HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2010/02/08• PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA
Regular Meeting
February 8, 2010
Mounds View City Hall
2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112
7:00 P.M.
1. MEETING I5 CALLED TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Boy Scout Troop 1671ed the Pledge of Allegiance.
At the invitation of Mayor Flaherty, the Boy Scouts introduced themselves. The Council
thanked the troop for attending the meeting.
3. ROLL CALL: Flaherty, Stigney, Hull, Mueller, Gunn.
NOT PRESENT: None.
• 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A. Monday, February 8, 2010, City Council Agenda.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To Approve the Monday, February S, 2010, agenda as
presented.
Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried.
5. PUBLIC INPUT
None.
6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
A. Mounds View School District Presentation by Marre Jo Sager and Dan
Hoverman.
Mayor Flaherty welcomed School Superintendent Dan Hoverman and School Board Member
Marre Jo Sager.
Ms. Sager congratulated the Council and City of Mounds View on receiving the American
Crown Community Award. She then highlighted the happenings at the Mounds View schools.
• The district did have a deficit this year and has chosen to use $4.2 million in the fund balance to
avoid additional cuts within the district.
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Regular Meeting Page 2
Mr. Hoverman indicated a goal for the year was to increase the level of personalization within •
the school system. He explained staff has put in motion processes to monitor more closely how
all students are performing and not just those at risk. The system has created individualized
goals for each student as they proceed through high school.
Ms. Sager noted the calendar has been restructured to provide for less breaks in the school
schedule. In the 2010-11 school year there will be no half days that will save the district over
$130,000 in transportation costs. Mr. Hoverman added that instructional time was not reduced
with the change in the calendar.
Mr. Hoverman indicated another initiative has begun to create connections with the students. He
explained that school sponsored activities engage students and provides opportunities to students
not involved in extra-curricular sports. Students perform better academically when engaged and
involved in school.
Ms. Sager indicated the district was seeking creative and innovative ways to assist students to
avoid cuts and increase revenues in light of the current economic situation. Energy savings has
been a major source of improvements.
Council Member Mueller questioned the expense of educating one high school student for the
entire school year. •
Mr. Hoverman stated this would be difficult to estimate due to the wide range of services
provided to students, such as special needs or post secondary options. He indicated he would
report back to the Council with a range.
Council Member Mueller asked for further information on the hybrid online courses.
Mr. Hoverman explained the district offered 19 hybrid courses at this time between both high
schools. This allows the students to take a course without meeting in class with a teacher on a
daily basis. Courses will continue based on student interest.
Mayor Flaherty felt the online hybrid courses were going to set the district apart and would
benefit the self-starter students. He then asked if class sizes could be discussed and suggested
offering the honors classes in an auditorium setting.
Mr. Hoverman indicated this has been discussed and he would be more interested in offering the
online courses versus the large group. The flexibility provided in the online courses allows for
enough engagement while avoiding the large classes.
Council Member Gunn noted she was thrilled to see the school district has taken on the dean
model. This would serve the students well through their high school years.
Mayor Flaherty thanked the representatives for the information presented to the Council. •
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Regular Meeting Page 3
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7. COUNCIL BU5INESS
A. Resolution 7575, Approving Plans and Speci�cations and Authorizing
Advertisement for Bids for 2010 Street and Utility Improvement Project —
Area B/C.
Public Warks Director DeBar explained the Street and Utility Improvement Program was largely
developed by a Task Force group in 2007 and included input by residents, City staff, consultants,
and the City Council. The Program includes design standards, a financing plan, a
prioritization/implementation staging plan, and a communication plan for implementing
reconstruction of approximately 26 miles of city-owned streets and associated utilities over a
nine-year period, with an estimated program cost of $28 million.
Public Warks Director DeBar presented the 2010 Street and Utility Improvement Project for
Area B/C explaining that Area B was the azea bound between County Road H and H2 west of
Silver Lake Road to the Fridley border. Area C was the area between County Road H and H2
east of Long Lake Road over to CR10. Phase I of the Street Utility Improvement Project was
completed in 2009 with five miles of streets with utilities and driveways improved. Area B/C
would complete Phase II of a nine-year reconstruction plan. The estimated construction costs
were $3.3 million for Areas B/C, which was 11 °Io lower than originally predicted in the
feasibility report. He explained there were no appeals to the boulevard infiltration locations at
• this time.
