CCM 10/10/2016
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF FRIDLEY
OCTOBER 10, 2016
The City Council meeting for the City of Fridley was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem Barnette
at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Pro TemBarnette
Councilmember Saefke
Councilmember Varichak
Councilmember Bolkcom
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Mayor Lund
OTHERS PRESENT:
Wally Wysopal, City Manager
Shelly Peterson, Finance Director
Darcy Erickson, City Attorney
James Kosluchar, Public Works Director
Scott Hickok, Community Development Director
Kay Qualley, Environmental Planner
Jack Kirk, Parks and Recreation Director
PROCLAMATIONS:
Student Foreign Exchange Week: Kaoutar Karoui from Italy
Fire Prevention Week: October 9-15, 2016
APPROVAL OF PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
City Council Meeting of September 26, 2016.
APPROVED.
NEW BUSINESS:
1.Resolution Adopting Assessment for 2016 Utility Lateral Repair Project.
APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 2016-56.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 10, 2016 PAGE 2
2.Resolution Certifying Certain Delinquent Utility Services to the County for Collection
with the 2017 Property Taxes.
THIS ITEM WAS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AND PLACED ON THE
REGULAR AGENDA.
3.Receive the Landscape Design Guidelines for the Urbanized Sections of University
Avenue (53rd Avenue through Community Park Area at 71st Avenue N.E.).
THIS ITEM WAS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AND PLACED ON THE
REGULAR AGENDA.
4.Receive the Twin Cities Gateway Fiscal Year 2017 Budget.
THIS ITEM WAS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AND PLACED ON THE
REGULAR AGENDA.
5.Claims (1609-ACH PCard; 174220 - 174369).
APPROVED.
6.Estimates:
Kuechle Underground, Inc.
P.O. Box 509
Kimball, MN 56302
2015 Street Rehabilitation Project No. ST 2015-01
Estimate No. 10 .......................................................................... $174,981.27
Northwest Asphalt
1451 Stagecoach Road
Shakopee, MN 55379
2016 Street Rehabilitation Project No. ST 2016-01
Estimate No. 4 ............................................................................ $198,210.31
APPROVED.
ADOPTION OF PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA:
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked to remove Item Nos. 2, 3 and 4.
MOTION
by Councilmember Bolkcom to approve the proposed Consent Agenda with the
removal of Item Nos. 2, 3 and 4. Seconded by Councilmember Varichak.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR PRO TEM BARNETTE
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 10, 2016 PAGE 3
OPEN FORUM VISITORS:
Travis Gardner
, 5313 Horizon Drive, said he had issues with the roads that were redone
recently. The project did not go as the neighborhood thought it should. Curbs are not done and
they are cracked and broken. The roadway is uneven and took 6 months to complete. In that
timeframe there were problems with a mud slick, his wife could not go to work, and police were
called because he had asked a worker to move their car that was parked in front of garbage that
was to be picked up.
Mr. Gardner
said he purchased this home from his grandparents and is sad to see neighborhoods
going this way. The City is hiring workers that do not care about the project and workers seem to
have no accountability for this city. Police are acting irrationally. Even though Council may feel
they are doing everything they can, they should be working to better this community. He urged
Council to think about citizens and how we can be better and hire better people.
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked if Public Works or City Councilmembers were contacted.
Mr. Gardner
replied yes. Public Works came out with law enforcement and told him if he did not
stop talking to construction workers he could deal with the police. The conversation was not
consensual, so he walked away. He made many telephone calls and received a notice that he
would be contacted by March 2l, and he did not hear back from someone in over a week. There
needs to be a community effort from civilians, council and the people who are hired to do the
work. Council actions do have consequences that they do not know about.
Pro Tem Mayor Barnette
said that staff will follow up with Mr. Gardner and Council.
Cabrera Diela
, 5312 Horizon Drive NE, said that workers from the construction came inside his
house and crawled over the desk by the computer to look at pipes and connection of water and did
not use a ladder. They do not care about his property. He also has a problem with the lawn
because they put down gravel and planted new seed for the grass and there were rocks in there and
when he used his new lawn mower it damaged the blade. The work is finished but for $2,080 they
did not do a good job. He also does not want to be charged double for the curb because they had to
do a new one.
