The Melrose City Council met in a Regular Meeting on Thursday, December 10, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at the Melrose City Center pursuant to due notice being given thereof. Present were Council Members Jenny Mayers, Dick Christenson, Tony Klasen, Josh Thieschafer, Mayor Joe Finken, City Administrator Michael Brethorst, and City Clerk Patti Haase. Mayor Finken presided thereat. Also in attendance were American Government students from the Melrose Area Public High School. The Council then recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
A motion was made by Ms. Mayers, seconded by Mr. Klasen and unanimously carried that the agenda be approved as submitted.
Mayor Vogel then opened the floor to public comment. There were no comments.
a. The minutes from the Council’s November 19 Regular Meeting and the November 19 Special Meeting
b. List of bills in the amount of $147,176.46.
c. List of investments for the month of November.
d. The Council to give consideration to approval of the following tobacco licenses: 1. Coborn’s Inc. Coborn’s Store; 2. Melrose 1 Stop; 3. Casey’s General Store; 4. SPIRITZ Liquor, Inc.; 5. Coborn’s Inc. Coborn’s Liquor; 6. Dollar General; 7. Adium Oil – Petro Plus #101.
Minnesota law requires cities to obtain proof that all license holders provide workers’ comp insurance for their employees. Also, the City must obtain licensees’ social security numbers, and Minnesota and federal tax identification numbers for the Department of Revenue’s use.
Approval of license is contingent upon staff receiving the signed application, all required documentation and the $75 license fee.
The licenses are effective January 1, 2016.
e. Resolution No. 2015-56, Resolution Approving Gambling License to Midwest Outdoors Unlimited Wobegon Partners for an exemption from lawful gambling license to hold a raffle and to sell pull-tabs on January 17, 2015 at the Melrose Legion Club, 265 County Road 173 SE.
A motion was made by Mr. Christenson, seconded by Mr. Klasen and unanimously carried to approve the Consent Agenda as submitted.
a. Police Chief Craig Maus presented the Police Department’s November report. He noted that a total of 22 citations were issued in the month of November. There were 112 verbal warnings and 33 written warnings. Chief Maus stated there were 350 calls for service during this month compared to 164 for November of 2014. The year-to-date number of calls is 2,905 compared to 2,507 in 2014. For the month of November 2015, the Department received 22 agency assist calls. Chief Maus also noted that electricity has been installed at the Rose Park storm shelter.
b. Planning and Development Director Walz reported on the Commission’s October 19 Regular Meeting. The Commission held several Public Hearings: Two pertaining to the Wirtjes property, two pertaining to the rezoning of the mobile home parks, two for Conditional Use Permits for the mobile home park and one for the zoning ordinance amendment. All of these will be addressed later on in the meeting.
c. City Attorney Scott Dymoke reported on projects he has been working on for the City.
• Zoning Ordinance Amendments: Reviewed drafts of proposed amendments to City zoning ordinance and forwarded comments and recommendations to city staff. Prepared ordinances and summaries for Council approval.
• MRES Power Supply Agreement: Attended webinar with City Administrator reviewing changes to the power supply agreement with MRES.
• Community Development: Prepared draft agreement for sale of property to local business seeking to expand its operations.
a. The Council then held a public hearing on the 2016 Budget and Tax Levy. The public hearing is to allow public comment and questions. Finance Director Beuning presented the Truth in Taxation Presentation. Ms. Beuning presented the following information.
At the September 17 meeting, the Council first reviewed the proposed 2016 Budget. The preliminary property tax levied to the County at that time was: General property tax: $964,000; Debt Levy: ; 2008 Fire and Ambulance Station Lease Revenue Bonds: $100,000; 2011A GO Refunding Bonds: $310,000. Total Levy: $1,374,000.
Since that time, the Council and staff have reviewed the budget to determine where cuts could be made or revenues increased in an effort to reduce the property tax levy and arrive at a more balanced budget. Based on those meetings and the cuts proposed, the general levy is proposed to be reduced to $1,346,000, which is $45,000 more than the final 2015 levy of $1,301,000. This increase is due to an increase in debt payments. According to the information received from the County, the proposed tax capacity (net of JOBZ) for the City is estimated at $1,875,727. This will result in an estimated tax capacity rate of 71.76%, which is a slight increase over 2015. The 2015 tax rate was 71.54%, resulting in a tax capacity rate increase of 0.22% from 2015.
