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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-08-06 Council MinutesMINUTES OI' THE REGULAR MEETING CITY COUNCIL LITTLE CANADA, MINNESOTA NOVEMBER 8, 2006 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular meeting of the City Council of Little Canada, Minnesota was convened on the 8th day of November, 2006 in the Council Chambers of the City Center located at 515 Little Canada Road in said City. Mayor Bill Blesener called the meeting to order at 730 p.m. and the following members of the City Council were present at roll call: CITY COUNCIL: Mayor Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member Mr. Bill Blesener Ms. Barb Allan Mr. John Keis Mr. Jim LaValle Mr. Rick Montour ALSO PRESENT: City Administrator City Attorney Cable TV Producer City Clerk Mr. Joel R. Hanson Mr. Tom Sweeney Ms. Vanessa Van Alstine Ms. Kathy Glanzer MINUTES Mr. LaValle introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2006-II-265 -APPROVING THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 24, 2006 SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING AND THE OCTOBER 25, 2006 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AS SUBMITTED The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Montour. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution adopted. RAMSEY Ramsey County Commissioner Jan Parker appeared before the Council COUNTY to present an update on things that are happening in Ramsey County. UPDATE Parker listed several awards received by the County which include recognition for providing outstanding County services, an AAA bond rating, the GFOA Budget Preparation Award, two recognitions for the Ford Avenue bridge, and recognition by Be Active Minnesota for the County's efforts in incorporating active living principles as part of infrastructure projects. MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVRMB)CR 8, 2006 Parker reported that the Ramsey County Library system has been rated in the top five in the country. She noted that Che County's library system is heavily used, and that Che Roseville Library has the highest circulation in the State. Parker also updated the Council on the Maplewood Library project and noted that the current site is back on the market. Parker reported that the North St. Paul library is doing extremely well pointing out it was relocated to the North St. Paul Community Center. Parker next updated the Council on the County's budget, indicating that the 2007 Budget will have a 2% increase, but an 8% increase in the tax levy. The difference is the decrease in Federal money available to the County as well as increased costs with the 800 Mhz radio system. Parker noted that the County has subsidized some of the City's costs for the 800 Mhz system. Blesener disagreed, noting that the contracting cities are paying their share of the system. Parker indicated that the County is absorbing dispatching costs into its budget. Parker reported that the County Board will be requesting that MN DOT conduct a speed study on Edgerton Street. She noted that some cities are talking about pursuing legislation that will lower the speed limit on city streets to 25 miles per hour. Blesener indicated that the City would like to know the timing of the speed study as well as the appropriate contact people at MN DOT. Parker pointed out improvements that the county is making to Keller Park which include additional restrooms and expansion of picnic shelters. Parker next reported on County efforts relative to emergency services and public health issues and indicated that there may beatable top exercise scheduled for next year relative to pandemic outbreak responses. Parker also reported that Che Ramsey County Sheriff's Department is suggesting that all Ramsey County cities adopt a uniform meth clean-up ordinance. Blesener pointed out that Little Canada has already adopted such an ordinance, and its language appears to be fairly standard to what other cities have adopted. The County's free yard waste/composting sites were highlighted next, which all agreed was a tremendous service offered to Ramsey County residents. Parker explained the County's work in the area of regional rail, and the planning that is underway for the conversion of the Union Depot to a multi-modal transit hub. The County has received a $50 million grant for this project. Part of this project will include a light rail line connecting 2 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 8, 2006 downtowns St. Paul and Minneapolis. It is anticipated that the ridership on this line would be very high. Parker noted that it will be important to ensure Chat park and ride lots are included as part of the project. Parker reported that Che old County jail property is back on the market as the previous sale has fallen through. Parker indicated that the County has now decided to put its West Building on the market as well. The former Public Works Garage on Rice Street/694 has been sold to the City of Shoreview, and the County has decided to put the former Public Safety Building as well as the Taco John's property on the market. Blesener noted that most of the Public Works Garage property will be taken up with for the 694 interchange loop. Blesener pointed out the City's efforts to realign Viking Drive to Minnesota Avenue to reduce congestion on Rice Street. The City is looking for additional dollars from the County to help with this realignmenC project. The City Administrator reported that the City is working with Ramsey County Public Works on this project, and there may be a proposal submitted to the County Board for the use of turn-back dollars to assist in this project. Parker Chanked the Council for their time and encouraged them as well as City staff to contact her for any assistance Little Canada might need. FEEDING Mr. Tom Collins, 3018 Ontario Road, appeared before the Council to OI' WILD report on a problem he has had with mice in his house. Collins reported ANIMALS that he has had an exterminator to