02-14-22 City Council MinutesOTSEGO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2022
7:00 PM
OTSEGO PRAIRIE CENTER
Call to Order.
Mayor Stockamp called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM.
Roll Call:
Mayor Jessica Stockamp; Councilmembers: Tom Darkenwald, Tina Goede, Brittany Moores, and Jeff
Dahl. City Staff: City Administrator/Finance Director Adam Flaherty; 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:
Special Presentation - Wright County Sheriff's Department. Wright County Lieutenant Jason Kramber
reviewed the 2021 Wright County Sheriff's Activity Report.
CM Dahl asked about no knock search warrants. Lieutenant Kramber said their office performed two no
knock search warrants in 2021; their department is working to avoid for safety. CM Darkenwald asked
about the 2021 City Comparison for contracted hours: Monticello 52, Otsego 48, and St. Michael 32.
Lieutenant Kramber said Otsego in January 2022 has the lowest call for service hours with the highest
traffic stops. CM Darkenwald asked about the attrition and the ability to hire officers. Lieutenant
Kramber said they have had the ability to hire officers from the metro area looking for a better
atmosphere. Unfortunately, they are aware of retirements coming up and trying to prepare. Mayor
Stockamp asked about the retirements coming up and the process to hire. Lieutenant Kramber said
there are about 8-10 officers retiring and it takes about 6 months to get a new hire up to speed from the
beginning of the hiring process.
Mayor Stockamp and City Council thanked Lieutenant Kramber and the Wright County for their service.
Mayor Stockamp opened the Open Forum at 7:17 PM. No one from the public spoke.
Mayor Stockamp closed the Open Forum at 7:18 PM.
2. Consider Agenda Approval.
CM Goede stated she was not at the January 24th meeting and had some questions regarding the
COVID-19 policy that was approved, she would like to add to the agenda item 6.1 COVID-19 Policy.
CM Darkenwald motioned to approve the agenda as amended, seconded by CM Dahl. All in
favor. Motion carried 5-0
3. Consent Agenda.
3.1 Approve Claims List.
3.2 Approve City Council Meeting Minutes.
A. January 24. 2022 Meetina.
B. February 9, 2022 Special Meeting.
3.3 Approve City Council Special Compensation for January 2022.
3.4 Adopt Resolution 2022-16 Establishing Water and Sanitary Sewer Utility Rates of 2022.
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3.5 Approve Final Plat of Hunter Hills 4th Addition.
3.6 Approve Plans and Specifications and Order Advertisement for Bids — Street Maintenance
Program.
3.7 Admit Resolution 2022-17 Appointing Commissioners to Advisory Commissions.
CM Dahl motioned to approve the consent agenda as written, seconded by CM Darkenwald.
All in favor. Motion carried 5-0.
4. Planning:
4.1 Kwik Trip #1204:
A. Presentation by City Planner Licht.
B Consider Approval of Conditional Use Permit.
City Planner Licht presented the staff report.
Mr. Dean George, Kwik Trip, Inc., was present. Mr. George explained the set location of the two access
points are the reason to orient the building and canopy to face west. Mr. George noted that the store
would have one truck delivery per day and fuel would be delivered two to four times per week,
depending on the need. The hours for deliveries have not been established at this time, but would most
likely be during business hours.
Mayor Stockamp said she has concerns that the building orientation and canopy location within the site
plan will not be compatible with the residential homes to the west. Mayor Stockamp added this would
be a third fueling station within the area and this use doesn't match the goals and vision of the
downtown area.
CM Darkenwald asked Mr. George if other options were considered that would position the store and
canopy to be oriented to face east? Mr. George noted that other options were considered but not
presented to the City due to issues with circulation.
Mayor Stockamp asked if Kwik Trip had considered developing this store at any other site. Mr. George
said no.
CM Darkenwald asked about the traffic flow diagram and how delivery vehicles would circulate the site.
Mr. George explained traffic flow within the site noting that store delivery vehicles would need to back
up to leave, but that fuel deliveries only moved forward.
CM Goede stated that she thinks are too many fueling gas stations within the area at CSAH 39 and CSAH
42 and that the design for the proposed location will cause compatibility issues with the homes to the
west.
CM Darkenwald said he does not like the site plan design with the building facing west and canopy west
of the building.
