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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2010/02/22• PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUND5 VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting February 22, 2010 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:01 P.M. 1. MEETING I5 CALLED TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Flaherty, Stigney, Hull, Mueller, Gunn. NOT PRESENT: None. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, February 22, 2010, City Council Agenda. • MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To approve the Monday, February 22, 2010, agenda as amended to remove Item 11.B.5., Police Chief Search Update. Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT William Werner, 2765 Sherwood Road, questioned the purpose of the Council retreat. Mayor Flaherty stated it provided an opportunity for the Council to meet with staff and residents to discuss and set goals for this year for the coming years. He read the goals that the Council set at the meeting. 1. Address Immediate Budget Constraints and Achieve Budget Sustainability 2. Enhance City Revenue Streams 3. Focus on County Highway 10 Development and Redevelopment 4. Continue implementing the Street and Utility Improvement Program 5. Continue Emphasis on Code Enforcement throughout the City 6. Ensure Long-Term Municipal I-net Backbone Connectivity 7. Continue Focus on Issues Relating to Home Foreclosures and Vacancies 8. Assess and Improve Community Center Operations 9. Continue to Encourage Public Participation and Improve Communications • Mounds View City Council February 22, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 2 Mr. Werner stated his t�es will be increased next year and he had hoped the City goals were set • to cut more costs. Mayor Flaherty stated the t� increase relates to the street improvement pro�ect. Clerk-Administrator Ericson stated the Council agreed with the need to minimize impact to residents. He noted the total cost for the Street and Utiliry Improvement Program is $28 million and the City has levied about $4 million toward the project. The majority of the cost will be funded from other sources to minimize the direct cost to residents to the m�imum extent possible. Mr. Werner stated again his support for the City to use other funds, such as the Levy Reduction Fund, to cover the costs for streets. Mayor Flaherty explained those funds are being used to offset the loss of Local Government Aid (LGA). Finance Director Beer stated if the Levy Reduction Fund was used to cover the cost of the streets, the City would have to levy to make up the loss in LGA. Mr. Werner suggested that things have changed considerably and encouraged the City to be more frugal and use existing funds instead of raising taxes. Naja Werner, 2765 Sherwood Road, asked how the City will meet its goal to find other revenue sources. Mayor Flaherty stated the City will work to attract new and additional businesses and residents. Ms. Werner doubted that businesses will come to the City during these difficult economic times. She emphasized this is a time of frugality in how the Council runs the City and maybe positions and some services, such as a new building at Greenfield Park, can be eliminated. • She recommended reading The New Frugality by Chris Farrell to get more information. Finance Director Beer explained the Greenfield Park building will be paid from park dedication fees which, by law, can only be used for park capital improvements. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Presentation by the YMCA, Update on MVCC Programs and Operations. Pat Prindle, YMCA, provided the Council with a copy of the 2008 and 2009 Utilization Report, which had information on revenues, and program enrollment. He presented an overview of 2009 activities and levels of participation. Council Member Stigney referenced the information in the Report on Lambert Park reservations and usage. Mr. Prindle stated that information is not correct. Council Member Stigney stated he would like the report to include revenues received for rental of the park buildings. Mr. Prindle stated he would provide that information to the Council. Mr. Prindle announced that this weekend will be the Sixth Annual Garage Sale. Mayor Flaherty stated his support for programs offered by the YMCA at the Community Center for the City's youth and commended their vision and steps taken to grow the programs. Mr. Prindle commented on the Y Partners Program and financial assistance available to Mounds View residents to assure everyone can use the programs. Mayor Flaherty reviewed how notification is made should the YMCA need to cancel a program. • Mounds View City Council February 22, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 3 • Council Member Mueller asked about resurfacing of the gym floor. Mr. Prindle stated that has not yet been done but will work around the scheduled events. Council Member Mueller noted the City usually holds the Town Hall meeting at the Community Center but this year it will be held at City Hall so the Community Center can be rented out. