01-24-22 City Council MinutesOTSEGO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2022
7:00 PM
OTSEGO PRAIRIE CENTER
Call to Order.
Mayor Stockamp called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Roll Call:
Mayor Jessica Stockamp; Councilmembers: Tom Darkenwald, Brittany Moores, and Jeff Dahl; Absent:
Councilmember Tina Goede. City Staff: City Administrator/Finance Director Adam Flaherty, Human
Resources/Assistant City Administrator Sabrina Hille, City Attorney Dave Kendall; City Engineer Ron
Wagner, City Planner Daniel Licht, and City Clerk Audra Etzel.
Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Stockamp led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. Open Forum:
Mayor Stockamp opened the Open Forum at 7:01 PM.
No one from the public spoke.
Mayor Stockamp closed the Open Forum at 7:02 PM.
2. Consider Agenda Approval.
City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty handed out an updated document for item 4.1.E, and asked
to add agenda item 5.2 Purchase Agreement for Well 10.
CM Darkenwald motioned to approve the agenda as amended, seconded by CM Dahl. All in
favor. Motion carried 4-0
3. Consent Agenda.
3.1 Approve Claims List.
3.2 Approve City Council Meeting Minutes.
A. January 10, 2022 Meeting_
B. January 10, 2022 Special Meeting_
3.3 Call a Special Meeting for the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization Meeting.
3.4 Call a Special Meeting for Strategic Planning_
3.5 Approve Hiring of Utility Operator Position.
3.6 Approve Funding Participation and Construction Agreement for CSAH 37 Improvements.
3.7 Adopt Resolution 2022-09 Ordering Plans and Specifications — 2022 Street Maintenance.
3.8 Adopt Resolution 2022-10 Ordering Plans and Specifications — 2022 Street Micro -Surface.
3.9 Accept the 2022 Wellhead Protection Plan Annual Report.
3.10 Adopt Resolution 2022-11 Approving a Revised Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy_
3.11 Approve Work Program to Update the Otsego Comprehensive Plan and Authorize to Proceed.
3.12 Adopt Resolution 2022-12 Approving the COVID-19 Leave Program.
CM Dahl motioned to approve the consent agenda as written, seconded by CM Darkenwald.
All in favor. Motion carried 4-0.
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4. Planning:
4.1 Riverbend North Second Addition.
A. Presentation by City Planner Licht.
B Consider Resolution 2022-13 Vacating Existing Drainage and Utility Easements.
C Consider Approval of PUD Development Stage Plan and Preliminary/Final Plat.
D Consider Resolution 2022-14 Approving a Development Contract.
E Consider Resolution 2022-15 Approving First Amendment to TIF Development Agreement.
At 7:04 PM CM Darkenwald recused himself due to a family connection and stepped down from the dais.
City Planner Licht presented the staff report, noting an updated Amendment to the TIF Development
Agreement was handed out at the beginning of the meeting.
The applicant, represented by Darren Lazan with Landform, was present via videoconference and agrees
with the City Planner's report as presented.
City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty confirmed an updated First Amendment to TIF Development
Agreement was handed out. The Amendment will tie the newly created legal descriptions for the two
phases of the apartments with the TIF Development Agreement.
CM Moores motioned to adopt Resolution 2022-13 vacating existing drainage and utility
easements and approve a PUD Development Stage Plan and preliminary/final plat for
Riverbend North Second Addition subject to the conditions as stated within the findings of
fact and decision, adopt Resolution 2022-14 approving a development contract; and adopt
Resolution 2022-15 approving the first amendment to the TIF development agreement,
seconded by CM Dahl. All in favor. Motion carried 3-0. Abstained CM Darkenwald.
CM Darkenwald rejoined the meeting at 7:10 PM.
5. Engineering:
5.1 Otsego Creek Watershed Hydraulic Study.
A. Presentation by City Engineer Wagner.
B Consider Approval of Agreement for Professional Services with AE2S.
