CITY OF WAVERLY
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
October 14, 2008
Regular Session
Pursuant to notice and call the Waverly City Council met in regular session at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14, 2008 in the council chambers of Waverly City Hall. Those in attendance were Mayor Ken Hausladen, Clerk Deb Ryks, and Council Members: Deb Hausladen, Gary Olson, Pam Henry-Neaton, and Ken Antil.
Agenda
A change was proposed to the agenda to move the Municipal Liquor Store Report from item 8. to item 5.
Motion by Ken Antil, seconded by Deb Hausladen to approve the agenda as amended. Carried 5-0.
MLS Report
Manager Wanda Tussing reported that pricing for domestic beer was increased by $.40. The liquor revenue bond payment was made in September. The financial report does not show the transfer in from savings for the bond payment but reflects the bond payment expense. The net profit for the month of September was $641. The council asked for a report showing the annual profit amount for the year for presentation at the November council meeting.
Motion by Ken Antil, seconded by Pam Henry-Neaton to adopt the September Municipal Liquor Store Report. Carried 5-0.
John Workman-U of MN Project
John Workman was present at the meeting to discuss a student project for his education at the University of Minnesota. The project involves formulating a plan for 850 acres north of Waverly. The project will be fictional and for educational purposes only but he will keep the council informed of the project status. The project area is within the jurisdiction of Marysville Township. He will be meeting with township officials during the various phases of the project study. Mayor Ken Hausladen encouraged him to consider attending a joint meeting on October 27, 2008 regarding comprehensive planning for Waverly. He should keep in contact with Economic Development Authority President Connie Holmes regarding future planning for Waverly.
Acknowledgements/Recognition/Announcements
Pam Henry-Neaton reported that the annual United Fund drive is underway. The council would like to recognize the Waverly Fire Department for their annual appreciation dinner. A "thank you" card will be sent to the Fire Department from city staff and the City Council.
Request from the Public
Keith Harris inquired about the control of weed growth within the Summerfields development. Maintenance Supervisor John Rassat informed Harris that this is an ongoing problem and the developers are not presently reacting to requests for weed control.
Rob Beckfeld-Building Inspection Report
Building Inspector Beckfeld reported that there is one new home construction permit to be issued for the month of October. Beckfeld informed the council that a hazardous building citation has been issued for the unfinished home at 540 Frankfort Way. The home was not weatherized and will need a new building permit issued as well as a pre-inspection by Inspector Beckfeld for work to continue. Beckfeld will be working with the mortgage holder on this building situation. The other homes that were left unfinished were weatherized but will require new permits and follow up inspection by Inspector Beckfeld.
Parks-Ryan DeMars
Chairman Ryan DeMars gave the Park Commission report to the council.
He reported that the Park Commissioners viewed the newly installed benches at Legion Park. It was mentioned that pavement work is needed in the vicinity of the restroom and pavilion facilities. Maintenance Supervisor John Rassat planned for this specific repair but the timing will depend upon the availability of funds. It was also reported that the trails in the Woodland Shores subdivision are in poor condition. The council advised DeMars that the repairs are the responsibility of the developer at this point in time. The developer has closed its office for the time being and Clerk Ryks has an address to forward concerns regarding the development.
DeMars inquired about the frequency of park commission meetings. The council advised that quarterly meetings are adequate due to the slowing of development.
Planning Commission Report-Connie Holmes
Connie Holmes was present to give the Planning Commission report.
The September 18, 2008 minutes were reviewed.
Holmes reported that Mike Kuske, Vitaldyne proposed a 0 setback with plans for a building addition. Parking was discussed at length. Kuske has not closed on the lots being purchased from the city. Clerk Ryks will send a follow up letter requesting that the land closing be scheduled as soon as possible. Kuske referred to an agreement with the Knights of Columbus for employee parking. Maintenance Supervisor John Rassat is a Knights of Columbus member and stated that there is not a parking agreement in place with Mike Kuske for employee parking. The council stated that Kuske will need to discuss employee parking arrangements with the Knights of Columbus as part of his building addition planning. The Planning Commissioners approved the 0 setback as the building is in a commercial zone district but expansion will require alternative employee parking plans.
EDA-Connie Holmes
The September 29, 2008 minutes were reviewed.
