SUNFISH LAKE CITY COUNCIL MEETING – MAY 1, 2018

7:00 P.M. - ST. ANNE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Attendants:

Mayor: Richard Williams

Councilmembers: Mike Hovey, JoAnne Wahlstrom, Steven Bulach and Daniel O’Leary

City Attorney: Tim Kuntz

City Planner: Ryan Grittman

City Engineers: Don Sterna and Jeff Sandberg

City Treasurer: Ann Lanoue

Building Inspector: Mike Andrejka
City Forester: Jim Nayes
Police Chief: Manila Shaver

Fire Chief: Dave Dreelan

City Clerk: Cathy Iago

and Members of the General Public.

1. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Williams opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m.

2. APPROVE AGENDA: Mayor Williams asked if there were any additions or corrections to the agenda and there was no response.

Councilmember Wahlstrom moved to adopt the agenda as presented, seconded by Councilmember Bulach and carried. (5-0)

3. CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor Williams asked if there were any questions or comments relating to any items on the Consent Agenda.

Councilmember O’Leary referred to page 3, paragraph of the April 3, 2018 minutes and stated that the amount of the quote from Advantage Signs appears to be incorrect, since the amount shown at “419,911” would be substantially higher than the other quote received. He advised there were some other minor typing errors he found and he would provide those to the Clerk for correction.

Engineer Sandberg agreed and stated the correct amount was $19,911 and Clerk Iago indicated that she probably didn’t press the “shift” key for the dollar sign.

Mayor Williams asked if there were any other questions or comments and there was no response.

Councilmember Wahlstrom moved approval of the Consent Agenda with corrections to the April 3, 2018 Council minutes as presented, seconded by Councilmember Bulach and carried. (5-0)

a. Regular Council Meeting Minutes of April 3, 2018

b. List of Bills

c. Monthly Financials

4. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: The Mayor asked if there were any comments from the public and there was no response.

5. PUBLIC HEARING/PRESENTATIONS: None.

6. PLANNING COMMISSION/PLANNER’S REPORT: a. Planner’s Report: Planner Grittman reviewed the following information listed in his report dated April 25, 2018. He stated that the April Planning Commission meeting was cancelled due to lack of agenda items and the there are two applications for review at the May Planning meeting:

1. A Major Site and Building Plan Review for a home addition and a Variance from Shoreland and Side Yard Setbacks at 250 Delaware Avenue; and,

2. A Setback Variance for a New Septic System at 8 Wood Duck Pass

The Planner stated these two applications would be presented to Council at their June 5, 2018 meeting.

Planner Grittman explained that he had reviewed three (3) Comprehensive Plan Amendments from the City of Eagan:

1. Proposed Rezoning of a 7.86-acre parcel from Business Park to High Density Residential for SouthView Senior Living facility. The rezoning would allow construction of a 176-unit senior housing complex at the corner of Yankee Doodle Road an Lexington Avenue and the proposal may include a Planning Unit Development (PUD) as part of the approval.

2. Proposed Rezoning of a 2.19-acre parcel from an Office use to High Density Multi-Family. The site contains an old office building and the proposal is for an 89-unit complex at the corner of Cliff Drive and Nicols Road.

3. The City of Eagan and Dakota County are in the process of acquiring additional right-of-way at the corner of Lexington Avenue and Lone Oak Road and, as a result, the single-family homes at this location are being demolished and redeveloped. The proposal from MWF Properties would be to rezone the space to high density residential for a 50-unit apartment complex.

The Planner explained that staff had signed off on the three (3) projects with no objections.

Planner Grittman explained that he sent a letter to 331 Salem Church Road regarding Council direction that the property owner must adhere to the conditions of approval that required the new addition to the home must be painted the same color as the existing home or that the entire home must be painted the same color. He stated the letter was sent April 23, 2018 and the property owners was given a completion deadline of June 15, 2018.

