SUNFISH LAKE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

MARCH 3, 2015

7:00 P.M.

Attendants:

Mayor: Molly Park

Councilmembers: Mike Hovey, Cathy DeCourcy, and JoAnne Wahlstrom

City Attorney: Tim Kuntz

City Planner: Michelle Barness

Engineer: Don Sterna

City Treasurer: Ann Lanoue

Interim Building Inspector: Mike Andrejka
Police Chief: Manila Shaver

City Clerk: Cathy Iago

and Members of the General Public.

Councilmember Steven Bulach and City Forester Jim Nayes were absent.

1. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Park opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. and asked the City Clerk to give the Oath of Office to newly-elected Councilmember Wahlstrom.

Clerk Iago administered the Oath of Office to Councilmember Wahlstrom.

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

Councilmember Hovey moved to adopt the agenda, seconded by Councilmember Wahlstrom and carried. (4-0)

3. CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor Park asked if there were any questions or comments relating to any items on the Consent Agenda and there was no response.

Councilmember Wahlstrom moved approval of the Consent Agenda as presented, seconded by Councilmember DeCourcy and carried. (4-0)

a. Regular Council Meeting Minutes of February 10, 2015

b. List of Bills

c. Monthly Financials

4. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: The Mayor asked if there were any comments from the public.

Peter Molinaro, 2511 Angell Road, stated that the culvert installed last year on Angell Road appears to be settling and expressed concern that the culvert may collapse and damage the power line. He also advised that he had received phone calls from neighbors who expressed concern relating to the City designing trails and placing signs for public use of Harmon Park. He commented that he doesn’t recall the City establishing a Park Board to discuss these issues and that he is concerned improvement to the park would invite unwanted visitors. He noted that there are currently issues in the area with cars parking late at night with the lights off and that he has found discarded cases of beer and bottles in the area. He pointed out that one of the neighbors in the area recently had a burglary and someone broke into a vehicle in this area.

Mr. Molinaro explained that there are people who use the crosswalk from West St. Paul across Highway 110 and walk through his backyard thinking they are accessing the park. He stated it is hard enough to control or deter these people and if the City attempts to make the park more active it may attract more people. He noted that the lack of park regulations may also attract visitors and that the City does not have staff to supervise or control use of the park. He stated that he does not wish to chase away unknown persons or patrol the area. He commented that someone from South St. Paul uses the park to walk their dog and used very foul language when approached to question what they were doing in the park.

Mr. Molinaro stated he hoped Council won’t consider improvements to the trail in Harmon Park. He pointed out that the existing trail crosses the Arcedo’s driveway twice and that they had installed a street light on their property.
Councilmember Wahlstrom asked if there were any restrictions on the use of the parkland when it was donated to the City.

Attorney Kuntz stated he was unable to find any restrictions or dedication of the land for use only as open space or a wildlife preserve.

Councilmember DeCourcy stated that she had discussed this issue with Reuel Harmon prior to his death to ask that it be designated as a wildlife area, however, this was not accomplish before he died.

Engineer Sterna explained that he had reviewed the settling of the culvert that was installed last year and advised that there was a two-year warranty with the contractor for the work. He noted that he would have the contractor repair the culvert when the weather permits.

Mayor Park advised that the City Forester is out-of-town but that Mr. Molinaro and other residents could work with Chief Shaver regarding their concerns related to the park.

Chief Shaver offered to work with the residents.

Mayor Park asked if there were any further comments.

Dan Halverson, 37 Sunnyside Lane, stated he agrees with Mr. Molinaro’s concerns relating to Harmon Park. He questioned if the City could grandfather a clause that designates the park as a nature preserve.

Mr. Halverson explained that in his opinion Angell Road and Sunnyside Lane need to have a single system garbage collector in the area. He stated he was distributing a petition for the residents in this area to obtain their agreement to pursue a single hauler collection system.

Councilmember Hovey explained that the residents may agree to have the single hauler system, but they do not need Council approval.

Councilmember DeCourcy stated she would support the petition if the hauler could provide a smaller truck that would drive the length of her driveway to collect the garbage since it is difficult for her to bring the trash to the end of the driveway.

Mayor Park offered her appreciation for Mr. Halverson undertaking this task.

Mr. Halverson noted that the property at 25 Windy Hill Road contains piles of junk, stumps and rubbish and everyone surrounding the property has concerns regarding the debris.

Mayor Park asked the City Attorney what could be done to remedy the situation.

