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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC February 21, 1978 : - ~ 01 ANDOVER REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - FEBRUARY 21, 1978 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Jerry Windschitl on February 21, 1978, 7:30 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Anoka, Minnesota. Councl1~ersons present: Lachinski, McClure, Orttel, VanderLaan Councilpersons absent: None Also present: City Attorney, Edward Babcock; City Engineer, Rex Stockwell; City Clerk, p. K. Lindquist (arrived at 8:30 p.m.); Planning and Zoning Chairman, Larry Retzlaff; and interested residente. Agenda A..,..,roval M0TIO~ by Lachinski, Seconded by Orttel, to a..,prove the Agenda with the following changes: Item 5a, Delete; and add Items 5f, Valley View Estates Discussion; Item ge, CETA Special Projects; and Item 10c, Crooked Lake School Crossing. Discussion: Councilperson VanderLaan requested postponing discussion on the Crooked Lake School Crossing until the March 2 meeting as she did not have all of her memorandum on this subject with her and did not feel she is prepared to comment on it. Councilperson Lachinski felt the matter was not of a controversial nature; it is just a request to expedite an investigation. He felt there is no reason to delay a request of that nature. VOTE O~ MOTION: YES-Lachinski, McClure, Orttel, Windechitl; NO-VanderLaan Motion carried. Councilperson VanderLaan - per my request, that the materials presented to the Council earlier 'on the Crooked Lake School Crossing are not at this time available to some of the Councilmembers, and that it would have been my feeling that the availability of those materials would allow us to conduct a better discussion on the issue. William Dedrine - Conservation District Presentation Mr. William Dedrine, Anoka County Soil Conservation District, explained that about two years ago the Anoka Soil Conservation District decided to inventory the wetlands in Anoka County in an attem..,t to identify those existing viable wetlands by municipalities. The general definition of wetlands generally are areas that are in transition between dry land and open water areas; generally areas that have water within close proximity to the surface, at the surface, or above the surface for a significant portion of most years. In identifying the existing viable wetlands, all areas that were supposed to be wetlands that that had been partially eliminated by man's uses, such as for agricultural purposes, residental development, etc., are not included on the wetland maps. Mr, Dedrine went on to explain how the wetlands are identified, how they are numbered according to the Section inwhich they are located, the acreage, the type of wetland, and other pertinent information, Included in the report is a copy of the Model Ordinance for preserving wetlands which could be used as a guide if the City felt that it wanted to do something with the wetland~ Mr. Dedrine left two copies of the report explaining and defining the various types of wetlands within the City of Andover, He agreed to deliver additional copies of the report for Councilmembers and Planning Commission members, Mayor Windschitl suggested it would be helpful, especially for the Planning Commission on plat reviews, if this information were color-coded on a Section map. Variance - Ken Heil Attorney Babcock presented a proposed Resolution granting the Variance to Mr, Heil, having the Variance filed with the Recorder and having lots 5 and 6 that are to be combined into the new -oarcel given a new Plat Number by the County Auditor so that they are taxed together; The Variance will show in the County Recorders office that they may not hereafter be Re~ular City Council Meeting February 21, lq7B - Minutes Pa ~e 2 (Variance - Ken Heil, Continued) eeparately conveyed. With respect to the west 50 feet of lote 5 and 6, the same will apply -- that they will be attached to Tract B and the new parcel number will be given by the County Auditor's office with respect to that whole parcel, Mr. Babcock had talked with the Auditor's office; and upon request, they would be willing to do that, Tliis is a Variance from the Lot Split Ordinance, and it would be the Council's discretion whether or not the lot split fee would be collected from Mr, Heil, He felt it could properly be char~ed, Legally, this would be granting a Variance under three Ordinances -- Zoning, Subdivision, and Lot Split Ordinances, Mr, Babcock felt the real issue is whether or not the existing building site on Lots 5 and 6 is reasonable in light of sanitary sewer standards, Should this Resolution be adopted, wben sanitary sewer is available in the area, it would take Council action to split Lots 5 and 6 again, Mr, Heil stated no additional buildings will be placed on that building site, Councilperson Orttel felt that regardless of who that 50-foot strip belonged to, it will have the same absorption capabilities as the present legal lot, Discussion was on whether the