HomeMy WebLinkAbout04 02 12 City Council minutes
4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
April 2 , 201 2
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7 :00 p.m. Present were Mayor Myser, Council members Erickson, He d-
berg, Keeney and Soukup , City Manager Boyles, City Attor ney Pace , City Engineer/Inspectio ns Director
Poppler, Code Enforcement Officer C o rrow, Public Works/Natural Resources Director Gehler, Natural R e-
sources / Facilities / Fleet Manager Friedges, Parks Foreman Skluzacek, Community and Economic Deve l-
opment Director Rogness , Fire Chief Hartman, Assistant City Manager Kansier, Assistant City Manager
Meyer , and Administrative Assi s tant Green.
PUBLIC FORUM
The Public Forum is intended to afford the public an opportunity to address concerns to the City Council.
The Public Forum will be no long er than 30 minutes in length and each presenter will have no more than
ten (10) minutes to speak. Topics of discussion are restricted to City governmental topics rather than pr i-
vate or political agendas. Topics may be addressed at the Public Forum that a re on the agenda except
those topics that have been or are the subject of a scheduled public hearing or public information hearing
before the City Council, the Economic Development Authority (EDA), Planning Commission, or any other
City Advisory Committee. The City Council may discuss but will not take formal action on Public Forum
presentations. Matters that are the subject of pending litigation are not appropriate for the Forum.
Comments:
No person stepped forward to speak.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
City Manager Boyles reiterated that item 10C, Consider Approval of a Letter of Support to Fund the Ann u-
al Regional Transit Capital (RTC) Bonding Request , was added to the agenda .
MOTION BY HEDBERG, S ECOND BY SOUKUP TO AP PROVE THE AGEND A AS PRESENTED .
VOTE: Ayes by Myser, Erickson , Hedberg, Keeney and Soukup . The motion carried.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
MOTION BY SOUKUP, S ECOND BY ERICKSON TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MARCH 19 ,
2012 , MEETING AS PR E SENTED.
VOTE: A yes by Myser, Erickson, Hedberg, Keeney and Soukup. The motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA
City Manager Boyles reviewed the items on the consent agenda.
A. Consider Approval of Claims Listing
B. Consider Approval of Resolution 12 - 040 Accepting Proposals and Authorizing Braun Intertec to Pr o-
vide Construction Testing for the Arcadia and County Road 21 Construction Project
C. Consider Appro val of Resolution 12 - 041 to Close Severance Compensation (Special Revenue) Fund
(F230)
D. Consider Approval of Resolu tion 12 - 042 Approving a Temporary On - Sale Liquor License for the
Church of St. Michael
Phone 952.447. 98 00 / Fax 952.44 7 . 4245 / www.cityofpriorlake.com
MOTION B Y HEDBERG, SECOND BY KEENEY T O APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PR E-
SENTED .
VOTE: Ayes by Myser, Erickson, Hedberg, Keeney and Soukup. The motion carried.
PRE SENTATION
Consider Approval of a Report on the 2011 Code Enforcement Activity
Code Enforcement Officer Corrow explained the activities of proactive code enforcement including
neighborhood sweeps, education programs, Wavelength reminders, etc. Spoke of p rimary violations such
as junk vehicles, tall grass and weeds, building without permits, etc. ; and the procedure followed if a viol a-
tion is suspected including verification and communication to the violator through potential issuance of a c i-
tation. Review ed the sign ordinance and stated he continually works to inform residents of appropriate l o-
cations for temporary signs. Added that improperly placed signs are collected and stored at the maint e-
nance ce n ter for two weeks where owners can pick them up.
Co mments:
Keeney : Asked if it is the homeowner responsibility to mow right - of - way areas that are not taken care of by
the City or County.
C o rrow : Affirmed.
Keeney : Asked if noise complaints are included in the report.
Corrow : Replied they are included in the public nuisances statistics . O n - road vehicle noises are under the
purview of the Police Department for enforcement .
