HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2007/09/10~ PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOT
Regular Meeting
September 10, 2007
Mounds View City Hall
2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112
7:02 P.M.
1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL: Stigney, Hull, Mueller, and Marty
NOT PRESENT: Flaherty
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
• A. Monday, September 10, 2007 City Council Agenda
Mayor Marty asked whether Item 7A should be postponed now or later in the meeting.
Administrator Ulrich suggested taking public comment at this meeting and postponing action to
the next meeting.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Monday, September 10, 2007 City Council
Agenda as Presented.
Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried.
5. PUBLIC INPUT
Mr. Perrozzi addressed Council regarding the Pac building and provided an update. Mr. Perozzi
indicated he has received the utility agreement six times but has yet to receive Exhibits A, B, and
C to the document so he cannot sign it. Mr. Perrozzi indicated that Mr. Bock of the Velmeir
Company has indicated he is not pleased with having to move the utilities. Mr. Perrozzi
indicated that he has informed Mr. Bock that there are utilities on his property without a proper
agreement and he is tired of this situation and is seriously considering litigation.
Dan Mueller of 8343 Groveland Road addressed Council and said that he is disappointed
• regarding the discussion concerning Festival in the Park at the last meeting. Mr. Mueller said
that the volunteers involved with the Festival in the Park worked very hard, and Council was
Mounds View City Council September 10, 2007
Regular Meeting Page 2
aware of the budget of the Festival, and he does not feel it is right to bash anyone due to poor
turnout.
Mr. Mueller indicated that the car show brought in $730.00, and, in addition, due to the
generosity of the appraisers, the Car Show raised $150.00 that was donated to the food shelf.
Mr. Mueller thanked Mr. Ulrich for his work for the City and said that the City of Ramsey is
lucky to have him.
Mayor Marly noted that the first year of a new event is difficult ~nd is a learning year to improve
on the following years.
Bill Doty of 3049 Bronson Drive addressed the Council's plan to charge each household $100.00
per year for street maintenance for the next 20 years. Mr. Doty said that the Charter ~yas created
to give the residents a right to vote on things of this nature, and he would like th~ City to allow
this decision to go to a referendum.
Mr. Doty said that he would really like the Council to handle this decision on a referendum,
because the citizens could object to the Council making the decision, but that takes wark with the
petition process.
Mayor Mariy indicated that the City must ~ile by September 15, 2007 to develop the ballot
auestion. so the Council wciuld need to vo~e on it tonight 'or call a special meeting prior to
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Mr. Doty;said he served four years, but has been on the Charter Commission as well.
Mr. Doty sai~ that he would like the Council to know that the residents have said, four to one,
that they want limited increases in taxes, and his City taxes are quite high.
Mayor Marty added discussion on referendum question to the Agenda.
Council agreed to add the discussion under Council Business 7F.
6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUISNESS
A. Presentation by Bethlehem Baptist Church and Representatives from
SAIL and STAND Programs
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Mounds View City Council September 10, 2007
Regular Meeting Page 3
• Administrator Ulrich indicated that Bethlehem Baptist Church has requested that a portion of
their payment in lieu of t~es be used to assist with funding for the STAND and SAIL programs.
Representatives are present to provide information on the programs.
Mayor Marty indicated that he has nothing against these programs as outlined in the Staff report.
His concern would be that this is part of the Mounds View School District, and the School
District is budgeted and paid for out of School District funds, and the Bethlehem Baptist Church
was a contribution toward funding City needs. His concern is that once this starts getting applied
to the School District, it may continue indefinitely, making it difficult to divert the funds away
from the programs for any City needs that may arise.
Robin Howard, Dean of Edgewood Middle School, provided information on the STAND
program which is Students Taking a New Direction to assist'students with an academic focus to
provide incentive for finishing work and to provide life skills training.
Administrator Ulrich explained that one time expenditures are easier for the City rather than
funding that an organization would come to rely on.
Ms. Howard indicated that they are always looking for additional funding, but this would not be
considered an operational funds source. ~'he ~chool District funds this program, but they would
love to have the opportunity for the additional funds this time, or any other time that the funds
~ would be available.
Debbie Wall, SAIL teacher, addressed Council and explained that SAIL stands for Social
Academic and Interpersanal Leaming. Ms. Wall indicated that they service any student for any
time that they need extra support, and provide materials needed to assist with organization and
preparation to be able to do tlieir work.
Ms. Wall indica#ed that there are field trips and community service projects, and they do
fundraising to assist wi#h the Schooi District funding. Ms. Wall indicated that they work around
the funding they do receive, but would'not rely upon the funding to continue regularly.