Connie Holmes reported that attendance was low at the September 20, 2008 Montrose-Waverly Community Expo. The City of Waverly exhibit should be updated and expanded. The Waverly EDA will be working on a new community brochure for distribution at the 2009 community expo. Holmes spoke with Chamber of Commerce member Dean Bartosch about having alternate locations for the event in Montrose and Waverly.
Holmes informed the council that the Community Survey results listing will be submitted to the council and all committees.
A Joint Session is scheduled for October 27, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. to interview two planning consultant firms for the purpose of hiring a firm to develop a comprehensive plan/park plan for the community of Waverly. Invitations will be sent out to all city committee members, council members, city staff members, and City Engineer Barry Glienke. Mayor Ken Hausladen asked Holmes to obtain a community reference list and contact the referenced cities regarding the firm's performance..
EDA member Tim Stasson has resigned. The vacancy on the EDA will be advertised.
Maintenance Report-John Rassat
Maintenance Supervisor John Rassat reported that the crack sealing project was completed on North Shore Drive today. It was reported that Maintenance staff is flushing water hydrants this week. City parks will be closed next week. Sewer jetting will be done at month end.
Rassat distributed photographs of a property in which complaints have been made. The property is an alleged public nuisance ordinance violation. The council reviewed the photographs of the property and determined that an ordinance violation notice should be sent to the property owner.
Rassat reported that a recent count of vacated homes in the City of Waverly reflected that 59 homes are vacant. This number reduced from the 2007 count of 77 vacant homes.
Two memorial benches have been installed in Railroad Park.
Locations have been predetermined for the memorial bench dedication program in Waverly Terrace Park, Railroad Park, new development parks, and along the development trail system.
Barry Glienke-City Engineer's Report
City Engineer Barry Glienke provided a cost estimate as requested for the engineering costs involved with the Safe Routes to Schools grant application. The engineering costs are estimated not to exceed $7,500 on an hourly basis. City staff support and a committee would be required to assist in obtaining the letters of support from Wright County and local emergency officials. Proposed projects for the grant program are for infrastructure for sidewalk installation up to $175,000. There is a November 21 deadline for the grant application. This is the last year for guaranteed funding. A project layout plan would need to be established if the program is available next year and the city is interested in applying for funds. There were no funds designated in the budget for this grant application in 2008 or 2009. Planning efforts could be conducted in 2009 for consideration with the 2010 budget.
Engineer Glienke reported that he has been working with developers for completion of final punch list items prior to the winter season. Maintenance Supervisor John Rassat stated that Backes Companies responded to clean up requests and removal of silt fencing throughout the Summerfields development.
Waverly Fire Department
Fire Department member Keith Harris informed the council that new members are still needed. October is fire prevention month. Efforts are being made to conduct smoke alarm checks. There was an incident in which the gas was left on in a vacant home. The realtor discovered the situation and called the fire department. The public is being encouraged to call the Fire Department if a gas odor is noticed in and around residences. Clerk Ryks will ask Fire Chief Roger Karels about including an article for the recruitment of new members in the city newsletter. The fire department is considering a pay per call policy to encourage new membership. Open house events are taking place this month in coordination with fire prevention month.
Minutes
The minutes of the September 4, 2008 Work Session were presented for approval.
Motion by Ken Antil, seconded by Pam Henry-Neaton to approve the minutes as presented. Carried 5-0.
The minutes of the September 10, 2008 Regular Session were presented for approval.
Motion by Gary Olson, seconded by Ken Antil to approve the minutes as presented. Carried 5-0.
The minutes of the September 23, 2008 Work Session were presented for approval.
Motion by Gary Olson, seconded by Deb Hausladen to approve the minutes as presented. Carried 5-0.
Accounts Payable
The accounts payable was presented in the amount of $51,902.63.
Motion by Ken Antil, seconded by Pam Henry-Neaton to approve the accounts payable in the amount of $51,902.63. Carried 5-0.
Welcome Packet Report
The Waverly Royalty Committee is in the process of taking over the assembly and delivery of the welcome packets to new residents. There are 10 packets to be delivered for August/September. The Royalty Ambassadors will be coming in for direction in the assembly of the welcome packets this week.
