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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 1977/05/09PROCEEDINGS 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 Pickar at 7:30 PM on May 9, 1977, at the Mounds View City Hall, 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, Minnesota 55112. Members Present: Also Present: Mayor Pickar Councilmember Hodges Councilmember Baumgartner Councilmember Rowley Councilmember Ziebarth CITIZEN COMMENTS AND Ra/UESTS Clerk- Administrator Achen Attorney Meyers Engineer Hubbard MSP (Rowley Hodges) to approve the minutes of the April 25, 1977 regular meeting. 5 ayes Darlene McPeters, ?750 Silver Lake Road, expressed her concern that the ordinance regarding off street parking requirements for commercial and recreational vehicles had been passed without sufficient public notice. She felt that it was a very controversial issue and that those concerned with the issue did not receive adequate notice to present themselves and state their views before the ordinance was passed. Mayor Pickar stated that there had been quite a bit of attention and discussion spent on the ordinance in the past and that notice had been published in the New Brighton Bulletin. Mrs. McPeters asked if there was any way to change the ordinance and Mayor Pickar replied that a request could be made to the Planning Commission for a hearing on the ordinance. The question arose as to out of town visitors and Councilmember Baumgartner stated that there is presently a 60 hour time period to cover visitors with motor vehicles. He stated that the revision to Chapter 40 was two years in the making and that the parking of recreational vehicles was the most controversial item of the whole revision, and that the item is on the Planning Commission agenda for the May 11, 1977 meeting. Mayor Pickax stated that the meeting at this time would advance to the public hearings on the agenda, as these people had first priority since they were on the agenda, and that upon the completion of the public hearings, the council meeting would continue with Citizen Comments. Mayor Pickar recessed the general fleeting and opened the hearings PUBLIC HEARINGS PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT 1977 -2 Engineer Hubbard explained the proposed improvement project and asked Council to determine whether the project should be ordered. A petition, requesting the improvemer `.s, has been received from Berwyn Christiansen and reviewed by Attorney Meyers, The proposed project would be the extension of Bona Road between County Road H and Woodcrest Drive and provision of sanitary sewer and water services for this area. There are two options available, to put in concrete curbs and gutters on both sides of Bona Road, at a cost of $27,200, or to install a bituminous surface of 2" thickness with a 4" compacted gravel base, with rolled bituminous curbs, at a cost of $17,400. The costs for sanitary sewer services, water services and storm sewers were equal for both options. The City will finance the project and assess the full cost of each improvement to the adjacent property. Concrete curb and gutter has previously been installed in nearly all streets south of Woodcrest Drive. It has, however, been omitted throughout the rest of Mounds View, basically due to residents desire for a rural atmosphere. From an engineering standpoint the concrete curb and gutter is the most desirable since Bona Road will have a low point in midblock and will have relatively steeper grades on both ends than most streets in Mounds View. However, the cost of concrete curbs and gutters is about 50 percent more than bituminous curbing. Bill Skaroild, 2470 Ridge Lane, stated that the City did not clean his street and he did not feel that a more expensive street should go in on Bona Road. Engineer Hubbard stated that the City receives calls on a continuous basis from citizens who requested to have their streets cleaned, and that Mr. Skarolid should 'Call the City if he feels his street requires cleaning. Concern was expressed if there would be a stop sign at the top of the hill. where Bona Road would enter onto County Road Ha Engineer Hubbard replied that it is a county Road and that the city must request the county to put in a stop sign. He also stated that the plans are to only allow right hand turns off Bona Road. John Riggs, 2200 Erin Court, developer of the property on Bona Road. expressed concern in the cost difference between the concrete curb and gutter and the bituminous curbing. He stated there were no concrete streets in the area and since the higher cost of th concrete would add approximately $1,000 to the price of each home he plans to build, he would prefer the bituminous curbing. Councilmember Rowley asked if the upkeep costs would differ between the two types of surfaces. Engineer Hubbard replied that should there be a problem due to damage from the snow plows, water deterioration or whatever, the City would assume the cost of the repairs. Councilmember Ziebarth stated that he felt there were a number of problems with the issue, one being the traffic entry problem onto County Road H from Bona Road, and another the crosswalk that the students are presently using on their way to and from school. Mayor Pickar reminded the Council that they were to discuss and act upon the alternatives for the type of surfacing for the road, and that other problems should be discussed at at another time. Mayor Pickar at that time closed the public hearing. MST (Pickar-Ziebarth) to have firm of Banister Short Elliott Hendrickson Asso- ciates to prepare the plans and specifications for alternate #1, with concrete curbs and gutters on both sides of Bona Road, at a cost of $02,350 and to include a traffic control device pattern as part of the public improvement project, and order the Engineer to prepare final plans and specs. 