City Engineer Wagner presented the staff report.
Mayor Stockamp noted there was a similar project in 2007 and asked if there will be signage explaining
the usage for future residents to understand the regulations. Engineer Wagner said signs will be
installed on every other lot stating the regulations beyond this point.
CM Darkenwald said there were past issues with flooding, do you know if there were issues in this area?
Engineer Wagner said they have removed trees that have fallen and clean up the area to keep the creek
flowing. In the past there have been issues and secondary culverts were installed at a higher elevation
to allow opening for the water to pass through and help avoid flooding. The sewer facility has created
more water and the out flow there is a greater rate than it was as one time. CM Darkenwald asked
about culverts in the area. Engineer Wagner confirmed there is one crossing at the 83rd Street crossing
will probably need to be extended to accommodate a larger road and trail. CM Darkenwald asked about
the $3,985 impact fee. Planner Licht said any development in the watershed pays the fee. CM
Darkenwald asked if the $18,500 will cover the costs? Engineer Wagner stated this is the current model,
they need to get the volume on dirt and see how many trees need to be removed before confirming an
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amount. Mayor Stockamp asked if the property owner to the east has been informed? Engineer Wagner
said not yet, they will first put together a plan; right of entries will need to be obtained before entering
the properties. Engineer Wagner said they are preparing to go out for quotes this spring and hope for
construction this summer.
CM Darkenwald motioned to approve an Agreement for Professional Services for the Prairie
Pointe Hydraulic Study with Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, LLC (AE2S)
in the amount of $18,500, seconded by CM Moores. All in favor. Motion carried 4-0.
5.2 Purchase Agreement Well #10.
City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty said this has been discussed at past closed meetings. The
City Attorney has drafted the Purchase Agreement for Well #10 and the property owner has accepted
the offer. City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty said the Purchase Agreement allows for a test
well to confirm the site meets the City's needs before closing on the property. Attorney Kendall
confirmed the agreement allows for testing and the purchase agreement allows the City to cancel if not
a suitable site for the well. CM Darkenwald asked about the due diligences and testing. Engineer
Wagner said the City has until May 241h to test the site and staff has already been in discussion with well
drillers, Department of Health and Department of Natural Resources. Also, staff is aware of the geology
with Well #7 and other known wells are in the area. CM Darkenwald asked if the wells were in Mt.
Simon aquifer? Engineer Wanger confirmed some are in the Mt. Simon and most are in the Wanowac
and staff has information.
CM Dahl motioned to approve Purchase Agreement for PID #118-245-001020 in the
amount of $35,000 and all associated transfer costs. The property is to be used as Otsego
Well #10. Seconded by Mayor Stockamp. All in favor. Motion carried 4-0.
6. Administration:
6.1 Finance Department Position Recruitment.
A Presentation by City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty.
B. Consider Authorization to initiate the Recruitment Process.
City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty presented the staff report. Staff is requesting one full-time
position vs. two part-time positions as budgeted in 2022. If the City Council is agreeable, staff would
initiate the recruitment process. Upon successful recruitment, hire and training, the existing Utility
Billing staff would transition into the Finance Assistant position. The Finance Assistant would do 50%
utility billing and 50% finance work. The current budget allows for 3 full-time and 2 part time. The
Finance Department would then include four full-time position and allow for better cross -training and
coverage. City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty said the Utility Billing position scored at Grade 6,
starting at $51,650 for step 1. Mayor Stockamp asked about the title of Finance Clerk vs. Finance
Assistant. City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty said City Council has approved a Finance
Assistant job description, which is currently vacant. There would be some changes to the job
descriptions based on four employees vs. five. Once the new recruit is trained the current staff person
would transition into the other job description which would be brought before City Council for approval
at that time.