Keeney : Queried whether the policies are perceived to be too lenient or too restri c tive.
Corrow : Replied that the 12 - inch tall g rass and weeds seems too lenient and suggested that 8 - inch would
be more reasonable. Overall, believes we are on track with requirements .
Erickson : Commented that on CR 12 , yards are up against the road and should be maintained by hom e-
owners.
Corrow : Ag reed that the safest assumption is if the right - of - way is not being maintained by someone else,
it is the homeowner responsibility.
Erickson : Commented on the intranet reporting site and asked if animal complaints called into the P o lice
Department are inc luded there.
Corrow : Replied there could be some data privacy issues , but Police have access to Splash and they can
write up a service ticket and follow up on it. Typically, police will direct the issue to him during his regular
working hours. If the co mplaint occurs after hours, Police ha ndle it and it would not show up on this r e port.
Soukup : Asked about the three citations on the report.
Corrow : Replied that one was for an illegal sign that was oversized, improperly located and put up without
a per mit. And the other was a repeat offender regard ing junk storage.
Hedberg : Commented that prior to hire of the Code Enforcement position , the City had a fair amount of r e-
sponsive code enforcement rather than proactive. Stated he is p leased with the pro fessional and court e-
ous job Corrow has done noting that both citations and sign violations are fewer. Commented that with this
being an election year, it will probably be busy with sign ord i nance enforcement.
Myser: Thanked Corrow for his report.
MOTION BY HEDBERG, SECOND BY KEENEY TO ACCEPT THE 2011 YEAR - END CODE ENFORC E-
MENT REPORT.
VOTE: Ayes by Myser, Erickson, Hedberg, Keeney and Soukup. The motion carried.
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04 02 2012 City Council Minutes
Spring Lake Park Development Shared Use Agreement
Public Works Director Gehler introduce d Mark Themig of the Scott County park system. Themig provi d-
e d a brief history of the inception of Spring Lake Park and described the work to be done in the first phase
of development. Commented that public meetings have been conducted and described othe r outreach
communication efforts. Described the bike trails, their connections and working with the SMSC while they
develop their plan for improving water quality around the Arctic Lake wetland . Reviewed the highlights of
the proposed agreements for ease ments and shared use with SMSC, the Three Rivers Parks District and
the City . Discussed an estimated project cost of $1.49 million stating that $1.33 million in Legacy Funds
have been secured. Spoke about plans for public safety, snowmobile use, and maint enance operations in
the Park. Stated they plan a bid opening at the beginning of May and anticipated project completion by
ea r ly fall. Gehler stated staff is working on a shared us e agreement for the control gate, parking lot, r e-
stroom, liability and re spons i bility ; and plan to bring the agreement to the Council for approval on May 7.
Comments :
Hedberg : Stated this will be a great addition to park system. Asked what happens when CR 81 is r e-
moved.
Themig : Replied that a portion of the roadway will be used for a trail and the remainder will be obliterated.
Some materials may be used to reconstruct hills that have been cut through during roadway use .
Hedberg : Referred to the northern trail being delayed due to wetland restoration and asked if it is kno wn
when that construction can be considered.
Themig : Replied the SMSC is working on plans, has applied for a federal grant, and believes wetland work
will be done in the next two years.
Hedberg : Looks forward to having that loop completed. Asked if the Three River s Park District envision s
cross country ski trails.
Themig : Replied that a full - service ski program such as that at Cleary Park is not being proposed , but sk i-
ers would be able to use existing informal trails.
Soukup : Asked the plan for fundin g the difference between the committed $1.33 million and projected
$1.45 million.
Themig : Replied there is hope that the bidding is competitive and will come in at less than $1.45 million.
The County can apply the $291,000 if necessary.
Soukup : Queried about safety call boxes.
Themig : Replied they are not being proposed with this project . Spoke of leaving trails accessible to eme r-
gency vehicl e access.
