CCM 08/22/216
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF FRIDLEY
AUGUST 22, 2016
The City Council meeting for the City of Fridley was called to order by Mayor Lund at 7:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Lund
Councilmember Barnette
Councilmember Saefke
Councilmember Varichak
Councilmember Bolkcom
OTHERS PRESENT:
Wally Wysopal, City Manager
Darcy Erickson, City Attorney
Scott Hickok, Community Development Director
Jack Kirk, Parks and Recreation Director
James Kosluchar, Director of Public Works
Shelly Peterson, Finance Director
,
Scott Vonderharr5547 East Danube Road
,
Karl Breitbarth5477 East Danube Road
Rich Nye, 5477 East Danube Road
Leslia Zownirowycz, 5527 East Danube Road
Bridget Sullivan,5457 East Danube Road
Bill Brown,5457 East Danube Road
APPROVAL OF PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
City Council Meeting of August 8, 2016.
APPROVED.
OLD BUSINESS:
1.Second Reading of an Ordinance Amending Fridley City Code, Chapter 220.
Rental Property Maintenance and Licensing Code, Section 220.13.3.B. Reclarifying
Inspection Fees; and Chapter 11. General Provisions and Fees, Section 11.11
Reclarifying Rental Inspection Fees.
WAIVED THE READING OF THE ORDINANCE AND ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO.
1337 ON SECOND READING AND ORDERED PUBLICATION.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 22, 2016 PAGE 2
NEW BUSINESS:
2. Claims (173635 - 173816).
APPROVED.
3. Estimates:
Kuechle Underground, Inc.
P.O. Box 509
Kimball, MN 56302
2015 Street Rehabilitation Project No. 2015-01
Estimate No. 8................................................................. $ 328,502.95
APPROVED.
ADOPTION OF PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA:
MOTION
by Councilmember Barnette to approve the proposed consent agenda. Seconded by
Councilmember Varichak.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
OPEN FORUM, VISITORS:
Scott Vonderharr,
5547 East Danube Road, stated it appears there is a new home being
developed. He asked for more information on the progress on that and how it will affect the
surrounding properties.
Mayor Lund
asked if he wanted to know if a building permit was issued or under what process
the owner is building that home.
Mr. Vonderharr
replied, correct.
Mayor Lund
stated he knows that was a debated item years ago.
Mr. Vonderharr
stated he was told his house will be flooded if the owner builds there, so it will
be a debated item if it happens.
Mayor Lund
stated he did not think the City has any information at this point. He referred to
Mr. Kosluchar.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 22, 2016 PAGE 3
James Kosluchar
, Director of Public Works, replied the Rice Creek Watershed District, in
conjunction with the landowner, had a wetland delineation done and approved. He cannot tell
him whether it has been surveyed, etc.
Scott Hickok
, Community Development Director, stated a building permit application has been
submitted. Plans have been reviewed and are ready to issue. There are soil borings as a
requirement of the building permit, and it went through a standard building permit process. The
lots were platted in 1971. The builders did go through quite an elaborate process to determine
whether the lots would be buildable. There are two lots, Lot 5 and Lot 6. They are looking at
building a home on Lot 5 and leaving Lot 6 unbuilt.
Mayor Lund
asked Mr. Vonderharr where he learned that his home would be flooded with the
construction of this house.
Mr. Vonderharr
replied, many of the neighbors are original owners; and he guessed they went
through a similar process years ago. They were told they should not be building on that lot and
now they are.
Mayor Lund
stated he does recall in the past years that the neighborhood was not happy about
Haarstad building on that site, so he walked away from it. He did not want to live with hostile
neighbors. The City certainly wants to make sure that their homes do not flood but, from what
he is hearing, soil borings and all of those things have been taken care of to make sure there is
not a problem with flooding either in the new house basement or in the neighbors' basements.
Mr. Vonderharr
asked if he could get that documented, because his home has never flooded so
he would like to have a recourse if and when it does.
Mayor Lund
asked Mr. Hickok whether the soil borings, etc., that they submitted is public
information.
Mr. Hickok
replied, yes, after the permit has been issued. A stipulation of the permit is they get
the soil borings so they would have to get those after the results come back in. However, before
the home is signed off on they are going to need to have all the data to build. It would be public
at that point.
Karl Breitbarth,
5477 East Danube Road,stated they live directly across the street. They as
well have had dry basements, too. They are in the lowest part of the block itself. It is really a
concern for them especially. They have lived there 21 years, and he just wants to make sure it is
on record, they are bringing this up and, if something were to happen, who is going to be
responsible for any of that. Certainly not them as a homeowner, but whoever is approving the
plans to build on the property. They may remember 15 years or whenever they were all at City
Hall before, with the dumping, etc.
Mr. Breitbarth
stated one of their concerns with the plans is whether the covenant still applies
that they have to be 30 feet back from the curb so that it looks consistent.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 22, 2016 PAGE 4
Mayor Lund
replied they would have to meet that setback.
Mr. Breitbarth
asked what the setback was.
Mr. Hickok
replied 25 feet.
Mr. Breitbarth
asked when it became 25 feet.
Mr. Hickok
replied, probably about 12 years ago.
Mr. Breitbarth
asked and how did that happen?
Mr. Hickok
replied, through an ordinance amendment.
Mr. Breitbarth
stated because that is going to be the only house on the block if they build with a
25 feet setback and it is on a curve. That is going to be off.
Mayor Lund
stated the community is a little older now, with a lot of three-bedroom rambler
typical homes; and the City found a lot of people were moving out because they did not have the
housing they wanted. To move up housing and as a way to allow additions and the expansions
of existing homes, the setback was reduced to 25 feet. There were a number of cases where
people wanted to expand.
Mr. Breitbarth
asked whether he can give them those examples.
Mayor Lund
replied, specific ones?
Mr. Breitbarth
replied, yes.