November Council Meeting
The November council meeting falls on the Veterans Day holiday. The meeting was rescheduled for Wednesday, November 12, 2008.
Public Hearing-Assessments for Delinquent Utilities
A public hearing was scheduled for November 12, 2008 at 7:15 p.m. to consider the assessment of unpaid utility bills to the tax rolls.
Appointment of Election Judges
Resolution 08-10 was presented for the appointment of election judges for the November 4, 2008 General Election.
Motion by Ken Antil, seconded by Pam Henry-Neaton to adopt Resolution 08-10 for the appointment of election judges. Carried 5-0.
Canvass City Election Results
The Canvassing Board will meet on Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. to canvass the city election results.
Renewal of Charitable Gambling-Winsted Fire Relief
Resolution 08-10-1 was presented for the renewal of the Charitable Gambling Site as the Uptown Bar and Grill for the Winsted Fire Relief Association.
Motion by Ken Antil, seconded by Pam Henry-Neaton to adopt Resolution 08-10-1 renewing the charitable gambling site for the Winsted Fire Relief Association. Carried 5-0.
Financial Mgt Plan
The proposed financial management plan/policy was provided to the council members for review. A revised copy and final copy were provided. It was decided that the council needed additional time to review the final copy prior to the adoption of the policy. This item was tabled for the November 12, 2008 council meeting. The adoption date at the top of the policy document will be changed to the November council meeting date.
Council Salaries
Previously, the council adopted an ordinance changing the council and mayor salaries to be effective with the next election term on January 1, 2009. The adopted salaries are monthly with the Mayor's salary being $100 and the council's salaries being $75. There was no per meeting compensation approved. Council Member Gary Olson asked the council to reconsider the monthly salaries to include some per meeting compensation. He stated that there will be new members on the council and they will be under this salary schedule for the next two years. Clerk Ryks reported that if a change in the ordinance is desired, it has to be published by November 3, 2008 to be effective prior to the election.
Discussion followed. The cities of Howard Lake and Cokato have higher salary rates for the Mayor and City Council Members. Due to the number of meetings held some months and committee meetings to be attended by council ex-officios, Council Member Olson wanted the council to consider the amendment of the salaries that were adopted earlier this year. Alternative options such as appointed council members to rotate committee ex officio assignments and the fact that council members on the EDA are paid a monthly salary from the EDA, the council decided not to take any action on this item.
LMC Regional Meeting-Dassel
Clerk Ryks informed the council that a Regional meeting is being held in Dassel on October 23. Interested members of the council may register on line.
Office Staff
Clerk Ryks inquired about the status of the part time Office Assistant position. Lori Jones resigned from this position in April 2008 and the council has not discussed whether the position would be filled or eliminated. A part time employee is desired to fill this position as the office Secretary may be retiring next summer and the work load requires the Clerk to have additional assistance.
The office position would have a regular work schedule of 16-20 hours per week with days or hours of work determined by the Clerk. Evening hours on Thursdays each week was suggested.
The Clerk provided for the salary of a part time employee in the proposed budget.
Ordinance 08-04: Minimum Standards for Rental Dwelling Units
The proposed rental housing ordinance was presented with the revisions made at the September council meeting.
Motion by Ken Hausladen, seconded by Ken Antil to pass Ordinance 08-04
as revised. Carried 5-0.
Clerk Ryks provided a form to be used with the licensing of rental housing units. A database will be established from the listing for non-homestead properties received from the Wright County Assessor's office. Clerk Ryks will send letters to rental property owners along with the ordinance and license form. The properties will need to comply by February 20, 2008 or 120 days from the ordinance publication.
Carrigan Estates Plat Correction
A correction to the original plat recorded for the Carrigan Estates subdivision was presented for approval. The correction consists of a table that was eliminated from the original plat. The table is a directory to the lots along Carrigan Lake that are exempted from the planned unit development. The plat correction document will be reviewed by the Wright County Surveyor. The city will need to sign the document.
Motion by Pam Henry-Neaton, seconded by Deb Hausladen to approve the proposed correction to the Carrigan Estates plat. Carried 5-0.
Adjournment
Motion by Gary Olson, seconded by Ken Antil to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m. Carried 5-0.
_________________________ _____________________________
Deborah Ryks, Clerk Ken Hausladen, Mayor