Soukup : Commented that the dog drinking / washing station is a real perk.
Erickson : Asked how addit ional parking would be handled when the City develops its section of the park .
Themig : Believes peak use times will be weekends and after work . Stated the Park’s master plan defines
parking as a shared responsibility for installation and upkeep. If the facilities being constructed now prove
to be of service, they may be retained.
Erickson : Noted that the Park has shoreline on both Spring Lake and Prior Lake and asked if there are
plans for shoreline recreation on Prior Lake.
Themig : Replied the Upper Prior Lake shoreline is relatively shallow and most water access is f o cused on
Spring Lake. Stated there is a plan for a snowmobile connection and shoreline fishing on Prior Lake.
Erickson : Asked if there is space set aside for camping .
Themig : Replie d there is no plan for a formal campground, but there is a natural resource and enviro n-
mental learning space.
Erickson : Stated he would like to encourage cross country skiing and asked about plowing trails .
Themig : Replied the main trail loop would be plowed and , therefore, not accommodate cross country sk i-
ing very well. Reiterated the use of informal paths.
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04 02 2012 City Council Minutes
Erickson : C oncurred with Hedberg’s comments that it will be good to close the northern trail loop when
able .
Themig : Noted that would have to be funded. Stated that the SM SC seems very interested and he b e-
lieves it will be relatively easy to construct as there is a natural land bridge running through the area that
the y hope to use .
Erickson : Asked if the tra il will go from CR 12 to the Dakot ah Sport and Fitness site.
Themig : Affirmed and described the path.
Keeney : Likes the plan because it minimizes tree loss and uses land that is relatively open. Will be a
great park when it has better access. Commented that s ome people may have concer ns about the traffic
and asked where current users will have to travel.
Themig : CR 17.
Myser : Asked when residents will receive notification of road closure.
Themig: Replied that temporary s ignage will b e up two weeks prior to closure and when the roadw ay v a-
cation process is completed, permanent signage will be installed.
PUBLIC HEARING
No public hearing was scheduled.
OLD BUSINESS
Consider Approval of Resolution 12 - 043 Authorizing the Execution of the City's Standard Profe s-
sional Se r vice Con tract for the Study of South Downtown Traffic Options
City Engineer / Inspections Director Poppler portrayed a diagram of the Arcadia intersection work that
has begun. Described a potential connection to the rest of downtown. Spoke of committing to a pla n for
downtown traffic flow so residents, businesses and potential developers will know what is planned for the
future. Received three quotes to conduct a study which would include public input and technical evalu a-
tion. Recommended Bolton and Menk as the y are the lowest, responsible bidder. Stated that conducting
the study has not been budgeted and would require use of Gen eral Funds.
Comments:
Erickson: Stated he supports conducting a study, but clarified that does not mean h e supports the plan
set o ut in a graphic that displays connection to Duluth and remo val of homes. Favors finding alterna tives
that would not destroy the neighbo r hood.
Keeney: Echoed Erickson comments and wants to assure that the “ do nothing at this time ” alternative be
considere d. Believes it may be premature to identify a plan now and we should wait until the Arcadia inte r-
section is open to learn about any issues springing from that. Asked if problems in the area are antic i pated
that need immediate resolution.
Poppler: Repli ed that south downtown planning is a long term process, but there are people who want to
know what the long term plan is.
Keeney: Commented that he does not anticipate immediate impacts o ther than traffic associated with the
dance studio.
Poppler: Replie d that Main Avenue changes are programmed for 2016 and that is when traffic pattern
change s will be noticed.
Keeney: Will support the study in the spirit of planning ahead , but suggested not committing to a final plan
until Arcadia is open proposing that some of the monies for a study might be saved knowing this will need
to be revisit ed when Arcadia is open.
Hedberg : Concurred that solutions should be considered that can avoid the destruction of the neighbo r-
hood and that it should be clear to residents a nd businesses what the eventual plan will be. Seems the ti m-
ing is appropriate.
