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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 1978/03/27AGENDA Mounds View City Council March 27, 1978 7 :30 PM 1. Roll call of officials 2. Approval of minutes of regular meeting March 13, 1978 3. Citizen comments and requests CITIZENS: BEFORE SPEAKING, PLEASE GIVE YOUR FULL NAME AND ADDRESS FOR THE MINUTES 4. Approval of consent agenda: Item A. 1977 Interfund Transfers B. Award 1978 street sweeping contract C. Bills for approval D. Licenses 5. Transient merchant license request Chester Puchtel Flea market at Launching Pad parking lot 6. Public Improvement Project 1978 -1 Citywide Storm Sewers 7. Adjournment FROM Improvement Project 1975 -4 4a Fund Improvement Project 1977 -2 Fund Water Utility Fund Sewer Utility Fund Revenue Sharing Fund Water Utility Fund CONSENT AGENDA March 27, 1978 The consent agenda is a technique designed to expedite handling of routine and miscellaneous official business of the City Council. The entire agenda may be adopted by the Council in one motion. The motion for adoption is non debatable and must receive unanimous approval. By request of any individual Council member, any item can be removed from the consent agenda and placed upon the regular agenda for debate. ITEM A. Authorize the following interfund transfers effective December 31, 1977: 1,750 1,750 15,000 15,000 12,275 4,327 Advance Refunding 4,327 Bond Fund Transfers from the Improvement Projects Funds are for administrative overhead charges pursuant to Resolution No. 677. Utility Fund transfers to General Fund are for central services and administration provided through the General Fund. Water Fund transfer to the Bond Fund is for retirement of the 1968 Water Revenue Bond refunded in the 1976 Advance Refunding Issue. ITEM B. Award the 1978 street sweeping contract to G L Seal Coating of Anoka, Minnesota. This firm's bid of $2,850 was the low bid received, is $45 less than the city's 1977 contract costs and is under the city's $3,000 budget for street sweeping. ITEM C. Approve the March 27, 1978, bills for payment. ITEM D. Approve the following licenses: renewals Management N.W. GARBAGE HAULERS Ace Solid Waste 3118 162 Lane Anoka, MN 55303 Larry's Quality Sanitation 17210 Driscoll St N.W. Anoka, MN 55303 Walters' Disposal Service 2830 101st Ave. N.E. Saline, MN 55434 GENERAL CONTRACTOR expires North Central Builders new 7401 42nd Ave. N. New Hope, MN 55427 6/30/78 TO General Fund $45,775 expire 3/31/79 Reamer's Rubbish Removal Inc. P. O. Box 306 Forest Lake, MN 55025 Suburban Pickup Service Inc. 3800 Restwood Rd Lexington, MN 55112 Woodlake Sanitary dba: Allstate Disposal 4000 Hamel Rd Hamel, MN 55340 Members Present: Also Present: PROCEEDINGS 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 March 27, 1978 at the Bel Rae Ballroom, 5394 Edgewood Drive, Mounds View, Minnesota 55112. Mayor Pickar Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Ziebarth Hodges Baumgartner Rowley Clerk- Administrator Achen Attorney Meyers Engineer Hubbard MSP (Rowley- Hodges) to approve the minutes of the March 13, 1978 meeting. Mayor Pickar stated he was abstaining from the vote as he had not been present at the March 13 meeting. CITIZEN COMMENTS AND REQUESTS David Notaro, 2749 Ardan Avenue NE presented two petitions to the Council from the citizens of Ardan Avenue, asking that the MTC buses be rerouted off of Ardan Avenue and that a stop sign be installed at Ardan Avenue and Fairchild. Mr. Notaro explained that they would like the buses rerouted as they fear for the safety of the children, not only those living on Ardan Avenue but also those who cross over it to get to the park and those who walk along it to get to Red Oak School. He sighted an instance where twice in the past week, a three year old had walked toward one of the buses, causing the bus to stop, and then proceeded to go up to the bus and touch it out of curiousity. Mr. Notaro also expressed concern that the buses were over the weight limit es- tablished for the road. He also stated that the petition had been signed by residents of La Port Drive whose children cross Ardan Avenue. Mr. Notaro stated that he had contacted the MTC, who stated that there would be problems in rerouting the buses as they had difficulty in crossing over at Red Oak Drive. Mr. Notaro asked the City Council for their help in getting the buses rerouted. Mayor Pickar stated that the number of buses has increased considerably and asked it the petition presented alternate routes for the buses. Mr. Notaro replied that it did not, that they were more concerned with getting the buses off Ardan Avenue, but at the same time did not want to just move them over a block or two, to another neighborhood street. Mayor Pickar stated that he would have the Police Department check into the feasi- bility of installing a stop sign at Ardan Avenue and Fairchild and also have them check the speed of the buses. 