CITY OF ST. CROIX FALLS

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR COMMON COUNCIL MEETING

APRIL 24, 2006, 7:00 P.M.

CITY HALL, 710 HWY 35 SOUTH

 

 

                

CALL TO ORDER                                       

Mayor Brad Foss called to order a regular meeting of the City of St. Croix Falls Common Council on Monday, April 24, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.  Roll call: Councilpersons Darrell Anderson, Debra Points, and Jon Cermin were present.   Also present: Administrator Ed Emerson, Clerk Bonita Leggitt, Treasurer Jamie Carlson, Police Chief Paul Lindholm, Lt Beth Anderson of the Fire Dept, Chris Strom of Cedar Corp, the public and the press. All Present joined in the salute to the flag.  

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Debra Points moved to approve the Minutes of the March 27, 2006 Council Meeting with the addition of “up to 30 units” following the residential development under the Land Swap Heading, seconded by Jon Cermin, voice vote, motion passed.

 

REPORTS OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS

Police Chief Paul Lindholm presented the March Police Report.

Lt Beth Anderson presented the March Fire Department Report.

 

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES, COMMISSSIONS AND BOARDS                                                                  

The Minutes of the April 18, 2006 Plan Commission Meeting were presented for Council’s information.

 

APPROVAL OF CLAIMS

General Fund $13,044.70, Water $1,869.79, Sewer $6,740.52

Jon Cermin moved to approve claims, second by Debra Points, roll call vote, 3 ayes, motion passed.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Consider Appointment and Swearing in of District II Alderperson

Debra Points moved to appoint Lori Erickson as Alderperson for District II, second by Jon Cermin, voice vote, motion passed. 

Lori Erickson was sworn in as District II Alderperson by City Clerk Bonita Leggitt.

 

Consider Approval of Draft Facility Plan for WWTP and Set the Schedule for a Public Hearing

Tom Pulse, Ayres & Associates: pursuant to earlier Council decision to focus on Hamilton St site for a new Waste Water Treatment Plant we have compiled a draft Facility Plan for that location, if approved by Council an environmental report will be prepared and submitted along with the Facility Plan to the DNR review and a Public Hearing Scheduled, it takes about 90 days for the DNR review.  Once preliminary design progresses the 20% contingency in the plan will be reduced as details are worked out, could go down as low as 5% by time of construction.  There is a 30 day notice requirement for the Public Hearing and plans have to be available to the public for review.

Mayor Foss: current treatment plant’s permit expires in 20 months and plant won’t meet new standards for getting licensed.  There will be a Public Forum on the WWTP planning process to inform the public of the process and how we reached the decisions that have been made, the Forum will be held at the Festival Theatre on Saturday, May 20, at 9:30 am.

Jon Cermin moved to approve the draft Facility Plan and to set the Public Hearing, second by Debra Points, voice vote, motion passed.

The Public Hearing will be held Monday, June 12 at 6 pm at City Hall with the Regular Council Meeting to follow the Public Hearing.

 

Consider Approval of Park Plans for Gaylord Nelson Riverwalk

Eileen Jordahl, a landscape designer and member of the Parks and Recreation Committee, presented a plan for the Gaylord Nelson Riverwalk located on City owned land along the St Croix River south of the National Park Service Headquarters.  Plan details include plantings of grasses, wild flowers, and trees to provide a visual buffer from the river while still allowing views of the river between the trees.  There would be a walking path through the park with picnic areas, a circle of trees with the plaque honoring Gaylord Nelson, a pea gravel river for play, open grassy areas, and benches, including the “Art Bench Project”.  Plan includes bump outs for parking but will need engineering review to see if doable. 

Council questioned if there were any lighting or grills in the plan, and noted that a policy for handling trash would be needed. 

Steve Johnson liked idea of clearing brush and creating a trail but objected to tree plantings that could block view of  adjacent home owners and reduce the amount of open space available for kids to play in, he submitted a petition signed by neighborhood youth opposed to reducing the size of the open area.  He also asked that a handicapped accessible fishing pier be considered as part an addition to the plan.

It was recommended that the Park and Recreation Committee meet with neighbors and kids to do a walk through of the Plan.

