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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 1975/12/08PROCEEDINGS 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 on December 8, 1975, at 8:02 p.m., at Mounds View City Hall, 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112. Present: Mayor Johnson Councilman Hodges Councilman Baumgartner Councilman Pickar Councilman Shelquist CITIZENS' COMMENTS AND REQUESTS FROM THE FLOOR Also present: Clerk Admin. Achen Attorney Meyers Engineer Bearden Mayor Johnson asked for the approval of the minutes for November 24, 1975. MSP (Shelquist- Baumgartner) to approve the minutes of November 24, 1975. 5 ayes Elmer Adleman and Jack Bran.a, retired members of the Spring Lake Park Fire Department, spoke regarding the retirement funds being raised from $40.00 for 20 years with the department. They stated that men that have retired in 1972 are receiving $80.00, and they feel that they should be entitled to the same benefits. Mayor Johnson told them that he appreciated their comments and suggested that the place to go to seek redress is to the Fire Corporation itself. Attorney Meyers suggested checking into the administration as Mounds View will be hearing about this from Spring Lake Park. Mayor Johnson asked Administrator Achen to make an inquiry of the fire chief regarding this. There being no further requests from the floor, the David L. Bissonnette minor subdivision request was considered. Administrator Achen presented the David L. Bissonnette minor subdivision request for 8312 Red Oak Drive, stating that the Planning Commission approved it on November 26. His request is to create an L- shaped lot that would be 473 feet long on the south lot line by 182 feet wide on Red Oak, 239 feet on the north lot line, and 91 feet on Fairchild. The new lot will be 91 feet wide facing Fairchild (west) and 234 feet on the north Line. The staff's recommendation is to approve it as recommended by the Planning Commission. MSP (Hodges Shelquist) to approve the request of David L. Bissonnette for a minor subdivision as recommended from the minutes of the Planning Commission. Administrator Achen said that the public hearing on the Birgir Hardee trained dog permit request was cancelled until a later date because the dog in question was injured in an automobile accident. The next item on the agenda was to set a public hearing on Arthur J. Spagenski major subdivision request for S231 Pleasant View Drive. Ron Smith, the builder, appeared for Mr. Spagenski. He explained that the request was to create two additional lots: Lot 1 being 5 ayes 85 x 1b9 feet; Lot 2 being 85 x feet, with a front yard setback the same 25 -foot setback on Lot setback facing Greenwood Drive, ordinance. 129.5 feet; Lot 3 being 85 x 147.5 variance of 25 feet on Lot 2, and 3 facing Arden Avenue and a 30 -foot which is in conformity with the MSP (Johnson- Hodges) that we have a public hearing on the major subdivision of Arthur J. Spagenski on January 12, 1976 at 8:30 p.m. MSP (Shelquist- Hodges) that we grant the subdivision request of Schluter Brogger, abandoning for each of them the western lot which was approved by Council on October 14 by subdivision, and granting them the new subdivision of three lots, subject to a 5 -foot utility easement on the west side and a 10 -foot utility easement on the east side adjacent to Pleasant View Drive. Mayor Johnson suggested that the proposed ordinance revising various li,:ense fees and procedures be postponed until the rest of the participants arrive. He then moved onto proposed ordinance adopting Ramsey County League of Local Governments uniform snowmobile regulations. Councilman Baumgartner stated that the Ramsey County Open Space Commission examined all of the regulations in the county and found them to be inconsistent. The purpose of this is to adopt a uniform snowmobile ordinance so that the snowmobile owner can go from, for example, Mounds View to New Brighton without worrying about change in speed limit, etc. Councilman Baumgartner stated that the following were the differences in the uniform ordinance 5 ayes Administrator Achen presented the Marvin Schluter and Larry Brogger minor subdivision request for 8312 and 8316 Pleasant View Drive, explaining that this is to approve the creation of three lots from two existing lots: Lot 1 (north lot) measuring 253 feet on the south, 91 feet on the west, 287 feet on the north; Lot 2 (center lot) measuring 233 feet on the south, 91 feet on the west, 253 feet on the north; and Lot 3 (south lot) measuring 211 feet on the south, 91 feet on the west and 233 feet on the north. These lots are subject to a 30 -foot road right -of -way easement on the east lot line, plus an additional 5 -foot utility easement on the east and west sides of these lots. Engineer