04-13-1992 City Council MinutesSTATE OF MINNESOTA The City Council of the City of
COUNTY OF WRIGHT Otsego met this 13TH day of April
CITY OF OTSEGO 1992 at 7:3OPM. Norman F Freke
Mayor, Doug Lindenfelser, Flo>d
Roden, Larry Fournier and Ron Black, Council Members, Jerome
Perrault, Clerk, James Barthel, Treasurer, Elaine Beatty,
Deputy Clerk/Zoning Adm., Judy Hudson, Secretary, Bill
Radzwill, Attorney, and Dave Licht, Planner, were present.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Norman F
Freske,
Motion by Floyd Roden to approve the Minutes of March
23, 1992, City Council Meeting. Seconded by Doug
Lindenfelser, All Council Members voted in favor of the
motion.
Motion by Larry Fournier to approve the Minutes of the
Public Hearing on the construction of Quale Avenue between
65TH St and 70TH St (Co #37) held March 30, 1992 at 7:30 PM.
Seconded by Ron Black, all Council Members voted in favor of
the motion.
Dianne Constant appeared before the Council in regard to
the clean up of lots, particularly that of Sally Gulbrandson.
Norman F Freske explained to her that we now have an
Ordinance in place so that we can take action against
violators.
Bill Radzwill said that Wright County took action on
January 15, 1986, to require Sally Gulbrandson to clean up
her lot. A Hearing date was set, but no further action was
taken. He explained that the City could hire someone to
clean up the lot (now burned out) and charge it back to her.
Elaine Beatty said she had talked to Sally Gulbranson (who
now lives in Big Lake) and she told her that she would like
to have a dumpster brought in and clean up the lot, but she
would like to have 30 days to do this. Many letters have
been received at the City Office requesting that the City
Council enforce the Nuisance Ordinance and one letter in
particular specified Sally Gulbrandson's lot.
Motion by Floyd Roden to adopt the following Resolution:
Be it resolved that the Otsego Building Inspector be
named the person in charge of enforcing the Public Nuisance
Ordinance. The motion was seconded by Ron Black, all Council
Members voted in favor of the motion.
The fire that destroyed the Gulbrandson mobile home
occurred on April 5th, 1992. Tom Constant said he had talked
to Sally Gulbrandson and she informed him that she did not
have any insurance. Ms Constant said the neighbors were
willing to help with the clean up, but Ron Black commented
that the neighboring residents should not have to pay for the
cleanup.
Motion by Larry Fournier to give Sally Gulbrandson seven
days (7) (Until April 21ST, 1992 at day's end) to clean up
her lot and if she fails to do so the City will clean up the
lot and charge it back to her. Seconded by Ron Black.
Ron Black commented that there is also a health and
safety hazard situation as the lot now exists.
CITY OF OTSEGO COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF 4/13/92 7:3OPM
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All Council Members voted in favor of the motion. Bill
Radzwill advised the Council that everything must be
documented when the cleanup is done if you intend to charge
it back to her.
Duane Kropuenske of the First National Mortgage appeared
before the Council to talk about City participation in the
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency program for financing homes.
The program for financing homes is available for low income,
first time home buyers. The City can apply for up to
$1,500,000 in available loans thru the Minnesota Housing
Finance Agency and the application for City participation in
the program must be made by this Wednesday April 15, 1992. A
fee of 1% of the $1,500,000 ($15,000.00) must accompany the
application to participate in the program. This fee will be
paid back at a later date. The Minnesota Housing Finance
Agency screens the applications for the loans. The loans are
available for up to $93,000.00 for new homes and $83,000.00
for existing homes.
Larry Fournier asked how potential home buyers are made
aware of the loan program. Mr Kropuenske said that
participating lenders usually advertise that the loans are
available.
Motion by Floyd Roden to apply to the Minnesota Housing
Finance Agency for $1,500,000 in housing loans. Seconded by
Ron Black, all Council Members voted in favor of the motion.
Hillary Barry appeared before the Council regarding the
bill he and his partners received for the Jones Intercable
Tower application which was built on their property. He said
they escrowed $1,200.00 to cover the costs of the Tower
permit application and then got a bill for an additional
$2,100.00. The additional billing was for Legal and Planner
fees involved in the application process which have already
been paid by the City. Ron Black said that he understood
some of the additional charges were because it was a rush job
at the applicant's request before all the City Ordinances
were in place.
