council.
Henry Hovey commented that in 1952 a bomber aircraft crashed in Sunfish Lake and Ray Dobrantz was severely burned attempting to rescue its occupants.
Council thanked Chief Shaver for his report.
8. NEW/OTHER BUSINESS:
a. Consider Proposed Septic System Ordinance Amendment: Attorney Kuntz explained that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency revised regulations governing septic systems and state law requires that the City adopt the Dakota County ordinance or a stricter ordinance within one year of the adoption of the County ordinance. He advised that the deadline for adoption of the ordinance is November 17, 2010; therefore, Council will need to adopt the ordinance at their November meeting.
The Attorney explained that the proposed ordinance is very detailed, but largely mirrors Dakota County’s septic ordinance. He advised the most significant differences between the two ordinances are the City’s imposition of effluent screen standards and a compliance inspection to determine whether an existing septic system is adequately sized to accommodate a bedroom addition. He noted that if the system is inadequate to accommodate a bedroom addition, it must be upgraded prior to occupancy of the bedroom.
Attorney Kuntz stated the ordinance requires pumping every two (2) years, while the County ordinance requires pumping every three (3) years. He noted the City has a history of being more restrictive in this regard. He explained that the City has an option to contract with the County to administer the pumping program; however, the City Clerk recommends keeping the administration of the program in-house in order to insure compliance.
The Attorney explained that the Septic Inspector has reviewed the proposed ordinance and his suggestions have been incorporated into the document. He noted that many of the provisions are technical in nature and offered to respond to questions from Council.
Councilmember Williams stated he had read the document and questioned the permit registration and duration period. He commented that it appears to require existing systems must have a permit issued by December 31 of this year.
Attorney Kuntz referred to page 6 of the existing ordinance and explained that the ordinance was adopted in 1996 and all systems were to be brought into compliance by December 31, 1997; he advised the approach taken by the City to maintain compliance was that the permit remains active unless pumping does not occur.
Councilmember Williams questioned the requirements for the renewal of a permit and if the permit would be renewed without fee if pumping occurs. Attorney Kuntz responded yes.
Mayor Park questioned if the cycle for pumping is on a two year basis for all properties. Attorney Erickson responded that if a resident has an existing permit it would be possible to have all properties on an every other year two-year cycle.
Councilmember Williams noted that the Met Council requires 100 percent compliance with the pumping and asked if the City could pump a system and assess the property owner.
Attorney Kuntz responded that on page 35 of the proposed ordinance there is an abatement process included which provides for an assessment to be imposed if the property owners fail to abate a public health nuisance within the specified timeframe.
Mayor Park pointed out that the City has an excellent record of compliance with the septic systems. She asked if any formal action is required this evening.
Attorney Kuntz responded no and advised that the document would be sent to the MPCA for review and comment prior to being adopted by Council; he advised that the matter would be placed on the November Council agenda for formal action.
Council thanked the Attorneys for their presentation.
Councilmember Conant arrived at 8:15 p.m.
b. Consider Contract with Metro Bowhunters Association: Attorney Kuntz reviewed the discussion by Council at their September meeting relating to authorizing a contract with the Metro Bowunters Resource Base, Inc. to conduct a deer hunt event both on public and private property during the regular 2010 deer hunting season. He stated that Council directed staff to prepare a contract for review and outlined the provisions as listed in his report dated October 5, 2010.
The Attorney pointed out that in provision No. 9, he had listed Councilmember Williams and Officer Matt Muellner as the Council and City liaisons that would grant approval if the proposed private land is in fact an eligible area for hunting. He explained that this was inserted because Council meets only once a month and the determination as to whether or not an area should be used for hunting may have to be made prior to the meeting date. He further advised that for safety purposes, he incorporated the “Hunt Rules” into the contract restrictions for hunting conducted on private land.
Mayor Park pointed out that holidays such as Halloween and Thanksgiving are included and questioned if the days children are out of school for the MEA teachers training are also included. Attorney Kuntz responded that the MEA days are not included at this time, but they could be added.
Councilmember MacManus commented that she received calls from residents regarding this matter due to the unfortunate article published in the Star Tribune with misinformation about what actually occurred at the last meeting. She indicated she is having second thoughts regarding the fact that the contract does not require any posting for hunting on private property. She also indicated that in her opinion the approval for hunting on private land should come before Council.
Mayor Park explained that she invited the Star Tribune reporter to attend the meeting this evening so that the information could be clarified.
