HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-04-05
Hastings, Minnesota
City Council Minutes
April 4, 2005
The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a regular meeting on Monday,
April 4,2005 at 7:00 p.m., in the City Hall Council Chambers at Hastings City Hall, 101 East 4th
Street, Hastings, Minnesota.
Members Present:
Mayor Werner, Councilmembers Alongi, Hicks, Moratzka, Riveness,
and Schultz
Councilmember Hazlet
City Administrator Dave Osberg, City Attorney Shawn Moynihan,
Planning Director John Hinzman, Public Works Director Tom
Montgomery, City Engineer Nick Egger, and Assistant City
Administrator Melanie Mesko Lee,
Members Absent:
Staff Members Present:
Approval of Minutes
Mayor Werner asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes of the regular
meeting of March 21, 2005. Hearing none, the minutes \/\ere approved as presented.
Council Items to be Considered:
Staff requested that Item #6 ofthe Consent Agenda, Resolution~pprove Raffle Permit
for the Stelutec Foundation on July 3, 2005, be removed at the request of the applicant.
Consent Agenda
Moved by Councilmember Riveness seconded by Councilmember Schultz to approve the
Consent Agenda as amended.
7 Ayes; Nays, None.
1. Pay Bills As Audited
2. Proclamation-VFW Recognition of Service: Ann Grot john, Ed A. Callahan, and
Hastings Ford, Lincoln, Dodge & Chrysler
3. Approve the 2005 Edition of Contractors Handbook
4. Resolution-CRT Waste
5. Resolution-Support for Public Dock Permit
6. Item Was Removed From Consent Agenda
7. Reappoint Mike Brown to NRRC
8. Approve Budget Adjustment-Hastings Family Aquatic Center & Fire Department
9. Approve Accounts Receivable Write-Offs
10. Resolution-Approve Liquor License Amendment and Dance Permit: Papa Charrito's
11. Authorize Purchase of Sanitary Sewer Service Televising Equipment
12. Authorize Use of Consultant to Prepare Salt Shed Plans and Specifications
13. Pay Estimate #7--Project 2004-1 Westwood Reconstruction: Three Rivers Construction
($17,602.08)
14. Pay Estimate #13--Project 2003-2 Riverwood South Oaks: Contractor's Edge
($38,506.45)
Copies of resolutions on file.
Public Hearing-Increase of 2005/2006 On-Sale Liquor License Fees
Mayor Werner opened the public hearing at 7:02 p.m.
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 4, 2005
Page 2 of 6
Assistant City Administrator Mesko Lee stated that this is the final phase in a three-year
phasing of on-sale license fees. This final fee increase will be for $100 for 2005/2006. All on-sale
licensees have been notified of the proposed change and no comments have been received by
staff.
Hearing no further comments, Mayor Werner closed the public hearing at 7:03 p.m.
Resolution-Increase of 2005/2006 On-Sale Liquor License Fees
Moved by Councilmember Moratzka, seconded by Councilmember Riveness to approve
the increase as presented.
6 Ayes; Nays, none.
Copy of resolution on file.
Public Hearing-2005 Street & Utility Reconstruction Program
Project 2005-01: Dakota Hills
Mayor Werner opened the public hearing at 7:05 p.m.
Public Works Director Montgomery gave a brief overview proposed project 2005-1: Dakota
Hills. Montgomery stated that significant neighborhood opposition has been received in response to
proposed sidewalks on 22nd and 23rd Streets, cul-de-sac islands, and proposed narrowing of Valley
Lane, 22nd Street and 23rd Street.
Montgomery stated that Project 2005-1: Dakota Hills is estimated to cost $2,993,000, with
$1,988,000 to be assessed to property owners. Montgomery also stated that drainage issues at the
Country Club will result in proposed storm sewer improvements as part of this project. If approved,
the City's cost will not exceed $170,000.
Henry Englin, resident of 23rd Street, questioned the cost effectiveness of replacing all ofthe
curb and gutter vs. spot replacing. Montgomery stated that 1/3 of the curb and gutter is cracked and
that it is more cost effective to replace it in its entirety.
Gary Stevens, 1326 West 1 th Street, questioned safety of reducing Westview Drive's width
from 32 to 28 feet. Montgomery stated that it is proposed that parking will be prohibited on the west
side of Westview.
Pete Yaeger, 2400 Westview Drive, asked about changing the slope for increased visibility.
Montgomery stated that no grade changes are proposed at this time.
Scott Kieffer, 1324 23rd Street West, asked how increased oil prices will affect construction
costs. Montgomery stated that cost estimates are 2004 costs adjusted for inflation.
Ron Otto, 1901 Hilltop Lane, and John Botnen, 1803 Westview Drive, stated that the
proposed bituminous trail will encroach on their yards, that 8 feet is too wide, and that they would
prefer a concrete sidewalk.
The Council discussed aesthetic, maintenance, and wdth issues with this request.