Jon Cermin moved to approve the concept park plan, second by Debra Points with addition that Park and Recreation meet with neighbors and kids, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.

 

Debra Points moved to take a break, second by Jon Cermin, voice vote, motion passed.

Darrell Anderson moved to reconvene, second by Debra Points, voice vote, motion passed.

 

Consider an Ordinance Amending Ordinance on Fire Charges to Eliminate Charges for 1st Responder Runs

It has been pointed out that in order to charge for 1st Responder Runs you have to have service authorization from the state, and that if you do charge you are not covered by the Good Samaritan act.

Jon Cermin moved to adopt Ordinance #02-06, amending the rates charged by the Fire Department by striking 1st Responder Run Charges from the code, second by Darrell Anderson, voice vote, motion passed.

 

Consider a Resolution Extending the Development Moratorium

The process of updating City Codes in not complete, once the updates are written up they will be distributed and a Public Hearing held before they can be adopted. 

Debra Points moved to adopt Resolution #06-06, extending the Development Moratorium to June 26, 2006, second by Jon Cermin, voice vote, motion passed.

 

Consider a Resolution Allowing for a Food Trailer in Downtown St Croix Falls, Temporary License

Kathy and Pedro Peregrina wish to setup a 14 ft food trailer along Washington St on weekends this summer to sell authentic Mexican food; they are licensed by the State and will obtain permits from Polk Co.  Festival Theatre is willing to have them park along their building and use their electrical service.

Debra Points moved to adopt Resolution #06-07, allowing for a food trailer in downtown St Croix Falls, Temporary License, second by Jon Cermin, voice vote, motion passed.

 

Consider Authorizing Development of a City Recycling Policy

Councilperson Debra Points pointed out that the City does not have a policy for recycling of paper, cans, oil, or batteries and recommended contacting other communities to get samples of policies. 

Leif Bjornson noted that there should be recycling bins at all public locations with trash receptacles.

Jon Cermin moved to authorize the development of a recycling policy for the City to be brought back to the May 8th Council Meeting, second by Debra Points, voice vote, motion passed.

 

Consider an Ordinance Amending Municipal Code 1.16, Membership of the Plan Commission

This Ordinance would amend City Code 1.16 to allow for the addition of another Plan Commissioner.

Jon Cermin moved to adopt Ordinance #03-06, Amending Municipal Code 1.16, Membership of the Plan Commission, second by Darrell Anderson, voice vote, motion passed.

 

Consider an Ordinance Zoning Annexed Property

 The Plan Commission held a Public Hearing on April 18, 2006 and recommended that the annexed Lot 4 on the east side of 208th St accross from the Menards site be Zoned B2, Highway Commercial.

Debra Points moved adopt Ordinance # 04-06, Zoning Annexed Property as B2 Highway Commercial, second by Jon Cermin, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.    

 

Consider a Resolution Designating Public Depository and Authorizing Withdrawal of City Funds

Jon Cermin moved to adopt Resolution #06-08 Designating Public Depository and Authorizing Withdrawal of City Funds to reflect the Change in Administration and signing of checks, second by Lori Erickson, voice vote, motion passed.

 

Consider Request of Chamber of Commerce to Close Portions of Washington St for June 10th Craft Fair

The Chamber of Commerce is requesting that Washington St be closed down 2 hours before and 1 hour following the Craft Fair scheduled for June 10th from 10 am to 4 pm for safety of pedestrians and to allow venders to set up their booths on the street.  If the Common Council approves the request the next step would be to apply for a D.O.T. Permit to close that portion of Hwy 87 from Louisiana St to State St.  The Room Tax Committee will be addressing the possibility of purchasing detour signs at their next meeting, otherwise detour signs will need to be rented.  Closing the street will also involve overtime for Police and Public Works for traffic control, overtime costs incurred will be charged to the Chamber of Commerce.

Jon Cermin moved to approve request for closure of Washington St from 8:30 am to 5 pm with venders being made aware that street will re-open at 5 pm, second by Lori Erickson, voice vote, motion passed.

