CCM 03/13/2017
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF FRIDLEY
MARCH 13, 2017
The City Council meeting for the City of Fridley was called to order by Mayor Lund at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
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
Jim Kosluchar, Public Works Director
APPROVAL OF PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
City Council Meeting of February 13, 2017.
APPROVED.
OLD BUSINESS:
1.Second Reading of an Ordinance Amending Fridley City Charter, Chapter 2, City
Council Organization.
WAIVE THE READING OF THE ORDINANCE AND ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO.
1342 ON SECOND READING AND ORDERED PUBLICATION.
2.Final Plat Request, PS #17-01, by Allina Health System, to Replat Lot 3 of Block 1,
Unity Addition, to Create Three Lots that will Further Define and Legally Describe the
Parking Lot Areas, Generally Located at 550 Osborne Road N.E.;
and
Resolution Approving Final Plat, PS #17-01, by Allina Health System to Legally
Describe and Define Parking Areas, Generally Located at 550 Osborne Road N.E.
(Ward 1)
ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 2017-07.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 13, 2017 PAGE 2
3.Resolution requesting Municipal State Aid System Construction Funds for Other Local
Use (Street Improvement Projects ST2017-01 and ST2017-021).
ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 2017-08.
4.Resolution Approving Agreement Relating to the Reimbursement of Water and
Sanitary Utility Service Overcharges Occurring from 2008 through Mid-2015 in the
Amount of $556,067.68 Relating to Anoka County Tax Parcel ID No. 30-30-24-13-0015.
ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 2017-09.
5.Approve Amendments to Contract A113 between the City of Fridley and McGough
Construction.
APPROVED.
6.Approve Amendments to Contract B101 between the City of Fridley and BKV Group.
APPROVED.
7. Claims (ACH PCard 1702; 175845-176030).
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:
Councilmember Bolkcom received a text message from residents on Locke Lake Road which
said they had called City Hall at 6:33 a.m. to report a water problem in the street. Public Works
was sent out and the issue was completely repaired by 2:00 p.m. Residents complimented staff
on the amazing service.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA:
MOTION
by Councilmember Bolkcom to adopt the agenda. Seconded by Councilmember
Saefke.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 13, 2017 PAGE 3
NEW BUSINESS:
8.Resolution Approving and Authorizing Execution of Joint Powers Authority
Dissolution Agreement and Lease Termination Relating to Fire Training Facility
Association
John Berg
, Fire Chief, stated in 1991, the cities of Fridley, Brooklyn Center, Spring Lake Park,
Blaine and Mounds View entered into a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) to form the Fire Training
Association. The Fire Training Association consists of the three fire departments serving those
cities and was formed for the purpose of building a fire training facility.
Chief Berg
noted in 1997, the City of Fridley and the Association entered into a twenty-five-
year lease for the property located at 300 - 71st Avenue in Fridley. The Association constructed a
training building on the property, along with a garage and a confined space sewer system to be
used in training firefighters for the three fire departments.
Chief Berg
stated the property is now included in the site where the new Fridley Civic Campus
is scheduled to be built. The Fire Chiefs representing each of the three fire departments has,
under direction of legal counsel, secured tail insurance that will cover any liability for the
association until the buildings have been removed and the assets distributed as outlined in the
JPA. They are requesting termination of the lease on the property and dissolution of the JPA.
This will allow the City of Fridley to take ownership of the property located on the site so the
site may be cleared in anticipation of construction of the Civic Campus.
Chief Berg
said each of the three Fire Chiefs has been in contact with City Administrators in
each of the represented cities and there has been general agreement to the conditions of
terminating the lease and dissolving the JPA.
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked if the joint powers agreement is now null and void because of
the amendment.
Darcy Erickson
, City Attorney, replied that Columbia Heights was in the original agreement
and withdrew and the amendment to the JPA reflected that. All members are agreeing to
dissolve so the dissolution agreement will cause the association to cease to exist. Anything left
will vest in Fridley. We are dissolving the association because the new site is being developed.
Councilmember Bolkcom
noted that there were no assets and asked if there were any liabilities
to be divided.
Chief Berg
said he was not aware of any.
Councilmember Barnette
asked if there were any plans to relocate the facility.
Chief Berg
replied that there are no plans to relocate. Training may be offered at other
agencies. They looked at relocating this building but it was too costly.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 13, 2017 PAGE 4
Wally Wysopal
, City Manager, noted that with regard to liabilities, that is the purpose of the tail
insurance.
Chief Berg
said that will cover any liabilities as the structure stands.