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04 02 2012 City Council Minutes
Poppler: Stated that part of the analysis for realignment was consideration of the impact of the stop at
Main and the analysis shows that will be problematic.
Hedberg: Ques tioned whether the proposed study has the appropriate scope suggesting that the interse c-
tion proposal for Pleasant Street should also be planned to consider the overall traffic circulation through
downtown rather than just south downtown and whether other signaling and closures will be required.
Soukup: Commented this planning has been underway for a long time . Stated she would prefer to see
proposals that do not highlight the areas currently depicted in red believing it is causing anxiety to the
homeown ers. Stated she is not comfortable with taking people’s homes and suggested one - way roadways
be considered to keep traffic flow through neighborhoods . Believes a study is needed and e ncouraged
people to attend the meetings and provide fee d back.
Poppler: Commented that the area depicted in red was an approved concept in the 2005 study that was
focused on CR 21.
Myser: Asked how different options will be brought forward.
Poppler : Replied they expect to start with an open house identifying issues and optio ns where feedback
from the public will be sought which will be used to create concepts by citizens groups and technical team.
Those concepts will be brought back to second open house and feedback solicited again. From that, it is
hoped an a l ternative can be selected to present at the third open house.
Myser : Asked if the 2005 corridor study graphic will be shown at the meeting.
Poppler : Replied that was anticipated.
Myser : Suggested it may not be valuable to portray it again.
Erickson : Stated he did n ot recall the Council approving the area as shown in red.
Myser : Asked if there is a mechanism to notify resident and businesses in the area of the timing of the
public meetings.
Poppler : Replied that c ommunication with the public is paramount. Multiple mailings are planned, Web
pages, etc. and he feels confident that the majority of affected residents and businesses will be made
aware of the meetings.
Myser : Asked the Council if it wants to wait until the Arcadia intersection is com pleted and the traff ic flow
can be observed.
Keeney : Reiterated that w e may learn about additional issues about how people use the roadway when it
is opened. Agreed with Hedberg ’s comment that there may be immediate problems that need to be a d-
dressed sooner .
Myser : Asked if we can plan for the impact of closing Main.
Poppler : Replied that the study will anticipate the closure.
Erickson : Believes the closure of Main and changing Duluth from being an open intersection will have a
major effect on traffic from St. Michael ’s Church and School .
Keeney : Believes the traffic flow from Pleasant is part of mitigating the changes of the Main intersection.
Queried whether there is a plan to make Duluth a right - in, right - out intersection.
Poppler : Replied there is nothing in t he ten - year plan for Duluth and the corridor vision is for a longer term.
Keeney : Believes the Pleasant Street access and Main Avenue access are tied together.
Soukup : Recalled hearing Duluth is too close to Arcadia to be a right - in, right - out intersecti on.
Poppler : Replied the long - term plan is to remove the Duluth access completely.
Boyles : Commented that none of us know when the Main Avenue / CR 21 intersection will quit working;
but when it does the County will give notice that we have to close it d own and we will have to do it. R e-
called that the direction from Council was to be prepared.
Hedberg : Clarified that nothing in th e Arcadia project includes work on Duluth.
Poppler : Replied this project will put in a painted median for a temporary left turn lane on CR 21. It is
planned to be short term . T he County is supportive of closing Main Avenue in 2016.
Hedberg : Asked what the consultant comments were about 2017.
Poppler : Replied they project that t raffic will begin to fail without the closur e of Main .
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04 02 2012 City Council Minutes
Myser: Stated that CR 21 is probably our most important road way as it goes through the heart of dow n-
town and bisects the lake . Th at is why we are attentive to the issue and want to get it right.
MOTION BY HEDBERG, SECOND BY SOUKUP TO APPRO VE RESOLUTION 12 - 043 AUTHORIZING
THE MAYOR AND CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH
BOLTON AND MENK FOR THE STUDY OF SOUTH DOWNTOWN TRAFFIC OPTIONS.