5 ayes -3- Mayor Pickar started that the walkway situation would be brought up again prior to final plat approval. PUBLIC HEARINGS RELOCATION Or BUILDING TO 5302 JACKSON DRIVE Cary Martinson, S302 Jackson Drive, has requested permission to move a garage from 2106 Madison Street NT, Minneapolis, to 5302 Jackson Drive. The garage is 16 feet wide and 22 feet deep, with a 10 foot overhead door and a two foot, six inch service door, with a window for light and ventilation. A 75 percent petition has been received and approved by the Staff. Mayor Pickar asked Idr. Martinson if he had checked out all the problems involved in moving the garage. Mr. Martinson replied that he was having the garage moved by a commercial moving firm and that they would have an escort. Mayor Pickar closed the public hearing. IMP Pickar- Hodges) to approve the move of the garage for Gary Martinson to 5302 Jackson Drive, with the stipulation that he meets all requirements as set forth in the codes of the City of Mounds View. CITIZEN COMMENTS AND REQUESTS The Council meeting at this time returned to citizen comments and requests. Floyd Larson, 5250 Edgewood, stated that he owns a recreational vehicle and does not understand why he cannot keep it on his property. He asked his neighbors and they did not object to him parking his vehicle on his property. Mayor Pickar stated that he could sympathize with Mr. Larson's viewpoint but that they must also keep the other side of the issue in mind, of those people who object to having to look at a large recreational vehicle parked next to their house. Kathleen Keifer, 5180 Bona Road, stated she felt it was a violation of human rights to not be allowed to park a recreational vehicle on ones own property. She asked what to do when visitors come. Councilmember Baumgartner again stated the provision of a 60 hour visit allotment. It was asked when the issue would be addressed, and Administrator Achen stated that the Planning Commission could hold a public hearing on the meeting, and that the Chapter 40 revision had been passed as a whole with the understanding that the recreational vehicle portion would be brought up again. The best way to find out the timing of the public hearing would be to either call City Hall on Friday, or to wa`ch the New Brighton Bulletin for the publication of official notice of the public heating. Also, if people were interested in discussing commercial vehicles, they should go to the Planning Commission meeting on May 11 and reouest that commercial vehicles also be discussed. Maureen DeGiovanni, Long Lake Road, expressed concern about the ditch filled with water at ?Ioodcrest Park and the nunber of small, unsupervised children in the area who could riaunder down to the ditch. Administrator Achen stated that the ditch was county property and sugr ;ested that the engineering department look into the situation. 5 ayes Counci11nember Rowley reported that the Park and Recreation department has some plans for the area in question. Administrator Achen recommended that Engineer Hubbard contact the county engineer to come up with a plan for the ditch. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA MSP (Pickar-Hodges) to approve the consent agenda as follows: ITEM A. Adopt Resolution Nos. 827 -829 reapportioning assessments for the following subdivisions respectively: Moe Homestead Addition, major subdivision request of Nobert D. Moe; Ostman Home Builders minor subdivision of 8415 Red Oak Drive; David W. Jahnke minor subdivision of 8408 Eastwood Rd. ITEM B. Appoint Tim Pittman, 5379 Raymond Avenue, and Mark Will, 5300 Quincy Street, temporary laborers effective May 10, 1977, at hourly wage of $3.00. ITEM C. Approve the following interfund transfers: Transfer $255.40 from General Fund to Forestry Fund. This is the final 2% of property taxes levied in 1976 for Forestry Fund. Transfer $6,100.00 from Revenue Sharing Fund to Building Addition Fund. This is appropriated money for City Hall parking lot lights which were to be paid for with Revenue Sharing money. Transfer $109,552.46 from Improvement Bonds Fund to 1976 Advance Refunding Bond Fund. This is cash available from Improvement Bonds of 1969 which were refunded in advance in February of 1976. All assets of the refunded bonds were to be transferred to the new bonds. This is the final step in that process. Transfer $2,655.38 from Water Utility Fund to Sewer Utility Fund. This is the Loney confiscated from the utility prepayments for sewer bills on accounts which were closed. Transfers shall be effective January 1, 1977. ITEM D. Approve the May 9, 1977, bills for payment. 