01-13-1992 City Council MinutesSTATE OF MINNESOTA The City Council of the City of
COUNTY OF WRIGHT Otsego met this 13TH day of January
CITY OF OTSEGO 1992, at 7:30PM, Norman F Freske,
Mayor, Doug Lindenfelser, Floyd
Roden, Larry Fournier and Ronald Black, Council Members,
Jerome Perrault, Clerk, James Barthel, Treasurer, Elaine
Beatty, Deputy Clerk, Judy Hudson, Secretary, Bob Kirmis,
Planner, Larry Koshak, Engineer, and Bill Radzwill Attorney,
were present.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Norman F
Freske.
Motion by Floyd Roden to approve the minutes of the
December 23, 1991, Council Meeting with one correction: The
motion approving 150 foot lot frontage for one per forty lots
in an Agricultural area was seconded by Floyd Roden and all
Council Members voted in favor of the motion. The motion
approving the minutes was seconded by Doug Lindenfelser, all
Council Members voted in favor of the motion.
Motion by Doug Lindenfelser to approve the Minutes of
the Special Council Meeting on December 23, 1991. Seconded
by Floyd Roden, all Council Members voted in favor of the
motion.
Motion by Ron Black to approve the Minutes of the
December 30, 1991, Workshop Meeting. Seconded by Douglas
Lindenfelser, all Council Members voted in favor of the
motion.
Stewart Turnquist brought up the easement question of
the access road to the former 11 acre parcel that was now
part of Riverwood Conference Center, he said that Planner
Dave Licht had told him that Riverwood could use the road for
fire trucks and emergency use. The Council advised him that
this was not the Council's intent, that Riverwood was to
provide internal access to all it's buildings for fire
department and emergency use. It states specifically in the
Riverwood PUD Contract that this access road is not to be
used for Conference Center business.
Teresa Jenne said her husband had taken a walk near
Riverwood and noticed an oder. She wanted to know if
Riverwood was having any septic problems. Larry Koshak
advised her that Riverwood was putting in a new septic system
for the restaurant, that the Bluffhouse system was undersized
and will be checked in the spring. The Bluffhouse system
will need to be updated before a permit is given to build the
addition to it.
Teresa Jenne also said they are having some problems
with trespassing by Riverwood patrons. Bill Radzwill advised
her to call Elaine Beatty at the City Office if this occurs.
Bob Kirmis then discussed the Harpster Subdivision which
involves a lot split into two 2-1/2 acre lots with an
existing house on each lot and allow the individual lots to
be sold separately. The parcel is located in Sec. 36, Range
23, between Co. #42 and the Mississippi River in the Wild and
Scenic River area. The Otsego Planning Commission has
approved the Subdivision with the following stipulations:
CITY OF OTSEGO COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF 1-13-92 AT 7:30PM
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1. The structure exhibiting the setback non -conformity from
Co. #42 is sub.ject to discontinuance requirements as
stipulated in the Zoning Ordinance.
2. The field entrance on the East line of Lot 1 is removed
to eliminate a second entrance to said lot.
3. The applicant obtain an access permit from Wright Co
Highway Dept. which intensifies access locations of the
subdivisions lots.
4. A security of $440.00 (as recommended by the City
Engineer) is posted to cover the removal of the field access
currently existing along the Western edge of Lot 1.
5. Each lot in the subdivision is provided a vehicular turn
around area so that vehicles are not required to back onto Co
Rd #42.
6. The proposed subdivision is sub.ject to review and comment
by the DNR.
7. A conceptual ultimate development plan for the area is
developed to provide an assurance that the subdivision will
not limit the developability of adjacent river abutting
property.
8. The plat drawing is revised to illustrate well location
on Lot 1, and septic tank location on Lot 2.
9. The subdivision is subject to park and trail dedication.
Mr. Kirmis stated that the subdivision should not
interfere with future development around it.
Motion by Ron Black to approve the Harpster Subdivision
in accordance with the Planning Commission recommendations.
Seconded by Larry Fournier, all Council Members voted in
favor of the motion.
Larry Koshak said he had talked to Wright Co and the Co
Engineer has suggested a right turn lane be installed at the
Co 39 - Nashua Avenue intersection. The County could pay up
to 100% of the cost of the turn lane out of the County Safety
Improvement Fund.
Mr Koshak also said that the 1992 MSA road mileage
report has been submitted and it is the same as last year
12.3 miles.
He also said the State MSA Office has once again brought
up the subject of Otsego purchasing a computer and software
to electronically submit the needs report to their office.
Mr Koshak said this could be discussed again at some future
date, that he will be submitting this year's needs report in
the long hand form.
Mr Koshak also said that the Nashua Ave Construction
Plans have been submitted to MN/DOT for approval and we
should proceed with land acquisition.
