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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 1975/01/27PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA A regular meeting of the Mounds View City Council was called to order by Mayor Johnson at 8 :01 p.m., January 27, 1975;at the Pinewood Elem. School, 5500 Quincy sh Mounds View, Minnesota 55112. Present: Mayor Johnson Also Present: Clerk -Adm. Achen Councilman Hodges Attorney Meyers Councilman Baumgartner Engineer Bearde Councilman Pickar Councilman Shelquist MS (Hodges Baumgartner) To approve the minutes of the regular council meeting of January 13, 1975. Mayor Johnson requested the following corrections of the minutes: Page 4, paragraph 5, should read. a permanent permit "subject to review;" Page 5, paragraph 9, should read. .the "only" extra cost the city would incur by rebidding. MSP (Johnson- Hodges) To amend the motion to approve the minutes by including these corrections. Original motion passed. AdministLator Achen's Report Administrator Achen explained to the Council that the bills for approval were divided between 1974 and 1975 expenditures because of a change in accounting procedures to an accrual basis. General account checks #9620 through #9631 for December 1974 bills, total disbursements $6,854.57. For 1975 expenses, General account checks #9632 through #9689 and voided checks #9657, #9670. Payroll account check #1143 through #1145, Bond account checks #119 through #120. Transfer check #9690 transferring $1,391.45 from Water, $1,818.58 from Sewer, $12,634.75 from General to pay gross pay of January 30, 1975. Total Disbursements $434,990.02. 5 Ayes MSP (Baumgartner- Pickar) To approve the bills for December, 1974, expenditures. MSP (Johnson- Hodges) To approve the bills for January, 1975, expenditures. MSP (Johnson Pickar) To Bingo Mounds View Lions' Club 8005 Groveland Road Minneapolis, Mn. 55432 approve the following licenses: Solicitor Peddler Joseph Pft.ifer Apt. 209, 5445 Jackson Drive Mounds View, Mn. 55112 (North Suburban Tax Accounting) 5 Ayes 5 Ayes. 5 Ayes -2- January 27, Cigarette Midwest Vending Co. (Harry E. Johnson) 2848 Highway #10 Minneapolis, Mn. 55432 (Phillip '66' Service Station) Martin Oil Service, Inc. P.O. Box 298 Blue Island, I11. 60406 Heating Air Conditioning Montgomery Ward Company 1400 University Avenue St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 1975 Solicitor Peddler Irving Fredrickson 7640 Edgewood Drive, Apt. 203 Minneapolis, Mn. 55432 (Fred's Upholstery) Gasoline Martin Oil Service, Inc. 1925 Highway #10 Minneapolis, Mn. 55432 Administrator Achen read proposed Resolution No. 654, entitled Resolution Petitioning Support of all Public Officials Elected by Mounds View Citizens for Completion of Minnesota Highway 10. Mayor Johnson stated that copies should be sent to national as well as state legislators, because completion of Highway 10 will probably require federal funds. MSP (Hodges- Baumgartner) To adopt Resolution No. 654. 5 Ayes Administrator Achen read proposed Resolution No. 655, entitled Resolution Supporting the Continuation of General Revenue Sharing. MSP (Johnson Pickar) To adopt Resolution No. 655. 5 Ayes Administrator Achen read Resolution No. 656 approving continued joint representation in regard to Teamster's Local No. 320. Mayor Johnson noted that the work "annoted" should read "annotated MSP (Hodges Pickar) To adopt Resolution No. 656. 5 Ayes Administrator Achen read Resolution No. 657 entitled Resolution Appointing Commissioner of Highways Agent of City Regarding Construction Contracts of Municipal Streets and Approving Execution of Minnesota Department of Highways Agency Contract. MSP (Johnson- Baumgartner) To adopt Resolution No. 657. 5 Ayes Administrator Achen read Resolution No. 658 entitled Resolution Authorizing City Engineer to Seek Engineering and Technical Services from Minnesota Department of Highways. Engineer Bearden reported the City has not used these State services in recent years and would probably use them only for such services as soil tests. MSP (Johnson- Hodges) To adopt Resolution No. 658. 