Mayor Lund
replied he does not remember.
Mr. Breitbarth
asked is it public information though so they can find out.
Mayor Lund
stated to Mr. Breitbarth, the Council secretary is taking minutes and the meeting is
also videotaped.
Mr. Breitbarth
stated he just wanted to find out since the ordinance was passed 12 years ago,
how many homes have been built.
Mayor Lund
replied he did not know if this was relative to his question.
Mr. Breitbarth
stated he thought it was. He wanted to know why it passed. If it is public
knowledge, he should be able to get that.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 22, 2016 PAGE 5
Mr. Hickok
replied, practically speaking, every permit issued since then would have had to meet
the 25-foot setback. He can validate the year it was passed, they would certainly be welcome to
the documentation about the ordinance amendment and what discussion led them to an ordinance
amendment. He is not certain without charging for staff's time to go back and analyze and
research this whether staff would be able to give house-by-house analysis. He just wanted to
make sure Council was aware there would be a time factor involved with this. It was not quite as
simple as pulling up an address.
Mayor Lund
suggested staff provide the reasons for the ordinance amendment. People wanted
to expand their starter home, and it was a way to keep people in the community rather than
having them moving to other suburbs. If Mr. Breitbarth wants anything beyond that, it is going
to take some staff time and there may be a fee charged.
Mr. Breitbarth
stated it would probably be easiest to find out if any had been done within six
months of that ordinance passing.
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked what the purpose was. It is an ordinance which has been in
place for some time, and whether it be in Mr. Breitbarth's or anyone else's neighborhood, there
have been homes built back for some time.
Rick Nye,
5477 East Danube Road,stated they filled it in.
Councilmember Bolkcom
stated he is misunderstanding her question. She does not think City
staff should be spending a lot of time researching this. They can give Mr. Breitbarth the
ordinance information. It would take a lot of staff’s time to go back and look at every home that
has been rebuilt or remodeled since the ordinance was adopted.
Mr. Breitbarth
stated understands. He is concerned about his block, because it is an established
neighborhood. He is concerned it is not going to look correct in that area. Do they know the
style of the home? Is that a requirement? The property values and taxes are finally going back
up. However, if you put in a $200,000 house vs. the ones at $325,000, it is going to hurt
everybody in the area. He wants to make sure it is going to fit and that it is going to be a single-
family home and not a duplex or twin home. He asked if it had been approved.
Mayor Lund
said it is in an R-1 district. The building permit was issued but there are certain
requirements.
Councilmember Bolkcom
said they have the opportunity to build a home. The City cannot
regulate whether they put in a $200,000 vs. a $400,000 home. It is not a neighborhood where
you have to put "X" amount in there. She understands Mr. Breitbarth being concerned about the
flooding, etc., but they cannot say the City is not going to allow someone to build a home on a
lot that is buildable.
Mr. Breitbarth
stated if the City does allow that or if those are the plans, it is going to hurt the
values of the rest of the homes.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 22, 2016 PAGE 6
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked why it would hurt the neighborhood.
Mr. Breitbarth
stated if you put a $200,000 home next to a bunch of $350,000 homes, it is
going to hurt the values. If you are going to put a house there that does not fit, how is that not
going to affect the neighborhood? He wanted to bring up these concerns. When the values start
dropping, the City will be getting a lot of backlash.
Mr. Kosluchar
stated his understanding about the lot was that it was filled and the landowner
was directed to remove the fill which may or may not have been done. Looking at the wetland
delineation results, it is fairly consistent with the 1991 wetland inventory done by the City of
Fridley. It may not be exact and it has been a while since he has looked at those documents, but
he can get back to Mr. Breitbarth with more information on that.
Mr. Breitbarth
stated they have been there since 1995, and he thinks the fill came in probably
in the late 80's or early 90's. They would appreciate anything the City could do.
Councilmember Bolkcom
stated she does not want Mr. Breitbarth to get false expectations that
the City can say someone has to build a $400,000 home in a neighborhood that has a buildable
lot.
Mr. Breitbarth
asked if there is square footage requirement or anything like that for an
ordinance.
Councilmember Bolkcom
replied sure.
Mr. Breitbarth
stated that would accomplish what they are looking at.
Councilmember Bolkcom
replied it is not going to be one of those tiny homes.
Mayor Lund
asked Mr. Breitbarth and Mr. Nye and Mr. Vonderharr to give their e-mail
addresses to Mr. Kosluchar and he can get them the information and copy Mayor Lund.
Mayor Lund
asked Mr. Vonderharr to also give Mr. Kosluchar his e-mail address.
Leslia Zownirowycz
, 5527 East Danube Road, stated she lives right across the street from the
lot and has been living there since 1986. Originally when they purchased their property, they
were told by the realtor that the property that is across the street from them would not be built
upon because it was not a buildable lot. If a home is built there, then they will have a flooded
basement.
Ms. Zownirowycz
asked Council for a letter stating, if they receive any water damage, the
Council will be responsible for it. They have brought their concerns to Council. They have been
at previous meetings, and shared their concerns. Now Council has made a decision that they can
build on that lot.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 22, 2016 PAGE 7
Mayor Lund
stated he remembered this discussion some years ago. The neighbors did not want
it back then. It was approved for the owner to build then and he elected not to. It is platted as a
buildable lot.
Ms. Zownirowycz
stated they need to get a letter from Council stating that if they have water in
their basement, they will be responsible.
Mayor Lund
replied he cannot imagine that Council would send her that letter.
Ms. Zownirowycz
replied she did not think they should build there.
Mayor Lund
replied it is not up to him.
Councilmember Saefke
stated he has lived in his house on Fifth Street for 40 years. He has
never had water in his basement until the wet year, and then the water seeped down and came in.
That was the only time. The City had nothing to do with it. It was nature that provided that
extra water.
