City of Waverly Minutes
CITY OF WAVERLY
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
May 8, 2007
Regular Session
Pursuant to notice and call the Waverly City Council met at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 8, 2007 in the council chambers of Waverly City Hall. Those in attendance were Mayor Ken Hausladen, Clerk Debbie Ryks, and Council Members: Deb Hausladen, Ken Antil, Pam Henry-Neaton, and Gary Olson.
Agenda
Item 10. Requests from the Public was moved up on the agenda to follow item 4. Norma Ogle-Poppy Presentation. This was due to members of the public present at the meeting.
Motion by Gary Olson, seconded by Deb Hausladen to approve the agenda as amended. Carried 5-0.
Norma Ogle-Poppy Presentation
Norma Ogle, President of American Legion Auxiliary No. 305 was present at the meeting to present a poppy to each Council Member. Ogle informed the council that Governor Pawlenty declared May 18, 2007 as Poppy Day. Poppy Day is dedicated to war veterans and their families. She encouraged the council and public to attend the Memorial Day Service on May 28, 2007 and to wear their poppy to the service.
Public Requests-Michelle Graham
Michelle Graham, 203 Douglas Drive was present at the meeting to report concerns of her neighborhood in regard to speeding traffic in the Summerfields development. She is also representing concerns of the Carrigan Meadows development as to speeding traffic. There are many children in these neighborhoods. There are no sidewalks and walking trails do not connect for the safety of pedestrian traffic. The speed zones are 30 MPH in the Summerfields and Carrigan Meadows neighborhoods. Graham is requesting that the speed limit be lowered to 20 MPH on the streets in the two residential developments. She is also requesting that additional Children at Play signs, stop signs, and pedestrian crossings be installed throughout the residential areas in the Summerfields and Carrigan Meadows developments. A petition was circulated throughout the Summerfields and Carrigan Meadows developments regarding the request for additional signage, crosswalks, and the speed limit reduction. Some residents noted questions regarding park development in Summerfields.
The Park Commission is currently discussing planning for the Summerfields park. Input from residents is needed. Residents were asked to attend the May 23, 2007 Park Commission meeting to discuss the desires for park amenities in the Summerfields development.
Jerry Brady, 203 Douglas Drive was also present at the meeting and inquired about the speed limit on CSAH 8. Douglas Drive intersects with CSAH 8. The speed limit on CSAH 8 is 50 MPH. Previously, the city asked for a speed reduction in this area and was denied by the State of Minnesota. CSAH 8 is a state aid highway and a resolution is acted upon by Wright County and submitted to the State of Minnesota. The State of Minnesota makes the decision regarding the speed limit. The speed limit reduction was not approved by the State of Minnesota in the past.
Wright County Commissioner Jack Russek was present at the meeting. He informed the council that in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, the city can post 20 MPH speed limit on city streets but cannot enforce less than 30 MPH. Jack Russek received this information during previous discussions in his capacity on the Wright County Board.
Tina Hausladen, 100 Dresden Lane was also present at the meeting. She reported that there is one speed limit sign located in the Carrigan Meadows development. The sign is located on 1st Street S./Frankfort Way. There is no signage entering the development from CSAH 8 on Douglas Drive. It was also reported that there is only one Douglas Drive street sign on one side of CSAH 8. An additional sign is needed on the opposite side.
Michelle Halstead, 210 Douglas Drive was also present at the meeting with similar concerns to that of Hausladen, Graham, and Brady. There were 39 signatures on the petition.
Maintenance Supervisor John Rassat reported that he surveyed the number of stop signs in the Summerfields development. There is not a stop sign located at Summerfield Drive/Summerfield Court which is the oldest part of the development. The residents want stop signs located on Douglas Drive, not on the cul de sacs. There is currently a two way stop at the intersection of Douglas Drive/Waverland Lane/Waverland Court. A four way stop is being requested. The Summerfields development was approved without sidewalks in the first phase of the residential development. Additional police protection is being requested to discourage speed violations. Wright County Commissioner Jack Russek reported that according to state law every intersection is a crosswalk whether it is painted or not, and traffic is required to stop for pedestrians. Jack Russek will talk to Traffic Department Supervisor Bill Cordell about painting a crosswalk on CSAH 8/Douglas Drive. This area is under the county’s jurisdiction and the work should be performed by the Wright County Highway Department.
The request listed on the petition includes:
1st Street S./Frankfort Way-Crosswalk Installation.
