CITY OF ST CROIX FALLS
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR COMMON COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 13, 2009, 7:00 P.M.
CITY HALL, 710 HWY 35 SOUTH
Mayor Darrell Anderson called a regular meeting of the City of St. Croix Falls Common Council to order on Monday, April 13, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Roll call: Councilpersons Debra Kravig, Brian Blesi, Paul Kuhlmann and Arnie Carlson were present. Also present: Administrator Ed Emerson, Clerk Bonita Leggitt, Fire Fighter Mike Dorsey, the public and the press. All joined in the salute to the flag.
Brian Blesi moved to approve the Minutes of the March 23, 2009 Regular Council Meeting, second by Arnie Carlson, voice vote, motion passed.
Fire Fighter Mike Dorsey presented the March 2009 Fire Report.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
Debra Kravig: Historical Society met in March, will be identifying historic sites of value in City.
Arnie Carlson: representative of the Cities of St Croix Falls, Taylors Falls and St Croix Falls School Board met to discuss the Power Line agreement; Xcel was to be present but canceled. It seems Xcel met with MN in 2007 and made some changes that we were not informed of; it is proposed that the Cities send a joint letter to Xcel.
General Fund $110,761.81, Library Fund $383.85, Library Building Fund $25,147.50, Park & Rec Fund $17.50, Debt Service $67,258.75, TIF District $18,030.19, Water Fund $2,855.36, Sewer Fund $9,112.88.
Arnie Carlson moved to approve claims with payment of Viet invoice contingent upon matching price quoted, second by Paul Kuhlmann, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.
NEW BUSINESS
Consider Farmers Market Presentation and Resolution Defining Farm Vendor Policy
Angie Sullivan: we had up to 8 venders at a time last year; hope to have more venders this year. Sidewalk by Overlook Park is crowded with 8 venders, have looked at other locations around town and checked into options for insurance. By-laws require members to live within a 60 mile radius. Membership fee is $35 a year. Council discussed requirements for sellers permit to establish and show that locally produced foods are being sold, for example: a sign that would say where the produce was grown and possibly a map showing location of farm.
Paul Kuhlmann moved to adopt Resolution #09-05, Defining Farm Vendor Policing in the City, second by Debra Kravig, voice vote, motion passed.
Consider City Tourism Marketing Logo Presentation
Jerry Boucher: earlier survey determined that people see our greatest assets as being the natural resources, recreation, and arts. A number of groups are interested in using logo and some are already doing so along with tag lines to fit different markets. Logo is on our website at www.visitscf.com.
Consider Buy Local Vista Update & Resolution Committing to Buy Local Bucks Campaign
Arianne Peterson & Julie Hildebrand: promoted an event for hospital employees to meet CSA farmers, working on putting farmers in contact with on-line advertising system for buyers and sellers. Also working on “Eats & Arts” directory and on organizing “Taste of the Valley” for the weekend of May 1st. Some ideas for nurturing small businesses include, the “3 50 Project”, a Buy Local logo, and the website www.scfbuylocal.org. Planning Buy Local Bucks promotions for June and December 2009.
Debra Kravig moved to adopt Resolution #09-06, committing to Buy Local Dollar Campaign in Partnership with the Downtown Business Association, second by Arnie Carlson, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.
Consider Update on Wannigan Days and Resolution Committing $1500 for Music on the Deck
Steve Bont: Planning Committee for Wannigan Days is working on this years event. Music on Deck is being planned for most Fridays this summer, request funding of $1500 from the City towards music events and a banner, last years banner was wrecked by high winds.
Brian Blesi moved to adopt Resolution #09-07, Committing $1500 for Music on the Overlook, second by Paul Kuhlmann, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.
Consider a Resolution Agreeing to Sell Lot #8 in City Industrial Park to Gary Verhasselt and Setting Certain Conditions
Gary Verhasselt: looking for a site for multi family apartments, looked at Beirmann property but is not available, as it is in court now. There is a need for housing for people who work in area. Came to Council to see if City owned Lot 8 is for sale, no point in proceeding with plans if City isn’t interested in selling. There is a housing development to east of Lot 8, mini storage across street, office to west, and undeveloped land to the north.
Debra Kravig: more information is needed before approving sale of property. Proposal should go to Plan Commission first. We need an Ordinance in place as to how City property is sold.
Arnie Carlson: need more information before making a decision.
Brian Blesi: request should be tabled while we review policy from 2003 on sale of property.
Council indicated that the property is for sale.
Arnie Carlson moved to take a break, second by Brian Blesi, voice vote, motion passed.
Brian Blesi moved to reconvene, second by Arnie Carlson, voice vote, motion passed.
Consider Presentation on HVAC Options – City Auditorium Building
In 2007 a study of the Auditorium was commissioned, has now been divided out into Phases with cost estimates for various components needed. Roof and building shell improvements are estimated to cost $172,000 plus $15,000 for engineering. Remodel of old Library space estimated at $386,740 plus $46,000 for engineering. Addition of mechanical room estimated at $223,160 plus $18,000 for engineering. HAVC: geothermal could save 30-40% of energy costs for heating and cooling, estimated cost of installation $623,700 plus $45,000 for engineering. Would need test well to determine geology and quantity of wells needed, a high efficiency boiler system would cost about $75,000 less than geothermal. With updated information and costs can start applying for grants.
Consider Award of Bid for Library Construction Loan
The City has received one written bid and one verbal bid, need to get verbal bid in writing.
Debra Kravig moved to table award of Bid for Library Construction loan, second by Paul Kuhlmann, voice vote, motion passed.
Consider Change Order: Library Plaza Landscaping
Diane Hilscher is a landscape architect who will be taking care of planting at the Plaza.
Arnie Carlson moved to approve Change Order #5, removing landscaping and planting from the Public Plaza Contract, second by Paul Kuhlmann, voice vote, motion passed.
Consider Amendment to March 9, 2009, City Council Minutes
The DOT has requested additional language be added to the approval of Bid for the 2009 LRIP Grant.
Arnie Carlson moved to approve the amendment to the March 9, 2009 Council Minutes, second by Brian Blesi, voice vote, motion passed.
Darrell Anderson, Mayor Bonita Leggitt, City Clerk