Mayor Williams advised that he was contacted by a resident with a complaint regarding the Tostrud property at 3 Sunfish Lane and the fact that Kevin, the gentleman who used to operate Kev’s Corner, was using the property. He indicated that the property owner had granted this gentleman permission to be on their property.

Planner Grittman explained that staff was aware of this issue and had discussed this matter at the staff meeting earlier this evening.

Council thanked the Planner for his report.

7. STAFF REPORTS: a. BUILDING INSPECTOR: Inspector Andrejka stated that he issued eight (8) permits and did not close any permits in April, 2018.

Council thanked the Inspector for his report.

b. CITY ENGINEER: Engineering Activities Undertaken in April: A. Charlton Road Improvements Update: Engineer Sandberg stated that Engineer Sterna would review this item later on the agenda.

B. Fire Number Review: The Engineer explained that Fire Chief Dreelan and Police Chief Shaver were present to discuss possible grants and to respond to questions relating to replacement of Fire Numbers in the City. He stated that this item could be discussed at this time or later on the agenda. He stated that he included an email from Chief Shaver in his report with information on possible grant applications.

Council concurred to discuss the item at this time.

Chief Shaver explained that he had researched possible grants for the installation/replacement of fire numbers. He stated that the insurance companies he contracted advised him the fire number did not fall within the parameters of the grants they offered. He reviewed the information on All-Hazard Mitigations Funds through FEMA and HSEM Non-profit Security Grants. He pointed out that one of the major issues in support of the grant would be the fact that the City is heavily wooded and a large fire would be detrimental to properties within the City, thus it would be important to have the numbers visible for emergency vehicles

The Police Chief advised that he wouldn’t be able to apply for the grants for approximately 40 days and that the funding would probably not be available until fall. He suggested that Council ask the Fire Chief if it would be more beneficial to have the two-sided signs that cost more money.

Mayor Williams asked the Fire Chief if he preferred the installation of two-sided fire numbers for better visibility.

Fire Chief Dreelan stated that there are certain areas of the City where emergency vehicles may responded from different directions and the two-sided numbers would be preferable in those areas. However, he advised that on “feeder” streets that have several driveways accessing them, it may not be necessary to have two-sided numbers since the vehicles are coming from only one direction. He commented that it couldn’t hurt to have the two-sided numbers.

Mayor Williams explained that there would be a significant cost increase if all the numbers are two-sided and asked if staff could identify roadways where the two-sided number installation would be more beneficial.

Fire Chief Dreelan agreed that staff could identify the areas where two-sided numbers would be better since emergency vehicles would be responding from different directions.

Engineer Sandberg offered to work with staff to identify the areas where the two-sided numbers would be beneficial. He stated that he would contact the low bidder to confirm the prices and to insure the information was the same as he requested. He advised that the low bidder offered an up-charge to include galvanized posts for the signs which would increase the cost by $1,400. He also advised there would be time to review the matter since the grant applications are delayed.

Councilmember O’Leary asked if it was more work to determine where the two-sided signs should be installed and the Engineer responded that it would not be that difficult to identify those roads.

Councilmember O’Leary moved to table this item so that staff could identify the roads where two-sided fire number signs would be appropriate and to obtain a revised cost estimate to complete the project, seconded by Councilmember Wahlstrom and carried (5-0)

C. 2019-2023 CIP Update: Engineer Sandberg stated he was working on the CIP update and would present the draft document at a future meeting.

D. 8 Wood Duck Pass Septic System Variance Request: The Engineer explained he was working with the applicant and the septic designer regarding options for a replacement septic system. This matter is scheduled for review by the Planning Commission at the May meeting and presented to Council at a future meeting.

E. Address Change for TH 110 Renaming: Engineer Sandberg stated he worked with MnDOT and Dakota County to initiate an address change for the Schroeder residence at 240 Highway 110. He advised that he sent a letter to Mr. Schroeder regarding the address change to 240 Highway 62 which would take place on July 1, 2018. A copy of the letter was attached to the Engineer’s report.