Attorney Kuntz explained that the City should review the site to determine if the debris poses a safety hazard such as combustible materials being stored on the property. He indicated that the City may have recourse to deal with the site if it is determined to be a nuisance. He stated that after the property is reviewed he could determine how to pursue clean-up of the site under the current City Code.

Chief Shaver advised that he could legally take photographs of the site.

Mr. Halverson stated that he took photos of the debris near his home and offered to provide those to Chief Shaver.

Mayor Park stated that the City had great success by contacting the Dobranz family to clean up their property and that may work with this property owner.

Mr. Halverson stated he had some questions relating to the Argenta Trail realignment.

Mayor Park explained that would be addressed later on the agenda and thanked Mr. Molinaro and Mr. Halverson for their comments. She asked if there were any further comments and there was no response.

5. PRESENTATION: a. Report from Jodie Miller, Executive Director, Northern Dakota County Cable Communications Commission (NDC4): Jodie Miller, Executive Director of NDC4, introduced Brian Grogan, NDC4 Legal Counsel and distributed an informational packet relating to the request from Comcast for transfer of the franchise. She explained that after hearing the presentation, Council would be asked to adopt two resolutions relating to the request for transfer of the franchise and to grant a 12-month extension of the current franchise. She stated that the Cable Commission unanimously approved the two draft resolutions on February 4 and recommend that each of the seven (7) NDC4 Member Cities also approve the two resolutions. She explained that the Cable Commission included conditions in the transfer resolution that serve to protect the cities, residents and subscribers and also provide the ability to complete the franchise renewal negotiations over the next 12 months. She noted that the Cable Commission does take complaints from users and any complaints should be referred to NDC4 since staff wishes to document them. She further noted that the franchise is not exclusive and the possibility remains that another company such as CenturyLink could request a franchise agreement with the member cities.

Ms. Miller explained that she was scheduled to present this information to the Mendota Heights City Council so she may have to leave, but advised that Attorney Brian Grogan would present the information this evening.

Brian Grogan reviewed the presentation materials that described the proposed merger of Comcast and Time Warner Cable. He explained that federal approval would be required and discussed the fact that Comcast would be required to divest customers so they do not control more than 30 million cable subs. He stated that Comcast voluntarily offered to divest former customers in Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Alabama, and other states to a new company called Greatland Connections. He indicated that the Cable Commission and Council must assess the new company to determine if it was financially stable to assume the customers.

Mr. Grogan advised the negatives to this type of transaction relate to the fact that the new company has no experience or track record to determine their viability. He discussed the fact that the service personnel would be retained, but the other personnel may be contracted out. He also explained that subscribers may be able to keep their phone number and some equipment if the change occurs, but the Comcast email service would no longer be used and auto-bill payments would have to change. He advised that the financial issue relates to the fact that the new company would have borrow billions to start-up and this may increase rates for customers.

Mr. Grogan explained that the first resolution requesting a 12-month extension provides time for the Cable Commission to complete franchise renewal negotiations with Comcast or the new company if the merger is approved. Sometime later this year the Commission expects to be recommending a renewed franchise ordinance to all seven member cities. He commented that the transfer announcement came at the time the cities were attempting to renew the franchise agreement and that was the basis for requesting the 12-month extension.

Mr. Grogan pointed out that the second resolution approving the transfer is recommended by the Cable Commission. The Commission did participate in a joint financial review of the potential new operator, with other twin Cities communities, and while the financial report is not great, the burden on a city to produce enough findings of fact to deny such a merger is difficult. The Commission found that there would not be a great deal of control over the proposed merger based on the financial viability of Comcast to fight the merger. He noted that the Commission also determined that the cities do have the ability to impose conditions to protect the residents; such as the fact that any rate increase for service cannot be based on any costs to acquire or start-up the new company, and a condition that the costs for the financial and legal review would be fully reimbursed by Comcast or the new company. He stated that the Cable Commission strongly recommends that the member cities adopt the two resolutions. He offered to respond to questions.

Mayor Park thanked Mr. Grogan for the information. She noted that both Councilmember Wahlstrom, the Council representative to the Commission, and Jim Sullivan who served as the citizen representative for 20 years are present this evening and could also respond to questions.

Councilmember Hovey asked if Comcast would make arrangement to forward existing emails to customer.

Mr. Grogan responded yes but they had not committed to a time-frame. He noted that the federal approval could be denied and if that occurs, the resolution would be moot and the Commission has one year to negotiate franchise renewal with Comcast.

