City Council Minutes

Pursuant to due call and posted notice thereof, the regular meeting of the Victoria City Council was called to order at 6:32 p.m. by Mayor Hershberger Thun in the Council Chambers at 7951 Rose.

Members Present: Mayor: Mary Hershberger Thun; Councilmembers: Tim Amundsen, Jim Paulsen, Kim Roden, and Rick Tieden.

Absent: None.

Staff Present: Cara Geheren, City Engineer; Mike Norton, City Attorney; Jylan Johnson, Finance Director; and Jennifer Kretsch, City Clerk.

Others Present: Shannon Sweeney, David Drown Associates; Unsie Zuege, Chanhassen Villager; Sue Orsen, The Victoria Gazette; and others.
 

Ms. Kretsch asked that Items 3-I and 3-J be added to the Consent Agenda. She noted the supplement to Item 3-F.

Ms. Kretsch also noted the inclusion of an exhibit for 9-B and the addition of Item 9-C to the agenda. She also added two discussion items: status of the discussions with School District 112 and the status of Field House ice contracts.

A motion was made by Councilmember Roden, seconded by Councilmember Paulsen, to adopt the Agenda as revised above. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Vote: 5 Ayes, 0 Nays.
 

Mayor Hershberger Thun read aloud the items to be considered under the Consent Agenda.

The Consent items were as follows:

Minutes of the June 14, 2007 City Council Meeting
Minutes of the June 14, 2007 EDA Meeting
Payment of Bills $222,268.86
Sheriff’s Reports for May 2007

-A- $200 Donation to the Victoria Fire Department from Thomas and Theresa Gregory

1. Agenda Statement No. 07-219
2. Exhibits
3. Resolution No. 07-86

-B- Appointment of Tari Clay to the Victoria Senior Commission

1. Agenda Statement No. 07-220
2. Exhibits
3. Resolution No. 07-87

-C- Donations for the Concerts in the Park Series, from Victoria Veterinary Care, Inc. for the total amount of $200

1. Agenda Statement No. 07-221
2. Exhibits

-D- Sanitary Lift Station 15, Connecting Forecemain and Trunk Watermain Improvements ~ Payment Request No. 5

1. Agenda Statement No. 07-222
2. Exhibits

-E- Financial Reports for the month-ending April 2007

1. Agenda Statement No. 07-223
2. Exhibits

-F- Financial Reports for the month-ending May 2007

1. Agenda Statement No. 07-224
2. Exhibits

-G- Request Approval to hire staff for the Field House

1. Agenda Statement No. 07-225
2. Exhibits

-H- Park and Recreation Administrative Assistant Purchase of Desktop Computer 1. Agenda Statement No. 07-229

2. Exhibits

-I- Purchase of new computer for Interim Field House Facilities Manager

1. Agenda Statement No. 07-231
2. Exhibits

-J- A Resolution Approving the Chaska Lions to Operate Pull-Tab Charitable Gambling Sites at Floyd’s Bar and Schmitty’s Tavern

1. Agenda Statement No. 07-232
2. Exhibits

Councilmember Roden removed Items 3-E, 3-F, and 3-G from the Consent Agenda.

A motion was made by Councilmember Roden, seconded by Councilmember Paulsen, to adopt the Consent Agenda as amended. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Vote: 5 Ayes, 0 Nays.

Councilmember Roden discussed the financial reports of the City, specifically as related to the Field House, and noted for the record that she is asking for the second time about the status of the summer ice rentals. She noted she cannot vote for the hiring of new Field House staff, without knowing the status of the Field House financials and ice rentals.

The Council and Ms. Johnson discussed the Field House summer ice rentals and financials.

A motion was made by Councilmember Amundsen, seconded by Councilmember Roden, to direct staff to prepare a thorough review of the summertime ice operation and report back to the Council as soon as possible in order that the Council may act either in special session or at the next Council meeting.

Further discussion was held regarding the Field House financials and the Field House Operating Board.

Ms. Johnson suggested the Council direct staff to provide monthly Field House financial reports for the Council’s review.

With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Vote: 5 Ayes, 0 Nays.

A motion was made by Councilmember Roden, seconded by Councilmember Paulsen, to approve Agenda Statement No. 07-223, Financial Reports for the month-ending April 2007. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Vote: 5 Ayes, 0 Nays.

A motion was made by Councilmember Roden, seconded by Councilmember Paulsen, to approve Agenda Statement No. 07-224, Financial Reports for the month-ending May 31, 2007. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Vote: 5 Ayes, 0 Nays.

