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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2010/04/12• PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNE50TA Regular Meeting Apri112, 2010 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:00 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, Apri112, 2010, City Council Agenda. • MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To approve the Monday, April 12, 2010, agenda as presented. Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT None. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Resolution 7601, A Resolution of Appreciation for Inspection Intern Jeff Baker. Building OfficiallFire Marshal Osmonson recognized Jeff Baker, a member of the Blaine/Spring Lake Park/Mounds View Fire Department and the City's Inspection Intern since June of last year. She explained that Mr. Baker had resigned his position and was attending school to complete a degree in Building Inspection Technologies. Council Member Mueller noted that Mr. Baker has an electrical background and asked about his future plans. Mr. Baker stated his appreciation to Mounds View for the experience he had gained and interest in pursuing a career in building inspections. • Mounds View City Council April 12, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 2 Mayor Flaherty read in full and presented a Resolution of Appreciation to Jeff Baker in recognition of his contribution to the City of Mounds View. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Adopt Resolution 7601, A Resolution of Appreciation for Inspection Intern Jeff Baker. Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion cairied. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Resolution 7602, Approving the Hire of Kevin Koch as Engineering/GIS Intern in the Public Works Department. Assistant City Clerk-Administrator Crane explained the Engineering Intern resigned last fall and the Council discussed, at its February 1, 2010, Work Session, and then approved, at its February 8, 2010, Regular Meeting, a revised position title from "Engineering Intern" to "Engineering/GIS Intern" and authorized advertisement for rehiring. Assistant to the Clerk-Administrator Crane stated the position was advertised at $11.75 per hour without benefits and would be funded from the Water and Sanitary Sewer Enterprise Funds. She indicated that 34 applications were received and six applicants were interviewed. She presented the recommendation of the interview panel to hire Kevin Koch, pending a satisfactory background check. Assistant City Clerk- Administrator Crane reviewed Mr. Koch's education and experience, noting this is a temporary intern part-time position with flexible hours. Council Member Stigney asked how much was budgeted for this position, how much has been spent, and how much does the City anticipate spending? Public Works Director DeBar stated that zero dollars have been spent to date 2010 for this position. The hours worked will vary and since Mr. Koch will attend St. Cloud State, there may be few or no hours this fall. If this position works full-time for three months this summer and during Christmas break, the cost is estimated to be $7,500 to $8,000. If working during the school months, the cost is estimated to be $10,000. Finance Director Beer advised that $11,000 is budgeted for this intern position. Council Member Stigney asked how long it is anticipated there will be a need for this position. Public Works Director DeBar explained the 2010 budget included $30,000 to hire a consultant for GIS base mapping. Filling this position would reduce that amount since Mr. Koch has GI5 base mapping experience but a consultant may still be needed to start the mapping project. Public Works Director DeBar stated this position would be needed for 2011 to complete the GIS mapping project. He advised that Mr. Koch is aware of the situation with the budget. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7602, Approving the Hire of Kevin Koch as Engineering/GIS Intern in the Public Works Department. Mayor Flaherty asked staff to explain the Water and Sewer Enterprise Fund. Clerk- Administrator Ericson explained the Water and Sewer Enterprise Fund receives funding from quarter utility billings, which are based on water usage and flat fees. He advised that hiring this � • • I C� � • Mounds View City Council Apri112, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 3 position would not affect the General Fund or rates charged to property owners. Council Member Mueller stated this action would replace a position vacated last fall and having this part-time intern to do GIS mapping will save the City some consulting fees and allow Engineering Technician Hess to complete higher-level work tasks, so it is a good value for the City. Mayor Flaherty noted that a lot of money will be saved in consulting fees. Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 7603, Approving the Schedule of Costs and Schedule of Payment for Private Improvements in the 2010 Street and Utility Improvement Project — Area B/C. Public Works Director DeBar reviewed that the Council had adopted a Private Improvement Program (PIP) that established the components in which property owners can have their driveway and utility services improved as part of the Street and Utility Improvement Program. He explained that prior to the project there were no barrier curbs, which resulted in the creation of multiple access points to properties. When the project was designed, the engineers addressed Code compliance of one driveway access per property with some exceptions. Public Works Director DeBar advised that the PIP had good participation during last year's Area A project. Staff solicited prices to do the work and converted it into a lineal foot basis to widen a driveway and lengths of service pipes. The Area B/C project bid form included prices to be used for private driveway improvement and sanitary sewer replacements. The resident is responsible for 100°Io of this cost and will receive a reduced cost due to the scale of the City's project. He noted the schedule of costs for this year's project include updated costs for the same driveway improvements as last year, but only includes sanitary sewer service replacement costs for private utility improvements. The schedule of payment remains unchanged from last year's project. Payment in full is required for any private improvement costs less than $500. Otherwise, property owners have the option to assess the improvement costs. An assessment administrative fee is required of $35 and the assessment interest rate is 5.50°Io. Public Works Director DeBar referenced Exhibit A and reviewed the project costs, noting driveway prices are lower than last year; however, the sanitary sewer replacement costs have increased. One property was identiiied that could be divided but that property owner indicated they were not interested so it was not included in the schedule. Council Member Mueller asked whether the assessment plan will be discussed at the April 13, 2010, neighborhood meeting. Public Works Director DeBar answered in the affirmative and advised that the forms for participation and waiver, as drafted by Kennedy and Graven, will also be available. Council Member Mueller asked how long a sewer pipe lasts and how residents know if their Mounds View City Council Apri112, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 4 sewer line should be replaced. Public Works Director DeBar estimated the sewer line, depending on the type of pipe material used and tree roots, can last up to 50 years. He advised the sewer pipe would be replaced with PVC pipe that has a life span of about 100 years. Council Member Mueller asked how far the television equipment could see up a utility line. Public Works Director DeBar stated the City's equipment can see a distance of about iive feet and if tree roots are viewed, the resident will be notified and encouraged to hire a plumber to videotape and clean their service line, if needed. Mayor Flaherty stated the property owner is responsible for their own sewer line. Clerk- Administrator Ericson clarified the property owner is responsible for the sewer line from their house to the mainline. He encouraged property owners to inform the City when cleaning their sewer line to ensure it does not create a blockage in the main line or another property owner's private line. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7603, Approving the Schedule of Costs and Schedule of Payment for Private Improvements in the 2010 Street and Utility Improvement Project — Area B/C. Ayes — 5 8. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Flaherty asked to remove Item D. Nays — 0 Motion carried. A. Licenses for Approval. B. 5et a Public Hearing for Monday, April 26, 2010, at 7:05 p.m. for Consideration of an Interim Use Permit for the Temporary Tent at The Mermaid, 2200 Highway 10. C. Set a Public Hearing for Monday, April 26, 2010, at 7:10 p.m. for Consideration of an Outdoor Liquor Consumption Endorsement for The Mermaid, 2200 Highway 10. . � +�, �, n,.,.,,,,,�.,,,. �n�n. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Approve the Consent Agenda Items A, B, and C. Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 7604, Authorizing Insurance Policies for the Year January 2010 through December 2010. • L� Mayor Flaherty stated that the Council and City staff are always looking at ways to save money and asked about the 2010 insurance rates. Finance Director Beer advised that insurance rates • increased $2,700 over last year, which was less than expected. This resulted from a reduction in � LJ Mounds View City Council Apri112, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 5 property and liability insurance by $9,100 and an offsetting increase in workers compensation by $11,800 due to a higher experience modifier. Mayor Flaherty commented on the increase in workers compensation due to incidents over the last three years, noting it will go down considerably next year, if accident free. Finance Director Beer stated that is correct and reviewed the vehicle accident that had occurred that was not the fault of the City's employee. He advised that the League, every 6 years, pays an appraiser to review the City's buildings and equipment to determine the appropriate value. From the City's standpoint, it is not underinsured, and if values are lowered it will save the City premium dollars. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7604, Authorizing Insurance Policies for the Year January 2010 through December 2010. Ayes — 5 9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS Nays — 0 Motion carried. Finance Director Beer answered the Council's questions related to claims. Council Member Mueller requested additional information on the park building window that was replaced. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as Presented. 10. Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. March 8, 2010, City Council Meeting Minutes. Motion carried. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Approve the March 8, 2010, City Council Meeting Minutes as corrected on Page 3, Line 24, to change the word "ceduce" to "reduce." 11. Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 REPORT5 A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Motion carried. Council Member Mueller reported on the car show held at Robert's on Sunday and advised the car shows will be on-going through the summertime. She indicated the Festival in the Park flyer is posted on the City's website and will be distributed at local car shows. A special feature for the Festival in the Park is that NHRA driver Martin Schmidt will bring his alcohol fueled dragster to the car show. Council Member Mueller noted the food shelf is accepting food and cash donations and encouraged residents to keep this in mind during the summer months. Council Member Mueller extended her congratulations to Austin Prange who achieved the Eagle • rank of Boy Scouts. She stated that Austin Prange is a senior at Irondale High School and planning to attend Mankato University to major in mechanical engineering. Mounds View City Council Apri112, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 6 Ma or Flahert noted the community has many Eagle Scouts, which says a lot about the families • Y Y who live in Mounds View. Council Member Mueller concurred, noting that only 1% of all Boy Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. Mayor Flaherty stated he had received a call from a long-time residents asking about the law enacted on January 1, 2010, requiring the use of compostable lawn bags. He reviewed the requirement to use compostable bags if the bags are placed at the curb for pick-up. B. Reports of Staff. 1. Administration Quarterly Report. Clerk-Administrator Ericson provided a brief review of the administration quarterly report. The Council discussed comments received at the recently held Town Hall meeting. Finance Director Beer advised that a water tower lease check has been received from Clearwire and requested Council's direction, noting it has been the City's past practice to deposit these funds in the Water Fund. Following discussion, the Council agreed with the suggestion of Council Member Stigney to deposit the funds in the General Fund since it is the most beneficial to the City's property owners. Clerk-Administrator Ericson completed review of the administration quarterly report and read the • Council's new set of goals and priorities that were adopted on March 8, 2010. Council Member Mueller suggested this information be posted to the City's website so residents can view progress made towards the goals. She also suggested that the goals include mention of the flyers that will be included in the water bill related to home foreclosures. The Council agreed. Mayor Flaherty stated it is important to include progress made towards goals beyond the street improvement project. Clerk-Administrator Ericson stated the Council received an inquiry at the Town Hall meeting regarding use of golf carts on City streets. He stated he researched this question and read the list of communities that do allow golf carts on City streets, noting there is only one metro community, White Bear Lake. Minnesota Statutes allow it to occur with an accompanying ordinance adopted by the City and associated rules. He relayed the opinion of Depury Chief Kinney that from a policing standpoint and due to the amount of traffic coursing through the City, it does not make sense to consider allowing golf carts on the City's roadways. Council Member Gunn stated she also sees many of motorized wheelchairs on the City's streets when sidewalks are not available. Clerk-Administrator Ericson stated motorized wheelchairs are allowed on City sidewalks and trails. Council Member Gunn stated she does not support golf carts on the City's streets due to safety concerns. • Mounds View City Council Apri112, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 7 • Council Member Mueller noted that a golf cart is easier to see than the scooters that are allowed on the City's streets. She stated a golf cart would need a slow moving vehicle sign and restricted for use from sunrise to sunset. Council Member Mueller stated she does not object to allowing golf carts on streets since it would provide the alternative for a permitted driver to use this mode of transportation. Council Member Gunn asked if they should be restricted to side streets. Clerk-Administrative Ericson agreed that if allowed, they should be restricted from County and State roadways. Council Member Hull stated he would like additional resident input instead of considering such a change because of one resident request. Council Member 5tigney stated he did not support opening the City's streets for use of golf carts. Mayor Flaherty concurred based on the number of County roadways and high volume of trafiic coursing through Mounds View. He noted a golf cart, if allowed on the City's trails, would take up the entire width and affect other trail users. Mayor Flaherty stated he felt there were too many safety concerns to consider this request. However, if many of residents make this request it could be considered in the future. Mayor Flaherty announced the upcoming community theater production of "Guys and Dolls" at the Irondale High School Theater, noting the production dates are posted on the City's website. u Noted. 12. 13. C. Reports of City Attorney. Next Council Work Session: Next Council Meeting: ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 5:10 p.m. Transcribed by: Carla Wirth TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. . Monday, May 3, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. Monday, Apri126, 2010, at 7:00 p.m.