5 ayes ST2u E. i.ppreve the following licenses: GENERAL CONTRACTING new Antler Corporation 2954 Rice Street St. Paul, MN 55113 The House Doctors 5900 Lexington Ave. New Brighton, MN 55112 Bob Sons Roofing, Inc. 201 W. 88th Street Bloomington, MN 55420 G E Builders 680 20th Ave_ N.W. New Brighton, ..N 55112 HEATING new Northwest Heating Air Conditioning 4726 161st Lane N.W. Anoka, MN 55303 Administrator Achen asked if there were any remodeling on time. Mr. Hall stated he was Pete Gilbert, would complete the remodeling that they be open for business by September for next year. GENERAL CONTRACTING renewal Montgomery Ward 1400 University Ave. St. Paul, MN 55101 MASONRY new ASPHALT new Darrell's Contracting Inc. 8744 Central Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55434 DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS MERMAID BO ?ILI *IG ALLEY ADDITIO`t LaMere Concrete Construction 1027 23rd Ave. N.E. Minneapolis, MN 55418 HEATING new Coin -Mate 2701 Douglas Drive Minneapolis, MN 55422 Charles Hall, 2200 Highway 10, order of the Mermaid, requested the Council to authorize execution of the Development agreement prepared in 1976 for his proposed bowling alley addition to the Mermaid. Mr. Hall stated that everything remains the same on his plan as he presented it to the Council last year. His only reason for requesting a place on the agenda was that his financing was in the final stages and he expected to receive the go -ahead from the bank the next day. anticipated problems in completing the very confident that the contractor, within three months. It is very important 1, in order to get the bowling leagues Councilmember Rowley asked if children would be able to walk from the Nursery into the bar area, or would the door between the two areas be locked? Mr, Hall replied that the door would be locked and that the children would not be allowed into the bar. Councilmember Ziebarth asked iir. Hall what his plans were for the game room. Mr. Hall plans to keep the game room about the sane size as his present one, with two pool tables, three foose ball tables and a line of pinball machines. Mr. Hall stated that the Mermaid has a very clean reputation and is not know for its problems in crowd control, etc. Last year he Spent 330,00 in salary an benefits for people to check crowd control and I.D.'s. Councilmember Baumgartner asked if the drainage plan for the parking lot area had changed at all. Mr. Hall replied that the plans had not changed one bit, which -6- could be verified by the plans which Administrator Achen has. He indicated that he would, at some future time, like to hook up to the storm sewer. Councilmember Ziebarth expressed concern with the angle of the driveway coming in from County Road H, in that traffic must swing wide on H to make the turn. Mr. Hall said he does plan on widening the drive, which was indicated in the plans. Mr. Hall stated that there were presently a few areas of the contract that he was uncomfortable with, e.g., the stipulation that the building could be torn down if he did not meet up with the specifications, or that an extension might not be granted if he did not complete the remodeling on time. Attorney Meyers stated those provisions were in the contract to protect the City from problems that have arose in other cases. MSP Pickar- Ziebarth) to direct the City Attorney to update the development agreement #76 -1 for Charles Hall in conformance with the staff recommendations of the items that were in the development agreement previously. 5 ayes DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT ST. PAUL RENT -ALL WAREHOUSE ADDITION Robert Smith, Attorney for Vern Gustafson, asked the Council to move approval of the warehouse addition to the St. Paul Rent -All to May 23, 1977, in order to give him time to speak with Attorney Meyers and work out any problems that might come up. Councilmember Ziebarth mentioned the flashing sign ordinance of Mounds View, and Mr. Gustafson replied that he has moved the flashing sign to the back of his lot. It is for rent and was out front for display purposes. Mayor Pickar stated that th e approval of the warehouse addition would be moved to the May 23 agenda. MUNICIPAL BUILDING USE LUTHERAN CHURCHES' COUNSELLING /REFERRAL SERVICE FOR APARTMENT RESIDEITS Sunrise Methodist, Abiding Savior Lutheran and Cross of Glory Lutheran churches have requested us3 of the city hall basement kitchen as an office for conducting a counselling /referral service. This service is designed for use of local apartment dwellers. The use would be from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Administrator Achen reported that this would be on a trial basis, to see how the referral service is accepted. The counselling service would be responsible for their own furnishings and phone. Councilmember Rowley questioned where all the supplies presently stored in the kitchen would be placed, and suggested that perhaps it would be better for the counselling service to be held in one of the churches, since they would have a better atmosphere and more appropriate facilities. s Administrator Achen stated that he could indicate to the church members that the use of the kitchen was to be a ilemnorary start -up facility. It was agreed that Administrator Achen should speak to the members and explain the situation. -7- VOTING E;1,UIPMENT USE CARPENTERS' LOCAL NO. 7 ELECTIONS JUNE 16 -17 Carpenter's Union Local No. 7 has requested use of twelve booths and one electronic counter for their June 16 -17 elections. The staff estimates it will take 8 -12 hours to prepare the necessary counting program, prepare the voting booths and run the pre and post security tests. The equipment is idle and this use can help defray the city's acquisition costs. Local No. 7 has indicated a desire to use the equipment regularly (biennually) if