Pro Tem Mayor Barnette
said he will be contacted by staff.
Councilmember Bolkcom
wanted to clarify that people are not charged for their curb.
Jim Kosluchar,
Public Works Director, replied that the curb is not assessed. Residents are only
assessed for the street--the base and asphalt only.
Councilmember Bolkcom
said if people have questions about curbs they can contact Public
Works. She said they are aware there are outstanding landscaping issues in some areas.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 10, 2016 PAGE 4
ADOPTION OF AGENDA:
MOTION
by Councilmember Bolkcom to adopt the agenda with addition of Item Nos. 2, 3 and 4.
Seconded by Councilmember Saefke.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR PRO TEM BARNETTE
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
NEW BUSINESS:
7.Consideration of Revision of the Fridley City Code, Chapter 113, Solid Waste Disposal
and Recycling Collection.
MOTION
by Councilmember Bolkcom to open the public hearing. Seconded by Councilmember
Varichak.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR PRO TEM BARNETTE
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARING
OPENED AT 7:30 P.M.
Scott Hickok,
Community Development Director, stated that staff would like to advertise this item
for a public hearing and present at the October 24, 2016, City Council Meeting.
MOTION
by Councilmember Saefke to continue the public hearing until October 24, 2016, for
full Council review. Seconded by Councilmember Bolkcom.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR PRO TEM BARNETTE
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARING
WAS CONTINUED UNTIL OCTOBER 24, 2016
8.Consideration of Opting Out of Subdivision 9 of Minnesota Statutes, Section 462.3593,
Permitting Temporary Health Care Dwellings
MOTION
by Councilmember Bolkcom to open the public hearing. Seconded by Councilmember
Saefke.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR PRO TEM BARNETTE
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARING
OPENED AT 7:31 P.M.
Scott Hickok,
Community Development Director, stated that staff would like to continue this
public hearing until October 24, 2016 for full Council review.
MOTION
by Councilmember Bolkcom to continue the public hearing until October 24, 2016.
Seconded by Councilmember Saefke.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 10, 2016 PAGE 5
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR PRO TEM BARNETTE
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARING
WAS CONTINUED UNTIL OCTOBER 24, 2016.
9.Consideration of the Special Assessments for Street Improvement Project No. ST2015-01.
MOTION
by Councilmember Bolkcom to open the public hearing. Seconded by Councilmember
Saefke.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR PRO TEM BARNETTE
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARING
OPENED AT 7:33 P.M.
Shelly Peterson,
Finance Director, stated the special assessments pertain to the rehabilitation of
City streets as part of the City’s Street Resurfacing Plan. Proposed special assessments for this
project are established in conformance with the City’s Special Assessment Policy.
Ms. Peterson
stated the 2015 Street Improvement Project includes the Summit Manor
th
Neighborhood; South of I-694, North of 49 Avenue, and between Main Street and University
Avenue. Residents and Commercial owners received mailings prior to the project moving
forward. There are 290 properties that are subject to this assessment, including 22 Commercial
and 268 Residential.
Ms. Peterson
noted the proposed special assessments are calculated in accordance with the City’s
policy, and pay for portions of the street rehabilitation only (curbing and utilities are excluded).
Each single family residential property is proposed to have an assessment of $2,080.00.
Commercial properties are assessed based on $27.81 per lineal foot. The proposed residential and
commercial special assessments for the project compare favorably with projected special
assessments. Single family residential projections were $2,380 at the time of the open house (13%
higher) and $2,185 at the time of contract award (5% higher). The proposed assessment is $2,080,
and commercial special assessments were similarly reduced. These proposed residential
assessments are only $5.55 greater than a nearly identical project in 2013.
Ms. Peterson
said minor elements of the project are yet to be completed, including sawing and
sealing asphalt joints, construction of a raised intersection on 3rd Street and Horizon Drive,
rd
planting of storm water bioswales on 3 Street, and known and future warranty repairs.