Dresden Lane/Frankfort Way/Frankfort Alcove-crosswalk/stop sign installation.
Douglas Drive/CSAH 8-crosswalks, pedestrian crossing signs. Jack Russek will forward this matter to Bill Cordell.
Summerfield Lane/Waverland Court-Douglas Drive-Add two stop signs making it a four way stop.
Add Children at Play signs throughout the developments of Summerfields and Carrigan Meadows.
The addition of a speed limit sign on Cologne Lane in Carrigan Meadows and stop sign installation at the intersection of Summerfield Drive/Summerfield Court was also discussed.
The city map was reviewed to verify the locations for the requested signage.
Maintenance Supervisor John Rassat expressed concern about the setting of a precedent throughout the city for four way stops. Wright County Commissioner Jack Russek stated that stop signs should not be used for speed control because if there are too many signs, they will be ignored. Additional police patrolling would be a better means of controlling traffic.
Council Member Pam Henry-Neaton inquired whether the two way stop at the intersection of Douglas Drive and Waverland Lane/Waverland Court could be reversed with the stop signs being placed on Douglas Drive instead of the cul de sacs.
Michelle Graham asked for additional patrolling and asked if the number of tickets issued for speeding in the neighborhoods would prove to the council that there are problems in these areas.. Many near accidents have occurred in these neighborhoods.
Street signs are installed by the developer. Once the wear course of bituminous is installed, street signs are ordered. Due to the request for an additional speed limit sign in the Carrigan Meadows 3rd Addition development, Maintenance Supervisor Rassat will make the request known to City Engineer Glienke to forward to the developer.
The council authorized Clerk Ryks to forward a letter to the Wright County Sheriff’s Department to request for additional patrolling in the Carrigan Meadows/Summerfields residential developments due to traffic violations and resident safety concerns.
The request for signage includes two additional stop signs on Douglas Drive at the intersection of Douglas Drive/Waverland Court/Waverland Lane and Dresden Lane/Frankfort Way/Frankfort Alcove, pedestrian crossing signs and crosswalks at 1st Street S./Frankfort Way and Frankfort Way/Frankfort Alcove/Dresden Lane. A crosswalk installation is requested on Douglas Drive/CSAH 8 and will be referred to the Wright County Highway Department. An additional speed limit sign is requested on the west side of the Carrigan Meadows development and will be placed on Cologne Lane. Children at Play signs will be installed at the entrances to the developments.
Motion by Ken Antil, seconded by Deb Hausladen to approve the signage and crosswalks as discussed. Carried 5-0.
April Building Inspection Report-Rob Beckfeld
7 new home permits were issued in April. There were 20 new home permits issued as of April 2006 and there are 10 as of April 30, 2007.
Commercial projects in Waverly are progressing slowly. The Pizza America Restaurant may not meet the target opening date of June 2007. Interior work needs to be completed.
Site inspections are being conducted to maintain erosion control standards. One builder was addressed today with silt fencing concerns. Rob will issue stop work orders for violators. There are currently complaints being received regarding the condition of Cologne Lane. There has been gravel and rock spread onto the roadway from a construction site. There is also a work trailer being parked on the street in front of a construction site. Council Member Antil informed the council that he notified the police regarding the work trailer being parked on Cologne Lane. Clerk Ryks reported that the contractor reviewed the parking ordinance in the office today and the ordinance allows municipal property parking with a limitation of 12 hours. Clerk Ryks instructed the contractor to have the trailer removed at the end of each work day to remain in compliance with the parking ordinance.
Municipal Liquor Store Report- April 2007
Clerk Ryks informed the council that Manager Wanda Tussing was unavailable for tonight’s meeting but reported that the furnace work has been contracted and will commence next week.
Motion by Deb Hausladen, seconded by Pam Henry-Neaton to accept the April 2007 Financial Report for the Municipal Liquor Store. Carried 5-0.
Park Commission Report-J. Woitalla
Parks Superintendent Jim Woitalla reported that pricing is being obtained for park signage.
Summerfields residents were present asking for development of the park. Residents of Summerfields will be invited to the May 23, 2007 meeting for input on desired amenities in the Summerfields park. The purchase of trees for the park were recommended by the Park Commission. The expense for the trees is $1,000. Mayor Hausladen informed Parks Superintendent Woitalla to utilize Maintenance Supervisor John Rassat’s purchasing authority for the purchase of the trees for Summerfields Park. He stated that since the Park Commission approved of the tree purchase that the council would not need to act upon the issue. Woitalla reported that after the trees are purchased, the fund balance for development of the Summerfields Park will be $26,000. Michelle Halstead was present at the meeting and was asked to invite neighborhood residents of the Summerfields Development to the May 23, 2007 Park Commission meeting to give park development input to the Board to assist with planning for the Summerfields park.
