2023.01.23 City Council MinutesOTSEGO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2023
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 and Councilmembers: Brittany Moores, Tina Goede, Jeff Dahl, and
Ryan Dunlap. City Staff: City Administrator/Finance Director Adam Flaherty, Human
Resources/Assistant City Administrator Sabrina Hille, City Engineer Ron Wagner, City Planner
Daniel Licht, City Attorney Dave Kendall, and City Clerk Audra Etzel.
Pledge of Allegiance:
Mayor Stockamp led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. Oath of Office:
City Clerk Etzel performed the duty of swearing in Councilmember Tina Goede.
2. Open Forum:
Mayor Stockamp opened the Open Forum at 7:03 PM.
Gavin Woodland, Wright County Health Promotion Coordinator, presented information on
January Radon Awareness Month. Mr. Woodland said radon is the second leading form of
cancer. There are three different radon tests for homeowners to use. The Wright County
Government Center has tests available for a discounted price to residents. The tests are also
available to order online or at local retail stores. It is recommended residents testing during
the winter months. Once a resident has tested for radon, it is suggested to retest based on the
results from the previous test.
CM Dahl said he had a mitigation system installed and wanted to know what an acceptable
level would be. Mr. Woodland said anything over 4.0 should be reviewed for mitigation based
on the actual result. A mitigation system once installed should have a continual read. The State
of Minnesota does have a list of vendors.
Mayor Stockamp asked if tests could be provided at the Otsego City Hall? Mr. Woodland said
they typically don't provide tests off site due to the shelf life. Wright County tries to get to
community events for residents to purchase. Mayor Stockamp asked if there are grants or
financial assistance if a resident cannot afford the mitigation? Mr. Woodland said there are
options for those that need assistance. Staff will add a link regarding radon to the website.
Lyn Neutgens, 13271 851h Street NE, and her husband Tim, were at an October City Council
meeting to discuss the no discharge zoning map and the speed limit on 85th Street NE, they
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would like an update on their requests. City Planner Licht said Sergeant Oltmanns has been in
discussion with the home owners, staff will follow up with Sergeant Oltmanns. Mrs. Neutgens
is unsure what steps are being taken and they are still very upset. CM Moores asked when the
map will be reviewed? City Planner Licht said the map would need to be updated and
published by September 11t. CM Goede said this was brought to City Council in October and
should be addressed for the Neutgens. Mayor Stockamp said it is hard for staff to respond
without Sergeant Oltmanns in attendance. Mrs. Neutgens is not satisfied with Wright County
Sheriff's staff just talking to the property owner's firing the weapon. City Planner Licht
suggested getting an update from Sergeant Oltmanns at an upcoming meeting and the City
Council can consider any changes.
Mrs. Neutgens is requesting the speed wagon placed on the west side of the road. Mrs.
Neutgens said she and her husband have almost been bumped when their turn signals have
been on waiting to pull into their driveway. City Engineer Wagner said the speed wagon
measures and records both directions and type of vehicle. The three days of data showed the
people speeding as 4%, which is less than most streets; staff has determined it is not a speeding
issue. Mrs. Neutgens feels people are still speeding. City Engineer Wagner said it is typical at
intersections for people to speed up when coming out of a stop or roundabout. Mayor
Stockamp asked about the speed limit on the road. City Engineer Wagner said the matrix
guides this portion of 85th Street NE to be 55 MPH. Staff will email the Neutgen's the speed
report.
Jeanne Holland, Wright County Commissioner District 3, stated she is proud to serve Albertville
and Otsego. Ms. Holland presented a letter from the Wright County Commissioners regarding
an update on a bill regarding Homestead Market Exclusion program and a bill that would create
a property tax exemption for personal property that contains an energy storage system. Ms.
Holland also provided an update on property valuations. Ms. Holland is available to attend
meetings and willing to share information. Mayor Stockamp asked Ms. Holland to have the
Wright County Assessor send staff the formula they will be using for calculating sales.
Mary Valerius 13701 70th Street NE, said he lives near the first roundabout placed in Otsego.
The acceleration out of the roundabouts is quite loud. Mr. Valerius would like to request a
speed wagon on his street. City Planner Licht noted this is a County Road and Wright County
would need to provide the speed wagon. Mr. Valerius asked about Nashua becoming a County
Road. City Engineer Wagner said it is proposed, but staff does not have a timeline.
Mr. Valerius had questions regarding the lighting on the new water tower. City Engineer
Wagner said they are looking at ways to reduce the lighting, currently there are six lights and
staff is looking to turn off some of the lights. Mr. Valerius asked why the water towers need to
be lighted? City Engineer Wagner said the water tower is lighted for safety and identity. Mr.
Valerius asked what is the cost to light the water tower? City Administrator/Finance Director
Flaherty said the costs could be tracked. City Planner Licht stated the lighting is paid by those
that are paying for water utilities. Mr. Valerius asked if there was an option to install solar
lights? CM Dahl said he has looked at an option of solar, there is an option to save overtime. .
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Mayor Stockamp said when new buildings are being designed, they are evaluated for green
initiatives, but they must be cost efficient.
