HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2010/01/11• PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA
Regular Meeting
January 11, 2010
Mounds View City Hall
2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112
7:05 P.M.
1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL: Flaherty, Stigney, Hull, Mueller, Gunn.
NOT PRESENT: None.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A. Monday, January 11, 2010, City Council Agenda.
. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Monday, January 11, 2010, agenda as
presented.
Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried.
5. PUBLIC INPUT
Mike Read, 2208 Lois Drive thanked the City for its effort to keep streets clear of snow and ice.
6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
A. Proclamation Announcing Mounds View as a 2009 Crown Community.
Mayor Flaherty read in full a proclamation announcing Mounds View as a 2009 Crown
Community. He thanked all the residents and staff involved in the task force and commented on
how their efforts will better the community. The Council gave a round of applause to all those
involved.
B. Resolution 7549, a Resolution of Appreciation for Faith Rynders for Service
on the Streets and Utilities Committee.
Mayor Flaherty thanked Faith Rynders for her two years of service on the Mounds View Street
• and Utilities Committee. He indicated the City would present a plaque to Ms. Rynders for her
service.
Mounds View City Council January 11, 2010
Regular Meeting Page 2
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution of
Appreciation to Faith Rynders.
Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried.
C. Resolution 7550, a Resolution of Appreciation for Jim Kavanaugh for
Service on the Streets and Utilities Committee.
Mayor Flaherty thanked Jim Kavanaugh for his two years of service on the Mounds View Street
and Utilities Committee. He presented Mr. Kavanaugh with a plaque on behalf of the City.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution of
Appreciation to Jim Kavanaugh.
Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried.
D. Resolution 7551, a Resolution of Appreciation for Bill Urbanski for Service
on the Streets and Utilities Committee.
Mayor Flaherty thanked Bill Urbanski for his two years of service on the Mounds View Street
and Utilities Committee. He presented Mr. Urbanski with a plaque on behalf of the City.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution of
Appreciation to Bill Urbanski.
Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried.
E. Resolution 7560, a Resolution of Appreciation for Todd Lang for Service on
the Planning Commission.
Mayor Flaherty thanked Todd Lang for three years of service on the Mounds View Planning
Commission. He indicated the City would present a plaque to Mr. Lang for his service.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution of
Appreciation to Todd Lang.
Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried.
F. Resolution 7561, a Resolution of Appreciation for Mary Kay Walsh-
Kaczmarek for 5ervice on the Planning Commission.
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Mayor Flaherty thanked Mary Kay Walsh-Kaczmarek for three years of service on the Mounds
View Planning Commission. He presented Ms. Walsh-Kaczmarek with a plaque for her service •
to the City.
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Mounds View City Council January 11, 2010
Regular Meeting Page 3
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution of
Appreciation to Mary Kay Walsh-Kaczmarek.
Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried.
G. Resolution 7562, a Resolution of Appreciation for Jackie Entsminger for
Service on the Cable Committee.
Mayor Flaherty thanked Jackie Entsminger for her five years of service on the Mounds View
Cable Committee. He indicated the City would present a plaque to Ms. Entsminger for her
service on the Cable Committee.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution of
Appreciation to Jackie Entsminger.
Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried.
H. Senator Betzold and Representative Tillberry: Presentation on Upcoming
Legislative Session.
• Representative Tillberry updated the Council on activities of the legislative session and provided
information on the potential bonding bill for 2010. He explained the State would continue to
work on balancing the budget as the State currently had a$1.2 billion deficit.
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Senator Betzold reviewed with the Council issues that would need resolution in 2010 based on
the pending court case, with regard to the unallotment. He explained that State revenues were
down, which made it increasingly more difficult to present a balanced budget. Senator Betzold
indicated State economists are concerned about the situation based on the economic condition of
the State, which would be the main focus for the next session.
Mayor Flaherty questioned if the Senate would be addressing the budget throughout the
legislative session or if major issues are not dealt with until the 11`h hour. Representative
Tillberry stated this was the process and nature of the legislature based on the cooperation needed
between the legislature and subcommittees. He explained there was a great deal of time involved
in hearing all of the proposed bills before the bills were broken down into subcommittees.
Mayor Flaherty indicated the governor has been very stringent in not raising taxes. He asked
how this legislative session would be different if the governor will not allow for increases.
