HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 1975/04/14A regular meeting of the Mounds View City Council was called to order by
Mayor Johnson at 8:04 p.m., on April 14, 1975, at Mounds View City Hall,
2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, Mn. 55112
PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA
Present: Mayor Johnson
Councilman Baumgartner
Councilman Shelquist
Not Present: Councilman Hodges
Councilman Pickar
Also Present: Clerk- Administrator Achen
Engineer Bearden
Attorney Meyers
MSP (Shelquist- Baumgartner) to approve the minutes of March 24, 1975 with
the correction in the roll call, Councilman Shelquist was present.
Residents Comments and Requests from the Floor
Representative Howard Neisen spoke against a proposal on the Ramsey County
Adult Detention Center. He said he had been in favor of the original bill
to build the detention center, but Senator McKutcheon has amended the proposal by
adding that the St. Paul jail be remodeled along with the building of the
detention center. He requested input from the Council and their support of
his position in the form of a resolution to read on the floor when he presents
his amendment.
Mayor Johnson stated he had attended a house delegation meeting presentation
by Robert Orth regarding the Adult Detention Center. He feels they do need
a new adult detention center but agrees with Representative Neisen that the
City of Mound View should not have to support the City of St. Paul. Mayor
Johnson thanked Representative Neisen for his appearance and for keeping
Council well informed of the happenings in the Legislature.
Mayor Johnson's Report
Mayor Johnson read a notice that Mrs. Irene Lindgren, 2347 County Road H2,
has received a license to operate a daycare babysitting facility.
MSP (Johnson Shelquist) to accept with regret Mr. Burggraff's resignation
from the Planning Commission and to send a letter to Mr. Bsrggraff thanking
him for his services.
Councilman Baumgartner stated we should call the two applicants an file to see
if they are still interested.
3 Ayes
3 Ayes
Mayor Johnson directed the cle;•k to advertise in the paper stating there is
an opening on the Planning Commission and anyone interested should submit resumes
by April 23, 1975.
Mayor Johnson announced City Clean Up Day will be May 3rd. Ue instructed city
staff to prepare a proclamation for Clean Up Day and to send out flyers explain-
ing pick up of trash and times and other details.
Page 2
April 14, 1975
Mayor Johnson inquired if any of the Councilmen were interested in attending
the League of Minnesota Municipalities convention June 11 throL.gh 13. Council-
men Baumgartner, Shelquist and Mayor Johnsen will be attendin€,.
Mayor Johnson presented a notice from the League of Minnesota Municipalities
regarding distribution of gross earnings taxes to local units of government.
There are two different proposals being made for distribution of these monies
to local units of government. The first will apply 1C0% of the monies as a
replacement of property taxes in the levy limitation formula. The second
will apply 50% as tax replacement and 50% as additional revenue which is outside
the present levy limits.
MSP (Baumgartner- Shelquist) to adopt Resolution 671 supporting State legis-
lation to distribute gross earnings taxes to local units of government.
Mayor Johnson recessed the regular meeting and called the special hearing for
Richard Carlson's subdivision to order at 8:35 p.m.
Mr. Carlson stated he intended to subdivide his property into six lots and
build $40,000 to $6n,nnn homes depending on what the people desire to have
built at the time.
Mayor Johnson inquired about the utility easements.
Mr. Carlson said NSP has not decided whether to go underground or overhead.
Mayor Johnson asked Mr. Carlson if he thought it would look better to have
underground facilities in the area considering the value of the homes.
Mr. Carlson agreed and would like to see the underground facilities installed,
but he said NSP would have to make the final decision. He thinks NSP is
going to put in overhead services in the area. However, Engineer Bearden
felt NSP was in favor of installing underground utility services.
Mayor Johnson asked Mr. Carlson if he would be willing to grant the City a ten
foot front easement to allow for the utilities if NSP should decide to go under-
ground. Mr. Carlson said he would be willing to do so if NSP decided on under-
ground utilities.
Attorney Meyers indicated that the easement should have been part of the plat.
Mayor Johnson asked the Engineer if there were any low spots on this land.
Engineer Bearde:i stated he was not aware of any low spots and thought the land
was quite high in this area.
Mayor Johnson asked what kind of homes he would be putting in the area.