Council Member Mueller thanked Staff for putting together the Staff report and information.
Council Member Stigney said that a Committee is planned to determine the use of the funds and
he would like to know if that has already occurred. Council Member Stigney said that he would
like information on the Committee, and what the recommendation was.
Administrator Ulrich explained that there is not a formal committee, but more of an informal
discussion with the YMCA, Park and Recreation Staff and the Church to develop a consensus of
needs.
• Council Member Stigney indicated that he would like to see the payment in lieu of t~es be used
more City wide. He then said he has no issue with these programs, but would prefer to use the
funds for somethmg like Festival in the Park, as that is more City-wide.
Mounds View City Council September 10, 2007
Regular Meeting Page 4
Mayor Marty indicated that if the City does not have suggestions for using the funds then the
Church looks for sources.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Marty. To Approve the Transfer of Funds to STAND and SAIL
Programs from Bethlehem Baptist Church.
Council Member Stigney said that he feels that funds like this should be,, used for a more City
wide use, such as Festival in the Park.
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Council Member Mueller explained that Bethlehem Baptisf Churc~ funds the inflatables for
youth during the Festival in the Park and also provides donations for the ~estival in the Park.
Mayor Marty agreed that Bethlehem Baptist knows that the City would like to look at park needs
or the Festival in the Park and he would like to give the funds to STAND and SAIL at this point
in time as they were expecting them. He also stated that they have: reviewed these funds in the
past. __ _
Ayes - 3
B. Xcel Energy
Public Works Director
line, and then explainec
on this request and St~
Council to discuss any i
-1(Stigney) Motion carried.
Main
that Xce~ would like to install an 8 inch gas distribution
~posed to run. Staff is working with Xcel Energy closely
~e to do so. ,, Staff suggested that Xcel come to the City
Dan Woehrle, Engineering Manager, Xcel Energy appeared before Council, and explained that
they have met with Cit~ Staff to discuss the issues on the first permit application, and they have
addressed most of those. Mr. Woehrle said that Staff is concerned about running the line in the
roadway due to proposed future work to be done, and the new proposal is to run the line in the
boulevard to address that concern.
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Mr. Woehrle indicated #hat they have submitted a detailed nine week schedule outlining the
various stages of the project.
Mr. Woehrle indicated that Staff felt that the standard letter was not adequate, and Xcel has
agreed to revise that letter to be sent to the homeowners along the pipeline.
Mr. Woehrle indicated that they have revised the location for the valve south east of the
Walgreens as it is a less conspicuous location. Mr. Woehrle indicated that they would like to
keep the valve in the Highway 10 corridor, and they believe the new location is an excellent
location, as there are already utilities in that location.
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Mounds View City Council September 10, 2007
Regular Meeting Page 5
• Council Member Mueller asked if the diameter of the pipe changed from the original proposal
this spring.
Mr. Woehrle indicated that the diameter has always been proposed as an 8 inch pipe.
Council Member Mueller indicated that Council had previously asked for some iype of
landscaping, or something to screen this installation to make it easier to look at.
Mr. Woehrle said that they believe relocating it to a less canspicuoas spot should alleviate some
of the concern. Mr. Woehrle said that he would be concerned with a fence, as they tend to attract
attention, but they would be agreeable to landscaping to screen the valve from view.
Council Member Mueller asked why the City was chosen for the location of,.this pipeline, and
valve.
Mr. Woehrle indicated that this new pipeline replaces the existing four inch pipeline and there is
a need for a valve to operate the pipeline as necessary.
Council Member Mueller indicated that in the 1980s there ' was a tragedy in the community
involving the pipeline and she remembers that. Council Member Nlueller said that she wants to
make sure that everything is done properly to ensure resident safery.
• Council Member Mueller asked vvhether this could have been located in an other location.
Y
Mr. Woehrle indicated that the pipeline was already in place in this location, and this 8 inch pipe
replaces the four inch pipe.
Council Member' Stigney said that he would like to see some brickwork out there to blend in
around the base of the billboard, and the look of Walgreens, and some greenery for screening as
well. :
Council Member Hull asked u~hether the four inch pipeline serves Mounds View residents.
Mr. Woehrle iridicated that it serves the Metro East Area, but it does not directly serve Mounds
View.
Council Member Hull asked whether the valve could be moved closer to the billboard and
require enhanced screening and landscaping.
Mr. Woehrle said that they are not opposed to that but felt that, they were choosing a site that
already had existing utilities in that location.
~ Mayor Marty thanked Xcel for the effort to move the valve from H2 and Highway 10. Mayor
Marty said that Council Member Flaherty was concerned about a large vehicle leaving the
County Highway ta.king out the valve in that location.