Bearden mentioned that on most of the lots on Pleasant View there has been a l0 -foot easement on the street side Administrator Achen asked Attorney Meyers to explain the legal aspect of the property, not held jointly or by single ownership. Attorney Meyers stated that if the Council approves the subdivision, they have approved the one owner subdividing the lot on one lot and the other subdividing on his line, creating two non conforming lots. Therefore, a new deed should be required for the combination of these into one lot. 5 ayes -3- compared to our current ordinance: 1) hours of operation to 11:00 p.m. (currently 10:00 p.m.) during the week and to 1:00 a.m. (currently 12:00 a.m.) during the weekend, including the day preceding a national holiday; 2) speed on the streets changed from 10 mph to 15 mph; 3) rigid taw bars; 4) size of the pennant that shall be displayed. Standarc size is now 40 square inches. Councilman Baumgartner also said that this was presented to the Mounds View Snowmobile Club and they were favorable to this. Mayor Johnson said that if the Council felt that there was enough public concern and interest in this particular ordinance a public hearing should be held. However, he questioned the interest by the general public. Councilman Baumgartner stated that the non snowmobilers are the problem. Administrator Achen mentioned that it totally prohibits operation on public streets, and Councilman Shelquist added that it wipes out snowmobiles in the City unless the Council designates the streets and he wondered if the Snowmobile Club understood this. Councilman Baumgartner mentioned that it had better be reworded then. Mayor Johnson suggested publishing it in the Bulletin and polled the Council as to their feelings. Councilman Shelquist stated that he was opposed to the change in the hours of operation, and that he felt that three weeks from tonight was too soon to be considering it. Councilman Baumgartner said that if we wait it will be spring and thus made a motion. MSP (Baumgartner- Hodges) that a public hearing on the proposed ordinance for uniform snowmobile regulations amendments be held on December 22, 1975 at 8 :30 p.m. Engineer Bearden spoke regarding the proposed change order to Improvement Project 1973 -4. The contractor had written a letter on August 7 outlining some of the problems in completing the project by the bid dates. The only thing left to do is the seal- coating of the streets and some seeding along the stor,1i sewer project. They want to be given 30 days in the spring to complete the above. Engineer Bearden indicated that contractor also requests full payment for the water mains and sanitary sewer now. Mayor Johnson inquired as to whether, if the Council moves the completion date, could we also move the penalty clause to June 15 and still leave it in the contract. Engineer Bearden stated that it automatically is. The penalty clause would not be limited if we extended the completion date to June 15. Administrator Achen asked if it is common practice to pay in full for portions of the contract or would it be more appropriate to reduce the retainage to 5% from 10%. Engineer Bearden replied that the Statute states that the owner may pay up to 90% of the value of the work completed. MSP (Johnson Shelquist) that we extend the completion date of the contract to June 15, 1976, at which time the penalty clause would then be invoked, but that no part of the contract or no part of the 4 ayes 1 nay schedule be finalized, and that the language on the contract be maintained at its current position until the project is finally accepted by the City and approved by the Engineer, which shall be June 15, 1976. A change order ##4 will have to be prepared. A roll call vote was taken. Engineer Bearden then presented proposed change order to City Hall parking lot project. He explained that it was for work on lowering and insulating a s.initary sewer that was exposed when the police driveway was put in. The men worked Saturday, October 18, and Monday, October 20, making the total amount $2,087.05; when added as Change Order #2 it brings the revised price to $40,786.55. Administrator Achen asked what the work entailed as it took 8 men to do it. Engineer Bearden answered that the drain line from the old building ran easterly and they dug that line up and rebuilt it and pl..:.ed fiberglass insulation onto it. In addition they dug down for two 12" water mains. MSP (Pickar- Hodges) to approve Change Order #2 to the Forest Lake Construction contract as suggested by the City Engineer, paying for it 2/3 from sewer and 1/3 from the water fund. Engineer Bearden had no further report. Councilman Shelquist asked if Engineer Bearden would be required at the 9:00 public hearing and Administrator Achen responded that the applicant