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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 1973/08/13A Regular Meeting of the Mounds View Village Council was called to order by Mayor Nelsen at 8:01 P.M. on August 13, 1973 at the Mounds View Village Hall, 2401 Highway #10, St. Paul, Minnesota 55112. Present: PROCEEDINGS OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL VILLAGE OF MOUNDS VIEW COUNTY OF RAMSEY MSP (Hodges Pickar) To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of July 23, Mayor Neisen's Report Mayor Neisen Councilman Hodges Councilman Baumgartner Councilman Johnson Councilman Pickar 1973. 5 Ayes MSP (Johnson- Hodges) To approve the minutes of the special meeting of August 6, 1973. 4 Ayes Baumgartner Abstained Mayor Neisen read the police report for July. Also Present: Attorney Meyers Engineer Bearden Administrative Sec. Wamhoff Absent: Clerk- Administrator Zylla Mayor Nelsen announced that Clerk- Administrator Zylla had talked with Mr. Dean Anklan of Ramsey County concerning the stop light that is to be installed at County Road I and Quincy Street. Mr. Anklan had stated that the intent of the Board is to pay 50/50. He is in the process of preparing an agreement for Mounds View to pay its share plus 50/ of the maintenance costs. Mayor Neisen stated that 405 letters were sent to persons in the Village whondid not haverhouse numbers postedcon their homes or businesses as is required in Chapter 47 of the Mounds View Municipal Code. Mayor Neisen commented that considering there were approximately 2,200 homes in the Village, the 405 homes without numbers seemed a small amount. Mayor Neisen also mentioned that if anyone was interested in going to a meeting the Sail and Water Conservation District would be holding one on August 14 and 16. The Mayor announced that Clerk- Administrator Zylla was on vacation and that his assistant was present at the Council meeting. Administrative Secretary Wamhoff's Report MSP (Baumgartner- Hodges) To approve the following licenses: Asphalt J. Leon Tony Yanis; General Contractor Alandale Builders, Inc., Gilbert Construction Co., James Lund Construction, Miles Garage Co.; Heating Sassco, Inc., Runyon Plumbing, Home Heating Air Conditioning, Sewer Water Hokanson Plumbing, Inc.; Sign Billboard LeRoy Sign, Inc.; Transient Merchant John L. Washburn to sell potatoes and sweet corn at the intersection of Highway #10 and County Road 1. 5 Ayes MSP (Baumgartner Hodges) To approve the following bills: General Fund checks #7538 thru #7611, Payroll Account checks #1037 and #1038, Payroll checks #447 thru #481 and transfer check #7612 transferring $11,382.44 to Payroll Account to pay gross pay of August 15, 1973: From General $9,256.36, from Water $1,354.00, from Sewer $772.08. Total disbursements amounting to $76,802.54. 5 Mayor Nelsen read Addendum #1 to the Special Use Permit Agreement dated June 26, 1972 from Century Motor Freight, Inc. requesting a name change to Century Mercury Motor Freight Inc., and asking that they be allowed to construct a 32' x 45' storage building and a 12' x 12' storage tank building. MSP (Johnson- Hodges) To approve Addendum No. 1- Special Use Permit Agreement authorizing a name change from Century Motor Freight, Inc. to Century Mercury Motor Freight Inc. and allowing the construction of a 32' x 45' storage building and a 12' x 12' storage tank building and authorizing the Mayor and the Clerk to sign it. Mayor Neisen brought before the Council an application for a Residential Kennel License by Lloyd and Susan Schommer, Jr. which contained signatures of 50% of the affected property owners within 500 feet of their land. MSP (Neisen- Pickar) To set a hearing for September 10, 1973 at 8:30 P.M. to consider the issuance of a Residential Kennel License to Lloyd and Susan Schommer, Jr. Mayor Neisen read Resolution #610 authorizing the execution of Joint Powers agreement entitled "Joint and Cooperative Agreement, Joint Minnesota Gas Rate Regulatory Board and designating the Clerk- Administrator as Director. Mayor Neisen then explained to the audience why municipalities having gas service from Northern States Power deem it desirable for Mounds View and other participating communities to establish a Gas Rate Regulatory Board. MSP (Johnson Baumgartner) To adopt Resolution #610 authorizing the execution of joint powers agreement entitled "Joint and Cooperative Agreement, Joint Minnesota Gas Rate Regulatory Board and designating the Clerk- Administrator as