decision on the Variance to join Lots 5 and 6 would affect the build- ability of the remaining Lots 1, 2, 3, and 4, Mayor Windschitl thought the original plat was approved on the basis that every other lot was buildable, With the combination of Lots 5 and 6 into one lot; Lots 3 and 1 would then be the buildable lots, Mr, Heil was agreeable to that, But Mr, Babcock's opinion was that action taken tonight would not affect the buildability of the remaining lots, Councilnerson VanderLaan was of the opinion that sinca the entire parcel of land (Tracts A and B, Lots 1 through 6) was owned by ~~, Heil, this action is less than a superior way of dealin~ with this problem, She felt that this request comes under the definition of Subdivision within the Ordinance; and in looking at the language in the Ordinance, 14,02 with respect to sllowance of a hardship and 9,06, minimum lot size, it gets back to the fact that we are allowing the establishing of a substandard lot in an R-l area, Also, we are still dealing with the possibility of setting some kind of precedent regarding this type of conveyance, She felt there might be a better way of doing this with respect to lookin~ at the entire parcel of land or leaving it as it is and leasing those buildings, The intent of the Comprehensive Plan in the City is to maintain and retain as large a lot as 1'0ssible, Here we are creating a small lot in this area, substandard as to Ordinance 8, Mr, Heil noted the combining of Lots 5 and 6 is larger than the other lots generally in that area, Mayor Windschitl stated that Mr, Heil could accomplish everything he wishes to accomplieh with a simple lease on that property, Discussion was then on assessing the lots for sanitary ~ewer from the City standpoint, Mr. Stockwell explained if Lots 5 and 6 were combined, when sanitary sewer is made available, it would be a decrease of 33 feet that could be assessed versus assessing the lots individually, Mr, Babcock stated we are not actually creating a new lot here but are granting s Variance, When sanitary sewer is made available, he felt legally Lots 5 and 6 could still be assessed individually, He felt this is the kind of situation where the hardship clauses in our three Ordinances properly apply, and he also thought that Council action should not be based on a prior Town Board conceivably making an error in granting the Plat where the setback requirements had not been met, MOTTON by Lachinski, Seconded by McClure, proposing a Resolution to grant the Kenneth Heil Variance, a Variance from Section 14,01 of Ordinance No, 10 so as to allow conveyance of Lota 5 and 6, Block 4, Hartfiel's Estates, except the west 50 feet thereof", and the west 50 feet of Lots 5 and 6, Block 4, of Hartfiel's Estates shall be joined to the following parcel., , (See Resolution R17-8) VOTE ON MOTION: YES-Lachinski, McClure, Orttel; NO-VanderLaan;·PRESENT-Windsc~,tl Motion carried, Re~ular City Council Meetin~ February 21, 1978 - Minutes Pa~e 3 (Variance - Ken Heil, Continued) Councilperson Vanderlaan: My no vote reflects that I feel this particular Variance does not meet the purpose of Ordinance 10 and that Section 2 requeswthat all land subdivision within the City shall equal or exceed the minimum standards set forth by the Ordinance as required by 9.06, Section a, requires that in this area lot size shall be 2t acres and 330 feet in width. While I recognize a hardship situation, I do not feel that the offered Resolution is the best solution to the existing problem. Special Use Permit _ United Power Association Mr. Larry Retzlaff noted they have a lot split request of the UPA pending on February 27. In reviewin~ the application for the Special Use Permit, the P ~ Z recommended approval. At that time they did not discover that a lot split was in order. The two parcels of land would be approximately 7 and 3 acres; and the UPA is looking to acquire the 7 acres of la~ which is a larger parcel than the last area they applied for for the substation. It is also set back from the main arterial road; it is not detrimental to the health, eafety, morals, and welfare of the community; there was no pUblic opposition at the Public Hearing of this site compared to the previous application where there was a great deal of opposition; and it would be in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan. A letter was received from the current property owner that he would be willing to sell to the UPA. In looking at the Comprehensive Plan, the Commission looked at future potential growth in the area, what that area is going to look like, and the intent of the development in that region. J. p. Cairns, UPA representative, noted the approximate evaluation of the substation would be between S75,OOO and SlOO,OOO; the site will utilize approximatelY over one acre so there is a substantial buffer area around the station itself; the area is completely wooded so they will be able to take advantage of the natural screening; and the noise factor would be within the allowable limits. Mr. Retzlaff also stated the substation