Mr Koshak advised the Council that he had done some
elevation shots in the 90TH ST and O'Brian Ave area and it
does not appear feasible to drain water from that area toward
Nashua Avenue as it would require a deep ditch. The low area
on the LuLonic farm on the East side of Nashua Ave is at a
CITY OF OTSEGO COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF 1-13-92 AT 7:30PM
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higher elevation than the area by 90TH ST and O'Brian AVE,
and the LuConic low area drains toward the 90TH ST and
O'Brian AVE area underground. If the LuConic and Axelson
(Havel) properties are developed, a drainage plan will be
needed. The 90TH ST and O'Brian AVE area will need to drain
towards Hall's Pond.
Mr Koshak also said that the Natural Resources
Commission has some Grant money available for projects that
preserve natural resources. A Water Management Plan could
qualify for a Grant and the City should consider applying for
a Grant for a Water Management Study. The applications have
to be submitted to the Legislative Commission on Minnesota
Resources by 4:30 PM, February 7, 1992, with a full detailed
definition of the planned project due by September, 1992.
The Grant money will not be available until July, 1993.
Motion by Larry Fournier to request Mr. Koshak to
prepare a Grant application to the Legislative Commission on
Minnesota Resources and submit it to the Council for review
at the January 27, 1992, City Council Meeting. Seconded by
Floyd Roden, all Council Members voted in favor of the
motion.
Mr Koshak said the Council should also consider
acquiring easements along the Otsego Ditch so that it could
be improved in the future.
On the Balfany culvert project by Mud Lake, Mr Koshak
said he was not provided with enough information to evaluate
the project. Ron Black agreed that Mr Balfany was too vague
about his intentions of what his plans are for the land
accessed by the culvert project.
Motion by Ron Black to refer the Balfany culvert project
back to the DNR for more information and details. Seconded
by Larry Fournier, all Council Members voted in favor of the
motion
Ron Black asked Mr Koshak how to obtain informational
signs along State Highways. He advised him to contact the
State Highway Department„
Motion by Ron Black to re -appoint Doug Lindenfelser as
Acting Mayor in the absence of the Mayor. Seconded by Larry
Fournier, all Council Members voted in favor of the motion.
Motion by Ron Black to re ---designate the same
depositories for City Funds for 1992 as in 1991, namely the
Bank of Elk River, First National Bank of Elk River, Security
State Bank of St Michael, and E. D. Jones Investment Co.
Seconded by Douglas Lindenfelser, all Council Members voted
in favor of the motion.
Motion by Larry Fournier to re -designate the Elk River
Star News as the Offical City Newspaper for 1992. Seconded
by Floyd Roden, all Council Members voted in favor of the
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motion.
Motion by Doug Lindenfelser to re -appoint Larry Fournier
to serve as Council Representative on the Otsego Planning
Commission. Seconded by Ron Black.
Ron Black suggested that the Council Representative
should be a non-voting member of the Planning Commission.
Larry Fournier said that, while he would accept, maybe
another Council Member should take a turn as the Council
Representative.
Doug Lindenfelser withdrew his motion and Ron Black
withdrew his second of the motion.
Motion by Doug Lindenfelser to appoint Ron Black as the
non-voting (ex officio) Council Representative on the Otsego
Planning Commission with Larry Fournier to serve as his
alternate. Seconded by Floyd Roden, all Council Members
voted in favor of the motion.
Motion by Larry Fournier to re -appoint Floyd Roden as
the Council Representative (ex officio) on the Parks and
Recreation Committee. Seconded by Ron Black, all Council
Members voted in favor of the motion.
Motion by Larry Fournier to advertise for applications
for a Planning Commission Member as the Council
Representative will no longer be a voting member. Seconded
by Ron Black, all Council Members voted in favor of the
motion.
Floyd Roden suggested picking an alternate member at the
same time in case a vacancy would occur on the Planning
Commission at some time during the coming year.
Motion by Floyd Roden to re -appoint Kathy Lewis and
James Kolles to the Planning Commission for four year (4)
terms. Seconded by Ron Black, all Council Members voted in
favor of the motion.
Elaine Beatty reported that Frankfort Township
Supervisor Louis Lazer stopped at the City Hall regarding a
Hwy 101 access road that will start at 60TH Street and go
South thru Frankfort Township to Co 36. Frankfort Township
will build and maintain the access road, but will need
easements from Otsego by 60TH ST.
Mayor Norman F Freske advised the Council that the
Wright Co Highway Dept has turned down Otsego's request for a
street light at the intersection of Co 39 and Co 19.
Motion by Floyd Roden to approve the maintenance
agreement with the Wright Co Highway Dept for them to
maintain O'Dean Ave for the year 1992 based on actual costs
and requested quarterly reports on the maintenance costs and
activities. Seconded by Ron Black, all Council Members voted
in favor of the motion.
Motion by Floyd Roden to approve the Fire Dept Service
Contract with the City of Monticello for the year of 1992 to
serve the City of Otsego area West of Co 19 for a contract
fee based on $25.00 per unit. Seconded by Larry Fournier,
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all Council Members voted in favor of the motion.
Motion by Larry Fournier to pay the City of Monticello
5% of 1992 Fire Contract Dues ($1,669.00) at this time.
Seconded by Ron Black, all Council Members voted in favor of
the motion.
