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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2007/10/22~ PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA ReguIar Meeting October 22, 2007 Mounds View Community Center Mounds View, MN 55112 7:03 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Marty, Stigney, Hull, Mueller and Flaherty NOT PRESENT: None 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA ~ A. Monday, October 22, 2007 City Council Agenda MOTIONlSECOND: Mueller/Flaherty. To Approve the Monday, October 22, 2007 City Council Agenda as Presented. Ayes - S Nays - 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT Mr. Taylor of 7585 Knollwood Drive said that there is a water issue with the new trail along 10 in the southwest corner. Public Works Director Lee explained that the City is addressing the drainage issue and will put in a temporary catch basin in that location to allow the water to go under the road. The other drainage area is in front of the library and the contractor will be digging a trench and laying river rock in it to allow water to infiltrate. Richard 5onterre said that he spoke with Mr. Ericson regarding resurfacing the billboards and Staff suggested bringing in samples of the rock since he was coming to this meeting, he brought it with. Mr. Sonterre then provided samples for Council to review. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUISNESS • Mounds View City Council October 22, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 2 A. Proclamation for the Toastmasters International Organization. ~ Mayor Marty read the Proclamation for the Toastmasters International Organization. Mr. Greg DeKuester of Toastmasters International addressed Council and provided information on Toastmasters International, noting the organization empowers people to achieve their true potential. Council Member Stigney said that it has come to his attention that it is Mayor Marty's birthday. Those in attendance wished Mayor Marty a Happy Birthday. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Public Hearing and consideration of Resolution 7176 Adopting a 5treet and Utility Improvement Program Public Works Director Lee explained that a public meeting was held last week to provide information to residents on the Street and Utility Improvement Program. Approximately 15Q residents attended the meeting. Staff noted that Section 10 of the Final Report includes information collected and discussed at the public information meeting. Director Lee explained that previously assessed properties would be eliminated after the year • 2008 should Council approve the plan as proposed. Mayor Marty opened the public hearing at 7:17 p.m. Russ Warren of 8044 Greenwood Drive said that he is in favor of the project and he thinks it is an effective and efficient way to pay for these improvements. Mr. Warren said that he likes that this is a dedicated fund to pay for these improvements. One of the questions raised, is what happens at the end of the 10 years, but he is not that concerned because he is sure that the streets would be nice in 10 years. Mr. Warren commented that using assessments to pay for street projects causes issues, because the majority of a very smail number of property owners, can stop a project, and that also stops other projects. Mr. Warren indicated that he gets to pay $100, and then sees an impact the following year, and that allows him to physically see where his t~ dollars are being spent. He then asked Council to approve the Resolution as recommended. Warren Johnson of 7710 Greenwood Drive said he agreed with Mr. Warren. He then said that this would start in 2009 or 2010. He then said that he would like to know when a schedule would be available that states when the projects will begin and which streets would be done first. • Mounds View City Council October 22, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 3 ~ Public Works Director Lee indicated that there is not enough time to get a project together for 2008. Bill Doty of 3049 Bronson Drive asked what happens if your house is worth more than $200,000. Staff indicated that the $100.00 was for a median value home. A$300,000 home would pay slightly more than the estimated $100.00. Mr. Doty indicated that every year his valuation goes up and so do his taxes. He then said that the City is sitting on $5,000,000 that is not a part of this project, but should be. Mr. Doty suggested considering having the City's own engineer do the engineering to save money. Mr. Doty asked the City to consider offsetting the costs of the project with the $5,000,000 Levy Reduction Fund. Director Lee explained that this project would require more than one person, and that would cost the City a lot in personnel expenses. Mayor Marty indicated that the City has been using the $5,000,000 reserve to keep the talc levy at 0% for the last three years. • Finance Director Beer explained that using $4,000,000 from the Levy Reduction Fund to pay for the streets would exhaust the fund by 2013. Director Lee explained that the City is looking at having construction administration overseen by City Staff in an attempt to save on consultant costs. Nate Bjerke of 7240 Hidden Hollow Court addressed Council and said that he has some concerns about this, but, he does feel that this town needs these improvements. Mr. Bjerke said that he has concerns about this as this seems to be a general Ievy to pay for specific improvements, which he feels is a little sketchy legally. He then said that the petition process applies for particular improvements that can be assessed. He further said that there is no Minnesota case law that states that this is legal. He also said that