is substantially offset from a residential area; the Commission reviewed the distance from Heather and l73rd Lane NW and found it to be a substantial distrance from them; they reviewed the screening with regards to the fencing around the substation itself and there will be a 7-foot cyclone fence with one-inch of barbed wire on top; but the Commission did not study the health factor of the substation. Also, the Commission received the impression that the residenb in the northwest area were adamantly opposed; whereas there was no public opposition to this site; and this area is wooded; whereas the previous area was sparsely wooded. There was a lengthy. discussion on the fact that the lot split for the acreage to be purchased by UPA should be acted upon before the Special Use Permit; on whether or not the lot split is legally possible: and on whether or not notices regarding the lot split reouest should be sent to property owners within 350 feet of the parcel. Mr. Babcock recommended that the property owners affected should be sent notices of the lot split reouest as this intent is different from the Special Use Permit. It was also determined the resultant parcel from the lot split request abuts on a public roadway and seems to be within the Ordinance requirements. MOTION by LachinSki, Seconded by Vanderlaan, to continue the United Power Association's Special Use Permit to the March 7 meeting. Discussion: Councilperson McClure noted th~ granting the Special Use Permit tonight would have to be contingent upon receiving approval for the lot split request; therefore, UPA would still not be receiving absolute approval this evening. It is in UPA's interest to have both the lot split and Special Use Permit dealt with at the March 7 meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Recess at 8:55 p.m.; reconvene at 9:08 p.m. Re~ular City Council Meeting February 21, 1978 - Minutes Page 4 P~airie Road - Brid~e Mr. Stockwell reviewed his letter of February 16, 1978, to the Council which summarized the future ali~nment of Prairie Road at 50 feet east of the existing bridge and stating three reasons why the bridge was designed excluding the approach roadway at this time. The nurchase of additional fill was estimated to be ~2 a yard, 10,000 yards needed; this is no guarantee that additional fill will not be needed if the approaches are conatructed during the Prairie Road project. The new bridge deck will be almost 15 feet above the bottom of the creek. Before the approaches are built, more soil borings will have to be done to determine if there will be muck excavation in the area. Mr. Stockwell also explained the phases of completion recommended for the Prairie Road project and estimated ~42,OOO for completion of the approach roadway to the bridge at this time, excluding any soil problems that may be encountered. In reviewing the Andover Municipal State Aid Fund, he explained that because of expenditures already allocated for the Prairie Road project and the replacement bridge projects on South Coon Creek Drive and Prairie Road, there is approximately ~15,770 available for any work until the City receives its 1979 MSAH allotment. Mr. Stockwell also explained that the engineering fees for the bridge replace- ment programs come from the MSAH fund, not from the State Grant for building the bridge. He recommended that the City Council take action on the Prairie Road bridge right of way immediately -- to proceed with right-of-way acquisition for the construction of the bridge; in the future, to authorize preparation for right-of-way plans for submission to the State for the completed segment of Prairie Road from Andover Boulevard to Bunker Lake Boulevard; and to determine the appropriate roadway work to be done in 1979 on Prairie Road (either the approach roadway to the new bridge or the remaining road construction on the southern nortion of Prairie Road). Mayor Windschitl felt there were two issues here -- the construction of the bridge and the wisdom of constructing Prairie Road. He questioned if it should be constructed at all in the near future as the developing of this road right now is inconsistent with our Develop- ment Plan of developing the urban area first. Discussion was on the complication involved af canstructin~ this type of bridge and acquiring right of way on Prairie Road at this time if there is a possibility that that road would not be contructed to meet MSAH standards in the near future. Councilperson Orttel felt the two were linked together in that that type of brid~e would not be necessary should it be decided that the road would not be constructed. He felt that bridge was being built in that style to fit an MSAH design to carry 55 mile-an-hour traffic. Also, if that road is to be constructed, with the funds available, the earliest it could be done is 1980. Mr. Stockwell agreed unless the City utilized State-Aid bonding. He also felt the style of bridge would remain the same whether it was for MSAH design or for an urban section, although the width might be less. There