has petitioned for improvements of utility and street originally contemplated, and it is not known whether these improvements can be added on to Project 1973 -4 or not. Mayor Johnson suggested that Engineer Bearden stay until after the public hearing. Mayor Johnson recessed the regular Council meeting and called to order the public hearing on White Oak Estates Third Addition prelimi- nary plat. Robert Carlson of Brentwood Development Company appeared to discuss ahe property involved the west 375 feet of Lots 2, 3 and 4 Auditors Subdivision No. 89. This major subdivision creates 18 lots, as shown on the preliminary plat. Mr. Carlson has agreed to make an offer to purchase a 20' x 30' parcel of land adjoining the southeast corner of Block 2, Lot 6, to square off Lot 6 so that it would be in better spatial conformity with the adjacent properties. Mr. Carlson has acquired the necessary signatures and stated that the drainage problem on the hack lot lines has been solved by draining toward the catch basin and then out to the storm sewer. Engineer Bearden said that in checking the grades on the sewer and street, it is possible to run a line to the west property line and there would be a swale running to the north and south both. There is a catch basin and they can hook onto it. 5 ayes 5 ayes -5- MSP (Johnson- Hodges) that we approve the preliminary plat of White Oak Estates Third Addition subject to Mr. Carlson entering into a development agreement with the City covering the construction of a drain pipe from the westerly property lines of Block 1 to the catch basin on Pleasant View and that the agreement incorporate that the City Engineer draws up plans and specifications covering the construction of the drainage pipe. Mayor Johnson asked Mr. Carlson if he would agree to post a performance bond on this and he replied yes, within his capital capabilities. Administrator Achen said that Mr. Carlson has applied for such an improvement and some decision needs to be made as to how that improve- ment should be effected. Mayor Johnson suggested that this could be worked out also when the development agreement is negotiated. Attorney Meyers stated that Mr. Carlson is the only party being assessed, so consequently, we do not have to have a public hearing. Councilma7 Shelquist inquired as to the possible purchase of the 20' x 30' parcel of land from the Bona's. Has anything been done on that? Mr. Carlson said no, as he wanted to get this approved before buying anything else to attach to it. He further stated that it was pointed out in the Planning Commission that "why should Mr. Carlson be penalized However, Mr. Carlson agreed that he would try. Mayor Johnson stated that there were variances required for substan- dard lot frontages and a note should be made of that. He asked for a vote. Mayor Johnson read a letter from Robert A. Carlson stating that he agreed to accept the assessments necessary to complete the work. Engineer Bearden suggested that the costs be gotten together and presented at the next meeting. MSP (Johnson Baumgartner) that we accept this petition and that we talk to the City Engineer to prepare preliminary plans and cost estimates for serving the proposed lots on Block 1. White Oak Estates Third Addition. Mayor Johnson adjourned the public hearing at 9:20 p.m. and asked for a 10 minute recess. Mayor Johnson dismissed Engineer Bearden for the remainder of the meeting. The Council meeting reconvened at 9:30 p.m. Administrator Achen stated that a letter was sent to all businesses in the community that would be affected by the proposed ordinance revising various license fees and procedures. Mayor Johnson presented the fe "owing quick overview of the mdtter. Inflation is a real problem. The State government is operating with a surplus of funds. The State should share this with the counties and municipalities. An 5 ayes 5 ayes 6 arbitrators' award for the policemen gave them an 18% increase and Mounds View had budgeted for only 9%. Another problem is the present court system. In 1974, under the Justice of the Peace system, we had a surplus of $17,000. In 1975, we are going to have a deficit of $15,000. If you spend a bushel you've got to find that buck some place. It has to come from taxes or from services. Mayor Johnson asked for questions from the floor. Mr. Joe Hardinger 2375 Highway 10 The Council and you seem to thinkthat the four or five business places in Mounds View should pay for all of these. No one else is being penalized. I can see why there is no new business coming in if you take the attitude that the liquor end should take care of it. You okayed a $2,000 contract to work on Saturday, etc. How can you sit there and allow this to happen. Who arrived at these figures? Mayor Johnson: We took a look at the various sources