he is concerned about the general fairness issue, because he is a new home owner who paid for the roads when he came in, and he wants to be given the credit from the future projects. Brian Moore of 7230 Hidden Hollow Court said that he does not feel that it is fair to t~ everyone for these projects. Mr. Moore said that he does not think that they should be treated differently than the H2 project or the 2002 - 2003 street project, as they have paid for improvements with their new construction. • Attorney Riggs explained that other cities are doing things similar to this with street projects. He further clarified that there is an issue with assessing for a street reconstruction, as there are Mounds View City Council October 22, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 4 existing streets and utilities that are being upgraded, so it is difficult to show enough benefit to • assess the entire cost of the project. Mr. Moore said that the City can choose how this is done, and there is no legal distinction for road reconstruction or road improvements. Tom Thomalla of 2127 Bronson Drive indicated that it has only been about 10 years since his street was upgraded and he paid his $2,500 for that street. He then said that it concerns him that the City wants to assess him again to do other streets. Mr. Thomalla asked if Council thinks it is fair to do this. Mayor Marty said that he has been answering e-mails from those residents whose streets have already been done. He then said that most residents have not had the nice streets in front of their homes for the last ten years. Mayor Marty indicated that when the pavement study was done, the majoriry of streets were deternuned to not be fixable. Director Lee explained that this program includes all the road maintenance that goes along with ensuring that the roads do last for 60 years, including mill and overlay and seal coating. Mayor Marty explained that if a street does need a mill and overlay, there would not be an assessment if done as proposed. Mayor Marty noted that the City bonded for the 2003 - 2004 street project for the City's portion, • and all residents are paying approximately $50.00 per year to pay for that. Tom Thomalla said that he does not think that it is fair to do it this way and he wants Council to tahle this to allow more time to consider the financing and exempt those that have had the streets done and paid an assessment. Ken Glidden of 5240 Edgewood Drive said that the piece of street that runs in front of his home is not his street, it belongs to the people. Mr. Glidden said he thinks the funding plan is fair, and he feels that the project should move forward. Mr. Glidden said that most of the City's streets are in poor condition. Bill Lang of 2915 Bronson Drive said that he wanted to address the issue of the two lawyers regarding getting a refund. He then said that he does not feel that they should get a refund just because they recently purchased their home. Mr. Navid Pouladian of 7220 Hidden Hollow Court asked what the exact percentage is for this project. Mr. Paladian said that the developer pays in the beginning, residents pay over time, and now they are being taxed again for this project. Finance Director Beer commented that the developer came to the City and asked that the street be • constructed. Mounds View City Council October 22, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 5 • Mr. Paladian indicated that he is trying to sell his home and the high taYes have been an issue as to why it does not sell. Mayor Marty said that there is another development where the developer put the streets in and there are issues with the homeowners' complaints regarding the streets not holding up or being maintained. Mr. Johnson of 7474 Groveland Road said that many along his road have paid the assessment or continue to pay. He then said that this would cost him $99Q more than what other residents would pay for their streets with the proposed reimbursement. Mayor Marty commented that the City is trying the best it can to make this as equitable as possible. He then said that it would be impossible to make this match up dollar for dollar for every project that has been done. Mr. Johnson said that he does not think that this is fair to him and others like him to pay 40% more. Larry Baker of 8001 Greenwood Drive said that a society that thinks that they do not want to pay their portion of taxes that assist others does not last long. He then said that this $1Q0.00 per year . is not a lot of money, but it would make a huge difference in upgrading the City's infrastructure. Mr. Baker indicated that, if everyone pays their share, then the streets would be upgraded and that improves quality of life and property value for all. Jerry Ruland of 8121 Red Oak Court said that he is for the program and thanked the Task Force for the work involved in this proposal. Bob Edmond of 7835 Groveland Road asked whether Medtronic and the Industrial Park would pay for the streets. Mr. Edmond said that everyone has to pay for streets but, he feels some are getting the short end of the stick, since they have paid for their streets aiready. Mr. Edmond said that he does not want his right to say no to a street project taken away from him. Mr. Edmond asked for paperwork showing how much Medtronic would be paying. Finance Director Beer explained that this would be an additional $400,000 t~ levy, so that would be spread over the entire City, and Medtronic would pay its portion. Jen Bergerson of 7$80 Groveland said that she assumed that streets, water and sewer were a package deal. She then said that they were part of the 2003 street project. Ms. Bergerson said that she does not understand