Ms. Peterson
stated there is a 10-year assessment payback period and payments are subject to a
5.25% interest rate. Written or oral objections will be considered at this public hearing. No appeal
may be taken as to the amount of the assessment unless a signed, written objection is filed with the
City Clerk prior to the hearing or is presented to the presiding officer at this hearing. Property
owners have until the close of business on November 23 to pay all or at least half of the assessment
interest free. After November 23, interest will be charged on the remaining balance. The
assessment is due annually to the County in November for collection on the next year’s real estate
taxes. The remaining balance of the principal may be paid to the City by November 15 each
calendar year to cancel all future installments. A deferral option for retired or disabled property
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 10, 2016 PAGE 6
owners is available for homesteaded properties. For more information, contact the Finance
Department at (763) 572-3537.
Ms. Peterson
said staff recommends the public hearing be opened for public comment. The
resolution adopting the special assessment roll is under new business as Item 12.
Councilmember Bolkcom
noted that there are still some outstanding things to be done on this
project and asked when they will be completed.
Jim Kosluchar
, Public Works Director, replied the contractor has a punch list of items to be
completed and a memorandum was provided to Council with details. The contractor must finish
the items on the list before final payment is made. If the list does not get completed, we will
subcontract the work out and offset the cost on their final payment.
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked what the date of completion would be.
Mr. Kosluchar
replied that the work is due now.
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked if it would be completed by mid-November.
Mr. Kosluchar
replied yes. They started working on things last week.
Councilmember Bolkcom
said if anyone has issues they can call Public Works. Staff would like
to hear about issues so they can be resolved. If you called before and the work still is not done,
please call again.
Mr. Kosluchar
replied staff has taken a fair amount of calls on this project, plus residents also ask
questions when staff is out in the area.
Councilmember Bolkcom
added even if there are issues from this spring, call to let staff know
about it.
Roger Bowman
, 5420 Altura Road, asked how to pay for the work in its entirety.
Ms. Peterson
replied once this has been approved by Council, you can make payment by check,
cash or credit card tomorrow at City Hall.
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked if another letter would be sent out.
Ms. Peterson
replied yes. Reminder letters will be sent out by Wednesday with the final approved
amount and information on deferment.
MOTION
by Councilmember Bolkcom to close the public hearing. Seconded by Councilmember
Saefke.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 10, 2016 PAGE 7
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR PRO TEM BARNETTE
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARING
CLOSED AT 7:43 P.M.
10.Consideration of the Special Assessments for Street Improvement Project No. ST2016-01.
MOTION
by Councilmember Bolkcom to open the public hearing. Seconded by Councilmember
Saefke.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR PRO TEM BARNETTE
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING OPENED AT 7:43
P.M.
Shelly Peterson,
Finance Director, stated the special assessments for this project pertain to the
rehabilitation of City streets as part of the City’s Street Resurfacing Plan. Proposed special
assessments for this project are established in conformance with the City’s Special Assessment
th
Policy. The 2016 Street Improvement Project includes the Plymouth Neighborhood South of 49
th
Avenue to 45 Avenue between Main Street and University Avenue. Residents and commercial
owners received mailings prior to the project moving forward for the following meetings:
•
Residents were invited to a project workshop held on November 24, 2015
•
A hearing on improvements was held on January 25, 2016
•
169 Residential properties are subject to this assessment.
Ms. Peterson
noted that the proposed special assessments are calculated in accordance with the
City’s policy, and pay for portions of the street rehabilitation only (curbing and utilities are
excluded). Each single family residential property is proposed to have an assessment of $2,125.93.
The proposed residential special assessments for the project compare favorably with projected
special assessments. Single family residential projections were:
•
$2,450 at the time of the open house (13% higher)
•
$2,255 at the time of contract award (6% higher)
•
The proposed assessment is $2,125.93
These proposed assessments are $6.00 lower than a similar project in 2014.
Ms. Peterson
said minor elements of the project are yet to be completed, including sawing and
ndth
sealing asphalt joints, regrading of an intersection on 2 Street south of 49 Avenue and known
and future warranty repairs. There is a 10-year assessment payback period and payments are
subject to a 5.25% interest rate.
Ms. Peterson
said written or oral objections will be considered at this public hearing. No appeal
may be taken as to the amount of the assessment unless a signed, written objection is filed with the
City Clerk prior to the hearing or is presented to the presiding officer at this hearing. Property
owners have until the close of business on November 23 to pay all or at least half of the assessment
interest free. After November 23, interest will be charged on the remaining balance. The
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 10, 2016 PAGE 8
assessment is due annually to the County in November for collection on the next year’s real estate
taxes. The remaining balance of the principal may be paid to the City by November 15 each
calendar year to cancel all future installments.