Mounds View City Council September 10, 2007
Regular Meeting Page 6
Ma or M said that the City would like to see detailed plans for review when this moves •
Y ~Y
forward. Mayor Marty said that this City has a history with pipelines, and all residents are
concerned about this project and are against it.
Mr. Woehrle agreed that this pipeline does not directly serve the City of Mounds View, but said
it is part of the overall regional pipeline grid that serves the entire metro area. Mr. Woehrle
explained that the gas that serves the residents of Mounds View comes from another portion of
the metro. The existing pipeline corridor serves the communities to'the north and Xcel needs to
do something to continue to serve the customers up there.
Mayor Marty asked whether it is proposed to be moved aver a block c~r tivo from the existing
four inch pipe, or along I35W and US highway 10.
Mr. Woehrle said that it is proposed to go dawn Greenwood rather than Eastwood for
construction reasons and recommendations of the engineer.
Mr. Woehrle indicated that federal law does not allow them to follow interstates for safety
reasons.
Council Member Mueller asked for safety inforn~ation.
Mr. Woehrle explained their safe#y program and in~pection ~rocedures. ,
Council Member Mueller asked wh~ther this valve would be electronically monitored.
Mr. Woehrle said that they monitor pressure electronically but, not the valve.
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Barbara Haake of 3024 County Raad I said she served on the Council when there was the
pipeline"explosion, and there are new regulations since that time. The thing that they found out
at that time, is that the pipeline was leaking, and there are rules and regulations now to protect
and ensure that there is not leakage. Automatic shutoff valves came out of that, but she is not
sure how automatic shutoff ~alves work with natural gas. Ms. Haake indicated that they had
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issues with the gas being able to be turned off last time.
Ms. Haake said that sh~ has always disliked that the pipelines go through a residential area but
they are required to keep it out of interstate corridors.
Mr. Woehrle indicated that there is technology available for automatic shutoffs but it is not used
in the natural gas industry because natural gas is lighter than air, and, almost always, vents
upward. Xcel does not have any automatic shut offs and they are not proposing them for this
location.
Mayor Marty said that it seems plausible to him to consider it for safety reasons. Mayor Marty ~
said that this is going from a four inch line to an eight inch line running through the City. He
Mounds View City Council September 10, 2007
Regular Meeting Page 7
• indicated he would like to see further information on the feasibility of installing automatic
valves.
Mr. Woehrle said that they have gas service men on duty 24/7 in the metro area. Mr. Woehrle
indicated that their response time is less than 20 minutes anywhere in the metro area and they
respond to hundreds of calls a year. He indicated that there are time constraints with this project
and, they would be concerned about installing the new technology in this location without the
time to test and review it.
Mr. Woehrle indicated that they do not believe that there is a need for automatic shutoff valves in
this location. He said that their competitors do not use this type of new technology.
Ken Glidden, 5240 Edgewood, said that Xcel would be concerned about cosfis, but as a resident
in the imrnediate location of the pipeline, this is important to him for safety. Mr. Glidden
suggested having the automatic valve, and then a manual valve,upstream 6 inches that can be
shut off by the service man, if the automatic vaive were #o faiL
Council asked that the information on automatic valves be brought to Council for consideration.
Mr. Worlie asked to be allowed to work with Staff rather than having to go before Council again
as that will hold up their project, and they wanted: to be up and running by Thanksgiving.
• Mayor Marty indicated that Xcel is free to work with Staff, however, the Council makes the
decision whether this goes or not. 1Vlayor Marty indicated that this would need to be presented to
Council at the next meeting in two weeks.
Council Member Stigney said that h~ likes filie idea of two valves, one automatic and one manual.
He asked that #he, suggestion b~ followed up on and provide information to Council on it.
Council Member Mueller said that she understands deadlines, however, first and foremost is the
safety of those that live in this community.
Jennifer Thu~lien-Smith, General Council for Xcel Energy, said that it is the position of Xcel that
they do have the right to excavate and replace their pipeline. She agreed that Xcel is subject to
the permit requirements of the City, however, the City may not arbitrarily deny the permit. The
technical experts have addressed all of the concerns raised by City Staff. Neighborhood concern
or expression of concern for public safety is not a valid reason for denial.
•
Ms. Thulien-Smith explained that this is just an expansion of the existing pipe in the public right
of way. The City must consent to pipeline maintenance, and aesthetics are not necessary to
protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. She then said that Xcel would work with City
Staff on the screening issue. Ms. Thulien-Smith indicated that, if the permit is not approved,
they will pursue their rights under Minnesota Law, including relief in district court.