why they should be thankful to get 60% of the 25% that they paid refunded, and then be asked to pay for the next 10 years. • Ms. Ber erson asked wh 40 0 1 g y °I gets ost m the shuffle of the adrrumstrahon of this pro~ect. Mounds View City Council October 22, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 6 Mayor Marty noted that those residents that are paying the 40% have had four years of bene~t of • having an improved street. Dick Palmatier of 7639 Edgewood Drive thanked Council for helping with the water emergency. Mr. Palmatier said that rumors are flying around town that if they sell their property within the 9 or 10 years of this proposal they are going to be expected to pay that $100 per year. Finance Director Beer explained that is not true, as it is a general t~ levy, and that would stay with the property. Mr. Palmatier said that the taY input comes to 48°Io based on the information provided. He then said that he is surprised that this is not going to referendum. Mr. Palmatier asked if apartment owners are going to be charged. Finance Director Beer indicated that everything is based upon value. Mr. Palmatier said that they have been hearing the $100 per year, and he would like to know if that can be put in writing. Mayor Marty indicated that was in the mailing, and that is what this public hearing is about. Council Member Mueller indicated that the property owners of the manufactured home • communities pay property taY based upon value, but the streets in those communities are privately maintained, at the cost of the owner of the manufactured home communities. Faith Rogers of 2581 Sherwood Raad said that the Task Force really worked hard on this proposal, and she has been thinking about those that are nine years down the road for a new street if the City stays with the assessment program. She then said that she is concerned about the rising costs and the increasing amount of assessments. She further said that every time a project goes through, an additional $50.00 would be added to her taxes on top of any assessment. Valerie Amundsen of 3048 Wooddale Drive said that she enjoyed working with the Task Force on this project. Ms. Amundsen said that one goal was to be fair, and another was to keep the cost of this City-wide solution as low as possible. Ms. Amundsen said that the Task Force feels that only funding $400,000 or 14°Io seems reasonable and fair to everyone. The street reconstruction was the number one priority, and to do so as fairly as possible City-wide. She further said that they had no intention of squelching citizen rights or input. Ms. Amundsen asked the Council to move forward with the plan as she feels it is fair and equitable, and will get the job done. • Mounds View City Council October 22, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 7 • Richard Sonterre of 5060 Red Oak Drive indicated that he enjoyed working on the Task Force for this project. He then said that something of this rriagnitude cannot get done in a couple of weeks because there are so many varied opinions and beliefs trying to come to consensus. Mr. Sonterre thanked Council and Staff because this was a citizen Task Force. Mr. Sonterre said that his only regret in this project is that the City could not get something done for 2008. Mr. Sonterre said that he heard someone say something about $1,200 for t~es. He then said that he uses the parks, he comes to City Ha11 to ask questions, and his streets are plowed and he feels that the $1,200 per year is a great deal. Mr. Sonterre said that he is impressed with this turnout but said that those in attendance should pay more attention to other meetings and other issues, especially within the County. Kathy McRunnels of 7670 Knollwood Drive said that since she cares about Mounds View and its infrastructure, she paid her $2,700 for her reconstruction in addition to the $50.00 per year and the rest of the residents had the privilege of using her street. She then said she wonders why the residents petitioned against getting their street done. Ms. McRunnels asked for information on the 60% and alleviating the assessment after 2008. . Finance Director Beer indicated that some people paid up front, and 60°10 of that price will be refunded. Those that are paying over time would get their assessment removed for the remaining time. Sandy Dewing indicated that she was on the Task Force. She then said that she was upset at first when the discussion regarding those that had paid for assessments. However, the reality is that you cannot back track all the way through the past. Ms. Dewing explained that those getting a refund still come out $500.00 ahead. Ms. Dewing said that she would gladly have paid the $3,400 to have her street done, and those that petitioned were not totally honest about the fact that the petition would ki11 the street project. Ms. Dewing said that government has a responsibility to do for the citizens what cannot be done for themselves, and she is all for rights but this needs to be done. Bob King of 7408 Silver Lake Road said that one thing he learned a long time ago is that life is not always fair. He then said that he lives on a County road, but he does benefit by paying his share of this investment in the community. He further said that quality of life and value of property goes up and that benefits everyone. Debbie Reilly of 8004 Red Oak Drive said she was on the Task Force and would have gladly ~ paid for her assessment to get a new street. She then urged Council to make this project move forward, as it is time to invest in the City's streets. Mounds View City Council October 22, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 8 Helen Moore of 5503 Erickson