Councilmember Hovey questioned if a customer has a three-year contract if the rates would remain the same.
Mr. Grogan indicated that they would have to honor the agreement unless they do not have the same service or options; he explained they have the ability to modify the service but the price and terms could remain the same.

Mayor Park pointed out that in the past the franchise agreement was valid for 15-years, she asked how long the new franchise agreement would be in force.

Mr. Grogan explained that after the one year extension the Council could negotiate a 10 or 15 year contract.

Mayor Park questioned if the new company would be committed to community programming.

Mr. Grogan indicated that the contract currently requires that community programming be provided.

Mayor Park commented that Commission is asking Council to trust their hard work and recommendation and she asked which cities had approved the resolutions.

Mr. Grogan advised this was the most complicated transaction he has reviewed in the past 25 years and indicated that many cities believe they did not have much choice in the matter. He explained that the conditions were included to protect the residents. He stated that West St. Paul and South St. Paul had approved the resolutions, Mendota Heights would consider them this evening, and the remaining cities would review them next week. He also noted that 19 cities in the metro area have approved the resolutions.

Mr. Halverson asked why only Minnesota and Alabama were being split from Comcast. He also asked who owned Greatland.

Jodie Miller explained that the spin-off occurs in the Midwestern states because these states already had a stronger Charter presence. She explained that Charter Communications will be managing and perhaps someday acquiring these systems

Mr. Grogan indicated that Greatland is listed as a Fortune 500 Company.

Mr. Halverson asked for Councilmember Wahlstrom’s input and view of the proposal.

Councilmember Wahlstrom stated that she favored adopting the resolutions and extending the franchise for one-year to see what happens with the proposed merger. She commented that the company is so large, there do not appear to be other options for the cities.

Mr. Halverson asked the date for the FCC approval.

Mr. Grogan indicated that it should occur by the end of the first quarter or around May.

Mayor Park stated she would be attending the National League of Cities conference in Washington, D.C. and that she would discuss this matter while serving on the Telecommunications Committee. She noted that Jodie Miller is also very involved with her vast experience.

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

b. Resolution of the City of Sunfish Lake , Minnesota Granting Comcast of St Paul, Inc. a franchise extension to March 31, 2016: Mayor Park asked for Council action on the proposed resolution.

Councilmember DeCourcy moved to adopt Resolution No. 15-10 titled, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SUNFISH LAKE, MINNESOTA GRANTING COMCAST OF ST. PAUL, INC. A FRANCHISE EXTENSION TO MARCH 31, 2016, seconded by Councilmember Hovey and carried. (4-0)

c. Resolution Approving the Transfer of the Cable Franchise and Change of Control of the Grantee: Mayor Park asked for Council action on the proposed resolution.

Councilmember Hovey moved to adopt Resolution No. 15-11 titled RESOLUTION APPROVING THE TRANSFER OF THE CABLE FRANCHISE AND CHANGE OF CONTROL OF THE GRANTEE, seconded by Councilmember DeCourcy and carried. (4-0)

6. PLANNING COMMISSION/PLANNER’S REPORT: a. Report of Safety Lighting and Recreational Facilities: Planner Barness explained that the City Zoning Ordinance prohibits lighting of private recreational facilities including tennis courts, swimming pools, sport activity areas, and similar facilities. She advised that residents have been permitted to request the minimal safety lighting necessary to allow such recreational facilities to function at different times of the day. She noted that Council requested staff provide additional information on safety lighting and what is permitted as safety lighting.

The Planner referred to her report dated February 25, 2015 and reviewed the section of the Zoning Ordinance that lists the City’s goals with regards to the degree of exterior illumination permitted on a property. She noted that exterior lighting is discouraged with the exception of lighting necessary for safety purposes unless the lighting is fully screened from abutting properties. She stated that the lighting should be deflected away from adjoining properties, public right-of-ways and public waters and direct or sky reflected glare also may not be directed into an adjoining property or public waters. She also noted that the source of the lighting must be hooded or controlled and bare, incandescent light bulbs are not permitted in view of adjoining properties, public right-of-ways or public waters. She advised that illumination from lighting fixture may not exceed one foot candle at property lines, public streets, or the edge of public water.

Planner Barness explained that she discussed the issue with her fellow planners and reviewed zoning ordinances from several other metro communities. She noted that the metro communities she surveyed do not provide specific standards for safety type lighting. She explained that she also reviewed ordinances from smaller metro communities similar to Sunfish Lake and was likewise unable to identify safety lighting related standards in these communities. She noted that it appears that many communities do not differentiate lighting standards for recreational facilities from the lighting of residential properties in general.