5 Ayes -•3- Januarl 27, 1975 Administrator Achen presented proposed Ordinance #225 amending Chapter 50.01, Lakeside Park Commission. Mayor Johnson stated the ordinance will increase the size of the Lakeside Park Commission by two members. The change has been requested by the Commission. MS (Hodges Pickar) To adopt Ordinance #225. Councilman Pickar asked the attorney whether a joint public hearing with the Spring Lake Park City Council as stated in the ordinance is required. Attorney Meyers read the municipal code affirming the requirement for a public hearing. Mayor Johnson asked whether this ordinance could be tabled until the next Lakeside Park Commission meeting. Councilman Hodges suggested holding the joint meeting on the same night as the Commission meeting. MSP (Pickar- Hodges) To call a special council meeting Thursday, February 13, 7:00 p.m., at the Spring Lake Park City Hall, and directing the administrator to publish notice of the meeting. Administrator Achen stated letters had been received from both the auditor and financial consultant recommending consolidation of the city's general and bond redemption checking accounts. Mayor Johnson read both the letters. MSP (Johnson Baumgartner) To authorize the administrator to transfer all monies: from the bond redemption account to the general account at the First State Bank of New Brighton and to close the bond redemption account. 5 Ayes Administrator Achen stated he would like to do this immediately, but he needed authorization of check signatures for the transfer. MSP (Johnson Pickar) To authorize signing of a check to transfer the balance from the bond redemption to the general account. The First State Bank of New Brighton is to be notified to provide sufficient pledging to guarantee the city funds on deposit. Administrator Achen requested authorization to let bids on a new police squad car. The present car has 58,000 miles and anticipated mileage before trade -in or sale is 70,000. The staff recommends bid opening on February 20, 1975 at 10:00 a.m. allowing time for the bid summary tc be presented at the next council meeting. MSP (Hodges- Johnson) To advertise for bids for a new squad car and hold the bid Ining February 20, at 10:00 a.m. to replace the 1973 Ford. Administrator Achen noted three applications for the Planning Commission opening have been received: Steven Paul Fedor, Michael Lonergan. 5 Ayes -4- January 27, 1975 Mayor Johnson requested the administrator to arrange interviews with the applicants for the February 3rd agenda session and directed the administrator to reschedule Commissioner Orth at between 7:45 -8:00 that night. Administrator Achen commented on the two construction projects which have exceeded the monies allocated in the November,1974, bond issue: Project 1973 -6, ($100) and Project 1973 -5, ($4200). The financial consultant recommends using monies from other con- struction funds to balance these. MSP (Johnson Hodges) To authorize transfers from the Project 1972 -3 (1973 -2 3) Fund, if surplus monies are available there, to the Project 1973 -6 and Project 1973 -5 Funds in order to balance and close them. 5 Ayes Administrator Achen reported that the architect had provided cost estimates for three alternates to the conference room in the new addition. He also noted that plans for remodelling the existing wing call for replacement of the existing fluor in the old council chambers area. Contrary to what the architect thought, the existing floor does drain adequately to one corner of the room. The administrator recommended that the floor not be replaced. This will save $1,300 $1,600 which could cover the cost of some changes. Administrator Achen reported that the contract does not include electrically operating garage doors in the new police garage. These will cost $800 $1000 extra. The general contractor said there might be sufficient surplus in the hardware allow- ance to cover this cost. The administrator reported that a firm cost estimate has not been received from the architecv on the earlier changes requested regarding the millwork. A rough estimate of $2,000 extra has been made by the architect. The administrator estimated that $23,500 is the available bal.ance in the building fund. Councilman Pickar stated that he fa :leaving the existing floo_ for the new police garage. i Mayor Johnson asked the cost of the .:_'rin.k.er system. The administrator stated it would be around $4,000 $5,000,x, depending on the new bids. Mayor Johnson asked how much money is left in the building 1. and how much of the architect's fee is being held by the citA. Councilman Baumgartner stated he favors determining the balance available considering the amount held on the architect's fee and getting firm prices on the conference room alternates. The cost of revising the conference room could be used to buy new furniture instead. MSP (Johnson Baumgartner) To at horize the administrator to sign a change order to leave the existing floor in the new police garage (room no. 119). 5 Ayes -5- January 27, 1975 Administrator Achen noted the starting salary for the r- °obationary public works maintenance man is $944.00 per month. He also presented a staff recommendation to terminate Charles Coldren, because he has missed two of the nine working days since he was hired and has not had satisfactory excuses. MS (Johnson- Pickar) To terminate Charles Coldren effective, in accordance with the personnel ordinance, as soon as possible. Councilman Hodges asked if there would be eligible candidates for the position from the previous applications. Administrator Achen stated that we received well ove a hundred applications and that several good candidates ale available from these. MSP (Johnson Hodges) To amend the original motion to state that before Cold =ti is terminated he be given an opportunity to resign. Original motion passed as amended. 