CITY OF SAINT CROIX FALLS

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR COMMON COUNCIL MEETING

AUGUST 27, 2007, 7:00 PM

CITY HALL, 710 HWY 35 SOUTH

 

 

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Brad Foss called a regular meeting of the City of Saint Croix Falls Common Council to order on Monday August 27, 2007 at 7:00 PM. Roll call: Councilpersons Darrell Anderson, Lori Erickson, Arnie Carlson and Brian Blesi were present. Also present Administrator Emerson and members of the public and press.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Darrell Anderson moved to approve the minutes of August 13, 2007 Regular City Council meeting, second by Arnie Carlson, voice vote, motion passed.

 

REPORTS OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS

Darrell Anderson read of statement from Fire Chief Dale Anderson announcing his resignation as Fire Chief.

 

REPORT OF COMMITTEES
Park and Recreation committee met and hopes to have a joint meeting with arts advisory and Historic Preservation committee. The joint City-Town Planning Group met with the Department of Administration to discuss a cooperative boundary agreement. The Historical Society is working with the cemetery committee to map out the cemetery plot locations. The cemetery committee is installing a tank in the cemetery for watering plots. The Revolving Loan Fund committee meets on September 5.

 

APPROVAL OF CLAIMS

Lori Erickson moved to approve the claims, seconded by Brian Blesi, motion carried.

 

OLD BUSINESS

It was noted that two Pember trucks were at the school bus garage and we should ensure that any expenses are not billed to the City.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

LIBRARY PURCHASE OF HOLIDAY BUILDING

 

The City Attorney explained the Purchase Agreement executed on July 05 with Holiday Corporation contingent upon a successful Developer’s Agreement with Dr. Uddin and approval of design plans.  A condominium plat will be created between the City and Dr. Uddin immortalized with the Developer’s Agreement. The architect for the Library project gave a power point presentation of design plans with scheme #3 being the preference of the Library Design Team. The representative of Church Street fundraisers gave an overview of fund raising objectives. It is estimated that Library construction costs for the city portion of the Holiday site will be $1.2 million.  Mayor Foss opened up the forum to questions and comments from members of the public.

 

 

It was moved by Darrell Anderson and seconded by Lori Erickson to:

“authorize the City Administrator and City Attorney to:

1.                    Obtain estimate for condominium plat;

2.                    Obtain cost estimates based on schematic design C for

a.        Common wall between condominiums;

b.       Mechanical updates;

c.        Asbestos removal;

d.       Condominium unit preparation;

e.        New vs. updated roof;

f.         Building exteriors;

 

3.                    Continue to negotiate terms of Developer’s Agreement including cost allocation and timing of improvements.

 

Roll call vote with all members voted affirmatively.

 

WASTE-WATER TREATMENT PLANT:

Representatives of Ayers and Associates Engineers and MSA Engineers explained the process of updating the waste-water facility plan to include the City Council preferred option of renovating the existing waste-water treatment plant at a considerable cost savings and to explore other viable options such as membrane treatment. The proposed update will also include Conceptual Plans for the waste-water renovation. It was moved by Carlson, seconded by Erickson to approve the resolution authorizing a waste-water facility plan amendment. Roll call with all members voting affirmatively. Motion carries.

 

EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK

The update to the Employee Handbook was prepared by the City Attorney with input from the City Clerk. The handbook incorporates and does not conflict with existing union obligations. The update was also recommended by our insurance carrier. Moved by Darrell Anderson, seconded by Blesi to approve the Employee Handbook. Voice vote. Motion carries.

 

RIVER STREET PROJECT

Steve Parliament of West-cap explained the proposed partnership with the City on development of the River Street site. It was moved by Darrell Anderson to approve the Resolution Outlining parameters of a Partnership For The Development of The City-owned River Street land but removing the language referencing the Downtown BID and inserting as a final whereas clause: “This  resolution is a non-binding letter of intent. The City has no obligation under this resolution unless the City Council enters into a subsequent Developer’s Agreement.” Motion carried.

 

FESTIVAL THEATRE MASTER PLAN

Festival Theatre Executive Director Danette Olson updated the City Council on the Master Plan process including a Design Team reception on Thursday September 13 and Design Charette’s on Friday September 14.

 

FESTIVAL AMENDMENT TO LIUQUOR LICENSE

It was moved by Darrell Anderson and seconded by Arnie Carlson to approve the amendment of the Festival Theatre Liquor License allowing for serving of alcohol beverages inside the building and in the Mez area but requiring a special use permit review by the City Police Chief for any serving of alcohol outside in the front court-yard. Voice vote. Motion carried.

 

It was moved by Darrell Anderson, seconded by Arnie Carlson to adjourn. Motion carried.

 

Meeting adjourned at 10:18 PM.                                                   Ed Emerson, Administrator