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A First Reading of Ordinance 841, an Ordinance Amending the Mounds View City Charter by Changing Title of Clerk-Administrator to City Administrator. Clerk-Administrator Ericson presented the recommendation of the Charter Commission, after many meetings held in 2QQ9, to update the title of "Clerk-Administrator" to a more commonly used title of "City Administrator." He described the research conducted by the Charter Commission to assure the proposed change to the Charter would be clear so it would not cause any confusion. Clerk-Administrator Ericson noted a recommended revision to Section 6.03, to strike all roles and responsibilities since they are already articulated in City Code and at the discretion of the City Council. Section 6.04 relates to the City Treasurer position, which is appointed by the Council at the first meeting of each year, and the recommended revision clarifies that process. Council Member Gunn asked if the Minnesota State Statute number should be incorporated into • the Charter. Clerk-Administrator Ericson estimated 100 different State Stature references, making it difficult to encapsulate all of those references. The Charter Commission felt it would be adequate to reference "Minnesota Statutes" without citing the actual number. Council Member Gunn asked if the title of "Assistant Clerk-Administrator" should also be changed. Clerk-Administrator Ericson stated if his title changed it would be likely to make the same change to that title, but is not a requirement since it is not referenced in the Charter. Council Member Mueller stated her appreciation to the Charter Commission for this thorough research and recommendation. She asked if the City Attorney has reviewed this amendment. City Attorney Riggs answered in the af�rmative. Council Member Stigney pointed out that changing the Charter requires a unanimous vote of the Council or a referendum, which is a safeguard. If the job responsibilities are moved from the Charter to the Code, changing them would require a simple majority of three affirmative votes. Mayor Flaherty asked for a legal opinion about referencing Minnesota State Statutes and if the word "currenY' should be included. City Attorney Riggs stated "current" is assumed and noted that even if the duties are not included in the Charter, it is required that the City employee perform. He advised that the City's Code does not include everything with regard to duties as contained in the Statutes. • Council Member Stigney asked whether the Code should be updated if it does not include everything within Statute. City Attorney Riggs stated there may be things the Council wants the � Mounds View City Council February 22, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 4 City Administrator to oversee but would not be within State Statutes. He noted that if desired, all inclusive language could be included such as "all required statutory provisions." MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the First Reading of Ordinance 841, Amending the Mounds View City Charter by Changing All Occurrences of "Clerk-Administrator" to "City Administrator" and Revising Sections 6.03 and 6.04 Regarding Duties of the Administrator and Treasurer. Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 7580, Re-approval of the Final Plat for the Select Senior Living Development at Highway 10 & Groveland Road. Community Development Director Roberts reviewed the past Council action to approve the final plat and development agreement for the Select Senior Living development and advised that the City's approvals became void because the project was not started within the allowed 120 days. The Council has granted two 120-day time extensions and Select Senior Living is again asking the Council for a 120-day re-approval of the final plat and development agreement which would expire on June 22, 2010. He explained the tight financial market and change in lending practices has made it difficult for this project to obtain funding, as indicated in Mr. Larson's letter to the Council. Community Development Director Roberts stated staff recommends adoption of the draft resolution that would approve an extension for the project. Joel Larson, Select Senior Living, updated the Council regarding the Select Senior Living project and the difficulty that occurred when the rules in the banking industry changed. He stated they have secured additional cash through investors and anticipate that by the end of this month they will receive a financing commitment so the could move the project forward. Mr. Larson requested the Council act favorably on their request for a 120-day extension. Council Member Mueller asked about Select Senior Living's other two projects. Mr. Larson stated that Select Senior Living at Coon Rapids received occupancy pernuts one year ago and is currently 96°Io full. Because of the banking issues, their Fridley project is currently on hold after completing the City process and preliminary approval with conditions. Community Development Director Roberts asked how long construction would take. Mr. Larson stated it takes ten months from the time they start until they open the doors. Council Member Mueller asked about part- and full-time jobs. Mr. Larson stated construction creates over 100 temporary jobs and after it is open, there would be some part-time and about 25 full-time positions. Mayor Flaherty stated this Council has been in support of the project. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7580, Re- Approving the "Select Senior Living" Final Plat and Development Agreement: Mounds View Planning Case No. MA2008-002. u • • • Mounds View City Council February 22, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 5 Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 7578, Authorizing the Purchase of Lumber and Mailboxes for the 2010 SUIP — Area B/C. Public Works Director DeBar presented staff's recommendation to award the quote for purchase of lumber and mailboxes as part of the 2010 Street and Utility Improvement Project, Area B/C, to Lowe's of Blaine, which submitted the low quote of $6,857.34. This fabrication would be done in-house to create condensed mailbox areas on a common post, as required by the Ordinance. The street contractor will install the mailboxes. Mayor Flaherty asked if a resident can use their own mailbox. Public Works Director DeBar answered in the affirmative and explained the process to do so. Council Member Stigney stated this is an opportunity to standardize the mailbox numbers, creating a better aesthetic. Public Works Director DeBar stated that was looked at last year but the schedule didn't allow time to do it. He agreed this would be a good opportunity and the City can standardize the numbers this year. Council Member Stigney noted the resolution also includes the purchase of mail boxes. • MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7578, Authorizing the Purchase of Mailboxes and Lumber for Mailbox Posts for the 2010 Street and Utility Improvement Project — Area B/C. Council Member Mueller asked if it is possible to have an example or illustration of a group mailbox at the Town Hall meeting. Public Works Director DeBar stated staff will bring an actual post/mailbox model so residents can see what it looks like at the neighborhood meetings and Town Hall meeting. Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 7581, Authorizing a Step Increase for James Ericson, Clerk- Administrator. Clerk-Administrator Ericson explained the resolution would approve a step increase for him. He noted the City Council had recently reviewed his performance and deternuned he has satisfactorily performed in the capacity of his position so a step wage adjustment is appropriate. However, due to the budget deficit and the potential for a$400,000 shortfall, he would like to defer action on his step increase for six months. Clerk-Administrator Ericson stated the Council has indicated it did not intend to freeze step increases but he did not feel comfortable receiving a step increase at this time. • Mayor Flaherty stated Clerk-Administrator Ericson is entirely deserving of this step increase, which shows maturity and learning process within a position and so far, this Council has been Mounds View City Council February 22, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 6 amenable to step increases. Council Member Mueller asked if this would be reviewed in September when the budget is being considered and if it would be retroactive to March 11, 2010. Clerk-Administrator Ericson stated his recommendation would be that the increase is not retroactive since his intent is to save the City some money. Mayor Flaherty stated this is admirable of Clerk-Administrator Ericson. He noted the City has a contract with Mr. Ericson and questioned if there would be an impact if they do not approve the step increase. City Attorney Riggs stated there would not be an impact since it is being considered at the request of Mr. Ericson. Council Member Mueller stated she understands Mr. Ericson is offering the delay genuinely and no one on the Council or in the community has influenced him in making this recommendation, it is of Mr. Ericson's own free will due to the budget deficit. Clerk-Administrator Ericson stated that is correct, no one has approached him to make this recommendation, which he feels strongly about and hopes will send a message. MOTION: Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7581, Approving Step Wage Adjustment and postpone action until August of 2010. City Attorney Riggs recommended a motion to defer action to a date certain. MOTION WITHDRAWN: Council Member Mueller withdrew the motion on the floor. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To defer action on a step wage adjustment for Jim Ericson until the last meeting in August of 2010. Council Member Stigney commended Clerk-Administrator Ericson for taking this stance, noting it was not necessary but sends the signal that he cares for Mounds View and is concerned with the budget. Council Member Mueller emphasized that Clerk-Administrator Ericson has performed admirably in his responsibilities and duties and this step increase is due now. Mayor Flaherty concurred and noted that Mr. Ericson's performance was highly ranked and this action shows the Council that promoting him to this position was the correct decision. Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 7583, Amending Policy Requiring Cable Broadcasting of City Business Conducted at Open Public Meetings at Mounds View City Hall. • • Assistant Clerk-Administrator Crane reviewed that the role of the Cable Committee had been discussed at the January Council Work Session. It was the consensus of the Council that the • present cable productions are appropriate for MVTV and to revise the role of the Cable Mounds View City Council February 22, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 7 • Committee to a more informal format that would not require meetings to be televised. Staff inet with the Cable Committee on February 16, 2010, and it supported revising its role to a more informal committee to allow open creative participation of residents without being televised live on MVTV. Assistant Clerk-Administrator Crane explained that making this change would require amending the City's Policy about broadcasting City meetings. The meetings will continue to be open to the public, agendas posted and advertised on the City's website, and conducted at the Mounds View City Hall. Council Member Mueller stated this would also be a cost saving measure and commended staff for bringing this forward for the Council's consideration. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7583, Requiring Cable Casting of City Business Conducted at Open Public Meetings at Mounds View City Hall. Council Member Stigney stated there is nothing wrong with making the meetings informal, but it is a bit ironic not broadcasting a Cable Committee meeting. He stated this is part of the City's government and he felt it should be broadcast to assure open and accountable government. Mayor Flaherty referenced a letter submitted by resident Barbara Haake and explained the intent was to add to the wealth of talent already on the Cable Committee through a more rel�ed (not • televised) and less formal format. Council Member Stigney stated a goal of the City is to increase communication and broadcasting this meeting is a method of communicating to the public. Ayes — 4 Nays — 1(Stigney) Motion carried. F. Resolution 7584, Approving Transfers between Funds for the Year 2009. Finance Director Beer presented staff's recommendation to approve transfer between funds that were made as part of the 2009 budget, noting the transfers are listed in the draft resolution as well as transfers that will be increased, reduced, or not made to facilitate the Street and Utility Improvement Project. Council Member Hull referenced the transfer from the General Fund to pay for the Community Center banquet facility was proposed to be $185,000 and reduced to $160,000. He asked whether the transfer amounts would be reduced further in ensuing years. Finance Director Beer stated weekend events are at a capacity but should there be infill of events during the week and the economy recovers, revenues may improve and lower the amount of the transfer. Council Member Hull stated this is moving in the right direction but the City's General Fund is still subsidizing the Community Center. • MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7584, Approving Transfers between Funds for the Year 2009. Mounds View City Council February 22, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 8 Mayor Flaherty asked when it is prudent to move the TIF dollars into the Street and Utiliry Fund. • Finance Director Beer explained that at the recommendation of the City's TIF advisors, the Street and Utility Construction project is paid from TIF as the work occurs. Council Member Mueller stated the dollar amount from budgeted transfers to actual transfers, is $SOO,OOO less. Finance Director Beer stated that is correct and mostly deferred capital costs. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA Council Member Stigney asked to remove Item 8B. Council Member Mueller asked to remove Item 8C. A. Licenses for Approval. a�:,���ie��58�, A�}ei'�S��e�-e€�#e-�1� �e�- :ie��e��-T-l�ee� � ����v cct�9•• 7c7�� A „�.�e���9�FE�3fls�-89A-�i�u'�xx�--�c�a�scar'iv�-ii.�iEeei'�c�-iriia�'r D. 5et a Public Hearing for 7:05 pm, Monday, March 8, 2010, to Consider the Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 841, an Ordinance Changing the Title of • Clerk-Administrator to City Administrator and Amending Sections 6.03 and 6.04 of the Mounds View City Charter. E. Resolution 7585, Approving a Policy Establishing Reservation Priority for Use of City Athletic Fields. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Approve the Consent Agenda Items A, D, and E. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 7582, Authorizing Support of the Mounds View Community Theatre Consistent with the City's Policy in Support of Artistic Organizations. Council Member Stigney asked about the impact of this request to the City's photocopier. Finance Director Beer stated the City's contract is for a certain number of photocopies and overages are .67 per copy, which would equal $50 for these copies. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7582, Authorizing Support of the Mounds View Community Theatre Consistent with the Policy for the Support of Artistic Organizations. Mayor Flaherty read the playbill and encouraged residents to take advantage of this wonderful community theater. • • • � Mounds View City Council February 22, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 9 Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 7579, Approval to Purchase 800 MHz Radios in Accordance with Federal UA5I Grant Funds Awarded to Ramsey County Emergency Management. Council Member Mueller noted that Interim Police Chief Kinney found a Ramsey County grant to apply Federal UASI grant funds to purchase 800 MHz radios for law enforcement and the Public Works Department so they can communicate with each other. She read Resolution 7579 and extended her appreciation to Interim Police Chief Kinney for finding this grant. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Adopt Resolution 7579, Approving the Purchase of Five 800 MHz Radios in Accordance with Federal Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Grant Funds Awarded to Ramsey County Emergency Management. 