Mounds View City Council September 10, 2007
Regular Meeting Page 8
Ms. Thulien-Smith said that they respectfully request that the City approve the excavation permit •
immediately.
Ms. Haake said that safety is a reason to require the automatic shut off valve, and she feels that
the City would be derelict in not requiring the extra safety precaution. Ms. Haake indicated that
the City is within its rights to require the automatic shut off valve.
Bill Doty of 3049 Bronson Drive said that he remembers the fire with #lie gasoline pipeline, and
said that there are occasional natural gas disasters as well. Mr. Doty indicated he would like the
City to consider an automatic shut off valve.
Mayor Marty said not he, nor has anyone else ever said that the City would deny the permit.
Administratar Ulrich asked whether sufficient plans have been received from ~~el for the City to
verify that co-locating would work.
Director Lee indicated that his direct reports have reviewed the plans and the newly submitted
plans are usable for City purposes. Director Lee explained the items that Staff is reviewing
concerning the location of the pipeline, and said that they are able to work with Xcel Energy with
these plans.
Mayor Marty pointed out that these things were asked for in the spring by Council when this was
proposed by Xcel, it was Xcel, not the city that has'been hoiding this project up, so don't talk to •
us about your timeline. He also asked if the pipeline required a trench or how it was installed.
Director Lee said that the installation is directional bore to be less disruptive.
Council Member Stigney asked vyhether there is public right of way all the way up Greenwood.
Direcfor Lee indicated tha~,there is an is~ue with right of way in one location but, Xcel Energy
has secured._right of way, and that woulcl be a condition of approval of the permit.
Attorney Riggs said that the information that Director Lee provided is helpful, and said that Xcel
should know tha# the City is looking at co-location and safety, in light of past history with the gas
line explosion. The City does have the right of make sure that co-location is possible in the right
of way.
Council will review this in two weeks.
7. COUNCIL BUSINESS
A. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 799, Approving
an Amendment to Chapter 12 of the Mounds View City Charter
Mayor Marty opened the public hearing at 8:46 p.m. •
Mounds View City Council September 10, 2007
Regular Meeting Page 9
•
Hearing no public comment, the public hearing was continued to the next City Council meeting.
M4TION/SECOND: Marty/Hull. To Postpone to the September 24, 2007, City Council
Meeting and Continue the Public Hearing.
Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried.
•
B. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 798, an
Ordinance Amending Chapter 1113 of the Mounds yiew Zoning Code
Related to Therapeutic Massage Businesses
Community Development Director Ericson noted that this is in response ta a deficiency in the
Code relating to therapeutic massage businesses. The City has an application submitted for this
type of business and determined that the Zoning ~ode did no~ designate where these types of
businesses are to be located. Staff recommends approval of the Amended ' Ordinance and
authorization to publish a summary of the ordinance.
Mayor Marly opened the public hearing a~ 8:49 p.m.
Hearing no public comments, Mayar Marty' closed the public hearing.
MOTION/SECOND: MuellerlHull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Ordinance ?98, an
Ordinance Amending Chapter 1 i 13 of the Mounds View Zoning Code Related to Therapeutic
Massage Businesses,
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Council Member Stigney asked when the change vi~ill be made in the Code.
~n said that he has asked Kennedy & Graven to review the licensing provisions and
-cessary changes. Direetor Ericson indicated that a presentation will be provided to
the opinion is received from the City Attorney's office.
ROLL CALL; Martv/Sti~neylHulUMueller
Nays - 0
Motion carried.
C. Resolution 7147, Certification of Proposed General Fund Budget and
Property Tax Levy for Fiscal Year 2008
Finance Director Beer explained that the City must certify a general fund budget and levy to the
County Auditor by September 15, 2007. The general fund levy increase proposed is at 0% and
the general fund budget was provided.
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Mounds View City Council September 10, 2007
Regular Meeting Page 10
Mayor Marty noted that at the last work session, when Council went through this line by line, he
had nothing of the magnitude that Staff cut but he did have some questions. Mayor Marty asked
whether the Staff has looked at this to see if any more can be shaved off.
Finance Director Beer indicated that it would be difficult to shave any more off the budget.
Mayor Marty pointed out on Page 10, office of City Administrator, $1,350.00 for election judge
meals and he is wondering if this is necessary.
Finance Director Beer indicated that there is training involvec~ and meals are an incentive to
attract election judges rather than higher dollar per hour wa~es'.
Administrator Ulrich indicated that there may be a hundred dollars here or the~e but, this is a best
estimate of expenditures and this is a very lean budget. Administrator Ulrich explained that this
is a preliminary levy and further changes can be made prior to tlie Final Levy being adopted.