Ms. Peterson
noted that a deferral option for retired or disabled property owners is available for
homestead properties. Contact the Finance Department at (763) 572-3537 for more information.
Staff recommends the public hearing be opened for public comment. The resolution adopting the
special assessment roll is under new business as Item 13.
MOTION
by Councilmember Bolkcom to receive into record a letter from David L Carlson and
Elizabeth A. LaPanta and a letter dated October 10, 2016, from Sandra Hahn and the response
prepared by Mary Smith, City Assessor. Seconded by Councilmember Saefke.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR PRO TEM BARNETTE
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Councilmember Bolkcom
had a question regarding a letter that mentioned that the asphalt looked
more porous than it used to. She asked how the asphalt was different than the past.
Jim Kosluchar
, Public Works Director, replied that “super pave” was developed by the Federal
Highway Administration and is used in 50 states and now used locally. The City switched to
“super pave” about 6 years ago. It is more open-grated and when the pavement is not sealcoated,
you do see some of the pores. This asphalt is not pervious to water and is more durable, which is
why it is used across the country. Super pave has been used in other projects and there have not
been any issues.
MOTION
by Councilmember Bolkcom to close the public hearing. Seconded by Councilmember
Saefke.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR PRO TEM BARNETTE
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AND THE PUBLIC HEARING
CLOSED AT 7:51 P.M.
11.Consideration of the Assessment for the 2016 Nuisance Abatement.
MOTION
by Councilmember Bolkcom to open the public hearing. Seconded by Councilmember
Saefke.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR PRO TEM BARNETTE
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING OPENED AT 7:51
P.M.
Shelly Peterson,
Finance Director, stated this is the annual assessment for those properties where
continuing code violations existed and the City expended resources to bring the properties into
compliance. We have 27 properties involved in this assessment and the total amount of the
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 10, 2016 PAGE 9
assessment will be $18,279.78. The assessment will be for 1 year at 6 1/2 % interest. Written or
oral objections will be considered at this public hearing. No appeal may be taken as to the amount
of the assessment unless a signed, written objection is filed with the City Clerk prior to the hearing
or is presented to the presiding officer at this hearing.
Ms. Peterson
noted that staff has not received any correspondence contesting the proposed
assessment. Property owners have until the close of business on November 23 to pay all or at least
half of the assessment interest free. After November 23, interest will be charged on the remaining
balance. Any remaining principal along with interest from the date of Council adoption of the
resolution through December 31, 2017, will be collected with the next year’s real estate taxes. A
deferral option for retired or disabled property owners is available for homestead properties,
contact the Finance Department for more info at 763-572-3537.
Staff recommends the public hearing be open for public comment. The resolution adopting the
assessment roll is under New Business as Item 14.
MOTION
by Councilmember Bolkcom to close the public hearing. Seconded by Councilmember
Saefke.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR PRO TEM BARNETTE
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 7:54
P.M.
NEW BUSINESS:
2. Resolution Certifying Certain Delinquent Utility Services to the County for Collection
with the 2017 Property Taxes
Councilmember Bolkcom
noted the timing for this is two weeks earlier than prior years. She did
not want to be certifying something that may bigger in two weeks.
Shelly Peterson
, Finance Director, replied every year the amount presented is higher than when it
is assessed to the County. Letters were sent out to utility customers giving them until November
23, 2016, to pay. Staff anticipates several more payments before it finally goes to Anoka County
and that amount will be lower than it is today.
Councilmember Bolkcom
said the delinquencies have been creeping up over the years.
Ms. Peterson
replied the amount was much higher 4 to 5 years ago. The graph does not represent
those years—when the housing market had significant foreclosures. The utility rates have
increased each year which increases the average bill.
CouncilmemberVarichak
asked if this could be deferred over 10 years like the other
assessments.
Ms. Peterson
replied no; this is a one-year assessment.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 10, 2016 PAGE 10
Pam Reynolds
, 1241 Norton Avenue, asked if the list was sorted by businesses, private residence
and rental. She did look up some of the addresses and some are apartment complexes and rentals.