F Update on Request for MnDOT to Address Sight Distance Issue on TH 110: Engineer Sandberg stated that he received an email from Jon Solberg, South Area Manage for MnDOT, which stated that MnDOT does not have any improvements programmed through 2023. He explained that the email stated that MnDOT found the intersections does not have crash rates at the same level as other intersections and that they are also waiting for funding. He explained that MnDOT is aware of the deficiency and, with Council permission, they offered to work with Sunfish Lake and Inver Grove Heights to plan for alternative access for existing homes and undeveloped land west of TH 3. He noted that Mr. Solberg indicated alternatives accesses are a better solution since improvements at the current location would be difficult to build due to the close proximity of the wetland.

Mayor Williams asked if the intersection was within the standards for site lines.

Engineer Sandberg noted that MnDOT stated they are aware of deficiencies at the intersection so it probably does not meet the standards. He stated he would work with MnDOT and the Inver Grove Heights City Engineer to review other access options if Council directs him to do so.

Council concurred that the Engineer be directed to work with MnDOT and Inver Grove Heights staff on access options.

Engineer Sandberg explained that he also received an email from Mr. Solberg regarding improvement work that is planned for I-494 from mid-May through June; he noted the work would be done at night and should not hamper traffic.

G. 5865 South Robert Trail: The Engineer explained he sent a letter to the property owner at 5865 South Robert Trail that outlined issues on the property that he found to be out of compliance with Council approval of construction of the new home on the property. He stated he met with Mr. Birch to discuss options and/or compromises to bring the property into compliance with the approval. He advised that Mr. Birch was not satisfied with the compromise offered and asked to speak to Council regarding this matter.

Brian Birch, 5865 South Robert Trail, was present and explained that the Engineer’s letter was incorrect and that one of the BIOR’s was only moved further east of the walkway and that he took photos which show that one of the retaining walls was only slightly over 4 ft. He advised that he reviewed the retaining wall height regulations for neighboring cities and found that one city allowed retaining walls up to 10 ft. high. He also noted that some of his neighbors have retaining walls that are 5 or 6 ft. high. He stated that in his opinion the City should not be involved in the installation of boulder retaining walls since it could set them up for liability issues.

Mr. Birch advised that the City Engineer mentioned that a trench was not installed on the property, however, he explained that he had a trench installed and that the material he placed on the walkway is not impervious and allows water to move through it.

Mayor Williams asked what type of material was installed on the walkway.

Mr. Birch explained it was a fiberglass material that you can see through and distributed photos of the walkway surface.

Engineer Sandberg explained that the main issue relates to the fact that the plans approved for the home construction did not show any retaining walls over 3 ft. in height. He advised that as a compromise he asked Mr. Birch to have a certified engineer provide a letter regarding the safety of the retaining walls that were installed.

Councilmember O’Leary pointed out that when Council approves a plan it is the homeowner’s responsibility to adhere to the plan and he asked why Mr. Birch did not follow the approved plan.

Mr. Birch explained that he fired the contractor during construction and proceed to finish the project on his own.

Mayor Williams pointed out that when the applicants do not adhere to the plan, it raises liability issues for the City if a problem occurs. He commented that he does not favor forgiveness after the fact when a residents does not follow the plan as approved.

Councilmember O’Leary pointed out that if Council allows the walls to remain it could raise precedent issues in the future. He explained that the City Engineer offered the option to have a landscape engineer certify the installation of the retaining wall.

Mr. Birch stated that there is no possible way for a professional engineer to verify the installation.

Mayor Williams pointed out that if the safety of the wall cannot be verified, it should be removed.

Councilmember O’Leary explained that he had reviewed the property over the weekend and had taken a large bucket of water to pour in the existing trench. He found that the drainage worked well and asked if Mr. Birch needs to add another trench on the property.