Road said that she commends the Task Force for the work done. ~ She then said that she is wondering why all of the franchise fee cannot be used for streets. Louise Borgerson of 680 Knollwood Drive said that within the last 10 years the water main on the right side of her broke twice, and that cost a lot of money in damages to her basement. Then, a couple of years ago, the water main broke to the left of her, and they did not fix it when they did her road and that concerns her. Ms. Borgerson asked if she could get some assistance with paying for her basement like she is giving money to residents to pay for their roads. Public Works Director Lee explained that the infrastructure and utilities are reviewed but most water mains were put in at the same time. Director Lee indicated that any water mains with a history of breaking would be replaced, however, there is no proposal to replace large section of pipe with this program. Ms. Borgerson said that she paid her assessment, and she does not understand why she has to pay something toward someone else's assessment. Brian Amundsen of Wooddale Drive commended the Task Force on the good job that they have done with this recommendation. He then said that he does not feel that any rights are being squelched. Mr. Amundsen asked Council to make a decision tonight because it is important to • move this along. Brian Amundsen asked the Council to put together some type of return on investment to compare costs for an in house engineer, short term, to save engineering costs for this project. Mr. Amundsen asked if the 27°Io engineering costs were for BRAA only, or other engineering costs. Public Works Director Lee indicated it would be BRAA costs of 14 to 16% and then the other administrative costs are the other portion of the costs. Andrew Casing of 2617 Hillview suggested putting curbs around industrial areas only and surmountable in residential areas, because it is not the look he desired when he came to Mounds View. Mr. Casing said he is not sure what is being done with Hillview. Public Works Director Lee indicated that Hillview and other MSA roads would have neighborhood meetings to discuss pedestrian movements prior to making decisions. Blake Downs of Groveland Road thanked the Task Force, and said that he is surprised that Medtronic and other large businesses have not complained, because they will pay for this without much benefit. He then said that, in a democracy, not everyone ends up happy with everything or every portion of a project. Mr. Downs said that he feels the Task Force worked hard to put • together a plan to make things as right as possible. Mounds View City Council October 22, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 9 • Jim Cavanaugh of 7956 Red Oak Drive said he has lived in this location for 35 years. Mr. Cavanaugh said that this process has been going on for 9 years and the Task Farce has met for years on this, and all meetings were open to everyone, and were televised. There was a group of 20 that came to the meetings for two years, and no one else came, but now they have come with questions and suggestions. Mr. Cavanaugh said that he feels that issues and concerns have been heard by Council and noted that not everyone is going to agree on this project. He then asked Council to move on with this project and get this done. Bill Doty asked what percentage of properties within the City are valued at less than $200,000. Staff estimated that a majority of houses hover around the $20Q,000 mark. Mr. Doty said that he is for fixing the infrastructure but he would like ta use the money that is in hand rather than trying to make up more by further taxing residents. Mr. Doty said that he is not for cities or governments having big cash reserves. Mr. Doty suggested letting the residents decide how to pay for this. • Mayor Marty, having no further comments, closed the public hearing at 9:14 p.m. Council Member Mueller said that the interest from the Medtronic fund is being used to help generate the street projects for the City. She then said that the interest from that money has allowed the City to carry a 0% levy increase for the last three years. Council Member Mueller said that the City levy is spread out over the entire City and property taxes have gone down a few dollars in the last few years. She then said that there is a temptation to spend the money, but the levy reduction fund has been used to hold down tatces now for the third year in a row, and if it is spent, then it is not available to use to keep taxes down. Council Member Mueller indicated that voters approved a maYimum of 5% increase on any spending unless a referendum is done. Council Member Mueller provided an overview of the scenario if the City did not have the levy reduction funds, and noted that the costs would climb. Council Member Mueller said that she would like to see this project bring the community together with really great streets and community pride. Council Member Flaherty agreed with Council Member Mueller. He then said that residents should not be selfish because there are those that would be contributing that receive no direct . benefit such as the businesses, manufactured home residents, and those that live on County roads, and those residents have not been complaining. Mounds View City Council October 22, 2007 Regutar Meeting Page 10 Council Member Flaherty said that he does not feel that any rights are being taken away. He then ~ thanked the Task Force for the commitment to meet on this for two years and develop this recommendation for the Council. Council Member Hull asked if this could be changed from a levy to an assessment to give everyone a voice on the project. Mayor Marty