of revenue which the City has permit fees, realty taxes, liquor licenses. How reasonable are they in terms of the services we are rendering and in terms of what other cities are charging in comparable situations. Administrator Achen did this checking and is qualified to do this. Mr. Hardinger: Where did you arrive at the figures? Administrator Achen: The new fees are based primarily upon the cost of services the City is rendering such as police, courts and prose- cution. Since 1973, when the on -sale intoxicating liquor license was last raised, the City's cost for police, court and prosecution services has increased from $159,126 to $285,684. This is an increase of $126,558 or 79.5% in just three years. The additional license fees proposed tonight will generate approximately $10- 11,000 additional revenue. The balance of the increased police, court and prosecution costs is being paid by property taxes. Mr. Hardinger: If I own a gas station, am I not entitled to police protection? Administrator Achen: The establishments affected by the proposed license fee increases all require police protection services beyond those normally provided the single far:ily homeowner. Our police handle numerous law enforcement and security problems at these establishments. We estimate that without the need for such services, two or three less policemen would be necessary. Richard Johnson 2400 Highway 10. I feel that the apartment buildings take more of the police time than any of the clubs. Mayor Johnson: My only response is that the multiple dwelling units are paying for a portion of the increase through their real estate taxes. Now do you come up with a fair allocation? We took what we consider the best shot and arrived at what we have here. -7- Mr. Richard Johnson: No one here has had time to check into surrounding communities as we were only notified on Saturday. Mr. Tony Jambor 5394 Edgewood Drive. We are required by law to provide police protection for our dance hall. For this we paid $5,467.50 last year. We find it difficult to absorb another substantial increase. Mayor Johnson: Everytime that you have an altercation, does not the officer ask for assistance from a squad? Mr. Jambor: If it is necessary. Many of the calls are absolutely unnecessary. Mayor Jo''ason: We have gotten a detailed report on the police activity in the City. Based upon the report,the three places in order of frequency of problems are the Launching Pad, the Mermaid and the Bel Rae. Very infrequent on Donatelle's. Mr. Jambor: 90% of the calls could be eliminated. Mayor Johnson: May I stress that we do have a fine Police Department in Mounds View and we don't want to have your people think: Well, we won't call the squad. It will affect our licensing We want you to make the calls and we want to render the service. But you must face the facts that somebody must pay. Mr. Jambor: If you had a comparison sheet of how many police calls made to apartments vs to establishments, I bet it will be 2 to 1. Attorney Meyers: State Statutes authorize Council discretion in setting liquor license fees but does not give unlimited authority to license. Mayor Johnson: Do you know that Roseville pays $10,000, Shoreview $5,000, Anoka $7,500, etc. I am trying to tell you that based upon what other cities are charging, I don't think you can think we arc being unfair. Richard Johnson: They Many places that serve Only a $90 increase is the restaurants' fees, have less competition and can make more money. food are going to need police protection. going to Perkins. Make it fair and raise as well. Mayor Johnson: My opinion is that the current license fees are too low. We want you to appreciate that we have a problem and we have to allocate these dollars. -8- Mr. Tony Donatelle: We have the same problem you have got. Where do you get $2,000 for cabaret? Mayor Johnson: People that have dancing are probably creating an environment that is going to be susceptible to more problems. Albert Hardinger 2375 Highway 10. taxes also. $3500 in cabaret, 2 or This is awful high in one year. We Department rather than the housands There's an increase in property 3 thousand in property taxes. would pay the 18% in the Police you are throwing at us. Mayor Johnson: Perhaps we could raise the license fees annually based upon our increased service costs. Attorney Meyers: Nothing can prevent this. Mayor Johnson: The rates are too low anyhow. This is an attempt to place all licenses into a position that would appear to be reasonable for the service rendered. Mr. A. Hardinger: Between the cabaret property increase, we are going to get year. We'll pay the average. Go over arrive at a just figure. and it. the the liquor increase and An awful lot in one metropolitan area and Mayor Johnson: The places that had dancing had more problems