HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-28-2021CITY OF LAKEVILLE
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES
June 28, 2021
1. Mayor Anderson called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Members present: Mayor Anderson, Council Members Hellier, Bermel, Lee, and Volk
Members absent: None.
Staff present: Allyn Kuennen, Assistant City Administrator; Daryl Morey, Planning Director;
Brad Paulson, Lieutenant; Tamara Wallace, Deputy Clerk
2. Moment of Silence and Flag Pledge.
3. Citizen Comments
None.
4. Noise Nuisance Abatement
The City Council previously expressed a desire to discuss the City's current code and noise
enforcement policy. The City has always operated on a complaint -based system where typically a
resident or business owner reports a City Code violation to the Planning & Zoning Specialist.
Staff then works with the property owner directly, sending violation letters and completing
follow-up inspections to ensure the issue is rectified. In 2020, code enforcement complaints were
up approximately 30% as compared to the year prior. As such, staff indicated that any change to
the current complaint -based system would require additional staff.
Among those resident complaints received by the City are noise reports related to loud mufflers
or "Jake breaking" - a form of engine breaking in some vehicles. While State Statute does restrict
certain vehicle noise, Lieutenant Paulson outlined the many challenges that make it difficult for
officers to enforce these violations including the fact that engine breaking itself is not a violation
of any state statute or current City ordinance. The police department is currently working with
other agencies along County Road 46 to increase enforcement presence along the corridor, and
Dakota County has created a website that answers common questions related to vehicle noise.
The Council clarified enforcement protocols related to watering restrictions, ticketing of loud car
exhausts/ music, commercial complaints - such as potholes in parking lots, yard light complaints,
signage reports, educating residents about enforcement restrictions, flight patterns, conducting
traffic management/ high visibility studies, tree installation to buffer noise, and the possibility of
hiring designated code enforcement officers that would proactively seek City Code violations.
City Council Work Session Minutes, June 28, 2021 Page 2
The Council also extensively discussed proactive measures to reduce "jake breaking" including
any County efforts to change the traffic light patterns along County Road 46 to reduce the need to
stop. (Staff reported that adjustments to the traffic lights have already made in this effort).
Ultimately the City Council felt that staying with the current complaint -based code enforcement
system was the best method for the City and most effective use of staff time.
5. City Council Composition
At the January retreat, the City Council indicated they would like to have a future discussion on
the city council's composition which presently consists of five members serving a four-year term.
According to Minnesota Statute, the number of members on a council can be changed through
an ordinance that asks the voters during a general election whether they feel the city council
should be increased. This ordinance must be adopted at least 60 days prior to the next regular
city election, "and must include a schedule of elections and terms to accomplish the change."
Staff provided a peer city comparison that showed most city councils were also comprised of five
members.
The Council indicated they did not realize that only charter cities could have ward elections,
reviewed the peer city comparison, and discussed resident interest in local elections, super
majority votes, and finding more ways to engage residents in the community including the
possible future addition of more committees and commissions. The Council decided not to take
steps to expand the size of the City Council at this time.
6. Marketing North Parcel of KeoKuk Property
In 2014, the City acquired 4.57 acres (Lot 2 - 3.14 acres, and Lot 3 - 1.37 acres) on Keokuk
Avenue for the future construction of the Keokuk Liquor Store. The liquor store ultimately was
constructed on Lot 2 leaving 1.83 acres of undeveloped land, zoned for commercial and retail use,
to sell. The site has all the needed infrastructure improvements including driveway access,
monument signage, storm water retention, water & sewer connections, and electrical services.
The City has received two inquiries from brokers asking to purchase the land. Should the City
Council wish to explore the sale of this property, marketing could either take place through an
RFP process or through a broker who would market the site on behalf of the City.
The Council clarified whether the proceeds of a potential sale would go back to the liquor fund to
help pay down the Keokuk Liquor Store debt, reviewed the two options for marketing/ selling the
property, clarified whether this was the best time to sell the property based on interest rates/
construction costs/ condition of the market, and discussed any construction restrictions. The
Council was in support of exploring the sale of the acreage through broker representation. Staff
will research various brokerage options and bring those back to a future City Council work
session meeting for further discussion.
City Council Work Session Minutes, June 28, 2021 Page 3
7. Pan-O-Prog City Council Details
The Council discussed logistics regarding the upcoming Pan-o-Prog Grand Parade.
8.
9.
Ms. Wallace also provided an update on the upcoming 2021 Advisory Board Appreciation
Dinner to be held on Wednesday, June 30 at 6 p.m. at Antlers Park.
Items for Future Discussion
Local control/ City regulatory system.
Committee/ City Administrator Updates
Council Member Bermel indicated there will be an Airport Advisory Committee meeting on
Thursday, July 1 to discuss airport management and flight paths.
Council Member Lee stated that the Personnel Committee discussed reorganizing the police
command structure as well as creating a remote work policy.
The Fire Relief Board went over their financial report and discussed the upcoming Belgian Waffle
fundraising breakfast that will be held on Saturday, July 10.
Council Member Volk updated that the group who previously proposed a pet ordinance that
would prevent pet shops from selling or disposing of dogs or cats/ the commercial sale of pets
within the City, will see if they can get an ordinance passed at the state level before they come
back to the City Council.
Mr. Kuennen reported that the City went out for a new credit rating and has obtained a AAA
credit rating - the highest credit rating a city can receive.
Mayor Anderson reminded of the upcoming Pan-o-Prog events, which are set to take place
Sunday, July 4 - Sunday, July 11, 2021.
10. The meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Tamara allace, Deputy City Clerk
Douglas rAnderson, Mayor