Senator Betzold explained this would be a difficult session and that the governor's budget and
February forecasts would provide more information on the economic outlook of the State. He
indicated he did not want to see the current economic concerns pushed off for the next governor
to deal with.
Mayor Flaherty called for questions from the public.
Mounds View City Council January 11, 2010
Regular Meeting Page 4
Dan Mueller, 8343 Groveland Road, stated he understands that all investors have lost money •
over the past several years due to the economic downturn. He indicated it was dif�cult for him
to understand why the State would be reimbursing State employee's pension funds, wlule the rest
of the State's residents suffer. Mr. Mueller encouraged the State to use the funds provided wisely
and drop all of the bantering between parties. Representative Tillberry indicated he has the same
financial concerns as all residents in the State of Minnesota. He explained that the Senators and
Representatives are ordinary people with jobs, families, and the same stresses. Senator Betzold
stated he was a lawyer and he would be better served financially by following his trade than
through the public service he provided his constituents. He indicated the State has to make some
very difficult decisions this session due to the current economic challenges.
Mike Read, 2208 Lois Drive questioned if the State of Minnesota could continue to support
welfare programs for out-of-state residents that move to Minnesota. Senator Betzold explained
that these were partial State and Federal funds. He stated there were just as many people coming
into the State as were leaving the State, and added that this was a small percentage of the overall
budget. Senator Betzold further reviewed how the past surplus situations directly led to the
current economic crisis.
Council Member Stigney stated many retirees continue to lose services whether they are State
employees or not. He asked that the extra protection given to State employees be dropped.
Senator Betzold indicated he is not suggesting that the State bailout its pension program, but that
those who are dedicated to public service do deserve to retire after a life of service. •
Council Member Stigney questioned if the governor felt a responsibility for the current and
future economic condition of the State. Senator Betzold explained that the legislature only had a
constitutional responsibility for the current biennium, and that the governor does as well.
However, both parties are concerned about the current and future condition of the State.
Representative Tillberry noted there was a sense of responsibility for all the parties involved as
the demographics of the State continues to change and there is an increasing need for State funds.
The State will need to reform government to meet the changing needs.
Council Member Mueller asked if the State could recover the tax concessions made in previous
years if Northwest Airlines moved their headquarters from Minneapolis. Senator Betzold
explained that because Northwest Airlines filed bankruptcy, they were able to get out of some of
their financial obligations. He noted that the merge with Delta allowed Northwest Airlines to
shed many of the responsibilities within the t� concessions.
Council Member Mueller questioned how the unemployment rate could be improved to help the
economy. Senator Betzold indicated the bonding bill would fund various "shovel ready" projects
to assist in stimulating the State. He noted the Vikings Stadium would also be a topic of
discussion and the legislature needs to take another look at the corporate t� structure to close
loopholes. Senator Betzold indicated there were a lot of ideas going around at this time.
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Mounds View City Council January 11, 2010
Regular Meeting Page 5
. Mayor Flaherty thanked Representative Tillberry and Senator Betzold for their time and
addressing the concerns of the City.
7. COUNCIL BUSINESS
A. 7:05 p.m. Public Hearing for Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance
840 — Rezoning three properties from R-2, Single & Two Family to R-1,
Single Family (2760 Wooddale Drive, 7301 Park View Drive and 7441 Park
View Terrace).
Community Development Director Roberts reviewed the Council's past consideration of this
ordinance and advised Council approve the Ordinance as recommended. He spoke with two of
the three property owners and neither had an objection to the zoning amendment.
Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 8:27 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty
closed the public hearing at 8:27 p.m.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 840,
Rezoning three properties from R-2, Single & Two Family to R-1, Single Family.
ROLL CALL: Hu1UStigney/Muller/Gunn/Flaherty.
• Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried.
B. Resolution 7553, Approving a City Policy about Residential Fire Sprinklers
and Permits.
Community Development Directar Roberts explained the Building Code currently does not
require the installation of fire sprinklers in single-family homes; however, staff continues to
encourage homeowners to voluntarily install them. He advised that the 2013-14 International
Residential Building Code includes language to require the installation of fire sprinkler systems
in all new residential construction, including single-family homes. The Building Code will not
require sprinkler systems for additions or remodels so if a homeowner decided to install a
sprinkler with a building addition, it would be considered a voluntary installation. It was noted
the Council discussed this matter and endorsed the proposed policy at its January 4, 2010 Work
Session.