5 Ayes Mayor Johnson asked for residents' requests and comments from the floor, and there were none. Lois Pollari, representii.; the Ramsey County Bicentennial Commiss- ion o.~ re a presentation tc chc council. She stated the Bicentenn- ial :elebration is an organi .t3 os to help cities with the Bicentennial Celebration,the purpose of which is to reaffirm the revolutionary principle of change for the sake of vitally impor- tant human values. She suggested a nine to twenty -one number commission be established for the City :,f Mounds View. She suggested appointees be representative of service, civic and social organization and ii.1.=;:ested individuals. She noted that some state and federal monies are avail ble, but the Commission encourages local fund raising projects a ::d solici- tation of donations from private companies and firms in th4 -ea. A major goal of the Celebration is to encourage involvement ct the community. Mayor Johnson thanked Mrs. Pollari and asked that interested persons be suggested fo appointment to a local Bicentennial commission. Mayor Johnson made note that Ramey County Commissioner Robert Orth had been invited to the ageiaa meeting of February 3, 1975. Administrator Achen reported on the Ramsey County proposed snow- mobile ordinance. .Mayor Johnson stated it is parallel is what Mounds View now has. Councilman Baumgartner stated there are some differences between the ordinances such as pennant size, speed limit and operator age. :..c cundc View Snowmobile Club helped write our present ordinance and he feels they should consider this ordinance too. He requested a copy of the county ordinance be sent to Jack Warren of the Snow- -6- January 27, 1975 mobile -lub before the public hearing scheduled by Ramsey County for Fe. 10. Councilman Hodges stated he thought the idea of one ordinance county -wide is good and that it would be easier to enforce such laws if all communities were regulated by the same ordinance. Administrator Achen stated the county is seriously interested in getting input from communities on the proposed ordinance. Attorney Meyers read the proposed special use permit agreement with Compassion Christian Center. Councilman Shelquist commented on Section 4, dealing with occu- pancy. He stated the Planning Commission was concerned with the number of children the school could accommodate and that the 328 persons specified in Section 4 i.s more liberal than the Commission intended. Councilman Baumgartner felt the jurisdictions of the Planning Commission or City Council do not include setting the number of students allowable in the school. He stated this Section should be deleted from the permit and left up to the church. Councilman Shelquist said the Center indicated to the public and Council.thatthe permit would be for approximately 60 to 70 students and that this is an acceptable number. He questioned whether the school could expand its facility to acconmodate more students. Attorney Meyers stated it is a non conforming use and it cannot be expanded. Mayor Johnson suggested adding a student limit of 65 to this Section. Councilman Picker agreed with Councilman Baum artner's objec- tions to this limit and stated his preference for leaving the permit as is. Councilman Hodges also favored leaving the permit as is. He felt the fire department should determine the occu- pancy limits. Mayor Johnson asked Mr. Robert Chandler, attorney for the Center, if a restriction of 75 students is unduly restrictive for the Center's operation. The attorney said Rev. Bauman was not able to attend the meeting this evening due to illness, but that the Rev. would accept the document as it stands. He stated the church and school are full now and expansion is not likely. Judy Rowley, 2562 Ridge,asked who is liable if these students are hurt on city playgrounds. Attorney Meyers answered that the normal rules of negligence and liability would apply. Mr. Chandler stated the Center had acquired a facility in New Brighton to carry on their printing operations. He stated the church will comply with the city's traffic regulations, but they should be held responsible for insuring that all their members abide by them. -7- January 27, 1975 Attorney Meyers stated he realized the church was not responsible for city law enforcement, but asked if they would attempt to make the congregation aware of the