VOTE: Ayes by Myser, Erickson, Hedberg, Keeney and Soukup. The motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Consider Approval of Resolutions Authorizing 2012 Vehicle and Equipment Purchases
Natural Resources / Facilities / Fleet Manager Friedges stated the City has 141 vehicles and pieces of
equipment in its f leet. Noted th at the equipment matrix is part of the Capital Improvement Program. D e-
scribed the analysis used to decide whether a piece of equipment should be replaced or added to the fleet.
Listed the equipment proposed for purchase.
Comments:
Friedges : Re viewed bids for Vermeer wood c hipper .
Erickson : Commented on receiving quotes from the Minnesota State Purchasing program stating one o f-
ten receives better quotes from private vendors. Asked if quotes were solicited from outside the S tate pu r-
cha s ing program.
Friedges : Replied that w hen vendors were available outside of the Program, quotes were solicited from
them.
Keeney : Asked about the disposal plan for equipment being replaced , residual value and whether it is the
same class of machine .
Friedges : Replied that the existing chi pper handles 12 - inch material and the new ones ha ndle 15 - inch and
has more horsepower.
Hedberg : Discussed different trade - in values.
MOTION BY SOUKUP, SECOND BY HEDBERG TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 12 - 044 AUTHORIZING
REPLACEMENT OF 1999 VERMEER WOOD CHIPPER (UN IT #510).
VOTE: Ayes by Myser, Erickson, Hedberg, Keeney and Soukup. The motion carried.
Friedges : Reviewed uses and bids for the replacement of the 1999 Ford F - 350 with plow (unit #544) .
Soukup : Commented that this was budgeted for $35,500 and the b id is $9,000 less. Due diligence was
done. Will support.
Hedberg : Asked the rule of thumb used to decide there are too many repairs to be worth fi x ing.
Friedges : Replied that d epends on the piece of equipment, trade - in value, etc.
Hedberg : Stated he t rusts the process. Will support.
Keeney : Asked why the difference in price from unit #451.
Friedges : The utility box.
Erickson : Queried why staff is choosing gas rather than diesel for this piece of equipment .
Friedges : Replied that staff has research ed one - tons and concluded that the gas engine is better as the
fuel is less expensive, repairs and maintenance are less expensive, and the capital expendi ture is less.
Myser : Queried why the repaint expense is needed.
Friedges: Replied that two sides o f the vehicle need replace ment because of rust.
MOTION BY SOUKUP, SECOND BY ERICKSON TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 12 - 045 AUTHORIZING
REPLACEMENT OF 1999 FORD F - 350 WITH PLOW (UNIT #544) .
VOTE: Ayes by Myser, Erickson, Hedberg, Keeney and Soukup. The motion car ried.
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04 02 2012 City Council Minutes
Friedges : R eviewed uses and bids for replacement of 2001 Ford F - 350 with plow (unit #451) .
Keeney : Queried why we do not buy both of the trucks for the same price.
Friedges : Replied that t he trade - in allowance was different which could be due to one of them having an
extended frame to accommodate the utility box.
Erickson : Commented that the S tate quote is $3,000 higher than buying directly from the vendor.
Soukup : Stated the proposed purchase is below the budget ed amount and will support .
He dberg : Commented that it is n ice to see the bids going to a local Scott County dealer. Asked what led
this vehicle to need to be replaced at 99,000 miles compared to the 135,000 miles on the previous veh i cle.
Friedges : Replied this vehicle was u sed more on cul - de - sacs and street plowing rather than parking lots
and was used harder.
Myser : Queried about the repaint part of repair costs.
Friedges: Replied that two sides need replaced and the tailgate shell is worn . Noted that new parts are
only primed a nd need to be painted.
MOTION BY SOUKUP, SECOND BY HEDBERG TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 12 - 046 AUTHORIZING
REPLACEMENT OF 2001 FORD F - 350 WITH PLOW (UNIT #451) .
