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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2013/01/14PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting January 14, 2013 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:00 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Flaherty, Gunn, Hull, Meehlhause, Mueller NOT PRESENT: None. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, January 14, 2013, City Council Agenda. City Administrator Ericson clarified Item 8B was approving Resolution 8042. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Monday, January 14, 2013, agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT None. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS None. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing to Consider the Revocation of the “Tires and More” Conditional Use Permit. City Administrator Ericson stated that Tires and More received a conditional use permit in August of last year, which was conditioned upon having a sprinkler system installed by December 5, 2012. This has since occurred and the site was in compliance. Staff recommended the Council take no further action on this item. Mounds View City Council January 14, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 2 Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:03 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:03 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To take no further action and consider the matter closed for Tires and More as the site was in compliance. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. First Reading and Introduction of Ordinance 877, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 405 of the Mounds View City Code to Increase the Size of the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission from Seven to Nine Members. Assistant City Administrator Crane requested the Council consider amending City Code to increase the size of the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission from seven members to nine. Staff recommended the Council discuss the amendment, waive the first reading and introduce Ordinance 877. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Mueller. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 877, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 405 of the Mounds View City Code to Increase the Size of the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission from Seven to Nine Members. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 8043, Selection of the City’s Official Newspaper. Assistant City Administrator Crane explained she received bids from the Sun Focus, Shoreview Press and The Bulletin, each with the ability to serve as the City’s official newspaper as required by State Statute for legal publications. She reviewed the circulation numbers for each vendor in detail, explaining the Sun Focus and The Bulletin has very similar circulation numbers. Staff recommended the Council select either the Sun Focus or The Bulletin to be the City’s official newspaper for 2013, with the Pioneer Press as a second option. Council Member Mueller requested further information on the pricing. Assistant City Administrator Crane reviewed this information further stating Lillie Suburban was slightly less expensive but did not offer enough coverage in the City of Mounds View. Mayor Flaherty questioned how many households there were in Mounds View. City Administrator Ericson indicated the City had approximately 5,000 households. Council Member Meehlhause was in favor of selecting the Sun Focus as this publication more greatly supported the City of Mounds View and its events. Mayor Flaherty agreed and requested the Sun Focus be encouraged to reach out to the additional Mounds View City Council January 14, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 3 households in Mounds View through their publication. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8043, Selection of the City’s Official Newspaper. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Consider Outreach Transportation Services, LLC, Office Space Lease at Mounds View Community Center. Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz stated that the Mounds View Community Center has office space available for lease. The space available at this time was approximately 1,330 square feet. She explained Outreach Transportation Services was interested in leasing 330 square feet, which would be for two small offices. She discussed the business operation in detail noting the company would offer rides to community members in wheel chairs. Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz commented the proposed lease would be for one year at a rate of $275 per month. The proposed client, Mike Thompson, was a Mounds View resident and he has requested the lease be extended for three additional years at the same lease terms. Staff has not made this recommendation, but the request was being made to Council by the applicant. She stated Mr. Thompson was willing to pay six months in advance for lease and internet fees and he has completed all necessary background checks. Staff recommended the Council proceed with the office lease as the Mounds View Community Center. Council Member Gunn asked if Mr. Thompson had any plans to expand the business. Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz indicated one employee would be hired to assist with driving. Council Member Gunn questioned if any vehicles would be stored at the Community Center. Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz commented Mr. Thompson would not be storing his transportation vehicles on City property, but would park them in his driveway overnight. Council Member Hull inquired how the lease rate was determined. Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz explained that the $10 per square foot rate was divided out over 12 months, which created the $275 per month rate. Council Member Mueller requested the lease agreement have a yearly renewal option as this would ensure that all proof of insurance requirements was met on a yearly basis. Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz commented Staff could add this requirement to the lease. Council Member Mueller was excited about the opportunities that this unique service would provide to the community. She thought it was a perfect use for the office space at the Community Center. Mayor Flaherty asked who governed or regulated this business. Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz was uncertain but thought this would be the State or the Department of Mounds View City Council January 14, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 4 Transportation. She commented she would investigate this further and report back to the Council. Council Member Meehlhause supported the lease agreement but recommended the rent rates be increased over the next four years to account for increasing utility expenses. He suggested an inflationary value be added into the rental rate to assure the City’s expenses were being covered by the rental rate. Mayor Flaherty supported an inflator being added to the lease as well. He suggested the Council proceed with a one year lease. Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz indicated Mr. Thompson has also requested that the office space be allowed to be accessed from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. seven days a week, including holidays. Staff did not find this to be an unreasonable request in order for him to operate his business. Mayor Flaherty supported this request. Council Member Gunn understood the daycare had a multiple year lease. She inquired if the daycare paid its own utilities. City Administrator Ericson indicated the daycare had a base rent, plus separate charges for utilities and common area maintenance fees. Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz indicated their lease was unique because they used the kitchen space to prepare food for the children at the daycare. Council Member Gunn supported the one year lease and recommended it be reviewed at the end of one year. Council Member Mueller expressed concern with the termination of the lease language and asked if the tenant had the ability to terminate. Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz reviewed the default clause language with the Council. She noted she would have the City Attorney review this further. The Council directed Staff to proceed with a one-year lease with Outreach Transportation Services, LLC. with the lease beginning January 15, 2013. E. Resolution 8041, Accepting Miscellaneous Cash Donations for 2012. Finance Director Beer stated by State Statute the Council had to accept all cash donations by Resolution. He appreciated each donation made to the City and reviewed several in detail with the Council. He recommended the Council approve Resolution 8041 accepting miscellaneous donations totaling $8,034.05 for 2012. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8041, Accepting Miscellaneous Cash Donations for 2012. Mounds View City Council January 14, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 5 Mayor Flaherty thanked each generous donor for making a donation to the City of Mounds View. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. F. Resolution 8046, Approving Transfers Between Funds for 2012. Finance Director Beer explained at year end several transfers were required for TIF District and EDA funds. He recommended the Council approve the recommended transfers between funds for 2012. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8046, Approving Transfers Between Funds for 2012. Council Member Mueller asked if these transfers would be posted on the City’s website. Finance Director Beer commented this information would be included with the 2012 budget. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA Council Member Meehlhause asked to remove Item 8B for discussion. Council Member Gunn removed Item 8A for further discussion. A. Resolution 8044, Approving the 2012 Pay Equity Report. B. Resolution 8042, Authorizing a Garbage Contract for City Buildings. C. Resolution 8045, Appointing Gary Stevenson as Chairperson and Paul Schiltgen as Vice-Chairperson to the Planning and Zoning Commission. D. Set a Public Hearing for 7:00 p.m., January 28, 2012, to Consider the First Reading of Ordinance 878 Amending Section 4.02 of the Mounds View City Charter Relating to “Filing for Office”. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Consent Agenda as amended removing Items 8A and 8B. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. A. Resolution 8044, Approving the 2012 Pay Equity Report. Council Member Gunn requested further information on the pay equity report. Assistant City Administrator Crane stated this report had to be completed every three years and studied the disparities between male and female dominated positions along with their pay. She noted the City had a passing grade for its pay equity report and explained the report was an unfunded mandate. Mounds View City Council January 14, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 6 Mayor Flaherty asked how the report was drafted. Finance Director Beer indicated the report was generated through web-based software created by the State of Minnesota. Assistant City Administrator Crane commented she would be submitting the report on January 15, 2013. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8044, Approving the 2012 Pay Equity Report. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 8042, Authorizing a Garbage Contract for City Buildings. Council Member Meehlhause asked who the present garbage contractor was for City Buildings. Finance Director Beer stated Advanced Disposal provided the City with garbage disposal services at this time for a cost of $980 per month. He commented the new vendor would provide a savings of approximately $500 over the next three years. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8042, Authorizing a Garbage Contract for City Buildings. Mayor Flaherty questioned the name of the new garbage contractor. Finance Director Beer stated these services would be provided by Walter’s. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS Finance Director Beer answered the Council's questions related to claims. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES None. 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Mueller reported she recently received a letter from the City indicating her water meter reader needed replacement. She was asked to schedule an appointment with the public works department for this replacement. She discussed the experience in detail stating it was a simple process and encouraged all homeowners to follow through and have their meter readers. Mounds View City Council January 14, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 7 Council Member Mueller indicated she was seeking volunteers for the Festival in the Park Committee and would be meeting again on January 15th in the Conference Room at City Hall at 7:00 p.m. She encouraged those interested to contact City Hall. Council Member Mueller discussed the Community Tupperware Party, which was held on Sunday, January 13th stating it was a huge success. She explained that the party raised approximately $150 for the City’s K9 unit. She noted spring and fall events were being planned to assist with offsetting expenses. Council Member Mueller stated the Ramsey County League of Local Government was meeting again on January 24th at the Best Western in St. Paul at 6:30 p.m. She encouraged the entire Council to attend this networking event. Council Member Meehlhause noted he attended a MnDOT meeting with City Administrator Ericson on January 8th. He provided comment on upcoming projects in the City of Mounds View. The I-35W/694/Victoria Street project would be completed in 2013. In addition, the intersection of County Road 96 and Highway 10 would have all traffic lights removed this year. He noted 694 West would be down to one or two lanes this summer to complete a bonded concrete overlay on the surface. Council Member Meehlhause stated in 2014 the bridge for County Road 96 would be completed. In addition, the County Road H bridge over 35W would be replaced in 2015. Mayor Flaherty stated a resident attended the January 7th Council meeting with concerns about the level of truck traffic on Quincy Avenue. He explained City Staff has contacted the businesses in this area to deter truck traffic from using Quincy Avenue and discussed the proper truck route. He noted MnDOT was also contacted to see if “No Truck Traffic” signage could be posted. The issue was also discussed with the Police Department. B. Reports of Staff. City Administrator Ericson noted he had been in contact with Representative Yarusso and Senator Scalze. Both would be in attendance at the January 28th meeting to introduce themselves to the Council. City Administrator Ericson indicated he attended the Charter Commission meeting where they discussed Chapter 8. The group would like to have a joint meeting with the Council in February or March. He noted the Commission requested a public hearing for January 28, 2013 to consider amending Section 4.02 of the City Charter. City Administrator Ericson commented Code Enforcement Officer Anderson would be investigating a nuisance problem with the Star Tribune for the delivery of some newspapers in the community. Mounds View City Council January 14, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 8 City Administrator Ericson explained on Friday, January 11, 2013 the City had a stolen car event in the City. He commented K9 Officer Niko was brought in for the case and assisted in apprehending both suspects involved. 1. Discuss Draft of the Council/Staff Retreat Agenda City Administrator Ericson reviewed the draft Council/Staff Retreat agenda with the Council. He indicated the retreat would be held on Tuesday, February 5th. He noted updates would be given on all that was completed in 2012 while discussing potential goals and priorities for 2013. Mayor Flaherty supported the agenda as submitted. He questioned if the meeting should be moved to Random Park due to the fact the Lambert Park Shelter doubled as a warming house. City Administrator Ericson requested the Council provide direction on how to proceed. The Council requested the retreat location be switched to Random Park to avoid any conflicts. Council Member Gunn stated Senator Al Franken visited Irondale High School last Friday where he discussed the college program with staff. Mayor Flaherty requested a report from the school district on the Irondale college and Edgewood school programs later this spring. Council Member Meehlhause requested the Council invite the two new Ramsey County Commissioners to an upcoming Council meeting. C. Reports of City Attorney. There was nothing to report. 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, February 4, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, January 28, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:32 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.