Director. Mayor Neisen read a letter from the First State Bank of New Brighton asking that the Village of Mounds View sign a new pledge assignment of securities in lieu of bond by public depositors in the amount of $250,000 in place of the 200,000 FICB's pledged to the Village of Mounds View which matured on August 1, 1973. Councilman Johnson's Report Councilman Johnson presented a petition signed by 27 people to have two street lights installed between 7701 and 7889 Woodlawn Drive. Councilman Johnson reported that on Friday, August 3 he had attended a Labor Relations seminar at the Raddison South. During the 1973 legislative session 5 Ayes; 5 Ayes 5 Ayes MSP (Hodges- Johnson) To approve the assignment of $250,000 in securities authorized by the First State Bank of New Brighton and authorizing the treasurer to sign it. 5 Ayes (Johnson Pickar) To notify NSP to install two street lights between 7701 and 7889 Woodlawn Drive. 5 Ayes a stringent law was passed which gives public employees the right to strike. Previously it was illegal for any public employee to strike. A labor negotiator representing the League of Minnesota Municipalities was a member of the panel. Their discussion seemed to indicate that the law should be tightened up some. Councilman Johnson said it was a very informative seminar. He stated that Mounds View has retained the services of a professional negotiator and he believes that we are very fortunate to have Mr. Cy Smythe, who is also a Professor at the University of Minnesota, as our negotiator. Councilman Johnson explained that by using the services of a negotiator from the League of Minnesota Municipalities, the Village is saving quite a lot of money since normally negotiators charge approximately $50.00 per hour and we are paying a flat fee of $850.00. Mayor Neisen added that their offices can handle all grievances throughout the year, and that their legal staff are at our disposal to answer any questions we may have. Mr. Robert Haake, 1740 County Road I, asked at what level public employees can strike. Councilman Johnson answered that according to the 1973 Legislature all public employees can strike,if they are considered non essential. Mayor Neisen stated that our maintenance sr.n belong to Local #49 and our policemen to Local #320. Mr. Haake then asked if just those public employees belonging to unions could strike. Councilman Johnson answered that technically any public employee could strike even though he did not belong to a union. The reporter from the New Brighton Bulletin asked how they were going to tighten up the law and Councilman Johnson said that Mr. Smythe hadn't really stated how they planned to accomplish that. Mayor Neisen said what was needed was a clarification of words as it hasn't yet been established who are the essential employees. Councilman Johnson said that since there is a law stating that all have a right to strike, someone will most likely test the law at sometime in the future and until then we won't really know who are considered essential employees. The New Brighton Bulletin reporter then asked if policemen weren't considered essential. Councilman Johnson replied by saying that very few people knew. As an example he stated that garbage men could be considered non essential in sub zero weather, but would be very essential when the temperature soared. Councilman Baumgartner's Report Councilman Baumgartner read the Planning Commission minutes of July 25, 1973. Mayor Neisen stated no action should be taken by the Council on the proposed Korsgaden Addition as we are awaiting a response from the Ramsey County Plat Commission before final approval is given. MSP (Pickar- Johnson) To approve the subdivision of Lot 60 Spring Lake Park Hillview Addition into 2 lots, one 80' x 231' and one 85' x 231' and a variance of 2.7' for the side yard set back on the existing building. Councilman Baumgartnet read from' the minutes that the Planning( Commission had approved tha request of 7 -11 Stores to build a store on the of County Road H2 and Silver Lake Road with reservation for a potential 2400 sq. ft. building instead of the 2000 sq. ft. building as presented with adjusted dimensions as noted on the plans. 