Woitalla reported that larger rocks from the development of Woodland Shores were donated by the developer and will be used in Waverly Terrace Park for landscaping. A meeting was held last night at Waverly Terrace park with Mayor Ken Hausladen, Waverly Lake Association Co-President Jen Andrews, and City Maintenance Staff members John Rassat, Jim Woitalla, and Greg Pawelk. Discussion was held regarding drainage corrections, restoration of the shoreline, and grading of the park land. The placement of wildflower plantings along the lakeshore and relocation of the wildflowers from the middle of the park and tree removal was discussed. This will allow better use of the park. The Park Commission will consider the revised plans and then the matter will be forwarded to the council. Maintenance employee Greg Pawelk suggested changes for the installation of a parking area to serve the park will be accepted.
The landscaping work to complete the project for the Carrigan Meadows playground was scheduled with the Sentence to Serve work program. The Sentence to Serve workers were overbooked and are unable to perform the work as planned. Woitalla planned to complete the work himself until it was suggested that he contact the HLWW FFA for assistance.
It was determined by Engineer Glienke that the Carrigan Trails development park land was cleared by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency in regard to the pollution clean up.
City Attorney Tim Young is currently working on a subdivision ordinance amendment to include the newly adopted developer guidelines formulated by the Park Commission. This amendment should be ready for review by the council at the June 12, 2007 council meeting.
Planning and Zoning Commission Report
The council reviewed the Planning Commission Minutes of April 19, 2007. A correction was noted for the minutes in which a public hearing was scheduled for May 19, 2007. This date should be changed to May 17, 2007 which is the Planning Commission meeting date.
A recommendation for approval of an Interim Use Permit for Doug DesMarais-Pacific Motors, 318 Pacific Avenue was reviewed. It was determined that this recommendation would need to be sent back to the Planning Commission for verification. Previous discussion was for interim use permits for 318 and 316 Pacific Avenue for the limitation of four vehicles for sales display for the Pacific Motors property and the Scrubs Car Wash property. This item will be tabled until the June 12, 2007 meeting due to the needed clarification from the Planning Commission.
The Planning Commission submitted a recommendation for approval of the variance application of Steve Vacura for the construction of a proposed addition at 5498 CSAH 8 SW. The approval is contingent upon the council’s agreement with the Wright County Highway Department conditions.
The first determination of the Wright County Highway Department was to disallow the variance due to the fact that the building would be located in close proximity to CSAH 8 and that vehicles would be parked in the right of way. Steve Vacura met with Wright County representatives following the first determination and due to the fact that Vacura has two parcels with varying right of way distances from CSAH 8 it was agreed that the Wright County Highway Department would approve the request with the following conditions: 1. city purchases right of way and sells to Vacura, 2. Vacura signs damage waiver from highway activities.
The purchase price is unknown. Mayor Ken Hausladen informed Vacura that any special meeting or consultant fees incurred by the city would be added to Vacura’s purchase price. The first letter addressed the view obstruction to highway 8 from the north property. The second letter did not address the line of sight deficiency from the north line of the property. Mayor Hausladen asked for the opinion of Jim Woitalla because he resides to the north of Vacura’s property. Woitalla stated that the current building causes difficulty with sight distances when exiting his driveway. The proposed addition will be 15 feet closer to the road than the existing building and will cause additional problems with the line of sight in this area.
Motion by Gary Olson to approve the recommendation for approval from the Planning Commission for the variance application submitted by Steve Vacura for the property located at 5498 County Road 8 SW. The motion failed due to the lack of a second.
Wright County Commissioner Jack Russek explained that the County Board will not consider approving the right of way purchase unless city takes action first. The County Board would not look favorably on the application if line of sight problems exist in the area. He informed the council that the County Board would make the final decision on this matter even though the Wright County Highway Department has approved of the request.
The council asked if the property owner would consider revising the building plan to accommodate a request for a variance to the lakeshore rather than CSAH 8. Vacura stated that he would consider revising the plans if the city determined that a variance would not be considered to CSAH 8.
Motion by Pam Henry-Neaton, seconded by Gary Olson to table this matter for one month. Carried 5-0. Council Member Ken Antil stated that he would not be in favor of a variance application to the county road.