Council Member Mueller questioned how many infiltration sites would be in Area B and asked
how this compared to the Area A. Public Works Director DeBar indicated there would be 14
infiltration sites in Area B due to the fact there were bigger lots in this part of town. Area A had
80 iniiltrations sites.
Mayor Flaherty encouraged the residents to attend the neighborhood meetings in March to gain
additional information on the upcoming street and utility improvements.
Public Works Director DeBar indicated the Rice Creek Watershed District approved the City's
pernut and plans with several conditions, but the City would need to create new models for future
projects. He explained that additional infiltration features could be added to residents' property
upon request.
Council Member Mueller questioned if the deeper infiltration basin would change the look of the
feature from the surface. Public Works Director DeBar indicated a deeper hole would be
excavated at the beginning but would appear the same as the infiltration sites in Area A. The
addition of the porous soil would allow the sites to drain more quickly.
Public Works Director DeBar recommended the Council adopt the draft resolution to approve the
plans and specifications and authorize the advertisement for bids. He noted that if adopted, bids
• would be opened on March 11, 2010. After evaluation of the bids, a future resolution will be
required to award the contract to the successful bidder.
Mounds View City Council February 8, 2010
Regular Meeting Page 4
Council Member Stigney questioned if the City had established the location of the additional •
inf'iltration basins. Public Works Director DeBar stated these locations would be identiiied after
the consultant reviews the feasibility report and once the area was surveyed.
Council Member Mueller had several questions about the projected expense for Area B/C. She
asked why street sweeping was included in the bid and not handled by the City. Public Works
Director DeBar explained the short-term maintenance of Area B and C would be better left to the
contractor during construction allowing them to be responsible for the condition of the streets.
Mayor Flaherty felt this was a wise decision given the fact there were a number of comments on
the street conditions of Area A.
Council Member Mueller questioned why a portion of the watermain would be abandoned.
Public Works Director DeBar stated the watermain was located on Irondale Road in the
boulevard area and would be bulkheaded to prevent dirt from collecting in the area. It would be
less disruptive to leave it in place rather than removing it.
Council Member Mueller noted Edgewood Drive would have reclaimed bituminous and asked
for further information on this process. Public Works Director DeBar further explained how the
blacktop would be reclaimed and reused as Class 5 to get an optimal mixture between the hot
mix and sand. He indicated this process created cost savings for the City.
Council Member Mueller questioned the engineering drawings of Edgewood Drive with regard •
to the sidewalk location near the school. Public Works Director DeBar confirmed the sidewalk
would be located adjacent to the curb on the east side of the street and would be six and a half
feet in width. The mailboxes would be located on the west side of the street.
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7575,
Approving Plans and Specifications and Authorizing Advertisement for bids for 2010 Street and
Utility Improvement Project — Area B/C.
Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried.
B. Resolution 7572, Revocation of Rental Housing License for Tim 5trand (2065
Hillview Road).
Community Development Director Roberts reviewed the past actions taken to gain compliance of
code violations at 2065 Hillview Road. He referenced Resolution 7541 from December, which
required Tim Strand to make corrections to the rental property. As of this date, Mr. Strand had
not completed the necessary changes. Staff has made every effort to get Mr. Strand to bring the
property into compliance with no response from Mr. Strand.
Community Development Director Roberts recommended the Council adopt the Resolution to
revoke the Rental Dwelling License of Timothy Strand for the property at 2065 Hillview Road. •
Mounds View City Council February 8, 2010
Regular Meeting Page 5
iMr. Strand was not in attendance.
Council Member Mueller questioned if the residents of the building have been notified of the
action being taken by the City. Community Development Director Roberts noted that City staff
had spoke with the tenant today about the status of the four-plex.
Council Member Mueller asked if the rear door had been restored. Community Development
Director Roberts explained the rear door was covered with a tarp and was barricaded.
Council Member Mueller inquired if City staff had heard any response from the property owner.
Community Development Director Roberts indicated there has been no response to date. Staff
understands the property is in foreclosure which could be why Mr. Strand was not willing to put
anymore time or money into the site.
Mayor Flaherty noted the property owner has had more than enough time to address the City
concerns and code violations with the rental unit. The issues raised were for the health and safety
of the residents.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7572,
Revocation of Rental Dwelling License of Timothy Strand, owner of 2065 Hillview Road.
• Council Member Gunn asked if Mr. Strand owned any other rental property within the City.
Community Development Director Roberts stated it was possible he owned another four-plex in
the area, but was not certain.
Council Member Mueller reviewed Item 6 on the Resolution stating Mr. Strand could have his
license reinstated if he made an effort to meet all City conditions.
Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried.
C. Resolution 7573, Approving the 2010 Public Works Seasonal Positions.
Director of Public Works DeBar presented the City's procedure for hiring temporary employees
for summer, fall and winter seasons and staff's recommendation to eliminate the part-time
seasonal employee position and hire a total of eight Public Works seasonal employees for 2010.
The seasonal employees would be compensated at $11.75 per hour and are traditionally college
students.
MOTIONlSECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7573,
Approving the 2010 Seasonal Public Works Positions.
Council Member Mueller indicated the Resolution language was a bit confusing. She would like
. clarification on the total number hired as being eight and not eleven. City Administrator Ericson
stated the fall and winter hires were filled by the seasonal summer employees. In the case that
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Regular Meeting Page 6
one of the summer employees was not available for the fall or winter work, the City would need
to seek an additional employee, but that has not typically been the case.
Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried.
D. Resolution 7574, Approving the Advertisement and Hire of a Public Works
Intern.
Public Works Director DeBar advised that the Engineering Intern recently resigned and presented
staff's recommendation to revise the position title from "Engineering Intern" to
"Engineering/GIS Intern" and description to better describe the overall duties and accommodate
some shortcomings in the previous position description. The City benefits from the Intern
position by assisting with street projects and other fieldwork. The part-time position would be
geared towards a civil engineering college student.
Public Works Director DeBar recommended the Council adopt the draft resolution to revise the
Public Works Intern position and advertise for hiring. It was noted that a future resolution would
be presented to the Council to authorize the hiring of the Engineering/GIS Intern position after a
finalist is selected.
Council Member Mueller thanked staff for preparing a thorough position description as this
would assist the City in finding a qualiiied applicant. Mayor Flaherty agreed.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7574,
Approving Position Description and Authorizing the Advertisement for a part-time
Engineering/GIS Position to be paid $11.75 per hour without benefits.
Council Member Stigney expressed concern within the position description stating the employee
would be hired for up to three years. He indicated the employee would only be hired for 2010,
and brought back if the budget allowed in 2011. He offered an amendment to the Resolution
stating: "the attached Engineering/GIS Position is hereby approved for 2010." City
Administrator Ericson clarified that this language was on the job description and not the
Resolution.
Mayor Flaherty questioned if any other positions within the City were hired for just one year.
Council Member Stigney indicated the Council would need to review this position each year to
see if there was a need and if the budget allowed.
Finance Director Beer suggested the amendment be placed under Item 2 of the Resolution after
"now therefore be it resolved..." Council Member Stigney requested that the amendment be
made under Item 2 of the Resolution.
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AMENDMENT MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Mueller. To Revise Resolution 7574, Adding
language to Item 2 of the Resolution after "Now Therefore Be It Resolved" to assure the position •
was hired just for 2010.
.
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Mounds View City Council February 8, 2010
Regular Meeting Page 7
Council Member Gunn asked if it was worth hiring and training the engineering intern for 2010.
City Administrator Ericson suggested the specific term of the position be changed instead
through an additional Item on the Resolution, Item 4 could read "Funding in subsequent years
shall be subject to Council authorization." This would eliminate the need for the Council to
review the Resolution and would be handled through the budget process.
Council Member Stigney did not want the engineering position buried in the budget discussion.
Mayor Flaherty questioned if the engineering intern should be treated like a seasonal employee.
Council Member Stigney indicated he has made an amendment to the motion and would like the
Council to vote on the motion on the table.
Council Member Mueller suggested staff bring this item to the Council in November to assure
that staff does not lose the position after December of 2010. Director of Public Works DeBar
agreed with this suggestion stating he would not want to lose the skilled intern and have to
retrain a new hire. He felt the position should not be treated as a seasonal employee.
Mayor Flaherty asked why the previous intern was not reviewed on a yearly basis. Director of
Public Works DeBar stated the intern position was not treated as a seasonal position. However,
if the Council would like this reviewed in November he would bring it back to the Council for
yearly approval.
Mayor Flaherty called for a vote on the Resolution amendment.
Ayes — 2 Nays — 3(Flaherty, Hull, Gunn)
Mayor Flaherty called for a vote on the original motion.
Ayes — 4 Nays — 1 (Stigney)
Council Member Hull left the Council Chambers.
Amendment failed.
Motion carried.