CM Darkenwald asked how the size of this store compares to the other Otsego location. Mr. George said
this proposed store is larger than the other store in Otsego at CASH 38 and Highway 101, but that this
location does not have a separate diesel island for semi -trucks. Mr. George noted that their facilities will
eventually include stations for charging electric vehicles.
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Mayor Stockamp asked if a vehicle pulling a trailer would have the ability to maneuver through the site
to -and -from the fuel islands? Mr. George said there is 37.5 feet from the island to the fueling station
and this is the new design standard. City Planner Licht added the distance is about three driveways
wide. City Engineer Wagner said the same dimension at the Holiday Station to the north is only 25 feet.
Mr. George noted that the dimensions between the building and fuel islands on the site plan are their
standard design.
CM Darkenwald asked if the gas tank is on the other side if it makes a difference. Mr. George said they
could go to the far side of the fuel island.
Mayor Stockamp said those pulling trailers are looking for in and out access.
CM Goede stated she has safety concerns about vehicles pulling a trailer.
CM Darkenwald noted that the Planning Commission recommendation for approval was by a 3-2 vote.
CM Moores asked about the Planning Commission meeting and were other sites discussed. Mayor
Stockamp said she agreed with looking at other sites for the proposed use. City Planner Licht identified
other possible locations, but said this application is for this location and the City has to respond to this
specific request. CM Moores does not like this location because of the number of fuel stations in the
area and the site design. CM Moores hopes Kwik Trip will explore other sites in Otsego
CM Goede agreed with the comments of the other City Council members and said she would prefer
another site and would like other sites considered.
CM Darkenwald asked about the possible actions listed in the Council Request for Action. City Planner
Licht explained that if the City Council intends to deny the application, it is necessary for City staff to
draft findings to that effect for consideration on February 28, 2022. City Planner Licht continued that
statements should outline the reasons the City Council is considering for denial of the application to be
included in the draft findings.
CM Darkenwald motioned to table consideration of the application and direct City staff to
prepare findings of fact to deny the request based on the proposal being inconsistent with
the policies of comprehensive plan and criteria established by the zoning ordinance, and
noncompliance with the performance standards of the zoning ordinance as outlined in the
Planning Report dated 8 February 2022; seconded by CM Moores. All in favor. Motion
carried 5-0.
CM Darkenwald asked about the process for the application going forward. City Planner Licht said City
staff will draft the finding of fact for consideration at the February 28, 2022 City Council meeting. CM
Darkenwald further asked what are Kwik Trip's options prior to the February 28th meeting. City Planner
Licht said that Kwik Trip could withdraw the application or make changes to the application to address
the City Council's concerns before the City Council meeting.
4.2 Zoning Ordinance for Accessory Structures:
A. Presentation by City Planner Licht.
B. Consider Adoption of Ordinance 2022-02 Amendinq the Zoning Ordinance.
City Planner Licht presented the staff report.
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CM Darkenwald agrees with the staff report regarding the swimming pool covers and would have
concerns if a fence was not in place.
Mayor Stockamp said as a pool owner the covers are not safe for different reasons, including children in
the area.
Mayor Stockamp motioned adopt Ordinance 2022-02 amending the Zoning Ordinance
regulation accessory structures and approve publication in summary form, seconded by CM
Goede. All in favor. Motion carried 5-0.
4.3 Public Hearing to Vacate Drainage and Utility Easements — Boulder Pass Outlot G:
A. City Clerk Attests to Legal Notice.
B. Presentation by City Planner Licht.
C Consider Adoption of Ordinance 2022-02 Amending the Zoning Ordinance.
City Clerk Etzel attested that all notice requirements for the public hearing have been met.
City Planner Licht presented the staff report.
CM Darkenwald asked City Attorney Kendall if he should recuse himself from consideration of the
application based on adjacent family-owned land and issues addressed with the preliminary plat. City
Attorney Kendall noted that CM Darkenwald may recuse himself if he believes there may be a potential
conflict of interest. CM Darkenwald recused himself at 8:09 PM and left the Council dais.
Mayor Stockamp opened the Public Hearing at 8:09 PM. No one from the public spoke. Mayor
Stockamp closed the Public Hearing at 8:09 PM.
CM Goede motioned to table a request to vacate drainage and utility easements for Outlot
G, Boulder Pass until a future City Council meeting for consideration concurrent with the
application for final plat approval of Boulder Pass 2nd Addition, seconded by CM Dahl. Roll
Call: Voted in favor; Goede, Stockamp, Moores, and Dahl. Darkenwald abstained. Motion
carried 4-0.