The property owner was directed to revise his building plans and submit a request for a variance from the lakeshore rather than CSAH 8. The revised plans will need to be presented to the Planning Commission for consideration. The property owner was advised to park vehicles outside of the right of way area.
The Planning Commission submitted a recommendation to the council for approval of the sign installation plan for the Pizza America restaurant. The sign will be 30 feet high and 16 feet in diameter. It will be located outside of the state highway right of way on the corner of the lot located adjacent to Summerfield Drive.
Motion by Ken Antil, seconded by Pam Henry-Neaton that the recommendation for the sign be approved for Pizza America. Carried 5-0.
The interim use permit application submitted by Doug DesMarais for 318 Pacific Avenue for the parking of eight vehicles in the sales display area will be forwarded back to the Planning Commission for clarification of an interim use permit for 316 Pacific Avenue. The two interim use permits were proposed for the Pacific Motors property and the Scrubs Car Wash property and four vehicles were planned to be displayed at each property.
Motion by Ken Antil, seconded by Pam Henry-Neaton to send the matter back to the Planning Commission for clarification. Carried 5-0.
The Planning Commission submitted a recommendation for approval for the proposed subdivision of property located at 6771 County Road 8 SW. The two parcels are being split into three 2 acre parcels. The property was recently annexed into the City of Waverly.
Motion by Ken Antil, seconded by Gary Olson to approve the subdivison request as recommended by the Planning Commission. Carried 5-0.
Waverly EDA
President John Konrath was present at the meeting to give the monthly status report of the Waverly Economic Development Authority.
The April 24, 2007 minutes were reviewed by the council.
Konrath reported that the Development Open House event held on May 1 was successful. Attendance at the event decreased from last year’s attendance. Konrath issued a thank you to city staff for assisting with the set up of the event. The Economic Development Authority has ideas regarding the expansion of the area of professionals that are invited to the event. They hope to open the event to the public and provide booths for the developers and realtors. Prospective residents may be interested in attending the event to obtain information on the Waverly area.
Konrath reported that the Board reviewed the land bond balance at the last meeting. The EDA is willing to work with Waverly Fire Department, Inc. regarding purchase of the land from the EDA for the location of a future facility. The groups need to conduct serious conversations this fall. The bond payoff is due on February 1, 2008. Ehlers and Associates should be spoken with in regard to an extension of the financing for the land bond. The Waverly Fire Department will need to be advised that an agreement needs to be in place for the land purchase prior to the scheduled payoff date.
There will be a joint meeting with the council on May 21, 2007 to hear a presentation by Municipal Development Group with regard to the adoption of a business subsidy policy. The meeting will be posted as a special council meeting. The regular EDA meeting will follow the presentation.
Waverly Fire Department
The council discussed that NIMS training was attended by council and staff.
The department is currently working on an application for 501c3 tax status with Attorney John Peterson and their accountant. The process may be timely but the end result would give the department authority to bond.
Minutes
The minutes of the April 10, 2007 Regular Session were presented for approval.
Motion by Ken Antil, seconded by Gary Olson to approve the April 10, 2007 Regular Session minutes as presented. Carried 5-0.
The minutes of the April 11, 2007 Special Session were presented for approval. Motion by Ken Antil, seconded by Deb Hausladen to approve the April 11, 2007 Special Session minutes as presented. Carried 5-0.
The minutes of the April 16, 2007 Board of Review Assessment Hearing were presented for approval.
Motion by Deb Hausladen, seconded by Gary Olson to approve the April 16, 2007 Board of Review Assessment Hearing minutes as presented. Carried 5-0.
Accounts Payable
Motion by Deb Hausladen, seconded by Henry-Neaton to approve the May 2007 accounts payable in the amount of $97,735.99. Carried 5-0.
City Engineer’s Report
City Engineer Barry Glienke reported that he had no specific items for consideration by the council.
Maintenance Report
Maintenance Supervisor John Rassat reported that the Civil Defense Siren was installed and is in working order with expanded coverage by the rotating siren.
Rassat reported that he obtained three quotations for street patching. $56,000 was included in the street department budget for seal coat/patching projects in 2007. Rassat is recommending that the street patching be completed prior to seal coating. The patching project includes 170 feet on Wilson Street, and 44 feet on North Shore Drive.. Knife River (formerly Buffalo Bituminous) submitted the low quotation of $23,998.49.