VOTE: Ayes by Myser, Erickson, Hedberg, Keeney and Soukup. The motion carried.
Friedges : R eview ed uses and bids for replacement of 2005 Ford Crown Victoria. Recommends repla c ing
it with a ½ - ton pick - up.
Hedberg : Asked how pond maintenance staff has been getting equipment to job sites.
Friedges : Replied it is often hauled in the trunk of the car , which is not safe.
Hedberg : Noted this vehicle is a little above budget, but with respect to needs of staff, will support.
Soukup : Understand need to move from retired squad car to pick - up; but asked if the old squad car will be
kept for use of staff.
Friedges : Replied it is planned for use one through summer . Explained the squad cars are being phased
out of the fleet when they are retired from police department noting that holding them for season al use lo s-
es several thousand do l lars of value when auc tioning them off.
Erickson : Asked why a 4 - wheel vehicle is needed.
Friedges : Replied it is often used for cleaning ponds and when going into wet conditions it is often helpful
to have 4 - wheel. The Code Enforcement Officer uses it in the winter and may be off - road for inspe c tions.
Erickson : Asked how the work was done before using the Crown Victoria.
Friedges : Replied staff tried to schedule appropriate vehicles from the maintenance shop w hen such work
need ed to be done, which caused additional deman d for appropriate vehicles.
Keeney : Surmised that p ick - up trucks are most likely the most needed kind of veh i cle.
Myser : Asked if the previous ly discussed F350s could be repurposed.
Friedges: Replied if they were moved to light duty earlier that could be recommended, but these vehicles
have reached life expectancy.
MOTION BY SOUKUP, SECOND BY HEDBERG TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 12 - 047 AUTHORIZING
REPLACEMENT OF 2005 FORD CROWN VICT O RIA (UNIT #405).
VOTE: Ayes by Myser, Erickson, Hedberg, Keeney and Souk up. The motion carried.
Friedges : R eviewed uses and bids for 2001 580D 16 - foot mower (Unit #504). Spoke of con tracting out
the mowing in 2011. Staff determined it is more cost - effective and there will be fewer scheduling issues
and repairs to sprinkl ing systems to replace the mower and perform the work in - house.
Keeney : Asked if the low trade - in price is indicative of the # of hours on the equipment. Asked if equi p-
ment is assigned to particular employees .
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04 02 2012 City Council Minutes
Friedges : Replied some equipment is assi gned, especially the two large mowers.
Keeney : Understand s it is cheapest to have the big machines vs. more , smaller machines.
Soukup : Asked about putting a snow blower on it in order to use it year around.
Friedges : Replied the big mowers do not have snow blower s affixed to them.
Myser: Stated he is glad staff tried outsourcing to see how it worked.
MOTION BY SOUKUP, SECOND BY HEDBERG TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 12 - 048 AUTHORIZ ING
REPLACEMENT OF THE 2001 580D MOWER (UNIT #504).
VOTE: Ayes by Myser, E rickson, Hedberg, Keeney and Soukup. The motion carried.
Friedges : R eviewed uses and bids for 2003 Toro 328D Mower with snow blower (Unit #523) .
MOTION BY S OUKUP, SECOND BY H EDBERG TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 12 - 049 AUTHORIZING
REPLACEMENT OF 2003 328D TORO MOWER WITH SNOW BLOWER (UNIT #523).
VOTE: Ayes by Myser, Erickson, Hedberg, Keeney and Soukup. The motion carried.
Friedges : R eviewed uses and bids for replacement of 2003 Loftness Snow Blower.
Erickson : Asked if there is any other manufacturer besi des Erskine.
Friedges: Replied the John Deere blower does not fit on existing mowers. Also, Er skine is durab le .
MOTION BY S OUKUP, SECOND BY H EDBERG TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 12 - 050 AUTHORIZING
REPLACEMENT OF 2003 LOFNESS SNOW BLOWER.