CM Darkenwald rejoined the dais at 8:10 PM.
5. Engineering:_
5.1 Walesch Estates & O'Day Acres Street Renewal Project.
A. Presentation by City Engineer Wagner.
B Consider Adoption of Resolution 2022-18 Receiving Feasibility Report and Calling Hearing.
City Engineer Wagner presented the staff report.
Mayor Stockamp had a question on the O'Day Acres scope of work. Engineer Wagner said about 6" of
current width will be reduced to match the standard detail plate. She also asked about the other section
with gravel shoulders, having issues with the ditches. Engineer Wagner said there is some standing
water and will require some work on the ditches and some slope improvement will be included in the
project. This is more towards the back of the development or the west side. Part of the issues is
driveway culverts not being set correctly, if they try and tackle all drainage issues, the project would
increase trying to address drainage issues. Mayor Stockamp asked if the residents can discuss their
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drainage issues at the open house. Engineer Wagner said residents with drainage issues could discuss
replacing the culverts at their own cost.
Engineer Wagner said the other questions is do they use gravel or topsoil for shoulders. The grass grows
for a year or two and salt takes a toll. If you put in gravel the weeds will grow through. The problem is
people driving off the edge; pavement will break off and if gravel you can repair the shoulder and if
topsoil it becomes mess. Staff is looking at gravel for the ability to hold up for those that may go off the
pavement.
Engineer Wanger said they will set-up an open house in March and they will schedule a 30 -minute
presentation and have tables where residents to ask questions. A mailing will be sent to those affected
residents. Engineer Wagner will work with staff to schedule the meeting and include a phone number
for those that cannot attend the open house.
CM Darkenwald asked what 79th and 78th Street will be designated in the future long term. Engineer
Wagner said local resident street, O'Brien up to Ashwood 3rd and 79th further to the west depending on
wetlands.
CM Darkenwald asked about funding for this project. City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty
confirmed pavement management as the funding source. CM Darkenwald asked about the difference
between the CIP budget and the current project estimate. City Engineer Wagner identified inflation and
current bid prices as the reason for the increase.
Mayor Stockamp motioned to approve Resolution 2022-18 Receiving Feasibility Report
regarding the improvements within Walesch Estates and O'Day Acres and calling a Public
Hearing for residents to be presented project scope and possible assessment costs,
seconded by CM Goede. All in favor. Motion carried 5-0.
6. City Council Reports and Updates:
6.1 COVID-19 Policy Update:
CM Goede was not at the January 24th meeting and wanted to make sure CM Dahl got all his questions
answered to approve the COVID-19 Policy.
CM Goede noted that she would not have approved had she been in attendance.
CM Darkenwald attended the Elk River Chamber of Commerce meeting last week, City
Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty and City Planner Licht did a great job. Mayor Stockamp
concurred and thanked the staff.
8. Staff Reports and Updates.
City Clerk Etzel will contact the Advisory Commission Applicants to update them of the City Council's
action tonight.
City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty confirmed the Strategic Plan will take place on February
19th, still waiting for the final agenda. City Hall will be closed Monday, February 21st for Presidents Day.
There have been 73 applicants received as of today for the Finance Position. Finally, he is requesting the
City Council schedule a special meeting on February 28th at 5:30 PM to review emergency services and
facility space needs.
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Mayor Stockamp motioned to call for a special meeting on February 28, 2022 at 5:30 PM to
meet to review emergency services and facility space needs, seconded by CM Moores. Roll
Call: In favor, Goede, Stockamp, Darkenwald, Moores and Dahl. Against: none. Motion
carried 5-0.
Wright County Sheriff's Department Sergeant Oltmans met with Northstar Regional staff regarding
emergency response and public safety in general. They are still working on their staffing and residents
will be starting to use the facility, to stay in contact with Wright County Sheriff's Office. The City Council
thanked Sheriff Oltmans for being proactive and working with NorthStar.
9. Adjournment.
CM Darkenwald motioned to adjourn at 8:42 PM, seconded by CM Goede. All in favor.
Motion carried 5-0.
ATTEST:
Au ra Etzel, City Clerk
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)e ica Stockamp, Mayor