According to law, the City now must certify the levy as set in September or it may reduce the levy. It cannot set a levy higher than the proposed levy, which was certified with the County Auditor in September. The proposed general levy of $936,000 plus debt levy of $410,000 results in a total levy of $1,346,000.
The budget and levy to be adopted at the hearing to meet the State law requirements. After the final levies are adopted, they must be certified with the County Auditor prior to December 31.
Mr. Klasen introduced Resolution No. 2015-51, Resolution Adopting the Tax Levy and 2016 Budget. (See attached resolution.) The motion was seconded by Mr. Thiechafer with a roll call vote recorded as follows: For: Council Members Klasen, Thieschafer, Mayers, Christenson, and Mayor Finken; Against: None.
Minnesota Statutes Section 462.356 Subd. 2, which requires that the City’s proposed real property acquisitions and dispositions be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission for compliance with the Comprehensive Plan, also applies to the City’s proposed Capital Improvements. In conformance with this requirement, the Planning and Zoning Commission, at its October 19 meeting, reviewed for written comment to the Council the compliance with the Comprehensive Plan of the proposed 2016 non-equipment related expenditures contained in the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan and Levy Information Years 2016-2020. For reference and comparison, present Year 2015 was also included in the Commission’s review. The Commission determined that the proposed non-equipment related expenditures proposed for Years 2016 is in compliance with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and authorized the Chair’s execution of correspondence to the Council evidencing its findings. A motion was then made by Mr. Christenson, seconded by Ms. Mayers and unanimously carried to adopt the 2016-2020 Five Year Capital Improvement Plan. There was no public input at the public hearing; the hearing was closed at 6:30 p.m.
a. Mayor Finken stated that the Melrose Planning and Zoning Commission, acting as the Board of Adjustments and Appeals, held a Public Hearing on Monday, December 7, 2015 at 6:30 p.m., for the purpose of giving consideration to the request submitted by Trevor and Tania A Wirtjes for a Variance from Section 212.03 Residential Districts/R-2, Moderate Density Residential – Permitted Accessory Uses of City of Melrose Zoning Ordinance No. 1989-1-A, as amended, and adopted by reference as Chapter 153 of the City of Melrose Code of Ordinances which permits accessory uses and buildings in the rear yard and side yard only on residential lots. Section 212.03 makes reference to Section 211.03. Parcel 66.37015.0000 contains an occupied single family residence with an attached garage located at 599 5th Avenue NE; Parcel 66.37014.0000 is vacant. Parcel 66.37014.0000 is the proposed location of the detached accessory structure and since a detached accessory structure cannot be constructed on a parcel without a principal or main structure, Parcel 66.37014.0000 must be attached to Parcel 66.37015.0000 to form a single parcel if this planning request is to receive approval. The Variance request is to allow an accessory use and building to be located one foot in front of the principal structure rather than in the rear yard and side yard only. The Planning and Zoning Commission, at its December 7 meeting, reviewed the variance request and based on the information presented it is their recommendation that the Council approve the request.
Ms. Mayers introduced Resolution No. 2015-52, A Resolution Approving Case No. 2015-101, Variance Request from Trevor and Tania A. Wirtjes to Allow an Accessory Use and Building to be Located One Foot in Front of the Principal Structure Rather than in the Rear Yard and Side Yard Only. The motion was seconded by Mr. Thieschafer with a roll call vote recorded as follows: For: Council Members Mayers, Thieschafer, Klasen, Christenson, and Mayor Finken; Against: None.