Ms. Zownirowycz
stated they are not talking about nature. They are talking about a piece of
property where the City is going to be placing a building on that property, and they were told that
it was going to create water damage for them.
Councilmember Saefke
stated the City is not putting anything on that property.
Ms. Zownirowycz
replied the City is approving a building to go onto that property.
Councilmember Saefke
stated it is zoned R-1. If it is zoned R-1 and it meets all of the
requirements for an R-1 structure, they cannot just arbitrarily tell a property owner they cannot
use that piece of property. That is like telling Ms. Zownirowycz she cannot have a blue house or
she cannot put in a driveway. There are only certain things the City can do.
Ms. Zownirowycz
stated they have been paying taxes and she is sure the whole area is up to
date on their taxes every single year. She is really, really disappointed the City was going to be
doing that. The property taxes are going to go down, and they are going to lose any equity in
their homes.
Bridget Sullivan,
5457 East Danube Road, stated they are hearing that it is going to be very,
very noisy.
Mayor Lund
asked if she was talking about the lot on Danube that everybody else is talking
about.
Ms. Sullivan
replied right.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 22, 2016 PAGE 8
Mayor Lund
stated there is some construction noise. The City does have ordinances that relate
to when they can start and when they have to stop. Just like construction anyplace else.
Ms. Sullivan
asked are they not going to have special trusses or whatever for the water. She had
walked across the street and talked to one of the builders, and he said they have to build special
trusses or something because they cannot have a basement because of the water.
Councilmember Bolkcom
stated maybe its pylons.
Mayor Lund
asked if the water table was high in that area. Does he know what predicates not
having a basement in a home?
Mr. Kosluchar
replied he thought it was relatively high. A pile foundation may be included
with a slab on grade for the footing.
Ms. Sullivan
stated she wanted to know about the noise because they said it was going to be
louder than a normal house being built. She asked if the house was going to be built and then
going on the market and being sold or was it a private builder.
Mayor Lund
said he did not know. Originally at one time Haarstad, who was the developer of
that whole area, was going to have his own family living there.
Bill Brown,
5457 East Danube Road, stated this may not be a question they can answer. His
concern is whether it is going to be just a home, a duplex, or rental property.
Mayor Lund
replied it cannot be a duplex. It has to be a single-family home.
Wally Wysopal
, City Manager, stated as a recap, the City received a building permit application.
As a part of that building permit review, they conduct due diligence to look at the zoning and
make sure the lot does meet the minimums standards of the Zoning Code. Through that process
of review, there are many questions that are asked by the Building Official as far as any
foundation issues. Setbacks are looked at by the zoning people. The only thing he did not hear
any review about is impact of water that would travel off of that site. He asked if staff looked at
that at all.
Mr. Kosluchar
replied they do. They look at a grading plan and that gets approved with the
building permit.
Mr. Hickok
replied they did do a wetland delineation and there was a wetland delineation back
in the 1990's he believed. However, because it was over three years old, they require another
wetland delineation which basically says the home was able to be built and was not in a wetland.
This is done by an independent examiner that they hire to go out and determine where the
wetland edge is. If the home was planning on being built on any part of that wetland, they would
have an issue with that, but it is not. It is able to be built outside of the wetland delineation.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 22, 2016 PAGE 9
Mayor Lund
asked when they make an application for a structure, do they have to submit the
plans for what the home will look like.
Mr. Hickok
replied a floor plan and elevations.
Mayor Lund
asked under the Code what does the City have as far as part of the material exterior
wise. He is certain that is what people's concerns are.
Mr. Hickok
replied, on the elevations which are those drawings that show the exterior of the
home, there are leaders pointing to materials and telling you what those materials are.
Mayor Lund
asked is all that public knowledge if they want to stop in and take a look at it.
Mr. Hickok
replied as of today, the permit is ready to issue so it is. During the investigation and
as they are gathering materials, it is an incomplete application.
Mayor Lund
stated as to the people in the audience who had some concerns, should they make
an appointment with Mr. Hickok if they want to go through those drawings?
Mr. Hickok
replied they certainly could. People can take a look at those drawings. If they
wanted a copy of them, there would be a nominal fee.
Mr. Wysopal
asked staff if they can explain the process as to when the building begins as far as
the City's responsibility to do due diligence that what was proposed to be built is built that way.
Mr. Hickok
replied, they do have an obligation to make sure the building is built according to
the Building Code. The framing of the building will be checked to make sure it meets the
Building Code requirements, electrical, plumbing, all of those utility elements that go into a
house. When a home is completed, they can rest assured that it meets all the standards of the
Uniform Building Code; and all the City's inspectors make sure that happens.
Mr. Wysopal
asked about the drainage plan.
Mr. Kosluchar
replied basically the Building Official is charged with a single-family residential
to ensure that the drainage plan is correct. City staff will occasionally be on site looking for
erosion issues, those kinds of things. He believed there was some tree clearing that was done.
That was an allowable activity. There was a report of disturbed soils, and City staff went out
there and verified there was no illicit discharge. Even so, the contractor put up a perimeter
control just to be sure.
Mr. Wysopal
asked if the ponding area on the property is something that is connected to Farr
Lake, for example, as part of the rivers and streams in Fridley.
Mr. Kosluchar
replied correct. Eventually that water is destined for Farr Lake through a series
of ponds and pipes.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 22, 2016 PAGE 10
Mayor Lund
replied he has heard that people are concerned that their nearby homes or
basements will flood from that. Some of the pervious surface now that will become impervious
surface--the driveway, the roof areas--part of that drainage plan has to be that they either contain
that water or absorbed adequately by the runoff into the street storm system.
Mr. Kosluchar
stated generally the driveways are graded by the City staff so they are down-
sloping toward the street.
Mayor Lund
stated would the roofline then have some potential for sloping off into the rear part
of it into that drainage pond?
Mr. Kosluchar
replied that is correct.