The Planner explained that in the past Council has allowed control and low key lighting in swimming pool areas including below water lighting, LED step lights within walls or structures, low scale path lighting with concealed light sources subtle landscape lighting and lighting concealed in accessory structures. She noted that all of these lighting fixtures were low profile or concealed and were not anticipated to be visible to surrounding properties.

Planner Barness indicated that Council could discuss and provide guidance on the three issues listed in her report;

1) Does the City wish to prohibit all lighting for recreational facilities, including minimal safety type lighting to permit movement around the facilities at night; 2) If the City wishes to permit some degree of minimal safety lighting with recreational facilities, are the current standards sufficient to limit the design and appearance of the lighting for safety purposes; and, 3) If the City wishes to permit some degree of low profile safety lighting for recreational facilities in the future, but has concerns that the current general standards are not sufficient to limit the appearance of such lighting, what additional standards should be added.

Mayor Park asked if someone had made a request that prompted the review of the standards.

The Planner explained that Council approval of safety lighting is normally sought in conjunction with the planning application review. She pointed out that there are not a lot of requests.

Mayor Park commented that maybe other communities do not have strict regulations since the matter does not come up often. She suggested that it may be preferable not to change the ordinance and consider requests on a case-by-case basis.

Councilmember Wahlstrom questioned if the builder raised the issue of the pool lighting for safety purposes when the last major site and building application was considered by Council.

Planner Barness responded the question had come up during previous site plan reviews and she advised that she may be unaware of the lighting requests unless the builder or applicant advise her during the application process.

Mayor Park asked if staff wished to have more time to review the matter or make a recommendation or if Council could decide at this time.

The Planner explained that in her opinion the process works well at this time and it would not be necessary to include more stringent regulations. She explained that any lighting issues raised by complaints could be addressed with the current regulations.

Council concurred that changes to the current regulations at this time are not necessary.

Mr. Halverson stated there is a huge issue with lighting from the car dealerships across the highway from the City.

Mayor Park explained that Sunfish Lake has no control over the dealerships because they are not located in the City.

Councilmember Wahlstrom commented that property owners could contact the dealerships with their complaints or could install plantings to screen their property from the lights.

Mr. Halverson explained that he is aware of regulations adopted by the City of Tucson, Arizona that apply to businesses outside of their city limits and suggested that staff contact them.

b. Report on the Inver Grove Heights Comprehensive Plan Amendment for the Re-alignment of Argenta Trail: Planner Barness explained that she received notification of a proposed amendment to the Transportation chapter of the Inver Grove Heights Comprehensive plan which will identify a specific route for a realigned Argenta Trail (Co Rd 63) south of Interstate 494. She stated that communities in the metro area are required to notify nearby local government units of proposed comprehensive plan amendments and request their feedback on the proposal. She advised that Inver Grove Heights is considering realigning Argenta Trail to a future new interchanged at I-494 and extending it to function as an arterial road with four to six lanes.

The Planner explained that Inver Grove Heights and Dakota County conducted a joint study and identified six (6) potential realignments that are entirely within the boundaries of Inver Grove Heights. She explained she did not receive information on the final report until after she had prepared her report dated February 25, 2015. She stated that Inver Grove Heights is requesting feedback on the realignment proposals by March 16, 2015 from the City of Sunfish Lake.

Mayor Park explained that she had met with the Mayor, Administrator and City Engineer from Mendota Heights and members of the Delaware Crossing Group to discuss preparation of a memorandum to be sent to Inver Grove Heights which identifies and lists the concerns from all parties. She read the proposed memorandum from the Mendota Heights City Engineer which confirms that Mendota Heights and Sunfish Lake continue to support Option E for a future connection of Argenta Trail to Interstate 494, which is approximately one-half mile east of the existing bridge over I-494, as identified in a 2010 Study. She noted that the draft memorandum also requests that Dakota County continue to plan regionally and provide for east-west connections between Dodd Road (TH 149) and Robert Street (TH 3) not just north/south connections.

Councilmember Wahlstrom asked for further information on Option E.

Attorney Kuntz explained that Option E was identified in 2010 after all participants analyzed where an interchange near I-494 would be appropriate; he indicated that the proposed location would be located on the south side of I-494 only and would not connect with Delaware Avenue. He stated that a resolution was adopted outlining the City’s concerns and supporting Option E for the connection from Inver Grove Heights.