is also a possibility that MSAH standards may change in the years ahead, but he didn't feel that would present a very big problem. Councilperson Vanderlaan noted a previous Council has committed this Council to this project and the bridge construction itself is comnletely funded by the State at this time. Funds have already been committed to this nroject and fundin~ for the bridge might not be available in the future. MOTION by VanderLaan, Seconded by McClure, that the City Council authorize the City Attorney to proceed with right-of-way acquisition for construction of a bridge on Prairie Road as shown on Fi~ure Number One contained in a memo from TKDA dated February 16, 1978. VOTE ON MOTION: YES-Lachinski, McClure, Windschitl, Vanderlaan; NO-Orttel Motion carried. Plat Change - Hawk Ridge Estates Mr. Babcock noted the following changes to the Hawk Ridge Estates Plat: With respect to Lots 7 and 8, Block 6, through an oversight we neglected to acknowledge that a variance was necessary with respect to front footage; Lots 3 and 4 of Block 5, we neglected to do Re~ular City Council Meeting February 21, 1978 - Minutes Pa~e 5 (Plat Change - Hawk Ridge Estates, Continued) the same with respect to front footage; Lot 3, Block 4, we neglected to say that the front of the lot would face l79th Avenue; Lot 3, Block 3, we neglected to say that the front of the lot would face Arrowhead; Lot 4, Block 6 was formerly Lot 4, Block 4 on the Pre- liminary Plat; Lot 6, Block 6, was formerly Lot 6, Block 4 on the Preliminary Plat (this has to be corrected to conform with the Final Plat). Mr. Retzlaff stated it has been the interpretation of the Commission since the letter from Mr. Hawkins, former Attorney, that 300 feet would be the requirement on both metes and bounds and on platted land, and they have been working with that interpretation and recommending 300 feet to developers coming in. Mr. Retzlaff noted it is still not clear, and they don't have the complete feeling of the Council on this. He also noted there are lots in Hawk Ridge that are not at least 300 feet in width; however, the Planning Commission stated why they felt that was acceptable in that condition in their recommendation to the Council. M0TTON by Lachinski, Seconded by McClure, introducing a Resolution making the necessary changes for Hawk Ridge Estates Preliminary Plat as presentsd by the Attorney... (See Resolution R18-8) VOTE ON MOTION: YES-Lachinski, McClure, Orttel, Windschitl; NO-Vanderlaan Motion carried. Mayor Windschitl - The misinterpretation on the less than 330-foot lots is the result of a letter that was received March 29, 1977, from the City Attorney at that time. Councilperson Vanderlaan - The misinterpretation of the Ordinance may be explained by the Planning and Zoning, but I do not recall that it was ever stated by all of the City Council members that they were misinterpreting the Ordinance in this fashion. My no vote reflects, while it may be proper to allow the re-approval of a conforming Final Plat by the method now before the Council, the fact remains that many of Hawk Ridge's lots do not conform to the requirements of the City's Ordinances as to lot width. And the City Councft's action simply reaffirms that it is allowing the substandard lots without, in my opinion, sufficient findings in order to allow Variances per criteria of the Ordinance. Lawrence Carlson. developer - I appreciate the motion thet was passed, but I do not feel that any of these issues were overlooked. These items were openly discussed at these meetings. I was told that 300 feet was okay. Mr. Retzlaff agrees with that. It was my understanding up until now that this was the case on the lot frontage for a homs. At some place in the record, those lots were reviewed, and I have already committed the houses facing certain sides. The land characteristics was a part of the issue involved, and I asked for per- mission and received it. We had about 1/2 mile of trees bordering on open field, and I presented the problem to the P & Z and to the Council, and they agreed that it was needless to destroy sbout a 66-foot strip of trees. And in no way did we change the Plat, to my knowledge, between the Preliminary and the Final except for the numbering. If anything, the footage is slightly larger. A 10-foot strip that was dedicated to the City for park caused the break and the change in the numbering system. I had nothing to do with that -- it was a technical change. Valley View Estates Discussion Mr. Stockwell stated that Mr. Raymond L. Klenk, landowner, for Valley View Estates Second Addition, an existing platted area south of 174th Avenue, approached him with regard to construction of streets and storm sewers to develop those lots. He will request to be placed on the March 7 Agenda. Discussion was on the procedure involved as this is a rather unique situation because the Final Plat was approved without requiring the roads to be cons true te d . The developer has to make a request to the City to build these roads, as it is existing City easement, and