Mayor Lund
stated and does that drainage pond have an outlet? Obviously it is a containment
area for watershed for the neighborhood. When it gets to a certain elevation there must be
ducting or an outlet.
Mr. Kosluchar
replied when it reaches a high level it does. He does not believe they have
reached that level in recent years.
Mr. Hickok
replied one thing he would like to point out, not just for the neighborhood but as
kind of a cautionary note and a balance to discussion here, it is a bit unfortunate that years ago a
realtor said those lots were not going to be built and if they were built there would be water
problems. That has caused a lot of anxiety in the neighborhood. Here is an owner who owns a
lot, has gone through the process to have a wetland delineation done, to have filling and
compacting done, to have soil borings as a requirement to building the home and so forth; and
they are spending the necessary money in order to make sure the neighborhood is protected and
that they can actually build a house there. They may not look at it as making sure the
neighborhood is protected, but that is certainly one of the things staff is always concerned about.
If they build their home according to all the standards of the State and the City, the neighborhood
should not have a problem.
Mr. Hickok
stated it is important to know that if you own land and you want to build on it, it is
your responsibility to determine what the laws are for the State and the City. State laws include
the Department of Natural Resources, a number of different agencies, the Watershed District and
other places. It is no simple task to build a home. There is a lot of work going into the analysis.
Mr. Nye
asked whether they took a look at the water behind there that was going into Farr Lake.
Mayor Lund
stated staff indicated that it ducts out.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA:
MOTION
by Councilmember Bolkcom to approve the agenda with the order of items changed
in the agenda as follows: Item 7 being renumbered Item 6; Item 8 being renumbered Item 7; and
Item 6 being renumbered Item 8. Seconded by Councilmember Saefke.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 22, 2016 PAGE 11
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
NEW BUSINESS:
4. Resolution Authorizing Staff to Enter into a Construction Management at Risk
Services (AIA A133) with McGough Construction for the Preconstruction Services
of the Proposed Civic Complex to be Constructed at 7099 University Avenue N.E.
(Ward 1).
Scott Hickok,
Community Development Director, stated McGough Construction was chosen
earlier this year as the clear choice by a scoring team for what is called the City's "at risk" part of
the construction management process for the City's civic center on the redevelopment site of
Columbia Arena.
Mr. Hickok
stated there are three types of contractors. There is Design, Bid, Build;
Construction Manager, Agency; or Construction Manager at Risk (CM@Risk). McGough is
what is called CM@Risk. This is a method of project delivery involving the hiring of a
construction manager to oversee construction and portions of the project. The role of this
CM@Risk is to bring the project in on time and on budget. The risk in the case of a CMAR is
that CMAR will bring the project in at that guaranteed price and time or they hold the risk in
making up the difference.
Mr. Hickok
stated the project work includes all services necessary to manage and oversee the
specific tasks in the preconstruction phase of the City-owned facility.
Mr. Hickok
stated Jim Frisell is the principal of this team, Ken Peterson is the preconstruction
manager, Greg Hedlin is the senior project manager, Andey Rasmussen is project manager, Chris
Wilde is the project superintendent, and the resident vice president is Daniel Malecha.
Mr. Hickok
stated as with the architect, the contract is drawn so there is a break between the
preconstruction and the construction contract. It can end if the project does not advance. The
preconstruction value contract is $95,000; and it is a not to exceed value. The overall contract
for construction will come back to Council in a subsequent meeting, and that approval would be
4.35 percent of the overall project cost.
Mr. Hickok
stated it is staff's recommendation to approve the contract with McGough
Construction Company, Inc., as the Construction Manager at Risk for preconstruction services of
the proposed civic complex. It would be constructed provided it meets all the demands of the
City and comes in at the price and expected timeline and would be constructed at 7099
University Avenue NE.
MOTION
by Councilmember Saefke to adopt Resolution adopting Resolution No. 2016-35.
Seconded by Councilmember Barnette.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 22, 2016 PAGE 12
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Resolution Authorizing Changes in Appropriations for the General Fund for 2016;
and Approving Transfers from the General Fund to Capital and Internal Service
Funds.
Shelly Peterson
, Finance Director, stated this is a request for a transfer of fund balance from the
general fund to several other funds. Fund balance is the net worth of a fund; and in the general
fund this is primary working capital.
Ms. Peterson
stated the fund balance policy is to maintain 35 to 50 percent of next year's
budgeted expenditures in fund balance. The reason for this is it provides cash flow for expenses
for the first half of the year until the first half tax settlement comes in July.
Ms. Peterson
stated it is the City’s policy to have a balanced budget, which is revenue equaling
expenditures. In the past five years, actual expenditures have been less than budgeted, primarily
because of position vacancies. In 2015, revenues passed estimates because of a significant
weather event. As a result, the fund balance has been increasing over the past several years. She
presented a graph showing the 15-year history of the general fund balance.
Ms. Peterson
stated they can see that during the last five years, the City has exceeded its fund
balance policy.
Ms. Peterson
stated staff recommended a transfer of $900,000 from the General Fund to funds
that have unfunded projects in future years or have experienced reductions in fund balance over
the years. These changes are in keeping with Chapter 7 of the City Code. A transfer of
$900,000 from the general fund would bring the fund balance down to approximately 50 percent
of next year's anticipated expenditures.
Ms. Peterson
stated staff recommended a transfer to the Information Technology Fund, a capital
fund. This fund will see a reduction in reserves with projects planned in 2017 and 2018.
Without a stable revenue source, the fund balance would drop below $100,000 and not allow for
enough funding for future years’ projects.
Ms. Peterson
stated staff recommended a transfer of $500,000 to the Building Improvements
Fund. This fund will be depleted at the end of 2016 with the architect and construction manager
costs associated with the potential new civic campus. These funds would be reimbursable with
bond proceeds. Without bonding, there would be no reserves in this fund for delayed projects to
City Hall, the Public Works facility, and the parking ramp.