Engineer Sterna pointed out that the current study of the Argenta Trail realignment is totally contained within the Inver Grove Heights city limits and is not part of the issues related to the City’s support of Option E for the interchange connection.

Dennis Wolfe, 6742 Argenta Trail, asked if the information relating to Option E as a connection could be found on the City website. He explained that he had prepared another option for the Argenta Trail realignment identified as Option 3A and explained his option was a compromise to preserve more of his neighbor’s land.

Staff agreed that the information relating to Option E could be found on the website or staff could forward it to Mr. Wolfe by request.

Mayor Park pointed out that Dakota County has discussed expanding 70^th Street and Inver Grove Heights has discussed improvements to 65^th Street. She noted that she would also recommend encouraging Inver Grove Heights to consider east/west connections as well as north/south connections for these roadways. She advised that Council would have time to review any these future recommendations, but urged Council to approve the draft letter to Dakota County and Inver Grove Heights relating to the interchange construction of Argenta Trail and I-494 and to reiterate the City’s support of Option E for the location of the interchange.

Councilmember DeCourcy stated she wished to see the option from Mr. Wolfe regarding the Argenta Trail realignment

Mr. Wolfe displayed the diagram he prepared as an alternative for the realignment of Argenta Trail and explained that he had discussed the option with Inver Grove Heights, Dakota County and the residents; he indicated that all parties appear to be supportive of the proposal. He described the proposed development and commented that in his opinion the biggest loss would be if his neighbors had to relocate versus losing only a portion of their land.

Mayor Park thanked Mr. Wolfe for his presentation. She indicated that it would be her preference for the City to remain pro-active on these issues and to remind Dakota County and Inver Grove Heights that these are regional issues and they should consider regional solutions. She asked if Council authorization was necessary to proceed.

Attorney Kuntz responded that Council authority would be necessary for the Mayor to sign the memorandum.

Councilmember Wahlstrom moved to authorize the Planner to prepare and send a memorandum to the City of Inver Grove Heights outlining the City’s continuing support of Option E for the connection of Argenta Trail to I-494 and including the Mayor’s comments relating to the improvements to 70^th Street and 65^th Street being regional issues that need regional solutions and authorizing the Mayor to sign the letter on behalf of the Council, seconded by Councilmember DeCourcy and carried. (4-0)

Kitzy Nye, 2140 Charlton Road, questioned if the City has any input if Dakota County decides to widen Delaware Avenue.

Mayor Park explained that the City had forwarded their support of Option E to Dakota County and the Met Council and in her opinion widening of Delaware should not be necessary.

Laurie Wolfe explained that she doesn’t see that happening once the Argenta Trail connection is made at I-494. She indicated that the discussions held appear to direct traffic to Highway 55 and Interstate 494 and divert traffic off Dodd Road and Robert Street.

Kitzy Nye commented that former mayor Duncan Baird indicated that the wells in the City may have been contaminated when dynamite was used for the construction of Interstate 494; she questioned if the City wells could be affected.
Mayor Park commented that an environmental study would have been done by MN/Dot when the interstate was constructed and she was not aware of any contamination issues.

Planner Barness stated she was asked to respond to Inver Grove Heights by March 16 and asked if it the Mayor could send her the final draft of the letter so she could forward it to Inver Grove Heights staff.

Mayor Park agreed that she would send the final letter to staff.

c. Planner’s Report: Planner Barness referred to her report dated February 25, 2015 and stated that the February Planning Commission meeting was cancelled due to a lack of applications. She explained that the Commission would review a Variance and Minor Site and Building Plan application for the property at 389 Salem Church road at their March 18 meeting. She noted that proposed building additions would increase the volume of the building within the shoreline setback area which is why the applicants are requesting a setback variance.

Council thanked the Planner for her report.

7. STAFF REPORTS: a. BUILDING INSPECTOR: Building Inspector Mike Andrejka stated that he issued Five (5) new permits in February.

Council thanked the Inspector for his report.

b. CITY ENGINEER: Engineering Activities Undertaken in February: Building and Site Reviews: Engineer Sterna stated that staff conducted two (2) site and building plan reviews in February; a preconstruction site meeting at 116 Salem Church Road and discussion of a proposed house addition at 389 Salem Church Road.

MCES 2015 CAMP Program: The Engineer explained that he had confirmed three (3) volunteers to participate in the CAMP program this year; Scott Spaeth for Hornbeam Lake, Jim Stowell for Sunfish Lake and Jim Nayes for Horseshoe Lake. He stated he would provide this contact information to the MPCA for their coordinate of the monitoring efforts. He referred Council to the list of dates for the monitoring schedule attached to his report.