5 Ayes Councilman Baumgartner then asked Mrs. Haake about the reservation on the size. She explained that 7 -11 could build a 2400 sq. ft. building thereby having room to put in microwave ovens for quick food service. The Council specified they would much prefer the 2000 sq. ft. building as was presented on the plans, thereby eliminating eating on the premises. Mr. Dan Coe, representing 7 -11 Stores which originate out of Dallas, Texas was present in the audience and answered questions regarding the type and size of store the property would accomodate. He stated that basically the store relies on the sale of staple items such as bread, milk, butter and eggs and on those items they stay very competitive with surrounding supermarkets. Mayor Neisen asked that plans should be made so that the Village could acquire a greenway easement on the east and south of 15 feet instead of the 10 feet recommended by the planning commission. Mrs. Haake said there would be room on the south side for a 15 foot easement but not on the east due to parking problems. Councilman Johnson asked if they realized that the Tom Thumb Store was a block away. Mr. Coe replied yes, but he didn't think it would take business away from either store as they would be on opposite sides of Silver Lake Road. And, with all the new apartment units on County Road H2 he expected the 7 -11 Store to be quite busy and would not detract from Tom Thumb's business. Mr. Coe also mentioned that his company is opening about 500 stores a year and 75 or 80 are to be in the Twin Cities area. Mr. Coe then showed copies of the plan to the Council and in answer to Mr. Johnson's question stated that the stores are not a franchise, but are built and operated solely by 7 -11 personnel. MSP Neisen- Hodges) To grant issuance of a building permit to 7 -11 Stores subject to the one variation that it would be a 2,000 square foot building instead of 2,400 square foot building, subject to the final approval of the building inspector ani fire chief with a 10 foot greenway easement for recreational purposes on the east and south. The easement being shown on the deed as a recreational easement. Mayor Neisen asked how long it would take to develop and Mr. Coe replied that construction should take place within the next three weeks. Councilman Baumgartner stated that a Recreation Commission meeting was held July 26, 1973 with two guests being present. Mr. Gerald Hefland, Park and Recreation Director for Shoreview and Mr. Tom Wicklund, Park and Recreation Director for New Brighton were there to discuss their jobs and duties as director. It was found that New Brighton has 235 acres devoted to parks with a population of 22,700 and a projected population of 35,000 and they employ 7 people in their recreation department. Shoreview has 30 acres in parks with a population of 13,800 and a projected population of 35,000 and they employ 2 people in their department. Budgets were also discussed. Councilman Baumgartner reported that on July 29th he and Clerk- Administrator Zylia had met with Mr. Engelsma of Kraus Anderson and Mr. Minar about obtaining additional park land. The land is available but at a price. Councilman Baumgartner doubts that any land will be donated. 5 Ayes Councilman Baumgartner then presented the Council with a petition which had been presented to the Recreation Commission by Jackie Coplin and held the signatures of eight persons which live near Woodcrest Park. The petition requested a name change of Woodcrest Park to Nelson Memorial Park due to the recent tragedy of the death of the two Nelson boys. MS (Baumgartner- Johnson) To change the name of Woodcrest Park to Nelson Memorial Park. Mr. Robert Haake asked to be recognized and proceeded to state just why he was against such a change. He replied that he was not unsympathetic with the tragedy the family had to endure and when he first heard of the plan to change the name, he thought it was a good idea. But, on further thought he had changed his opinion. He believed that it would set a precedent and that the Council would have to face similar situations in the future which would involve the Council ii tryifig<to decide who was worthy of such a distinction. The parks had been named for the area in which they were located and he felt it was best to leave them with their original name. Mrs. Isabelle Willie, 7911 Spring Lake Road agreed with Mr. Haake and suggested that instead of changing the name of the park why not make a memorial in the park such as dedicating a flag pole or some such thing. Mrs. Betty Wall, 5425 Quincy Street explained how they treated such things at Unity Hospital since she is a hospital board member. A plaque is placed in the chapel as a memorial. Mayor Neisen said that he had received some calls from people south of the