Engineer Sandberg explained that bio-retention basins were shown on the approved plan and that Mr. Birch added more impervious surface on the property that was not part of the approved plan. He stated that he offered the trench on the side of the brick installation as a compromise.

Councilmember O’Leary noted there is an existing tree west of the home that questioned if it would be damaged.

Engineer Sandberg stated that the tree should not be disturbed. He noted that the bio-retention basin was not installed as approved in the plan and that a turn-around was added to the property. He indicated that no bio-retention basin is necessary on the other side of the property. He referred to the letter he sent to Mr. Birch dated February 7, 2016 and explained that he requested Mr. Birch to remove the unapproved work or to provide the three items as listed in his report:

- Submit an as built survey of the property

- Provide a new site plan for review to include the additional impervious area that was constructed above and

beyond the original plan as well as the proposed patio noted on the east side of the home for City review

- Provide infiltration basins to meet the required rate and water quality requirements of the City and an

updated stormwater management plan

Council concurred with the Engineer’s compromise recommendations as outlined and that a letter from a certified landscape engineer regarding the safety of the retaining wall construction should also be provided.

Mr. Birch pointed out that some errors were made on the property survey he originally obtained and the driveway as shown on the survey was not over the lot line; he noted that the contractor could be sued for copy write infringement.

Mayor Williams summarized that the new walls were not to exceed 3 ft. in height and that it appears the impervious surface for parking is not an issue. He stated that the copy write infringement is a personal issue and does not involve the City.

Council concurred that Mr. Birch should work with the City Engineer to resolve these issues and that no Council action is required at this time.

Mr. Birch thanked the Council for their time.

2. Building and Site Reviews in the Month of April: The Engineer stated he completed a building and site review for 2570 Delaware Avenue for removal and replacing the garage, expanding a guest room and adding additional outdoor patio/entertainment space. He stated his comments were addressed and forwarded to the Planning Commission.

3 Public Works Activities Undertaken in the Month of April: A. Snow Plowing for April: Engineer Sandberg stated that the contractor had not submitted an invoice for April, however, the expenditures through March are within the budgeted amount and could remain within budget through April.

The Engineer explained that he received an email from Councilmember Bulach regarding the deteriorating road conditions on Grieve Glen Lane. He explained that Council approved funding for the road inventory in February and that his staff will be starting the project soon. He stated he would ask them to begin with Grieve Glen. He further explained that he completed an inventory on pothole repairs and that Charlton Road was in rough shape so he would ask the contractor to grade the road.

4. Anticipated Public Works Activities for the Month of May: A. Spring Load Limits: Engineer Sandberg stated that the spring load limits were removed by the City Forester.

Mayor Williams asked staff if the snow plowing would remain within the budgeted amount after the last big snow event.

Treasurer Lanoue explained that the year-to-date amount spent was $16,695 without the last two (2) snow events; she indicated that the costs may be slightly over budget.

Councilmember Bulach stated he talked with a property owner on Grieve Glen regarding the road conditions and asked if he could tell them the Engineer would be coming next week to assess the road and/or make some minor repairs. He commented that this person has an event coming in early summer and asked if some repairs could be done within the next month or so.

Engineer Sandberg explained that a contractor could patch the pothole at the street entrance, but the entire road could not be repaired prior to the event.

Council thanked the Engineer for his report.

c. CITY FORESTER: Forester Nayes referred to his report dated April 26, 2018 and stated no burning permits were issued in April. He noted that that due to the dry grass and leaves, open burning could be hazardous so he does not expect to issue any permits for approximately one month. He stated he found no noticeable tree damage and that the lakes are now ice free.

The Forester advised that the Arbor Day Green Fair newsletter was mailed last week and the event is scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, at the corner of Windy Hill and Salem Church Roads.

Forester Nayes explained the organization meeting of the “Welcome to Sunfish Lake” committee was held on Wednesday, April 11, at the West. St. Paul Library and was well attended. He advised Shari Hansen is leading the committee and the next meeting is scheduled on Tuesday, May 22 at 7 p.m. at the WSP library. He stated everyone is welcome to attend.