She asked if there was anything in code language that would tie having delinquent utility bills to
their rental license. In other words, if I have a rental license up for renew and have an outstanding
water bill would the City think about renewing it.
Councilmember Bolkcom
replied it would not show up because it would have been paid with
property taxes.
Ms. Reynolds
asked what happens if they do not pay their property taxes.
Ms. Peterson
replied the taxes would be delinquent and interest would be assessed on the taxes.
Ms. Reynolds
asked if the City eventually gets paid.
Ms. Peterson
replied if the taxes go into forfeit, then we write off the balance.
Ms. Reynolds
noted in the resolution the collection of taxes in “2016” should be “2017”.
Ms. Peterson
said Council will amend the resolution to reflect the correct date.
Ms. Reynolds
did the math and it is a 31% increase over last year in delinquent bills.
Councilmember Saefke
added the chart in the Council packet shows the number of accounts
stayed pretty level until 2013. There are more people not paying their bills.
Ms. Reynolds
asked about the list at the end and if those properties were more likely to be paid or
overlooked.
Ms. Peterson
replied the City requires accounts to be in the owner’s name. If the previous owner
does not pay the final bill and the title company does not collect on the bill, the amount will be
due by the new owner. Utility bills go with the property.
MOTION
by Councilmember Bolkcom to adopt Resolution No. 2016-56. Seconded by
Councilmember Saefke.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR PRO TEM BARNETTE
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOTION
by Councilmember Bolkcom to amend the second paragraph; last sentence of the
resolution to read 2017. Seconded by Councilmember Saefke.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR PRO TEM BARNETTE
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 10, 2016 PAGE 11
Councilmember Saefke
noted that only the property taxes are tax deductible, not the assessments.
Ms. Peterson
replied correct; the Anoka County will notify and identify what to report for taxes,
and it does not include special assessments of any kind.
Travis Gardner
, 5313 Horizon Drive, said he knows why this is going on and why we are seeing
more delinquency. The billing system is atrocious; he can go an entire year and then all of a
sudden he gets a letter or a water bill. He fills out the form but does not get the bill.
Councilmember Bolkcom
replied that staff will see why he is not getting a bill. She
automatically gets an email from the City saying the water bill is due. The City is also working on
getting automatic meters so the City is not dependent upon having someone read it.
3. Receive the Landscape Design Guidelines for the Urbanized Sections of University
Avenue (53rd Avenue through Community Park Area at 71st Avenue N.E.).
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked if this will come back at a future date and if we agree to this are
we committed to this. She said her understanding is that we are agreeing to go ahead with this but
have no idea what the cost and maintenance will be.
Kay Qualley
, Environmental Planner, replied this is a chance to combine some things that go
through the heart of Fridley. This is a broad landscape guideline, and if there is another project it
will involve future maintenance. There are many factors that go into this and there are design
guidelines that are intended to be a broad framework to look at and come back to Council when
there is a firmed up project.
Councilmember Bolkcom
said she liked the plans. It is always good when there is less
mowing. This is the first step of many steps.
MOTION
by Councilmember Bolkcom to Receive the Landscape Design Guidelines for the
Urbanized Sections of University Avenue (53rd Avenue through Community Park Area at 71st
Avenue N.E.). Seconded by Councilmember Saefke.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR PRO TEM BARNETTE
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Receive the Twin Cities Gateway Fiscal Year 2017 Budget.
Councilmember Bolkcom
said she did not understand the budget. She asked why the marketing
expenses are more than any other comparable organization.
Wally Wysopal
, City Manager, replied that is a good thing, because less was spent on
administration costs than what is going out to promote the cities. The Twin Cities Gateway uses
lodging taxes for the purpose of promoting our city. Funds are given back to cities and the funds
are a portion of what was generated in the tax. We use the funds in the form of grants for activities
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 10, 2016 PAGE 12
like Pumpkin Night in the Park. The idea is to bring people to our community, stay in the hotels to
create tax, and then distribute it back to the City.
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked what comes back to the City.
Mr. Wysopal
said he will provide the information back to Council and include how the funds are
being used in Fridley.