Finance Director Beer explained that this would be the third year in a row that the City has
certified a 0% levy increase. Director Beer indicated that he would not recommend doing so any
more.
Council Member Stigney indicated that th~ ~
the second year budget for two. Now, it seem
Staff and Council discussed police vehicles
discuss the matter with the Chie£ '
Barbara Haake said that sY
to stay at a 0°l0. "She then
0% increase.
Finance_Director Beer i~
no means tv make it up,
Proposed
M
one police car one year, and
ting for two cars every year.
the potential to cut one vehicle. Staff will
.,
at the:Staff and Council have done an excellent job of cutting
with a 5°lo cap there is concern with continuing to approve a
i that the City has money in the bank, but when it is gone, there is
the 5% limitation.
Hull. To Approve Resolution 7147, a Resolution Certifying the
and Property Tax Levy for Fiscal Year 2008.
Council Member Stigney requested that the Resolution be read.
Mayor Mariy read Resolution 7147.
Ayes-4
Nays - 0
Motion carried.
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D. Resolution 7148, Establishing Public Hearing Dates for the Proposed General
Fund Budget and Property Tax Levy •
Mounds View City Council September 10, 2007
Regular Meeting Page 11
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Finance Director Beer explained that there is no levy increase for 2008, but he would recommend
the Council hold a truth-in-taxation hearing any way to allow residents a chance to comment on
the proposed budget. Director Beer recommended setting 6:00 p.m. on December 3, 2007 for the
truth-in-taxation hearing and a continuation hearing on December 10, 2007 at 7:05 p.m.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7148
Establishing Public Hearing Dates for the Proposed General Fund Budget and Property Tax Levy
for Fiscal Year 2008.
Ayes - 3 Nays - 0 Motion carried.
Council Member Stigney was not present for the vote.
E. Resolution 7149, a Resolution Authorizing a Step Increase for Mary
Springer, Mounds View Receptionist
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Administrator Ulrich Read Resolution 7149 Authorizing a Step Increase for Mary Springer.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To, Approve Resolution 7149, A Resolution Authorizing
a Step Increase for Mary Springer, Mounds Vieu~ Receptionist.
Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried.
F. Referendum Question
Mayor Marty asked if there is any interest on Council to consider posing this as a referendum
question with the School Board Election.
Council ~Vlember Mueller indicated that she would like to go to referendum based on the levy cap
that waspassed last November. It could be added to the primary in the spring.
Council Member Stigney indicated that he would like the residents' input on this project.
Council Member 'Hull said t~iat he does not think that money should be spent on a referendum
question.
Mayor Marty said that this is not a special election, so he is wondering what the costs would be
to tie in with the School district.
Administrator Ulrich indicated that it would cost approximately $5,000 to put the question on the
ballot.
Administrator Ulrich suggested the question would be "would voters approve a levy of up to
$400,000 for up to a ten (10) year period."
Mounds View City Council September 10, 2007
Regular Meeting Page 12
Mayor Marty indicated that he would like to have information put out to inform residents of the ~
background surrounding the question, not just post the question on the ballot. Mayor Marty
indicated that he would like to have the information provided on what the costs would be for a
direct assessment versus $100 per year for the next 10 years approximately for the same project.
Council Member Stigney indicated that he would prefer not to tie it to the special assessment, but
to the question, and that is $115 per year for a median value home for 10 years, and that is the
question to propose to the voters.
Mayor Marty said that it is the job of Council to lead, but this is the last opportunity to put this to
the residents. Mayor Marty indicated that rather than ha~ing"all streets done within the next 18
years, by levying $115 per year per resident, the entire infrastructure can ~e done within the next
10 years without the special assessment potential of $3,Q~0 to' $6,000 per homeowner.
Finance Director Beer indicated that the constru~~ion time frame is 10 years, but t~e City does
not necessarily have to pay for it over 10 years, so the City could pose this to the voters next year
as part of the general election to save the cost of a ballot question this year.
Administrator Ulrich indicated that, if the referendum fails, and the assessments are necessary,
the City has done the project and the City would have to pay for it and one neighborhood gets a
good deaL
Council Member Mueller reminded Council that this is a Charter City, and the Charter ,
Commission was established to provide a voice f~r the residents on public improvement projects,
and it would concern her that one group would not have a voice if the project moves forward and
then the rest of the residents have tfie ability to vote on the referendum.
Mr. Doty said that the issue is not the $5,000; but the issue is how the residents want to manage
the pubic improverr~ent projects, and the costs are sma11 to allow residents a voice in the process.