Motion by Floyd Roden to have the Jones Intercable Tower
Permit bill reviewed by the City Staff. The motion was
seconded by Larry Fournier.
Dave Licht commented that the Tower was put in under the
Wright Co Ordinance and was not done properly.
Doug Lindenfelser, Floyd Roden, Larry Fournier and Ron
Black voted in favor of the Motion, Norman F Freske
abstained.
- Russ Voght was present and said he had some questions
about the City's Comprehensive Plan. He requested a
reasonable amount of time for the residents to study the
Ordinances. He also wanted to know how the residents appeal
the Ordinances.
Bill Radzwill explained that the City operates under
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CITY OF OTSEGO COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF 4/13/92 AT 7:30PM
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Comprehensive Plan must be developed first before any
Ordinances are adopted. Mr Radzwill said that residents
cannot object to the Comprehensive Plan, but can object to
the enforcement of the Plan. The Federal Government does not
have to abide by the local Comprehensive Plan.
Merlin Brisbin complained about the high cost the City
was charging businesses for permit fees. Norman F Freske
replied it was a bit premature to complain about fees because
the fee schedule has not been set as yet.
Bill Radzwill explained that the City no longer operates
under the Co Ordinance, that the City has to operate under
Chapter 462 and establish it's own Comprehensive Plan and
Ordinances.
One resident said one reason there is a lack of trust by
residents is that about 10 years ago he applied for a mobile
home permit for his parents and was turned down, then about
two weeks later he was told he could have the permit. Jerome
Bauer asked if the Comprehensive Plan could be changed by the
Council or a future Council and Bill Radzwill advised that
this was correct. Mr Radzwill also said that because Otsego
is still mostly rural, it is difficult to adopt Ordinances
that address both the needs of the Urban area and the Rural
area as well.
Dave Licht commented that the City has applied for a
Conditional Use Permit to build a new City Hall and the City
Ordinance permits the Hall to be built on the site chosen.
Motion by Doug Lindenfelser to approve a Conditional Use
Permit to build a New City Hall on the 73.7 acre parcel in
the N1/2 of the NW1/4 of Section 20, Township 121, Range 23.
The motion was seconded by Ron Black.
Merlin Brisbin questioned why the City Hall was being
built on this location instead of on the East end of the City
closer to Elk River or else closer to Albertville.
Doug Lindenfelser replied that we tried to choose a more
centrally located site for the benefit of all the residents
of the City.
Dave Li0ht said the Site Committee has spent a lot of
time on the site selection process and looked at 7 or 8
different sites before making their choice. All Council
Members voted in favor of the motion.
Denise McAlpine said she understood that the DNR would
not allow the City Hall to be built on the present site and
Mr. Radzwill told her that was correct.
Dave Licht then addressed the Ordinance for Adult Use
Businesses. He said the City Council and the Planning
Commission have held all the necessary Hearingsto adopt the
Comprehensive Plan and Ordinances. The City needs to move
ahead'with this process as we are no longer under the Co
Ordinance. The Comprehensive Plan is not set in concrete and
can be changed from time to time as needed. The
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CITY OF OTSEGO COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF 4/13/92 AT 7:30PM
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treated fairly and not the good old boy way. The Zoning
Ordinance is written to protect your property. Concerning
Home Extended Businesses, if you do not have a permit from
Wright County, you are operating illegally and if you do have
such a permit you can continue to operate. Under the new
Ordinance Home Extended Businesses are only allowed in an Ag
Zoned area and there is a five year limit on Home Extended
Businesses in a residential area. There are provisions in
the Ordinance to address each business on an individual
basis.
Russ Voght commented that there is a lot of ill feeling
because of a business that was turned down.
Larry Fournier said the Co Ordinance did not require
fencing on property lines and Dave Light said this was only
in residential areas.
Regarding paved driveways, it is only required in
platted areas of five lots or more and put in after a certain
date.
