Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2013/02/11 PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting February 11, 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, February 11, 2013, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Approve the Monday, February 11, 2013, agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT None. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Dialogue with Ramsey County Commissioner Blake Huffman Ramsey County Commissioner Blake Huffman introduced himself to the Council and discussed the issues he would be addressing at a County level over the next year. He stated infrastructure funding for TCAAP was a major concern, along with bonding for I-694 and Rice Street. Further discussion ensued regarding the TCAAP development, cleanup and the formation of a Joint Development Authority. He noted input from neighboring cities will be taken throughout the TCAAP planning process. Commissioner Huffman explained he was sensitive to the property tax concerns in Mounds View and noted the appraised home values for 2014 would be sent out in March. He encouraged residents to review this information and contact the County with any concerns. Commissioner Huffman thanked the Council for their time this evening. Mounds View City Council February 11, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 2 Council Member Mueller requested further information about Commissioner Huffman’s past City government experience. Commissioner Huffman noted he had served as a Shoreview City Councilmember and chaired the Economic Development Authority. He explained Shoreview was working to recreate its commercial areas. Council Member Meehlhause questioned how the new development was brought into Shoreview. Commissioner Huffman stated a great deal of TIF was offered, along with the formation of an Economic Development Committee. Mayor Flaherty stated Mounds View was working to redevelop its commercial district along the County Road 10 corridor. He then discussed the expense of renaming the corridor in further detail and questioned if the County had any answers on why the expense went from $60,000 to $400,000. Commissioner Huffman did not understand the reason behind this change either and stated he would be willing to work with the City further in taking this matter to the State. Mayor Flaherty indicated the second issue of concern for the City was a sound wall for the Laport neighborhood across from Medtronic. He commented the noise during rush hour was becoming a concern. Commissioner Huffman stated he would investigate this matter further. Council Member Meehlhause questioned if the City would be able to plant trees or further landscape the median along the County Road 10 corridor. Commissioner Huffman stated he would discuss this matter with County staff and report back to the City. Mayor Flaherty thanked Commissioner Huffman for his attendance this evening and for addressing the City’s concerns. B. Presentation by Jerry Hromatka, President and CEO of Northwest Youth and Family Services Jerry Hromatka, Northwest Youth and Family Services, thanked the Council for their time this evening. He noted NYFS was supported by 15 municipalities along with local corporations and organizations. He provided a summary of the organization’s beginning and discussed the services provided by his organization to the City of Mounds View. He explained NYFS focused on 5-21 year olds and noted 4,500 youth, families and individuals were served on a yearly basis. He discussed the three main program areas of NYFS as being mental health services, youth development and day treatment programs. He provided comment on the importance of preparing youth for job interviews and further education. Mr. Hromatka reviewed the finances and highlights from 2012, stating corporate partnerships and social media were at the forefront. He explained NYFS recently merged with the White Bear Lake Youth Services. He stated NYFS was proposing to rename their organization to Northeast Youth and Family Services. He then thanked the Council for their continued support and looked forward to all those that would be helped in 2013. Mounds View City Council February 11, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 3 Mayor Flaherty thanked Mr. Hromatka for his attendance this evening and for addressing the mental health issues in the community as this was a growing concern. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Second Reading and Adoption 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 requested the Council adopt an Ordinance amending City Code regarding “Filing for Office” to have this section of the city charter be brought into compliance with State Statute. He then reviewed the proposed language revisions with the Council in detail. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 878, an Ordinance Amending Section 4.02, Subd. 1, of the Mounds View City Charter, Pertaining to “Filing for Office” and publish a summary. ROLL CALL: Gunn/Hull/Meehlhause/Mueller/Mayor Flaherty. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 875, an Ordinance Approving a Franchise Agreement with Xcel Energy for Natural Gas Operations in Mounds View. Finance Director Beer stated this was the Second Reading of a franchise agreement with Xcel Energy. Staff recommended the Council adopt the Ordinance approving the 20 year agreement for natural gas operations in the City of Mounds View. He noted Kennedy & Graven had reviewed and approved of the language changes. Mayor Flaherty thanked Attorney Riggs for the summary provided to the Council regarding the language changes within the franchise agreement. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To waive the Second Reading and adopt 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; and publish a summary. ROLL CALL: Gunn/Hull/Meehlhause/Mueller/Mayor Flaherty. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 876, an Ordinance Approving a Mounds View City Council February 11, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 4 Franchise Agreement with Xcel Energy for Electric Operations in Mounds View. Finance Director Beer stated this was the Second Reading of a franchise agreement with Xcel Energy. Staff recommended the Council adopt the Ordinance approving the 20 year agreement for electric operations in the City of Mounds View. He noted Kennedy & Graven had reviewed and approved of the language changes. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 876, 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, 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 purposes; and prescribing certain terms and conditions thereof; and publish a summary. ROLL CALL: Gunn/Hull/Meehlhause/Mueller/Mayor Flaherty. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 8059, Supporting Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity – Community Development Housing Organization’s Application for HOME Funds. City Administrator Ericson stated Habitat for Humanity Twin Cities was seeking support of HOME Funds to construct a new home in Mounds View. He stated a property has been identified in the City and a purchase agreement has been submitted. The City was waiting on a response at this time. He requested the Council approve the Resolution of support. Council Member Mueller questioned the location of the Habitat for Humanity home. City Administrator Ericson noted the home was located on Red Oak Drive. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8059, Supporting Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity – Community Development Housing Organization’s Application for proposed HOME Funds. Council Member Mueller thanked Mayor Flaherty for sending an outstanding letter behalf of the City. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 8060, Approving the 2013 Public Works and Parks Seasonal Positions. Mounds View City Council February 11, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 5 Assistant City Administrator Crane requested the Council approve the public works and parks seasonal positions for 2013. She discussed the Affordable Health Care Act and how this would affect seasonal employees. She explained staff would be tracking the 2013 employees on an Excel spreadsheet to assist with budgeting for 2014. She commented the 2013 budget had 5,900 hours available for seasonal employees. Staff requested the Council hire 10 seasonal employees, noting these employees would be staggered to not work more than 119 calendar days in 2013. Council Member Meehlhause asked if the 119 days included weekends. Assistant City Administrator Crane stated this was the case and that City Staff would be monitoring the seasonal employees to ensure they do not exceed 119 days of employment with the City. Council Member Mueller suggested the seasonal employees be told their last date of employment when hired. Assistant City Administrator Crane commented this would be considered by the HR Department. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8060, Approving the 2013 Public Works and Parks Seasonal Positions. Council Member Meehlhause commended Staff for planning ahead and addressing the concerns that would face the City with the Affordable Health Care Act. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA A. Resolution 8061, Amending the 2013 Budget to include Expenditures for Building Automation System Improvements at the Community Center. Mayor Flaherty requested Item A be removed from the Consent Agenda for further discussion. A. Resolution 8061, Amending the 2013 Budget to include Expenditures for Building Automation System Improvements at the Community Center. Mayor Flaherty commented this item was originally budgeted and planned for in 2012 but would now be completed in 2013. Public Works Director DeBar stated this was the case, as funds were set aside in 2012. He noted work had begun at the Community Center and would be completed shortly. Mayor Flaherty questioned where the automation system would be located. Public Works Director DeBar explained the system would be physically installed within the Community Center but would be web-based, which would allow for remote access. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8061, Amending the 2013 Budget to include Expenditures for Building Automation System Improvements at the Community Center. Mounds View City Council February 11, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 6 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/Meehlhause. 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 stated on Tuesday, February 19th the Festival in the Park Committee would be meeting at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. She encouraged all those interested in volunteering to attend. She noted on Saturday, February 23rd the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department has invited all Scouts to tour their headquarters in St. Paul from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Council Member Meehlhause indicated on Wednesday, February 13th the Mounds View Business Council would be meeting at 7:30 a.m. at the Community Center. He welcomed all businesses in Mounds View to attend. He recognized the Boys and Girls Irondale Nordic Ski Team for their continued success and wished them well in Sections. Mayor Flaherty wished everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day. B. Reports of Staff. City Administrator Ericson indicated the North Metro Home and Garden Show would be held on February 23rd from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the National Sport Center - Sport Expo Center. He noted this was a free event with a number of local vendors on hand. He stated there would be door prizes, concessions and kids’ activities. The event was sponsored by Blaine, Fridley and Mounds View. Finance Director Beer explained he and other staff members recently attended a seminar hosted by Ehlers Inc.. Public Works Director DeBar discussed a “Safe Routes to School: grant application stating the deadline was Friday, February 15th. He explained the surveying process took longer than anticipated and the grant would now be requested for work to be completed in 2014. Mounds View City Council February 11, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 7 Public Works Director DeBar stated Area F would go out for bids at the Council’s next meeting. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing to report. 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, March 4, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, February 25, 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.