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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-01-2015 Work SessionMeeting COLUMBIA i Date of Meeting: June 1, 2015 Time of Meeting: 00PM-Following i Location Purpose of .. WORK SESSION CALL TO ORDER /ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7:27 PM Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmembers Murzy n Jr, Nawrocki, Schmitt and Williams. City Manager Walt Fehst, Director of Community Development Joe Hogeboom, Assistant Community- Development Director Loren Wickham, Public Works Director Kevin Hansen, Facilities Maintenance Supervisor Eric Hanson, Library Director Renee Dougherty, City Clerk Katie Bruno. Potential Changes to Interim Use Permit Requirements Director of Community Development Joe Hogeboom explained that City Staff is requesting the definition of our interim use permit be expanded to include other uses, such as outdoor tents. The building code and the fire code both have standards in place to provide for the health and safety of the community. Director Hogeboom requested the council provide guidance in the drafting of an ordinance to address the additional uses that may fall under the interim use permit. Mayor Peterson would like to see the Community Development Department produce some of the routine request in house rather than require council approval. Director Hogeboom clarified that any modification would be by ordinance through the Public Hearing process. Administrative Fines for Zoning Violations Director of Community Development Joe Hogeboom explained that currently there are two rays for staff to enforce violations to the zoning code; issuance of a citation or the issuance of a series of warnings. It is not possible to issue a citation without obtaining a driver's license from the subject; this is not always possible. The state allows for administrative fines for a variety of violations. Hogeboom explained this could be an additional tool to obtain compliance; it would be used following other attempts to resolve the issue. The city would be authorized to charge a fine of $6o per infraction. If the subject wishes to appeal the fine, the council would serve as the appeal board. Solar Power for City Buildings Director of Public Works Kevin Hansen reported that Facilities Maintenance Supervisor Eric Hanson has been researching the options of solar power for city buildings. Director Hansen reported that legislative changes have made solar powering more attractive to cities. Three options are available; Made in Minnesota, Roof Top Solar Program and Solar Garden program. Director Hansen gave an overview of each of the available programs. Tax credits are being offered through 2016. Hansen stated the recommended next steps would be to order an Engineer's Study, at a cost of about $1o,000. If the study is done, and we proceed with the project, the cost for the study would be included in the contract, resulting in no cost to the city. Plan for Existing City Library Building Director of Public Works Kevin Hansen suggested the council develop a plan for the existing library including completion of a market analysis, consideration of possible uses and order a facilities condition analysis. Councilmember Nawrocki suggested putting up a "For Sale" sign. It was recommended to wait until a market analysis is complete. LaBelle Park Project: Change Order No. 1 Director of Public Works Kevin Hansen reported that the project bids were received in February, and were exceptionally good. The lower overlook portion of the park was not included in the original bids. We are now able to afford the proposed changes, and the Park & Recreation commission has recommended council approve the changes. The contractor would complete the project in July of this year. Update on Grants Director of Public Works Kevin Hansen reported that the following grants will be on the June 8 council agenda. • Library — MWMO $60o,000 for storm water at the new library- location. • RCWD — Silver Lake Boat Landing Pond Recon $53,000 a partial portion of the cost for an infiltration basin and aquatic plantings. The following item will come before the council at a later date. • MNDOT — HSIP for Central Avenue Lighting $891,000 for additional lighting on both sides of Central Avenue between 46th and 52nd, as this area has been noted as one of the worst areas for both automobile and pedestrian accidents. Other Items Mayor Peterson asked about the process for getting some work done on 37th Ave between Stinson Blvd. and Central Ave. Director Hansen reported he has been in contact with the City - of Minneapolis regarding 37th Avenue. The project is not in the City of Minneapolis' 5 year program at this time. Hansen suggested the possibility of partnering with Minneapolis for the project. Councilmember Nawrocki asked for an update on the new logo implementation. City Manager Fehst reported that there are some small issues that need to be worked out. Meeting Adjourned at 8:50 PM Respectively Submitted, Katie Bruno, City Clerk /Council Secretary