Arlyn Bajari appeared before the Council to present his
proposal to start a clean fill demolition landfill site in
the hole on his property that was excavated by MN/DOT.
His proposal was to operate the land fill jointly with
the City of Otsego.
Norman F Freske said he was concerned about neighborhood
opposition to the land fill. Mr Bajari explained that he
does not have any close neighbors.
Larry Koshak commented that this type of land fill does
not need a liner but does need monitoring wells.
Larry Fournier said he was concerned about groundwater
contamination. Mr Bajari explained this would be only clean
fill and only open to commercial haulers.
Bill Radzwill commented that, on the positive side, this
could be a good source of revenue for the City, but on the
negative side if the operation went bad, the City could be
stuck for a huge cleanup charge and other costs.
Larry Koshak and Bill Radzwill both agreed that any
agreement to operate the landfill would have to be written to
protect the City.
Ron Black said that, from his point of view, the City
would not be interested in any joint agreement to operate the
land fill.
Larry Koshak commented that the best way to operate the
land fill would be to keep it private and for Mr Bajari to
consider getting a partner with experience in operating a
land fill.
Mr Bajari was advised that he would need PCA permits and
engineering studies done on the site. After that he would
need to appear before the Otsego Planning Commission for
Public Hearings on his application. The City Ordinance does
not permit this type of operation within the City of Otsego.
Motion by Ron Black to increase the rent on the Peavey
House (Block 78 of the Otsego Townsite) to $325.00 per month
effective March 1, 1992, with payment due at the City Hall on
or before the first of the month and subject to a $10.00 late
payment charge. Seconded by Doug Lindenfelser, all Council
Members voted in favor of the motion.
The Council said they were in agreement with having a
Prayer Breakfast in cooperation with the City of Elk River,
but would prefer that the Elk River Chamber of Commerce
organize the breakfast.
The Council advised the City Staff to start planning for
a Clean Up Day with May 2, 1992 as the day chosen for the
event,
Lam;' Fournier advised the Council that he had obtained
some cost estimates for the writing, editing, and photos for
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the Otsego Newsletter.
Susan VanCleaf (of Plymouth, Mn) submitted a proposal to
do the writing, editing and photos for $1,509.26 per issue,
bi-monthly, and $9,055.56 for the 6 issue, bi-monthly, and
$9,055.56 for the 6 issues of a four page (4) newsletter.
Joyce Dahlberg (of Challenge Communications in Mpls.)
submitted a proposal to do the writing, editing and photos
for $2,000.00 for the first issue and $1,800.00 for each of
the following issues for a four page (4) bi-monthly
Newsletter.
Kathy McTingelstad (of KMT Communications in Mpls)
submitted a proposal to do the writing, editing and photos
for $935.00 per issue and a 20% discount for a one year
contract ($745.00 per issue) for a four page (4) bi-monthly
Newsletter.
Laura Kuhn (of Ham Lake, MN) submitted a proposal to do
the writing, editing and photos for a single issue rate of
$1,250.00 and a one year contract rate of $1,125.00 per issue
for the 6 issues for the bi-monthly four page newsletter.
Jacquie Rognli (of Otsego) has submitted a proposal to
do the writing, editing and photos for $325.00 per issue for
a one year contract for the four page bi-monthly newsletter.
Motion by Larry Fournier to hire Jacquie Rognli for a
one year contract for the writing, editing and photos for the
Otsego Newsletter at $325.00 per issue for the 4 page
Newsletter, Seconded by Douglas Lindenfelser.
Norman F Freske said he agreed, but thought the Council
should review the newsletter before publication.
Elaine Beatty reported that the Government Study intern
from St Cloud State College, who had expressed an interest in
working for the City of Otsego, has taken a job with the City
of Becker. There is a possibility of getting another intern
from St Cloud State.
Elaine Beatty reported that she and Dave Chase have been
in contact with the First National Insurance Agency and they
can obtain Blue Cross Medical Insurance at a lower rate and
for better coverage than they are receiving from John Alden
Insurance Co, who is currently providing Medical Insurance
for City Employees.
Motion by Ron Black to have a Closed Meeting on January
16, 1992, at 2:OOPM to conduct salary contract negotiations
with City employees. Seconded by Larry Fournier, All Council
Members voted in favor of the motion.
Motion by Larry Fournier to authorize the Land
Acquisition Committee to proceed with the next step in
acquiring land for the new City Hall. Seconded by Ron Black,
all Council Members voted in favor of the motion.
Proceeding as a Board of Audit. the City Council audited
and allowed Verified Accounts Nos. 1097 to 1099 for the year
CITY OF OTSEGO CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF 1-13-92 AT 7:30 -PM
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1991 and 1 to 60 inclusive for the year 1992.
On Motion the meeting adjourned,
NORMAN F FRESKE, MAYOR
DOUG LINDENFELSER, COUNCIL
FLOYD RODEN, COUNCIL
LARRY FOURNIER, COUNCIL
RONALD G BLACK, COUNCIL
ATTEST: JEROME PERRAULT, CLERK
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