The Forester stated the Tree Board met on Saturday, April 21, at the Community Room at the Heartland Credit Union.

Council thanked the Forester for his report.

d. PUBLIC SAFETY: Police Chief Shaver reviewed his report dated April 27, 2018 and advised there were seven (7) false alarms this month, which brings the total to 10 for the year. He also explained that was a theft from a mailbox on Salem Church Road and he encouraged residents to bring their mail to the post office rather than place it in their mailbox, especially along high traffic roads. He noted that there were five (5) suspicious person calls and complimented residents for being alert and calling the police when they see a suspicious vehicle in their neighborhood.

The Police Chief explained also advised that there had been trash dumped within the City at an undisclosed location and that officers would patrol the area in an attempt to catch the culprit. He offered to respond to questions.

Council thanked the Chief for his report.

Councilmember Bulach asked the City Engineer if Grieve Glen Lane could be placed first on the annual Street Sweeping schedule and the Engineer stated he would ask the contractor to do so.

Chief Shaver pointed out that it is extremely dry and questioned if burning bans should be posted in the City.

Councilmember O’Leary asked if there were any outstanding burning permits at this time.

Forester Nayes explained that the burning permits are issued for one-year and that there may be some that are still valid at this time. However, he noted that when the permit is issued, he provides detailed safety instructions to residents on the burning process. He suggested that a notice could be placed on the City website advising residents of the dry conditions and the need to delay burning.

e. FIRE CHIEF: Fire Chief Dreelan stated that he was initially in attendance to discuss the installation of the new fire numbers, however, he explained that there have been several changes in the organization of the Mendota Heights Fire Department during the last year. He advised that in 2015 the City of Mendota Heights had hired an architectural firm to study and assess the needs of the current fire station and their report noted several inefficiencies, such as: the apparatus bay is over-crowded, some equipment is over 30 years old, the lack of training space, there are no accommodations for the EMT’s, and that the building does not meet some health and safety standards.

The Fire Chief advised that the architectural firm identified some solutions which ranged from cosmetic fixes to complete tear down and rebuilding of the station. He explained that the Mendota Heights Council had been working with the architectural firm to find what solution works best within the budget and it was determined that the current location of the building works well and that an addition and remodeling would be most cost effective.

Fire Chief Dreelan stated that because this matter would be presented to the Mendota Heights Council in June this year, he preferred to advise Sunfish Lake in person rather than from social media or news reports.

The Fire Chief explained that the remodel and addition could happen without any disruption of service to Sunfish Lake and indicated that it may be possible to conduct a joint City Council and staff workshop in the future if the project is authorized.

Treasurer Lanoue asked what the expense ramifications would be for Sunfish Lake in the future.

Fire Chief Dreelan explained that the contract with Mendota Heights and Sunfish Lake contains a formula to calculate the cost of service, however, he noted that the current formula contains depreciation scale that could change. He commented that the original contract projected the depreciation for 50 years, which would end in 2040, but the current building would not last that long. He stated he was unable to give the Treasurer an answer to the cost impact at this time.

Treasurer Lanoue pointed out that Sunfish Lake would be discussing the budget for 2019 in August of this year and that she would prefer to have the cost estimate prior to the budget discussions. She noted that the preliminary City budget must be sent to Dakota County in September each year. She commented that the Fire Service billing for 2018 was increased after Mendota Heights sent the preliminary budget figures in 2017.

Mayor Williams asked if the Fire Chief saw any potential traffic issues for the Fire Station being on Dodd Road and TH 110 with the new Vikings Training Center in operation in the City of Eagan.

Fire Chief Dreelan explained that emergency vehicles would not have a problem navigating access onto Dodd Road with the signal light equipment on those vehicles, however, it may be difficult for the volunteer fire-fighters to get to the station. He explained that the new building design allows operation of the Opticon signal equipment from the building for better access and traffic flow for emergency vehicles.