MOTION
by Councilmember Bolkcom to Receive the Twin Cities Gateway Fiscal Year 2017
Budget. Seconded by Councilmember Varichak.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR PRO TEM BARNETTE
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Resolution Adopting Assessment for the 2015 Street Improvement Project No. 2015-01.
MOTION
by Councilmember Bolkcom to adopt Resolution No. 2016-58. Seconded by
Councilmember Saefke.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR PRO TEM BARNETTE
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
13.Resolution Adopting Assessment for the 2016 Street Improvement Project No. 2016-01.
MOTION
by Councilmember Varichak to adopt Resolution No. 2016-59. Seconded by
Councilmember Saefke.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR PRO TEM BARNETTE
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
14. Resolution Adopting Assessment for the 2016 Nuisance Abatement.
MOTION
by Councilmember Bolkcom to adopt Resolution No. 2016-60. Seconded by
Councilmember Saefke.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR PRO TEM BARNETTE
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
15.Receive Bids and Award Contract for 2016 Springbrook Nature Center Improvements
Project No. 510 – Nature Play Area and Outdoor Amphitheater.
Jack Kirk,
Parks and Recreation Director, stated that on Friday, October 7, 2016, at 10:00 a.m.
bids were opened for the Springbrook Nature Center Improvements Project #510, the Nature Play
Area and the Outdoor Amphitheater. A total of four responsive bids were received from
Blackstone Contractors of Corcoran, MN: Custom Builders of Cold Spring, MN; Maertens-Brenny
Construction of Minneapolis, MN; and Urban Companies of St. Paul, MN. The lowest responsive
base bid was from Custom Builders in the amount of $283,155.00. There were a number of deduct
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 10, 2016 PAGE 13
alternates in the bid form, to give us some flexibility for moving ahead with the project should the
bids have come in too high for our budget. The total for the deduct alternates from Custom
Builders was $39,630.00.
Mr. Kirk
said this project will include work on two components of Phase 2 for the Springbrook
Nature Center Improvements Project, the Nature Play Area and the Outdoor Amphitheater. The
nature based play area will be designed to encourage children to engage with nature in
unstructured play opportunities. Children can climb on logs and boulders, play in sand and water,
and build things with branches and other natural items. The play area will consist of natural
elements and constructed features that will blend into the Nature Center’s environment. The
outdoor amphitheater will be located just east of the Nature Center building and will feature tiered
hillside seating and a small round performance area. Nature education classes, musical and
theatrical performances, ceremonies and meetings could utilize this area, with permanent seating
for up to 150 people, and capacity for an additional 100 people on adjacent grassy slopes.
Mr. Kirk
noted this project is being funded by the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation through
funds raised in their capital campaign. The Foundation has the funds needed to support this project
and is ready to move forward. Springbrook Nature Center Foundation Chairman Malcolm Mitchell
provided a letter to the City on September 8 indicating the SNC Foundation support for moving
ahead on the Phase 2 projects with an estimated cost at $280,000. He said he spoke with Mr.
Mitchell on the phone and informed him of the base bid coming in at $283,155 or $3,155 over the
estimated cost. Mr. Mitchell has indicated the SNC Foundation support to move ahead with all the
items covered in the base bid, with the Foundation to pay the entire amount.
Mr. Kirk
said that staff recommends the City Council move to receive the bids per the attached
bid tabulation and award the contract to Custom Builders of Cold Spring, MN for the 2016
Springbrook Nature Center Improvements Project #510 – Nature Play Area and Outdoor
Amphitheater in the amount of $283,155.If approved, staff will notify the contractor of the award
and issue a notice to proceed upon receipt of acceptable submittals.
Councilmember Bolkcom
said in the future a letter or email would be good to have if the amount
is over what was originally approved.
Mr. Kirk
replied they were on a tight schedule and anticipated that the bids would come in around
that amount.
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked how overruns would be handled.
Mr. Kirk
recognized the budget is tight, but the Foundation does have funds on hand to handle
any change orders and this was discussed with Chair Mitchell. We would make sure we talked to
the Foundation about any overruns prior to going ahead with that work.
Councilmember Bolkcom
thanked the Foundation for raising the funds for this new improved
center and to those who donated.
