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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2007/01/08• PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOT Regular Meeting January 8, 2007 Mounds View City Hall 2401 County Road 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:23 P.M. • 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Marty welcomed the Cub Scouts from Troop 367. One of the Scouts asked why Mayor Marty would want to be Mayor. Mayor Marty explained that he wanted to help the City with its planning and making decisions to help make a difference for the City. He then invited the Cub Scouts andlor their parents to come to the meetings or contact Council at any time. 3. ROLL CALL: Marty, Stigney, Hull, Flaherly, and Mueller NOT PRESENT: None. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA City Administrator Ulrich noted that Item 6A was removed from the Agenda and said that it is anticipated that the item will be back on tl~e Agenda on January 22, 2007. A. Monday, January S, 2007 City Council Agenda MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Flaherty. To Approve the Monday, January 8, 2007 agenda as presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT David Jahnke congratulated the new Council Members and said that the Scouts waited for 23 Minutes and that is rude and he feels that Council Meetings should start at 7:00 p.m. as planned. CJ Mounds View City Council January 8, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 2 Mr. Jahnke said that in a previous discussion with the Mayor the Mayor had commented that • Medtronic would cost the City more money some way and he could not figure out what the Mayor meant so he is here to ask. Mayor Marty asked what was being discussed at the time. Mr. Jahnke did not remember but said he was concerned about it. He then asked the new Council Members to watch every buck that is spent. Mayor Marty indicated he would contact Mr. Jahnke to discuss the matter. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUISNESS A. Presentation by Kari Murlowski re: Alternative Wellness Center This item was removed from the Agenda. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Public Hearing to Consider Resolution 6991, a Conditional Use Permit for an Oversize Garage at 8410 Knollwood Drive; Planning Case CU2006-010 Planning Associate Heller explained the Conditional Use Permit Application for an oversized • garage at 8410 Knollwood Drive. Planning Associate Heller indicated that the Comp Plan encourages improvements to properties and the CUP process requires the City to take a look at any potential impact to surrounding properties. She then said that she feels this addition would be a benefit to this property owner and the surrounding area. Planning Associate Heller explained that a variance for a reduced side yard setback was approved by the Planning Commission. She then explained that the addition to the garage would match the existing structure and blend in well. Mayor Marty opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. Mayor Marty closed the public hearing. Council Member Flaherty asked if the Applicant discussed this project with the neighbor to the south. The Applicant indicated that he had discussed the garage expansion with the neighbor and the • neighbor did not have an issue with it. Mounds View City Council January 8, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 3 ~ Council Member Flaherty thanked the Applicant for wanting to keep the tree. Council Member Mueller thanked the Applicant for saving the tree while still accomplishing the expansion of the garage. Mayor Marty said he called to talk to Community Development Director Ericson about this application and said he commends the Applicant for keeping the tree. He then said that he is concerned about the two-foot setback because he has been kind of a stickler about looking out for decisions that may set a precedent. Mayor Marty said that he was surprised that the Planning Commission approved the variance. He then said that he would have no issue with a larger garage or moving it closer to the tree but he would like to maintain the five-foot setback. The Applicant explained that the neighbor has 20 feet so the reduced setback should not be of concern. Mayor Mariy explained that if the new property owner would decide to put a privacy fence on the property line then there would only be two feet between the fence and this garage. • Mayor Marty indicated that he would be more comfortable following Code and allowing the expansion but requiring the five-foot setback to the property line. Council Member Flaherty asked how much property is between the Applicant's house and the neighbor on the other side. He then said that the concern is for emergency access to the backyard area, if necessary. Council Member Hull said that the Planning Commission felt the tree was a hardship that justified the two-foot setback. Council Member Stigney asked if the plan could be amended to stay five feet from the lot line. The Applicant indicated that he would not have enough room in the garage if he would have to leave the five-foot setback. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Flaherty. To Approve Resolution 6991, Approving a Conditional Use Permit for an Oversize Garage at 8410 Knollwood Drive. Council Member Stigney said he agreed with a lot of the Mayor's thinking about changing the setbacks and lot lines. He then said that, since the Planning Commission has reviewed this and felt that the tree location justifies hardship, he will reluctantly support this. He then said he is disappointed that the Planning Commission did not take a harder look at requiring the Applicant ~ to maintain the five-foot setback. Mounds View City Council January 8, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 4 Council Member Mueller said that there is a possibility that this property owner could purchase • additional property from the neighboring property in the future. She then said that she sees a resident who takes care of his property and is attempting to expand the garage to store his boat inside and she supports his request to expand the garage to protect his investment. Planning Associate Heller indicated that the neighbor to the north is over 100 feet off the property line. Mayor Marty indicated that the question before Council is the oversized garage of 1,124 square feet. He then said he has no issue with the resident wanting to improve the property to keep the boat inside but he is concerned with the setback. He further said that he will reluctantly go along with this, as it was the recommendation of the Planning Commission. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. B. PubGc Hearing, Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 782, an Ordinance Amending Section 7.10 of the Mounds View City Charter Pertaining to Indebtedness City Administrator Ulrich explained that the first reading of this Ordinance was on December 11, 2006. He then said that, if unanimously approved by Council, this Ordinance would go into effect 90 days from the date of the approval. • Mayor Marty opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. Mayor Marty closed the public hearing. Council Member Mueller indicated that she worked on this amendment and said she would be able to provide comment and explanation, if necessary. She then asked whether she should abstain from the vote. Mayor Mariy explained that a unanimous vote of Council is required for approval and he sees no reason why it would be necessary to abstain since this is merely a language clarification. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Flaherty. To Waive the Reading and Approve Ordinance 782, an Ordinance Amending Section 7.10 of the Mounds View City Charter Pertaining to Indebtedness. ROLL CALL: Marty/Stigney/Flaherty/Hull/Mueller Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. L~ Mounds View City Council January 8, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 5 • C. Resolution 6998, Resolution of Support for Sale of Fire Station 3, Located at 1314 109t" Avenue NE in Blaine Fire Chief Zikmund appeared before Council and asked for authorization to sell Old Fire Station 3 noting the appraisal price was $162,000 and there is a purchase agreement of $184,000 with the Church and this would allow the City of Blaine to move forward with this purchase. He then explained that Blaine will remove the building from the site, restore the site, and restore the curb line. He further explained that the management team envisioned and recommended that the proceeds of the sale would be used to finish the new station but it looks like that project will be at or under budget so Staff recommends the proceeds be placed in the Capital Improvement Fund. Chief Zikmund noted this would also establish the sale price of Fire Station 5 that Blaine wants to retain and the City will receive its prorated share of the proceeds for that sale. Council Member Flaherty asked when payments for capital budgets are made. Finance Director Beer indicated that they are generally made January 1 but a vehicle is ordered and payment is not due until later this year so the payment has not yet been made. Council Member Flaherty asked if the City's share of the sale proceeds is something that interest • could be made on rather than having it go right to capital budgets. Finance Director Beer indicated that the money will be invested for future capital improvements. Mayor Marty asked about the junk yard fire asking if it was reimbursable from insurance. Fire Chief Zikmund indicated that there were issues with the owner and he did not have insurance but usually the property owner would be billed. Council Member Mueller asked whether buildings are burned for practice. Fire Chief Zikmund indicated that is done when conditions allow it. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6998, A Resolution of Support for Sale of Fire Station 3 Located at 1314 109th Avenue NE in Blaine. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 6995, Approval of the TimeSaver Recording Secretary Contract Addendum for 2007 City Administrator Ulrich indicated that this is the annual renewal from TimeSaver Secretarial • with a 3% cost of living adjustment for 2007. He then indicated that Staff had asked for a Mounds View City Council January 8, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 6 discount for webstreaming Minutes but was informed that TimeSaver is providing Minutes to a • number of other cities via webstreaming and videotape and those cities do not receive a discount. City Administrator Ulrich indicated that Staff recommends approval of the contract addendum as Staff feels that this is the most cost effective way to provide Minute service to the City. Council Member Flaherty asked how much was budgeted for this service. Finance Director Beer indicated that he would have to look up the figure but said that this service was within budget last year. Council Member Flaherty indicated that he would reluctantly agree to this approval but said that he would like to see Staff research the other options for next year. He then said that he is disappointed that a discount was not offered to the City since there is not a live person at the meetings. Council Member Stigney commented that perhaps Staff should look into having a live person come to the meetings since TimeSaver has said that it costs more to do Minutes by webstreaming and video. Mayor Marty said that he feels that it should be more economical to have someone transcribe the Minutes from home than to have someone coming to the meeting. He then said that