E. Resolution 7571, Adopting the 2008 Mounds View Comprehensive Plan.
Community Development Director Roberts reviewed the past consideration of the City's
Comprehensive Plan Update and presented staff's recommendation for the Council to move
forward with adoption and implementation of the 2008 Mounds View Comprehensive Plan
Update. He noted the resolution would take that action and incorporates the Tier II Sewer Plan
information.
Council Member Mueller asked what would happen if the City could not meet what the Met
Council was predicting and forecasting, as the land use changes from 2010-2030 for the City of
• Mounds View. Community Development Director Roberts indicated the City would not be
penalized for not meeting the forecasts as this was predicted regional growth. The City was to do
Mounds View City Council February 8, 2010
Regular Meeting Page 8
their best to meet the growth.
Council Member Gunn thanked staff and Council for its effort to complete the Comprehensive
Plan.
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7571,
Adopting the 2008 Mounds View Comprehensive Plan; Special Planning Case No. SP-154-07.
Ayes — 4 Nays — 0
(Council Member Hull was absent for the vote).
Motion carried.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Licenses for Approval.
B. Resolution 7576, Authorizing Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society to
Conduct a One Day Charitable Gambling Event (Raffle) on February 27,
2010, at The Mermaid.
C. Resolution 7577, Revising the 2010 Fee Schedule.
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Approve the Consent Agenda as Presented.
Ayes — 4 Nays — 0
(Council Member Hull was absent for the vote).
9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS
Motion carried.
Finance Director Beer answered the Council's questions related to claims.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as Presented.
Ayes — 4 Nays — 0 Motion carried.
(Council Member Hu11 was absent for the vote).
Council Member Hull returned to the Council Chambers.
10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. January 25, 2010 Executive Session Minutes.
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Approve the January 25, 2010, Executive Session
Meeting Minutes as Presented.
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Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried. •
Mounds View City Council February 8, 2010
Regular Meeting Page 9
•
11. REPORTS
A. Reports of Mayor and Council.
1. Mayor to Report on Executive Session from January 25, 2010.
Mayor Flaherty reported that the Executive Session discussion centered on union contract
negotiations with the Mounds View Police Union. The Council also discussed the perfortnance
of the clerk-administrator, which the Council found to be favorable.
Mayor Flaherty noted the 12`h Annual North Metro Home and Garden Show would be held
February 27, 2010 from 9:30 am - 2:00 pm at the Schwan's Super Rink at the National Sports
Center in Blaine, Minnesota. Admission is free.
Mayor Flaherty indicated the Irondale Band was hosting the 20th Annual drum line show at The
Winter Music of the Night Festival on February 13, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. with the color guard
portion of the program beginning at 7:00 p.m. Council Member Gunn expressed this was a great
event and encouraged the community to attend.
Mayor Flaherty reviewed the recent foreclosure and house vacancy information with Council.
He encouraged the City to be in contact with the 57 homes in foreclosure that have not been
vacated and provide them with information on the services available at the City.
� Council Member Mueller thanked Troop 167 for doing the flag ceremony this evening. Troop
167 also held a fundraiser breakfast last Saturday, which was very well attended and thanked
Moe's for hosting the event. She encouraged residents to volunteer for the upcoming Festival in
the Park on August 21, 2010.
Mayor Flaherty reported that on February 12, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. the City would be having a Staff
and Council retreat to discuss goals and objectives for 2010 at Random Park.
B. Reports of Staff.
1. Police Department 2009 Annual Report.
Deputy Police Chief Kinney reviewed the 2009 Annual report with the Council. He reported the
overall arrests and citations were up slightly in 2009. However, the number of general calls was
down. Theft continues to be the top overall crime within the City. Further information was
given on the initiatives tl�roughout the department. All squad cars would be equipped with video
cameras in 2010, which was a much-needed piece of technology. He reported the Police
Department came in 5°Io under budget for 2009 and then asked for comnnents or questions from
the Council.
Mayor Flaherty questioned how well attended the gun safety classes were. Deputy Police Chief
Kinney stated the classes were capped at 15, but additional room could be made to accommodate
• individuals.
Mounds View City Council February 8, 2014
Regular Meeting Page 10
Mayor Flaherty encouraged the Council to meet the new recruit Ofiicer Neumann and welcome
him to the City.
None.
12.
13.
C. Reports of City Attorney.
Next Council Work Session:
Next Council Meeting:
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:29 p.m.
Transcribed by:
Heidi Guenther
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
Monday, March 1, 2010, at 7:00 p.m.
Monday, February 22, 2010, at 7:00 p.m.
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