Cambridge City Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, September 4, 2012 A regular meeting of the Cambridge City Council was held on Tuesday, September 4, 2012, at Cambridge City Hall Council Chambers, 300 3`d Avenue NE, Cambridge, Minnesota, 55008. Members Present: Mayor Marlys Palmer; Council Members Chris Caulk, Lisa Iverson, David Schornstein, and Bob Shogren Members Absent: None Staff present: City Administrator Lynda Woulfe, Police Chief Dave Pajnic, Finance Director Caroline Moe, City Planner Marcia Westover, Economic Development Director Stan Gustafson Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Palmer called the regular meeting to order at 5: 09 pm and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Approval of the Agenda Woulfe noted Council may reconvene into open session after closed session if they find the purchase agreements acceptable. Schornstein moved, seconded by Caulk to approve the agenda as presented. Motion passed unanimously. Consent Agenda Shogren moved, seconded by Caulk, to approve items A-E on the consent agenda: A. Approve the August 20, 2012 Council meeting minutes B. Approve the August 20, 2012 Summary Minutes for Publication C. Approve distribution of health insurance RFP D. Approve request from Initiative Foundation for 2013 funding E. Approve draft financial statements for July 2012 Upon call of the role, Caulk, Iverson, Palmer, Shogren and Schornstein voted aye, no nays. Motion carried unanimously. Work Session Presentation Africa, Chris McDonald Chris McDonald on behalf of Our Response stated he was there to seek support from the City Council on an event called Step Into Africa. McDonald described Step Into Africa as a 2, 500 square foot interactive exhibit that invites visitors to " step into Africa" by hearing, seeing and walking through an African village to personally experience the lives of children affected by AIDS. McDonald reported the event is sponsored by Our Response, under the local leadership of him and his wife Kelli, who attend Cambridge First Baptist. McDonald stated the goal of this event is to raise awareness of the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS in Africa and bring about a compassionate response to the children of Kivuruga, Rwanda. McDonald stated the event will be at the Isanti County Fairgrounds in the Kennel Club Building September 22 30, 2012 and is a free event. McDonald stated they are looking September 4, 2012 Page 1 of 5
for volunteers to help make this happen. McDonald invited the Mayor and Council to attend the 22nd. ribbon cutting even on September McDonald left a draft copy of the proclamation if the Council decided to proclaim a day "Step Into Africa" day. National Night Out Event Chief Pajnic reported the 2012 Cambridge National Night Out ( NNO) event was held on Tuesday, August 7 from 6 PM to 9 PM at the City Hall Complex and was a combined event between the Cambridge Police and Fire Departments. Pajnic stated this year's event was the largest and most attended NNO event the City of Cambridge has ever had. Pajnic stated there was a bounce house and several outdoor games and activities for children, including spraying a fire hose; emergency vehicle displays from several agencies, the usual cookout, many displays by local organizations, and even Smokey the Bear. Pajnic noted feedback was very positive, with members of the community, other organizations, and city employees all saying that they had a very enjoyable event. Pajnic stated many people commented how much better the location at City Hall was as it provided parking, indoor shelter for those that wanted to eat and talk, and a large outdoor area for children' s activities and displays. Pajnic stated Target Corporation, the national sponsor of National Night Out, was especially pleased and he talked with a number of their employees, including the event coordinator Matt Oldroyd, and they were very happy that we had made the change in location. Pajnic stated Target has plans for next year' s event, including a band and additional activities for the children which is all possible with the added room they have by holding the event at City Hall. Pajnic reported other organizations, including the military, expressed future plans, such as a climbing wall and a children' s obstacle course, given that they now had the space for those activities. Pajnic spoke with Fire Chief Okerlund who agrees that holding the event at City Hall provided room for many additional activities and that combining the event with the Police and Fire Departments had resulted in a much larger and more exciting event. Pajnic stated in consideration of the feedback received and the future plans by Target and other entities, he believes that continuing to have the NNO event at City Hall would be best. Schornstein asked how many people attended. Pajnic stated he thought between 300 and 400. Woulfe stated they did 300 root beer floats. Palmer stated she wants people to become familiar with the Police and Fire Departments, but doesn' t want this event to take the place of community parties. Pajnic stated he doesn' t feel the event at City Hall would reduce the number of parties in the city as there are only 6 or 7 parties. Palmer thanked the Masons on behalf of Council for hosting the event all these years and thanked the Police and Fire Departments for their efforts. Schornstein moved, seconded by Iverson, to take a break from 5: 40 pm until 5: 50 pm. Motion passed unanimously. September 4, 2012 Page 2 of 5
Unfinished Business There was no unfinished business. New Business Resolution R12-056 Setting the Preliminary 2013 Levy Resolution R12-057 Setting the Preliminary General Fund Budget for 2013 Moe reported at the long range financial planning retreat in August 2012, the City Council discussed approving a preliminary levy with an increase of five percent over the prior year. Moe noted Staff and Council will continue to work together on the final budget with the goal of passing a final levy in an amount less than five percent. Moe stated the preliminary levy sets the ceiling for the upcoming tax collection year and, while the amount can be lowered before final passage, it may not be increased. Schornstein asked Moe to describe for the public what would happen if they approved another zero percent levy like the past so many years. Moe stated staff projects needs for infrastructure, staffing, equipment and the like between 10 and 20 years. Moe stated in order for the City to stay in the black, the levy must be