Ken Glidden of 5240 Edgewood Dri~e asked what the Council has in mind in terms of what the
Council indicated the question would be the method of payment.
Administrator Ulrich indicated the actual ballot question would require a total dollar amount, but
the information put out could be more specific.
Mayor Marty commented that it would be easier to do this as part of the general election on a
presidential election year however, then the project would be delayed.
Doty noted this charges those that have already paid an assessment twice, if they have to pay
$115 per year for 20 years for other people's streets.
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Mounds View City Council September 10, 2007
Regular Meeting Page 13
• Mayor Marty indicated that there is a window built in to allow residents that owned the property
when assessed to apply for a refund for H2 and the 2003 - 2004 Streets Project.
Mayor Marty would like to consider going to referendum next year.
Administrator Ulrich noted that voter turnout would be greater next year during the presidential
election.
Council agreed and noted that this would, in effect, kill the 2008 street project.
MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Mueller. To Reconsider and Rescind Resolution 7140, Authorizing
Preparation of Updated Preliminary Feasibility Report for the 20Q8 Street a.nd Utility Project.
Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Licenses for Approval
B. Resolution 7150, Century College Training Contract Approval
C. Resolution 7151 Approving Change Order No. 37 and Acceptance and Final
Payment Approval for the City Hall Rehabilitatian Project
. D. Resolution 7152 Authorizing the Advertisement for Hiring a Public Works
Cnnarvianr _ _
E. Resolution 7153 a Resolution Appointing Jim Ericson as Interim City
Administrator
F, Resolution 7154 a Resolution Approving Additional Compensation for
Assistant to the City Admiuistrator Crane
G. Resolution 7155 Appointing a Mounds View Representative to the Anoka
Coun#y -- Blaine Airport Joint Zoning Board
H. Resol~ttion 7156 Approving an Annual Service Agreement with Trane
Building ~ervices for City Hall HVAC Maintenance
Council Member Mueller requested that Items E and F be removed for discussion.
Mayor Marty removed Item C for discussion.
Council Member Stigney requested that Item D, and H be removed for discussion.
MOTIONiSECOND: Hull/Mueller. To Approve Consent Agenda Items A, B and G as
Presented.
Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried.
• C. Resolution 7151, Approving Change Order No. 37 and Acceptance and Final
Payment Approval for the City Hall Rehabilitation Project
Mounds View City Council September 10, 2007
Regular Meeting Page 14
Mayor Marty read a memorandum from Kennedy & Graven concerning Change Order No 37
Acceptance of City Hall project regarding insulation of the pipes. Mayor Marty indicated that
SEH should have caught this, and this has cost the City an additional $5,000.
MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7151,
Approving Change Order No. 37 and Acceptance and Final Payment Approval for the City Hall
Rehabilitation Project. -
Council Member Stigney asked for the status of the signage.
Council Member Stigney said that he would
will like what SEH proposes.
Council asked whether there would be any recourse
lettering. _
Director Lee indicated that there will be
Council Member Sti€
the outside as it does
Council
resolved.
Council M
without the
Council Member
the brick match.
and SEH is
and he is'not sure that he
does not like the proposed
on this.
responsible for the block work on
the block work and the sign issues are
To Amend Resolution 7151 to Hold Off Until the Issue
he would like to have this addressed in some sort of fashion
he would like to hold the contractor to another acid wash to make
Council Member Mueller asked whether the delay means the City has accepted the work.
Ayes -1 Nays - 3 The Amendment Failed.
Ayes - 3 Nays - 1(Stigney) Original Motion carried.
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Council Member Stigney asked Staff to request an acid wash to try to blend the brick and to •
discuss the sign letters.
Public Works Director Lee indicated that the silver lettering has b
paying for that as well as the installation.
Mounds View City Council September 10, 2007
Regular Meeting Page 15
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D. Resolution 7152 Authorizing Advertisement for Pnblic Works Supervisor
Council Member Stigney asked whether the City wants to be hiring at this point in time.
Public Works Director Lee indicated that there is no date certain, and the point would be that this
wouid be the supervisor over all personnel in public works, and the supervisor in Parks will be
downgraded when that person is replaced. That may be three to fve years`out and there is a need
to fill the supervisor position.
Council Member Mueller said that she feels that Director Lee 'should be given praise for
performing dual jobs for the last year, and it is time ta give him so~ne relief by filling the
position.
Council Member Stigney indicated that at the work session the reason for the need to f ll the
position was due to the fact that Director Lee was overwhelmed on the 2008 street project.
MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Marty. To Approve the Resolution as Amended to Postpone
Hiring to January 1, 2008 and Begin the Hiring Process Now.
