Pine Island — Transcript
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Council Member Wages and Compensation Policy
Cannabis Retailer Registration Designation
2024 Comprehensive Plan Adoption
Public Works Equipment Acquisition
Utility Billing and Fee Policy Amendments
Zumbro Area Ambulance Association Membership
Fire Relief Association Pension Increase
Mobile Business Unit Ordinance Review
Votes (16)
Resolution 24-41 Declaring a Council Vacancy
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:09:56] · Seconded by Unknown [00:10:01]
The council formally declared a vacancy due to the resignation of Council Member Jason Johnson, expressing gratitude for his service.
Public Hearing: Council Person's Wages (Ordinance 171)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:11:00] (Open PH), Unknown [00:12:47] (Close PH), Unknown [00:14:38] (Ordinance 171) · Seconded by Unknown [00:11:05] (Open PH), Unknown [00:12:50] (Close PH), Unknown [00:14:42] (Ordinance 171)
A public hearing was held regarding proposed changes to council members' wages, shifting from a fixed monthly amount to an attendance-based compensation model. The change, outlined in Ordinance 171, includes a modest increase for 100% attendance and will become effective after the next city election. No public comments were received.
Resolution 24-42 Establishing a Cannabis Registration Designation
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:21:40] · Seconded by Unknown [00:21:44]
The council debated retaining or delegating authority for cannabis retailer registration. Legal counsel advised retaining authority to allow the city to cap the number of retailers and manage zoning, especially given the city's split across two counties (Goodhue and Olmsted) where different county rules could cause confusion or limit local business opportunities. The decision was made to retain authority for both counties for consistency.
Resolution 24-43 Approving the 2024 Comprehensive Plan
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:23:59] · Seconded by Unknown [00:24:02]
The Council formally approved the 2024 Comprehensive Plan, concluding a year-and-a-half-long process that included a formal presentation and public comment period (with no comments received). This update replaces a 14-year-old plan, aligning with recommendations for regular review.
Resolution 24-44 Approving the Lease Purchase of the Street Sweeper
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:26:01] · Seconded by Unknown [00:26:04]
The Council approved the lease-purchase agreement for a new street sweeper, to be acquired over five years. Financing will come from storm sewer and streets funds, with payments incorporated into the 2025 budget. Public Works staff were commended for their efforts in securing the equipment.
Request to Amend the Utility Billing Policy
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:28:44] · Seconded by Unknown [00:28:47]
The Council discussed and approved an amendment to the Utility Billing Policy. The current 10% late fee was identified as problematic for some residents, as it could lead to late fees exceeding the original bill amount. The amendment caps this late fee at $25 per month, aiming to balance administrative cost recovery with resident affordability.
Resolution 24-45 Amending Fee Schedule for NSF Electronic Payment Return Late Fees
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:31:18] · Seconded by Unknown [00:31:21]
The Council approved Resolution 24-45 to update the fee schedule. Previously, only a $30 fee for returned checks existed. The amendment introduces a new $15 fee for returned credit card payments, reflecting the different charges incurred by the city from banks for these types of transactions and staff time.
Request to Add New Member to Zumbro Area Ambulance Association
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:33:51] · Seconded by Unknown [00:33:57]
The Council approved the request to formalize Mazza Township's membership in the Zumbro Area Ambulance Association Joint Powers Board. Mazza Township has historically received services but was not officially part of the board or contributing dues. Mazza Township had already voted to accept this change, requiring approval from all member communities.
Pine Island Fire Department Relief Association Pension Increase
Dissent: Mayor David abstained from the vote due to his role or potential conflict of interest as a council member.
Moved by Unknown [00:41:43] · Seconded by Unknown [00:41:48]
Jordan, President of the Fire Relief Association, requested and received approval for an increase in the annual pension benefit level from $7,300 to $7,800. This was justified by the association's strong funded ratio (150%) and positive market performance, noting safeguards in place to manage investments. Legal counsel clarified the city's obligation to contribute if the fund becomes underfunded. A separate bylaw change request was postponed for review.
Request to Approve Mobile Business Unit for Sues Boutique
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:44:39] · Seconded by Unknown [00:44:43]
The Council approved a request from Sues Boutique, a women's clothing mobile business, to operate in a city parking lot two to three times per month. The business provided all required paperwork and liability insurance, and the council approved a pro-rated fee for the remainder of 2024 with a full fee starting in 2025.
Resolution 24-46 Request for Variance at 315 4th Street Southwest
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:48:47] · Seconded by Unknown [00:48:51]
The Council approved Resolution 24-46 for a variance at 315 4th Street Southwest, allowing the construction of a detached garage with a 5-foot rear yard setback instead of the standard 20 feet. The variance was justified by the property's unique circumstances (small, older lot, slope) and alignment with zoning and the comprehensive plan, with a condition to include a drainage plan to address neighbor concerns about water pooling.
