Alice Pickering
Wyoming Area ReporterAt the March 1 council meeting, Engineer Lee Elfering told Wyoming council members the regional sewer system is expected to be operational by Sept. 2005. The city must let bids for its own pipeline, probably let in July, according to Elfering.
He said the biggest concern is getting the pipeline in place. It is not unreasonable to build in about 18 months.
Council member Lynn Koalska wanted to know if city opinion is the Polaris agreement is in sync with the sewer commissionís goals. Elfering said once the pipelines are built the ownership is turned over to the regional sewer commission.
The commission bills the city for its portion of the bond payment, but has no control over the connection fees that city charges to businesses and developers who want to connect to the wastewater system. These connection fees will help raise funds for these pipeline payments. As requested, Elfering will keep council up-to-date about the wastewater abandonment plans.
Chiefís contract
Council voted to accept the contract negotiated with new Police Chief Anthony Pangal.
City Administrator Jill Teetzel told council Pangal requested use of a squad car to take home. He wants to be able to respond at any time to emergency calls and requested a city car to do so.
Recognizing that the city does not have a big police fleet, Pangal does not want a specific car, but to be able to respond to a call.
Teetzel said the contract is mostly a standard contract. Pangal also had some specific requests for additional training. He will be taking departmental agility and fitness tests. Attorney Tom Miller has more information for the council for modifications on the contract.
Council members wanted an explanation of terms for vacation. At Teetzelís recommendation, vacation is to be prorated for 2004, with accrual by pay period.
He will earn an annual salary of $55,000 under terms of the contract.
Approval of the contract was unanimous, 5-0, with the requirement that a mileage lot be submitted, distinguishing between personal miles and work mileage.
Restaurant plans
Council members approved a conditional use permit for Chuck and Diane Benzakour, to operate a restaurant, Tasty Asian Take-out, in the Viking Commons area of the city, near Block Buster Video.
The couple recently relocated from Boston. Diane Benzakour is a former resident of St. Paul.
Diane Benzakour told council she has been working closely with the vendors to be certain equipment meets state statutes. The vendor also works closely with the St. Paul Department of Health.
Council member Sandy Standridge, planning commission liaison, reported no comments at the public hearing. Planning members felt the take-out restaurant is a good fit for the area. Approval of the CUP is contingent on compliance with all applicable state and local ordinances and laws.
Mayor Vern Haag complimented the couple on the completeness of the proposal. The restaurant is allowed in that zone, though the city can attach conditions to the permit. Violations can result in revocation of the CUP.
City Attorney Tom Miller asked the approval come in the form of a resolution, so that any research on the issue could be readily found, instead of searching through copies of the minutes. He is to prepare the written resolution ready for signatures at the next council meeting. The vote was 5-0.
Citizen request
Curt Krueger, a Wyoming Township resident, requested notification of open meetings related to the Polaris site.
His property abuts the land the city is selling to Polaris. The request is homeowners beyond the mandated 500 feet from the site be notified of the meetings. He indicated there are 32 homes on Hillcrest Drive where he lives.
He wants to be notified of meetings that relate to the negotiations. Administrator Teetzel recommended he also check with the Wyoming Township clerk. Residents interested in this information are invited to call the city or township.
CR-84 update
Teetzel reported the Chisago County engineer and administrator prefer to do their own study on the realignment on CR-84, because the estimate to have it completed by an outside group is $100,000.
Teetzel reported the planning commission is considering a proposal to change all the gray-colored areas on the city zoning map (including churches, parks, cemeteries) to R-1, in the event the established use is changed. The uses identified are accepted uses in R-1 zoning. Haag was concerned about the rationale for the proposal.
Although no final decision has been made, the thinking is to have a zoning designation in place for every parcel, to avoid some of the difficulties that arose with the change in use of the old Wyoming Elementary School property. County commissioners meet on March 31. This proposal is to be placed on the planning commission agenda for the next meeting.
According to Teetzel, police officer Tom Sonnen has extended his military duty until February 2007. She has his written commitment to return to Wyoming after his tour. However, this means the city needs to be looking for a part-time officer.
Two companies have reportedly contacted the city about the possibility of locating in the Wyoming Business Park. Teetzel said the estimated size of building these companies would need is about 2000 square feet.
Council member Ted Phillips told colleagues that at the last library meeting, much of the layout of the building, mechanical plans and interiors were discussed.
Koalska raised the issue of motorized scooters on sidewalks and city streets. A number of cities have banned these vehicles. Usually operators are children, too young to have driverís licenses, and there is no state statute regulating them. She has called Rep. Pete Nelson and Sen. Sean Nienow about this issue.
Council member Martin English reported he is considering resigning his position, primarily due to health reasons. Haag advised him to work with Miller and let the council know what his decision will be.
Other business
In other business, council:
ïApproved Haagís request to attend a conference in Fergus Falls, April 23-24. There is to be specific information about mayorís role in planning infrastructure. Costs approved were $120 for the conference and $69 for two nights housing.
ïLearned from Teetzel discussion will continue on the Polaris PUD at the planning commission meeting March 22.
ïLearned the fire department is considering increasing the fire relief contribution from $700 to $750 per year of service.
ïLearned the space needs analysis for the city hall is ongoing. Architect Jack Anderson is doing this work.
ïLearned from Phillips an Easter egg hunt is planned for April 10 at Sunrise Park and that volunteers are needed to help with preparations at the town hall at 7:30 a.m.
ïLearned the park board is in the process of writing a grant application for Phase II of Goodview improvements.
ïLearned bids have been let for paving the Sunrise Park parking lot.
ïLearned from Phillips an Easter egg hunt is planned for April 10 at Sunrise Park and volunteers are needed at the town hall at 7:30 a.m.
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