b. Director Walz stated that the Melrose Planning and Zoning Commission acting as the Board of Adjustments and Appeals, held a Public Hearing on Monday, December 7, 2015 for the purpose of giving consideration to the request submitted by Trevor and Tania A Wirtjes for a Conditional Use Permit for Parcel 66.37015.0000 and Parcel 66.37014.0000 located at 599 5th Avenue NE. A request for a Variance has also been submitted by Trevor and Tania A Wirtjes to allow an accessory use and building in the front yard versus the rear yard and side yard on said lots. This Public Hearing for the Variance request will be held at 6:30 p.m. immediately prior to the Conditional Use Permit Public Hearing. If granted, the Conditional Use Permit will allow, in accordance with Section 212.04 Residential Districts/R-2, Moderate Density Residential – Uses by Conditional Use Permit which references Section 211.04(4) of City of Melrose Zoning Ordinance No. 1989-1-A, as amended, and adopted by reference as Chapter 153 of the City of Melrose Code of Ordinances, which allows by Conditional Use Permit private garages with door openings greater than nine feet in height. The proposed accessory structure would contain three overhead doors – one at 14’-0” and two at 10’-0” – exceeding the maximum allowed height of 9’-0.” The Planning and Zoning Commission, at its December 7 meeting, reviewed the Conditional Use Permit request and based on the information presented it is their recommendation that the Council approve the request.
Ms. Mayers introduced Resolution No. 2015-53, A Resolution Approving Case No. 2015-400, Conditional Use Permit Request from Trevor and Tania A. Wirtjes to Allow an Accessory Structure With Three Overhead Doors, One at 14’-0” and Two at 10’-0”, Exceeding the Maximum Allowed Height of 9’-0”. The motion was seconded by Mr. Christenson with a roll call vote recorded as follows: For: Council Members Mayers, Christenson, Klasen, Thieschafer, and Mayor Finken; Against: None.
c. Director Walz stated that the Melrose Planning and Zoning Commission also held a Public Hearings on Monday, December 7, 2015 for the purpose of giving consideration for an amendment to the City of Melrose Zoning Ordinance No. 1989-1-A, as amended, and adopted by reference as Chapter 153 of the City of Melrose Code of Ordinances to accommodate a request submitted by the City of Melrose in behalf of Melrose Community LLC for the rezoning of Parcel 66.36939.0010 located at 420 2nd Street SW and a Conditional Use Permit to allow the continuance of the property as a manufactured home park and to accommodate a request submitted by the City of Melrose in behalf of Melrose Mobile Home Park Inc. and Randall G and Hallie Dufner for the rezoning of Parcel 66.36454.0000 and Parcel 66.36455.0020 located at 39254 County Road 13 and Conditional Use Permits to allow the continuance of the property as a manufactured home park.
The submitted request by the City of Melrose in behalf of Melrose Community LLC is to rezone Parcel 66.36939.0010 from its current R-MH, Residential Manufactured/Mobile Home Subdivision zoning to R-1, Residential and issue a Conditional Use Permit to allow the manufactured home park to continue and not become a non-conforming use. This proposed rezoning is a result of MN State Statutes in that cities must allow manufactured homes in residential districts. To this end, in 2010 the City revised zoning regulations to include individual manufactured homes, that otherwise comply with City zoning and building requirements, as a permitted use in the R-1 and R-2 districts and that manufactured home parks, that otherwise comply with City zoning and building requirements, as a conditional use in the R-1, Residential, R-2, Moderate Density Residential and R-3, Multiple-Family Residential Districts.
In addition the submitted request by the City of Melrose in behalf of Melrose Mobile Home Park Inc. and Randall G and Hallie Dufner is to rezone Parcel 66.36454.0000 and Parcel 66.36455.0020 from their current R-MH, Residential Manufactured/Mobile Home Subdivision zoning to R-2, Moderate Density Residential and to issue Conditional Use Permits to allow the manufactured/mobile home park to continue and not become a non-conforming use. This proposed rezoning is a result of MN State Statutes in that cities must allow manufactured/mobile homes in residential districts. To this end, in 2010 the City revised its zoning regulations to include individual manufactured/mobile homes, that otherwise comply with City zoning and building requirements, as a permitted use in the R-1 and R-2 districts and manufactured/mobile home parks, that otherwise comply with City zoning and building requirements, as a conditional use in the R-1, Residential, R-2, Moderate Density Residential and R-3, Multiple-Family Residential Districts. The Planning and Zoning Commission, at its December 7 meeting, reviewed the rezoning requests and based on the information presented it is their recommendation that the Council approve the requests.