Attorney Erickson
added that Chief Berg has consulted with the League of MN Cities to get the
appropriate tail insurance coverage needed.
Mayor Lund
asked if there were any thoughts as to where to have the training.
Chief Berg
replied that there are plans for the new civic campus to have a tower and this will be
a more useful facility.
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked if there were other facilities to contact if we need something
that is not in the new tower.
Chief Berg
said there were regional facilities. The closest one was in Fridley operated by the
City of Minneapolis.
MOTION
by Councilmember Saefke to adopt Resolution No. 2017-10. Seconded by
Councilmember Bolkcom.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
9.Approve Tower Relocation Agreement.
James Kosluchar
, Public Works Director, said in conformance with plans for redevelopment of
the Columbia Arena property, and in order to facilitate construction of the new Public Works
facility, a telecommunications facility owned by AT&T and managed by Crown Castle Holdings
will need to be relocated. The City of Fridley currently leases the site within the current Public
Works property to AT&T. There is no provision for City-initiated relocation or termination in
the existing lease. This lease has 12 years remaining of its 25-year extended term.
Mr. Kosluchar
said City staff and the City Attorney initiated discussions in 2016 with Crown
Castle regarding the tower relocation. As the City project has moved forward, we have advised
Crown Castle of the imminent need for relocation. In order for them to move forward with
relocation activities, a relocation agreement has been identified as a necessary first step. The City
Attorney has been working with Crown Castle’s attorney on a suitable agreement, which has
been drafted but is not yet in final form.
Mr. Kosluchar
said the agreement will include the following provisions:
Crown Castle and the City of Fridley will permit, design, and construct a new tower
at the location specified by the City of Fridley.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 13, 2017 PAGE 5
The City of Fridley will reimburse Crown Castle for their permitting, design,
relocation and construction costs, which may include temporary facilities needed to
keep the telecommunication facility operable.
The City will provide an area for a new facility similar to the existing leased space.
The City will provide amendments to the lease and zoning as may be needed for
relocation of the facility, which is within 500’ of the existing facility.
Mr. Kosluchar
stated staff recommends the City Council move to approve and authorize the
Mayor and City Manager to execute the relocation agreement as presented, subject to further
revisions approved by the City Attorney and City Manager, provided the changes do not
substantially or materially increase the responsibilities of the City or decrease the rights of the
City.
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked what the cost is to relocate the tower.
Mr. Kosluchar
replied the Fridley Civic Project includes about $350,000 in relocation costs.
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked if it could be more than that.
Mr. Kosluchar
replied it could, but it would be within the remaining revenue on the remaining
lease term which would offset the relocation.
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked how it would be moved and still function.
Mr. Kosluchar
replied there would be a temporary facility available while the tower is moved.
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked what would happen if they said they needed new equipment.
Mr. Kosluchar
replied we do expect there will be a new tower here. To disassemble and
reconstruct would be costlier and that also applies to the equipment.
Councilmember Bolkcom
said in the future we should change the lease agreements to say we
would not pay for relocation.
Attorney Erickson,
City Attorney, said this is a common lease format used when cell towers
were new that we see in the Twin Cities and out of state. We are seeing a new format that is
changing to have leases be more responsive to new technology. As this lease expires, we will
look to include provisions that have move of a balance playing field for the landlords. It may be
advantageous to look at language right now.
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked if the cost was on the City of Fridley because the tower is in
the Public Works area and we cannot put any of these costs on the new developer chosen for this
site.
Scott Hickok
, Community Development Director, replied unfortunately, this is on our property
and in our way. It does not get affected by the private developer.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 13, 2017 PAGE 6
Mr. Kosluchar
added that it was complex to keep the tower in the current location and there
were high costs associated to working around it.
MOTION
by Councilmember Saefke to approve the Tower Relocation Agreement. Seconded
by Councilmember Bolkcom.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked what it meant by “materially presented.”
Attorney Erickson
replied that under the lease, we have an obligation to pay for the relocation
costs. With respect to the language, we are not putting the City in a position to take on more
than they are legally obligated to in terms of additional tasks or work. We will do what we can
to protect the rights of the City in the agreement. Staff can provide an update to Council on a
periodic basis in terms of what the costs will be as we do not have a firm number tonight.
Mr. Kosluchar
added the only alternative was to condemn our own property but that would
incur relocation costs and private attorney fees to add on to the cost. They are a willing partner,
and we will do what is best for both.