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MINUTES OF THE CITY OF OTSEGO REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 24, 2022
CM Darkenwald asked how much was budgeted for the two positions? City Administrator/Finance
Director Flaherty said $59,471 was budgeted for 2022, not including benefits; noting that the full-time
request will likely cause this expenditure account to exceed the budget by an estimated $8,000. Human
Resources/Assistant City Administrator Hille said she hopes to start recruitment soon, bring a candidate
back for City Council approval on February 28, and start in March 2022.
Mayor Stockamp motioned to authorize staff to initiate the recruitment process for the
Utility Billing position, seconded by CM Dahl. All in favor. Motion carried 4-0.
CM Darkenwald asked how the additional expenses are covered. City Administrator/Finance Director
Flaherty said an item can go over budget and not require a budget amendment. He noted expenditure
budget overages often are offset with revenue budget overages or Council contingency budget.
7. City Council Reports and Updates:
7.1 Commission Liaison Updates.
A. Heritage Preservation Commission - Liaison CM Moores had no update.
B. Parks and Recreation Commission - Liaison Mayor Stockamp said they have reviewed the
HKGI findings for the River Access improvements, the School Knoll Park Improvements, and reviewed
the Wayfinding Project.
C. Planning Commission - Liaison CM Darkenwald said there were no meetings yet this year.
D. Public Safety Commission — Liaison Mayor Stockamp said Brian for Allina is looking to get
another ambulance, but not guaranteed to be in the Otsego area. There were some snowmobile
questions that were directed to the River Riders.
CM Darkenwald asked about the 26th meeting with the Albertville Fire Department. City
Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty said the agenda was sent out today.
Mayor Stockamp and City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty will be at Rush Creek to present the
State of the Cities at the I94 Chamber meeting. On February 19th the Strategic Planning meeting will be
held at Prairie Center.
8. Staff Reports and Updates.
8.1 Call a Special Meeting to Interview Applications for Advisory Commissions.
City Clerk Etzel stated the Council needs to schedule a special meeting to interview applicants for the
Advisory Commission openings. The current terms will expire on February 28, 2022. There are 11
individuals that have applied for the eight openings and some with multiple interests. The City Council
will approve the appointments at the February 28th meeting.
After discussion the City Council agreed to meet on Wednesday, February 9th at 5:30pm in the Prairie
Center. Interviews will be every 15 minutes and the applicant can attend via Zoom or in-person. Staff
will contact the applicants to schedule the interviews.
Mayor Stockamp motioned to call for a special City Council meeting on February 9, 2022 at
5:30pm to be held at the Prairie Center for the purpose of interviewing Advisory
Commission Applicants every 15 minutes via zoom or in-person, seconded by CM Moores.
All in favor. Motion carried 4-0.
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City Clerk Etzel noted tomorrow is National Poll Worker Recruitment Day. Staff has added information to
the website and will post on Facebook.
City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty confirmed the Strategic Plan will take place on February 19th
and more information will be sent closer to the date. Staff attended Wright County meeting to discuss
multi hazards mitigation plan. Currently there is no special meeting scheduled for February 14th and a
special meeting for emergency services would take place February 28tH
Human Resources/Assistant City Administrator Hille said the new utility operator will be starting
tomorrow. The recruitment for the Utility Billing position will start with closing date of February 18th
City Planner Licht said the next Planning Commission meeting is February 7th. There is an application for
a Kwik Trip and Zoning Amendment for Accessory Buildings.
Wright County Sheriff's Department Sergeant Oltmans said their staff is wrapping up training. Recently
the Special Investigations Office did a great job getting meth off the streets. The weather has caused a
lot of accidents; 101 & 94 signs being hit and potatoes on I94. CM Dahl asked about expanded hours.
Sergeant Oltmans said this is a conversation to be had over time, as they may need to recruit more staff
to fit the need of each city.
9. Adjournment.
CM Darkenwald motioned to adjourn at 7:53 PM, seconded by CM Moores. All in favor.
Motion carried 4-0.
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