Ms. Peterson
stated staff recommended a transfer of $100,000 to the Self-Insurance Fund which
is an internal service fund used to account for expenditures associated with the $50,000
deductible in the City's general liability policy. This would put the fund balance back to a level
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 22, 2016 PAGE 13
it had been at approximately three years ago. In the past, this fund was funded with
administrative fees from the departments. In recent years these fees, as a cost-saving measure,
were suspended in all the funds but the Enterprise Fund.
Ms. Peterson
stated, finally, staff recommended a transfer of $100,000 to the Employee Benefit
Fund which is also an internal service fund. This fund was used to account for expenditures
associated with providing fringe and pension benefits to employees. Right now the labor
negotiation contract has not been done for 2017 and, in addition, staff is still unsure what the
health insurance premiums will come in at. With no increase in the 2017 levy, it would be
beneficial to transfer to this fund in the event the initial projects are low.
Ms. Peterson
stated with no levy increase in the general operations for 2017, staff is anticipating
expenditures will exceed anticipated revenues in the general fund. Rather than using fund
balances to fund basic operations, the plan is to shift more Local Government Aid back to the
general fund to balance that budget. This transfer would increase reserves in funds that have
project type expenditures and continue to maintain a healthy fund balance in the general fund.
Ms. Peterson
stated staff is recommending budget adjustments and a transfer as follows: a
transfer out of the general fund of $900,000 and a transfer into the Information Technology Fund
of $200,000; the Building Improvement Fund of $500,000; Self-Insurance Fund of $100,000;
and Employee Benefit Fund of $100,000.
Mayor Lund
stated he does look at this as being a short fix. He said he does not like the idea
that the City's revenues will be deficient in taking care of business, especially hearing they will
not have any levy increase. It is good news for a lot of people that we have low inflation. It does
not help them though with low inflation to increase the levy as needed to fund the City's
operations. He sees this as a relatively short fix over several years, and the City will be looking
at new creative ideas in future.
MOTION
by Councilmember Barnette to adopt Resolution No. 2016-36. Seconded by
Councilmember Saefke.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Resolution Approving the Execution of Proposed Cooperative Construction
Agreement No. 1002337 between the City of Fridley and the State of Minnesota for
the Main Street Rail Bridge.
Jim Kosluchar,
Public Works Director, stated as part of the project MnDOT requires
identification of both construction and maintenance responsibilities for the bridge over Interstate
694. The trail bridge is part of the project.
Mr. Kosluchar
stated MnDOT typically identifies these through cooperative construction
agreements and No. 1002337 is presented for approval. This identifies the City as a responsible
party for both construction and ongoing maintenance to the bridge, so it is a relatively one-sided
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 22, 2016 PAGE 14
agreement. It is a City-initiated project, but this is typical with this type of project. The City
Attorney was at the 11th hour able to successfully negotiate to revise the Section 8.1 with
agreement of the State's attorney. That was provided as a handout for tonight's agenda, and the
single sheet is just Section 8.1 with the highlighted language that was added.
Mr. Kosluchar
stated staff recommends Council’s approval. Staff will convey the executed
agreements to MnDOT.
MOTION
by Councilmember Bolkcom to adopt Resolution No. 2016-38. Seconded by
Councilmember Saefke.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Resolution Approving the Execution of Limited Use Permit #0285-0031 With the
State of Minnesota for the Main Street Trail Project.
Jim Kosluchar,
Public Works Director,stated this is related to the trail limited use permit (LUP)
and it is part of the same project. MnDOT must permit both the construction and maintenance
before the trail segments within the I-694 right-of-way. MnDOT typically uses limited use
permits for this purpose. They did try to get the language with their attorneys into the
cooperative agreement, but it just does not work for MnDOT so they have a separate permit.
Mr. Kosluchar
stated Limited Use Permit #0285-0031 is presented for approval. This permit
also identifies the City as a responsible party for road construction and ongoing maintenance--in
this case, for the trails maintenance within the right-of-way on Interstate 694. The City Attorney
was able to request revisions of the LUP as presented in the Council's packet.
Mr. Kosluchar
stated MnDOT requires that the City request renewal of the LUP every ten
years. That is notable. Staff asked to get that changed but were not successful. The intent of
that as he understands it from MnDOT is just to authorize it to continue to exist. Otherwise what
they want to do is come out and make sure the conditions are okay, that there is not an issue, and
presuming that if they find an issue that the City would be noticed to correct.
Councilmember Bolkcom
stated going back to the Agreement, this terminates as of 11:59 p.m.
on 6/9/2026 subject to the cancellation with or without cause. That is on page 64. First of all,
how are they going to keep track of that? The City has to give notice no later than 90 days.
They may renew it for a period of up to ten years providing permittee delivers to MnDOT not
later than 90 days prior to the date in a written request. It seems so odd they are spending all this
money and, if the City does not do it at least 90 days before, they could just pull the plug. Is this
some sort of standard?
Mr. Kosluchar
replied that is what it basically is. The City asked for 20 years or even 50 years,
as they know the bridge is going to be there for some time. Their staff understood the City's
dilemma with it being kind of a one-sided notification. He does not think they were willing to
take on the responsibility themselves.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 22, 2016 PAGE 15
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked what they would to make sure the City did this within a
reasonable time. ?
Mr. Kosluchar
stated his understanding is renewal of this is upon written request and
agreement. They can either send the City a letter saying they agree to extend the term for another
ten years or ask the City to go through another approval. He has thought about flagging those
now and is not sure whether the software they have now is going to be the same. His guess is
that this will be something that MnDOT keeps track of as well.
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked if the City is okay with Section 4, Maintenance. The City will
not be putting in any signs? It states no signs shall be placed on any MnDOT or other
governmental agency sign post within the area. They do not anticipate any signage here at all?
Mr. Kosluchar
replied correct. They do not want any signage out in the right-of-way of I-694.