we are acting after-the-fact on this development. The Clerk noted it is like an improvement where the developer will be paying all costs. Mr. Stockwell drafted an Improvement Project contract for the City Attorney's review, and the developer . - .. ,.,- Regular City Council Meeting February 21, 1978 - Minutes ~p6 (Valley View Estates Discussion, Continued) would like to begin construction as soon as possible, The Clerk stated Mr, Klenk has deposited an escrow account for Mr, Stockwell's work, This is being done under our Improvement Project Financing, It was Mayor Windschitl's opinion that the law firm should produce the agreement, which is the normal agreement; and Mr, Klenk must deposit an escrow account to cover legal expenses, Planning and Zoning Commission Mr, Retzlaff noted Midwest Planning has requested a 3D-minute appointment with each of the Councilmembers to discuss opinions on the City of Andover, Park and Recreation Commission - Tennis Court Approval Mavor Windschitl noted that the Park Commission had received complaints from residents about locating the tennis courts in Northwoods because of its close proximity to all the houses, The Clerk noted that she has obtained a price of $2,500 from H & S and none from Mr, Kraable yet on the site preparation of the tennis court at the City Hall site, Tim Erkkila, Midwest Planning, commented on the Northwoods versus the City Hall site for the second set of tennie courts, He felt there are other people involved in the selection of the site for the courts than just the City of Andover, that being that the grant apnlication showed a particular site and the State, in granting the tennis court grant, also participated in the decision, Their attitude is that if the City had proposed the second set of courts to be placed at the City Hall site, the City would not have received the grant, They will not stop the City from changing the site location; however, in looktg at future dealings with them, they would not look favorably upon it, One of the criteria for the grants was providing recreation where the population is. Mr. Erkkila felt they might react better to the City in terms of future recreational grants if the City turned down the grant rather than putting it at the City Hall site.. Mr, Erkkila also recommended approval of the first alternate on the electrical bids throu~ Cramer Electric, which would provide light fixtures at the four corners of the tennis court and would allow for additional multiple use of the sams light fixtures immediately adjacent to it, He also felt it was a very good price. Cramer Electric's bid is lower because he has a similiar project in Coon Rapids at this time. He was under the impression that because of vandalism, the Park Commission did not recommend putting in a meter system for the use of the lights and that just an on-off switch would be suitable. Discussion was on the complaints of the residents in the Northwoods area, Mayor Windschitl stated the objections received against the tennis courts being placed in North- woods were: the noise factor in the evening; the number of people that would be coming in; and the lights on the courts that would affect the houses facing the tennis courts. He also noted they discussed the aging process of the Northwoods area and whether or not the tennis courts would be used 15 years from now, and the problem of putting tennis courts in just one neighborhood park, Councilperson Vanderlaan wanted to know where the complaints were coming from; what they are based on; is there consideration for the entire Northwoods area; is there proper consideration for those few people around the courts; and has there been any attempt to alleviate the problem. Mr. Erkkila didn't believe the plans had been shown to the neighborhood and felt there had only been a minimum amount of exposure to the neighbors, With regards to lighting, he felt that could be deleted entirely, that being on a policy basis that neighborhood park facilities won't be lighted. He thought that possibly the City could write a letter to the State asking their indulgence while we go through a quick review process to try to find another spot in a populated area, He urged the City to try to find a spot for the tennis courts in a populated area to meet the State's criteria so they won't be offended in future grants, He agreed that the best procedure would be to have this referred to the Park Board and have them hold a public meeting with Regular City Council Meeting February 21, 1978 - Minutes Page 7 (Park/Recreation Commission - Tennis Court Approval, Continued) the northwoods residents about placing the courts in that area. Mr. Erkkila also felt that the fact that the City is getting grants does not hurt at all in terms of future grants as there are othsr communities that count on grantsmanship programs on a yearly basis. He also felt the contractor for the first tennis courts could be asked if he would consider buiTIding the second set of courts for the same price as a single item under $10,000 does not have