Dave Licht said we also need to address the Wild and
Scenic River corridor and suggested Zoning R-1 all the areas
that were Wild and Scenic under the Wright Co Ordinance.
Motion by Ron Black to adopt a Resolution approving the
regulating of the establishment of Adult Use Businesses to
minimize the adverse effect on the community. The motion was
seconded by Floyd Roden
Ron Black said evidence shows that this type of business
causes neighborhood blight and higher crime rates.
All Council Members voted in favor of the motion. The
full text of the Resolution is attached to these minutes.
Dave Licht said he is recommending R-1 Zoning in the
Wild and Scenic area. Ron Black commented that he thought we
should designate the areas according to our wishes and
present this to the DNR.
Motion by Floyd Roden to designate the Wild and Scenic
areas R-1 until the time a more definite agreement is reached
with the DNR. Seconded by Ron Black, all Council Members
voted in favor of the motion.
Motion by Larry Fournier to adopt the Zoning Text
Ordinance as drafted by Northwest Associated Consultants.
Seconded by Floyd Roden.
Ron Black said he assumes this means the Wild and Scenic
section is deleted by reference. All Council Members voted
in favor of the motion.
Motion by Floyd Roden to adopt the Zoning Map as drafted
January, 1992. The motion was seconded by Larry Fournier.
Ron Black said he assumes the Wild and Scenic Area along
Hwy. 101 would remain A'-1 until a request for a Zoning change
is made.
All Council Members voted in favor of the motion.
The City is not proposing any Zoning changes, this would need
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CITY OF OTSEGO COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF 4/13/92 AT 7:30PM
— PAGE 5 —
Commission.
The Long Range Urban Service Boundary change was then
discussed. Dave Light said this boundary change was first
discussed about March 1, 1992. When the boundary was first
laid out, Nashua Avenue on the West and 70TH ST (Co #37) on
the South were the boundaries. Because of recent street
improvements, it was proposed to extend the boundaries 1320'
West of Nashua Avenue and 660' South of 70TH ST. (Co #37) to
make Urban Service area the same on both sides of the street.
The proposed boundary change was discussed at a Planning
Commission Meeting. The Planning Commission voted to move
the Long Range Urban Boundary 1320' West of Nashua Avenue as
far South as 87TH Street, and then back to Nashua Avenue.
Norman F Freske commented that he was disappointed that
the two Planning Commission Members who live in the area
affected by the change did not abstain from voting on this
issue.
Ron Black submitted the attached Resolution and moved
for it's adoption:
The Motion was seconded by Larry Fournier, all Council
Members voted in favor of the motion.
The Resolution in essence leaves the Long Range Urban
Service Boundary at it's present boundary lines.
Donna Grover asked if this referred to Old Co 37 and the
Council advised her it referred to the New Co 37 which was
formerly Co #122.
Mary Greninger asked if Nashua Ave was going to be built
straight thru to 70TH ST and the Council advised her there
are no plans to build that segment of Nashua Ave. It could
be built sometime in the future if development would create a
need for an extension of Nashua Ave.
O'Riley of Electronic Interiors appeared before the
Council to say that her company works with the Architect to
put in the electronic equipment in the New City Hall. She
said they help to design the layout for microphones, cable
TV, Computers, etc,, write up specifications and draw up
plans for the needed wiring. Ron Black asked if she would
give an estimate of what her company's fee would be. She
said that she would need to study the Architect's plans
before she could do this.
Dave Licht said he had a few items for the Council to
consider.
One is that we are not requiring plats for one acre lots
in Rural areas and should the road easements be part of the
one acre lot? In platted areas, the one acre lot must be in
addition to road easements.
Another item is Developers Contracts and whether the
developer should be required to sod or seed the front yards?
Another item is the amount of Park Dedication Fees. At
present the Park Dedication Fees in Rural areas is 1/2 that
CITY OF OTSEGO COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF 4/13/92 AT 7:30PM
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The Balfany Culvert Project by Mud Lake was then
discussed.
Motion by Ron Black to table the Balfany Culvert Project
until Engineer Larry Koshak has had a chance to review the
latest correspondence on this issue. Seconded by Doug
Lindenfelser, all Council Members voted in favor of the
motion.
