August 20, 2018 Council Agenda Packet
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City Council Agenda August 20, 2018 5:30 pm in the City Council Chambers Invocation – Pastor Dave Foss, Bethel Lutheran Church Pledge of Allegiance A Call to Order B. Roll Call C. Approval of the Agenda D. Public Hearings E. Awarding of Bids F. Petitions and Communications 1. Resolution acknowledging the retirement and years of service of Debi Diestler G. Consent Agenda 1. Motion approving the minutes from the August 6, 2018 council meeting 2. Motion approving licenses 3. Resolution approving the placement of a city park sign in Ferber Park for a mountain bike trail 4. Resolution of support for changing the minimum age to purchase tobacco products to age 21 5. Resolution decertifying Tax Increment Financing District No. I 1-12 6. Resolution certifying miscellaneous invoices H. Ordinance and Resolutions 1. Second Reading of Ordinance 72, Seventh Series, Amy Court Vacation 2. First Reading of Ordinance 73, Seventh Series, Amending 2.75E, Port Authority 3. Resolution to approve the final draft of the Northeast River Reach Small Area Plan I. Presentation of Claims $1,191,386.03 J. Board, Committee and Department Reports K. Reports from Staff and Administrative Officers L. Old Business/Unfinished Business M. New Business N. Miscellaneous Announcements August 20 5:30 pm City Council meeting August 27 4:00 pm Joint City/School meeting August 29 7:00 am Committee of the Whole September 3 All city offices and facilities closed for Labor Day O. Adjournment If you have special needs for accommodations, please call 332-5436 or TDD 1-800-627-3529 (Minnesota Relay Service). The City of Fergus Falls holds an open forum session from 5:20-5:30 pm. Those wishing to participate in the open forum must register by noon the day of the City Council meeting in the City Administrator’s office. RESOLUTION #___- 2018 RETIREMENT OF DEB DIESTLER WHEREAS, Deb Diestler has submitted her intent to retire effective August 31, 2018, and, WHEREAS, Deb began her employment with the City of Fergus Falls on September 10, 1986 as a Police Clerical II position and, WHEREAS, that title has changed to Records Technician where she has remained until the present time, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, to accept Deb Diestler’s resignation and thank her for her 32 years of dedicated service to the City of Fergus Falls. The above and foregoing resolution was offered at a regular meeting of the City Council held on August 20, 2018 by Council Member _________ who moved its adoption, was seconded by Council Member _________ and adopted by the following vote: AYES: NAYS: Whereupon the above resolution was duly adopted. ATTEST: ADOPTED: ______________________________ ____________________________ City Administrator Mayor Committee of the Whole Meeting August 15, 2018 The Fergus Falls City Council met as a Committee of the Whole on Wednesday August 15, 2018 at 7:00 am in the City Council Chambers. Mayor Schierer called the meeting to order at 7:03 am. Committee members in attendance were Rachels, Rufer, Thompson, Arneson, Spidahl, and Hicks. Fish and Appert were absent. Otter Tail County T-21 Ordinance Otter Tail County is considering an amendment to their tobacco ordinance to restrict sales of tobacco products to those under the age of 21. They held a public hearing on August 14 and will be holding another on August 27. If they adopt the ordinance amendment, the city’s local policy would change as well. Chief of Public Safety Kile Bergren said the request to change the ordinance started with the school districts seeking help in the vaping problems they are seeing in the middle and high schools. The big tobacco companies are using a loophole in the tobacco laws to market flavored products which is attracting youth to tobacco products. Data shows that 86% of young adults have reported using flavored tobacco products first and this public health issue has been proposed to be regulated by the county. The “T-21” initiative is the result of school districts, medical professionals, students, law enforcement and public health. Many cities around the state have adopted changes to their tobacco sale policies and if the ordinance amendment passes, Otter Tail County would be the first county in the state to make such a change. A motion and second were made by Rachels and Arneson to recommend the council adopt a resolution of support for the T-21 ordinance language and the motion carried. Overview of E and W Tower Redevelopment Plans In March of 2018 the city entered into a Letter of Intent with American Covenant Senior Housing Foundation regarding the redevelopment of east and west detached (buildings 23 and 27) of the former Regional Treatment Center. After conducting a market study showing certain housing demands and projected rents in the community, their plans call for converting