4 ayes 1 abstain March 27, 1978 Page -2 Engineer Hubbard added that he was not aware of the buses being over weight but that if the Police Department suspects they are, they can call the State Highway Depart ment who come out with portable scales to weigh the buses. APPROVAL <OF :CONSENT AGENDA MSP (Baumgartner- Hodges) to approve the consent agenda as follows: 5 ayes ITEM A. Authorize the following interfund transfers effective December 31, 1977: FROM TO Improvement Project 1975 -4 4a Fund 1,750 Improvement Project 1977 -2 Fund 1,750 Water Utility Fund 15,000 Sewer Utility Fund 15,000 Revenue Sharing Fund 12,275 General Fund $45,775 Water Utility Fund 4,327 Advance Refunding 4,327 Bond Fund Transfers from the Improvement Projects Funds are for administrative overhead charges pursuant to Resolution No. 677. Utility Fund transfers to General Fund are for central services and administration provided through the General Fund. Water Fund transfer to the Bond Fund is for retirement of the 1968 Water Revenue Bond refunded in the 1976 Advance Refunding Issue. ITEM B. Award the 1978 street'sweeping• contract to G L Seal Coating of Anoka, Minnesota. This'firm's bid of $2,850 was the low bid received, is $45 less than the city's 1977 contract costs and is under the city's $3,000 budget for street sweeping. ITEM C. Approve the March 27, 1978, bills for payment. March 27, 1978 Page 3 ITEM U. Approve the following licenses: GARBAGE HAULERS renewals expire 3/31/79 Ace Solid Waste Management 3118 162 Lane N.W. Anoka, MN 55303 Larry's Quality Sanitation 17210 Driscoll St N.N. Anoka, MN 55303 Walters' Disposal Service 2830 101st Ave. N.E. Saline, MN 55434 GENERAL CONTRACTOR expires 6/30/78 North Central Builders new 7401 42nd Ave. N. New Hope, MN 55427 Reamer's Rubbish Removal. In P. 0. Box 306 Forest Lake, MN 55025 Suburban Pickup Service In 3800 Restwood Rd Lexington, MN 55112 Woodlake Sanitary dba: Allstate Disposal 4000 Hamel Rd Hamel, MN 55340 Councilmember Hodges questioned how soon the street sweeping would begin. Engineer Hubbard replied that it would begin about mid -week of next week. Bill Werner, 2765 Sherwood asked how long a time period would elapse before the street sweeping was completed. Engineer Hubbard replied that it would require approximately 90 hours total, or about 3 to 4 weeks. TRANSIENT MERCHANT LICENSE REQUEST OF CHESTER PUCHTEL LAUNCHING PAD PARKING LOT Mr. Puchtel stated that he has entered into an agreement with the owners of the Launching Pad and plans to set up a flea market, which would be run on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. He added that he would have some advertising and portable signs on either side of the highway, and that the Launching Pad will allow the use of their lavatories. He added that there would be constant super- vision. Mayor Pickar explained that it has been a common practice of the Council not to approve that type of application, for a transient merchant license. He added that the only exception had been last year for the Lions Club to sell cars. Mr. Puchtel pointed out that Mounds View Square was allowed to have one. Mayor Pickar replied that Mounds View Square was able to have one as they operate indoors entirely and it was the owners decision. Mr. Puchtel questioned why he would not be allowed a license if the Launching Pad owners had agreed to have him on their property. Mayor Pickar replied that the Launching Pad is licensed as a liquor establishment whereas Mounds View Square is a retail establishment and operates indoors. MSP Pickar- Ziebarth) to deny the request of Mr. Puchtel as others have been denied. 5 ayes March 27, 1978 Mayor Pickar explained that the City has allowed flea markets in the past which have gotten totally out of control and caused traffic problems, debris problems and created a nuisance for the neighbors. Mr. Puchtel replied that he had made arrangements to have the lot cleaned up. Councilmember Ziebarth pointed out that the City has a summer festival which is open to both City residents and people outside the City, and 'stated it was a one time a year operation, with parking provided off the highway, and invited Mr. Puchtel to become involved in the operation. Councilmember Rowley pointed out that the Council had received Staff's recommenda- tion that the flea market license request would not be an allowable accessory use in a B -3 District (Chapter 40.17, Subd. C). PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECT 1978 -1 CITYWIDE STORM SEWERS Mayor Pickar gave a brief history of the project, that in 1975 the heavy waters prompted the study, since it was brought into being by many citizens demanding that the City do something about their water problems. The engineering firm of Short, Elliott and Hendrickson was selected from nine firms as the