Discussion was held regarding the Field House financials and position job description.

A motion was made by Councilmember Roden, seconded by Councilmember Paulsen, to accept the recommendation of the Director of Finance to resume monthly reports to the Council regarding Field House operations, and also to direct staff to create a separate agenda item once a month in order for the Council to discuss Field House financials.

Councilmember Paulsen noted it is critical that staff provide summaries included with the reports, not just a large amount of data.

With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Vote: 5 Ayes, 0 Nays.

Councilmember Amundsen indicated he would like additional information from Mr. Urbia regarding the decision to keep the ice open through the summer and data regarding any savings the City would have realized if the ice was closed.

A motion was made by Councilmember Amundsen, seconded by Councilmember Paulsen, to approve Agenda Statement No. 07-225, Request Approval to hire staff for the Field House, contingent upon a bullet point job description being forwarded to the Council as soon as possible that includes a description of employee’s duties during down time, participation in other maintenance projects, and cleaning the facility.

Councilmember Roden thanked Councilmember Amundsen for the modification and expansion of the motion. She noted because of these changes, she will vote for the motion.

With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Vote: 5 Ayes, 0 Nays.

A motion was made by Councilmember Roden, seconded by Councilmember Paulsen, to recess the regular City Council meeting at 7:17 p.m. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Vote: 5 Ayes, 0 Nays.

The meeting of the Economic Development Authority was opened at 7:18 p.m.
 

(4) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING:

Ms. Johnson provided the staff report.

Shannon Sweeney, David Drown Associates, explained this resolution is a formality in order to reallocate line items within the TIF district, noting the overall amount of the budget will not increase.

Discussion was held regarding the changes between the original amounts and amended amounts.

A motion was made by Councilmember Paulsen, seconded by Councilmember Tieden, to approve Resolution No. 07-88, Authorizing an Administrative Budget Amendment to the Tax Increment Financing Plan for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District 1-3.

With 3 members voting in favor, the motion carried. Vote: 3 Ayes, 2 Nays (Hershberger Thun, Roden).

The meeting of the Economic Development Authority was adjourned at 7:24 p.m.

Mayor Hershberger Thun reconvened the regular Council meeting at 7:24 p.m.
 

(5) VISITOR’S PRESENTATION:

-A- Robert Henry, Twin Cities and Western Railroad

Mr. Henry provided an overview of the history, present, and future plans of the Twin Cities and Western Railroad in Carver County and Minnesota at large. Mayor Hershberger Thun thanked him for the presentation.

-B- Deputy Boder

Deputy Boder indicated he is present to answer any questions regarding the monthly Sheriff report.

Discussion was held regarding the manner in which traffic stops are handled and increased accidents on Highway 5.
 

Debbie Kelly, 7090 Rolling Acres Road, discussed the significant traffic and speeding problems on Rolling Acres Road. She also suggested ambulances turn sirens off at night when passing down the road. She proposed reducing the speed limit to 45 mph, installing a four-way stop at the church, prohibiting semi-tractor trailer traffic, and painting white blocks at the trail crossing.

Mayor Hershberger Thun provided Ms. Kelly with a number of suggestions regarding who to contact at the various governmental levels.

Councilmember Roden stated she would be willing to sign a letter in support of Ms. Kelly’s efforts.

Susan Lovering, 7100 Rolling Acres Road, echoed the concerns of Ms. Kelly regarding the traffic and speeding concerns on Rolling Acres Road.

Dave Dexter, 7882 Narcissus Court, asked for the most up-to-date information regarding the noise abatement system on the water treatment plant.

Ms. Geheren reported the equipment has been manufactured and should be shipped soon; a contractor is lined up to do the installation in mid-July. She indicated she will update the City’s website when there are more specific dates.

Discussion was held regarding the possibility of TKDA paying for the abatement process. Discussion was also held regarding the manganese content in the water.

Mr. Dexter indicated the new water quality is going into existing piping; that new fresh water may in fact be cleaning the pipes throughout the system in the City.

Discussion was held regarding the problems of the City’s measuring water usage. Mr. Norton advised that the parties involved with this should receive formal notice from the City regarding the resolution of the software issues.

Mr. Dexter restated his desire for an updated website and an effective water treatment system.

The Council recessed at 8:18 p.m. The Council reconvened at 8:27 p.m.
 

None.
 

None.
 

Ms. Geheren presented the staff report and asked for Council feedback regarding revising the street capital improvement plan.

The Council discussed the options available for the street improvement plan, engineering soft costs, the CIP, and the City’s policy of assessing 50 percent of the costs.