Capital Equipment Purchase: Pickup for Streets and Parks
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:52:48] · Seconded by Unknown [00:52:51]
The Council approved the purchase of a new pickup truck for the Streets and Parks department, replacing a 13-14 year old vehicle. The purchase was made through a state bid process, funded from the 250 equipment fund, and includes necessary utility boxes and plows.
Capital Equipment Purchase: Pickup for Water and Wastewater
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:53:50] · Seconded by Unknown [00:53:53]
The Council approved the purchase of a new pickup truck for the Water and Wastewater department. This purchase, replacing an old vehicle, was secured through a state bid and will be funded from the sewer and water fund, as part of planned capital equipment replacements.
Approval of Claims
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:57:48] · Seconded by Unknown [00:57:49]
The Council formally approved the city's outstanding claims.
Reopening Public Input for Mobile Food Unit Discussion
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [00:59:15] (Reopen PH), Unknown [01:06:57] (Close PH) · Seconded by Unknown [00:59:18] (Reopen PH), Unknown [01:07:00] (Close PH)
The Council reopened public input to hear from Joe's Coffee Truck, a mobile espresso business seeking to operate in Pine Island. The business currently doesn't meet the city's 5-mile 'brick and mortar' radius requirement. The Council expressed interest in accommodating the business and directed staff to explore options, such as amending the ordinance or granting a variance, for a potential spring 2025 operation.
Closed Session: Evergreen Place Real Property Discussion
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [01:13:58] · Seconded by Unknown [01:14:00]
The Council moved into a closed session to discuss offers for the purchase or sale of real property related to Evergreen Place, pursuant to Minnesota statute sections 13d.05 subdivision 3 C3.
Notable Quotes (16)
we were able to thank Jason last month but again I would just want to take the time to say thank you for his work in his time to this community and uh he did good work with that.
one thing that the council liked when we were looking at this is another city that had um a smaller monthly base pay but then moved to more of an attendance based where they got paid per meeting not just for special meetings
if the mayor for instance had 100% attendance we'd be looking at about a $900 a year which wage increase if a council person had 100% attendance they would be looking at about a $900 wage increase per year as well.
the biggest impact doing that is that you forfeit when a city does that the ability to set your own app on the number of retailers within your city
I think there's some concern I would have if you delegated your authority to hestad County and their limit was 14 they may take the view that they're regulating all of Pine Island they're they're acting as your register rtion Authority for all of pine irland they've got a limit of 14 and oh we've got 14 now in Rochester that means we're not we're not going to register anybody in Pine is which is I don't think what you intend or at least that's not what you're open to
we've been working on this for about a year and a half now and so it's it's nice to see it come to fruition
So this this is uh an agreement before you for the lease purchase so essentially we are purchasing the street sweeper over five years
what we found is that we have some of the um same residents who get caught in somewhat of a um they don't pay their bill and then their bills get so large that their late fees are actually starting to become larger than what their bills were
what we've seen is that um the bank charges us different fees for that and we actually haven't really had a fee to recapture return credit card payments
it was an oversight years ago when the zro area area Ambulance Association um created their joint Powers board they have always served mppa Township yet mppa Township has not been a part of the board so they're not they haven't been paying dues
currently this year we're sitting at 15% uh funded um as this year has gone on our uh SBI fund has increased
if all of their firefighters retired at once or were rendered unable to serve all at once and had to be paid out that becomes underfunded so it's a pretty it's a pretty dramatic scenario that you think about where underfunded comes in but if that scenario could theoretically occur then the city is obligated by law even though this is a separate body you're obligated by law to make contributions to it to support the firefighters that serve you
they have a pretty small lot it's an older um residential area the lots are not very big the Planning Commission kind of went through a couple different options of attaching the garage to the house changing the orientation of the garage to face a different direction trying to do something to fit it within those setbacks and there's not really a practical or reasonable way to do that
Public's never seen a 13-year-old truck that's driven every day 14 years old now I encourage you to go look at one of these there I'm sure our guys do a great job but the seats are beat they're uncomfortable they're not you know today's technology hands-free driving all that stuff so yeah they take they take a beat 14y old trucks
this business I believe would benefit fin Island but they are outside that five mile radius that Council set up so I will take a motion to reopen public input
I mean if sounds like there's a general sentiment here among Council if that's how you feel I I would just direct staff to bring something back to you to make it possible to have it happen and then we'll talk about the best way to do that
Ordinances & Resolutions (11)
Accepting donations to the city (part of consent agenda).
Declaring a council vacancy due to former Council Member Jason Johnson's resignation.
Setting the council person wages, changing to an attendance-based payment system.
Establishing a cannabis registration designation, deciding whether to retain or pass authority to counties.
The city's updated long-range planning document.
Approving the 2024 Comprehensive Plan.
Approving the lease purchase of the street sweeper.
Amendment proposed to cap late fees at $25 per month/cycle.
Amending the fee schedule for NSF electronic payment return and late fees, adding a fee for returned credit card payments.
Request for variance at 315 4th Street Southwest to construct a detached garage.
A peer-to-peer education and teen driver safety program for students.