Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2013/01/28PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting January 28, 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 28, 2013, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Monday, January 28, 2013, agenda as revised striking Item 6C from the Agenda. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT Michael Thompson, owner of Outreach Transportation Services, LLC, stated he appreciated the Council’s consideration of his lease in the Community Center building. He described his potential business in detail explaining there was a real need for private transportation of the elderly and disabled. He looked forward to working in the City of Mounds View. Mayor Flaherty wished Mr. Thompson well in his new venture in the City and thought this would meet a growing need in the community. Torri Johnson, 7730 Long Lake Road, explained that on January 11th her son’s car was stolen from the parking lot of a local business in Mounds View. She commented the car was locked but none the less stolen, and was retrieved the following morning. She discussed the poor interaction she had with the Mounds View Police Department and encouraged them to improve their customer service and to be more vigilant to reduce the amount of theft in the City of Mounds View. Mounds View City Council January 28, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 2 Mayor Flaherty apologized for the negative experience of the Police Department and noted he would pass along Ms. Johnson’s concerns to the Police Chief. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Resolution 8056, a Resolution of Appreciation for Torri Johnson for her Years of Service on the Economic Development Commission (EDC). Mayor Flaherty read a Resolution of Appreciation for Torri Johnson and thanked her for her many years of service on the Economic Development Commission. Those present offered a round of applause. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8056, a Resolution of Appreciation for Torri Johnson for her Years of Service on the Economic Development Commission (EDC). Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 8051, a Resolution of Appreciation for Keith Cramblit for his Years of Service with the Planning Commission. Mayor Flaherty read a Resolution of Appreciation for Keith Cramblit and thanked him for his many years of service on the Planning Commission. Those present offered a round of applause. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8051, a Resolution of Appreciation for Keith Cramblit for his Years of Service with the Planning Commission. Council Members Meehlhause and Mueller thanked Commissioner Cramblit for his outstanding service to the City of Mounds View on the Planning Commission. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 8052, a Resolution of Appreciation for Gary Meehlhause for his Years of Service with the Planning Commission. This item was removed from the agenda. D. Resolution 8053, a Resolution of Appreciation for Robin Marion for his Years of Service with the Police Civil Service Commission. Mayor Flaherty read a Resolution of Appreciation for Robin Marion in full recognizing him for his many years of service on the Police Civil Service Commission. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8053, a Resolution of Appreciation for Robin Marion for his Years of Service with the Police Civil Mounds View City Council January 28, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 3 Service Commission. Council Member Mueller indicated Robin Marion has also served as the K-9 fundraising chair. She thanked him for this service to the community as well. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 8054, a Resolution of Appreciation for Todd Lang for his Years of Service with the Streets and Utilities Advisory Commission. Mayor Flaherty read a Resolution of Appreciation for Todd Lange recognizing him for his many years of service on the Streets and Utilities Advisory Commission. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8054, a Resolution of Appreciation for Todd Lang for his Years of Service with the Streets and Utilities Advisory Commission. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. F. Resolution 8055, a Resolution of Appreciation for Sean Walther for his Years of Service with the Streets and Utilities Advisory Commission. Mayor Flaherty read a Resolution of Appreciation for Sean Walther recognizing him for his many years of service on the Streets and Utilities Advisory Commission. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8055, a Resolution of Appreciation for Sean Walther for his Years of Service with the Streets and Utilities Advisory Commission. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. G. Dialogue with Senator Bev Scalze and Representative Barb Yarusso. Senator Bev Scalze thanked the Council for inviting her to attend this evening’s meeting and stated she looked forward to representing Mounds View in 2013. She discussed the size of her district stating she began her public service in the City of Little Canada. She discussed the committees she serves on in detail. Senator Scalze commented the healthcare issue would be a hot topic in 2013, along with a bill she authored to provide data privacy on all emails received by public officials. She indicated she and Representative Yarusso would be holding a Town Hall meeting at the Shoreview City Hall on February 9th at 9:00 a.m. She encouraged all to attend. Representative Barb Yarusso noted she represented Mounds View, Arden Hills, northern Shoreview, and a small portion of Spring Lake Park. She stated this was her first time in elected Mounds View City Council January 28, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 4 office and looked forward to the coming year. Her background was in teaching and tutoring. She discussed her committee