firm that would best suit the particular needs and decide what type of project would best control the City's problems. Mayor Pickar explained that it took over a year for Short, Elliott and Hendrickson to complete the study and that the final report was received by the City in November 1977, at which point the Council began studying it, and then held a public hearing` on February 21, 1978 for citizen input. Mayor Pickar further explained that solutions to the problem were looked for and discussed at Council meetings and agenda sessions, and that the idea of a Task Force came into being about the same time as the citizens steering committee suggested it. Mayor Pickar stated that he would like to see a Task Force created tonight and they would have studies to make and much work ahead of them to find a solution, if Project 1978 -1 was not going to be that solution. Mayor Pickar read Resolution #889, which was to establish the citizens storm sewer advisory Task Force. MSP Pickar- Baumgartner) to adopt Resolution #889, establishing a citizens storm sewer advisory Task Force. Considerable discussion followed the motion before a vote was taken. Councilmember Rowley stated that during the past several weeks the Council had had the opportunity to read letters and talk to citizens about the project, and that the major issues seemed to the the cost of the project, who it would benefit, the effect on the environment and the amount of citizen involvement. Councilmember Rowley added that she felt the Council has a responsibility to study the issue and that she felt the Council would be responsible in setting up a Task Force, and that she did agree with the three phases outlined in the resolution, and that she felt the Task Force would solve the problem in the best manner. Page 4 March 27, 1978 Councilmember Ziebarth stated that he agreed with Councilmember Rowley's comments and that he also felt that before getting too far along on the resolution, they would have to address the issue that was before them. He added that it would be difficult for the Task Force to have input on the resolution until they understand where the Council stands on the project. He added that it would have to be treated with some degree of fairness and again stated that the Task Force should understand what the Council is talking about. Mayor Pickar replied that the intent is to take one step at a time and that they would be taking further issue other than establishing a Task Force but that that was the first thing to be done. Councilmember Ziebarth stated that he was in favor of a citizens group to study the problem and that he would like the members of the Task Force to realize that it is not a small problem and that the long range goals will require a great deal of time and effort to come up with a program to solve the problems. He added that he was encouraged by the input received from the citizens so far and that he believed they could come up with a solution. Councilmember Hodges stated that he felt the study from Short, Elliott and Hendrickson was very expensive but felt that much of the study could be utilized He pointed out that the study cost the City $37,000 so they should use whatever possible from it. He added that the City needs a good Task Force to study and utilize the plan presented by Short, Elliott and Hendrickson but stated that he would not vote for Project 1978-1 the study was recommended. Councilmember Baumgartner stated that he agreed with the concept of the citizens Task Force if they investigated the areas of concern that had been voiced both at the public hearing and Council meetings. He added that they should study the areas of construction, assessments, senior citizens, the disabled, the phase and number of years involved. Councilmember Baumgartner added that he would like to see the recommendations of the Task Force before he would say if he was for or against the project. He recommended that the Task Force tackle the problem in an unbiased manner and weigh both sides of the problem. Duane McCarthy, 8060 Long Lake Road read an open letter to the City Council from the citizens steering committee, outlining seven points they felt should be covered. Bill Werner asked that in respect to the Task Force, they do not set guidelines down too hastily since he felt the agenda and guidelines had been too rigidly set already. He added that the water problems have been around for several years so the Task Force could not be expected to solve the problems in less than six months. He also requested that the Task Force have a more open agenda to work on. Mayor Pickar replied that the resolution was written quite general and that the Council does not want to dictate but that the scheduled must be adhered to. He added that there is a sufficient amount of information to work from from the study, and that the people with water