Mr. Carlson stated he had several model homes. He stated he had taken a soil
boring test which shows the water table and indicated he would Le able to build
a 12 course basement.
Mayor Johnson asked Engineer Bearden if be thow'ht there would he any problem
with these size lots as far as drainage. Engineer Bearden stated no. He
said the Council should require a five foot utility and drainage easement on
the far west three lots.
Page 3
April 14, 1975
Mr. Carlson stated the area is high ens•_ h to drain properly. He stated he
works with the Veteran's Administration and FHA quite regularly and between
the City inspector and three or four additional inspectors he has to work with
that there would not be a problem with water.
Attorney Meyers suggested the Council give approval upon the condition that
soil -test boring data be supplied to the building inspector or city engineer,
and that a ten foot utility easement on the front of all six lots and a five
foot easement on the back of the west three lots be granted.
MS (Johnson Baumgartner) to approve the subdivision with the stipulation that
there be no building permits granted on the property until the road is graded
and that there be a ten foot utility easement on the front of the six lots,
and a five foot utility easement on the west back lot lines of Lots 1. 2, and 3
of Block 1 subject to receipt of qualifying soil- boring data to be rtified by
city staff.
Engineer Bearden said the Project 1973 -4 contractor indicated he will be done with
work the end of July.
Engineer Bearden presented a memorandum on the procedure for construction of
homes in this area:
A certificate of occupancy should not be issued until the street construction
work has been completed and utilities are in. The builder must cooperate with
the project contractor realizing there will be difficulty in access to the lots.
Mayor Johnson said he did not think Mr. Carlson would want to drive across the
dewatering lines and sewer construction. Mr. Carlson stated he felt he could
gain access to his lots via Spring Lake Road. He asked Council if they would let
him start a model home with the understanding he would not be able to interfere
with the contractor and would not permit occupancy of h or to the completion
of the road.
MSP (Johnson- Baumgartner) to amend the motion to include the following: 1) no
building permits will be issued prior to May 1, 1975; 2) a certificate of occu-
pancy will not be issued for the occupancy of any dwelling until the utility and
street construction work of Project 1973 -4 has been completed; 3) it will be
understood by the applicant that construction el the utilities will inconvenience
home builders because the dewatering system will be exposed; 4) if construction is
commenced prior to completion of the sanitary sewer, the home builder will be
required to construct a ramp over the sewer lines and that during a portion of
the construction it will be impossible to gain access to the property. Amend-
ment passed. 3 Ayes
A vote on the original motion as amended was taken. 3 Ayes
Mayor Johnson stated as soon as soil boring data is received, Mr. Carlson can
proceed.
The special hearing was adjourned at 9:17 p.m.
Mayor Johnson called the regular meeting back tc order.
Mayor Johnson announced that city staff needs some person with solid bookkeeping
experience.
Page 4
April 14, 1975
Councilman Shelquist noted that a person in this position should be
bondable. He felt this should be part of the job description.
Mayor Johnson asked Council what title the postion should be given.
Councilman Shelquist suggested Accountant I. He said it allowed room for expansion
of the position. Administrator Achen agreed.
MSP (Johnson Shelquist) to authorize the new staff.` position with the title
Accountant I as described in the job description, to advertise for recruit-
ment and to set a salary in the area of $900 with some flexibility.
Mr. Charles Hall, owner of the Mermaid Lounge appeared before Council with his
bowling establishment proposal. He feels he has improved the mermaid in several
areas since he has managed it. He has provided more paved parking space, more
outdoor lighting, improved the landscaping, completely remodeled the basement
and dining rooms, and he feels the quality of management has improved greatly
since he purchased this establishment.
Mr. Hall is proposing a 24 lane alley running east and west, a bowler's bar
that will seat 150 people with a one, two or three piece band. The bar will
have iron gates that come down to close off the bar from the bowling alley
after 1 a.m. A gameroom will be next iu Lhe bar and will include thrcc pool
tables, 4 foosball, 1 pinball machine and a cigarette vending machine.
Mayor Johnson asked if his 13 year old son would be able to go into the bowling
alley where liquor is served. Mr. Hall stated that he would be able to go into
the bowling alley but felt this area would have a different type of environment
than that of the regular bar or dance area.
3 Ayes
Mr. Hall stated that the basement would operate the same as it is now. He
presently has lingerie shows during the lunch hour to attract business but hopes
to eliminate them altogether after the bowling establishment is in full operation.
