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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2010/07/26• PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting July 26, 2010 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:00 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Flaherty, Stigney, Hull, Mueller, Gunn. NOT PRESENT: None. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, July 26, 2010, City Council Agenda. • MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Monday, July 26, 2010, agenda as presented. Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT Wayne Mecl, 6969 Knollwood Drive, explained he applied to the City for a second driveway access on his property. He requested the Council allow his property to have two curb cuts as this was the way his property had been for 45 years. Public Works Director DeBar indicated he received an application from Mr. Mecl for a second curb cut on July 12�`; the application was due back in May. He then reviewed the five conditions for approval as stated within Resolution 7338. Mr. Mecl's application met four out five conditions but the driveway in question was not an improved surface. Public Works Director DeBar did not recommend the second driveway curb cut be allowed. Council Member Mueller asked if Mr. Mecl received previous mailings from the City regarding the street improvement project. Mr. Mecl indicated he did not recall receiving this information. He learned of the application for a second curb cut from a City staff inember that was working near his properiy on July 9�'. • Mounds View City Council July 26, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 2 Council Member Mueller questioned the purpose of the second driveway as it did not connect to • the first driveway or the garage. Mr. Mecl stated his children park in it and it was used every day. Council Member Mueller asked staff if the second curb cut should remain to give the property owner the option of subdividing his lot. Public Works Director DeBar indicated it was fairly simple to put in a curb cut if needed in the future. Mayor Flaherty commented that the second driveway did not appear to be a finished surface. He reiterated that a second curb cut would be at the expense of the homeowner. Mr. Mecl stated the second driveway was on the site when he purchased the home in the 1960's. He noted he would be willing to pay for the second curb cut and to complete a finished surface for the second driveway. Council Member Gunn felt this request differed greatly from the previous request as this second driveway was not connected and did not appear in any way to be a driveway. She stated she would not support a second curb cut. Council Member Mueller indicated the previous request was already a finished surface and connected to the property's garage. Council Member Stigney stated the second driveway appeared to be a parking pad and not a • driveway. He noted he would not support a second curb cut. Council Member Hull agreed. Mayor Flaherty indicated the Council had to follow the City's code and did not feel the site was designed to be a second driveway. He felt the Council could not make an exception or justify the need for a second curb cut. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Deny the second Curb Cut request from Mr. Meckel at 6969 Knollwood Drive based on the fact it does not meet City Code requirements. Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried. Dan Mueller, 8343 Groveland Road, expressed concern with the excessive number of vehicles parked on a neighboring property. He urged City staff to take action, as the site was becoming a growing concern. Mr. Mueller encouraged the Council to view the site to see he was not exaggerating the problems with his neighbor's properiy. He then explained the City Code should be enforced. Mayor Flaherty requested staff follow up on this issue further to assure that City codes are being enforced. • Mounds View City Council July 26, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 3 • 6. None. 7. � • SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS COUNCIL BUSINESS A. 7:05 p.m. Public Hearing to Consider Resolution 7645, a Conditional Use Permit for an Oversized Garage at 7515 Knollwood Drive. Planning Associate Heller stated that the applicant Richard Wyatt is requesting approval of a conditional use permit to construct an oversized garage on his property at 7515 Knollwood Drive. The applicant wants to demolish his current attached garage and construct a new larger attached garage. The current garage is a single car size that is 14' wide x 24' deep (336 square feet). The applicant wants to build a new double car wide 24' x 60' garage with an attached covered patio in the rear. Planning Associate Heller indicated the site plan submitted shows a garage area in excess of what the City allows without a conditional use permit. Accessory buildings, attached or detached, are limited to 952 square feet. Anything larger than 952 square feet must go through a conditional use permit application process. The garage proposed for 7515 Knollwood would be 1,440 square feet plus an 8' x 16' attached covered patio. The applicant indicates that he wants to have a two- car garage so he can park his vehicles indoors, and have the extra garage depth for a workshop. Planning Associate Heller noted that on July 7, 2010, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of this conditional use permit. The Planning Commission also unanimously approved a variance to allow the garage to ha�e a two-foot side yard setback. Staff is recommending approval of the conditional use permit for the oversized garage as requested. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:34 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:34 p.m. Council Member Stigney questioned if the applicant restored and sold the vintage motorcycles. Richard Wyatt, 751 S Knollwood Drive, explained he has sold motorcycles in the past, but his work in the shop was merely a hobby for him. Council Member Stigney asked what the City's recourse would be if the homeowner began to use the garage for commercial purposes. City Attorney Riggs indicated the City would have the right to stop the commercial use at the property. Council Member Mueller questioned if the expansion of the garage would change the width of the driveway. Mr. Wyatt stated the driveway would be widened to the south to assure there was proper alignment for his cars. Mayor Flaherty commented the homeowner took great care of his property and thanked Mr. Mounds View City Council July 26, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 4 Wyatt for speaking with his neighbors about the garage expansion. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7645, a Conditional Use Permit to allow for a 1,440 square foot Oversized Garage at 7515 Knollwood Drive. Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried. B. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 846, an Ordinance Amending Section 512.08 of the City Code about the Suspension and Revocation of a Cigarette/Tobacco License. Assistant City Administrator Crane stated that the Ramsey County Tobacco Coalition reviewed City Codes in a number of cities in Ramsey County to include the Mounds View Code. The Ramsey County Tobacco Coalition reviewed our Code pertaining to Suspension/Revocation of the Cigarette/Tobacco Business License. The Ramsey County Tobacco Coalition strongly recommends that the City uses the word "consecutive" in their day's requirements for a suspension of the license. It eliminates confusion and clarifies what the state law and the City Code intends to do. • Assistant City Administrator Crane noted that in Staff's professional opinion, the recommended language would only further clarify the suspension process, and would not change the intent. • Attached is Ordinance 846, which revises §512.08 of the Mounds View City Code by adding the word "consecutive." The City Council approved the first reading on July 12, 2010 and Staff recommends approval of the second reading and adoption of Ordinance 846. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 846, an Ordinance Amending Section 512.08 of the Mounds View City Code about the Suspension and Revocation of a Cigarette/Tobacco License. ROLL CALL: Hull/Stigney/Mueller/Gunn/Flaherty. Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 7646, Approving Step Increases for Vanessa Van Alstine (Cable Television Coordinator), Michael Strand (Part Time Cable Television Technician), Officer Greggory Neumann (MVPD), and a Longevity Increase for Officer Nicholas Erickson (MVPD). Assistant City Administrator Crane stated that Cable Television Coordinator Vanessa Van Alstine is a current employee with the City of Mounds View. Her supervisor, Desaree Crane, has reviewed his performance as it relates to his responsibilities outlined in the job description. u • • • Mounds View City Council July 26, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 5 Part Time Cable Television Technician Michael Strand is a current employee with the City of Mounds View. His supervisor, Vanessa Van Alstine, has reviewed his performance as it relates to his responsibilities outlined in the job description. Police Officer Greggory Neumann is a current employee with the Mounds View Police Department. His supervisor, Sergeant Menard has reviewed his performance as it relates to his responsibilities outlined in the job description. Police Officer Nicholas Erikson is a current employee with the Mounds View Police Department. His Supervisor, Interim Chief Kinney, has reviewed his performance as it relates to his responsibilities outlined in the job description. Staff recommends approval of Resolution 7646, approving the listed step and longevity increases. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7646, Approving Step Increases for Vanessa Van Alstine (Cable Television Coordinator), Michael Strand (Part Time Cable Television Technician), Officer Greggory Neumann (MVPD), and a Longevity Increase for Officer Nicholas Erickson (MVPD). Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 7647, Approving the 2010 Mounds View Festival in the Park Agreement. Assistant City Administrator Crane stated the Mounds View Festival in the Park is scheduled for Saturday, August 21, 2010. For 2010, the City has budgeted $4,500 in support of the Festival in the Park, to pay for City personnel and equipment expenses. Last year, the City Council passed Resolution 7469, which authorized additional contributions from the City to the Festival to assist in payment of professional bands, port-a-potties, Irondale Marching Band, Car and Tractor Show, and Parade and Children Entertainment. This year the Festival Committee is not requesting any additional contributions from the City. The 2010 Festival in the Park Agreement was reviewed by the Festival Committee, and approved the agreement for execution at this City Council 1VIeeting. Staff recommends approval of Resolution 7647, authorizing the execution of the agreement with the Festival in the Park of Mounds View for the August 21, 2010, Festival in the Park event. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7647, Approving the Execution of the Agreement with the Festival in the Park of Mounds View for the August 21, 2010 Festival in the Park event. Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 7648, Accepting Donations for Greenfield Park Baseball Field Improvements and Approving Naming the Field in Memory of Mark Wisser. � Mounds View City Council July 26, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 6 Public Works Director DeBar indicated Kate Wisser, a New Brighton resident, contacted the City • as she was interested in making a donation in memory of her late husband, Mark Wisser. Mr. Wisser was actively involved with the Little Lakes Little League youth baseball as a coach, umpire and volunteer and was a big fan of the baseball field at Greenfield Park. Potential ball field improvements were discussed by the Parks and Recreation and Forestry Commission to utilize the memorial donation. Staff was directed to obtain cost estimates for an electronic scoreboard and batting cages. Public Works Director DeBar explained Ms. Wisser has inquired whether the baseball field at Greenfield Park could be "named" in honor of her late husband if inemorial funds were used for the ball field improvements. The PRF Commission endorsed naming the ball field in honor of Mark Wisser and feel this is a project worth pursuing. Public Works Director DeBar noted Staff has finalized the scope of the work with Ms. Wisser that best matches the donations available. The proposed improvements include a 5' x 8' electronic scoreboard, including electrical supply installation and a 14'W x 72'L x 12'H batting cage. The scoreboard will have 19.5"H x 8'L placard mounted on top with "Mark Wisser Memorial Field" applied. The estimated costs for these improvements are $7,464.68 for the scoreboard and electrical work and $16,820 for the batting cage. Ms. Wisser has pledged $25,000 to the City and staff believes this donation will cover all costs associated with the improvements. • Public Works Director DeBar indicated the PRF Commission recommended the Council accept the donation and approve the scoreboard and batting cage improvements. They further recommend that the baseball field at Greenfield Park be named "Mark Wisser Memorial Field". Staff agrees with the Commission's recommendations and requests Council adopt a resolution accepting the $25,000 donation from Ms. Wiser for the baseball field improvements. Council Member Gunn thanked Ms. Wisser for honoring her husband and providing the City with the memorial funds. Mayor Flaherty thanked Ms. Wisser as well stating Mark Wisser was very involved in youth athletics in the City of Mounds View. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7648, Accepting Donations from Kate Wisser for Greenfield Park Baseball Field Improvements and Approving Naming the Field in Memory of Mark Wisser. Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried. F. Resolution 7649, Approving Purchase of Electronic Scoreboard and Contract for Electrical Supply Construction for Baseball Field at Greenfield Park. Public Works Director DeBar stated staff has worked with Ms. Wisser to find an acceptable • • L� • Mounds View City Council July 26, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 7 scoreboard to install at Greenfield Park. After much investigation staff recommends Varsity Scoreboards of Murray, Kentucky to be the lowest quote and best value at $4,014.68. Staff also solicited quotes for electrical contractors to construct electrical power supply to the scoreboard. The lowest quote was submitted by North Side Electric of New Brighton, Minnesota. The scoreboard is proposed to be located near centerfield at the ball field. Public Works Director DeBar explained the PRF Commission recommended Council approve the purchasing of the electronic scoreboard and electrical installation, which will be paid from the Mark Wisser memorial funds. Staff agrees with this recommendation and requests Council approve Resolution 7649. Council Member Mueller asked if the scoreboard posts could be scaled by children. Public Works Director DeBar explained the scoreboard would be quite high off the ground above the outfield fence and described how the structure would be constructed to avoid vandalism. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7649, Approving the Purchase of an Electronic Scoreboard and the Contract with Electrical Supply Construction for the Baseball Field at Greenfield Park. Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried. G. Resolution 7650, Approving Contract for Batting Cage Construction at Greenfield Park. Public Works Director DeBar indicated staff solicited bids from qualified fencing contractors to construct a batting cage at Greenfield Park. The lowest quote was for $14,420 and was submitted by Century Fence Company of Forest Lake, Minnesota. The batting cage is proposed to be just south of the right field line and east of the parking lot. The City will need to complete some grading and excavation work to level out the batting cage site prior to the fence being installed. The grading work will not exceed $2,400. Payment for the batting cage fencing and grading will be paid from the Mark Wisser memorial funds. Public Works Director DeBar explained the PRF Commission recommended the Council approve construction of the batting cage. Staff agrees with this recommendation and requests Council approve Resolution 7650. Mayor Flaherty questioned if the batting cage would be open at all times for the residents. Public Works Director DeBar suggested the City establish a policy and fee schedule for hours of operation and that this be scheduled through the YMCA. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7650, Approving an Independent Contractor Agreement with Century Fence Company to construct a batting cage for $14,420 at Greenfield Park and Authorizing staff to Contract the Grading work for the batting cage in an amount not to exceed $2,400. Mounds View City Council July 26, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 8 Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motian carried. H. Resolution 7651, Approving Contract with Pump and Meter Service, Inc. to Repair the Fuel Pumping Station and Tank Monitor Unit at the Public Works Facility. Public Works Supervisor Peterson stated the diesel-powered vehicles and equipment used by the Public Works are re-fueled onsite at the Public Works Facility. The fueling system is comprised of a 3,000 gallon underground tank, a pumping station and a tank monitoring system that includes a monitor unit located inside the Public Works Supervisor's office. The monitoring system is mandated by the MPCA to detect any tank leakage. The tank monitor unit for the fueling system has not properiy worked for some time. A new tank monitor unit is needed to comply with MPCA mandates. Public Works Supervisor Peterson added that the pumping station is showing signs of severe deterioration. After evaluating new and used pumping stations, a determination was made that the cost of a used, rebuilt pumping station would be more cost effective than purchasing a new one. Staff solicited and received quotes from qualified vendors for the necessary repair work. The low quote was submitted by Pump and Meter Service, Inc. of Hopkins, Minnesota for $5,780.14. This repair work was not included in the 2010 budget. Staff recommended a 5% contingency be added the estimated amount to cover unknowns that may be discovered during repairs. This contingency would add $289.86 to the quote amount for a total budget amount not to exceed $6,070. Public Warks Supervisor Peterson recommended the Council award a contract to Pump and Meter Services, Inc. of Hopkins, Minnesota for the necessary repairs to the fuel pumping station and tank monitor unit at the Public Works Facility. Mayor Flaherty questioned the age of the current pump. Public Works Director DeBar estimated it to be from 1986 when the facility was last upgraded. Council Member Mueller asked if it was typical to see freight charges being passed along to the City. Public Works Supervisor Peterson stated this was becoming more common on large items due to the cost of fuel. Council Member Mueller requested Staff speak with the vendor to split the freight charges 50/50. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7651, Approving Contract with Pump and Meter Service, Inc. to Repair the Fuel Pumping Station and Tank Monitor Unit at the Public Works Facility for an expense not to exceed $6,070. Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried. • • I. Resolution 7652, Approving Contract with Cummins Power Company to • Repair and Service the Emergency Generator located at the Booster Station. Mounds View City Council July 26, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 9 • Public Works Supervisor Peterson stated the Booster Station has a 275 kW Onan standby emergency generator. This unit provides backup power supply to the Booster Station, Water Tower, and Water Treatment Plant No. 1/Well No. 3 during power outages. The generator was purchase new in 1990 and preventative maintenance service has been minimal. Public Works staff runs the generator on a monthly basis to ensure that it will start during power outages. However, during a recent start it was discovered the fuel heater burned up and the cooling system requires maintenance. Staff obtained quotes from two qualified vendors to complete the necessary service wark. The low quote totaling $3,721.38 came from Cuminins N Power, LLC of St. Paul, Minnesota. Staff requested a 5% contingency be added to the quote amount for a total budget amount not to exceed $3,907. Public Works Supervisor Peterson recommended that the Council consider approval of the contract with Cuininins N Power Company, LLC for repairs and service work to the Onan 275 kW emergency generator located at the Booster Station. Council Member Mueller questioned if a maintenance schedule should be established for the generator. Public Works Supervisor Peterson does look at the generator on a yearly basis, but he would recommend the City enter into a contract with a qualified vendor to inspect the generator on a routine basis. � Mayor Flaherty asked how many emergency generators the City had at this time. Public Works Supervisor Peterson indicated the City had two at this time. MOTIONlSECOND: Mue11er/Hul1. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7652, Approving the Contract with Cummins N Power Company to Repair and Service the Emergency Generator located at the Booster Station for an expense not to exceed $3,907. Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried. J. Resolution 7653, Approving Purchase of a Pole Camera for Sewer Inspections. Public Works Supervisor Peterson stated part of the Public Works Department's maintenance program is to inspect the existing infrastructure throughout the City. Maximizing the infrastructure's service life by monitoring its condition and selecting appropriate follow-up action will reduce both the monetary costs and inconvenience costs to the City. To perform inspections more safely and efficiently, staff recommends the City buy a pole camera system. This system will allow the need for only one employee to perform the inspection. Two quotes were received and the low bid was submitted by Flexible Pipe Tool Company of St. Joseph, Minnesota for an Aries Zoom Pole Camera in the amount of $16,349.74. The pole camera was not a budgeted item for 2010. Staff recommends the Council approve the purchase of the Aries Zoom Pole Camera which would be paid by the Sanitary Sewer and Stormwater funds. • Council Member Mueller indicated the quote was for a demonstrator model and questioned the Mounds View City Council July 26, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 10 savings to the City. Public Works Supervisor Peterson explained a new model was $24,000. The City would be seeing a cost savings close to $8,000 and the demo model would come with the same warranty as a new model. Mayor Flaherty questioned if this would eliminate the need for Public Works staff to enter manholes. Public Works Supervisor Peterson stated this was the case as the pole camera could be lowered into the manhole to take the proper readings. Council Member Stigney questioned how often the pole camera would be used and if it could be shared with neighboring cities. Public Works Supervisor Peterson stated the City would be inspecting all sanitary sewer throughout the City and the storm sewer would be next. He was not sure if any neighboring communities had the same camera system to support the pole camera. Mayor Flaherty felt this camera was a great investment in the City's infrastructure. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7653, Approving the Purchase of a Portable Pole Camera for Sewer Inspections. 8. Ayes — 5 CONSENT AGENDA Nays — 0 Motion carried. A. Licenses for Approval. B. Set a Public Hearing for Monday, August 9, 2010 at 7:10 p.m. to Consider the Coventry Senior Living Development at 2320 & 2340 County Highway 10 & 5260 O'Connell. C. Set a Public Hearing for Monday, August 9, 2010 at 7:15 p.m. to Consider an Appeal for a Variance Request from Eichi, Inc. for the Longview Estates Property. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Stigney. To Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ayes — 5 9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS Nays — 0 Motion carried. Finance Director Beer answered the Council's questions related to claims. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented. Ayes — 5 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES None. Nays — 0 Motion carried. • • � • Mounds View City Council July 26, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 11 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Mueller reminded residents the Festival in the Park was scheduled on Saturday, August 21, 2010 at Mounds View City Hall Park. This would be the 4�' Annual Car and Tractor Show and volunteers were still needed. School supplies and/or food donations would be accepted for the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf. Council Member Mueller indicated National Night Out was scheduled for August 3, 2010. Council Member Mueller explained she would need to be excused from the August 9, 2010 meeting as she would be out of town. Mayor Flaherty reported the League of Minnesota Cities recognized the district's Senator, Don Betzold. He read aloud a letter from the League of Minnesota Cities and thanked Senator Betzold for his work on behalf of the City. Council Member Gunn thanked the Police Department and the Public Works Department for the fine work completed the night of the storm. • B. Reports of Staff. 1. Administration Quarterly Report. City Administrator Ericson reviewed the Second Quarter Administrative Report with the Council. He indicated the 2011 budget was beginning to take shape as the State was again looking to have a large deficit. This would create a gap in the budget if there was another reduction in LGA funds. The Council would need to continue to work to reduce the imbalance. City Administrator Ericson highlighted the upcoming events for third quarter with the Council along with the goals achieved by the City through second quarter. He stated the City has created a Facebook page and posts information on a weekly basis. Staff created a two page mini newsletter and was sent out with the quarterly utility bills. This mailing provided more timely and fresh information to property owners. City Administrator Ericson reviewed the proposed agenda for the August 2, 2010 work session meeting. Community Development Director Roberts reviewed recent actions taken by the EDC. The EDC was working to improve the housing stock in the City of Mounds View and to make the proper investments. • Public Works Director DeBar stated the Public Works Department would not be picking up debris from residential properties that fell from the recent storm. Mounds View City Council July 26, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 12 C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs reviewed Kennedy & Graven has resolved the disputed expenses with Robert's. Council Member Stigney thanked Kennedy & Graven for waiving the fees. 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, August 2, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, August 9, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:08 p.m. Transcribed by: Carla Wirth TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. • • C