indicated that millions can be saved by accelerating this program to 10 years rather than 18 or 20. Mayor Marty said that this proposed project would move forward in a finite time rather than be subject to delays and additional costs for residents. Council Member Hull asked how the figures would be affected by exempting those that were already assessed. He then suggested exempting them and increasing costs to other residents slightly. Council Member Stigney commented that the Task Force is trying to solve the streets issue and develop a method for paying. He then said that "the devil is in the details" despite the fact that the plan looks good on its face. Council Member Stigney said that this does circumvent the petition process. He then said that there is money in hand, and that should be spent down, and then the City should stay within the general fund that establishes a cap an how much money can be generated. Council Member Stigney said that maybe there should be an option to opt in or out for those that • have paid an assessment. He then said that he thinks the Council should take a vote on whether or not to go to referendum on this project. Council Member Stigney said that the Finance Director has said that he is hopeful that there would be enough money in the fund after 10 years and, if there is not, that means raising taxes to pay for it. Council Member Stigney said that using the funds to reduce t~es for streets would be an excellent use of the levy reduction fund. Council Member Stigney indicated that the proposed plan has a lot of details that need to be discussed and worked out to ensure that this plan can work, before tlus is decided upon. Mayor Marty said that it is Council's job to look to the future, and look to what is best for the residents. Mayor Marty commented that this must be done for the overall well being of the City now, and in the future. Mayor Marty said that he is glad that this street project did not go forward, because the new policy is superior to how projects were done. He then commended the Finance Director and the Task Force for thinking outside the box on ways to get the streets reconstructed within a • relatively short amount of time and with limited cost to residents. Mounds View City Council October 22, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 11 ~ Mayor Marty said that all the streets that are falling apart can be done for the $100 or so per year for 10 years. Mayor Marty said that he feels that this is important for the future of the community, and it is time to take a stand and take action. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Flaherty. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7176, a Resolution Adopting a Street and Utility Tmprovement Program with the Caveat that Some Time in the Future Council and Staff Would Look at the Assessment Adjustment Policy for the Projects for H2 and 2003-2004 to Try and Make it More Palatable. Council Member Flaherty clarified that this would move the project forward and the reimbursement for those previously assessed would be reviewed. Council Member Mueller said that the City and its residents need to not lose sight of the fact that residents that stopped the project did a great service to the City in opening eyes to the fact that there are other ways to get to the same conclusion. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Hull. To Amend to Look at the Alternate Financing Plan Using the $5,000,000 Tax Levy Reduction Fund, More TIF and More Franchise Fees. • Council Member Stigney said that $100 fee out of one pocket is not the best way to go. He then said that he would like to look at alternate ways of doing this, as this may not be the best plan for the Ciry. Council Member Mueller said that the Task Force Iooked at other alternative financing plans and the Finance Director went through the numbers and the levy reduction fund, and the interest it brings is already part of the project. She then said that this could be amended and nit picked and then it would be another year or more of delay on a project. She further said that this plan may not be perfect, however, the Task Force has met for months on this and the residents on that Task Force have come to agreement on this. Mayor Marty said that this could continue to be discussed and nit picked but, residents, Staff, and the Task Force have looked at everything that could be thought of. He then said that these questions should have been raised at the Task Force by Council Member Stigney if he would have attended, rather than so late in the game. Ayes - 2 Nays - 3(Marty/Flaherty/Mueller) Amendment failed. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Original Motion carried. . Council recessed. Council reconvened the meeting at 10:21 p.m. Mounds View City Council October Z2, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 12 MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Mueller. To Continue the Council Meeting to 11:00 p.m. • Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. B. Public Hearing and Consideration of Resolution 7174, Abatement of Nnisance Code Violations at 2320 Sherwood Road Interim Administrator Ericson explained the proposal to abate Nuisance Code Violations at 2320 Sherwood Road. The neighbors are concerned about these items and Staff feels it rises to the necessity of stepping in to take care of this. Once the work is completed, Staff would invoice the property owner for the work to be done. Mayor Marty opened the public hearing at 10:50 p.m. Hearing no public comments, Mayor Marty closed the public hearing at 10:50 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7174, Abatement of Nuisance Code Violations at 2320 Sherwood Road. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. C. Public Hearing and Consideration of Resolution 7175, Abatement of Nuisance Code Violations at 2090 Oakwood Drive • Mayor Marty opened the public hearing at 1Q:51 p.m. Interim Administrator Ericson explained the proposal to abate Nuisance Code Violations at 2090 Oakwood Drive. Staff explained that this property has numerous Code violations that have risen to the necessity of stepping in to abate the situation. Staff would invoice the property owner and, if that invoice is not paid, then Staff would recommend certification to the property taxes. Hearing no public comments, Mayor Marty closed the public hearing at 10:52 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7175, Abatement of Nuisance Code Violations at 2090 Oakwood Drive. Council Member Flaherty said he would like to track this assessment to the original property owner as previously discussed rather than pass it on to the new owner. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 7178 Authorizing to Advertise for the City Administrator Position and Recommending an Outside Consultant for the Hiring Process. • Mounds View City Council October 22, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 13 • Council heard Item 7D before Items B and C. Mayor Marty indicated that he discussed this with Mr. Ericson and, since he is involved in this, agreed to present this item. He then reviewed the report for Council. Mayor Marty indicated that Springsted dropped the price for this service about $5,000. However, with the revised criteria and proposal, he found some sections that he feels are not necessary. Brian Amundsen asked if the personnel board would be working on this with the consultant rather than Staff as there are a number that are qualified and are potential candidates. Council Member Flaherty indicated that the main contact would be a staff inember that is not in the running for the position, and then it would be brought to the Human Resources Committee. Mr. Kimmel, from Springsted, appeared before Council and explained that the Staff contact is far logistics to coordinate interviews and transfer of material to CounciL He then said that the Council and HR Committee would be the decision makers for this process. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Marty. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7178 as Amended and Discussed. • Mayor Marty requested an amount not to exceed to control costs on this. He then suggested a cost not to exceed $14,700 and asked the consultant to keep advertising and expenses down. Mr. Kimmel said that they would not exceed the parameters unless there is a change in the scope and suggested they would not exceed $14,000. Council Member Stigney indicated that this $15,000 would buy half a generator, and he feels no compelling need at all to do a search for this position, because there is an on staff person that is fully qualified, and in his view, would be the best person for the job. Council Member Stigney indicated he would like to save the money and hire the internal candidate. Mayor Marty said that he has heard from a nunnber of residents in the City concerning an internal candidate for the Superintendent position with the school district. A lot of residents were skeptical about how that process occurred, and he would not want any dispersions cast upon this City or Council with this hiring. Mayor Marty said that he feels that Jim would stand on his own merit, but he feels due diligence to the residents requires this process. • Council Member Stigney said that this is $15,000 to try and satisfy some unknown residents that he has not heard from. He then said that those with the best judgment on who should serve as Mounds View City Council October 22, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 14 City Administrator, are the Council and existing Staff. There is someone who is fully qualified • that wants the position, and this would be a waste of money. Mr. Amundsen indicated that he was part of the process for the internal superintendent position and he feels it is worthwhile to search and not just settle for an internal candidate. Council Member Flaherty said that this position as City Administrator is too valuable to the function of the City, and though he has no problems with the internal candidate, he feels it would be proper to go out and do the search, and have the internal candidate earn the position. Council Member Mueller said that due diligence is what she expects the City to do, and she would like to hire the consultant to conduct the search. Ayes - 3 Nays - 2(Stigney/Hull) Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA A. Licenses for Approval B. Resolution 7179 Setting a Bid Date and Authorizing the Advertisement for Bids for the Water Meter Reading System Replacement Program C. Schedule a Public Hearing for Tuesday, November 13, 2007, at 7:05pm to Consider the Adoption of the 2008 Fee Schedule D. Resolution 7177 Approving the 2008 SCORE Recycling Grant Request to • Ramsey County E. Resotution 7180 Awarding a Contract for the Installation of Fiber Optic Cable to Water Treatment Plant No. l Council Member Flaherty requested that Item B be removed for discussion. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve Consent Agenda Items A, C, D and E as Presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 7179 Setting Bid Date and Authorizing the Advertisement for Bids for the Water Meter Reading System Replacement Program Council Member Flaherty asked Staff do not give an estimated cost when going out for bids. Council Member Mueller pointed out that this is for bids for radio read units so that telephone lines are not necessary. Finance Director Beer explained that 1,000 telephone lines are not functioning at this time and will be replaced, but the 2400 others would need replacement at some point in the future. • Mounds View City Council October 22, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 15 ~ MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7179 Setting a Bid Date and Authorizing the Advertisement for Bids for the Water Meter Reading System Replacement Program. Ayes - S Nays - 0 Motion carried. 9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS Council Member Stigney asked about All City Elevator for bi-monthly elevator maintenance. He then said that he thought Staff was checking to see what is required. Public Works Director Lee indicated that Staff is working on that, and it is coming for review at the next Council meeting. Council Member Stigney said that he understands that unemployment is being paid for a cable coordinator that quit here some time ago. Finance Director Beer explained that governments pay when an individual submits for a claim. He further explained that, since the City does not pay up front, it daes not matter what the separation situation is, if they file for unemployment, they are still eligible to collect. • Council Member Mueller asked about root control and where the root control was done. Director Lee indicated it was at various locations within the City. Mayor Marty thanked Staff for the information on his questions earlier today. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Flaherty. To Approve Just and Correct Claims as Presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES None. 11. REPORTS A. Mayor and Council Mayor Marty summarized a letter from Jack Munich, who was the Chairman for the Holmes Family Fundraising Committee, thanking the City and the Council for the use of the Mounds View Community Center. They thanked Desaree Crane for helping with issues on the raffle and • other necessary permits and requirements. They thanked the Mounds View Community Center Staff. Mounds View City Council October 22, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 16 Mayor Marty noted that October was Crime Prevention Month and said that crime is down nationwide this year. Mayor Marty noted that Active Living Ramsey County is looking for a Mounds View representative, as they have formed a new group that will meet November 15, 2007. He then asked to add this to a work session to work on finding someone to represent the City. Council Member Flaherty reported that there was a YMCA meeting where they discussed the fall programs. Council Member Mueller said that there is a lot of time this fall and winter to book social occasions at the Community Center. Mayor Marty said that he is wondering if the fees should be raised for non-residents. Staff is looking into that. Council Member Mueller reported that the Irondale Marching Knights came in first place at a statewide competition, and placed fifth overall in St. Louis, Missouri. B. Reports of Staff 1. Xcel Energy Gas Main Permit Update Public Works Director Lee explained that the right of way has been staked, utility locates have been done, and materials have begun arriving. Xcel has paid all fees and security as required through the permitting process, and anticipates starting the work as soon as minor issues are resolved. County Road 10 is planned first, and then they intend to move up Greenwood. Restoration is planned for the spring of 2008. Director Lee indicated that Xcel would need to acquire two easements from the City, and Staff is working with legal counsel on that. Director Lee indicated that Xcel has requested input from Council on the proposed screening for the valve. Mayor Marty asked Staff to have Xcel come to the work session on November 5, 2007. Council Member Mueller asked whether there would be tree removal, on any of the easements. Director Lee indicated that there should not be any need for tree removal as they intend to use a jacking technique. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Hull. To Extend the Meeting to 11:30 p.m. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. CJ • • Mounds View City Council October 22, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 17 ~ 2. Emergency Power Supply Plan - portable generator assistance Public Works Director Lee explained that Staff is recommending a motion to allow Staff to seek quotes for a trailer mounted generator for any emergencies within the City, and to use it for auxiliary power for events. Mayor Marty said that the City of Spring Lake Park has one of these, so he would think that some of this research would be available somewhere. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Mueller. To Approve Entering Into a contract with the Consultant as Recommended by Staff not to Exceed $3,300. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 3. Metro I-NET Update • Finance Director Beer provided an update on the Metro I-Net. Finance Director Beer indicated that by getting to the 511 building, they can eliminate the $500 PRI fee. Finance Director Beer indicated that the library is willing to work with the City to extend cable to its building and share costs. Council asked Staff to bring this to a work session for discussion. Interim Administrator Ericson indicated that the subject of the upcoming Ramsey County Leagne of Loca1 Governments Meeting is TIF. C. Reports of City Attorney u None. 12. Next Council Work Session: Next Council Meeting: Monday, November 5, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 p.m. Transcribed by: Joan Lenzmeier, Recording Clerk TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.