the approximately $50,000 square feet of east detached into 8 efficiency units, 22 one bedroom and 11 two bedrooms for a total of 41 units. Unit sizes would range from 500-850 square feet and would be designated for the disabled and low income seniors. Proposed plans for west detached would be converting the building into 36 apartment units with the tenant occupancy to be determined. American Covenant Senior Housing Foundation has experience in multi-family housing and historic renovation projects. Staff have been meeting with the developers and reported they are meeting key milestones and forming partnerships with local entities and service providers. The developers have been working with the State Historic Preservation office in their planning process as they will be using historic tax credits in the project financing structure. Comprehensive financial projections have been prepared including a profoma, 30 year cash flow and full sources and uses of funds for east detached. This project estimate is $9.6 million. A preliminary proforma has been provided for west detached with a project total at least equal or higher for this parcel. The next steps include completing a plat to subdivide areas around buildings 23 and 27 into individual parcels, finalize purchase and development agreements, and support of developer funding applications through Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. Depending upon financing opportunities, their project start date is anticipated for 2019. American Covenant Senior Housing has expressed their support of an RFP process for Building 29 (Memorial Building) and for the city to proceed with their planned Phase II demolition as the removal of non-historic buildings will create better development opportunities. Ferber Park Signage In June of 2016 the city approved the purchase of 74.68 acres of parkland (Norgren property) from the Port Authority for $1. The land has been designated as future parkland until a park plan and budget has been developed. In 2017 the city authorized Pedal Fergus Falls to begin developing mountain bike trails within the park boundary. The city has created a parking area, bike rack and bench in this area. They are requesting the city place a city park sign adjacent to County Highway 111 and the cost is estimated at $2,000. A motion and second were made by Spidahl and Rufer to recommend the council place a city park sign on Ferber Park for a mountain bike trail and the motion carried. Railroad Crossing Improvement Updates City Engineer Brian Yavarow gave an update on the status of the railroad surface crossings. On June 4 the council entered into an agreement with Otter Tail Valley Railroad to place the crossings at Lincoln and Friberg; Broadway and Beech and Junius and Vernon. The railroad is procuring labor and material quotes and still hope to get these projects completed yet this year. Other Business The 3A demo cell at the landfill is now in service and available for public usage. The College Way resurfacing project will begin in mid-September. SHPO is at the 90% review point for comments regarding the Phase II demo project at the RTC. Their response is anticipated in mid-September. Stantec is reviewing the building drawings for Building 3 to review if removing an adjoining wall, but keeping a building is feasible. Spidahl asked that a future agenda item address the closure of railroad crossings near Barefoot Park for future trails. He also made personal comments regarding campaign practices. The Greater Fergus Falls kick-off event is scheduled for 6:30 pm tonight and the public was invited to participate in the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center 20th anniversary celebration on August 18. The meeting adjourned at 7:37 am Lynne Olson City Council Meeting August 6, 2018 The Fergus Falls City Council met as a regular meeting on Monday August 6, 2018 at 5:30 pm in the City Council Chambers. Lake Region Healthcare Chaplain Bruce Norgard gave the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Mayor Schierer called the meeting to order at 5:32 pm. Council members in attendance were Rachels, Rufer, Thompson, Arneson, Spidahl, Hicks, and Fish. Appert was absent Approval of the Agenda A motion and second were made by Fish and Rachels to approve tonight’s agenda and the motion carried. Retirement of Pat Griffin Fish offered Resolution #163-2018 acknowledging the retirement and 33 years of service from Fire Fighter Pat Griffin, which was seconded by Rachels and was adopted. Introduction of Ryan Hvitlok Ryan Hvitlok, the city’s new planner was introduced to the council. Proclamation: National Night Out Mayor Schierer read a proclamation declaring August 7 as National Night Out. Proclamation: Prairie Wetlands Learning Center Mayor Schierer read a proclamation declaring August as Prairie Wetlands Learning Center month in honor of their 20 year anniversary.