to be bid. Councilperson Lachinski asked if the outcome of the decision on the tennis courts would have been the same by the Capital Improvements Committee had more members been present at that meeting. And is the Committee trying to fund requests before them, or are they lookin~ at a first-come, first-serve type basis? Mayor Windschitl felt the outcome would have been the same on the tennis courts, and items are not treated on a first-come, first- serve basis. Charlie Vieman - suggested the possibility of placing the tennis courts near Crooked Lake School or in an area adjacent to it as thiS is the urban area. Mayor Windschitl stated at the present time there are no park facilities in that general area. Councilperson Orttel felt the school district might work in conjunction with this as that is what is done in other communities. Mr. Erkkila felt they might be very receptive to providing land. General consensus was the Park Board should explore the Northwoods site further and hold a Public Hearing, mailing out notices to residents in the area, documenting telephone complaints, testimony from residents, etc., for the Council's use in making a decision on the tennis court site. MOTION by VanderLaan, Seconded by McClure, that the City Council award the bid of $6,800, Alternate 1 bid price, to Cramer Electric for installation of lighting for the City Hall Tennis Courts, and that the City Council recognize receipt of bids from the additional companies as noted in a memo from Midwest Planning, February 2, 1978; and that the City Council authorize the Clerk and Mayor to enter into an agreement with Cramer Electric for the construction of the lighting for the tennis courts. (See Resolution R19-8) Motion carried unanimously. MOTIon by Lachinski, Seconded by Windschitl, to continue the meeting until we finish this A~enda tonight. Motion carried unanimously. Park and Recreation Commission _ Joint Meetin~ with Council Mr. Erkkila noted the Council should have copies of the Preliminary Park System Report, which summarizes and analyzes what the City has now, where problems lie, the basis of the park classification system, and the recreational facilities priorities and locations suggested for the future. If the growth rate continues, by the year 2000, Mr. Erkkila projected approximately $2.5 million will be needed to develop the park system in the City. In order to achieve that on a steady basis, he has worked out an approximate program for acquisition and development, which would require a commitment on the part of the City of perhaps $30-40,000 a year dedicated for park improvement. He noted the locations and priorities are up to the Council's discretion and recommended not holding public hearings at this time until agreement is reached on where to go from here by the Council, the Park Commission, and Midwest Planning. MOTIOn by VanderLaan, Seconded by McClure, that the City Council and the Park Board meet with Tim Erkkila on March 16, 1978, 7:30 p.m., Andover City Hall, to discuss the Comprehe~ sive Park Plan. Motion carried unanimously. Re~ular City Council Meetin~ February 21, 1078 - Minutes P1iII>;e 1\ Volunteer Fire Department Vic Evans, Fire Chief, reported that Bob Muscovitz, the City employee who has volunteered to be on the Fire Department, has agreed to make up the two hours for training sessions if he is allowed to attend the Wednesday morning sessions by working extra time each day. Mr. Evans again emphasized the importance of having him participate in the Fire Department. The Clerk noted she would have to set up a established schedule for Mr. Muscovitz to work so tbat the extra time would not be considered as overtime. Councilperson VanderLaan sUl!;l!;ested that the Clerk and Mr. Thurston comment on the feasibility of this being done. Mr. Evans al!;ain requested that Mr. Muscovitz be allowed to attend the 4-hour training sessions on Monday morning sponsored by Hennepin County Voe Tec, the third session beginntg next week. Durinl>; the time he is attending this training session, he would not be attending the Wednesday morning sessions; but he would etill be making up that time. Therefore, in actuality, he would only be paid for 2 hours of training a week, or a total of 32 hours for the 16-week training session. The City of Anok1il Fire Department has several City employees on the Fire Department, and their City employees do attend special fire-fighter training classes during working hours, Most of the men in the Fire Department will be taking this Voe-Tec training class. Mr, Muscovitz would be receiving essentially the same type of training eventually through the Wednesday morning sessions, only it would be over an extensive period of time, Mr, Evans also felt that by going to these training classes where they go to 8 different fire departments, they see such a variety of equipment, talk with a variety of firemen and learn of the problems and solutions other fire departments have come up with, This experience cannot be gained by just the Wednesday morning sessioĊ“ at the City