Motion by Gary Olson, seconded by Ken Antil to hire Knife River for the street patching work. Carried 5-0.
The Water Tower demolition is complete. The cost of the demolition was $11,200 not $12,200 and the new tower has a 400,000 gallon capcity not 240,000 as reported in the Herald Journal Newspaper.
Part time Maintenance employee Ed Marketon suffered a stroke. Rassat asked the council about hiring on a temporary basis to assist with lawn mowing. A proposed wage of $10/hour was suggested. There are two interested parties. Rassat asked if he could make a selection from the two individuals that are interested in the position. The city is allowed to hire without advertisement for a temporary position. The Council agreed to let Maintenance Supervisor John Rassat handle the hiring for the temporary position.
Welcome to Waverly Program
Council Member Deb Hausladen reported that all welcome packets are delivered. Literature sorting shelves were ordered to use for compiling materials for the welcome packets.
Financial Plan
Clerk Ryks received information from Shelly Eldridge for a 5 year plan option that would include a 50 percent tax levy increase from the general revenue fund in 2008 and an approximate tax rate increase of 63 percent for the next few years. This option would allow the city to recover its balance and cash reserve in a shorter time frame.
The previous plan included a 12 year time frame and an approximate 50 percent tax rate increase for the term of the plan.
The council members will review the financial plans for discussion at a future meeting.
Comp Plan Meeting
Due to the absence of two council members at the previous meeting held regarding a comprehensive plan, the council is interested in scheduling another meeting with Northwest Associated Consultants. Clerk Ryks will attempt to schedule the meeting on June 14, 2007 at 7pm. At the previous meeting it was mentioned that the cost of the comprehensive plan/park plan would be approximately $50,000. There would be a 12 month time frame to complete the plan and there would be no down payment required. Monthly invoices would be received throughout the 12 month time frame.
Clerk Ryks suggested that funding for this project be done through a tax levy. The city was advised that special projects need to be included in the tax levy and not funded through the general fund of the city.
Rate Committee
A Rate Committee meeting was scheduled with the City of Montrose for May 30, 2007. An email message was received from Barb Swanson, City of Montrose today cancelling the meeting. Two representatives from the council are appointed to serve on the Rate Committee. It was decided that Ken Hausladen and Pam Henry-Neaton would serve as Waverly’s representatives. Clerk Deb Ryks and Maintenance Supervisor John Rassat also participate in the Rate Committee meetings. Clerk Ryks will advise interested parties when the meeting is rescheduled.
Audit Update
Clerk Ryks reported that Kern, DeWenter & Viere are conducting the 2006 audit. The auditors are scheduled to complete the audit field work tomorrow.
Stevens West
The letter of credit was received for the Waverly Industrial Park project for Stevens West 2. The development agreements were mailed to Stevens West 2 for signatures.
Waverly Daze 2007
A parade registration form was received by Clerk Ryks for the Waverly City Council. In the past, the Council has entered the Waverly Daze Parade. The 2007 International Truck will be driven in the parade. Clerk Ryks will enter the City Council in the Waverly Daze Parade.
Other Business
Council Member Antil asked about the posting of Noise Ordinance Signs at the entrances to the city. There are complaints about the excessive use of jake braking on the county roads and highway 12. Vehicle noise law enforcement can be posted but “no jake braking” is prohibited on signage. Maintenance Supervisor Rassat checked into this issue previously and other cities informed him that the signs were not efficient. Wright County Commissioner Jack Russek reported that the signs can be purchased through the county. The cost is $339 per sign. Mayor Hausladen asked city staff to check with the surrounding communities and ask about the cost and efficiency of the vehicle noise law signs. Rassat will look at street sign catalogs for pricing. He will also sk about permits for installing signs on county and state highways. Five signs would be needed for CSAH 9, CSAH 8, and Highway 12 to be posted at the city limits.
Acknowledgements/Recognition/Announcements
Council Member Pam Henry-Neaton informed the council that the Waverly Royalty Committee is looking for volunteers for grocery bagging at Cub Foods.
Lori Jones and Deb Ryks were acknowledged for their work with the May 1 Development Open House event.
Henry-Neaton informed the council that MEADA may be setting up a National Night Out event in August. The city may want to coordinate an event with MEADA.
Adjournment
Motion by Antil, seconded by Henry-Neaton to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 p.m. Carried 5-0.
________________________ __________________________
Deborah Ryks, Clerk Ken Hausladen, Mayor
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