Mr. Thieschafer introduced Ordinance No. 12-10-2015-1, An Ordinance Amending City Of Melrose Zoning Ordinance No. 1989-1-A, As Amended,And Adopted By Reference As Chapter 153 of The City of Melrose Code of Ordinances to Rezone Parcel No. 66.36939.0010 Owned By Melrose Community LLC And Parcels No. 66.36454.0000 And No. 66.36455.0020 Owned By Melrose Mobile Home Park Inc. And Randall G And Hallie Dufner From R-MH, Residential Manufactured/Mobile Home Subdivision to R-1, Residential And R-2, Residential. The motion was seconded by Mr. Klasen with a roll call vote recorded as follows: For: Council Members Thieschafer, Klasen, Mayers, Christenson, and Mayor Finken; Against: None.
d. Administrator Brethorst also recommended the Council approve the Official Title and Summary for this Ordinance. A vote to support the summary publication of Ordinance No. 12-10-2015-1 does not constitute support for Ordinance No. 12-10-2015-1 and the actions thereto within said Ordinance.
Ordinance No. 12-10-2015-1 will be available at the Melrose City Center and posted at the Great River Regional Library – Melrose Branch. State Statute requires that approval of the Official Title and Summary by the Council be by a 4/5 vote.
A motion was made by Mr. Christenson to adopt Official Title and Summary, Ordinance No. 12-10-2015-1, An Ordinance Amending City Of Melrose Zoning Ordinance No. 1989-1-A, As Amended, And Adopted By Reference As Chapter 153 of The City of Melrose Code of Ordinances to Rezone Parcel No. 66.36939.0010 Owned By Melrose Community LLC And Parcels No. 66.36454.0000 And No. 66.36455.0020 Owned By Melrose Mobile Home Park Inc. And Randall G And Hallie Dufner From R-MH, Residential Manufactured/Mobile Home Subdivision to R-1, Residential And R-2, Residential.
The motion was seconded by Ms. Mayers with a roll call vote recorded as follows: For: Council Members Christenson, Mayers, Klasen, Thieschafer, and Mayor Finken; Against: None.
e. Director Walz stated that the Melrose Planning and Zoning Commission acting as the Board of Adjustments and Appeals, held a Public Hearing on Monday, December 7, 2015 or the purpose of giving consideration to a request submitted by the City of Melrose in behalf of Melrose Mobile Home Park Inc. and Randall G and Hallie Dufner for Conditional Use Permits to allow the continuance of the property as a manufactured/mobile home park on Parcel 66.36454.0000 and Parcel 66.36455.0020 located at 39254 County Road 13.
The submitted request is to rezone Parcel 66.36454.0000 and Parcel 66.36455.0020 from its current R-MH, Residential Manufactured/Mobile Home Subdivision zoning to R-2, Moderate Density Residential and issue a Conditional Use Permit to allow the manufactured home park to continue and not become a non-conforming use. This proposed rezoning is a result of MN State Statutes in that cities must allow manufactured homes in residential districts. To this end, in 2010 the City revised zoning regulations to include individual manufactured homes, that otherwise comply with City zoning and building requirements, as a permitted use in the R-1 and R-2 districts and that manufactured home parks, that otherwise comply with City zoning and building requirements, as a conditional use in the R-1, Residential, R-2, Moderate Density Residential and R-3, Multiple-Family Residential Districts. If the Council adopts Ordinance No. 12-10-2015-1 An Ordinance Amending City Of Melrose Zoning Ordinance No. 1989-1-A, As Amended,And Adopted By Reference As Chapter 153 of The City of Melrose Code of Ordinances to Rezone Parcel No. 66.36939.0010 Owned By Melrose Community LLC And Parcels No. 66.36454.0000 And No. 66.36455.0020 Owned By Melrose Mobile Home Park Inc. And Randall G And Hallie Dufner From R-MH, Residential Manufactured/Mobile Home Subdivision to R-1, Residential And R-2, Residential a CUP would be required to allow the manufactured home park to continue and not become a non-conforming use. This proposed rezoning is a result of MN State Statutes in that cities must allow manufactured homes in residential districts. The Planning and Zoning Commission, at its December 7 meeting, reviewed the vacation request and based on the information presented it is their recommendation that the Council approve the Conditional Use Permit.