Council Member Mueller said that this ~ouncil~' continues to request things from Mr. Lee, but
• does not want to provide him with the necessary Staff. .She then said that Council would have to
accept that details will fall through the cracks if there is not enough Staff to complete the
requests. Mr. Lee stepped up to the;plate to cover two positions for the last year, and it had to be
difficult requesting to fill the position since he has gotten overwhelmed. Council Member
Mueller indicated that it takes time to hire someone, so she does not want to delay for the sake of
saving a little bit in wages wlien it would burn out a good employee who needs the support.
Council Member' ~#igney amended his motion to hire in January 2008 but to begin the process
now.
Council Member Mueller said that Council needs a wish list from Mr. Lee to ensure that the
candidate that comes in will be able to take on the duties that need to be handled.
Council Member Stigney '`asked if this position could start as a foreman and upgrade to a
supervisor upon the retirement that is coming up.
Director Lee said that he needs someone with administrative and supervisory skills that are
slightly different than what Staff has historically done, rather than a working Public Works
Foreman.
Council Member Mueller asked whether the existing secretarial staff would be able to support
• both supervisors.
Director Lee said that they should be able to.
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Mounds View City Council September 10, 2007
Regular Meeting Page 16
Council Member Stigney asked if the person could be used as a working foreman until the
supervisory is needed.
Director Lee indicated he is proposing moving away from a working foreman, and toward a
supervisory and administrative person. He then said that he has not been over to public works
for a month. There are people stepping up to help out but, they do not have the skill sets to do all
the duties of a supervisory position.
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Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Amendment carried.
E. Resolution 7153, Appointing Jim Ericson as Interim City Administrator
Council Member Mueller said that she has received a number of telephone calis regarding the
discussion at the work session, and a lot of people came away with the impressi~n that the City
was appointing Jim as the new City Administrator. Counci~ ~Vlember Mueller clarified that this is
an interim position, and it will be posted for, and Jim would_apply and compete with the other
applicants for it.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To ''V
Appointing Jim Ericson as Interim City Adm
Council Member Stigney said that Council a
job to Jim in the interim and, if the duties are
Approve Resolution 7153,
to not spend $9,000 on a search and offer the
ed,_then the job goes to Mr. Ericson.
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Council Member Hull agreed.'
Mayor Marty said ti~a~ he was in the minority position. He then said that he would like to call an
executi~e session concerning this personnel matter, because he has had emails and phone calls in
Council Member Mueller said that she thought there was discussion of three companies who
offered to do an executive search, and Council discussed that there was not a need to do that, but
understood that there wexe vehicles where the position could be posted. She then said that she
knows that Mr. Ericson has done a great job in the past. She knows he would welcome the
competition, and she feels this position should be posted for the residents and Jim who deserves
to know he would have gotten the position as the best candidate, not just the cheapest way to get
the job filled.
Mayor Marty indicated that was his suggestion, and no one else went along with it. He then said
that he wants to avoid the appearance of special treatment or just taking the easiest candidate, and
the costs for an executive search would be offset by not having an Administrator salary to pay for
a few months.
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Mounds View City Council September 10, 2007
Regular Meeting Page 17
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Administrator Ulrich suggested that the employee be in attendance at the executive session.
Council agreed.
Council Member Stigney said that he does not want to pay $9,000 to hire an executive search
firm. He then said he supports the interim position.
Ayes - 4
Nays - 0
Motion carried.
F. Resolution 7154, Approving Additional Compensation for Assistant to the
Administrator Desaree Crane
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Council Member Mueller indicated that she pulled this for discussion ta emphasize the City is in
a situation where City Staff is stepping up to do dual duty atid she apprectates that, and feels the
additional compensation is appropriate.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7154,
Approving Additional Compensation for Assistant to the Administrator Desaree Crane.
Administrator Ulrich pointed out that there is an Amended ~2.esolution and pointed out the
amended section.
Council Member Stigney
than hiring an outside sen
to have staff people to train for this rather
Public ~?Jorks Director Lee indicafed #~iat there is no one that is trained for this, and it would
require schooling to be trained for HVAC work. There is an employee that has stepped up to be
the boiler ~icense holder, sa that has been removed from the service contract.
MOTION/SECOND; HulUStigney. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7156,
Approving an Annual Service Agreement with Trane Building Services for City Hall HVAC
Maintenance.
Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried.
9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS
Mayor Marty on Page 5, BRAA the Random Park Building $1,333 and County Road 10 Trail
Sections 9 and 10 for $32,578 he would like an update.