problems need an answer now, which could be implemented into the 1979 budget. Mayor Pickar stated that the recommendations from the Task Force would cover all three phases of the problem and that even once the answers are established, it would take a great deal of time to accomplish them. He added that if the Task Force could come to the City Council in August with recommendations on the short March 27, 1978 Page 6 term goals should be but need additional time for the long range goals, extra time could be granted. Ray Lang, 7435 Spring Lake Park Road asked what the status of Project 1978 -1 would be if resolution #889 was voted in. Mayor Pickar replied that he would be entering a motion that no part of Project 1978 -1 be implemented without going through the Task Force first. Mr. Lang stated that he felt Project 1978 -1 was totally unacceptable in any form and that a vote to postpone the project would be a delayed yes vote. He stated he would like to see the project totally denied tonight. Mayor Pickar replied that there was considerable discussion as to the wording of the motion and that although Project 1978 -1 was unacceptable as a whole, it did have several good parts, and that if they voted against it in its entirety, it would mean throwing the $37,000 study down the drain. Mr. Lang replied that he agreed there was valuable information in the study but that he felt there was also some misleading and inaccurate information contained in it also. He added that everything must be taken in context and that he did not want to see any aspect of Project 1978 -1. Mayor Pickar again pointed out that parts of the study were useful and that he felt it would be poor economics to through it out as a whole. Neil Loeding, 5046 Longview Drive asked why parts of Project 1978 -1 couldn't be salvaged and brought back later at a public hearing. He stated his primary concern was what the Council was committed to and that he felt a postponement did not give any assurance. He pointed out that the August 14, 1978 date for the Task Force to give their recommendation to the Council was only a few 'ays before the six month deadline and that he was concerned the Council might approve the project at that time. Mayor Pickar replied that that was not the Council's intent at all. Mr. McCarthy stated that he felt Project 1978 -1 should be buried completely and that they could go back and pick up parts later if they were needed. He added that the Council would have to get rid of Project 1978 -1 if they wanted him on the Task Force. Mr. McCarthy-also pointed out that Well 25 in the study was located under an ice skating rink so when it thawed in the Spring, the water level was much higher there then it would normally be. Mr. Lang stated that he wanted the study from Short, Elliott and Hendrickson but did not want Project 1978 -1. Mayor Pickar polled the Council members for their feelings on what to do with Project 1978 -1. Councilmember Rowley stated that she had a hard time rejecting or denying the whole project now since she was not convinced that the best thing to do was throw the project out, even though she didn't agree with the total project. She added that there were parts of the project that were good but she could understand the citizens feelings that if Project 1978 -1 was not denied by the Council, they could wake up some morning and read in the paper that it had been approved. Councilmember Rowley stated that she would like to have something for the Task Force to work from, whether they were for it or against it. March 27, 1978 Page 7 Mrs. Werner, 2765 Sherwood stated that the citizens of the City had signed petitions saying they did not want the project and that she felt the Council was sherking their responsibility if they did not reject Project 1978 -1. She stated that she felt the Council was not practicing the principles of democracy. Councilmember Ziebarth stated that he felt the project was already dead for six months but that someone could di'g it up again. He added that it would be difficult to set up a citizens committee or Task Force when the citizens did not know where the Council stood on it. He stated he would like to vote against the;project; now which would put it out of the City for six months and see what happens with the Task Force. He added that denying the project would still put pressur on the Task Force because if they do not come up with solutions, the p roject would be there to be reinstated. Councilmember ,Ziebarth stated that a no vote now would assure the citizens that nothing would happen on the project for six months. He added that the first thing to be done was to get started with the Task Force and discussions that were necessary to get a solution to the problems. Councilmember Hodges stated that he felt the Council should vote against the project and set up the Task Force. He added