Hall. In talkinl>; with the men in the Fire Department, Mr. Evans reportsd that about 00 percent feel as he does about Mr, Muscovitz'sposition -- he is a tremendously valuable person here at the City that should be worked into the Fire Department as day coveral>;e is our most critical area, Discussion was on the value of Mr. Muscovitz to the Fire Department, Councilperson McClure ouestioned if a precedent is being set of paying an employee of the City to participate in a voluntary organization. Councilperson Lachinski felt no precedent is being set as the Fire Department is a City Department and cannot be compared with that of other voluntary organizations that are not city operated. Councilperson Orttel felt the residents of the City are paying Mr. Muscovitz's wages, and they are interested in protecting their lives and their property. Also, there is only a minor amount of expense involved here. MOTIOW by VanderLaan, Seconded by McClure, that the City Council request comments from the immediate supervisor for Bob Muscovitz and the Assistant Administrator with an examination of the potential time allowed to Mr. Muscovitz for training sessions and with an examina- tion of the commitment to future training sessions. Discussion: Councilperson VanderLaan noted we must look at how the schedule comes into perspective within the City Hall and at the policy established by the City sometime ago as to overtime. VOTE ON MOTION: YES-McClure, VanderLaan, Windschitl; NO-Lachinski, Orttel Motion carried. School District Advisory Board Representative Mayor Windschitl volunteered to serve on the Board as he felt he had the time and has had some involvement with this organization. Councilperson VanderLaan questioned if Council- person McClure, as the newest member of the Council,would be interested in the position. Councilperson McClure declined the position. MaTToN by Orttel, Seconded by Lachinski, to appoint Mayor Windschitl as School District Advisory Board Representative, Motion carried unanimously. .- ,..- Re~ular City Council Meetin~ February 21, 1078 - Minutes Pae:e 0 Interview Date - P & z, plR Applicants I Junkyard Applicant Hsarine: Date MOTIO~ by Orttel, Seconded by McClure, that we set March 2 as the meeting date to interview applicants for P & Z and Park and Recreation and hold Hearings for the Junkyard Applicants. Motion csrried unanimously. Advertisement for Sie:ns MOTTO~ by Orttel, Seconded by McClure, that the Council direct the City Clerk to secure public bids for street signs and posts as set out in the specifications, Traffic Control Si~ns, bids to close on March 9, 1978. (See Resolution R20-8) Motion carried unanimously. Tree Inspector School MOTTO~ by VanderLaan, Seconded by MCClure, that the City Council authorize Tree Inspector, David Cloue:h, to attend the Special School for Tree Inspectore being held March 7, 1978, and that the City Council recognize this school is required in order for Tree Inspectors to maintain their certification, and that the City Council authorize the 33 fee and mileage to the school for Mr. C10u~h. Motion carried unanimously. CETA Special Projects Fundin~ Ms, Lindquist explained she has prepared an application, but this was when the City was lookin~ at ~ettin~ a bfgger reimbursement grant from the State on the Inspection Program; and it addresses tree removal as the prime objective. She is hoping something can be worked out with the County; because if we don't have the equipment, we can't use the people, She asked if the Council would be interested in pursuing this further, Mayor Windschitl stated she should check to see if something could be worked with the County to borrow or lease some equipment, and to check into what it would cost the City, City Clerk's Conference MOTION by VanderLaan, Seconded by Lachinski, that the City Clerk be authorized to attend the City Clerk's Conference March 15 through 17; that the City Council authorize the payment of the registration fee of $45 and allow Pat Lindquist the mileage to the Conference at the Radisson South, Motion carried unanimously, Crooked Lake School Crossine: MOTTON by Orttel, Seconded by Lachinski, that the Council forward the letter drafted by the City Clerk dated February 21, 1078, to Edward Fields, County Commissioner, Discussion: Councilperson Lachinski requested that during the next few weeks before it is beginning to ~et li~ht, that the Sheriff be contacted and asked to park along side the road by the school durine: that one-hour period. Motion carried unanimously, Approval of Claims MOTIO~ by VanderLaan, Seconded by McC¡ure, grant authorization of Checks 1688 through 1692 and 1604 through 1700 for a dollar amount of $3,629,38; and that the Clerk investigate Check Number 1603 to Mickelson Plumbine:, Inc" in the amount of 3127,20, to be offered to the Council later for approval, Motion carried unanimously, MOTION by VanderLaan, Seconded by LachinSki, to adjourn, Motion carried unanimously, Meetine: adjourned at 11:54 p,m, ~espe::::i~~~~ ~\^< M~ A, Pesch ~~ Recording Secretary .----.-.--