Snowplowing Activity for February 2015: Engineer Sterna explained that the weather continued to be mild which reducing the need for snow and ice removal, however the sand/salt usage is a concern with the icy roads. He stated that $20,560 of the budgeted funds have been used through February 15, 2015 and that there are approximately six weeks remaining in the season.

Public Works Activities Undertaken in the Month of February: The Engineer stated there were no public works activities undertaken in February.

Anticipated Engineering and Public Works Activities for March: Snow Plow Monitoring: Engineer Sterna advised he would continue to monitor the streets over the next winter months to make sure issues are resolved and the proper snow plow removal is utilized. He asked to be contacted if there are unsafe conditions.

SWPPP Yearly Public Hearing: The Engineer stated that the annual Public Hearing to discuss the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) would be held at the April Council meeting. He noted that a member of his staff would conduct the public hearing, receive citizen comments and submit the annual report.

Street Sweeping: Engineer Sterna stated that three quotes were requested for the annual street sweeping contract. He explained that three quotes were received. He noted that the quote from Mike McPhillips was $225.00 higher than the lowest quote, however, their quote included water at their expense, which is a key component to sweeping. He recommended the contract be awarded to Mike McPhillips and pointed out that sweeping is a key component to the SWPPP requirements. He further noted that McPhillips had done an excellent job in the past. He explained the sweeping would be done in April.

Councilmember Hovey moved to award the 2015 Street Sweeping contract to Mike McPhillips, seconded by Councilmember Wahlstrom and carried. (4-0)

2016-2020CIP Update: Engineer Sterna explained he would be preparing the draft 2016-2020 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for Council review at their May meeting. He stated the document would outline infrastructure and maintenance projects to be scheduled in 2015 and plan for the next 5 to 10 years for Council to consider. He noted the goal would be to approve the CIP at the August Council meeting which would help establish priorities and assist with budgeting for the upcoming year.

Engineer Sterna stated that he had called the contractor after he reviewed the sinking of the culvert on Angell Road. He explained that the contractor provided a two or three year warranty on the project. He stated he would work with the contractor to evaluate options for repair the culvert when weather permits.

The Engineer advised that he wished to discuss undertaking a Benchmark System proposal and a Pavement/Culvert review proposal with Council at their April meeting.

Kitzy Nye questioned if when the guard rail on Charlton Road would be repaired.

The Engineer stated it would be done in the spring when weather permits.

Councilmember Hovey asked if the Engineer would send the load limit restriction dates and information to him for posting on the website. He also asked when the culvert repair would occur.

Engineer Sterna explained that the pavement could be removed in the spring once the frost was out of the ground.

Mr. Halverson showed the Engineer photos of pollution under the culvert on Angell Road on the east side of the culvert. He indicated that he could not identify the materials and questioned if they were hazardous.

Engineer Sterna asked that the photos be forwarded to him and explained that he would have an environmental member of his staff review and test the materials in the spring.

Council thanked the Engineer for his report.

c. CITY FORESTER: Mayor Park advised that the City Forester was out-of-town and stated that she would forward Mr. Molinaro’s concerns relating to Harmon Park to the Forester and suggest that he work with residents in the area of the park to address their concerns.

d. PUBLIC SAFETY: Chief Shaver reviewed his report dated February 27, 2015 and explained that there have been break-ins and car prowlers on Angell Road. He stated that Officer Kurt Syvertson had completed his training and that he would bring him to a future meeting. He pointed out that there would be no way to prohibit any person walking their dog in the Harmon Park, but that he could provide a warning if anyone was verbally abusive.

Councilmember Hovey asked if the Chief could provide safety information for the City website relating to the car break-ins and the Chief responded yes.

Council thanked the Chief for his report.

8. NEW/OTHER BUSINESS: a. Other: Mayor Park asked if there was any new or other business items to discussion.

Attorney Kuntz explained he received a call from resident Dick Braun who lives near Harmon Park and Mr. Braun stated he would prefer that the City not place any signage in the area of the park or advertise the use of the park. He suggested that this information also be forwarded to the City Forester.

Councilmember DeCourcy also noted that placing signage at the trail entrance to Harmon Park should be discussed if residents do not wish to advertise the use of the park.

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

9. ADJOURN: Councilmember Hovey moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m. seconded by Councilmember DeCourcy and carried (4-0)


____________________________ ________________________________

Catherine Iago, City Clerk Molly Park, Mayor