generally than the places that did nut. So we arrived at the cabaret license. Mr. Chuck Hall Mermaid Supper Club Glad we have a chance to talk. Your opening address was well put. You have a money problem. There comes a point where you can't pay anymore. Speaking only for myself, I think we want to be able to pay out fair share. I didn't get this letter until 10:00 this morning. The license fees will raise about $4500. This is quite a bit. Mounds View Police Dept. is superior. If it is us that have to support them, I'll pay my share. Two points were brought up at our Businessmen's Association meeting this afternoon. Is there some way we could stay this tonight and have a chance to look at it; look at what liquor people are doing with police calls. See how many police calls to apartments and to establishments. Why not make it fair to everyone take it from all of us. Mayor Johnson: Some licenses we have to take action on tonight because they are coming due in January. This does not include the cabaret. Mr. Donatelle: In etc. Why don't we A. Hardinger: Has in Mounds View. -9- the new shopping center there must be shoplifting, slice up the pie and get the bill paid. the Council explored other ways to make money Mayor Johnson: There is no way to make money in Mounds View. We've looked at every possible source of revenue. We raised building and planning fees four months ago. Richard Johnson: By law nobody else can pay for it, so we have to. You have stated these are the only license fees you can get money from. Mr. Ed Donatelle: You say there's a surplus in sales tax. Every business here has to charge sales tax. Can't we get some of it back from the State? Mayor Johnson: We're going to be meeting with the representatives and senators that represent this area and we will probably be talking about this. Mr. Al Hardinger: How soon would these provisions come back? Will we have a couple of weeks to try to put something together? Mayor Johnson: Whatever the Council decides. Some of the licenses have to be effected tonight. Mayor Johnson: Any other questions or comments from the floor? Nobody likes to have to pay more money for whatever it is. I run a business also and I know. I also know that if the guy next to me is paying, I don't get excited, but when it is me it gets my interest up. We can sit down and look at other businesses, everyone looks at it from his own vested interest. We can look at other sources, but if you look at the other cities and what they are paying, I don't think we are vastly out of line. We haven't increased it for a while either. Let me call on the Council for their comments. Councilman Shelquist: When we started looking at license fees, we asked whether the fee we are chargingis anywhere near what it is costing the City to provide the service? No. We need about three policement for the entertainment industry in our City. My guess is it is cne full time patrolman and an investigator 1/2 time. What is it costing us? If the business did not have a liquor license, we would have problems, but not as many. We get a great deal of regional trade in our liquor establishments. The $10,000 fee in Roseville will force it to he a hi clacc nperatinn, I think that the fees being proposed here are equitable for the services you are getting. I realize it was sprung upon you rapidly, and I am not opposed to postponing this for a couple of weeks. You may come to the conclusion that this isn't really so bad after all. As new businesses come in, we are seeing significant problems in other areas and we will look into this. Councilman Hodges: We have looked at this problem from several angles. Some cities have a $10,000 on -sale license fee, but even that would not cover the cost of one patrolman. I do understand that the proposed fees are a substantial increase all in one lump, and I don't mind re- examining them, especially the cabaret license. Councilman Baumgartner: I agree with Shelquist and Hodges. The Administrator supplied the information and we did what we had to do with it. Apartment buildings are certainly an area to investigate. As far as cabaret licenses, I have heard comments: "Why should I pay the same thing as that guy when he has a squad car in front of him all the time Some areas we can look at a second time. Councilman Pickar: You haven't had a chance to look at it and you should have a chance to do so. I am going to look at the cabaret license further myself. Between now and next time we get together we can both look at things. Mayor Johnson: From 1960 to 1973, there was no increases in any liquor fees. That is 13 years. Do you want us to increase it each year? You know what inflation is doing. Our costs are going up, too. Would you be in favor of us trying to adjust these each year so you don't get a big bump in one