Alice Pickering
Wyoming Area ReporterA Wyoming City Council decision Monday, Aug. 2 changed the cityís engineering consulting firm but retained the same engineer.
Two weeks ago, City Engineer Lee Elfering announced his resignation from H.R. Green Company, the firm providing engineering services to the city. As the head of Elfering and Associates, last Monday he offered a written competitive proposal to provide consulting service to the city.
City Administrator Jill Teetzel recommended the change. She said the switch would provide some cost savings to the city and, more importantly, Elfering will provide valuable continuity for two ongoing major projects for the city for the next 18-24 months.
These are getting a water main to the Polaris site and continuing work on the regional sewer system hookup for the city. He has represented the city as an engineer from the beginning with the planning and negotiations for both projects.
There are some services that Elfering and Associates cannot provide. With this change in firms, the city reserves the right to also consult with H. R. Green if there is some specific/specialized consulting work to be done.
There would be an additional charge for this work, typical for any additional consulting.
Council talk
Council Member Ted Phillips asked if engineering is bid and wondered if there would be additional cost savings by bidding.
Council Member Lynn Koalska, who also is a member of the regional sewer commission, said it is ìcrucial to stay on the timelineî with the sewer project. Getting a new engineer up to speed on ongoing projects would put the city behind on the timeline for the sewer project.
Council Member Sandy Standridge agreed that Elfering worked closely with both projects thus far.
The vote was 3-1, with Phillips voting against the change. His reasoning was that the city should have one engineering firm to handle all the engineering work and consulting.
Council Member Martin English did not attend the Aug. 2 meeting.
Zoning maps
City zoning maps identify various zoned areas by color. As of last week there were a number of areas in the city that had not been zoned and were colored gray on city maps. Some were churches, cemeteries, and some other vacant properties.
By a 4-0 vote, council changed the zones to R-1 at the Aug. 2 meeting. The uses of the land are already compatible with R-1 zoning.
It is easier to apply for a zoning change than to take one with no designation and determine a zone.
City Attorney Tom Miller told council the 4-0 vote will ìamend the zoning ordinance to re-do un-designated areas to R-1.î The ordinance is short enough to be published in its entirety.
Other topics
In his letter to council Elfering said he believes a deeper pond might reduce water levels in Gene Gajeskiís back yard, 26321 Finley St., but there are no guarantees that this would solve the problem of high water. Elfering said Gajeski thinks a pond would be worthwhile and not cost too much to dig. He also thinks the city should pay for the excavation.
Mayor Vern Haag commented ìthis is private property; the water also affects other properties. Even if the city did the work, there have been ìno letters from neighbors/other property owners.î
If the city solves the problem, any ìprecedent set, would come back to the council,î the mayor said.
At Millerís recommendation, a formal motion to deny the request was passed unanimously. Miller and Teetzel were directed to work on a letter of explanation to the property owner, outlining precedent issues, natural water cycles and other information.
Based on a request from the East Central Regional Library system, council voted unanimously to change the name of the new branch library to the Wyoming Area Giese Memorial Library Chisago County. There are three branch libraries to be started within the year, the first in Wyoming.
Council recommended the Widbloom request go back to the EDA for an acceptable site for a proposed car repair business. The initial request was for several acres in the Business Park, but this is not a suitable match for the zoning and there is no provision for outdoor storage in the area.
The industrial park would be a better location, council said. Also, the developer changed his mind about the size of the parcel, reducing his request to one acre. The developer needs to provide more details to council about proposed plans before the request can be considered.
Anniversary plans
The city is getting ready to celebrate its 150th anniversary.
Council passed a resolution allowing a citizens advisory commission to be set up on a volunteer basis, use of the cityís tax exempt status, and finally, let the commission do its work. There are about 25 volunteers on the committee now.
Mayor Haag announced his intention to run again as mayor this November. His platform is city issues and past performance. He anticipates debate on the issues. He asked council members Koalska and Standridge to run again also.
Koalska announced that Chief Anthony Pangal was recognized in the Asian American Press for his participation in the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Tasty Asian Takeout.
Haag reported that the grand opening of Meadows on Fairview, the new assisted living facility, was well attended. The housing alternative is located on the Fairview Lakes Medical Center campus.
Other business
In other business last week, council:
ïLearned the job description for the finance director has been posted.
ïLearned from Phillips that the walls are going up on the new Polaris facility.
ïLearned from Teetzel campaign packets are being prepared for candidates for city offices.
ïAnnounced a sexual harassment prevention training session for city employees and volunteers is scheduled 1-3 p.m., Aug. 19. Teetzel was urged to mention this to fire department personnel.
ïReminded residents the Bailey Bros. Circus is scheduled for performances at 5 and 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 17 with tickets available at Berryís Garage, Toddler Town and gas stations in the area. Tickets may also be purchased at the gate on Aug. 17. The circus will be hosted on Hallberg Marine property in the industrial park.
ïLearned all departments are working on 2005 budgets.
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