 

Consider a Resolution Designating Prices for the River Spirit Sculpture

Debra Points moved to table Designating Prices for Sculpture, second by Darrell Anderson, voice vote, motion passed.

 

Consider Appointments to the Arts Advisory Committee

This Committee was recommend for reviewing of art projects in the City and for making recommendations to the City for locations and public improvements.

Darrell Anderson moved to establish the Arts Advisory Committee and confirm the appointments of Jim Shoop, Kim Murphy, Debra Points, Leif Bjornson, and Sue Mathews to the Committee, second by Jon Cermin, voice vote, motion passed.

 

Consider Speed Limit Signs for Day Road and Moody Road

Debra Points moved to authorize Public Works Director Dennis Neva to purchase and place 25mph speed limit signs on Day Road and Moody Road, second by Lori Erickson, voice vote, motion passed.

 

Consider Authorizing $1,200 for Appraisal of River Street Properties

Wendy Walker, a State Certified Appraiser who meets the requirements of the DNR, has submitted a bid of $1,200 to appraise two properties on River Street.  Council discussed whether the third property should also be appraised as the owner has indicated that he wouldn’t want to live next to a WWTP.

Jon Cermin moved to authorize $1,200 for the appraisal of the first 2 properties and to offer an additional $300 for an appraisal of the third property, second by Debra Points, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.

 

Consider a Resolution Allocating Undesignated Funds to be Directed to the 2006 Budget for a LCD Projector and Laptop Computer

This issue has been raised the public is not able to see presentations made to the Council in paper form and that a projection system would allow for better presentations to the Council and public.  Jon Cermin noted that software such as Office, Power Point, and Arc View should be included for the laptop to maximize the usefulness of the projection system.

Jon Cermin moved to adopt Resolution #06-09, Allocating Undesignated Funds in an amount not to exceed $2,500 to the 2006 City Budget for a projection system, second by Debra Points, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.

 

Consider Authorizing Resurfacing of Blanding Woods Road and Peterson Road

There was a Public Forum for Residents of Blanding Woods Road prior to tonight’s Council Meeting at which time the consensus of the Residents was to go with Option 1 for regrinding and paving of Blanding Woods Rd with no curb or gutter.

Jon Cermin moved to authorize Public Works Director Dennis Neva to solicit bids for grinding and repaving of Blanding Woods Rd, second by Debra Points, voice vote, motion passed.

 

Consider Approval of Mayoral Appointments to City Committees

Mayor Foss put forth the following Committee Appointments:

Community Development Authority: William Sheehan, Darrell Anderson and Jon Cermin

BID Board: Darci Krueger, Randy Martens, Mary Anderson, and Barb Fossum

Cemetery Board: Jon Cermin and Debra Points

Plan Commission: Ed Kromrey

Board of Zoning Appeals: Brian Wolfe

Library Board: Mary Nichols and Adriane Gyllen

Police Committee: Brian Adams

Deer Management Committee: Lori Erickson

Traffic and Roads: Michael Seversen, Tracy Moen, and Lori Erickson

Technology Group: Brett Gorres, Timothy Swanstrom-Stage and Rebecca Steinberg

Downtown Development Group: Mike Rupp and Nick Law

Jon Cermin moved to confirm Appointments, second by Lori Erickson, voice vote, motion passed.

 

COMMUNICATIONS:

Mayor Foss: a Work Task Order is being negotiated between Public Works Director Dennis Neva and Cedar Corp for construction observation of the Menards project for presentation to Council.

Darrell Anderson: the Administrator’s computer was mailed to Neo Hapsis as per Attorney’s instructions however it has become lost in the Postal Service, it was insured and a claim will be filed.

Debra Points: request that a Budget workshop be scheduled for benefit of new members and that the City Attorney provide information on, what the Council’s authority is, on quorums, and conflicts of interest and that we work on updating the Comprehensive Plan.

Ed Emerson: State has updated Codes whereby local official will be required to file an Ethics Report.

 

ADJOURNMENT

Jon Cermin moved to adjourn the meeting, second by Debra Points, voice vote, motion passed.  Meeting adjourned at 10:35 pm.

 

Brad Foss, Mayor                                                             Bonita Leggitt, City Clerk