Ms. Mayers introduced Resolution No. 2015-54, A Resolution Approving Case No. 2015-401, Conditional Use Permit Request from the City of Melrose on Behalf of Melrose Community LLC, Rose Park to Allow the Continuance of the Property as a Manufactured/Mobile Home Park. The motion was seconded by Mr. Thiechafer with a roll call vote recorded as follows: For: Council Members Mayers, Thieschafer, Klasen, Christenson, and Mayor Finken; Against: None.
f. The Melrose Planning and Zoning Commission acting as the Board of Adjustments and Appeals, held a Public Hearing on Monday, December 7, 2015 for the purpose of giving consideration to a request submitted by the City of Melrose in behalf of Melrose Mobile Home Park Inc. and Randall G and Hallie Dufner for Conditional Use Permits to allow the continuance of the property as a manufactured/mobile home park on Parcel 66.36454.0000 and Parcel 66.36455.0020 located at 39254 County Road 13.
The submitted request is to rezone Parcel 66.36454.0000 and Parcel 66.36455.0020 from its current R-MH, Residential Manufactured/Mobile Home Subdivision zoning to R-2, Moderate Density Residential and issue a Conditional Use Permit to allow the manufactured home park to continue and not become a non-conforming use. This proposed rezoning is a result of MN State Statutes in that cities must allow manufactured homes in residential districts. To this end, in 2010 the City revised zoning regulations to include individual manufactured homes, that otherwise comply with City zoning and building requirements, as a permitted use in the R-1 and R-2 districts and that manufactured home parks, that otherwise comply with City zoning and building requirements, as a conditional use in the R-1, Residential, R-2, Moderate Density Residential and R-3, Multiple-Family Residential Districts. If the Council adopts Ordinance No. 12-10-2015-1 An Ordinance Amending City Of Melrose Zoning Ordinance No. 1989-1-A, As Amended, And Adopted By Reference As Chapter 153 of The City of Melrose Code of Ordinances to Rezone Parcel No. 66.36939.0010 Owned By Melrose Community LLC And Parcels No. 66.36454.0000 And No. 66.36455.0020 Owned By Melrose Mobile Home Park Inc. And Randall G And Hallie Dufner From R-MH, Residential Manufactured/Mobile Home Subdivision to R-1, Residential And R-2, Residential a CUP would be required to allow the manufactured home park to continue and not become a non-conforming use. This proposed rezoning is a result of MN State Statutes in that cities must allow manufactured homes in residential districts. The Planning and Zoning Commission, at its December 7 meeting, reviewed the Conditional Use Permit request and based on the information presented it is their recommendation that the Council approve the request.
Ms. Mayers introduced Resolution No. 2015-55, A Resolution Approving Conditional Use Permit Request from the City of Melrose on Behalf of Melrose Mobile Home Park Inc. and Randall G. and Hallie Dufner, to Allow the Continuance of the Property as a Manufactured/Mobile Home Park. The motion was seconded by Mr. Klasen with a roll call vote recorded as follows: For: Council Members Mayers, Klasen, Christenson, Thieschafer, and Mayor Finken; Against: None.
g. Mayor Finken stated that the Melrose Planning and Zoning Commission held a Public Hearing on Monday, December 7, 2015 for the purpose of giving consideration to amending City of Melrose Zoning Ordinance No. 1989-1-A, as amended, and adopted by reference as Chapter 153 of the City of Melrose Code of Ordinances by modifying portions of all of the existing sections and establishing new sections where necessary. The purpose of the proposed amendments is to update existing zoning-related regulations.
Ms. Mayers introduced Ordinance No. 12-10-2015-2, Ordinance No. 12-10-2015-2 An Ordinance Amending, Restating, Revising, And Updating City Of Melrose Zoning Ordinance No. 1989-1-A, As Amended, And Adopted By Reference As Chapter 153 Of The City Of Melrose Code Of Ordinances. The motion was seconded by Mr. Thieschafer with a roll call vote recorded as follows: For: Council Members Mayers, Thieschafer, Klasen, Christenson, and Mayor Finken; Against: None.
h. Administrator Brethorst also recommended the Council approve the Official Title and Summary for this Ordinance. A vote to support the summary publication of Ordinance No. 12-10-2015-2 does not constitute support for Ordinance No. 12-10-2015-2 and the actions thereto within said Ordinance.
