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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-10-2016 Council MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING CITY COUNCIL LITTLE CANADA, MINNESOTA FEBRUARY 10, 2016 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular meeting of the City Council of Little Canada, Minnesota was convened on the 10th day of February, 2016 in the Council Chambers of the City Center located at 515 Little Canada Road in said City. Mayor John Keis called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and the following members of the City Council were present at roll call: CITY COUNCIL: Mayor Mr. John Keis Council Member Mr. Tom Fischer ALSO PRESENT: Council Member Council Member Council Member City Administrator Public Works Dir. City Attorney Cable TV Producer City Clerk Mr. Mike McGraw Mr. Rick Montour Mr. Christian Torkelson Mr. Joel R. Hanson Mr. Bill Dircks Mr. Pat Kelly Mr. Kevin Helander Ms. Heidi Heller MINUTES Torkelson introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2016-2-31— APPROVING THE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 27, 2016 WORKSHOP COUNCIL MEETING AND THE JANUARY 27, 2016 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AS SUBMITTED The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Montour. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution adopted. ANNOUNCE- Keis announced that on Saturday, February 6, 2016, the Little Canada MENTS Recreation Association held their annual ice fishing contest at Gervais Lake, and it went very well. The Little Canada Fire Department also sold booya, and there is still some available to purchase. Keis announced that the annual Little Canada skating party is on Saturday, February 13t" from 1:30pm to 3:30pm at the rink next to the Old Fire Hall. Montour MINUTES CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 10, 2016 announced that a new Mexican restaurant, El Sombrero, is now open in the Marketplace Center. PRESENTATION— Jerry Hromatka, Director of Northeast Youth and Family Services, stated JERRY that he likes to visit each of the 15 supporting cities every year to give an HROMATKA, update. He stated that the primary age group they serve is 5-21 year olds, NORTHEAST but they will work with any age. Mr. Hromatka stated that they have YOUTH AND served 4,000 youth, families and individuals. He noted NYFS has an FAMILY annual budget or $3.2 million, and the primary revenue streams are SERVICES contributions, grants, contracts and fees. He noted that NYFS owns their building in Shoreview, and also receives lease revenues. Mr. Hromatka reviewed the mental health, youth development and day treatment programs that NYFS offers. He explained that they now have therapists in schools and in two clinics, and do some in-home meetings with families when needed. He noted that NYFS got started with youth diversion programs, and now has day treatment programs for kids who cannot function in a normal school setting, and a senior chore program to help seniors stay in their homes and not become isolated. The chore program now has 80 kids participating Mr. Hromatka explained that they require clients to pay at least something so that they have some skin in the game, but they will not turn anyone away. He noted that they try to connect families and kids to the community, and more businesses have been participating. NYFS works with people before things get so bad that they end up dealing with law enforcement. He stated that the sheriff's department has been very happy with the NYFS diversion programs for kids. Mr. Hromatka stated that now there are more complex family and individual issues with on-going trauma and isolation. He explained that trauma has an effect on how kid's brains develop, and people need to be part of something in order to not become isolated. He stated that the individuals who have done mass shootings tended to be people who were not involved or connected to anything. He noted that NYFS is a very unique program, and they have had 15 cities supporting them for the last 40 years. Mr. Hromatka stated that the NYFS Board knows that they need to change and evolve as the people they serve change. The businesses are realizing that they need to be more involved in their communities and schools to help with their employment needs. 2 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 10, 2016 CONSENT Montour introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: AGENDA RESOL UTION NO. 2016-2-32 —APPROVING THE CONSENT AGENDA WHICH CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING: *APPROVAL OF THE VOUCHERS *APPROVE 2016 OPT -OUT AMOUNTS *CALLING 2008A BOND *ACCEPT MAINTENANCE & EASEMENT AGREEMENT FOR 716 LABORE ROAD SUBDIVISIONAND DEVELOPMENT *APPROVE PLAN CHANGES TO VANTAGECARE RETIREMENT HEALTH SAVINGS PLAN *APPROVE 2016 WATERFEST SPONSORSHIP The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Fischer. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. RETROACTIVE The City Administrator explained that in 2014, as part of remodeling APPROVAL OF Thunder Bay Plaza, the property owner requested that the Hookah Hideout RELOCATION be allowed to relocate to a space within the Round Lake Plaza. This move OF THE LITTLE was done to accommodate space for a new bar/restaurant concept within CANADA the shopping center. The City Administrator noted that the Council SMOKE SHOP, approved the relocation of the Hookah Hideout in order to allow the 27 LITTLE grandfathering status to continue so they could still have sampling in the CANADA ROAD store. He stated that during this discussion, no mention was made by the EAST property owner that the mall renovation and restaurant concept would impact the location of the Smoke Shop within the shopping center. He stated that staff has recently learned that the Smoke Shop was also relocated by the property owner from 37 Little Canada Road East to 27 Little Canada Road East. The City Administrator explained that he recently received a letter from the property owner stating that the Smoke Shop was moved because of the restaurant plans, along with a drawing showing that their new location is smaller than the previous space, and no other changes were made to the business. The City Administrator stated he recommends retroactive approval be given to the Smoke Shop in this new location, based on the request of the property owner due to the planned renovations within the mall. He also recommends their current license remain in effect with all rights as previously existed at the former address. David Nelson, owner of the Hookah Hideout, 3 Little Canada Road East, stated he has concerns about this action tonight, and that all businesses in 3 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 10, 2016 the city have to follow the same rules. He is concerned that tonight's decision will not be based on facts. He reviewed what he felt occurred when the mall owner was planning for the large bar/restaurant space, and stated that it did not involve having to move the Smoke Shop. Mr. Nelson stated that when his store was moved, he had to ask the city for approval. He noted he does not think that the Smoke Shop should be granted retroactive approval since they did not ask for approval prior to moving. The City Administrator stated that the city is being fair and treating the two businesses equally by allowing the Smoke Shop to keep their status, just like what was done for the Hookah Hideout. He agreed that it would have been preferable for the Smoke Shop to ask before moving. He stated staff will review the proposal for the VooDoo Lounge to determine how much of the building was proposed for the restaurant, and if the Smoke Shop's previous space was needed for this. The City Attorney recommended that staff review and verify the VooDoo Lounge plans before the Council makes a decision. John DeRosa, owner of the Little Canada Smoke Shop, 27 Little Canada Road East, stated it is true that the mall property owner wanted the Smoke Shop and his tanning business to move, and the property owner paid for his move. He noted that he had understood that both tobacco shops would be approved to keep their grandfather status because of the circumstances. Keis stated that based on advice from the city attorney, this item should be tabled until the February 22, 2016 City Council meeting, to give staff time to review city records. Keis introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOL UTION NO. 2016-2-33 — MOTION TO TABLE THE DISCUSSION OF RETROACTIVE APPROVAL FOR THE RELOCATION OF THE LITTLE CANADA SMOKE SHOP TO THE FEBR UAR Y 22, 2016 CITY CO UNCIL MEETING, AND HA VE STAFF REVIEW THE PLANS FOR THE VOODOO LOUNGE. The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by McGraw. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. AUTHORIZE The City Administrator stated that the city purchased the property at 331 CITY ENGINEER Little Canada Road, which is adjacent to the fire department, and is ready TO PREPARE to demolish the buildings. He stated that the fire department is now ready GRADING/ to do their parking lot expansion, and given that there will be excavation DESIGN PLANS equipment in place for the demolition, and likely excess materials FOR THE FIRE generated from the site, it makes sense to prepare a grading plan for the DEPARTMENT PARKING LOT EXPANSION 4 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 10, 2016 parking lot at this time and coordinate it with the demolition. He noted that the City Engineer has made a rough estimate of the costs, which would be $8,000-$10,000. The City Administrator stated that the Fire Department Board has agreed to pay for the design and engineering work, and City Council approval is needed to authorize the engineer to prepare the plans. Montour introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2016-2-34 —AUTHORIZING THE CITY ENGINEER TO PREPARE GRADING AND DESIGN PLANS FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PARKING LOT EXPANSION, TO BE PAID FOR BY THE LITTLE CANADA FIRE DEPARTMENT. The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by McGraw. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. NO PARKING The Public Works Director stated that in 2014, the residents of Ontario RECOMMEND Road, off County Road D, requested that the street be posted no parking ATIONS FOR from 12:00 am to 6:00am year round to try to eliminate issues with cars THUNDER BAY from the apartment complex across County Road D. He stated that a ROAD AND survey of the residents on Ontario Road was done and a majority of the ASPEN CIRCLE residents were in favor of no overnight parking. The City Council approved the no parking signs and they were installed in August 2014. The Public Works Director stated that he has now received similar calls and emails from residents of Aspen Circle and Thunder Bay Road. He stated that based on the precedent set on Ontario Road, staff surveyed all properties on Aspen Circle and the homes on Thunder Bay Road between County Road D and the power lines to the south. He stated that based on the survey results, staff recommends the City Council approve the posting of no overnight parking signs on the first 250-300 feet of each leg of Aspen Circle and on Thunder Bay Road from County Road D, south to the power lines. The Public Works Director noted that if the Council approves the no parking signs, he will notify all affected property owners and the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department. McGraw asked why the no parking was only proposed for certain hours. The Public Works Director explained that the residents like to be able to park on the street during the day and evenings. The City Administrator noted that it is the overnight parking that causes most of the complaints. McGraw introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: MINUTES CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 10, 2016 RESOL UTION NO. 2016-2-35— APPROVE THE POSTING OF NO PARKING SIGNS ON THE FIRST 250-300 FEET OF EACH LEG OF ASPEN CIRCLE, AND ON THUNDER BAYROAD FROM COUNTY ROAD D, SOUTH TO THE POWER LINES. The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Montour. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. EMPLOYEE The City Administrator stated that recently an employee had a catastrophic PTO personal situation, and he did not have enough PTO time to continue to be DONATION paid. He stated that the employees wanted to donate PTO time so he POLICY continues to get paid. The City Administrator stated this is the first time this type of situation has occurred, but a policy should be adopted in order for consistency if it should occur again. The City Administrator recommended that the Council authorize the donation of PTO time and adopt the policies indicated in the staff report, with the understanding that staff will bring back a full policy for adoption. Keis introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOL UTION NO. 2016-2-36— APPROVE THE PTO DONATION POLICYAS STATED IN THE STAFFREPORT, WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT A MORE PERMANENT POLICY WILL BE BROUGHT BACK FOR ADOPTION. The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Montour. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. CALL FOR A The City Administrator recommended the Council call for a workshop WORKSHOP before the February 22"d Council meeting to hear from Ramsey County ON about renaming Savage Lake and discuss personnel policy changes. FEBRUARY 22, 2016 Montour introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOL UTION NO. 2016-2-3 7 — CALL FOR A WORKSHOP BEFORE THE MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2016 CITY COUNCIL MEETING TO BEGINAT 6: 00 PM. The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by McGraw. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. rol MINUTES CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 10, 2016 CLOSED The City Attorney recommended that the Council go into closed session SESSION - as authorized under MN Statute 131)05.313 relating to attorney/client 2708 privilege to discuss threatened litigation relative to 2708 Edgerton Street. EDGERTON Keis introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTIONNO. 2016-2-38 — TEMPORARILYADJOURNING THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AND CONVENING INTO CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS THREATENED LITIGA TION RELA TIVE TO 2708 EDGERTON STREET. The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by McGraw. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. The Council went into closed session at 8:47 p.m. Fischer introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOL UTION NO. 2016-2-39 —ADJOURNING THE CLOSED SESSIONAND RECONVENING THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING. The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by McGraw. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. The regular Council meeting was reconvened at 9:03 p.m. The City Attorney reported that during the closed session the Council discussed possible litigation related to 2708 Edgerton Street. The City Attorney reported that during the closed session he advised the City Council of the issues and received guidance from the Council as to how to proceed with the ongoing issues at this property. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m. Z� J hn Keis, Mayor Attes /c Joel anson, ity Administrator 4 7