Mayor Johnson asked about surface water drainage for the parking lot.
Mr. Hall stated that he had appeared before the Rice Creek Watershed District.
They requested a baffled dam on the south side of the parking lot between Co. Rd.H
and the existing paved surface to reduce the velocity of the water runoff.
Mr. Robert Carlson, 2189 Mississippi Circle asked if the Mermaid put salt or other
materials on the lot to melt ice and snow which may drain into Rice Creek.
Mr Hall stated they only plow. No salt or sand is used.
D'arcy Rosell, 2601 Ridge Lane, asked if 3.2 liquor could be served during the
day. She felt uncomfortable knowing liquor is being served with children around.
Councilman Shelquist asked if there would be waitresses in the bowling alley during
the day. Mr. Hall stated he would have waitresses taking orders from the lanes
but feels this is a better arrangement than having the howler's bar open during
the day or having persons flowing between the alley and the m:>>p bar.
Mayor Johnson stated he would like to table the matter until the next meeting
when the rest of the Council members are present for *heir input and knowledge
on the subject.
Page 5
April 14, 1975
Mr. Hall stated he was concerned about waiting for an answer from Council due
to financing arrangements he has made.
Councilman Baumgartner inquired about the decibel limits, landscaping and parking
requirements of the zoning code.
Councilman Shelquist asked if Mr. Hall would have a 24 hour food facility.
Mr. Hall stated he would close the main bar and dining room at regular time and
if people wanted a snack after 1 a.m. they could purchase sandwiches, etc.,
from machines in the bowling alley.
Mr. Hall said this bowling alley has been planned for over a year and a half
but due to financing and energy shortages he was not able to build until the
present time.
Mayor Johnson polled the Council on their feelings toward the bo•.'ling alley.
Councilman Baumgartner approves of the plan but recommended Council request
further information from the Rice Creek Watershed District and the fire depart-
ment.
Councilman Shelquist feels a lot of planning has gone into it, and it will
probably be an asset to the community.
Mayor Johnson also feels it will be an asset to the community and that Mr. Hall
has done a fine job in the presentation of his plan but is still concerned
about the drainage plans.
MSP (Johnson-Shelquist) that the final decision to issue a building permit for
the Mermaid bowling alley be tabled until April 28. 3 Ayes
Mr. Nick Palaia, representing the Launching Pad Supper Club requested a public
hearing date for rezoning the property adjacent to the Launching Pad for use
as additional parking space for a proposed bowling alley.
MSP (Johnson Baumgartner) to set a public hearing for this rezoning request
May 12, 1975, at 8:30 p.m. 3 Ayes
Councilman Shelquist stated that the Planning Commission had made some recommen-
dations in thi: matter and that he suggests Mr. Palaia reappear before them with
updated plans on the parking area.
Mrs. Virgil Beyers presented Council with the hardshell copy of the JR0 Estates
subdivision platting.
MSP (Johnson- Shelquist) to set a public hearing on the JRO Estates subdivision
April 28, 1975, at 8 :15 p.m., and instructed city staff to make sure the
ordinances are followed and all requirements met.
Mr. Bob Chatfield, appeared in behalf of School District 621 to request approval
of a permit to move the portable classroom from Red Oak ilementary to Pinewood
School. The student population at Red Oak is dropping while that at Pinewood
Elementary School is increasing. The building was designed with this purpose in
mind.
3 Ayes
Page 6
April 14, 1975
MSP (Shelquist- Baumgartner) to approve transporting and use of the portable
classroom from Red Oak to Pinewood School and authorizing the building inspector
to issue a permit and to supervise the move. 3 Ayes
Mr. Robert Carlson, Brentwood Development Company appeared to request a hearing
date for his request to plat White Oak Estates #3.
MSP (Johnson Baumgartner) to set a public hearing date for May 12, 1975, at
8:15 p.m. and instructing the administrator to see that all ordinances are met.
3 Ayes
Achen's Report
MSP (Johnson Baumgartner) to approve the licenses: general constractor's
license John Kaufman's Roofing, Inc., NuWay Builders Inc.; masonry
Victor J. Peterson Cement Work; water softener license Commers Soft Water
Co.; cigarettes at retail Anchor Inn Restaurant.