he would like to consider tabling this to allow Staff to research whether someone can come to the meeting • if it is less expensive. City Administrator Ulrich indicated that there was a quality issue and this has turned out to be more cost effective to have the right person doing the Minutes because it saves Staff and Council time. He then said that Staff would support this contract and agreed to ask TimeSaver for detail as to why the costs would be different for webstreaming versus having a live person. Mayor Marly said he thinks Ms. Lenzmeier has done a good job on the Minutes. He then said that he would say that Minutes have been reduced by one-third with her ability to condense the discussion without missing anything and that saves the City time and money. He also said that it would save time in the future for anyone having to review the Minutes if they are shorter. Mayor Marty indicated that he recalls the quality of the Minutes received when there was someone attending the meeting and that was time consuming for Council and Staf£ He then asked Staff to follow up on why it would cost more to do the Minutes from webstreaming and research whether there are other companies providing this service for consideration next year. Council Member Stigney said he is speaking of TimeSaver who sets up the contract with his comments and not Joan because Joan has always done excellent work. He then asked if the contract specifies Minutes from webstreaming. • Mounds View City Council January 8, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 7 . City Administrator Ulrich indicated that it would be the choice of the City to revert to having someone attend the meetings or to continue to have Minutes transcribed by webstreaming. Council Member Stigney asked if a DVD could be used. City Administrator Ulrich indicated that either DVD or webstreaming is possible. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6995, Approval of the TimeSaver Recording Secretary Contract Addendum for 2007. Finance Director Beer explained that having fewer pages of Minutes saves the City money since the costs are calculated by the page. Mayor Marty agreed that the number of pages is one-third to one-fourth of what the City previously had. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 6996, Severance Package for Tim Pittman, Mounds View Public Works Supervisor • City Administrator Ulrich read Resolution 6996, Severance Package for Tim Pittman. City Administrator Ulrich added that Mr. Pittman was with the City for 24 years and will be missed. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Flaherty. To Approve Resolution 6996, Severance Package for Tim Pittman, Mounds View Public Works Supervisor. Council Member Flaherty thanked Mr. Pittman for his service to the City and said that he has been very professional and he thanked him for all the help provided to him since he has been on Council. Mayor Marty said that Mr. Pittman has been a contributing force for the City for a number of years and he will be missed. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. F. Resolution 6997, Step Increase for Sgt. Steve Menard, Mounds View Police Department. City Administrator Ulrich read Resolution 6997, Step Increase for Sgt. Steve Menard, Mounds View Police Department. • ~ Mounds View City Council January 8, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 8 MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve Resolution 6997, Step Increase for Sgt. Steve • Menard, Mounds View Police Department. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. G. Resolution 7001, Approving the Plans and Specifications and Authorizing the Advertisement for Bids and Setting a Bid Date for the County Road 10 Trailway Project: Segments 9& 10 Public Works Director Lee provided information to Council concerning the County Road 10 Trail Project. He then noted that the plan includes pedestrian lighting and landscaping. Council member Mueller asked whether the landscaping along the trail could be done by the Scouts or by Public Works rather than the professional service. Director Lee explained that the plantings are several acres in size and that would be very time consuming and take Staff away from other essential tasks. Council Member Mueller asked what the landscaping portion of the project is costing the City. Director Lee explained that the Plans and Specifications were not broken out that way but then listed the items that involved landscaping. • The Council discussed a portion of a trail on the east side of Long Lake Road that needs to be relocated to match up with the new trail on County Road 10. Director Lee explained that Public Works is not geared to be in the landscaping business and recommended that this be left to the professionals. Council Member Flaherty said that he is concerned about the $250 for relocating a bench. Director Lee said that the information listed is a cost estimate at this time and costs will be more specific once the bids are received. He then said that Staff is trying to get the Met Council to move their own bench and, if that is possible, that would be removed from the estimate. Council Member Flaherty said that $1,600 is a lot of money for a garbage can and asked who is supplying them. Director Lee explained that the contractor will have to find their own supplier and noted that all contractors will be bidding competitively. He also explained the type of trash enclosure the specifications refers to. Director Lee explained where the signage would be located. • Mounds View City Council January 8, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 9 • Council Member Mueller asked if the panels on the sign are interchangeable. Director Lee indicated that they are. Council Member Flaherty said that he does not know that $20,000 worth of seating is necessary. Council