it is successful in the June election. The staff has recommended such use be authorized with the conditions or payment of a $600 service fee, use of adequate security controls to maintain integrity of the electronic counting program, adequate insurance, deposit or other provisions as determined by the City Attorney to assure payment to replace or repair damaged or lost equipment, and a city staff member to supervise use of the electronic ballot center. Administrator Achen reported that the programming for the election could be done in a very short time and could be used again for the next union election. He anticipates no problems with the machines being used, as long as there is an adequate deposit on them. NSP (Baumgartner- Hodges) to give permission to Carpenter's Union Local No. 7 to use twelve booths and one electronic counter for their June 16 -17 elections, and that the Union make a payment of $600 as a service fee, and post a $5,600 bond or check to cover loss or total damage of the voting equipment. 5 ayes TRAFFIC SIGNAL TRUNK HIGH;JAY 10 BET''TELL'N COUNTY ROAD H AND H -2 No contact has yet been made with the Minnesota Department of Transportation regard- ing the proposed signallized T.H. 10 intersection. There is disagreement between the owners of the property along T.H. 10 as to where the interchange should be put in. Administrator Achen stated that any decision that is made should be done with thought to the future needs of the community. It could possibly be made a public improvement project and take the necessary land away from the home owner. Access must be made onto T.H. 10 between County Roads H and H2, as those two roads could not handle the additional traffic that is expected when the property between those two roads is developed. ?ISP Ziebarth Rowley) to inform the Department of Transportation, with the Councils backing, that a signallized intersection between County Road H and County Road H2 on T.H. 10 is the best solution to the potential traffic flow. Administrator Achen will approach the Department of Transportation and ask for preliminary approval of the concept. 5 ayes ADMINISTRATOR ACHEN'.S REPORT Administrator Achen reported that notice has been received that the City's Community Development Block Grant application for storm sewer construction has been denied. Mainly low /moderate income housing related projects were the ones to receive the funding. Administrator Achen gave the background of the Minnesota Benefit Association, a non- profit organization providing supplementary insurance benefits to public employees. The pro would involve no employer contribution and would be available to employees entirely on a voluntary bas::is. The Association also assists employees in understanding their Public Employees Retirement Association and Social Security benefits, conducts a croup travel prc ram with discounted .rates and has a college scholarship program for children of public employees. -8- The MBA is 30 years old has access to various insurance markets. The employees of MBA are salaried. Other local cities, such as New Brighton, Shoreview, Roseville, and Maplewood are using the program, along with approximately 230 other goverment groups. Councilmember Baumgartner recommended that the City inform the employees of the agency and let them pursue it themselves, since by making it a payroll deduction, it would signify that the City backs and /or supports the program. A memo could be sent to all employees, informing them of the agency, or department heads could sneak to their employees. It was agreed upon that the information would be passed along to department heads with instructions to them to pass it along to the employees, who could contact the MBA on their own. Administrator Achen reported that Jim Bergstrom, chairperson of Citizens opposed to Red Oak Drive interchange on new T.H. 10 has requested space in the next newsletter to publicize existence of their organization and to list phone numbers of contact persons. Councilmember Hodges recommended that approval not be authorized because he feared that soon every group or cause would be requesting equal space. Councilmember Baumgartner asked that any notice to be placed in the newsletter first be edited so that it does not imply that the City of Mounds View has taken the position implied in the article. Councilmember Rowley asked if the information could be incorporated into Administrator Achen's report, and thus published in the newsletter. Administrator Achen replied that that would again imply that the City approves of it. Councilmember Rowley then suggested that they use a regular newspaper, such as the New Brighton Bulletin, to publish their notice. IMP (Pickar- Ziebarth) to deny the request of Jim Bergstrom to publish names and phone numbers in the newsletter in as much as it does not conform to the policy of the newsletter for publishing individual's information, and that they should also be informed that due to the considerable interest in the Red Oak Drive problem, it is the intent of the City to give the problem coverage in the next newsletter. 