10.Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Enter into a Project Labor Agreement with
the Minneapolis Trades Council for the Construction of the Fridley Civic Campus
Wally Wysopal
, City Manager, stated the City Council approved the financing for constructing
new buildings for City Hall, Police, Fire and Public Works. The project delivery method includes
architectural design by the BKV Group and construction management at risk by McGough
Construction if the Council approves McGough’s proposed Guaranteed Maximum Price
(“GMP”). If the Council does not accept the GMP, the City and McGough have the option of
proceeding with McGough as a construction manager, adviser, if McGough agrees to proceed in
that capacity. The open bid process begins in mid-March. City ordinance requires contractors to
follow prevailing wage as determined by the State Bureau of Labor. The project will take 18
months to construct. Such a long schedule exposes the project to risks beyond our control that
could cause delays and result in cost overruns. The City has set a fixed budget for the project,
making it in the City’s best interest to assure the project is completed on time.
Mr. Wysopal
stated that a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) assures labor peace and guarantees
there are no strikes or work stoppages that would delay work and increase costs. It means that all
contractors working on the site pay union dues and at least prevailing wages. Since we already
have a prevailing wage requirement, there should not be much of an increase in bid prices. And,
most contractors who will bid on our project will be of substantial size, increasing the chance
they are already union and paying union dues and prevailing wages. A PLA reduces the
administrative compliance associated with prevailing wage because wage rates are already
confirmed by the Trades Council. Use of PLAs in municipal building construction is mixed. It is
common in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington and Rochester. The City of Golden Valley,
which also has a prevailing wage ordinance, is constructing its $30 Million Community Center
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 13, 2017 PAGE 7
using a PLA. Other cities without such ordinances like Shakopee and Lino Lakes have not used
PLAs for their recent building construction.
Mr. Wysopal
said that a PLA would be between the City of Fridley and the Minneapolis
Building and Construction Trades Council with McGough assenting to it as well. Notification of
the PLA and prevailing wage requirements would become a part of the bid packages. The PLA
would exclude items that are exclusively installed buy the supplier such as vehicle lifts, vehicle
wash system, audio visual equipment and technology items. The PLA expires upon issuance of a
certificate of occupancy or upon written notice of the City. McGough would be responsible for
assuring compliance under the construction manager at risk delivery system.
Mr. Wysopal
stated staff recommends the City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into
a PLA with the Minneapolis Building and Construction Trades Council for the construction of
the Civic Campus, upon review by the City Attorney.
Councilmember Bolkcom
asked if it should say City Manager and Mayor on page 115; and on
the fourth sentence on page 115 it says installed, should it be by not buy.
Mr. Wysopal
replied correct.
MOTION
by Councilmember Barnette to Authorize the City Manager and Mayor to Enter into a
Project Labor Agreement with the Minneapolis Trades Council for the Construction of the
Fridley Civic Campus. Seconded by Councilmember Saefke.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11.Informal Status Reports
Councilmember Bolkcom
announced there is a meeting Thursday, March 16 at Springbrook
Nature Center related to the Mississippi River mass wasting (slope movement) at 6:00 p.m. A
memo went out to those who live in that area. She also noted that there are questions from
people related to the Girl Scout Camp. A letter was sent out, but she has not seen the letter. She
asked for an update.
Wally Wysopal
, City Manager, replied that the City is working with Met Council who
purchased the Girl Scout Camp. The City asked them to contact nearby property owners to let
them know about this and facilitate any questions. This has not yet taken place. Staff will work
with them to make sure notice gets out. The Met Council needs to acquire a portion of the
property to expand pumping under the Mississippi River. The plan is to purchase the entire
camp and the Girl Scouts will have a three-year lease for the property. Met Council will work on
the pump project in the 3-year timeframe. The City does not own the camp, but can review it as
it impacts the comprehensive plan. Staff will make sure Met Council is in contact with people.
Councilmember Bolkcom
replied part of the concern is that the forest will not be there anymore
and it will look different. People need to be kept informed on what is going on.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 13, 2017 PAGE 8
Councilmember Bolkcom
said that there was a Taste of Fridley fundraiser for Fridley Middle
School kids to go to the East Coast. There were about 250 participants, and the event made
around $6,000 gross. This was a great event. It was fun to see people from different ages
support a great program for kids. Kudos to all those who were involved.
ADJOURN:
MOTION
by Councilmember Barnette to adjourn. Seconded by Councilmember Varichak.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED AND THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:40 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Krista Peterson Scott J. Lund
Recording Secretary Mayor