They are talking about some pretty short segments which are about 20 feet on either side of the
bridge. That is what this LUP applies to. There was some talk of having some sort of
monument. They just have to make sure that it is outside of the right-of-way.
Councilmember Varichak
asked, regarding the timing issue, there is no penalty or fee that
would be charged against the City if they do not renew after ten years.
Mr. Kosluchar
replied, no, there is no charge for the permit. It is basically a permit agreement.
As a practical matter MnDOT has no interest in eliminating the City's license to use this.
Councilmember Bolkcom
stated but truly if you did not do it at least 90 days before, this does
say that someone at MnDOT could be nasty and say you did not do it before 90 days.
Mr. Kosluchar
replied correct. He may check with some other cities and maybe do a service
letter.
Mayor Lund
stated it seems to him the intent is pretty obvious here why they want that. They
want to make sure if the City has been negligent in maintaining that bridge, they do not want any
liability on MnDOT's part. They want to see the City revisit it every ten years.
MOTION
by Councilmember Barnette to adopt Resolution No. 2016-39. Seconded by
Councilmember Varichak.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
.
8. Resolution Approving Plans and Authorizing a Call for Bids for the Main Street
Trail and Bridge Project No. ST2015-21 (SP 127-020-029 / SP 0285-68).
Jim Kosluchar,
Public Works Director,stated the project they have been talking about so far
with the agreements is a federal highway-funded project for a shared use trail on Main Street
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 22, 2016 PAGE 16
including a separated trail bridge across I-694. The existing Main Street bridge that is used for
vehicular traffic does not provide a safe crossing. There is no separation from traffic, there is a
one and one-half foot shoulder and limited visibility because of the crest or crown of the bridge.
The design of this project has been completed and now needs authorization for bidding.
Construction could begin this fall if authorized by Council.
Mr. Kosluchar
displayed some renderings. The reason they talk about the lighting not being
part of the project is the estimate showed the project is above budget because of soils for the
bridge and bridge abutments and upgrades that are needed there. There are bridge paint and
mesh panels. Relocation of the highway exit sign that is on the Main Street bridge will need to
be done as part of this project. There is also the relocation of an unexpected traffic management
system, basically the conduits for the camera that MnDOT has out on Main Street. The camera
is on the east side, but the cables run underneath the project area. They have impacts to private
fencing they did not expect to be quite as extensive and they have some stormwater management
upgrades. These are the additional costs. There is nothing terribly substantial. The foundation
due to soils is the biggest line item at $150,000. The remainder are below $70,000 each but they
all add up. The anticipated cost without those additions would have been $1.664 million and
they are about $450,000 over that.
Mr. Kosluchar
stated the City has held trail funding for multiple years in the CIP for just this
contingency knowing there was some risk with this project and knowing those funds could be
allocated here. If the City does allocate Trail Funding through 2017 the budget shortfall can be
abated.
Mr. Kosluchar
stated additional elements such handrail lighting and bollard lighting, could be
contingent upon bids, and they could be alternate items. This could also be budgeted from street
reserves or constructed at a later date. While staff finds it difficult to solicit bids with an
estimate that is higher than the City's original budget, they believe the bid climate is very
favorable at this time. They want to take advantage of the climate and would like to prove that
the estimate is high. Therefore, staff requests City Council approve the attached resolution. If
approved staff will advertise the project and will present the results at the September 26, 2016,
City Council meeting.
Councilmember Bolkcom
stated as they talked about in one of their conference meetings, this is
a favorable time, and without the bonding bill going in, it sounds like the time is beneficial for
sure. If the bids come back way above, what would happen?
Mr. Kosluchar
replied they would have to look at ways to minimize project costs. Potentially,
it could be a rebid of the project scaled back.
Mayor Lund
asked what kind of time restraint does the City have with the funding that is
outside of the City's scope.
Mr. Kosluchar
replied a bid needs to be awarded within nine months of authorization.
Authorization was provided on July 1.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 22, 2016 PAGE 17
Councilmember Bolkcom
stated as far as people living in this area, do they anticipate how they
will notify them when the City goes out for bids? Will there some type of notification? Also,
what kind of impacts does he think the businesses will have in the neighborhood there?
Mr. Kosluchar
stated that is one thing the City needs to do is walk up and down the corridor.
They have spoken with a number of business owners, but they do need to discuss the project with
all of them. Some may lose a couple of trees and they may have irrigation systems that are down
for a period of time, etc. It will be very similar to the walk project they did north of here on
st
Main Street between 57th and 61 Avenues.
MOTION
by Councilmember Bolkcom to adopt Resolution 2016-37. Seconded by
Councilmember Saefke.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
.
9. Resolution Ordering Preparation of Preliminary Report, Plans and Specifications
for 2017 Street Rehabilitation Project No. ST2017-01.
Jim Kosluchar,
Public Works Director,stated each year the City of Fridley performs major
rehabilitation of selected streets in a planned neighborhood according to its pavement
management plan. The proposed project in 2017 is in the Parkview and North Park
neighborhood. Originally, the resurfacing plan included a much larger area that could be
managed basically within budget. Staff looked at the street segments that needed to be repaired
and that was well beyond what the City would have gotten in its CIP currently and the mileage
was close to double. The plan has been updated to defer an area west of Highway 65 until 2021.
As a matter of fact, staff looked at a number of street segments within that westerly area that
were in better condition.
Mr. Kosluchar
presented a map of the area. Staff will evaluate streets in the area and consider
conditions, utility improvements, and other typical elements that may be incorporated into this
street project. Portions of the following streets are included in the proposed project: Hathaway
Avenue, Hathaway Lane, Lynde Drive, Polk Street, Regis Drive, Regis Lane, Hillwind Road,
and Filmore Street.
