MINUTES of the ST

MINUTES of the ST. CHARLES CITY COUNCIL for Tuesday, July 28, 2009 held at 7:00 p.m. at 830 Whitewater Avenue, St. Charles, Minnesota

MEMBERS PRESENT: Councilmen: John Schaber Dave Braun Orv Dahl Wayne Getz Mayor Bill Spitzer

STAFF PRESENT: Nick Koverman, City Administrator Bill Eckles, Police Chief Kyle Karger, Public Works Supt.

OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: Nancy Heim, Mike Jaszewski, Rick Engstrom (WHKS), and Craig Hilmer (St. Charles Press).

ESTABLISH QUORUM/CALL TO ORDER Quorum was established with Mayor Spitzer calling the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

PLEDGE of ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL of the AGENDA Motion to approve the agenda: John Schaber Seconded by: Orv Dahl Motion carried.

NOTICES and COMMUNICATIONS -Mayor Spitzer reviewed the DESCASD meeting.

OLD BUSINESS:

1). Administrative Citation Toolkit. City Attorney Wayne Schauble reviewed the recent legislative changes to the issuing of three traffic citations by cities. He cited the issues with cities taking on the responsibility of issuing these forms of traffic citations as: a third party judge, mandatory reporting to the state, and a uniform ticket. In conclusion, Mr. Schauble recommended not pursuing this as an item due to these reasons and the fact that the revenue would not cover any costs for the impartial third party review. Councilman Schaber concurred that there was no benefit to the city. Councilman Getz added that the third party review would be difficult for the city. 2). Sump Pump Review. City Engineer Rick Engstrom presented numbers to the Council regarding the sump pump inspection program. Mike Jaszewski addressed the Council concerning his issue of his footing drain and questioned the cost versus benefit of his repair. Supt. Karger suggested possibly meeting with the 17 homeowners who are in violation to see if there would be alternative solutions. Mr. Jaszewksi expressed that he felt it was not justified to repair two footing drains out of 1731 inspected when the cost was exorbitant. Mayor Spitzer questioned why 431 could not be televised and feared there being violations. Mr. Engstrom expressed that he would have Andy review those items and clarify what type of home was involved that resulted in not being televised. Councilman Dahl questioned if the city accomplished its goal with the inspections already complete by reducing the inflow and infiltration to the extent that the inspections have already. It was questioned whether or not the city has spoken with CMS regarding inspections of drains and making those mandatory.

3). Development Policies and Standards Specs. City Engineer Rick Engstrom presented the updated Development Policies and Standards specifications for review by the Council. Engstrom reviewed the various changes and answered questions regarding the policies. The Council will review the specifications as recommended for approval by the Public Works board and make a decision at the next meeting.

4. Summer Projects Update. Supt. Kyle reviewed the summer projects that were currently underway or completed.

5). 2010 Budget. Administrator Koverman expressed that he and City Accountant Kristine Huinker would be meeting with department heads to review budgets and that they would receive a copy next week to begin reviewing.

6. Conference Review. Administrator Koverman highlighted a few issues discussed at his conference and ideas that he had already begun talking to various parties about. In all the value of the conference was well worth his attendance and he stressed the need for all of his employees to network and participate in learning environments such as the conference.

7. CLOSED MEETING-Administrator Review A motion to close the meeting for Mr. Koverman’s review was made. Motion to close at 8:17 p.m.: John Schaber Seconded by: Dave Braun Motion declared carried.

Motion to adjourn at 8:30 p.m. Motion to adjourn: Orv Dahl Seconded by: Wayne Getz Motion declared carried.

______William J. Spitzer, Mayor ATTEST:

______Nick Koverman, City Administrator