02-23-2004 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes February 23, 2004 ............................. 4. Open Mike Page 2 Park and Recreation Commissioner Dave Anderson addressed the Council regarding the Council approved funding for the cleaning of County Ditch #31. He stated that beginning at the north boundary of Woodland Trails Park is a DNR protected tributary stream and he was concerned as to what impact this cleaning would have on the stream and the park. Mayor I~inzing stated that the only change in the county ditch cleaning procedure is that this cost is assessed to the entire city; the county still cleans and maintains the ditches in Elk River. John Norgren, County Ditch Inspector from the county, stated that there was an error on the protected water map, that this stream is not a protected tributary. The tributary starts at the end of Ditch 31. He stated that the Council could wait regarding cleaning of the ditch, however, the county would have to start the bid process over, the Council will have to answer to the petitioners, and the cost could be more. He explained that the county is allowed to clean out in a DNR area as long as the clean out is to the original depth and the soils are left on the banks of the ditch. Administration/Engineering Boston/Concord Improvement Project-Presentation from Neighborhood Property Owners Jack Longie, 12925 Mississippi Street, and Mike Gillis, 18286 Boston Street, expressed concerns about the assessment amount for this project. They also stated that some homeowners involved in this project have sold their homes. They saw a recent article in the newspaper that the City had settled with resident Tina Roach who went through the appeal process. They asked the Council to reconsider their assessment amounts. Mayor I~inzing stated that the Council couldn't reconsider the assessment amount but that Council could increase the amount of money that the City would pay towards this project. Councilmember Dietz stated that a public hearing was held before the assessment hearing and that Ms. Roach, in circulating a petition, couldn't find many neighbors against this project. The majority of the neighborhood was in favor. He stated that all of the neighbors could have filed an appeal. He stated that the City did try to find another project to team with this project for cost savings. It was the consensus of the Council to discuss this item again when all Councilmembers are present and to have staff do research on options for Council consideration. 5.2 Acknowledge Receipt of Certificate of Commendation for Operation of WWTP The City of Elk River will be the recipient of a Certificate of Commendation from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for outstanding operation, maintenance and management of the wastewater treatment system. This presentation will be on March 9, 2004 in St. Paul. It was the consensus of the Council that a letter should be sent to Gary Leirmoe and his staff congratulating them on this award and commending them on a job well done.