Councilmember Williams pointed out that the general consensus at the last meeting was to authorize the hunt to cull the herd rather than to allow a hunting season for residents He noted that Council had the authority to allow hunting on private property with permission of the owner, however, the City Attorney recommended that the City retain the right to hunt on private land so that Council may control when, where and who hunts within the City and also make a determination if the property is suitable for hunting. He agreed with Councilmember MacManus that posting should occur on private property as well as public property.
Mayor Park asked how posting of private land would be accomplished. Officer Muellner explained that if there are four properties that are being used for hunting, each of the property owners would have knowledge of the times and dates of the hunt. He advised that posting could occur at each corner of the properties during the hunting times.
Councilmember Williams pointed out that neighbors may not be aware of the hunting times and dates; he asked if the property owners would post the information or the City.
Officer Muellner stated the City could post the signs in case someone would wander near the area. He offered to prepare some laminated signage for posting on private land.
Chief Shaver pointed out that bow hunting is somewhat different than hunting with a firearm.
Councilmember Williams moved to require residents that allow hunting on their property to post signage with the dates and times the hunt will occur.
In discussion, Councilmember Conant offered a friendly amendment to the motion to allow the Metro Bowhunters to post the signs on private property rather than the property owners.
Councilmember Williams agreed and moved to amend the motion to read as follows: to be considered an eligible area for hunting, the landowner must post or agree to have the Metro Bowhunters Resource, Inc. post the property to be used for hunting with directives as stated by the City and Council liaisons and that the posting must occur 12 hours prior to the hunt, seconded by Councilmember Conant.
Councilmember Conant noted that on the north end of Sunfish Lake there may not be sufficient distances to meet the 200 ft. provision from the end of a driveway; he questioned if this would preclude hunting in this area.
Attorney Kuntz responded no and explained that the owner of the land closest to the driveway would have to grant permission.
Mayor Park asked how the measurements would be taken. Officer Muellner responded that a range finder is used.
Councilmember Williams suggested that if property owners are interested in hunting on their land, there should be some type of documented permission submitted to the city.
Chief Shaver suggested that Council authorize a reasonable fee to cover the costs of posting private land; he stated that in his opinion the volunteers should not have to pay for the signs.
Mayor Park asked for an estimate to prepare the signs and questioned if the City should pay the costs.
Chief Shaver indicated that the signs could be made for approximately $50.00.
Treasurer Blair explained that the City has a $400.00 budget for deer management.
Mayor Park asked the City Attorney if Council would be voting to conduct the deer hunt if the motion on the table is passed. Attorney Kuntz responded no and explained that the motion merely amends the conditions of the document.
Councilmember Conant called the question.
Motion as amended carried. (4-0)
Councilmember Conant moved to authorize the expenditure to purchase signs for posting the deer hunting occasions on private property, seconded by Councilmember Williams and carried. (4-0)
Attorney Kuntz referred Council to the contract and resolution which would approve the agreement with the Metro Bowhunters and authorize the hunting.
Councilmember Williams questioned the contract extending through December 31, 2010. Officer Muellner explained that it provides flexibility for the hunters in the event hunting only occurs in Musser Park and not on private land.
Mayor Park noted the limit of 25 deer and asked if the hunt would cease when that number is obtained. Officer Muellner responded yes.
Mayor Park asked if there were any further questions from Council or the audience.
Tom Mattaini asked if they would be baiting the deer. Officer Muellner responded no.
Mr. Mattaini recalled when Tim Stoddard ran a program in the past that allowed residents to hunt and questioned why residents are no longer able to hunt on their own land.
Mayor Park explained that Mr. Stoddard no longer lives in the City.
Councilmember Williams advised that the past few years Council did not authorize deer hunting within the City and the size of the deer population increased. He stated that last year Council authorized an out-of-season hunt with the Metro Bowhunters to cull the herd and that it was not as successful as expected. He explained Council is authorizing the hunt during the regular season this year with the volunteers that are professional hunters. He stated that the City decided it would be difficult to determine if residents are experienced hunters and therefore, it would be appropriate to use the volunteer professional hunters to conduct the culling of the herd.
Mr. Mattaini commented that there should be no reason to shoot an antlered deer during the hunt if the purpose is to cull the herd.
Councilmember Williams agreed and commented that the volunteer hunters are not hunting for trophy purposes.
Attorney Kuntz asked Council for clarification on the issue of whether or not the hunt should include only female deer. He pointed out that although it was discussed at the September meeting, the motion did not specify if only female deer should be taken. He explained that the proposed contract specifies that from October 17 to November 20 only female deer could be taken and after November 20 any deer could be taken.
