6/21/2021 - City Council - Work Session - Minutes
CITY OF SPRING PARK
WORK SESSION MINUTES
June 21, 2021 – 6:00 PM
SPRING PARK CITY HALL
CALL TO ORDER
Present: Jerome P. Rockvam, Mark Chase, Jeff Hoffman, Pamela Horton, and Gary Hughes
Mayor Rockvam chaired the meeting.
Others present: City Administrator Tolsma, City Attorney Tietjen, City Clerk Nelson, City Engineer Mike
Nielson, Mike Mason, Rick Gorra, Joe Cheney
6:00 – Public Works Draft Agreement Discussion
Discussion was had on the Public Works draft agreement. Council discussed the one-year audit of actual ex-
penses after one year. Discussion was had on the item regarding that if there is an early termination it holds
Spring Park responsible for unemployment claims. A possible sliding scale regarding the possible unem-
ployment claim was discussed.
Hoffman stated he is ok with the language as is, Rockvam seconded to leave the language as is and consen-
sus was unanimous to leave the language and vote on the agreement at the regular meeting tonight.
6:13 – 4000 Sunset Drive
A draft agreement regarding 4000 Sunset Drive was brought forward for discussion. It was determined the
structure, retaining wall, and staircase is encroaching on the public access. The agreement that was drafted
would allow the structure to encroach, but the property owner would also like to allow the retaining wall to
encroach. Consensus of the council was the retaining wall should not remain. Discussion was had on the
staircase; historical files show it was built somewhere between 1973 and 1993 without a building permit. Af-
ter discussion council would like the property owner to modify the landing yet will allow the stairs to remain.
Cheney (property owner) stated he feels the retaining wall is on DNR property and discussion was had on the
survey. After further discussion it was determined that if the staircase encroaches council consensus is to re-
move the stairs.
Some discussion was had on bollards and who is responsible for paying for modifications to the property.
The City would pay for the bollards but if Cheney wanted to add bollards to protect his property that would
be his responsibility.
Per City Attorney recommendation, the agreement will be modified to add the consensus of the council from
tonight’s meeting. The agreement will be forwarded to Cheney’s attorney so they can discuss. This item will
be removed from tonight’s regular City Council meeting.
6:38– Assessment Policy Discussion
Tolsma brought forward a discussion on the City assessment policy and how does the council want to ad-
dress West Arm Road West when most of the funds are coming from a grant. Discussion was had on the pos-
sibility for expanding our grant requests. Further discussion was had on the assessment policy and ad-
vantages of not having the assessment component to street projects. People are more favorable to
Work Session Proceedings
June 21, 2021
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improvements if there is no assessment. Further discussion was had, and consensus was to look at the sur-
rounding communities and inquire how they handle improvement projects and assessments.
6:53 – Miscellaneous
Discussion was had on construction companies, specifically fiber optic companies, and their restoration
work. A right-of-way work permit is required, and restoration is always dealt with. Tolsma stated we have
never had an issue where they have not fixed any issues, but one alternative is requesting a sizeable escrow
to address the issue.
Discussion was had on the intersection of Shoreline and Interlachen. It is a dangerous situation and several
people have almost been struck by vehicles. This is a county issue and Tolsma will investigate it.
7:02 Adjourn
There being no further discussion, Hoffman motioned, being seconded by Rockvam to adjourn the meeting.