raised. Moe stated it was staff's direction to slowly increase the levy instead of waiting until the City has no other option and then has to significantly raise the levy. Moe also noted State funding has been drastically cut to shift more financial responsibility onto the Cities which is one of the main reasons the levy will need to be increased. Moe stated if the public wants lower taxes then services would need to be cut such as police, fire, and street maintenance. Schornstein moved, seconded by Iverson to approve the preliminary property tax resolution R12-056 for 2013 tax collections and preliminary budget resolution R12-057. Upon call of the role, Caulk, Iverson, Palmer, Shogren and Schornstein voted aye, no nays. Motion carried unanimously. Select October Council Retreat Date for Update on Long Range Plan Council set the next Long Range Planning meeting for 3 pm on Monday, October 15, 2012. Resolution R12-058 for Cambridge Medical Center( Allina Hospitals and Clinics) for a Conditional Use Permit for Signage Westover stated staff received a request by Allina Hospitals & Clinics for a Conditional Use Permit to allow five ground signs. Westover stated Allina Health is in the process of a new branding and identity program and Cambridge Medical Center was chosen to be the prototype site for their new signage. Westover reported the Cambridge Medical Center is currently undergoing an emergency room expansion that will update their facility; and to coincide with this expansion, new signage is proposed. Westover stated all new exterior wall signage, ground signs, and directional signs will be replaced and some new signs are proposed. Westover reported the signs will have the new prototype branding along with better directional information. September 4, 2012 Page 3 of 5
Westover stated two ground signs will be 16' high which is the maximum height allowed for this site. Westover reported they are also proposing three additional signs that are 11' in height and this is too high to be considered a directional sign which are limited to six feet. Westover stated they have requested a Conditional Use Permit to allow these signs as ground signs. Westover reported the site as a whole is very large and there are multiple areas of the hospital campus that need better traffic flow. Westover stated adding additional signage near the main intersections will assist people to find their destination easier. Westover stated the applicant has said the need for the 11' high sign is to get larger lettering so drivers can easily see the words on the sign. Westover reported Allina Health has done a considerable amount of study as to the size, materials and readability of the signs. Westover stated there are multiple tenants on the hospital campus so it is important there is adequate signage to lead people in the right direction needed for their individualized health care. Westover stated Cambridge Medical Center is also an important site to have effective signage as this is for health and safety of the people in the community. Westover reported the proposed additional three signs will not appear to cause visual clutter or additional concerns for the residential neighborhood as the site is large enough to support the additional signage. Westover reported that the Planning Commission voted unanimously at their meeting on August 21, 2012 to recommend to the Council approval of the Conditional Use Permit. Shogren moved, seconded by Caulk to recommend approval of resolution R12-058, Conditional Use Permit for a total of five ground signs at the Cambridge Medical Center campus as presented. Motion passed unanimously. Mayor' s Report Palmer provided an update on meetings attended and upcoming events. Council Concerns There were no Council concerns. City Attorney' s Report There was no City Attorney' s report. City Administrator's Report Woulfe announced the Council would enter into closed session and if the Council found the terms of the purchase agreements acceptable, the Council would reconvene into public session to approve the purchase agreements. C/osed Session This meeting is being develop an offer on property/ ocated off of 337rh closed under Minnesota Statutes 13D.05 to Street, property located on 3rd Avenue NE and property located at Trunk Highway 95 and Balsam St N Shogren moved, seconded by Schornstein to move into closed session at 6: 24 pm. The City Council reconvened into open session at 7: 28 pm. September 4, 2012 Page 4 of 5
Woulfe stated staff is recommending Council approve the purchase agreement with ALDI, Inc. for 2. 2 acres for the price of $ 795, 000. Shogren moved, seconded by Schornstein to approve the ALDI, Inc. purchase agreement contingent upon final review by staff and City Attorney. Motion passed unanimously. Woulfe reported staff has reviewed the purchase agreement for Mills Fleet Farm to purchase five acres from the City from the City's well development field. Woulfe stated that Milis Fleet Farm has some excess property along Third Ave. NE, approximately 1. 5 acres, that it desires to sell back to the City. Woulfe stated picking up this property would create more opportunities to bring in additional retail or a restaurant since it abuts Highway 95 and has excellent visibility. Woulfe stated this property was sold to Opus in 2008 and the proceeds from that property sale went to park dedication fund and helped build Sandquist Park. Woulfe stated if the City does purchase this property back from Mills Fieet Farm, the funds from the sale of the five acres from the well development field could be used the acquire the property along Third Ave. NE with the caveat that when the City sells the parcel in the future the sale proceeds would be dedicated to the water fund. Iverson moved, seconded by Shogren to approve the purchase agreement with Mills Fleet Farm Properties, Inc. as presented subject to review by City Attorney and Staff; to purchase site 3 as a trade parcel from Mills Fleet Farm in the amount of $581, 130 in order to create a more buildable parcel and a shared driveway access on the City' s residual property; and when the City resells the trade parcel, 100% of the sale proceeds from the parcel are to be dedicated and repaid to the water fund. Motion passed unanimously. Adjournment of Council Meeting Being no further business before the City Council, Schornstein moved, seconded by Iverson, to adjourn at 7: 34 pm. The motion carried unanimously. t MarlysA. PalmercMayo J r 1 C_.. ATTEST: Lyn J. Woulfe, ty Administrator September 4, 2012 Page 5 of 5