5 ayes Administrator Achen reported on the bids received for the public official liability insurance, which Council authorized at it's last meeting. Identical coverage was offered by both Western World and Drake Insurance Company, through the same agent, Donohue- Thornton. Administrator Achen recommended that Council authorize the purchase of insurance from Drake as Drake has a stronger background in the public offical liability area. Although the initial cost would be greater, he also recommended approval of a three year payment which would assure three year coverage with no premium increase. Mayor Pickar questioned if the three year premium should be paid, considering the tight budget after the huge increase in insurance rates the past year. Administrator Achen replied that it could be funded and that they would not have to worry about the premiums being raised on them in the next three years. Attorney Meyers recommended that the City purchase the three year premium. I•'.SP (Pickax- Hodges) to accept the bid from Draka Insurance Comaany for public official liability coverage for a three year term, at a premium of $6,125. 5 ayes -9- Councilmember Rowley recommended that the City write to several of the insurance companies who clid not bid on the insurance coverage to find out why and give the City insight into what they can expect in the future. Administrator Achen reported that a great number of cities had experienced the same problems as Mounds View in getting insurance ard that he felt it was a good idea to write to the insurance companies and make them aware of the problem. Administrator Achen reported that the promoter of the boxing match at Bel Rae would like to hold another match on June 2. Administrator Achen also reported that a letter had been sent to the Launching Pad owners regarding renewal of their liquor license. An application was then received by the City for an on -sale liquor license at the Launching Pad. The application was from Joseph Hartinger, brother of the current license holder. MSP (Pickar- Baumgartner) to set a public hearing for the renewal of the liquor license for the Launching Pad at 8:00 p.m. on May 23, 1977 and ask the staff for the pertinent data that applied to the operation of the Launching Pad for the past two year, including reports from the police department and inspection department, with the staff's informative comments. 5 ayes Administrator Achen reported that the City of Blaine will be conducting a drainage improvement hearing on May 19, 1977. The staff is concerned about what consequences may develop, in that the water from the drainage ditch will be flowing from Blaine to Mounds View. However, Mounds View does have the option to put restrictions on Blaine since the ditch is in Mounds View. ATTORNEY MEYERS' S REPORT Attorney Meyers reported that a date should be set on June 13 for Sunday versus city officials. ENGINEER HUBBARD'S REPORT Engineer Hubbard reported that an agreement has been worked out with Barister, Short, Elliott, Hendrickson Associates for the Bona Road project, and he recwmends approval of the agreement. MSP (Ziebarth- Rowley) to authorize the City to enter into a contract with Banister, Short, Elliott, Hendrickson Associates. 5 ayes Engineer Hubbard reported that the sweeping of the city streets was completed last Friday. It took 89 hours this year, compared to over 100 hours last year. 81 loads were hauled away this year, compared to 103 last year. MSP (Baumgartner Hodges) that the staff should be directed to enter into a similar engineering agreement with Comstock and Davis. 5 ayes CCU"ICILMEMBER H0De, S REPORT Councilmember Hodges reported that he has noticed several potholes that shculd be repaired. Engineer Hubbard reported that the maintenance crews he started fixing them, that they hal to wait for the trucks which were tied un with the street sweep- ing, before they could begin working on the potholes. -10- COUNCILNEMBER BAUMGARTNER' S REPORT Councilmember Baumgartner reported that the Planning Commission would be meeting at 6:30 p.m. on May 11. He requested that the staff get information to the chairperson of the Planning Commission that commercial vehicles should also be covered in the meeting. They can then hold a public hearing at their discretion, whether they want to combine recreational vehicles with commercial vehicles or hold separate hearings. Councilmember Baumgartner also reported that he is going to ask the Planning Commission'. to establish a policy about abstaining from voting, other than conflict of interest. COUNCIL! MBER ROILEY'S REPORT Councilmember Rowley reported that she would once again ask Bruce Mattson for a letter of resignation. She also asked when the plastic would be removed from the windows of City Hall. Engineer Hubbard reported that the plastic would be removed as soon as a maintenance person was freed from outside duties. COUNCILPEMBER ZIEBARTH'S REPORT Councilmember Ziebarth reported there was a meeting of the Park and Recreation department on April 28. However, there was not a quorum. Ramsey County sent a person to discuss the Ramsey County open space program. They are interested in the Rice Creek project. There are presently five parcels of land to still be acquired. MAYOR PICsCAR' S REPORT Mayor Pickar asked if all the bills had been turned in yet for a recap of the Clean Up Days. Administrator Achen reported that there were some bills outstanding yet. Mayor Pickar reported that he and his wife attended the North Suburban Chamber of Commerce annual meeting on May 5 and that a committee was founded for searching out new business. Mounds View was not represented. MSP Ziebarth- Hodges) to adjourn the meeting at 12:15 a.m. Respectfully submitted, QQ Mark Achen Clerk- Administrator 5 ayes