Mr. Valerius said he is being charged $8.00 per month franchise fee through Wright -Hennepin,
he thought it was only going to be $4.00; he does have two meters. City Administrator/Finance
Director Flaherty said he has spoken with Wright -Hennepin and the customer is charged for
each meter. Mr. Valerius said his Spectrum franchise fee varies each month. City
Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty said the Spectrum franchise fee was established based
on a percentage, not a flat rate. Mayor Stockamp asked staff to reach out to Wright -Hennepin
to find out how many properties have two meters. City Administrator/Finance Director
Flaherty said staff would have to evaluate the data to see if the ordinance would need an
amendment. CM Dunlap asked it this would this also apply to franchise fees for gas meters?
City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty said staff have also received calls regarding the gas
franchise fee.
Mr. Valerius noted the trail in front of their house has limited usage. He wants to know why a
mile long trail is maintained for such limited use? He asked about the cost to maintain. Mayor
Stockamp said residents have asked for trails, and to have walkability has been a priority for the
City. Mr. Valerius also has issues with snowmobilers from going through his yard.
Mr. Valerius asked about new 701h Street turn lanes, who is paying? City Engineer Wagner said
this will be a City cost to build the turn lanes, but the final lift will be completed when Wright
County does their mill and overlay project. Mr. Valerius is wondering if turn lanes will be
considered for future developments? City Planner Licht said this part of the development
review process, this section with the new turn lane has changed with the road being upgraded.
Mayor Stockamp closed the Open Forum at 7:57 PM.
3. Consider Agenda Approval:
CM Moores motioned to approve the agenda as written, seconded by CM Dahl. All in favor.
Motion carried 5-0.
4. Consent Agenda.
4.1 Approve Claims List.
4.2 Approve City Council Meeting Minutes.
A. January 9, 2023 Meeting.
4.3 Adopt Resolution 2023-05 Adopting a Revised Uniform Policy.
4.4 Authorize Recruitment for a Parks Maintenance I Position.
4.5 Authorize Recruitment for Utility Operator Position.
4.6 Approve the Hiring of Two Recreation Leader Positions.
4.7 Approve the Revised City Engineering Manual.
CM Moores motioned to approve the consent agenda as written, seconded by CM Dahl.
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CM Dunlap provided additional information regarding items 4.5 Parks Maintenance Position
and 4.6 Utility Operator Position. Mayor Stockamp noted the items would have needed to be
pulled from consent for further discussion.
All in favor. Motion carried 5-0.
5. Engineering:
5.1 2023 Street Renewal Project:
A. Presentation by City Engineer.
B. Consider Adoption of Resolution 2023-06 Receiving Feasibility Report and Calling Hearing.
City Engineer Wagner reviewed a PowerPoint presentation. The existing 13 residential street
surfaces have Pavement Condition Index (PCI) ratings between 45 and 48, which is below the
average in the City of Otsego; PCIS of 50 or less are in their final stages of useful life.
City Engineer Wagner discussed a particular property and whether it should be included for
assessment with this project, or a future project based on it having access to two streets. The
Council concurred that based on the location of the primary driveway, it should not be included
for assessment with this project.
CM Dunlap asked about the policy to notify residents of construction. City Engineer Wagner
explained the noticing requirements of Statute 429.
CM Dunlap reviewed all the parcels included in the project and noticed an address error; staff
will correct. CM Dunlap asked about the special assessment amount of $1,092. City
Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty said the amount can be amortized over 10 years with
interest of about 4% interest. CM Dunlap noted the special assessment will increase taxes for
most of the properties. CM Dunlap noticed some of the property owners don't have very much
roadway frontage. CM Dunlap noted that one property owner was exempt from taxes. City
Attorney Kendall addressed deferment options in Statute. City Administrator/Finance Director
said the action tonight is to accept the feasibility report and call for the hearing, individual
properties can be removed at the discretion of the Council through the process. Mayor
Stockamp noted there will be some very happy residents.
CM Dahl motioned to adopt Resolution 2023-06 Receiving Feasibility Report and Calling
Hearing on Improvement, seconded by CM Goede. All in favor. Motion carried 5-0.
6. City Council Reports and Updates:
A. Heritage Preservation Commission Liaison CM Moores. CM Moores had no updates.
B. Parks and Recreation Commission Liaison CM Moores. CM Moores said the Commission
tabled the Prairie Park Ballfields Project due to the cost exceeding the estimates.
C. Planning Commission Liaison Mayor Stockamp. Mayor Stockamp said the Commission
reviewed IOS Otsego and Waterfront Commons Project; one item was tabled to February 6th.
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D. Public Safety Commission Liaison CM Goede. CM Goede noted there was no January
meeting.
CM Dunlap has completed his Local Board of Appeal and Equalization training and is looking
forward to the advisory commission interviews tomorrow.
7. Staff Reports and Updates:
7.1 Schedule City Council Photos
City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty said the photographer was available on February
131h. This date did not work for CM Goede. He will check availability and update the City
Council.
7,2 Schedule Special Meeting for Elected Official Training Session.
Mayor Stockamp motioned to call for a Special City Council Meeting on February 27, 2023 at
5:30 PM to be held at the Prairie Center for the purpose of council onboarding, seconded by
CM Dunlap. All in favor. Motion carried 5-0.
Human Resources/Assistant City Administrator Hille said the Emergency Services Director
position will be posted tomorrow.
City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty said the Roger's Fire Chief has announced his
retirement for the end of April.
8. Adiourn.
CM Goede motioned to adjourn at 8:40 PM, seconded by CM Moores. All in favor. Motion
carried 5-0.
Jet ica Stockamp, Mayor
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Audra Etzel, City Clerk
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