that I3 had read all the reports and that he felt the Task Force would be able to come up with a solution, and that the Council should deny the project at this time and work with the Task Force to find solutions. Councilmember Baumgartner stated that he agreed with Councilmember Hodge's comments and added that if they got hung up now over rejecting or tabling the project, he could understand the citizens fear of waking up and finding the, project approved some morning. He added that the citizens elected the Council and that the Council was responsive to the problems and that if the Council was not responsible, they would have passed the project a few months ago. He also asked that the citizens consider the integrity of the Council. Councilmember Baumgartner stated that he would not reject the plan unti' after hear- ing what the Task Force could offer as alternatives. He added that the citizens could rest assured that he would not vote the project in, and that the citizens would be kept informed on what was happening. He added that they were welcome to attend the City Council meetings on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. Mayor Pickar stated that he would like to withdraw his motion to adopt Resolution #889, in order to make a motion to deny the project. He stated that he did not want to hamper the Task Force if they felt they could not work without the denial of the project. Councilmember Baumgartner reported that he had a list of 30 names of people that were selected to be on the Task Force and that every person on the steering committee had been contacted but that there were 22 people other than the steering committee members who had not been heard from yet and that some of them were not against the project. Councilmember Baumgartner stated that he would not withdraw his second to the motion. A rollcall vote was taken on the motion. MSP Pickar- Baumgartner) to adopt Resolution #889, establishing a citizens storm sewer advisory Task Force. Councilmember Rowley aye Councilmember Ziebarth aye Councilmember Hodges aye Councilmember Baumgartner aye Mayor Pickar aye 5 ayes March 27, 1978 Page 8 MSP (Picker- Hodges) to deny Project 1978 -1. Councilmember Rowley nay Councilmember Ziebarth aye Councilmember Hodges aye Councilmember Baumgarnter nay Mayor Pickar aye 3 ayes 2 nays Mayor Pickar stated they would like the input from the people to help solve the water problems. Glen Dawson, 2201 Lambert stated that 25 years ago he had Peen asked by the people of the township Council to make a survey of the drainage problems and that he had made recommendations to them at that time, and that some of the problems still exist. He stated that solutions had never been arrived at Mr. Dawson stated he felt the Task Force would be a good solution since it would not cost a great deal of money, and that the Task Force would very well make the people happy and come up with what is needed. David Notaro stated that he was in favor of the project since he felt it was the only solution to the flooding problems. He added that he appreciated the Council's hearing them out and stated that he believed if the people could understand the fear they experience everytime it rains, they would have been much more understand- ing of the project. He asked that everyong remember that the water problems are not from ground water but from inadequate sewers. He added that he certainly hopes the Task Force will come up with a solution. Neil Loeding stated that while the Council made a positive decision he fel: immediate attention was needed on the development area and asked that the Council prevent unrestricted development without considering the consequences first. He added that if the Task Force is going to examine all areas of problems, development should not be allowed to take place until the Task Force could operate. He requested that a moritorium be placed on development. Mayor Pickar replied that the City had put recent requests from developers off until a decision was made on the project and that the issue is on the April 10 agenda for the Council meeting since the developers need an answer on what they can or cannot do. Chester Johnson, 7669 Knollwood Drive stated that he has a storm sewer system which he is paying for now which has never been acknowledged or maintained by the City. Engineer Hubbard replied that the City does not have sufficient equipment to clean the lines of debris or the ditches of debris and that they enter into a contract with a contractor to take care of the major problems that fit within the budget. He added that the City does not ignore the problem but that only so much is budgeted for each year. Shirley Hanson, 5231 Irondale Road stated that she had recently sold her house and had been told if the project was not denied, money would have had to be put into escrow, and thanked the Council for