June 1, 2020 Council minutes
CITY OF SPRING PARK
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JUNE 1, 2020 – 7:00 PM
SPRING PARK CITY HALL
1. CALL TO ORDER - The meeting was called to order by Mayor Rockvam at 7:00 p.m.
Council Members Present: Jerome P. Rockvam, Mayor; Mark Chase; Jeff Hoffman; Pamela Horton; and Gary Hughes
Staff Present: Dan Tolsma, City Administrator; Mary Tietjen, City Attorney; and Theresa Schyma, City Clerk
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Mayor Rockvam led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. ADOPT MEETING AGENDA
Council Member Hughes requested that Item #7a be added for the MS4 Public Hearing as it was inadvertently left off the printed agenda but the legal notice was published in the paper.
M/Hughes, S/Horton to adopt the meeting agenda as amended.
Motion carried 5-0.
4. ADOPT CONSENT AGENDA
a. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes from May 18, 2020
b. Liquor, Cigarette, & Dinner Dance License Renewals
M/Horton, S/Hoffman to adopt the Consent Agenda.
Motion carried 5-0.
5. PUBLIC FORUM
Michael Mason, 3950 Del Otero Avenue, discussed the current construction project that has closed the Narrows Bridge for three months and impacts traffic and travel in the community. He said he does not believe County officials properly notified the community about the project and its impact to residents.
6. PRESENTATIONS & GUEST SPEAKERS – None.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. MS4 Public Hearing – City Administrator Tolsma discussed the City’s municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) and the annual requirement to have a public hearing. He noted that the hearing is a chance for residents to ask questions and make comments regarding the City’s storm sewer system.
Mayor Rockvam opened the public hearing at 7:05 p.m.
There were no comments at the start of the public hearing; Mayor Rockvam requested the public hearing remain open until the end of the meeting.
M/Rockvam, S/Hughes to close the public hearing at 7:22.
Motion carried 5-0.
8. PETITIONS, REQUESTS, & APPLICATIONS – None.
9. ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS
a. Resolution 20-13: Authorizing Regulatory Flexibility for Outdoor Dining
City Administrator Tolsma provided a summary of the resolution that provides flexibility for businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that Back Channel Brewery has expressed an interest to temporarily expand their patio until their business can return to normal capacity for their indoor area as permitted by State guidelines.
City Attorney Tietjen stated that normally a permanent expansion of this kind would require more official approval but this resolution allows flexibility for the businesses to work with City staff as long as requirements are met.
Mayor Rockvam asked about the restaurants around the State that have fully re-opened their establishments and ignored the Governor’s order.
City Attorney Tietjen responded that the businesses could be cited, but State and local law enforcement have mainly been choosing to educate business owners.
Mayor Rockvam stated that some cities have passed resolutions stating they disagree and will not comply with the State’s order.
City Attorney Tietjen responded that there is risk for a city in stating that they are choosing to openly defy State orders.
M/Horton, S/Chase to approve Resolution 20-13, authorizing regulatory flexibility for outdoor dining.
Motion carried 5-0.
10. REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
a. Mayor & Council
Mayor Rockvam stated he received an email from Orono Police Chief Farniok regarding the current unrest that is occurring in the Twin Cities. He discussed the threats on social media that have been reported recently and that some of the alleged threats include supposed targets in suburban areas of the metro. He urged local officials to spread a message that these threats are not valid or truthful, were meant to spread fear in suburban communities, and that further spreading of these false threats ties up important public safety resources in chasing rumors and speculation. He stated groups have a First Amendment right to gather and protest peacefully. He further asked residents to notify law enforcement if they witness any suspicious activity including criminal activity or any planning of criminal activity.
Council Member Hughes discussed changes to the LMCD’s summer rules for 2020 and distributed new pamphlets to the Council. He provided an update on the Save the Lake Committee and current issues being brought to the LMCD.
Council Member Chase asked for an update on a particular dock in the city that is a public safety concern.
Council Member Hughes responded that it has been a process of two years to try and bring this dock into compliance. His last update on the issue was that the property owner had contacted a company to remove the dock but that deal fell through. He added that he would check into the current status of the dock.
b. City Staff – None.
c. Contract Staff – None.
11. NEW BUSINESS & COMMUNICATIONS – None.
12. CLAIMS FOR PAYMENT
a. June 1, 2020 Claims
M/Chase, S/Hoffman to approve all claims for payment.
Motion carried 5-0.
13. UPCOMING MEETINGS & TRAINING – None.
14. MISCELLANEOUS (INFORMATION ONLY)
a. Mound Fire Department Weekly Update
15. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 7:23 p.m.
Date Approved: June 15, 2020
_________________________
Dan Tolsma, City Administrator
_________________________
Theresa Schyma, City Clerk