Ron Black reported that regarding the Recreation Co-
ordinator for the District wide recreation program, the
initial cost share agreement was based on all communities
participating, but not all are. The City of Elk River has
agreed to pay the difference so Otsego's share will remain
the same. They now want to hire a part time Clerk/Secretary
to assist the Recreation Director and have suggested that
either Elk River, or Otsego hire the Clerk/Secretary. If
Otsego were to hire the person, the wages paid would be
considered part of Otsego's contribution to the program. The
Community Education Office has prepared a job description for
the position. Ron Black suggested adding to the job
description communication skills with people, a maximum 20 Hr
work week, a pay rate of $6.00 per hr. and the person should
co --ordinate their work schedule with the District Recreation
Director and the Otsego Deputy Clerk.
The person would be hired by the City of Otsego, but
work in the Community Education Office.
Motion by Ron Black that the City of Otsego hire a part
time Clerk/Secretary to work with the District Recreation
Director. Seconded by Doug Lindenfelser, all Council Members
voted in favor of the motion.
Larry Fournier suggested preparing a directive to
Planning Commission Members as to their duties and
responsibilities to the Council and the Community.
Motion by Doug Lindenfelser to authorize Dave Chase to
pay for the hauling of a Hydro -hoe in exchange for it's use
with the option of renting it for a limited time. Seconded
by Ron Black, all Council Members voted in favor of the
motion.
Jerome Bauer asked why the Council didn't publish the
Minutes like they used to do? The Council replied they are
now putting out a Newsletter every two months and also the
Elk River Star News has many articles about Otsego. The
Minutes also are always available at the City Hall.
One resident asked if there was an Open Forum before
each Council Meeting and the Council advised the Open Forum
was during each Council Meeting, not before.
Motion by Norman F Freske to table the Beaudry Oil Co.
bid until Dave Chase has reviewed the specifications.
Seconded by Doug Lindenfelser, all Council Members voted in
favor of the Motion.
Motion by Floyd Roden to table action on the promotional
folders until the next Council Meeting. Seconded by Doug
CITY OF OTSEGO COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF 4/13/92 AT 7:30PM
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Lindenfelser, all Council Members voted in favor of the
motion.
Kathy Lewis has submitted her resignation as a Planning
Commission Member as she is considering moving out of Otsego.
Larry Fournier agreed to meet with her to see if she would
remain on the Planning Commission until she does move.
Motion by Ron Black to grant Riverwood Conference Center
a Fire Lane Variance of 11 Foot wide instead of 16 foot wide
in one particular area. Seconded by Floyd Roden, all Council
Members voted in favor of the motion.
Elaine Beatty advised the Council that John Oliver
informed her that he does not do perk tests and recommended S
P Testing of St Michael.
Motion by Floyd Roden that the Council secure price
quotes from two or three firms to do the perk test on the
City Hall Site. Seconded by Larry Fournier, all Council
Members voted in favor of the motion.
Albertville Fire Chief Rick Wacker has requested a
meeting with the City Council. The Council tentatively set
May 5, 1992 at 7:30PM at the Otsego City Hall as the date for
this meeting.
Motion by Ron Black to join the Minnesota Mayors Assn.
Seconded by Larry Fournier, all Council Members voted in
favor of the motion.
Motion by Doug Lindenfelser to set the Election Judge
pay rate at $5.00 per hour for the 1992 elections. Seconded
by Floyd Roden, all Council Members voted in favor of the
motion.
Regarding identification emblems for the City vehicles
Ken Brey of Specialty Screens has submitted a price quote of
10 - 8" X 20" emblems for $12.00 each.
Motion by Doug Lindenfelser to order 10 identification
emblems from Specialty Screens. Seconded by Larry Fournier,
all Council Members voted in favor of the motion.
Proceeding as a Board of Audit, the City Council audited
and allowed Verified Accounts Nos. 275 to 360 inclusive.
On motion the meeting adjourned.
NORMAN F FRESKE, MAYOR DOUG LINDENFELSER, COUNCIL
FLOYD RODEN, COUNCIL LARRY FOURNIER, COUNCIL
RONALD BLACK, COUNCIL JEROME PERRAULT, CLERK
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