9. Ayes — 5 JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS Nays — 0 Motion catried. Finance Director Beer answered the Council's questions related to claims. Staff was asked to provide additional details on the claim from Strikers for Police Department equipment. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as Presented. Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. January 11, 2010, City Council Meeting Minutes. The Council requested the following correction: Page 9, Line 3-4, ". .. suggested this organization be invited to the spring Town Ha11 meeting and Festival in the Park as well." MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the January 11, 2010, City Council Meeting Minutes as corrected above. Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried. 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Hull thanked Clerk-Administrator Ericson for his action to defer his step increase. He stated that he was not surprised by Clerk-Administrator Ericson's recommendation because he has and continues to be very loyal to Mounds View and justifies why he wanted to hire Mr. Ericson in the first place. He thanked Mr. Ericson on behalf of the Council and all residents. Mounds View City Council February 22, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 10 Council Member Gunn congratulated the Irondale Girls hockey team who will be playing in the • State Tournament. She advised of the fan bus that has been organized and encouraged all to support the Irondale School. Council Member Mueller stated she will be at the State Capital on Wednesday to meet with Senator Betzold and Representative Tillberry. She encouraged staff and residents to contact her if they would like her to address any topics with the City's representatives. B. Reports of Staff. 1. Town Hall Meeting — Monday, March 29, 2010. Assistant Clerk-Administrator Crane announced the Town Hall Meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 29, 2010, at the Mounds View City Hall. She presented the agenda and advised where it will be advertised to encourage public attendance. 2. 2009 Volunteer Coach of the Year and 2009 Citizenship Award. Assistant Clerk-Administrator Crane announced the City is accepting nominations for the 2009 Volunteer Coach of the Year and 2009 Citizenship Award. She advised that a nomination has not yet been received for either category. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, February 26, 2010. 3. Minnesota Metro North Tourism Update. Community Development Director Roberts presented an update on actions by the newly formed Minnesota Metro North Tourism, noting Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz was elected as their secretary. Community Development Director Roberts announced the Home and Garden Show will be held this Saturday at the Schwan Super Rink from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and admission is free. 4. Public Works Annual Report. Public Works Director DeBar presented the 2009 Public Works Annual Report and advised of work completed. Council Member Mueller stated a few residents have contacted her to ask when the City will order memorial trees for the parks. Public Works Director DeBar stated residents can make application for a memorial tree at any time. The spring tree sale will be advertised in the Mounds View Matters and the memorial trees will be planted as part of the Arbor Day Celebration. • Public Works Director advised that a Public Works Supervisor finalist has been selected, references are being checked, and staff will present a recommendation at the March 8, 2010, meeting. • u • � Mounds View City Council February 22, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 11 5. Police Chief Search Update. This item was removed upon adoption of the agenda. 6. Review Draft 2010 Goals and Priorities. Clerk-Administrator Ericson read the goals and priorities discussed at the February 12, 2010, Council retreat and requested Council input. Mayor Flaherty stated a comment had been made about the need to enhance the City's revenue stream and difficulty to do so in this economic environment. However, he believed it still needed to remain a goal so the City is always looking for that opportunity. Council Member Mueller clarified that "enhancing the City's revenue stream" does not mean the City will increase business or residential t�es. The Council wants to fill vacant buildings and turn over homes in foreclosure so the community gets back to growing again. She stated the City is fortunate that the Council and staff have good ideas, such as grants, to pursue. The Council concurred with the goals and policies as presented. 7. Review March 2010 Work Session Agenda. The Council agreed with the suggestion of Council Member Mueller to add the Code of Ethics since it was not discussed at the retreat due to time constraints. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs stated his report is included in the Council's meeting packet. It was noted the City Code is being codified and will be available shortly. 12. 13. Next Council Work Session: Next Council Meeting: ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:14 p.m. Transcribed by: Carla Wirth TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Monday, March 1, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. Monday, March 8, 2010, at 7:00 p.m.