parking restrictions. Mr. Chandler stated Pastor Bauman was pleased with the special use permit even though it took longer than expected. He thanked the council for their generosity and responsiveness. Motion (Baumgartner) To delete Section 4. Motion died for lack of second. Mayor Johnson asked, if the Center added a door or two, would this increase the allowable occupancy under the fire code. Attorney Meyers stated yes. MSP (Johnson- Pickar) To adopt the special use permit after amending Section 4 to read "occupancy by students shall be/' limited to not more than 75 students at any one time," a deleting other language relating to total occupancy. Councilman Baumgartner wanted to know the definition of a student. Councilman She's"uist suggested adding "elementary and secondary" students at any one time. Attorney Meyers suggested Section 4 read "Occupancy of the educational structure shall be limited to no more /than 75 elementary or secondary students at any one time!" Councilman Baumgartner felt it is unconstitutional to tell the Center how many students they can have. Councilman Pickar stated his concern for the health and safety of the children. Councilman Shelquist stated that probably the Council cannot dictate the number of students but if the new wording is acceptable to them, it could be added without problem. Mr. Chandler agreed with Councilman Baumgartner that this matter should be left up to the good judgement of the church and school officials. He appreciated Council's concern and stated the Center has no intention of expanding, but noted that other schools in Mounds View are not regulated by the City. Mayor Johnson stated that the Center has an unusual situation because of lack of facility and space, and that as long as the church has indicated there will be no more than 75 students at any time, there should be no problem with the amendment of Section 4. Mrs. Isabelle Wille, 7911 Spring Lake Road, commented that Red Oak Elementary School had poor facilities many years ago and the children played and walked along the streets without incident. Attorney Meyers suggested Section 4 specify elementary and secondary students "enrolled" in the school. -8- January 27, 1975 D'arcy Bosell, 2601 Ridge Lane, noted the principal of the Center's school stata 60 students would he a comfortable figure and that 70 75 would be a maximum. Pickar Aye Roll call on revised motion. Shelquist Aye Baumgartner Naye Hodges Naye Johnson Aye Councilman Baumgartner requested that his naye vote be recorded in the minutes as pertaining only to Section 4. Mayor Johnson's Report Mayor Johnson commented on the fiscal disparities law. He read a letter from State Senator Milton asking the city to maintain contact with him so local issues could be heard. He read a notice from the Minnesota League of Municipalities regarding the Legis- lative Action conference on February 26 at the St. Paul Arts and Science Center. Mayor Johnson read a memo from Howard Neisen noting the dates of the Ramsey County delegation meetings. Councilman Hodges indicated he would attend on January 29, Councilman Pickar on February 5. Mayor Johnson noted that the Minnesota Department of Revenue is attempting to bring 1975 assessments up to current market value. Based upon State sales ratio studies Mounds View residential assessments are to increase 25% and commercial 20 Mayor Johnson asked the administrator to determine what effect this will have on the city. Mayor Johnson announced that the roll call would be rotated on a monthly basis, Pickar first in January, Shelquist first in February, Baumgartner, first in March, Hodges first in April, and then in order of seniority beginning in May. Councilman Hodges' Report Councilman Hodges asked about mail boxes being torn down by the Ramsey County plows. Attorney Meyers stated we are not technically liable for anything on the boulevard. Administrator Achen asked for a directive from the council whether the city should repair the mailboxes or not. Attorney Meyers stated we might repair the first one knocked down at a home and inform them to move it back. If it were damaged a second time, it would be the homeowner's responsibility. D'arcy Bosell commented that in Anoka County the city plows the streets and any mail boxes knocked down, they replace. Before that private contractors did the plowing and were responsible for damages to mailboxes. Attorney Meyers said damages should be brought to the attention of Ramsey County to prevent undue carelessness when streets are plowed. -9- January 27, 1975 Mayor Johnson said that if the mail boxes are repairable within reason the city could repair them. Councilman Shelquist did not think it would be a good idea to repair them. Councilman Pickar felt people should contact the County