year? Mr. Joe Hardinger: From $35 to $3500. No place in the world does that. Mr. Al Hardinger: To economize, maybe you could eliminate one policeman. Mayor Johnson: With the police settlement, we just couldn't afford an additional one which the police chief wanted. The Council has a public hearing on our budget. For the last four or five years, there have only been three or four people here. If you want to know where your tax dollars are going, come over. Mr. Tony Jambor: How do we compare on an all city level as far as salaries are concerned? Mayor Johnson: A big portion of where our tax money is going is for salaries. Mr. Tony Jambor: Everyone can live with a small increase each year. I am not arguing we shouldn't pay more money. Mr. Chuck Hall: A fairer way to do it. I have to look at your side as well a:. mine. It hits us awful hard. You are probably right, but I haven't adjusted yet. Over a period of time it is a little easier on us. You know there is a limit. Mr. Donatelle: I'm for that 100%. Louie Guydeson 2400 County Rd. H -2. A gradual increase comes a lot easier. Mayor Johnson: Some of the fees must be adjusted tonight. We cannot defer some of them. Section 2 and 3c can be scratched. Section 3a should be amended from $300 to $1000. Section 5 and 8 can be stricken. Section 3a, the annual fee for an on -sale non intoxicating liquor license shall be $1,000. Mr. Tony Jambor: We are considered a bottle club. Attorney Meyers: That is why we are going to eliminate "c I don't classify the Bel Rae as a bona fide club. Mr. Ed Donatelle: Is it possible to issue the license and set the fee later? Mr. Tony Jambor: We are required by law to have a policeman. Mayor Johnson: I suggest tabling the rest until early tonight just doing what we have to. Councilman Shelquist: That is all right. Mr. Jambor, no difference between a person intoxicated after being a bartender or one who mixes it himself from a set -up, into account the policeman you are required to have in the fee. January and there is served by but we took setting The remainder of the Council agreed to tabling the fees that do not take effect January 1st. Mr. Tony Jambor: Only fair that we compromise. Over $500 would be pretty tough. Mayor Johnson: We have recommended that this on -sale 3.2 license fee increase to $1000. Councilman Shelquist: I woqld rather see it on the set -ups than the beer. But if that is not possible as the Attorney suggests, I agree with the proposal. The other councilmen indicated they also agreed with the $1000 fee proposed. MSP Shelquist- Baumgartner) that we approve Ordinance #238. 5 ayes Mayor Johnson: To give the other establishments time to do research, I suggest the 4th Monday in January January 26. MSP (Johnson- Baumgartner) to place on the January 26, 1976, agenda this item for further consideration on various licenses and fees con cerning cabaret and on -sale liquor licenses and various other fees. 5 ayes -12- Administrator Achen explained the proposed memorandum of understanding with International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local No. 320. There was strong sentiment with all the cities involved that the joint negotiations had not been successful in 1975. Each individual municipality tried to negotiate a separate 1976 settlement. However, by joint negotiation, the terms of this memorandum were agreed to by the Teamsters Local 320 and the M.A.M.A. committee. The economic terms are identical to those in New Brighton's Local 320 settlement for 1976 and 1977 which were fairly reasonable. 1970 salaries will increase 7.96% and 1977 salaries 5.42%. Mounds View policemen initially rejected this offer last month. However, the union representatives have signed the memorandum, and there is a likelihood that it will be accepted by the membership now. I recommend that the Council execute it and presume that the membership will accept it. Councilman Shelquist: Item B, page 2, are we about to accept some- thing that isn't conclusive yet? Mayor Johnson: Anything that is changed has to be in writing. Nothing can be verbal. MSP (Hodges Pickar) that we accept this memorandum of understanding with International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local No. 320 and authorize inplementation of its terms effective January 1, 1976. 5 ayes Administrator Achen submitted the following license applications for approval: General Contractor new HELMUT FEIGE CONSTRUCTION 14620 Bowers Dr. Anoka, MN 55303 Sewer Water new Ray Freeman Sewer E1 Water 3448 S. Coon Creek Dr. Anoka, MN 55303 Heating renewal Mill City heating Air Conditioning Co. 13005 -B 16th Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 5_:441 Gasoline Station new Ed's 76 Service Center 2390 Highway 10 Mounds View, MN Peddler new Handcrafts by Handicapped of MN, Inc. 5901 Brooklyn Blvd. Brooklyn ('enter, MN 55429 -13- It was explained that Ed's 76 Service Center application was for change of ownership. The peddler application was to sell jewelry door -to -door by high school students. MSP Pickar- Hodges) to approve the licenses with the exception of the peddler license. 