MSP (Johnson Shelquist) to approve the following bills: General account
checks #10166 through #10250, Payroll account checks #1159 through #1163,
payroll checks #1834 through #1863, transfer check #10251 transferring $364.08
from General fund and $17.26 from Sewer fund to Payroll account to pay gross
pay of March 30, 1975, and transfer check #10252 transferring $10,671.17 from
General Fund, $1063.00 from Water fund, $1,497.40 from Sewer fund to pay gross
pay of April 15, 1975. 3 Ayes
MSP (Johnson- Baumgartner) to adopt Ordinance #226 amending the Municipal Code,
Chapter 70 entitled Municipal Water Sy -tem requiring prepayments for water
service.
Administrator Achen reported that he was not able to obtain any financial
relief from Ramsey County on the traffic signals on Truck Highway 10 at
Co. Rd. H2 anJ Co. Rd. I. The county commissioners suggested communities get
together and request a uniform policy county -wide on the distribution of traffic
signal costs.
MSP (Johnson Baumgartner) to adopt Resolution No. 672 authorizing execution of
agreement with Minnesota Department of Highways to install traffic control
devices at Trunk Highway 10 and Co. Rd. H2 and Co. Rd. I.
Administrator Achen presented a request from Keith T. Harstad to surface
Greenfield between Co. Rd. I and Hillview Rd. this summer.
MSP (Johnson Baumgartner) to table this request and ask Mr. Harstad to appear
at the next Council meeLi.Ig with proof of ownership. 3 Ayes
MSP (Shelquist- Johnson) to refer Mr. Harstad's request to the Planning Commission
for their recommendaticn in light of the new zoning code and comprehensive plan.
3 Ayes
Administrator Achen reported that Suburban Pickup, garbage collection agency
for the City, has requested a rate increase of 50* per month.
Administrator Achen reported the North Suburban Day Acticity Center requests
receipt of our donation by May 1st or sooner.
3 Ayes
3 Ayes
3 Ayes
Page 7
April 14, 1975
Councilman Baumgartner stated the park, budget was so tight that this was not
included, because they were not certain what the money was being used for and
how many Mounds View residents participated in the Center. After checking
into the Center, the Park and Recreation Commission feels that it is a worth
while organization.
MSP (Baumgartner- Shelquist) to take out of the contingency fund $629.40 to
be sent to the North Suburban Day Activity Center. 3 Ayes
Councilman Baumgartner suggested that this be included next year's budget
and the department to be charged should be designated.
MSP (Johnson Baumgartner) to hire Dale L. Olson on a probationary basis beginning
April 16th at the rate at the rate of $944.00 per month. 3 Ayes
Administrator Achen stated that Mr. Olson will be working under the supervision
of the public works superintendent and will be primarily assigned to park
maintenance but will be part of the public works maintenance pool.
MSP (Johnson Baumgartner) to hire Joan M. Greig as a clerk typist under the
CETA program beginning April 16th at the rate of $3.10 per hour for the duration
of the probationary period, and $3.25 per hour thereafter. 3 Ayes
Administrator Achen presented Resolution No. 670 commending Police and Park
and Recreation Departments for the Gun Safety Program as directed by the
Council at the last meeting.
Administrator Achen presented a memo from the police chief requesting an
electronic siren with a public address system for the new squad car. He
feels the request is justified and that this equipment will be beneficial to
police operation.
MSP (Johnson Shelquist) to authorize purchase of an electronic siren for $444.80
as requested by the police chief. 3 Ayes
Administrator Achen reported on the request of MTC for city approval of a bus
shelter on Co. Rd. H2 near Long Lake Road. Mr. Keith Harstad has written a
letter voicing opposition of construction of the shelter on his property.
MSP (Johnson Baumgartner) to send the information we have gathered along with
the name of the owner of Scotland Green to MTC and let them negotiate with the
two property owners.
Administrator Achen presented a memo from the public works superintendent
on bids for street sweeping in 1975.
MSP (Johnson Baumgartner) to award the job to Clean Sweep to start within
the next two weeks and to be completed as soon as possible. 3 Ayes
Administrator Achen reported that park director desires to hire a tree
inspector for the City's diseased tree program by the end of April or beginning
of May to work part time.