denying the project. Jim Allen, 7943 Greenfield questioned the validity of the Task Force and stated that a few months ago he had volunteered for a committee to keep the citizens informed of what was going on but that the committee had never gotten off the ground and that he had never been contacted. March 27, 1978 Bill Werner stated that he believed the $37,000 for the study was well spent and stated he felt it was time for the citizens to get off the Council's back. He added that he had confidence in the Task Force. Peter Sargent 2268 Knoll read a statement from the Steering Committee asking that the Task Force be kept informed of what is going on. Mrs. Helseth, 7666 Knollwood stated that she would like to make sure the Task Force is made up of citizens from all over the City. Mayor Pickar replied that the volunteers they have so far are from all over the City. Mayor Pickar read a list of people that are already confirmed to be on the Task Force and asked that anyone who objected to being on the Task Force speak up. Blanche Abbott Gordon Jerome Casey Richard Comben Willard Doty Roger Drolsum Jerome Fahrmann Chester Glisan Joseph Goebel Rodney Halvorson Milan Illig Ray Lang Rose Langenberger Neil Loeding Duane McCarty Jean Miller David Notaro Larry Catherine Roth John Rozman Peter Sargent Walter Skiba William Werner James Wills Martha Jordan Mrs. Robert Halseth Ray Lang stated that he did not reserve his decision. 8270 2563 7750 2832 3049 2409 7448 7800 8121 2629 2809 7435 2740 5046 8060 2291 2749 5108 2451 2268 7841 2765 2241 7474 7666 Spring Lk Rd Ridge Lane Greenwood Woodcrest Bronson Sherwood Spring Lk Rd Long Lk Long Lk Ridge Co Rd H Spring Lk Ardan Ave Longview Long Lk Rd Hillview Rd Ardan Ave Sunnyside Sherwood Rd Knoll Long Lk Rd Sherwood Knoll Spring Lk Rd Knollwood Dr have enough information yet so he would like to Page 9 Mayor Pickar stated that the first Task Force meeting would be Mr. Sargent stated that he did not hear 30 names of peole that the Task Force. Mayor Pickar replied that not all of them had and some that had been contacted had not confirmed it yet. Councilmember Rowley stated that the Task Force would be set up before the meeting was adjourned as they wanted to get going as soon as possible and added that after the agenda session, anyone who felt they could not serve could decline at that time. She added that she hoped the Task Force could be left open tonight so that any others who were interested could still check into it. held on April 3. were confirmed for been contacted yet March 27, 1978 Page 10 Councilmember Ziebarth stated that he had spoken to Jerry Farhman, Bill Doty, Neil Loeding and Milan Illig and that while they had not given him a positive answer, they indicated they would like to serve on the Task Force. Mayor Pickar stated that Rose Langenberger and David Notaro would also like to be on the Task Force. Mr. Sargent stated that all eight members of the Steering Committee would like to serve on the Task Force. Mayor Pickar asked if Mr. Sargent would consider heading the Task Force. Mr. Sargent replied he would. Glen Dawson stated he would also like to serve on the Task Force. Mayor Pickar stated that anyone else interested in serving on the Task Force should attend the April 3 meeting and that a notice would be put in the New Brighton Bullet -n. Councilmember Baumgartner pointed out that Resolution #889 which the Council had just passed stated that the Council will vote on the chairperson and stated that he would like to be able to vote. Mayor Pickar replied that the chairperson could be voted on at the April 10 Council meeting. Ray Lang stated that now was the time to proceed with what the Steering Committee had promised to do, and stated that they would like to work with the Council but not for it. He added that there would be a spirit of cooperation but that he was not too thrilled about being under the thumb of the Council. Mayor Pickar replied taht the Council is not trying to control the Task Force. Mr. Dawson stated he felt the Task Force must make suggestions to the Council but that the Council is the governing body and that is the way it is done legally. Mayor Pickar stated that the City Council cannot delegate authority to another body to make decisions but could delegate authority to make recommendations only. Mr. McCarthy suggested continuing the discussion at the April 3 meeting to get the ball rolling. Mayor Picker again stated that the Task Force would be meeting April 3 at 7 :30 PM at City Hall and invited anyone and everyone who was interested to attend. MSP (Pickar Ziebarth) to make the members previously mentioned by appointment to the Citizens Storm Sewer Advisory Task Force effective March 27, 1978. 5 ayes MSP (Pickar Ziebarth) to adjourn the meeting at 9:25 PM. Respectfully submitted, o) f )(1/{ 1 Mark Achen Clerk /Administrator 5 ayes