Becky Erickson, 1931 Hilltop Lane, questioned why the road right-of-way is not being taken
from just one side of the street to preserve yards, whether it will be posted no parking, and if there is
sufficient fire access. Montgomery stated that the street is proposed to be accessed on both sides
so that all property owners on Hilltop Lane share in the costs. He stated that there are no plans to
post Hilltop Lane no parking, as there are only three homes. He stated that fire and emergency
access will be assured.
Several other residents spoke regarding driveway replacement, mailbox access, and tree
preservation.
Bob Schommer, 1323 West 1 th Street, asked how information will be distributed to the
homeowners. Montgomery stated that the City tries to distribute newsletters once every two weeks
to keep property owners informed on the construction progress. He stated that, if approved, the
project is estimated to start in early June.
Jerry Bambenek, 1306 West 21st Street, stated opposition to narrowing Westeview Drive.
Mark Johnson, 1111 15th Street, questioned the width of Zweber Lane and drainage issues.
Lester Fair, 40 Valley Lane, questioned the width of the street.
Hearing no further comments, Mayor Werner closed the public hearing at 7:49 p.m.
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 4, 2005
Page 3 of 6
Resolution-Project 2005-1: Dakota Hills Improvements
Moved by Councilmember Hicks, seconded by Councilmember Schultz to order the
improvements, with the following amendments;
. Eliminate the proposed sidewalk on 22nd and 23rd Streets;
. 22nd and 23rd Streets remain at 36 feet wide;
. Eliminate any proposed cul-de-sac islands from the project;
. Valley Lane remain at 32 feet wide;
. Valley Lane be rebuilt at existing alignment, provided all appropriate easements are
obtained.
Moved by Councilmember Riveness, seconded by Mayor Werner to adjust the resolution to
construct a concrete trail in the boulevard across the frontage of the properties of 1803 Westview
Drive and 1901 Hilltop Lane, and to provide the same option for the property owners of 2071
Westview Drive, 2219 Westview Drive, and 2231 Westview Drive.
6 Ayes; Nays, none.
Copy of resolution on file.
Public Hearing-2005 Street & Utility Reconstruction Program
Project 2005-2: Zweber Lane
Mayor Werner opened the public hearing at 7:59 p.m.
Public Works Director Montgomery gave a brief overview proposed project 2005-2: Zweber
Lane. Montgomery stated that Project 2005-2: Zweber Lane is estimated to cost $308,000, with
$69,000 to be assessed to property owners. He stated that staff has received a mixed reaction from
the property owners regarding the proposed street narrowing.
Mark Curr, 1133 Zweber Lane, questioned the amount of the proposed assessment and
stated support for the 32 foot width. Montgomery stated that assessments for cul-de-sac property
are based on lot size to help assure equity.
There was discussion of whether the property owners should pay the increased costs
associated with retaining the wider width of the streets.
Hearing no further comments, Mayor Werner closed the public hearing at 8:14 p.m.
Resolution-Project 2005-2: Zweber Lane Improvements
Moved by Councilmember Moratzka, seconded by Councilmember Riveness to order the
improvements as proposed, with the elimination of the cul-de-sac islands.
6 Ayes; Nays, none.
Copy of resolution on file.
Resolution-Approve No Parking on East side of Westview Drive Between 15th Street and
Southview Drive
Moved by Councilmember Moratzka, seconded by Councilmember Schultz to approve the
resolution as presented.
6 Ayes; Nays, none.
Copy of resolution on file.
Public Hearing-Ordinance Amendment #2005-18: DC Zoning District Uses
Mayor Werner opened the public hearing at 8:29 p.m.
Planning Director Hinzman stated that tlJlvO changes are proposed:
. Modify the existing special use permit provision limiting residential units to 50% of
the first floor. Add language to require conformance to the Design Guidelines for
Original Hastings to determine building uses per floor within the DC District; and
. Modify building height language to allow building to be either 47 feet tall or 756.5 feet
(height of the Finch Building). This change is consistent with a concurrent change to
the Shoreland Ordinance.
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 4, 2005
Page 4 of6
Hinzman stated that the Planning Commission \Oted 6-0 to recommend these changes.
Hearing no further comments, Mayor Werner closed the public hearing at 8:24 p.m.
Second Reading/Ordinance Amendment-Ordinance Amendment #2005-18: DC Zoning
District Uses
Mayor Werner questioned, if this change is approved, what would prevent 50% residential
being put along 2nd Street where there is currently retail. He also stated that he did not feel it
complies with the Heart of Hastings plan and wants some protection to retain retail along 2nd Street.
There was discussion over the amount of retail available on the ground level.
Robert Abdo, the developer for Three Rivers Place, who has a preliminary plat, site plan, and
SUP request for Phase I of Block 2 redevelopment on the agenda, stated support forthe ordinance
amendment and stated that the proposed use of residential is on the north side of Block 2, facing
the river. Retail is being proposed for along 2nd Street as part of the Phase II development.