Page 8
April 14, 1975
MSP (Johnson Baumgartner) to authorize the position of tree inspector to
work part time at the rate of $3.25 per hour.
Administrator Achen noted that the rooms in the police wing of the new city
hall as planned by the architect are too small. He has worked with the archi-
tect to expand the rooms to make them more functional. He stated that without
this revision of the plans he fears the police wing will be outgrown in only
a few years.
Mayor Johnson stated he thought the plans should be revised and agreed that
the offices were too small. If there is a way to make the rooms larger without
increasing the cost, the plans should be changed.
Mayor Johnson reported that Mark Achen has been administrator for six months
as of March 16, 1975. At the last agenda meeting the Council reviewed his
performance and the general consensus is that he is doing a fine job.
MSP (Johnson Baumgartner) to approve the increase in Mark Achen's salary to
$15,500 per year effective March 16, 1975. 3 Ayes
Councilman Baumgartner's Report
Councilman Baumgartner said he has received comment from the police depart-
ment regarding the no parking on Groberg Street (presently 2 hour limit).
They said this is a major problem area, and it is suspected that people who
live there park in front of the building.
Councilman Baumgartner noted the activity report from the park director.
The spring activity program enrolled 882 persons. The Park Commission approved
the plan of cub scout pack #167 to plant marigold flowers at city hall and
to maintain them weekly to enhanse the present arborvitae at city hall.
MSP (Baumgartner- Johnsen) to allow cub scout pack #167 to enhanse the arbor-
vitae around city hall this year by planting and maintaining the marigolds. 3 Ayes
MSP (Baumgartner- Johnson) to accept the recommendation of the Park and Recrea-
tion Commission regarding a cash dedication in accordance with Chapter 43.07
for Lloyd Bardwell subdivision. 3 Ayes
Councilman Baumgartner reported the next Park and Recreation Commission meeting
will be Thursday, April 24, 1975, at 6:30 p.m.
Councilman Shelquist's Report
Councilman Shelquist reported that the Planning Commission will meet again
on April 17 to review the proposed comprehensive plan. Councilman Shelquist
thanked Mr. Skiba, editor of the New Brighton Bulletin, for the prominent
front page coverage he gave the Planning Commission's public meetings on the
comprehensive plan.
Attorney Meyers' Report
Attorney Meyers expressed the problem businessmen in the city have in regard
to bad checks. He explained that the new court system is different than the
justice of the peace system in that it is 1ery expensive to prosecute the check
writers. This is a criminal prosecution.
3 Ayes
Page 9
April 14, 1975
Attorney Meyers has spoken to Mr. Bache residing on Ardan Avenue east of
Long Lake Road, south of the new holding ponds on Long Lake Road. Be has
been having trouble with his well water and wants to hook into the city water
system. The building inspector suggests a one inch copper line be extended
from the main to Mr. Bache's residence with the agreement that if this area
becomes developed that the owner will accept special assessments for water and
other improvements.
Attorney Meyers suggested that a letter be sent stating that should improvements
be made to bring water to the area that all future property owners will have to
assume assessments for these improvements. If Mr. Bache agrees, a binding legal
agreement should be executed.
Engineer Bearden stated that a temporary connection such as this should be no
problem from an engineering standpoint.
Attorney Meyers stated an error had been made in the condemnation: of a property,
for easements in the 1973 -4 construction project Instead of taking the ease-
mentthe City took the whole parcel belonging to Arthur Spagenski. He requested
Council remedy this by quit claim all except the easement back to Mr. Spagenski.
MSP (Johnson Shelquist) to authorize the mayor and clerk tc quit claim back
all the property of Arthur Spagenski taken in Project 1973 -4 condemnation except
the east 30 feet.
The administrator was directed to prepare letters to property owners affected
by the proposed Knollwood extension.
Engineer Bearden's Report
Engineer Bearden stated that he had prepared a change order for Project 1973 -4.
There is a damaged y. The cost of dewatering the riser and replacing the y
is $764.10 including 3 days dewatering. It will cost $20.00 per day if dewatering
goes over three days.
MSP (Johnson Shelquist) to authorize dewatering of Ardan Avenue with the
stipulation that if the dewatering goes over three days the cost per day
will be $20.
MSP (Shelquist- Baumgartner) to adjourn at 12:46 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
c
Mark Achen
Clerk- Administrator