Ordinance No. 12-10-2015-2 will be available at the Melrose City Center and posted at the Great River Regional Library – Melrose Branch. State Statute requires that approval of the Official Title and Summary by the Council be by a 4/5 vote.
A motion was made by Mr. Christenson to adopt Official Title and Summary, Ordinance No. 12-10-2015-2. The motion was seconded by Mr. Klasen with a roll call vote recorded as follows: For: Council Members Christenson, Klasen, Mayers, Thieschafer, and Mayor Finken; Against: None.
i. Ambulance Coordinator Jenn Tschida and HR Coordinator Diane Gruber have reviewed the Ambulance Department Policies and Procedures and are recommending slight modifications to the policies.
A motion was made by Ms. Mayers seconded by Mr. Christenson and unanimously carried approving the revised Ambulance Policies.
j. Police Chief Maus is requesting the Council give consideration approving the replacement of the 2010 Crown Victoria Police Vehicle and authorizing Chief Maus to obtain quotes.
A motion was made by Mr. Thieschafer seconded by Mr. Klasen and unanimously carried authorizing Chief Maus to obtain quotes for a 2016 Police Vehicle.
k. Chief Maus has obtained a quote for the purchase of four squad car cameras from Watchguard Systems The quote is in the amount of $27,180 and is the State Contract price. Chief Maus also presented a lesser package of the Watchguard System with a price of $20,080.
Council Member Klasen commented that he has done some research and believes the technology of this system is mediocre at best for the cost of the system. Mr. Klasen is recommending further research on these types of car cameras and the item be tabled and brought back to the January Regular Meeting. The Council by consensus tabled the matter for consideration at the January meeting.
l. Chief Maus is requesting Council authorization to obtain quotes for a security videos camera upgrade for the Melrose Administration/Police building. A motion was made by Mr. Christenson seconded by Ms. Mayers and unanimously carried authorizing Chief Maus to obtain quotes for security camera system upgrade for the Administration/Police Building.
m. Mayor Finken stated that the City contracted with Tri-Cap Bus Service to provide busing services in the City of Melrose. We have historically, contracted one year at a time. In an attempt to stabilize the funding and resources for Tri-Cap, they are proposing a 2 year agreement. They are unable to sign agreement longer than two year at this time. Therefore, they are proposing a .0314% increase for 2016 and .0289% in 2017.
Ridership has seen a consistent increase over the past years, however, in 2015 there has been a decrease. As per Tri-Cap, Executive Director, Lori Schultz it is assessed to; “mostly due to a reduction of ride requests for pre-school children, predominantly due to Head Start moving to providing Head Start Children a one way ride where they used to provide both one way rides for the children.”
2015 Monthly Rate $422.30 (Current)
2016 Monthly Rate $436
2017 Monthly Rate $449
A motion was made by Ms. Mayers seconded by Mr. Thieschafer and unanimously carried approving the two-year Tri-Cap Transportation Contract.
a. Consideration was then given to the proposed 2016 meeting schedule. The meetings for all months are scheduled for the third Thursday of the month, with the exception of January which will have a meeting on both the first and third Thursday of that month. This schedule was agreeable with the Council.
b. Finance Director Beuning noted that she is looking to expand the preparation of the City’s basic financial statements to a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). Authoritative standards encourage governments to issue their basic financial statements in the broader context of a CAFR. In doing so, the City is showing increased financial transparency to its readers. Some of the benefits a CAFR will offer are:
• Giving background on the structure of the government, the environment in which it operates, and the types of services it provides.
• The basic financial statements provide information on individual funds only for major funds. A CAFR provides individual fund data for nonmajor funds as well.
• A CAFR includes a statistical section that offers multi-year trend information, along with relevant economic and demographic information. This is beneficial, and at times necessary, for a user to meaningfully interpret the data presented in the set of basic financial statements.
A government that prepares a CAFR, will have that reviewed by the Government Finance Officers Association, and may be issued a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program.