Councilmember Hicks stated that he felt that the ordinance amendment is consistent with the
Heart of Hastings plan. He also stated that if the ordinance amendment is approved by the Council,
anyone requesting more than 50% residential on the ground level is still required to obtain a special
use permit.
Moved by Councilmember Moratzka, seconded by Councilmember Alongi to approve the
ordinance amendment regarding the maximum height of buildings downtown. The issue regarding
residential use on the ground level was referred to the Planning Committee for further discussion.
5 Ayes; Nays, one. Councilmember Hicks voting against.
Copy of ordinance on file.
Public Hearing-Shoreland Ordinance Amendment #2005-17: Downtown Hastings
Mayor Werner opened the public hearing at 9: 17 p.m.
Planning Director Hinzman stated that this amendment is being proposed to ensure that
redevelopment projects downtown are consistent with the Heart of Hastings plan. Hinzman stated
that the Planning Commission voted 6-0 to recommend these changes.
Hearing no further comments, Mayor Werner closed the public hearing at 9:19 p.m.
Second Reading/Ordinance Amendment- Shoreland Ordinance Amendment #2005-17:
Downtown Hastings
Moved by Councilmember Moratzka, seconded by Councilmember Hicks to approve the
ordinance amendments as proposed, and for staff to send the changes to developers as notification
of the changes.
6 Ayes; Nays, none.
Copy of ordinance on file.
Resolutions-Preliminary Plat/Site Plan/SUP #2005-07: Three Rivers Place, Phase 1 at Block
2 Downtown
Planning Director Hinzman stated that because the ordinance regarding residential use on
the ground level was not approved, no action can be taken on the site plan or special use permit
requests.
Moved by Councilmember Alongi, seconded by Councilmember Riveness to approve the
preliminary plat with the condition that it is contingent upon site plan applDval.
6 Ayes; Nays, none.
Copy of resolution on file.
Moved by Councilmember Alongi, seconded by Councilmember Schultz to table the request
for special use permit.
6 Ayes; Nays, none.
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 4, 2005
Page 5 of 6
Moved by Councilmember Alongi, seconded by Councilmember Moratzka to approve the
request for a shoreland special use permit, upon publication of the recent shoreland ordinance
amendments.
6 Ayes; Nays, none.
Moved by Councilmember Riveness, seconded by Councilmember Alongi to table the site
plan.
6 Ayes; Nays, none.
Moved by Council member Alongi, seconded by Councilmember Schultz to extend the site
plan approval by an additional 60 days.
6 Ayes; Nays, none.
Easement Fencing and Landscaping Policy
Public Works Director Montgomery outlined the recommended policy.
Moved by Council member Schultz, seconded by Council member Moratzka to approve the
policy as presented.
6 Ayes; Nays, none.
Variance #2005-16: Architectural Standards at Hastings Ford (3625 Vermillion Street)
Planning Director Hinzman stated that Hastings Ford is requesting placement of a 40' x 60'
metal pole building which does not meet the architectural standards ordinance. Additionally, the
request is to locate the building in a proposed future right-of-way along the east property line.
Hinzman stated that the Planning Commission recommended to deny the variance. Staff
has met with the applicant to address some aesthetic concerns with the proposed building. The
applicant has modified the request to add a stucco finish over metal with a brick wainscoting on the
south wall of the structure, and will heavily landscape the east and north sides of the building for a
buffer to the adjacent neighborhood. The plantings would be identified as part of the site plan
process.
Councilmember Moratzka stated that she would like to see the issue of whether the road
right-of-way is needed to be resolved. She stated support of the revised building plans if the
building is moved to the west of the property, outside of the proposed right-of-way.
Doug Erickson, the applicant, stated that he is not opposed to moving the building but that
he would request resolution of the right-of-way issue.
Public Works Director Montgomery stated that the City has identified the proposed right-of-
way for future development, but does not oWl the right-of-way.
Council member Hicks stated opposition to the pole barn, but stated that he won't block
approval, as the variance will need 6 votes to be approved.
Moved by Council member Riveness, seconded by Councilmember Alongi to approve the
variance on the condition that the building be moved out of the proposed right-of way and the issue
of the right-of-way to be referred to the Planning Committee for resolution.
6 Ayes; Nays, none.
Comments From the Audience
Pam Holzem, 114 2nd Street East, requested that the City Council treat all developers
working downtown the same way.
Ron Craft, 216 2nd Street East, stated that more parking is needed downtown.
Rich Myklebust, 1336 Eagle Bluff Drive, requested a copy of the easement landscaping and
fencing policy.
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 4, 2005
Page 6 of6
Adjournment
Moved by Councilmember Hicks; seconded by Council member Alongi to adjourn the meeting
at 10:12 p.m.
6 Ayes; Nays, None.
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ATTES~.tvL
City Clerk
Mayor