assignments in further detail with the Council. Representative Yarusso explained the TCAAP property was at the geographic center of her district and the development of this site would affect proposed legislation in 2013. She noted she has proposed an infrastructure bill to finance some of the roadway improvement around TCAAP. She commented this would be a multi-year project to set funds aside for several years to complete the necessary roadway improvements. Mayor Flaherty stated the City of Mounds View was very passionate about having a sound wall within the Laport Meadows neighborhood, directly across from the Medtronic buildings. He knows this has been discussed for the past 10 years with MnDOT, but this has not been a priority. He requested that this be reconsidered again by the State. Mayor Flaherty explained a second concern for the City was that no expansion be allowed at the Anoka County airport. He stated this would be both a safety and noise concern. He commented the Blaine, Circle Pines, Fridley, and Centerville all supported the City on this issue. Council Member Mueller encouraged Representative Yarusso and Senator Scalze to work together in the coming session for the betterment Mounds View and the State of Minnesota. Senator Scalze commented that the bills she has proposed had bi-partisan support and she indicated the biggest concern for 2013 was to balance the budget. She indicated the Senators and Representatives would have to come together to address this issue. Council Member Meehlhause requested further information on anticipated Local Government Aid and Market Homestead Credits. Representative Yarusso understood that the unpredictability of these funds affected local governments greatly. Senator Scalze discussed LGA in detail stating the Democrats have proposed reinstating LGA. However, she did not see an increase in these funds and was in favor of adjusting the current formula. Mayor Flaherty thanked them both for their time this evening and for the report presented to the Council. He invited them to return at the end of the session for another report. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing to Consider the First Reading and Introduction of Ordinance 875, an Ordinance Approving a Franchise Agreement with Xcel Energy for Natural Gas Operations in Mounds View. Finance Director Beer stated that this Public Hearing was opened by the Council on December 10th. He reviewed the language revisions in the Franchise Agreement with Xcel Energy for natural gas operations in Mounds View for the next 20 years. Staff recommended the Council introduce Ordinance 875. Mounds View City Council January 28, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 5 Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:55 p.m. Council Member Meehlhause asked if the City ever had any problem receiving payment of the franchise fee from Xcel. Finance Director Beer indicated this has never been an issue in the past. He commented half of the payment was placed in the General Fund and the other half was placed in the Street Improvement Fund. Council Member Hull questioned if every City received a franchise fee. City Attorney Riggs explained the franchise fee was received only by approximately 40 cities in the metro area and was a discretionary decision of the City Council. Mayor Flaherty questioned how much the agreement had changed. City Attorney Riggs reported the agreement changed very little. He discussed the minor language amendments with the Council noting the agreement was consistent with State Statute. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 875, an Ordinance granting to Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota Corporation, dba Xcel Energy, its successors and Assigns, a Franchise to construct, operate, repair and maintain in the City of Mounds View, Minnesota, the necessary gas pipes, mains and appurtenances for the transmission or distribution of gas to the City and its inhabitants and others and transmitting gas into and through the City and to use the public grounds and public ways of the City for such purposes; and prescribing certain terms and conditions thereof. Mayor Flaherty indicated the franchise fee was put into place 20 years ago to provide a boost of funding to the City. He commented the sunset clause provided an out, but has not been removed. However, the fees were used wisely by the City to assist with street improvements while also providing assistance in keeping the levies low. He recommended the fees remain in place as is. City Administrator Ericson indicated the franchise fees were already approved by the Council and this evening the Council was introducing an ordinance approving the franchise agreement. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing to Consider the First Reading and Introduction of Ordinance 876, an Ordinance Approving a Franchise Agreement with Xcel Energy for Electric Operations in Mounds View. Finance Director Beer stated that this Public Hearing was opened by the Council on December 10th. He reviewed the minor language revisions in the Franchise Agreement with Xcel Energy for electric operations in Mounds View for the next 20 years. Staff recommended the Council introduce Ordinance 876. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 8:05 p.m. Mounds View City Council January 28, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 6 City Attorney Riggs noted the language revisions were minimal and were made to ensure the franchise agreement was in compliance with State Statute. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 876, an Ordinance granting to Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota Corporation, dba Xcel Energy, its successors and assigns, a franchise to construct, operator, repair and maintain in the City of Mounds View, Minnesota, an electric distribution system and transmission lines, including necessary poles, lines, fixtures and appurtenances, for the transmission or distribution of electric energy to the City and its inhabitants and others and to use the public grounds and public ways of the City for such purpose; and prescribing certain terms and conditions thereof. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing to Consider the First Reading and Introduction of Ordinance 878, an Ordinance Amending Section 4.02, Subd. 1, of the Mounds View City Charter Pertaining to “Filing for Office.” City Administrator Ericson stated that last year Staff requested the Charter Commission review Section 4.02 of City Code as it was not consistent with State law. This was reviewed by the Charter Commission at their January 29th meeting. The Charter Commission recommended the Council adopt the proposed language change. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 8:10 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 8:10 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 878, an Ordinance Amending Section 4.02, Subd. 1, of the Mounds View City Charter Pertaining to “Filing for Office.” Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Second Reading and Adoption 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. (ROLL CALL VOTE) Assistant City Administrator Crane commented the Council directed Staff to increase the size of the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Commission from seven members to nine. She noted the first reading of Ordinance 877 was held on January 14th. Staff recommended the Council waive the Second Reading and adopt the Ordinance as presented. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Mueller. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 877, Amending Chapter 405 of the Mounds View City Code to Increase the Size of the Parks, Mounds View City Council January 28, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 7 Recreation and Forestry Commission from Seven to Nine Members and publish an Ordinance summary. ROLL CALL: Gunn/Hull/Meehlhause/Mueller/ Flaherty. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 8050, Appointing Daniel Larson to the Streets and Utilities Advisory Committee. Assistant City Administrator Crane stated that the Streets and Utilities Committee had two vacant seats at this time. She recommended the Council appoint Daniel Larson to one of these vacancies with a term to expire on December 31, 2015. Mayor Flaherty asked how Mr. Larson learned of the open position on the Streets and Utilities Advisory Committee. Assistant City Administrator Crane commented Mr. Larson was encouraged to apply for the position by another member of the community. Mayor Flaherty noted there was still one more vacant seat on the Streets and Utilities Advisory Commission, the Parks Committee and the Charter Commission. He suggested those interested in volunteering for any of these positions to contact City Hall for further information. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8050, Appointing Daniel Larson to the Streets and Utilities Advisory Committee. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. F. Resolution 8049, Approving Revisions to the Housing and Code Enforcement Inspector/Fire Marshal Job Description and Authorizing a Wage and Step Assignment for Jeremiah Anderson. City Administrator Ericson stated that in May of 2012 the Council authorized additional job duties to the Housing and Code Enforcement, which included him serving as the Fire Marshal. At that time, a 5% pay increase was approved. Over the past six months this position has been evaluated and Staff recommended that the Council approve amend the combined job description and authorize a wage and step assignment for Jeremiah Anderson. Council Member Meehlhause asked if Mr. Anderson meets the minimum qualifications within the job description. City Administrator Ericson stated this was the case. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8049, Approving Authorizing a Wage and Step Reassignment, Hay Point Revision and Amendment to the Job Description of Housing/Code Enforcement Inspector to include duties of Fire Marshal. Council Member Mueller thanked Jeremiah Anderson for his outstanding contributions and Mounds View City Council January 28, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 8 dedication to the City of Mounds View. Mayor Flaherty agreed stating Jeremiah Anderson was doing a wonderful job for the City. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA Council Member Hull asked to remove Item A. A. Resolution 8047, Authorization to Repair Damaged Police Squad Cars. B. Resolution 8048, Approving Outreach Transportation Services, LLC, Office Space Lease at Mounds View Community Center. C. Resolution 8057, Accepting Work for 2012 Reroofing of Community Center and Water Treatment Plant No. 1, Project and Authorizing Final Payment to Rosenquist Construction, Inc. D. Resolution 8058, Accepting Work for 2012 Water Tower Reconstruction Project and Authorizing Final Payment to Odland Protective Coatings, Inc. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Approve the Consent Agenda as amended removing Item 8A. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. A. Resolution 8047, Authorization to Repair Damaged Police Squad Cars. Council Member Hull commented two squad cars were involved in a recent accident. He asked if the City would be pursuing the offenders’ insurance company to assist with this expense. City Administrator Ericson explained this was being pursued by Staff. Finance Director Beer requested the Council adjust the budget to accommodate the recommended repairs. Mayor Flaherty questioned where funds would be taken to cover this expense. Finance Director Beer commented this would be taken from the fund balance. Council Member Mueller noted the roads were icy the night of these accidents. She asked if the Police Chief would consider a driving skills refresher with his officers. Finance Director Beer understood that this was completed by the department on a yearly basis. City Administrator Ericson commented he had spoken with the Chief and there would be some discussions on driving safety to prevent future occurrences. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8047, Authorization to Repair Damaged Police Squad Cars and adjust the budget as recommended by Staff. Mounds View City Council January 28, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 9 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 A. December 10, 2012, City Council Meeting Minutes. Council Member Hull requested a correction on Page 3, Line 43 noting Steven Menard’s name should be corrected. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the December 10, 2013, City Council meeting minutes as corrected. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. January 7, 2013, Special City Council Meeting Minutes. Council Member Mueller requested a correction on Page 3, Line 14, and Line 25 the Mounds View Business Council needed correction. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Approve the January 7, 2013, Special City Council meeting minutes as corrected. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Mueller stated last week the Festival in the Park Committee met and the K-9 Fundraising Committee has been incorporated into this group. She explained that volunteers were needed for both committees. She noted the Festival in the Park Committee would meet again on February 19th at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. She thanked the residents for helping to raise $201 at the recent Tupperware Party held at the Community Center on January 13th. She noted the next event would be a Family Fun Run for residents to run with their dog in May. Council Member Mueller provided comment on the 911 Ramsey County Dispatch meeting she attended last Thursday. It was noted Ramsey County would be hiring 11 new employees while also upgrading their software. City Administrator Ericson added that the 911 Dispatch Mounds View City Council January 28, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 10 Committee commended Council Member Mueller’s participation and commitment to this committee. Council Member Mueller indicated the League of Minnesota Cities Conference would be held on February 1-2, 2013. She noted the Minnesota Women in City Government would have a display at the event. Council Member Meehlhause thanked Finance Director Beer for his assistance before meetings and answering his many questions. He also thanked Public Works Director DeBar for providing him with a tour of public works facility. Mayor Flaherty stated last Wednesday he attended a meeting for the North Metro Mayors Association and the keynote speaker was Tom Bakk. He then noted the signage for Highway 10 was discussed and Staff requested a price breakdown from MnDOT. B. Reports of Staff. City Administrator Ericson indicated the Ramsey County League of Local Government met last Thursday. The group discussed the Governor’s budget, how LGA would be affected, and the impacts this would have on a local level. He noted the legislators are aware of the need for stability and consistency going forward. He indicated the new Ramsey County Commissioners were invited to attend a Council Meeting in February. City Administrator Ericson noted the Council received a copy of the Ramsey County League of Local Government Handbook with information on all municipalities, school districts, and public organizations within the County. City Administrator Ericson stated at the last Council meeting Staff discussed complaints received from residents regarding the distribution of Twin Cities Values. He explained the Star Tribune responded to Staff stating residents could opt out of the receiving the Twin Cities Values circulars from the Star Tribune or request a newspaper tube be added to their mailbox. He encouraged residents to contact the Star Tribune by phone at 612-673-7305 or by email at ctv@startribune.com if a change was required. Council Member Mueller indicated she had a circular tube on her mailbox and the Twin Cities Values delivery was made to her driveway. City Administrator Ericson noted this information would be passed along to Star Tribune. City Administrator Ericson explained the Park and Recreation Commission met last week and discussed the Bethlehem Baptist Church donation. He anticipated a recommendation would be made and be brought to the Council in the next month. City Administrator Ericson discussed the proposed work session items for next week. The Council suggested green/sustainable initiatives be reviewed for the new public works facility. Mounds View City Council January 28, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 11 City Administrator Ericson noted the County Road 10 corridor would be discussed at the upcoming work session meeting. He questioned what information Staff should prepare for this discussion. Mayor Flaherty indicated the Council had specific questions on what the City could place in the medians along this corridor for beautification purposes. Finance Director Beer stated the City’s financial audit would begin Thursday and Friday of this week. Public Works Director DeBar commented much of the hard wood floor at the Community Center was able to be dried out and only the original portion was removed and replaced. He reported the antennas were being put back on the City’s water tower. He stated he would be attending an Engineering conference at the end of this week. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs noted his monthly memorandum. 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, February 4, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, February 11, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:19 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.