his property, who has idenCified the fact Chat his neighbor is dwnping wild animal feed on the ground as the cause of Chis problem. Collins felt that elimination of Chis food source being dumped on the ground would resolve the issue. Collins presented pictures which a feeder and its location in a neighboring yard. Allan asked if Collins has discussed the issue with his neighbor. Collins reported thaC he and his wife sent a letter to the neighbor requesting that she not dump wild animal feed on the ground. However, she continues to do so. Collins reviewed the Code Enforcement Officer's report and indicated that spillage of bird feed on the ground is not the problem. It is the dumping of wild animal feed on the ground that is. He also noted the Shoreview ordinance that regulates the type and height of bird feeders which was put in place when a property owner had a problem with deer. Collins noted that he will continue to have a problem with mice if wild animal feed is 3 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 8, 2006 dumped on the ground, and asked that the Council prohibit this dumping via an ordinance. Blesener indicated that he has had mice in his house and pointed out that to eliminate the problem, foundation holes have to be sealed. Collins reported that he has done this and has not had mice in the house recently, but felt that if wild animal feed is continually dumped on the ground, the problem will reoccur. Collins stated that he is not opposed to bird feeders installed at a certain height. He opposes the dumping of wild animal feed on the ground. Collins was concerned with damage that mice can do to wiring, etc. that could pose a hazard. Montour noted that it is not uncommon to have mice in a house, and it was noted that as the weather turns, mice will move indoors, if possible. Keis suggested that adopting an ordinance prohibiting the dumping of wild animal feed on the ground will not eliminate the problem. Collins felt that it would help if the source of food is eliminated. Allan indicated that she, too, has had mice in her house and does not have anyone within 300 feet of her dumping wild animal feed on the ground. Allan indicated that she walked Che Collin's neighborhood, and found that there are many people feeding animals in the neighborhood. Allan expressed concern with the enforcement of an ordinance such as the one being suggested by Mr. Collins. Keis stated that he did not want to adopt an ordinance to address a single issue, and was unsure that such an ordinance would be effective or the correct way of addressing the problem. Keis noted the location of the feeder, however, pointing out that it is not visible to the homeowner. He indicated that typically feeders are placed near windows so the homeowner can enjoy watching the wildlife. Allan again indicated that there are so many people in this neighborhood feeding animals, she questioned the enforceability of such an ordinance. Montour noted that the request is that the City not allow the pouring of wild animal feed on the ground. Collins agreed and pointed out that there is a difference in bird feed put in bird feeders and wild animal feed. The Council continued discussion of the issue and the consensus was that the ordinance being requested by Mr. Collins would not solve the mice problem at his home. The Council was also not in favor of adopting an ordinance to address a single problem. The City Administrator suggested that the City contact the property owner dumping the wild animal feed on 4 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 8, 2006 the ground, discuss the situation, and ask that she stop. Mr. Collins stated that he would appreciate anything the City could do. CONSENT Mr. LaValle introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: AGENDA RESOLUTION N0.2006-II-266 -APPROVING THE CONSENT AGENDA WHICH CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING: s`APPROVAL OF THE VOUCHERS; *CERTIFICATION OF DELINQUENT UTILITY, REFUSE, FALSE ALARM, AND ABATEMENT CHARGES AGAINST PROPERTY TAXES AS RECOMMENDED BY CITY STAFF; *AUTHORIZE ADVERTISEMENT OF PLANNING COMMISSION VACANCIES; *APPROVAL OF FINAL PAYMENT TO FPI FOR 2004 TRAIL PROJECT AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CITY ENGINEER; xRATIFICATION OF A WARD OT BID TOR COUNTY ROAD B-2 AND JESSICA COURT LIFT STATION MAINTENANCE AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CITY ENGINEER The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Allan. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. CANVASS The City Administrator presented the Council with 2006 Municipal ELECTION Election results. Blesener indicated the following results: RESULTS OFFICE OF THE MAYOR Precinct 1 Precinct 2 Precinct 3 TOTAL Bill Blesener 590 839 908 2,337 Eric Weisman 281 342 391 1,014 OFFICE OF COUNCIL MEMBER Precinct 1 Precinct 2 Precinct 3 TOTAL R. Elvy Day 246 303 389 938 John Keis 514 776 786 2,076 Jim LaValle 599 739 863 2,201 5 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 8, 2006 Mr. Montour introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO.2006-II-267 -CANVASSING THE NOVEMBER 7, 2006 MUNICIPAL ELECTION RESULTS The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by LaValle. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. PETITION The City Administrator reported Chat Dick Boss has petitioned for the FOR improvement of Boss Road fiom Bryan Street to LaBore Avenue. He IMPROVEMENT noted that Mr. Boss previously intended a Council meeting to discuss OF BOSS the possible subdivision of his land. As discussed, Boss Road would ROAD need to be improved for access to the new lot. The City Administrator indicated Chat Che petition is adequate as Mr. Boss owns more than 35% of the impacted property. He also reported that Mr. Boss is aware that at worst case, he would he required to pay for 100% of the cost of a 28 foot wide road. Blesener asked if Mr. Boss's preference is for Boss Road to end in a cul- de-sac. The City Administrator replied that that is his preference. Allan indicated that a neighbor has expressed interest in seeing Boss Road extend through to LaBore Avenue. The Administrator indicated that the feasibility study would include that possibility. Mr. Montour introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2006-11-268 -DECLARING THE ADEQUACY OF PETITION RECEIVED FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF BOSS ROAD FROM BRYAN STREET TO LABORE AVENUE AND ORDERING THE PREPARATION OF A FEASIBILITY REPORT The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Keis. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. 2007 STREET The City Administrator reviewed the City Engineer's report dated IMPROVEMENTS November 2, 2006 recommending that neighborhood meetings be scheduled to discuss the potential street improvements of Canabury Drive Prom Demont Avenue to County Road B-2 and Viking Drive from County Road B-2 to Rice Street. It was noted that, if ordered, there may be the potential to include the improvement of the parking lot and enCrance drive MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 8, 2006 for Che Canabury Townhome Association. The Administrator noted, however, that the Association is reviewing their By-Laws relative to their ability to assess for improvements over a time period of more than one year. They may need to wait for our next cycle depending on how long it takes to modify by-laws with their membership. Mr. Blesener introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2006-11-269 -AUTHORIZING CITY STAFF TO CONDUCT NEIGHBORHOOD MEETINGS TO REVIEW POTENTIAL STREET IMPROVEMENTS FOR CANABURY DRIVE (DEMONT AVENUE TO COUNTY ROAD B-2) AND VIKING DRIVE (COUNTY ROAD B-2 TO RICE STREET), AS WELL AS AUTHORIZING THE CITY ENGINEER TO PREPARE A PRELIMINARY FEASIBILITY REPORT The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Allan. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. GUERIN The City Administrator reported that the Settlement Agreement with the FAMILY Guerin Family Partnership calls for the City to pay the interest earned on PARTNERSHIP the restricted clean-up funds for the former Guerin site to the Guerin Family Partnership. The Administrator noted that the interest earned amounts Co $16,382.00. The City Attorney has reviewed the SCipulation Agreement and concurs with this conclusion. The Administrator recommended authorization to pay the interest subject to receipt of a release or satisfaction of the Settlement Agreement. Mr. Montour introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO.2006-11-270 -AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF INTEREST ON RESTRICTED CLEAN-UP FUNDS dN THE AMOUNT OF $16,382.00 TO THE GUERIN FAMILY PARTNERSHIP SUBJECT TO RECEIPT BY THE CITY OF AN APPROPRIATE RELEASE AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Keis. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. 7 MdNUTES CITY COUNCdL NOVEMBER 8, 2006 WATER The City Adminish~ator reviewed the Public Works Superintendent's SERVICE report dated November 1, 2006 recommending an amendment to the PIPE City's Municipal Water System Code which will expand the types of water service pipe materials allowed as approved by the Minnesota State Plumbing Code and the Public Works Superintendent. It was noted that the Council previously discussed this issue relative to the increasing cosC of copper pipe. Mr. Blesener introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2006-11-271-AMENDING CHAPTER 1601.100 OP THE MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM CODE EXPANDING THE TYPES OF WATER SERVICE PIPE MATERIALS ALLOWED AS RECOMMENDED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Allan. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. PARK/PUBLIC The City Administrator reported that the City has had a temporary position WORKS in place for the past six plus months that is being shared by the Parks POSITION and Public Works Departments. Both departments have evaluated this temporary position and feel that it is a needed position and should be changed to a regular, full-time position. The Administrator also reported that Matt Mallory has filled Che position during this time period, and has done an excellent job for the City. Therefore, both Parks and Public Works Deparhnents are recommending the regular, full-time position and that Matt Mallory be hired to fill the position. Ms. Allan introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2006-11-272 -APPROVING THE REGULAR FULL-TIME PARKS/PUBLIC WORKS MAINTENANCE POSITION AS WELL AS THE HIRING OP MATT MALLORY TO FILL THAT POSITION AS RECOMMENDED BY CITY STAFF The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Keis. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. TIdE PRESERVE The City Administrator reported that Dayspring Development is donating the ponding area that is parC of The Preserve plat to the City as required by MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 8, 2006 our Development Agreement with them. In addition to the donation of this OuClot A, Dayspring Development will make full payment of park charges on all houses that are built as part of the plat. The Administrator reported that Dayspring plans to take anon-charitable donation for this property dedication. Mr. Keis introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION N0.2006-71-273 -ACCEPTING THE DEDICATION OF OUTLOT A, THE PRESERVE, TO THE CITY OF LITTLE CANADA FROM DAYSPRING DEVELOPMENT AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITYADMINISTRATOR TO SIGN THE APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTS RELATIVE TO THIS DEDICATION The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by LaValle. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. ADJOURN Mr. LaValle introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2006-II -274 -ADJOURNING The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Keis. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:38 p.m. ~ ~I~iaem B~ r, Mayor Attest: ~` r ~~", ,,' <. Joel Manson, City Administratoz 9