Council thanked the Fire Chief for his report.

8. NEW/OTHER BUSINESS: a. Discuss Grants for Installation of Fire Numbers: Mayor Williams stated this item was discussed earlier on the agenda.

b. Consider Resolution Receiving the Feasibility Report of the Consulting Engineer and Calling for a Public Improvement Hearing Concerning City Project No. 2018-01 (Charlton Road Improvements) and City Project No. 2018-02 (Sunfish Lake Outlet Improvements): Attorney Kuntz referred to his memorandum dated April 25, 2018 and reviewed the background information listed in his report. He explained that at their April 3, 3018 meeting, Council received and discussed the feasibility report for the Charlton Road and Sunfish Lake Outlet improvements and concurred that Option 3 identified in the April 3, 2018 Feasibility Report would be the chosen option for the Charlton Road Improvement Project No. 2018-01. He explained the project would include reconstruction of the entire length of Charlton Road to Delaware Avenue and softening of the 90-degree curve. He stated that Council directed the City Engineer to proceed with finalizing the feasibility report with Option 3 as listed-above and to include the Sunfish Lake Outlet Improvements. He noted that Council did not choose to include the water line improvements at the south end of the road or the extension of the watermain under Highway 110 and the Council did not select any project alternates.

The Attorney advised that if Council does not concur with the scope of the projects as above-identified, they should make any changes at this time and if they do concur with the scope of the project as outlined, they should adopt the proposed resolution as attached to the City Attorney’s report.

Engineer Sterna reported that of the twenty-nine (29) easements that would be required to complete the project, it was his opinion that the City would have prescriptive rights on 15 of the properties. He explained that he had received four (4) signed easement documents and that five (5) residents had agreed to sign the easement documents with some minor modifications that would not affect the project design. He pointed out that it may be difficult for the City to obtain easements on the Dobrantz parcel until the property is sold and/or subdivided, however, the City would use the current prescriptive rights to complete the improvements near this parcel.

Engineer Sterna explained that the properties at the south end of the road expressed their unwillingness to provide the necessary easements to the City. He noted these parcels have privately owned sewer and water lines that are installed under Charlton Road and the City attempted to negotiate moving these utilities in exchange for providing the easements. He pointed out that the scope of the project had been modified in this area since the City was unable to obtain easements from the property owners, however, there is one parcel where the easements are necessary and that the City may have to proceed with condemnation to obtain the easement.

The Engineer explained that the condemnation process I could be costly, takes a substantial amount of time to complete and would increase the cost for the assessments on the project.

Engineer Sterna stated that he recommends the City proceed with Option 3, as outlined by the City Attorney and that the estimated cost for Option 3 would be $841,000, with a proposed cost share responsibility of 60% the City and 40% the landowner with an assessment to each affected landowner of $10,851.61 per unit. He further advised that Council concurred that the Sunfish Lake Outlet Improvements Project No. 2018-02 be included with an estimate cost of $41,000, which the amount of $1,242.42 per unit assessed 100% per the affected landowners. He stated that the improvements to the Sunfish Lake outlet would improve the discharge rate and eliminate the excessive costs to maintain the outlet. He noted that there are only a few properties on Charlton Road that would be assessed for both the road and the outlet improvements.

The Engineer explained that the proposed resolution also calls for two (2) public hearings to be held at the June 5 Council meeting, one for the road improvements and one for the outlet improvements. He indicated that after the public hearings it may be possible to begin condemnation proceedings or to continue negotiations for the easement necessary at the south end of the road.

Mayor Williams asked if the City would be indicating that they are going to proceed with the condemnation process by adopting the feasibility report.

Engineer Sterna responded no and explained that he would continue with negotiations to obtain the easement that is necessary, however, if no agreement is reached, he would recommend beginning the condemnation process and delaying the project until 2019.