VOTE: Ayes by Myser, E rickson, Hedberg, Keeney and Soukup. The motion carried.
Friedges : R eviewed uses and bids for replacement of 2000 JAA 22 - foot trailer (Unit # 533) .
Hedberg : A sked about repairs needed.
Friedges: Replied it is for d ecking and frame failure.
MOTION BY SOUKUP, SECOND BY HEDBERG TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 12 - 051 AUTHORIZING
REPLACEMENT OF 2000 JAA 22 - FOOT TRAI L ER (UNIT #533).
VOTE: Ayes by Myser, Erickson, Hedberg, Keeney and Soukup. The motion carried.
Friedges : R eviewed uses and bids for replacement of 2004 Melroe Bobcat with Snow Blower (Unit #781)
and Skid Loader.
Erickson : Asked about the 2011 rental amount .
Friedges : Replied the work load for a bobcat was not anticipate d .
Erickson : Asked how it was accommodated in the budget.
Friedges : Replied it was assigned to the rental account and managed on a monthly basis.
Keeney : Stated that generally if there is ability to fund equipment, it should be purchase d rather than ren t-
ed when it is used a lot.
Myser : Asked if there is a mechanism to come for ward mid - season if need becomes apparent.
Friedges: Believes he could bring such a need forward at any time.
MOTION BY SOUKUP, SECOND BY HEDBERG TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 12 - 052 AUTHORIZING
REPLACEMENT OF 2004 MELROE BOBCAT S815 WITH SNOW BLOWER (UNIT #781) AND 2000 18 -
INCH BITUMINOUS MILL (UNIT#665).
VOTE: Ayes by Myser, Erickson, Hedberg, Keeney and Soukup. The motion carried.
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04 02 2012 City Council Minutes
Consider Approval of Resolution 12 - 053 Authorizing Purchase of One Fire Suppression/Rescue
Boat
Fire Chief Hartman discussed th e Fire Department respon se to fire and rescue emergency calls on the
many lakes in its service district. Reviewed the specifications of the existing rescue boat stating it was d o-
nated by the VFW in 1991, has been repaired repeatedly and the hull has now f ailed. Commented that
the re is a fire agreement with the townships. The VFW has commit ted a $5,000 donation towards pu r-
chase. Noted he did not include the s ales tax cost on the agenda report believing it was not taxable, but
has since learned the boat i s not considered fire suppression equipment and therefore is tax a ble.
Comments:
Keeney: Believes the proposed aluminum boat will be durable. Asked if the pump can be purchased se p-
arately and not be subject to sales tax.
Hartman: Replied it cannot.
Ke eney : Asked where the boat will be housed.
Hartman : Replied it will be at Fire Station No 1 and the smaller boat will be moved to F ire S tation No 2 .
Keeney : Commented these proposals are less than the estimate.
Hartman : Replied the estimate was for a f an - driven boat.
Keeney : Asked if this boat will work on thin ice.
Hartman : Described circumstances where it should work and added that department policy is to call for
mutual aid from Shakopee.
Erickson : Asked if the boat’s side entrance is intended for rescue .
Hartman : Affirmed noting that it allows access at the water level ; when the door folds down it turns into a
ladder. Stated that m any victims are backboarded in the water and then can be loaded from the w a ter.
Erickson : Asked if this will be a va ilable to all lakes.
Hartman : Replied that Fire Station No 1 has the best access to all lakes and is more heavily staffed .
Erickson : Asked why sales tax must be paid.
Hartman : Replied that he w as advised by the State that it would be taxable.
Ericks on : Commented that Credit River township has no location that needs a boat .
Hartman : Replied the Fire Department has responded to calls on both Cleary Lake and Murphy Lake.
Noted there is much canoe use at Cleary and there were two rescues there last su mmer .
Soukup : Will support.