5 ayes General Fund checks #11562 through #11642, Payroll Account checks #1221 #1224. Payroll checks #3153 through #3182 to pay gross pay of December 15, 1975. Transfer check #11642 transferring from General $12,864.67, from Water $1,040.00, from Sewer $1,522.80 to pay gross pay of December 15, 1975. Total Disbursements $109,860.56. MSP (Shelquist- Baumgartner) that the bills be approved as presented. 5 ayes Administrator Achen stated that the flags in the Council Chambers were donated by VFW 6587. Councilman Hodges suggested that the Mayor write a thank you note. Administrator Achen stated that the Metropolitan Council acted on the comprehensive plan last Thursday very favorably. It is appropriate now for the plan to go back to the Planning Commission to make minor revisions and present back to the Council for formal adoption. Councilman Shelquist stated that the Planning Commission has already recommended to us what they would like to do. Administrator Achen said that the Metropolitan Council stated that Mounds View is the kind of community that they are going to try to assist when it comes to the Federal grants. Administrator Achen stated that Carol Waide, police secretary, requires hospitalization for a week and convalescent time for 4 -6 weeks. She has 8 days accrued sick leave and 2 days vacation. She will have another two weeks vacation in 1976. She wants to borrow additional sick leave to cover her absence. Some policy should be adopted based on years of service or other objective criteria. Councilman Pickar agreed that a formal policy should be prepared. He stated that there is such for Federal employees. The Council agreed a policy should be written to cover the borrowing of sick leave. Mayor Johnson directed the Administrator to prepare such a policy for consideration by the Council. Mayor Johnson thanked the staff for its efforts in getting ready for the open house. He returned from the National League of Cities convention last week, and is going to prepare a written report on several things which he thinks we should consider. An attorney talked about personal liability of Council members and Planning Commission members. All of us should do our best to limit conver- sation to outside parties and limit them to the Council Chambers, Councilman Hodges: The Bicentennial Committee should be commended by the Council on their fine job handling the open house and dedication of City Hall. COUNCILMAN BAUMGARTNER'S REPORT The Park Recreation Commission meeting is January 8 at 6:30. There are plans to open the warming house December 22, weather permitting. Councilman Baumgartner stated the Council appropriated $3000 for underground lights at Lambert Park. In order to temporarily install them above ground, it will cost an additional $450. This will provide new lights for this season rather than waiting until next year. Mayor Johnson: If you are asking for approval to go ahead with the spending of the $450, my answer would be negative. Councilman Shelquist: I feel the same. Councilman Hodges: Are we talking about funds within the Park Recreation Department? Administrator Achen: These are funds budgeted for 1976. Councilman Baumgartner moved to authorize the Park Recreation Dept. to proceed with the lighting project in Lambert Park not to exceed $3500. The motion died for lack of a second. COUNCILMAN PICKAR'S REPORT No report. Are you making arrangements to send thank you's to all who worked on the open house? Administrator Achen replied that this is being worked out with the Bicentennial Committee. COUNCILMAN SHELQUIST'S REPORT The Planning Commission is holding only one meeting this month, December 17. Regarding the snowmobile ordinance by reference, we are adopting some Minnesota Statutes and Department of Natural Resources regulations. I would like to request Administrator Achen to procure copies of these for anyone who might be interested. Mayor Johnson suggested that Gene Skiba note the proposed new snowmobile ordinance in the New Brighton Bulletin. Administrator Achen reminded the Council that Ramsey County Commissioner Bob Orth will be at the next agenda meeting. Attorney Meyers stated that he was assuming the Council did not oppose keeping the municipal court in New Brighton and asked permission to prepare a resolution stating that for the next meeting. The Council indicated its willingness to consider such a resolution. MSP (Shelquist- Baumgartner) to adjourn at 12:32 a.m. Respectfuiiyy submitted, Mark Achen Clerk- Administrator