directly because they are the ones doing the plowing. Mayor Johnson directed the administrator to notify residents whose mailboxes are damaged that the city will not repair them and that the residents should be encouraged to send claims to the County for repairs. Councilman Pickar's Report Councilman Pickar recommended the appointment of Russell Chris- tianson, 8200 Spring Lake Road (2 year term), and Sue Lind, 2458 County Road I (2 year term), to the Human Rights Commission. MSP (Johnson Pickar) To so appoint and to appoint Joan Godeke Chairman for one year of her 2 year term on the Commission which will meet regularly the 4th Wednesday of each month. Councilman Shelquist's Report Councilman Shelquist commented on Planning Commission minutes of January 23, 1975. MSP (Shelquist- Hodges) To grant the subdivision request of Virgil Beyer regarding property in the N.E. quarter of Section 6, Town- ship 30, Range 23, upon the Planning Commission's recommendation of January 23, 1975 and subject to Park Fund dedication. The subdivision creates five lots. 5 Ayes Engineer Bearden commented that the front yards of these lots should be graded. Councilman Shelquist commented on the procedures for subdivisions. He asked thet the office staff inform applicants of such require- ments as the plat survey and park cash dedication. Councilman Shelquist announced that the Planning Commission elected Robert Glazer vice chairman and Gerald Foss secretary. Administrator Achen noted that the Planning Commission has requested a recording secretary for their meeting. Attorney Meyers' Report Attorney Meyers stated the council should take formal action establishing a meeting place. MSP(Johnson Shelquist) To publish public notice that council meetings will be held at Pinewood School until the city hall construction is completed. Attorney Meyers noted that summons from the dog catcher for dogs running at large are beginning to show up in municipal court. 5 Ayes', -10- January 27, 1975 Attorney Meyers presented the contract with the State of Minnesota regarding construction of semaphores at Highway 10 and Co. Rd.H2 and Co. Rd. I. The contract provides that the city shall provide adequate power supply. Attorney Meyers questioned what is necessary to get power to the lights and what costs the city will incur to provide electrical power on Co. Rd. I and Hwy.10. He said NSP and the city might negotiate for NSP to install the lights free. Mayor Johnson asked Engineer Bearden to investigate this. Attorney Meyers redrafted the NSP easement for Groveland Park and eliminated references to access for gas, cable television, or telephone utility. He recommended the council approve an easement for underground electrical utility. MSP (Johnson Pickar) To execute the underground easement agree- ment for Groveland Park with the NSP Company. 5 Ayes Engineer Bearden's Report Engineer Bearden stated the State has issued plans for the Hwy 10 semaphores including lane widening and median installation__ The plans call for all the traffic provisions agreed to at the public hearings except the median east of Eastwood Road on Co. Rd. I, which is Ramsey County's responsibility. Engineer Bearden stated thoughtshould be given to plans for sewer services in Project 1973 -4. A guideline on the minimum acceptable lot size should be established by the Council and Planning Commis- sion. Mayor Johnson asked the engineer to draft a letter outlining this need to the Planning Commission and requesting their recom mendations. Councilman Shelquist suggested letters be sent to potential sub- dividers explaining this guideline and any other city requirements. Councilman Baumgartner asked what problems are created if service lines are not placed properly. Engineer Bearden stated two service lines could be unnecessarily irstalled on one lot raising the cost of the project or if no service is provided and a lot later created, there will be extra cost to install services at a later date. Administrator Achen noted a portion of land just subdivided on County Road J will not have water and sewer available according to Project 1973 -4 plans. The building inspector is to contact the engineer to be sure service if provided to the lot. In addit- ion Mr. Virgil Beyer, the owner, should be made aware that this service will increase his assessments. D'arcy Bosell complimented the Park Recreation Department on the fine work they are doing in keeping the ice rinks in shape. She said our rinks are kept up better than other nearby communities. -11- January 27, 1975 Mayor Johnson asked that anyone interested in serving on a Mounds View Bicentennial Commission should contact him or the city hall. MSP (Baumgartner Hodges) To adjourn at 11:15 p.m. R ea ferk ctfully�ted, Mark Achen Clerk Administrator 5 Ayes'