Member Flaherty questioned the quantity of the trailway lights. He then said that there are three lights in front of the Holiday store and asked whether those are necessary because it is pretty bright in that location already. Director Lee indicated that the lighting is spaced about 80 feet apart. He then said that the foot- candle lighting was considered and it was determined that lighting is needed in that location to illuminate the trail. Council Member Flaherty asked if the same would be true of the trail near Super America. Director Lee explained the lighting in that area noting that the existing lighting would not be sufficient. Council and Staff reviewed the lighting designs. • City Administrator Ulrich asked whether there is a difference in the amount of light the two fixtures provide. Director Lee indicated that Staff was attempting something a little bit more decorative at the intersections but the lighting they provide is about the same. Council Member Mueller asked the cost difference to change the intersection lights to shoe box lights. Director Lee indicated there are only four shepard's hook lights included in the project for about a difference of $8,800.00. Council Member Flaherty indicated that rather than using all of the shepard's hooks they put them at intersections to show that people were in MV. Director Lee indicated that the Mounds View medallion will be on the shepard's hook lights. Council Member Flaherty indicated that he wants the quotes to come in as a not to exceed and does not want to see a bunch of change orders. Mayor Marty asked Staff to really review the bids to ensure that everything is listed so there will not be any change orders. • Mounds View City Council January 8, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 10 Council Member Stigney asked about the board walk and asked how much less the costs would • be without the overlook. Public Works Director Lee indicated that he does not have information to answer that question without having the consultant recalculate the amounts. He then said that the City would be charged for the change to have it bid both ways. Council Member Flaherty asked for an alternate for removal of the overlook when this goes out for bids for comparison. Council Member Hull asked whether the maintenance to the landscape material has been considered. Director Lee indicated that anything in the County right of way would be the responsibility of the City to maintain. Council Member Stigney asked what the price difference would be for a concrete bench. Director Lee estimated that a concrete bench would be significantly more expensive than what is being proposed. MOTION/SECOND: Hu1UFlaheriy. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7001, Approving the Plans and Specifications and Authorizing the Advertisement for Bids and Setting • a Bid Date for the County Road 10 Trailway Project: Segments 9& 10. Council Member Stigney asked how many change orders are anticpated. Director Lee said he expects none but, realistically, probably one for the project. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA A. License for Approval B. Resolution 6999, Adopting Modifications to Section 1.1 and 4.1.A of the City's Purchasing Policy .,.. ~...~ ...... ~,.,~...~ ~~.,...; v ~ D. ~~Pen~ai.*; ^/ALl'1 A ..,.~,.., a,. II; D,...1 4 t n~ m• ~ L^ " ~ YN~ "~ ~'~b E. Set a Public Hearing for 7:05 p.m. for Monday, January 22, 2007, to Consider a Civil Penalty and Suspension of an Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor Business License for ABC Liquor Located at 2840 County Highway 10 in Mounds View • Mounds View City Council January 8, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 11 • Council Member Mueller requested that Item C be removed for discussion. Mayor Marty removed Item D for discussion. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Mueller. To Approve Consent Agenda Items A, B, and E. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 7000, Approving an Agreement for Maintenance and EVP System Agreement for the Traffic Control Signals at County Road J and Xylite Street, and County Road J and Coral Sea Street Council Member Mueller indicated that she understands that the City is sharing the maintenance of the control signals but she was wondering if the configuration of the control signals is set in stone or whether it could be debated. She then said that the intersection of County Road H and Couniy Road 10 and County Road H and County Road H2 do not function correctly for safe passage of residents and commuters. Public Works Director Lee indicated that these intersections have been reviewed by Staff, the City of Blaine, Anoka County, Ramsey County, and Mn/DOT and they are adequate for today's • standards. He then said that at County Road H and County Road 10 that is part of the corridor improvement plan because the left turn lanes would make the intersection function properly. Council Member Mueller asked if the new construction was designed to accommodate future office traffic. Public Works Director Lee indicated that be believed that it had been designed with that in mind. Council Member Flaherty asked why this was acted on in Blaine back in April and why there was such a delay getting this to Council. Director Lee indicated that the City's attorney found an issue tivith the indemnification clauses and that was brought up with the Counry and they sat on it for a while. He then said that Ramsey County is the lead agency on this project so the timing was based upon their ability to complete the documents. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/HuIL To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7000, Approving an Agreement for Maintenance and EVP System Agreement for the Traffic Control Signals at County Road J and Xylite Street, and County Road J and Coral Sea Street. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. • D. Resolution 7002, Approving to Hire a Replacement for a Part Time Cable TV Operator in the Mounds View Cable Department Mounds View City Council January 8, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 12 Mayor Marty indicated he discussed this with the City Administrator today and he brought it up • last year as well. He then said that when Kimberly Blackford was still here it was discovered there was no pay scale for part time help so that was drafted and Dave Olson started at 5tep 4 but he has been here a longtime and that is why he lobbied to start him at Step 5. He then said he wants to move Dave Olson to Step 5 and advertise for the rehire position. Council Member Stigney indicated it is not on the agenda and Human Resources Committee should deal with that. Mayor Marty indicated he would like to direct this to Human Resources Committee to consider moving Dave Olson to Step 5. MOTION/SECNOD: Marty/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7002, Approving to Hire a Replacement for a Part Time Cable TV Operator in the Mounds View Cable Department. Council Member Flaherty indicated that he feels that Mr. Olson is an excellent employee and this should be looked at by the Human Resources Committee. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS • Council Member Flaherty asked for an explanation on the LCD TV recorders and transceivers. City Administrator Ulrich indicated that this is part of the police video that they are doing for video surveillance adopted by Council and paid for by federal grant money. Council Member Mueller asked what a street opening refund is. Public Works Director Lee explained that anyone who needs to do work in the right of way requires a security deposit and, once the work is done, then the money is refunded. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Mueller. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as Presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. City Council Minutes December 11, 2006 Mayor Marty indicated he called his amendments in. He then asked about Page 2, Line 72. Staff will review it. • Mounds View City Council January 8, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 13 . Mayor Marty indicated that in reading over the Minutes on Page 4 he thought of something else where Council was discussing Knollwood Place Townhome Developments he was wondering if a privacy fence could be required to prevent snowplow drivers from pushing snow off the end of the driveway. Council Member Stigney requested the following changes: On Page 13, Line 17 asking for costs for putting in concrete barrier curb and gutter. Line 19 should read looks like the 2003 feasibility report with a barrier bituminous or concrete curb and until the changes are made that show the cost difference between surmountable bituminous versus concrete barrier curb he will not support the project. Line 25 he said he would like the cost information to reconstruct the streets now as they exist without barrier concrete curb and gutter. Council Member Stigney requested the following change: On Page 20, Line 44, does not think that someone should be hired outside to lease and manage the banquet center. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Mueller. To Approve the December 11, 2006 City Council meeting minutes as amended by comments to Staff and at this meeting. • 11. REPORTS Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion ca.rried. A. Reports of Mayor and Council Mayor Marty announced that NW Youth and Family Services is having their awards banquet on February 1, 2007 and one of Mounds View's residents has received an outstanding service to youth award. Director Ericson explained that the City has been focusing a different business every month on the City's Website and in the Mounds View Matters. This month the spotlight is on Fedor's Market. B. Reports of Staff City Administrator Ulrich announced that 2006 Citizenship nominations are being solicited with the deadline the end of February 2007. City Administrator Ulrich noted that the Council/Staff Leadership Retreat is scheduled for February 7 and 8, 2007 at the Random Park building. City Administrator Ulrich announced that the joint meeting with New Brighton is scheduled for ~ February 26, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. Mounds View City Council January 8, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 14 City Administrator Ulrich noted that Senator Betzold and Representative Tillberry will be here • for the public meeting on January 22, 2007 to handle questions. City Administrator Ulrich announced that City Hall will be closed January 15, 2007 in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Community Development Director Ericson explained that he received a telephone call from Marty Harstad and the Red Oak Estates Townhome models will open this weekend and he invited Staff and Council to come and tour the models. Mayor Marty asked if there are four units. Director Ericson indicated that there are four units in the first building. Mayor Marty asked about three garages for four units. Director Ericson indicated that one garage is converted to the office for sales and then will be converted back to garage space. 1. Finance Finance Director Beer indicated that the workers comp renewal was received with an increase but the City got a 10% discount for a 90% nonsmoking police force. • C. Reports of City Attorney None. 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, February 5, 2007, at 7 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, January 22, 2007 at 7 p.m. 13, ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:42 p.m. Transcribed by: Joan Lenzmeier, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. •