Mr. Kosluchar
stated if Council agrees with this project, an open house will be scheduled for
September, at which time preliminary information will be presented to property owners and
residents affected by the construction. Staff likes to do that really early in the process so they
can gather any feedback and incorporate it into the feasibility report which is presented to
Council after that.
Mr. Kosluchar
stated staff requested Council adopt the resolution. If approved, staff will
advertise the project open house and let Council know when it is and prepare a feasibility report.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 22, 2016 PAGE 18
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked if he had any idea when the open house would be and how
much the project would cost.
Mr. Kosluchar
replied the open house would be in late September. He has to work with his
staff and see what their schedules are going to be. Notices will be sent to advise the residents
about the City's street project and will include information on the special assessments policy.
Mr. Wysopal
asked if the homeowners on Lynde from 1000 to 1171 would receive those letters.
Mr. Kosluchar
replied yes, typically what they will do is notify them just because they are in
that project area and there are going to be trucks going up and down the streets. Staff wants to
notify them just because of the construction, but they do get kind of a different mailer saying that
according to the City's policy they are not subject to assessment for this project. Even as the
project is ongoing, the City's construction flyers will typically go to a gap street like this in the
middle of a project, just so they can be aware.
MOTION
by Councilmember Varichak to adopt Resolution 2016-40. Seconded by
Councilmember Barnette.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
.
0. Resolution Ordering Preparation of Preliminary Report, Plans and Specifications
1
for West Moore Lake Trail and Resurfacing Project No. ST2017-21.
Jim Kosluchar,
Public Works Director,stated the City wants to initiate the West Moore Lake
Trail Resurfacing Project No. 2017-21. As part of the City's approved Active Transportation
Plan which identified gaps in walking and biking connectivity in the City, staff applied at the end
of 2015 to fund both a bicycle and walking trail facility on West Moore Lake Drive from
Medtronic Parkway to Trunk Highway 65. It runs north and south up to the school and then east
and west after that.
Mr. Kosluchar
stated there are three distinct segments of this project. One is a road diet south
of 58th Avenue and that would basically reduce the roadway by 10 feet and allow for an off-road
trail adjacent to the roadway. North of 58th Avenue there is room across from the Fridley High
st
School for an offroad trail which would connect at 61 Avenue to on road bikes lane that could
be provided. The City will have walks on both sides of the roadway, so pedestrian facilities are
not needed to be upgraded.
Mr. Kosluchar
stated there are three distinct segments. As part of that project and particularly
looking at West Moore Lake Drive from Medtronic Parkway to 58th/59th Avenue, resurfacing of
the street is a possibility just because they will be breaking into the street with the curb
relocation. They had this originally scheduled within the City's project area for 2017. Staff
moved the neighborhood to 2021, but they would like Council to allow them to consider at least
in a feasibility report to make a determination whether they want to resurface West Moore Lake
as part of this project, in conjunction with a separate project or in a combined project.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 22, 2016 PAGE 19
Mr. Kosluchar
stated staff would like Council to allow them to perform a similar evaluation of
utilities conditions, and then continue on with the project open house. The project is scheduled
to begin as early as state fiscal year 2018 which is July 1 of 2017. The City could advance the
project with approval of the State. Basically, they would not be advancing it much. It may start
in June and say the City’s first bill is due after July 1 anyway so they are not really carrying any
construction cash flow beyond what the City normally does. Again they are looking at a late
September date for a project open house. It would not necessarily be the same night as the 2017
project. His intent would be to have them one week apart. They would present the information
to property owners and get their feedback.
Mr. Kosluchar
stated staff is requesting adoption of the resolution which initiates this project,
orders preparation of a preliminary report, plans, and specifications for West Moore Lake Road
Trail and Resurfacing Project No. ST2017-21. If approved, staff will advertise the project open
house and prepare at least a feasibility report for presentation to the City Council. They do
declare in a resolution that the segment is from Medtronic Parkway to Highway 65; however,
they are not contemplating resurfacing between 61st and Highway 65. It is the designation of the
overall project.
Mayor Lund
stated they are narrowing the width of West Moore Lake Drive from Medtronic
th
Boulevard to 58 Avenue, allowing for an onstreet for that. Then it is off-road. He asked about
the blue line on the map near West Moore Lake. Is that street going to be significantly reduced,
too, because they are talking about having a walkway added on both sides of the street on that
one? Is that going to be on the boulevard?
Mr. Kosluchar
replied, the section that is proposed for West Moore Lake Drive from 61st to
Highway 65 includes eliminating one-side parking so this would now be continuous throughout
the project. That would basically be the inward side or the lake side. They need to hear from the
neighborhood and get feedback to make a determination if that is the correct side. If you were
looking eastbound and you went from left to right, it would be parking lane, bike lane, through
lane, through lane, and then bike lane. It is very similar to the Main Street section they just
referred to from 57th to 61st where there is parking on one side and bike lanes adjacent to the
travel lanes and walks.
MOTION
by Councilmember Saefke to adopt Resolution No. 2016-41. Seconded by
Councilmember Bolkcom.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
.
11. Approve Change Order #5 (FSB-03/09-1-1) with Maertens-Brenny Company;
Change Order #1 (FSB-08-1-1) with Indianhead Glass, Inc.; and Change Order #2
(FSB-09-6-2) with Steinbrecher Painting Company for the Springbrook Nature
Center Improvements Project (Building Addition, Remodel, and Site
Improvements).
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 22, 2016 PAGE 20
Jack Kirk
, Parks and Recreation Director, stated he is asking for Council's approval of three
change orders for the Springbrook Nature Center project. The first one has a number of work
adjustments related to it. It is Change Order No. 5 with Maertens-Brenny Construction
Company. They were the largest contractor. It is in the amount of $38,331.61. This was to
make some adjustments to the framing and soffits for the operable partitions in the multi-purpose
room. It also added some drain tile and a filter blanket on the east retaining wall which was part
of the original building. It also included supplying and installing some copper counter flashing
on the building to help with proper drainage. They also needed to lower and make some
adjustments to the manhole cover that was in the existing parking lot.
