Centerville Tidbits
Soil Contamination Question Costs $12,000
The Centerville City Council voted to spend up to $12,000 to figure out whether soil contamination in the downtown area could hold up Centerville's redevelopment plans.
City Engineer Mark Statz was alerted to the possible problem of soil contamination after Anoka County contractors working on the CSAH-14 road project reported smelling gas and diesel.
On June 11, the council heard that three locations along Main Street had been identified as being contaminated by leaking fuel tanks.
"Our concern is that the county may be able to leave some of that in place, because the PCA (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency) may not make them chase [the contamination] 20 feet into the ground because it doesn't affect their road," explained Statz.
"But if we build a building right next to it, and put in a basement with parking, will those vapors seep into the basement?"
Council members heard there is some time pressure involved in investigating the issue before the county progresses too far with the road construction.
Mayor Mary Capra expressed concern that residents living nearby who possessed wells could be at risk if the fuel leaked into their well water.
The council voted to authorize the city engineer to investigate the situation further by liaising with a contractor, at a cost not to exceed $12,000.
Road Closure Permit Process Enacted
Council also heard that city staff has been forced to introduce a system of permits for street obstructions. Anoka County contractors have been blocking streets as part of the CSAH-14 road project but the city has not been informed of these closures in advance.
On one occasion, council was told, school buses had been unable to access streets to collect elementary school children.
"Neither the county nor the contractor were very happy about [the permits]," said City Administrator Dallas Larson. "We have seen a result already in that the communication has been much better."
Council members voted to waive the $75 permit fee.
In other action, the council:
. Asked administrator Larson to do more research on proposals for a sign to identify the new public works building.
. Approved an easement encroachment agreement requested by the residents of 7095 Cottonwood Court for a small storage shed.
. Authorized staff to enter into an agreement with the property owner at 7146 Shad Avenue who had requested permission to make repairs to his failed well.
. Discussed the issue of police jurisdictions, following the tornado in Hugo, when the Centennial Lakes Police Department said it was not contacted for mutual aid in the immediate aftermath. "That just blew my mind," said Council Member Jeff Paar. "I know we are in Anoka County, but Washington County is right there." Council Member Lee said he would get the subject added to the agenda at the next meeting of the police governing board. "This has come to the attention of a lot of folks, and I think we will see action on this," said City Attorney Kurt Glaser.
. Agreed to the purchase of three weather radios, with one to be stationed at Centerville City Hall, one to be based at the public works building, and the third due to be given away at a severe weather presentation held at Centennial Lakes Police Department on June 18.
. Renewed the Trio Inn's 2 a.m. liquor license.
. Agreed to contribute $420 to the Mediation Services for Anoka County.
. Approved a massage therapist certificate for Tracy Zarembinski.
. Authorized a temporary gambling permit for St. Genevieve's for a chicken dinner on August 17.
. Agreed to a request by All Around Rental to station a rock wall at the city's Battle of the Boards and Bands on June 14.
. Passed a resolution calling for a public hearing on July 9 for residents of Old Mill Road whose homes will be affected by planned road improvements. Authorized Larson to spend up to $8,000 to obtain updated appraisals and second opinions on three properties on Old Mill Road and the Backage Road. Attorney Glaser explained it was a "prudent" move in the event of future litigation.
. Extended a purchase agreement between the city of Centerville and the Beard Group as part of the downtown redevelopment project for Block 7, bordered by Sorel Street, Centerville Road, Heritage Street and an alley.