Finance Director Beuning has had experience in both the preparation of CAFRs, and in reviewing them for a municipality’s submittal and on a peer board for CAFR compliance. As with the current preparation of the City’s financial statement, the preparation of the CAFR would be done in house.
The Council was in support of expanding the preparation of the City’s basic financial statements to a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)
c. Mayor Finken stated that due to the construction of the 5th AVE Bridge a detour needs to be developed and planned for traffic. WSB, Stearns County and Melrose staff have reviewed possible routes for the 5th Ave Bridge. By consensus the Council, after further review the Council concurred to use the detour as outlined by the County using County roads.
d. Mayor Finken noted that Stearns County is putting together the final bid and specification for the construction of the 5th Ave Bridge. The final designs and plans will be presented once they are complete for the Council to review and approve. It is unknown when funding will be made available for the bridge by the State of Minnesota.
A planning time line as per Stearns County indicates a 2017 construction window. The County will ultimately be awarding the bids for the bridge. However, they would like to know our preference for a construction window. The County does stress the fact that the bidders depending on availability and access to construction materials will be the main factor in determining the best cost for the bridge. The County would like to know what the cities preference would be for a construction window. There are two options: Early Spring through Summer; Early Fall through winter.
Again, the lowest cost bid and availability of the bidder will ultimately determine the construction time frame. The City preference would be placed in the bid specification as a preference but not as a requirement.
By consensus the Council preferred the early spring through summer construction window.
e. In 2014/2015 legislative session, the City of Melrose requested special Bonding dollars to help with the City share of the 5th Ave Bridge.
A motion was made by Mr. Klasen, seconded by Mr. Thieschafer and unanimously carried authorizing staff to submit a request for Special Bonding dollars during 2015/2016 legislative session to help with the City share of the cost of the 5th Avenue Bridge.
a. At the Council’s first meeting in January 2016, consideration will be given to making appointments to the various boards and commissions. A notice regarding same will be published informing residents that those interested in seeking appointment should submit their application to the City Clerk by no later than Friday, November 13. Applications are available at the Melrose City Center. Terms are expiring on the following boards and commissions:
• Housing and Redevelopment Authority: one member (five-year term). Term expiring: Nancy Roering.
• Planning and Zoning Commission: two member (four-year term). Term expiring: Jason Seanger and Kevin Thomes.
• Council Representative: this is an annual appointment. Tony Klasen is the Council Representative
• Melrose Area Development Authority: one member, (six-year term). Term expiring: Bob Mayers.
• Council Representative: this is an annual appointment. Jenny Mayers is the Council Representative.
• Public Utilities Commission: one member, (three-year term). Term expiring Lyle Olmscheid.
• Council Representative: this is an annual appointment. Dick Christenson is the Council Representative.
Applications received for the various Boards, Commissions, and Committees:
• Incumbent Nancy Roering is seeking reappointment to the Melrose Housing and Redevelopment Authority. No other applications have been received.
• Incumbents Jason Seanger and Kevin Thomes are seeking reappointment to the Planning and Zoning Commission. An application has been received from Dave Berscheit.
• Incumbent Bob Mayers is seeking reappointment to the Melrose Area Development Authority. An application has been received from Corey Sand.
• Incumbent Lyle Olmscheid is not seeking reappointment to the Melrose Public Utilities Commission. An application has been received from Jeremy Kraemer
The Council will be asked to make appointments at its first meeting in January.
b. The City contracts with WSB for engineering and consulting services. The City received their 2016 rate schedule. There is a 2.4% increase in the 2016 rate schedule compared to the 2015 rates. The 2016 Rate Schedule is on file at the City Office.
c. Utilities Commission’s November 9 Regular Meeting minutes.
d. From January 2016 through March 2016, the Community Development Director will be on Intermittent Leave. An internal review was conducted and proposals were received for Intermittent-Planning services. Based on this review and factoring in costs, it is planned to fill the staffing gap internally for the time being. The City Administrator, City Clerk, HR Coordinator and Administrative Assistant will divide up the various tasks. A continuous evaluation will be conducted during this period to see if there is need for outside consulting help. If a need is determined, a request will be submitted to the City Council.
A motion was made by Ms. Mayers seconded by Mr. Thieschafer and unanimously carried that the meeting be adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
Patricia Haase, City Clerk