MOTION
by Councilmember Bolkcom to receive the bids and award the contract for the 2016
Springbrook Nature Center Improvements Project No. 510 – Nature Play Area and Outdoor
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 10, 2016 PAGE 14
Amphitheater and award the contract to Custom Builders in the amount of $283,155.00.
Seconded by Councilmember Varichak.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR PRO TEM BARNETTE
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
16.Informal Status Reports
Mayor Pro Tem Barnette
said theFridley Community Connection Newsletter is a great way to
inform the public on what is going on in the City and who to call if there are any questions.
Congrats to those who work on it.
Jim Kosluchar,
Public Works Director, stated that on the night of September 21-22 Fridley
experienced an extreme rainfall event between 5 and 11 inches, resulting in flash flooding in many
locations. The City has a survey available to report damages to allow staff to assess area drainage
systems and evaluate where improvements may be needed. The survey is available on the City
website by searching for September Flooding Survey.
Councilmember Bolkcom
received a phone call concerned about the Riverview Heights area and
how often we check the grates. She wanted to know how often it is examined and when we know
there is a storm coming are certain areas checked.
Mr. Kosluchar
replied yes. Right now, post storm, staff is doing a lot of debris clean up. Crews
have been out twice a day to keep up with the debris in the grates. Severe storms are watched. We
were watching this storm on the radar but the predictions were not correct. The storm intensified
rapidly. Staff is looking at places we can augment and for areas of improvement as a result of this
storm.
Councilmember Bolkcom
noted that there was a lot of flooding in the Springbrook Apartments
area. She asked if there were any other structural issues.
Mr. Kosluchar
replied this storm created a line that is called “training.” The storm stacked up
water in a line, did not move much, and kept dropping rainfall bans in the same area.
Wally Wysopal
, City Manager, announced the next budget work session will be changed from
November 21 to November 28. That is when the complete budget is presented by fund,
department and division. The 2017 utility rates will be presented to Council on November 28 for
approval. Council will hold a public meeting on December 12. Council adopts the final 2017 levy,
2017 budget and revised 2016 budget on December 27.
Mr. Wysopal
announced the following new staff:
Thad Norlinger, Assistant Liquor Store Manager
Matthew Schlenker, Police Officer
David Kostuch, Police Officer
Courtney Rolfe, Crime Prevention Specialist
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 10, 2016 PAGE 15
Councilmember Bolkcom
said on October 20 there will be meeting at 5:30 p.m. about the civic
campus and on October 25, at 6:30 p.m. there will be a presentation and an opportunity to ask
questions about the civic campus at City Hall. The regular Council meeting is on October 24.
Mr. Kosluchar
said Anoka County parks will rehab the trail at Locke Lake Park and Edgewater
Garden Park, with tree removal and bank stabilization. They will rehab the asphalt through there.
This was planned, and not a reaction to the storm. The trails will be closed and signage and
detours are up. The goal is to finish the asphalt yet this year, but if it cannot be completed, there
may be a gravel trail until spring.
Mr. Kosluchar
said the Met Council Interceptor will mill and overlay Hickory Circle and there
will be no cost to residents or the City. Notices were sent out last week.
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked about the sealcoat that had to be cut into.
Mr. Kosluchar
replied that the patch on west Moore Lake was an unplanned repair. In that area
the sealcoat was disturbed by CenterPoint. CenterPoint is waiting for the asphalt to cure and 18
months is a good timeframe to let asphalt cure. CenterPoint will contact residents with a direct
mail.
Councilmember Varichak
asked when the project by the Holiday gas station will be complete.
Mr. Kosluchar
said they may be waiting for the concrete to cure. They should be close to being
done.
Councilmember Varichak
said she sees a lot of people not abiding by the signage and turning
onto that road. She is afraid something will happen or someone will get hurt.
Mr. Kosluchar
noted that is dangerous maneuver. People behind you are not expecting you to
stop. The Police Department has been active out there, avoid a ticket and do what the sign says.
ADJOURN:
MOTION
by Councilmember Varichak to adjourn. Seconded by Councilmember Bolkcom.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR PRO TEM BARNETTE
DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:46
P.M.
Respectfully submitted by,
Krista Peterson Robert L. Barnette
Recording Secretary Mayor Pro Tem