park and they had stated that they were not against it, but they really weren't for it either. Mayor Neisen agreed that possibly some item could be dedicated to the Nelson boys since they had helped alot with the hockey rink in Woodcrest Park. It was then suggested by Mrs. Haake that possibly the hockey rink could be dedicated to the boys and naming it Nelson Rink. Mrs. Wall asked if the parents agreed to having the name of the park changed. Councilman Baumgartner stated that the parents had said if there was any opposition to drop the matter. Councilman Johnson asked for alternatives, and suggestions were those of naming the rink after the boys, dedicating a flag pole or drinking fountain with an engraved plaque attached. Councilman Baumgartner then withdrew his motion and Councilman Johnson with- drew his second. The issue was tabled until there could be further action agreeable to all. Councilman Pickar's Report At the Lakeside Park Commission meeting of July 26th the results of swimming registration were discussed. 283 children had registered for swimming this year. Thu Commission also voted to tie in with Spring Lake Park High School when looking for a life guard. Councilman Pickar said the price was right as they were doing it free. Mayor Neisen stated he received some calls on disturbances by groups of people at Lakeside Park. The police reported that when they arrived to look into these disturbances only one or two people were at the Park. Councilman Pickar then stated that vandalism is much less this year than in the past. Councilman Hodges asked if the Lakeside Park Commission had plans for a skating rink at the park this winter. Councilman Picker said he couldn't say definitely since Spring Lake Park had cut back its funds. Mrs. Willie asked if it was possible to get more lights at the park since it was so terribly dark. Councilman Pickar said the Commission will study the possibiliy. Councilman Hodges said that he noticed that the fence was broken in places and Councilman Pickar stated that the fence is going to be taken down as it isn't doing much good and that the maintenance on it is too high. They have plans to make a border with some type of hedge. Mayor Neisen commented on Co proposed bike trails and a meeting he had attendee: with the Ramsey County League of Municipalities on this subject. RCLM is working on a proposal to establish a Ramsey County trail system. With several types of trails being planned in the county cooperative planning among municipalities is needed. Mayor Neisen stated that there are 10 times as many bicycle accidents as all accidents in football, baseball, and hockey put together. Mayor Neisen said that the bike trails would greatly reduce bicycle accidents. He stated that New Brighton has proposed bike trails and Shoreview is making progress in that direction. He felt Mounds View should do some planning in this area. Engineer Bearden's Report Engineer Bearden stated that bids for the water main at the new Mounds View Square Shopping Center have been received. Ray Freeman Sewer Water was the low bidder at $19,036.72. The engineer suggested that the bids be acknowledged asrrepeived, but should not be awarded as yet and to table the bids for the time being. Engineer Bearden stated that the developer, Paster Enterprises has not broken ground, but had been told that subject to approval they hoped to start the 2nd weekend in August. 6 MSP (Neisen Pickar) To acknowledge the bids as received and to table them at the present time. 5 Ayes Engineer Bearden noted that he had received a copy of a letter sent to the Village of Mounds View from the Metropolitan Sewer Board which presented a sewer plan by the City of Blaine and asking for our comments within 14 days. Engineer Bearden saw no reason to respond to the letter as it would not affect Mounds View adversely. Engineer Bearden also brought to the Council's attention a letter he had received from H S Asphalt asking that the completion date of August 1, 1973 be extended due to other utilities holding up their progress. Engineer Bearden recommended to the Council that this matter be tabled at this time. The penalty for not completing the project would be for H S Asphalt to pi k up the inspection and engineering costs beyond the August 1 deadline date. Engineer Bearden said H S will have to show just cause before an extension should be granted. To adjourn at 9:40 P.M. MSP (Baumgartner- Pickar) Respectfully Submitted, Maelle Wamhoff, Administrative Secretary