Community Development Directar Roberts presented staff's recommendation to approve the
proposed policy and waive building permit fees for the voluntary installation of residential fire
sprinklers.
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7553,
Approving the City Policy for Non-required Residential Fire Sprinkler Permits.
• Council Member Mueller commended the City for being proactive on this issue, as it will assist
in fire protection for the residents of the community.
Mounds View City Council January 11, 2010
Regular Meeting Page 6
A es — 5 Na s— 0 Motion carried. •
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C. Resolution 7554, Selection of the Official Newspaper, Acting Mayor,
Treasurer and Official Depositories for 2010.
Assistant Clerk-Administrator Crane presented proposals from the Sun Focus and The Bulletin to
be the City's official newspaper for 2010, noting the rates of the Sun Focus are slightly less. In
previous years, the Council had selected the St. Paul Pioneer Press as the City's secondary
newspaper, which would be acceptable. Assistant Clerk-Administrator Crane noted the Acting
Mayor position would need to be decided along with the appointment of a Treasurer, consistent
with the City Charter, and lists the City job positions authorized to conduct banking and
investment business on behalf of the City.
Council Member Mueller questioned if Council Member Stigney was willing to serve as the
Acting Mayor for 2010. Council Member Stigney answered in the affirmative.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7554,
Appointing Official Newspaper, Acting Mayor (appointing Roger Stigney), Official Depository,
and Treasurer for the year 2010.
Mayor Flaherty questioned how the secondary depositories were decided. Finance Director Beer •
stated they were deternuned based on past year's experiences and that the Council had favored
working with a local bank.
Council Member Stigney suggested the local bank fees be reviewed to see if a larger national
bank would benefit the City. Finance Director Beer reported the City incurred minimal fees at
this time.
Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried.
D. Resolution 7555, Appointing City Council Members and City Staff as
Representatives for City Commissions and Other Organizations.
Assistant Clerk-Administrator Crane reviewed the 2009 Council and staff appointments to City
Commissions and other organizations. She listed the staff appointments as is and noted the City
would need new representation to the Metro North Tourism Board.
The Council discussed the appointments and consensus was reached to on the following
appointments:
Ramsey County Lea�ue of Local Government — Councilmember Mueller and Clerk-
Administrator Ericson.
S�ri��Lake Park/Blaine/Mounds View Fireman's Relief Association — Councilmember Stigney •
and Clerk-Administrator Ericson.
Mounds View City Council January 11, 2010
Regular Meeting Page 7
• Human Resources Committee — Councilmember Stigney, Councilmember Mueller, Clerk-
Administrator Ericson, and Assistant City Clerk-Administrator Crane.
YMCA Advisory Committee — YMCA Center Manager, Executive Director of the Northwest
Family YMCA Pat Reimersma, Clerk-Administrator Ericson, Councilmember Hull, and
Councilmember Gunn.
Northwest Youth and Family Services — Councilmember Hull and Mayar Flaherty (alternate).
League of Minnesota Cities — Mayor Flaherty and Clerk-Administrator Ericson.
North Metro Mayors Association — Mayor Flaherty and Clerk-Administrator Ericson.
Minnesota Metro North Tourism — Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz and Clerk-
Administrator Ericson.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7555,
Appointing City Council Members and City Staff as Representatives for City Committees and
Other Organizations.
Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried.
E. Resolution 7563, Revising Section 2.05 of the Personnel Manual in Regard to
the Famiiy Medical Leave Act (FMLA), by Adding a Provision on Military
Family Leave.
. Assistant Clerk-Administrator Crane presented details of the 2010 National Defense
Authorization Act (NDAA), which expands coverage for military exigency leave and military
caregiver leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). She recommended adoption
of the draft resolution to revise the personnel manual in regard about the FMLA. A brief
overview of the new regulations was given.
Council Member Mueller questioned how benefits would accrue if an employee was on a paid
medical leave. Assistance Clerk-Administrator Crane explained all benefits would accrue as they
normally do and documentation would need to be provided to meet the FMLA regulations.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7563,
Revising Section 2.05 of the Personnel Manual in regard to the Family Medical Leave Act
(FMLA), by Adding a Provision on Military Family Leave and Medical Caregiver Leave.