Hedberg : Thanked the VFW for its donation of the boat that has been used for 20 years as well as its d o-
na tion for this new boat. Added that the i mprovements of this boat are significant and it is really nee d ed.
Myser : A sked about the County’s view that they are not a rescue provider.
Hartman : Replied they are not available to be on the lake 24/7. When they respond to calls on the w a ter,
if they are able to make rescue, they do so. Their focus is law enforcement and co ntrolling other issues on
the water and their equipment is purchased to meet that need.
Myser : Asked about the size of the motor.
Hartman : Replied the 115 horsepower motor was chosen for speed and control.
Myser : Asked about the request for funds to SM SC.
Boyles : Replied that is still being consider ed .
Hartman: Commented that grants were applied for, but none were awarded. Noted that the final cost for
the boat with the sales tax will be $ 67,676.46.
MOTION BY SOUKUP, SECOND BY H EDBERG TO APPROVE RES OLUTION 12 - 053 APPROVING THE
PURCHASE OF ONE FIRE SUPPRESSION / RESCUE BOAT AS QUOTED.
VOTE: Ayes by Myser, Erickson, Hedberg, Keeney and Soukup. The motion carried.
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04 02 2012 City Council Minutes
Consider Approval of a Letter of Support to Fund the Annual Regional Transit Capital ( RTC) Bon d-
ing R e quest
Assistant City Manager Kansier reviewed the Metropolitan Councils request for support of the Regional
Transit Capital bond funding. Discussed points of controversy between the Met Council and Suburban
Transit Association and proposed that a letter of support cite some of those issues.
Comments:
Erickson : Will support.
Keeney : Queried to whom the letter would be sent.
Kansier : Propose d s ending letter to Senator Ortman, head of the Senate Tax Commi t tee.
Keeney : Commented that t his communicate s that the money is not getting to the providers.
Kansier : Replied this will just document information they already know.
Keeney : Asked if this letter is consistent with letters that will be sent from other provi d ers.
Kansier : Affirmed.
Keeney : Believes this communicates our desires straightforwardly. Will support.
Hedberg : Will support. Commented the City has had a challenging relationship regarding transit since the
opt - out as the Met Council would rather have everyone under Metro T ransportation. We have been able to
use the money i n ways that benefit us.
Soukup : Will support. Believes it appropriate to consistently call out situ a tions.
Myser : Suggested local legislative representatives be copied on the letter .
MOTION BY H EDBERG, SECOND BY S OUKUP TO APPROVE T HE ATTACHED LETTER ALONG WITH
ADDITIONAL COPIES AS DISCUSSED AND AUTHORIZ E THE MAYOR TO SEND IT ON BEHALF OF
THE CITY COUNCIL.
VOTE: Ayes by Myser, Erickson, Hedberg, Keeney and Soukup. The motion carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
C ommunity Events
Soukup: Described last Saturday’s Egg Hunt at Lakefront Park stating she enjoyed it and thanked the Rec
Department for hosting it.
Hedberg: Extended thanks from the E conomic Development Authority to Terry Hitchcock for his service.
Stat ed the City has been soliciting and interviewing candidates for his replacement and three finalist cand i-
dates are scheduled for interview by the Council on April 3 .
Erickson: Thanked the SMSC for its donation of $17,000 for five training sessions to help first respon d ers
deal with those with mental health issues.
Myser: Prior Lake was recognized as a Yellow R ibbon c ity by Governor Dayton last week. Stated that
Ye l low Ribbon p rovides support services to families who have military members overse a s. Thanke d lea d-
ership of the organization for their efforts. Congratulated local girls basketball and hockey for their recent
State championships.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further comments from Council members, a motion to adjourn was made by Hedberg and secon d-
ed b y Keeney. With all in favor, the meeting adjourned at 10:31 p.m.
__________________________________ ________________________________
Frank Boyles, City Manager Charlotte Green, Admin. Assistant
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04 02 2012 City Council Minutes