Councilmember O’Leary asked if the Council takes action to move to the public hearing on the project could the City give notice that condemnation will be pursued.

Attorney Kuntz explained that prior to sending notice of the condemnation, the City must prepare an appraisal of the easement to be taken and advise the owner that they must also obtain their own appraisal.

Engineer Sterna pointed out that the property owner may find that it would be more beneficial to grant the City the easement than to pay the legal fees associated with the condemnation process.

Engineer Sandberg asked if there is a date where it would not be feasible to proceed with the project in 2018 if the City undertakes condemnation proceedings.

Engineer Sterna explained that if no agreement can be reached with the property owner byr July of this year it would be difficult to complete the project in 2018.

Mayor Williams asked if there was any further discussion and there was no response.

Councilmember O’Leary moved to adopt Resolution No. 18-07 titled, A RESOLUTION Receiving the Feasibility Report of the Consulting Engineer and Calling FOR A Public Improvement Hearing Concerning City Project No. 2018-01 (Charlton Road Improvements) and City Project No. 2018-02 (Sunfish Lake Outlet Improvements) per the City Engineer recommendation for Option 3 for the Charlton Road Improvements, seconded by Councilmember Wahlstrom.

The Mayor asked if there were any questions or discussion and, hearing none called the question.

Motion carried. (5-0)

Engineer Sterna recommended that it would be appropriate for Council to authorize staff to act quickly to get information on possible appraisers for the necessary easement in order to have that information available at the public hearing in June.

Attorney Kuntz agreed and noted that staff had identified two or three appraisers that could complete the task. He suggested that Council could take action to authorize staff to obtain an appraisal for the easement necessary on the Norton property so that information is available at the June meeting.

Mayor Williams asked if there were any questions or comments and there was no response.

Councilmember O’Leary moved to direct the City Engineer and City Attorney to obtain an appraisal for the easement on the Norton property that is necessary to complete the Charlton Road improvement project so that Council may move expediently to proceed to condemnation if easement negotiations are unsuccessful, seconded by Councilmember Bulach and carried. (5-0)

Attorney Kuntz explained that after Council receives input from property owners at the two public hearings held in June, they could direct the City Engineer to prepare the Final Plans and Specifications for the two projects. He discussed possible options for letting bids for the project this year or waiting until early next year which may result in a lower bid from contractors who are eager to being projects next spring. He pointed out that Council should be prepared to make a decision at the June meeting as to whether or not the City should attempt to order the project in 2018 or 2019

There was discussion regarding how the condemnation process works and the time-frame to complete the process and whether or not the project should be partially done in 2018 or delayed until 2019.

Councilmember O’Leary asked for the Engineer Sterna’s opinion if it would be possible to complete the project in 2018.

Engineer Sterna explained that the City could proceed with letting the bids for the project in the hope that the easement negotiations are successful. He pointed out that the City also has the option to reject all the bids if they are higher than anticipated and could re-bid the project in January or February of 2019. He suggested that he could include two (2) alternate bids for 2018 and 2019 for the project in the Final Plans and Specifications.

The Mayor asked if there were any further comments and there was no response.

d. Other: Miscellaneous: Clerk Iago asked if everyone would be present for the July 3 Council meeting to insure a quorum would be present. She stated she would be out-of-town for the July meeting and that Attorney Kuntz had agreed to record the minutes in her absence.

Mayor Williams explained that his home in Sunfish Lake is for sale and that he had received a contingent offer that included a June, 2018 closing date. He stated he was unsure at this time if he would be able to serve his entire term which expires December 31, 2018 and that it may require Council to appoint one of the current Councilmembers to fill his unexpired term.

The Mayor asked if there was any further business and there was no response.

9. ADJOURN: Councilmember O’Leary moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m. seconded by Councilmember Bulach and carried (5 -0)


____________________________ ________________________________

Catherine Iago, City Clerk Richard A. Williams, Jr., Mayor