Moands View City Council September 10, 2007
Regular Meeting Page 18
Public Works Director Lee indicated that is payment to the consultants for work done Apri130 •
through June 30 for those two projects. The Contractor has submitted a list of items for
additional claims and Staff is reviewing those items and will provide a recommendation to
Council.
Mayor Marty noted that they were working on the trailway and then disappeared, and Staff called
a meeting, and they started again, and the same thing happened, and they started working after
the meeting was scheduled. Mayor Marty noted that there was supposed ta be substantial
completion by July 1 and there is a lot of work left to do.
___
Council Member Mueller asked about the $10,983.51 for the Streets and Utility Task Force.
Public Works Director Lee explained the invoice that lis~s what the costs cover.
Mayor Marty, on Page 14, Minnesota Departmen~ of Health water service
Directar; Lee explainea t~ere was a water service break on Rainbow Lane
Director Lee indicated that ~here are two pay requests that were not inciuded and he would like to
introduce them for consideratian. Director Lee handed out the claims information to Council.
They are pay requests for current projects. The first is $188,746 for the seal coating project.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve Just and Correct Claims as Presented Including
the Two Items Submitted by Staff.
Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried.
10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. August 13, 2007 City Conncil Meeting Minutes
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Mounds View City Council September 10, 2007
Regular Meeting Page 19
i Mayor Marty: On Page 6, Line 9 add Line 12 Director Ericson stated that self-closing latches
and hinges are state code. Page 8, Line 18, Xcel's position; Page 17, Line 2, Amundsen is
misspeiled. Commas will be left with Staff.
Council Member Mueller indicated that Eichstad is misspelled.
MOTION/SEC(3ND: MartylMueller. To Approve the August 13, 2007 City Council Minutes as
Amended.
Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried.
11. REPORTS
A. Reports of Mayor and Council
Mayor Marty indicated he attended the football game with Irondale against Totino Grace and
Irondale won 21 to 20. This is the first time in 11 years that Irondale has beat Totino Grace and
he would like to congratulate the football team on their victor~.
Council Member Mueller indicated that during the half time performance the Irondale Marching
Knights performed their Minnesota State Fair routine: She then reminded the public that on
• Saturday, September 29, 2007 there will be Music of th~ Night performance where 16 other
schools compete from south Dakota, Iowa, Wiscor~in and Minnesota.
Council Member Stigney asked for a status on the green tint on the display.
Finance Director Beer indi~a~ed that part of the issue is the lights, and that is what Staff has been
told.
Mayor Marty indicated that there is some diagnostic equipment that can be used, and Staff is
working with CTV-15 to use that equipment.
Council Member Stigney said that this has been going on for weeks and he would like it to be
addressed.
Administrator Ulrich indicated that this has been a priority for Staff as well, but it has been
difficult to diagnose the problem. Staff will continue to look into it.
B. Reports of Staff
1. Police Department Quarterly Report
Chief Sommer provided a quarterly report for April through June 2007. Chief Sommer
~ summarized the information on the report for Council.
Mounds View City Council September 10, 2047
Regular Meeting Page 20
Council Member Mueller said that the report was very well done and asked that the report be •
posted on the website for resident review.
Council Member Mueller indicated that last week there was an incident at Mounds View Square
and responding Officer Wolf conducted himself well and successfully tracked down the person
that created the disturbance.
Mayor Mariy asked where the fire calls are listed on the report.
Chief Sommer explained that would fall under assisting another agency.
Mayor Marty asked who writes the police reports for the newspaper.
Chief Sommer indicated that the newspaper reporter does that after they receive the police report.
Mayor Marty indicated he went past Pinewood`Schaol'_and there vvere no cars parked in the no
parking zone, and there was a squad making sure there was no one parked there. Mayor Marty
thanked the Chief for the enforcement.
2. City Administrator~Ite~o~k
Administrator IJlrich indicated. that Medtronic has asked the City to allow them to aerate the
pond to l~eep the water clean without using chemicals to prevent it from filling in. Staff supports
that request but would Ic~ok to have ai rnairitenance agreement for liability purposes.
Administrator Ulrich said that it has been an honor to be the City Administrator for the last four
years. Administrator Ulricii wished Council Members we11. Administrator Ulrich thanked all
City Staff for the years of providing service to the residents.
Mayor Marty thanked Mr. Ulrich for his years of service.
Council Member Mueller also thanked Mr. Ulrich for the years of service to the City.
C. Reports of City Attorney
None.
12. Next Council Work Session: Tuesday, October 1, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. •
Next Council Meeting: Monday, September 24, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
Mounds View City Council September 10, 2007
Regular Meeting Page 21
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13. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 11:10 p.m.
Transcribed by:
Joan Lenzmeier, Recording Clerk
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
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