Councilmember Williams recalled that Councilmember DeCourcy had raised the issue that she did not want any antlered deer to be taken during the hunt and that it was his understanding she only agreed to the hunt because no antlered deer would be taken.
Holly Divine stated that in her opinion Council should cull the deer herd because they are over-populated and not just because they are eating plants and shrubs.
Mayor Park asked the Attorney to define what actions should be taken this evening.
Attorney Kuntz stated that some issues were raised this evening and should be addressed prior to formal action;
1) Posting of signs on Private Property – Council authorized the posting and paying the costs for the signs.
2) Determining Council and City Liaison – Council needs to appoint; Recommend Councilmember Williams and
Officer Muellner
3) Exclude hunting on MEA days – Council agreed these days should be excluded from the hunt
4) Gender of deer to be taken – Council needs to determine
5) Clarification limiting the hunting to three days per week per site or only hunt three days per week within the City
and no hunting allowed the remaining four days
Attorney Kuntz suggested that formal motions on the items would be appropriate.
Councilmember Williams moved to authorize the Council and City Liaisons as recommended to determine eligible private parcels of land for hunting purposes and to issue permits for those parcels, seconded by Councilmember Conant and carried. (4-0)
Councilmember Williams moved to exclude the dates for the MEA Teachers Conference for hunting since children will be out-of-school, seconded by Councilmember Conant and carried. (4-0)
Councilmember Williams moved that only antlerless deer be taken during the entire hunting season authorized by Council in the City, seconded by Councilmember MacManus and carried. (Ayes: 3 Williams, MacManus, Park Nayes: 1 Conant)
Attorney Kuntz recommended that Council adopt the resolution approving the contract with the Metro Bowhunters with the amendments and provisions as listed above.|
Councilmember Williams asked Officer Muellner if the Metro Bowhunters would allow participation in the hunt from residents if they are qualified hunters.
Officer Muellner stated he would ask the Metro Bowhunters. Attorney Kuntz pointed out that there may be a problem allowing non-members to hunt due to insurance issues.
Mayor Park asked if there were any further comments or questions and there was no response.
Councilmember Conant moved to adopt Resolution No. 10-15 titled RESOLUTION APPROVING AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF SUNFISH LAKE AND METRO BOWHUNTERS RESOURCE BASE, INC. with the changes as authorized by Council and listed above, seconded by Councilmember Williams and carried. (4-0)
Attorney Kuntz pointed out that the hunting begins on October 17 and suggested that some type of notification should be sent to the community with details of the hunt.
Councilmember MacManus suggested the information be placed on the City website.
Tom Schlehuber suggested emails and recalled the City requested information for an email database. Clerk Iago pointed out that very few residents responded when asked for their email addresses.
Councilmember Williams suggested a mailing to all residents.
After a brief discussion, it was determined that Councilmember Williams will draft a letter to residents with information regarding the hunt and regulations, the Planner will provide the addresses for mailing and the Clerk will mail the letters.
Officer Muellner asked how the volunteers would find out which property owners would be interested in conducting hunting on their land.
Councilmember Williams stated he would include that information in the letter and ask them to contact Officer Muellner if they are interested.
Mayor Park asked if there was any further discussion and there was no response.
c. Consider Resolution Appointing Election Judges for General Election: Clerk Iago explained that State Law requires Council to appoint election judges prior to each election. She recommended adoption of the resolution as presented.
Councilmember Williams moved to adopt Resolution No. 10-16 titled, RESOLUTION APPOINTING ELECTION JUDGES TO SERVE AT THE NOVEMBER 2, 2010 GENERAL ELECTION, seconded by Councilmember MacManus.
Councilmember Conant advised he would abstain because his wife serves as an election judge.
Motion carried. (Ayes: 3-Williams, MacManus, Park; Nayes: 0; Abstain: 1-Conant)
d. Other: Consider Proclamation for Hunger Awareness Day: Mayor Park explained that the Neighbors Inc Food Shelf in South St. Paul had requested Council adopt a Proclamation declaring Wednesday, November 24, 2010 as “Hunger Awareness Day” in the City of Sunfish Lake.
Councilmember Conant questioned if the organization is legitimate and Mayor Park responded yes.
Councilmember Conant moved to adopt the Proclamation Declaring Wednesday, November 24, 2010 as “Hunger Awareness Day” in the City of Sunfish Lake, seconded by Councilmember Williams and carried.
(4-0)
Mayor Park asked if there were any further comments and there was no response.
9. ADJOURN: Mayor Park called for adjournment at 9:10 p.m.
______________________ ___________________________
Molly Park, Mayor Catherine Iago, City Clerk
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.