Council Member Stigney asked if the leave of absence, Exhibit A, could read, "a leave of
absence for qualifying exigency arising out of the fact." be included in both definitions of
Military Family Leave and Military Caregiver Leave. Assistant Clerk-Administrator Crane
indicated staff would make this change.
Council Members Mueller and Hull agreed to this friendly amendment.
Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried.
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Mounds View City Council January 11, 2010
Regular Meeting Page 8
F. Resolution 7552, Adopting a 5pecial Assessment Levy for Unpaid •
Administrative Offense Fines.
Finance Director Beer presented staff's recommendation to levy for unpaid administrative
offense fines. He advised notice was mailed to affected property owners on December 11, 2009,
and property owners were allowed to pay the amount until 4:30 p.m. on January 11, 2010 in
order to avoid the $35 administrative fee. An additional 30 days will be given to pay the fine
with the administrative fine after which time an interest will compound unti12011 when the fines
will be assessed.
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7552,
Adopting a Special Assessment Levy for Unpaid Administrative Offense Fines.
Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
Council Member Mueller asked to remove Item B for discussion.
A. Licenses for Approval.
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C. Resolution 7559, Approving Chairperson Appointments to the Planning
Commission and the Park, Recreation and Forestry Commission.
D. Schedule a Public Hearing for Monday, January 25, 2010 at 7:05 pm to
Consider a Conditional Use Permit Amendment for Saturn of St. Paul, 2375
Highway 10.
E. Resolution 7558, Appointing Residents to the YMCA Advisory Committee
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Approve the Consent Agenda Items A, C-E.
Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried.
B. Resolution 7556, Approving an Agreement Renewal with Greater Minnesota
Housing Corporation for Housing Resource Center Services, 2010
Council Member Mueller questioned if the cost of the contracted service with the Housing
Resource Center was worth the $11,000 each year. She requested that the public be made aware
of services provided by this organization to take advantage of available resources.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7556,
Approving an Agreement Renewal with Greater Minnesota Housing Corporation for Housing
Resource Center Services for 2010.
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Mounds View City Council January 11, 2010
Regular Meeting Page 9
• Mayor Flaherty noted he spoke with the Clerk-Administrator Ericson on this issue as well and
asked that staff request a presentation from Director Suzanne Snyder to provide the public with
additional information on the services provided. Council Member Mueller suggested this
organization be invited to the spring Town Hall meeting and festival in the Park as well
•
Ayes — 5
9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS
Nays — 0 Motion carried.
Finance Director Beer answered the Council's questions related to claims.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented.
10.
Ayes — 5 Nays — 0
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. December 7, 2010, Truth in Taxation Minutes.
Motion carried.
Council Member Stigney requested a change on Page 5, Line 16, to read: "implement the hiring
of additional staff."
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Flaherty. To Approve the December 7, 2010, Truth in Ta�cation
meeting minutes as corrected.
Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried.
B. December 14, 2010, City Council Meeting Minutes.
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Approve the December 14, 2010, City Council meeting
minutes as presented.
11.
Ayes-5 Nays-0
REPORTS
A. Reports of Mayor and Council.
Motion carried.
Council Member Gunn congratulated Jimmy Gjere, a student at Irondale High School for being
nominated to play on the Army All American Team.
Mayor Flaherty noted the City was taking applications for Citizen of the Year. He reviewed the
criteria for nomination and stated applications would be available at City Hall or on the City's
website through February 24, 2010.
• Council Member Mueller thanked the Police Department and Officer Keckeisen for the crime
prevention summaries.
Mounds View City Council January 11, 2010
Regular Meeting Page 10
B. Reports of Staff.
Clerk-Administrator Ericson noted the YMCA Advisory Committee met last week and advised
that bookings were up with the space being utilized. Some general updates are going to be made
to the site this Spring due to a roof leak. He explained the application deadline for the Public
Works Supervisor position ends tlus week and the City hopes to receive several more applicants.
The City would be looking to hire a replacement police officer and the Council may be reviewing
this information at the next meeting.
C.
Noted.
12.
13.
Reports of City Attorney.
Next Council Work Session:
Next Council Meeting:
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
Transcribed by:
Heidi Guenther
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
Monday, February 1, 2010, at 7 p.m.
Monday, January 25, 2010, at 7 p.m.
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