Mr. Kirk
stated there was some preparation for a new trash enclosure just on the north side of
the parking lot. They needed to supply and certify some wood door frames and casings. They
had to change and upgrade those to certified wood, as it was a requirement of the project as this
was a State project. It was something called "B3" which is sustainability requirements. He
believed B3 stands for benchmarks, building, and beyond.
Mr. Kirk
stated they asked them to supply and install a chain link fence over the original
building. The new trail alignment went right to the north side of the roof and if somebody
walked off the trail they could have walked right up the roof of the old earth shelter building and
then right up on to the new roof. From a safety standpoint and also to protect that investment
they asked to have that done.
Mr. Kirk
stated in consultation with the architects and also the construction manager, they asked
them to do some higher grade exterior venting. They eliminated the acoustical finishing, some
soffit areas as it was not going to make sense. That actually resulted in a deduct on the project.
Mr. Kirk
stated they had them do some demolition of sheetrock walls. This had to do with the
original building. They did not necessarily intend to do those but found the insulation had
deteriorated over the years.
Mr. Kirk
stated the next one was replacing an underground supply duct. This was something
that this company actually accidentally damaged from another contractor and then had to pay for
the restoration of it.
Mr. Kirk
stated they installed six-foot sidewalk parallel to the northeast edge of the parking lot.
That was something after the fact and it turned out very well. With respect to the entrance area,
the area with the paver stones, the specs on that were completed after the original bids were
there. They asked them to do some additional work on that.
Mr. Kirk
stated the second change order was Change Order No. 1 with Indianhead Glass in the
amount of $2,980. This was to supply and install eight pieces of glass on the curved storefront
area in the reception area. There were some changes in sizes that were needed to make this
curved wall have the proper appearance.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 22, 2016 PAGE 21
Mr. Kirk
stated Change Order No. 2 with Steinbrecher Painting Company was for a decrease in
their contract amount of $1,865. It was to eliminate painting on the multi-purpose classroom
ceiling. They decided that for that large space, they were really concerned about the acoustics, so
they had an acoustical treatment put on instead and, therefore, the painting was not needed.
Mr. Kirk
stated the funding for all of these change orders would come out of the project
contingency. Staff recommends approving Change Order No. 5 with Maertens-Brenny
Construction in the amount of $38,331.61; approving Change Order No. 1 with Indianhead Glass
in the amount of $2,980; and approving Change Order No. 2 with Steinbrecher Painting in the
amount of $1,865 as a decrease in their contract.
Mayor Lund
asked these change orders have to be diminishing the project’s reserve. He asked
how much was left.
Councilmember Bolkcom
replied $47,475.60.
Mr. Kirk
replied they still have a pretty reasonable contingency. All of the items they are
dealing with now are punch list items. There might be some charges for touch-up paint,
replacement of hardware and adjustments to lock sets. The one item they are still working on is
the outdoor area in front. The torrential rains have created a number of washouts. They are still
working on what needs to be done. They are working with landscape architects on figuring out
what would be best for a long-term solution so they do not continue to have washouts. There
was a contingency that was set up to handle things like this, and they still have dollars available.
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked with respect to No. 1, Change Order No. 5, making
adjustments to the framing and soffit. It was built and then redone?
Mr. Kirk
replied, no, they bid on it a certain way and they had some issues with the duct work
that had to go in. They had to adjust some of the soffits and with the portable partitions there
was actually additional work they had to do over and above what they had bid on. It was
reasonable what they asked them to change. Having an extra price was what the construction
manager thought were reasonable dollar amounts.
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked and as to No. 13, as people buy pavers is there a cost to add
those pavers in? She asked how that worked.
Mr. Kirk
stated if people buy them now, they are already installed. The company will come out
and engrave them on-site. They actually will be having them come out at the end of September.
The Foundation set a next deadline for potential donors of September 1.
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked if there would be an opportunity for someone after that date.
Mr. Kirk
replied, yes, there is. The Foundation will continue to promote those pavers and if
they get 20 more say by February of next year, early next spring, they would have them come out
again.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 22, 2016 PAGE 22
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked if he felt confident they were going to stay within budget.
Mr. Kirk
replied he does. The construction manager has done a great job. They feel this project
will end up under budget. Right now they are there.
MOTION
by Councilmember Bolkcom to approve Change Order #5 (FSB-03/09-1-1) with
Maertens-Brenny Company; Change Order #1 (FSB-08-1-1) with Indianhead Glass, Inc.; and
Change Order #2 (FSB-09-6-2) with Steinbrecher Painting Company for the Springbrook Nature
Center Improvements Project (Building Addition, Remodel, and Site Improvements). Seconded
by Councilmember Saefke.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Informal Status Reports:
Mr. Kosluchar
stated at the last Council meeting they discussed the signal at East River
Road/Northern Stacks. They have been in contact with Mortenson Construction and a lot of their
construction has been slow to get underway just because of utility conflicts, etc. Most of those
are out of the way, and he is expecting an updated schedule from them this week.
Mr. Kosluchar
stated Met Council Environmental Services, after its August 8 meeting, has
issued an August 10 update so folks can find that at www.metrocouncil.org. If you search for
"Fridley" you will find the sewer construction Fridley project. This is the one along the railroad
tracks near Community Park. That address also gives you contact information if there are
construction issues in regard to Hickory. Their staff and the City's staff have looked at the road
independently. There is a meeting tomorrow to discuss a solution. He should be able to bring
something back to Council next week.
ADJOURN:
MOTION
by Councilmember Barnette to adjourn. Seconded by Councilmember Varichak.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT
8:42 P.M
.
Respectfully submitted by,
Denise M. Johnson Scott J. Lund
Recording Secretary Mayor