A motion was made by Councilmember Amundsen, seconded by Councilmember Paulsen, to direct staff to work with Councilmember Roden to create recommendations for the Street Capital Improvement Plan so that a decision can be made on that basis. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Vote: 5 Ayes, 0 Nays.

Ms. Johnson provided an overview of the staff report.

Mr. Norton provided a history of the litigation regarding land dedication and building inspection fees stemming from construction industry representatives.

A motion was made by Councilmember Paulsen, seconded by Councilmember Amundsen, to direct staff not to file the report, in accordance with Agenda Statement No. 07-228. With 4 members voting in favor, the motion carried. Vote: 4 Ayes, 1 Nay (Tieden).

Ms. Kretsch presented the staff report.

Councilmember Amundsen thanked the donors as well as the organizers of the camp. He asked that the motion be amended to direct that thank-you notes be sent to John and Maryse Thomas and Mike James for their efforts at organizing as well as all donors.

Councilmember Paulsen stated Ms. Kretsch has created a list of those who spoke at the town hall meeting as well as those who have participated in the Comp Plan process. He encouraged the City to reach out, via letters, to those people who have shown an interest in this City. He indicated he will draft a letter and have it ready for the next Council meeting.

With all members voting in favor, the motion as amended carried. Vote: 5 Ayes, 0 Nays.
 

Mr. Norton provided an update on the discussions with the superintendent and chief financial officer of Independent School District #112, indicating that progress has been made.

Councilmember Paulsen discussed the City’s ability to generate non-ice revenue at the Field House; $212,000 was budgeted for 2007, and it is on track to generate only about $100,000. In response to a question by Councilmember Roden, he indicated the goal is to cut debt service better than 50 percent.

Councilmember Amundsen suggested Harvey Feldman may have some perspective and insight with the negotiating team.

Mr. Norton provided a report on the discussions with Minnetonka Youth Hockey Association.

Councilmember Amundsen suggested moving forward with Harvey Feldman and Mr. Ken Vraa to work on the ice contracts, ice drafts, and future ice seasons. He noted bringing them on board will not waive any claims of previous ice contracts.

Councilmember Roden noted these gentlemen know the business, have worked with the Council throughout the past year, and will help in this process.

With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Vote: 5 Ayes, 0 Nays.

Councilmember Amundsen suggested staff investigate other areas these gentlemen can help the City with, specifically in the direction of personnel to run the Field House at its optimum.

Councilmember Roden stated this consulting arrangement will provide needed expertise to help the Council throughout this process.

The Council discussed the status of the ice contract collections.
 

Mayor Hershberger Thun highlighted the change in time of the finance committee meeting on July 10. She also noted the wi-fi is working at the Field House again.

Mayor Hershberger Thun reported she has been contacted numerous times by residents of Smithtown Terrace and Iris regarding the placement of construction "no parking" signs on the side of the road where there are no mailboxes. The Excelsior post office has indicated it will not deliver mail to mailboxes with cars parked in front. She has told the residents that she will direct the City to move the construction "no parking" signs to the side of the road with the mailboxes, if neighborhood consensus can be reached, with the support of the Council.

A motion was made by Councilmember Paulsen, seconded by Councilmember Tieden, to support the Mayor’s actions on Smithtown Terrace to change the No Parking signs, if a consensus can be reached among the residents, and that the signs will be moved only once. With 4 members voting in favor, the motion carried. Vote: 4 Ayes, 1 Nay (Amundsen).

Councilmember Tieden expressed concern about the management of the City. He suggested discussions occur regarding the roles of the Council and staff in the management of the City. He suggested another meeting prior to Mr. Sarvi’s return.

The Council discussed various options and timing for the meeting. It was decided to have a strategy session on August 18 at the Arboretum to discuss a management plan for the City.

Councilmember Amundsen reported the VolksFest planning committee is moving forward and is going well.

Councilmember Roden indicated she would like to see a policy on what this Council expects when it gets pages and pages of numbers and data. She requested a one-page policy analysis along with data presented to the Council.

Mr. Norton reported he will be providing materials on some recent law changes. He provided an update on the land swap with the Three Rivers Park District, noting he has asked for a closing date to be set in July.

The Council discussed the land swap details.

Councilmember Amundsen suggested setting up a discussion with Victoria’s new Met Council representative.
 

None.
 

A motion was made by Councilmember Roden, seconded by Councilmember Paulsen, to adjourn the meeting at 10:17 p.m. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Vote: 5 Ayes, 0 Nays.
 

Respectfully submitted,

Allison Burr
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.