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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2013/02/25PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting February 25, 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 25, 2013, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Approve the Monday, February 25, 2013, agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT Nick Super, 8111 Eastwood Road, commented he was awarded the Outstanding Service to Youth by Northwest Youth and Family Services this past month. He indicated he was honored for his service as the drum major at Irondale High School and the help he provides with the youth baseball program and at his church. He was very humbled by the award and noted he would be attending University of Wisconsin Stout next year. The Council offered Mr. Super a round of applause. Mayor Flaherty thanked Mr. Super for his service to the community. Council Member Gunn stated it was an honor to be commending a youth in Mounds View for his service to the community. Council Member Mueller appreciated Mr. Super’s volunteer activities and wished him well in his future studies. She encouraged him to consider public administration as a career. Mounds View City Council February 25, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 2 Council Member Meehlhause congratulated Mr. Super on his award and wished him all the best in the future. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Dialogue with Ramsey County Commissioner Mary Jo McGuire Mary Jo McGuire, Ramsey County Commissioner, thanked the Council for their time this evening. She discussed her background noting she was a lifelong resident of Ramsey County. She explained she has a Master’s in Public Administration and had served for 16 years in the legislature as a State Representative. Commissioner McGuire commented she currently represents Precinct 4 in Mounds View, Little Canada, New Brighton, Lauderdale, Roseville and a portion of St. Anthony Village on the County Board. She reviewed her major concerns were public safety along with health and human services. She then described the numerous committees and boards she served on in detail. Commissioner McGuire understood the concerns with the renaming of County Road 10. She was excited that the City was working to reestablish this corridor. The TCAAP redevelopment was then discussed. She explained she was looking forward to serving as a Ramsey County Commissioner and would assist in bringing the issues within the City of Mounds View to the County. Mayor Flaherty requested the County consider a sound wall in the Laport neighborhood. He commented this neighborhood has been greatly affected by the increased traffic through the community. He stated this matter has been brought to the legislature in the past. Beautification of the County Road 10 corridor was discussed in detail and Mayor Flaherty hoped the County was willing to partner with the City in this effort. He explained the City has spoken with, county Engineer, Jim Tolaas regarding this matter as well. Commissioner McGuire stated the County would be willing to work with the City to improve the quality of life along this corridor. Council Member Meehlhause commented the expansion of the Anoka County Airport was a concern for Mounds View as the take off and landings affected the City’s residents. Council Member Mueller stated she looked forward to working with Commission McGuire in the future. She encouraged the County to consider a sales tax break for businesses, which would assist with growing the economy along with keeping local businesses viable. Mayor Flaherty thanked Commissioner McGuire for her time this evening. B. Presentation by Nate Danielson, Community Program Director, MVCC Mounds View City Council February 25, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 3 Nate Danielson, Community Program Director at the Mounds Vice Community Center, presented the Council with a summary of the services provided at the Community Center in 2012. It was noted that youth participation grew by 50% last summer. He stated there were 250 Mounds View residents that participated in the Music in the Park events. It was noted there were 216 events, weddings and meetings in the event center last year. He explained 179 youth took swimming lessons at the Y and over 60 men, women and children took part in the 5K last year. Mr. Danielson indicated there was an increase of youth participating in t-ball, softball and soccer with over 300 children in the program last year. He commented the Outreach Program, which was funded partially by Bethlehem Baptist Church, provided an afterschool program for youth at the Community Center. He discussed the budget in detail noting $20,000 was reimbursed to the City. Mr. Danielson provided comment on the plans for 2013 noting there would be a new summer teen program with a teen center opening tonight. In addition, the Y would be looking into expanding Senior Programming, while also focusing on arts and humanities youth programming. Mayor Flaherty was pleased that the Y was focusing on providing structured services for youth in the community. Council Member Mueller commended Mr. Danielson and his entire team for their dedication to the community and the services provided by the YMCA. She stated the Y represented the community very well. She explained the Y was now offering on Monday and Thursdays a free low impact aerobics class available to seniors. Council Member Mueller then requested further information on how the Y would be assisting with Festival in the Park for 2013. Mr. Danielson commented the 5K would take place again, and the dance team would participate in the parade. In addition, a table for the event center may be placed in the park. Mayor Flaherty thanked Mr. Danielson for his report and for the great work he does on behalf of the entire community. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Resolution 8062, Approving a Step/Wage Adjustments for Police Sergeant Timothy Wolf, Police Officer Nathan Garland, and Public Works Supervisor Don Peterson. Assistant City Administrator Crane stated that Sergeant Timothy Wolf and Police Officer Nathan Garland were current employees with the Mounds View Police Department and both were rated satisfactory in a recent performance evaluation. In addition, Public Works Supervisor Don Peterson had his performance evaluated by Public Works Director DeBar and was also rated satisfactory. Staff recommends a step wage adjustment for each City employee. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8062, Mounds View City Council February 25, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 4 Approving a Step/Wage Adjustments for Police Sergeant Timothy Wolf, Police Officer Nathan Garland, and Public Works Supervisor Don Peterson. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 8063, Approving Severance for Officer Andrew Olson of the Mounds View Police Department. Assistant City Administrator Crane stated Officer Andrew Olson submitted his resignation and his last day of employment with the Mounds View Police Department was February 10, 2013. She recommended the Council approve the severance as provided by Staff. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8063, Approving Severance for Officer Andrew Olson of the Mounds View Police Department. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 8064, Approving Severance for Nick Fleischhacker of the Mounds View Public Works Department. Assistant City Administrator Crane stated Nick Fleischhacker submitted his resignation and his last day of employment with the Mounds View Public Works Department was February 20, 2013. She recommended the Council approve the severance outlines in the staff report. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8064, Approving Severance for Nick Fleischhacker of the Mounds View Public Works Department. Council Member Mueller wished Nick Fleischhacker the best in his new position stating he would be dearly missed by the City of Mounds View. Mayor Flaherty agreed. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 8065, Authorizing the Preparation of a Compensation Study Performed by Springsted, Inc. City Administrator Ericson explained that in 2008 Springsted was authorized to complete a compensation study on behalf of the City along with analyzing job classifications. At that time, some inconsistencies in pay were found and adjustments were proposed to bring employee pay into proper alignment. However, due to revenue shortfalls, not all implementations have been made by the City. City Administrator Ericson explained that Staff was now recommending an update to the compensation study be completed by Springsted. He noted Staff would be assisting Springsted with the study, which would take approximately eight weeks. Mounds View City Council February 25, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 5 Council Member Hull asked what benefit the study would have to the residents of Mounds View. City Administrator Ericson commented the City had wonderful employees and without a fair pay structure, the City would have a hard time retaining these employees. He explained the hiring and training process cost the City a great deal. For this reason, it was important to compensate the City’s current employees fairly. Council Member Meehlhause questioned which communities would be used for comparison purposes by Springsted. City Administrator Ericson recalled that Arden Hills, North St. Paul, Little Canada, Vadnais Heights, and Hopkins, among others, would be used for comparison. Each of these communities was similar in type and size to Mounds View. Council Member Mueller inquired if Springsted would be able to properly evaluate the unique staffing positions within the City of Mounds View. City Administrator Ericson stated the position analysis questionnaires were completed five years ago and the City’s job descriptions have not changed much since that time. Those that have altered slightly have already been analyzed by Springsted. Mayor Flaherty thought it was important to update the City’s compensation information and he supported the updated Springsted study. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8065, Authorizing the Preparation of a Compensation Study Performed by Springsted, Inc. Council Member Hull stated the City was moving in the right direction and employee retention was crucial. Mayor Flaherty agreed stating Mounds View had high quality employees. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 8066, Approving a Revised Position Description and Authorizing Advertisement for Rehiring a Maintenance Worker (Stormwater) in the Public Works Department. Public Works Director DeBar stated Nick Fleischhacker resigned his position with the City, which has left a vacancy in the Public Works Department. He discussed the responsibilities of the Public Works Department maintenance worker (stormwater) in detail. Staff requested the Council approve a revised position description for the rehiring of a maintenance worker (stormwater) in the Public Works Department. It was noted the job description would be posted internally for five days and would then be posted externally. Council Member Mueller asked how this job description would be posted externally. Public Works Director DeBar indicated in the past the openings have been posted on the League of Minnesota Cities website, in addition to the City’s webpage. Mounds View City Council February 25, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 6 Council Member Mueller suggested the posting be sent to local tech schools with water treatment program. Council Member Meehlhause questioned how the position was being covered at this time. Public Works Director DeBar commented the stormwater position was being covered by current public works staff at this time. However, this could not continue through the summer months. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8066, Approving a Revised Position Description and Authorizing Advertisement for Rehiring a Maintenance Worker (Stormwater) in the Public Works Department. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. F. Resolution 8067, Approving Bidding Documents and Authorizing Advertisement for Bids for 2013 Street and Utility Improvement Project – Area F. Public Works Director DeBar explained the 2013 Street and Utility Improvement Project was Area F, which consisted of three miles of City roadway. He noted there were two non- standard/MSA streets. He explained that Staff has held numerous neighborhood meetings for the upcoming project. He described the work that would be completed on the streets and utilities Area F at length. It was noted the Police Department parking lot has been added into the project. He indicated that a Rice Creek Watershed permit and MnDOT approval was necessary prior to beginning the project. Staff requested the Council approve the prepared bidding documents and authorize advertisement for bids for the project. Council Member Meehlhause questioned if the $3 million included the Greenfield parking lot. Public Works Director DeBar stated this was included and was estimated to cost $57,000. He then discussed the replacement of the Police Department parking lot noting the expense for this lot would be $95,000. He explained the Public Works parking lot was running out of space for impounded vehicles. It was noted the new parking lot would be fenced and enlarged to allow the police department to manage the impounded vehicles. Council Member Mueller inquired why a chain link fence was being requested. Public Works Director DeBar commented this was the most cost effective secure fencing and was also maintenance free. Council Member Mueller recommended the fencing be landscaped as the property abutted a City park. Mayor Flaherty agreed with this suggestion. Council Member Hull asked if any trees would be lost with the fencing. Public Works Director DeBar stated several ash trees may be lost, but the City would work to save as many as possible. Council Member Meehlhause questioned if the City would be present at the Rice Creek Watershed meeting. Public Works Director DeBar stated he has been in communication with Mounds View City Council February 25, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 7 Rice Creek Watershed throughout the planning process. He stated he has attended meetings in the past. Council Member Mueller inquired if the engineering portion of the infiltration basins had been completed. Public Works Director DeBar stated there were 94 proposed infiltration basins in Area F, and that only 71 would be constructed. Mayor Flaherty asked the projected completion date for Area F. Christina Mlejnek, Stantec, anticipated this project would be completed in October of 2013. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8067, Approving Bidding Documents and Authorizing Advertisement for Bids for 2013 Street and Utility Improvement Project – Area F. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA None. 9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS Finance Director Beer answered the Council's questions related to claims. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. January 14, 2013, City Council Meeting Minutes. Council Member Mueller requested a correction on Page 3, Line 34 the letter “s” should be removed in front of the square foot rate. Council Member Meehlhause asked for a correction on Page 3, Line 25, noting the word “the” should be removed from Council Member Gunn’s comment. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Approve the January 14, 2013, City Council meeting minutes as corrected. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. January 28, 2013, City Council Meeting Minutes. Mounds View City Council February 25, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 8 MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Approve the January 28, 2013, City Council meeting minutes as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Gunn congratulated the Irondale Girls Hockey Team for making it to the State Tournament. Council Member Meehlhause commended the Irondale Girls Hockey Team as well stating the team had an exciting season this year. He then discussed the Irondale Nordic Ski Team. He noted he would be attending a MnDOT meeting at Arden Hills and would report back. Council Member Mueller thanked Council Member Gunn for inviting Nick Super to this evening’s meeting. She appreciated hearing about his award and service to the community. Mayor Flaherty encouraged all homeowners to take part in the Home Safety Challenge. He explained the program was being put on by the fire department and allowed for homes to be properly inspected for fire risks. B. Reports of Staff. 1. Finance Department Annual Report Finance Director Beer reviewed the 4th quarter financial report with the Council. He stated the annual audit would begin next week. He noted the City had a surplus in the General Fund due to the fact the City ended up receiving $232,000 in LGA. Mayor Flaherty questioned how the Police Department parking lot would be covered in 2013 as this was not a budgeted expense. Finance Director Beer indicated the Street Improvement Fund had enough funds to cover this expense and may not require a budget adjustment. Finance Director Beer provided comment on the fund balances from 2012. He discussed the levy reduction fund was currently at $6.2 million. He noted there were unexpected repairs and maintenance needed at the Community Center last year, which created a $121,000 deficit for last year. Finance Director Beer explained TIF District #1 would be decertified in 2013 and TIF Districts #2 and #3 would be decertified in 2014 and 2015. The only remaining TIF District would be #5 for the MedTronic property. Mounds View City Council February 25, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 9 Finance Director Beer discussed the water, sewer, storm sewer and light fund balances with the Council. He noted a small rate increase to the light fund was proposed to cover the current deficit. He commented a water rate increase would be proposed for 2014. Finance Director Beer indicated Staff was looking to update its general ledger program. The new program would allow for online services in addition to more human resources options. He has budgeted $50,000 for this expense, which included employee training. It was noted the upgrade would not take place for two years. Council Member Mueller asked if the Finance Department has had correspondence from Ramsey County regarding increased costs for the 911 system. Finance Director Beer stated he has not seen an increase from the County. Mayor Flaherty thanked Finance Director Beer for his report this evening. 2. Police Department Annual Report Police Chief Kinney reviewed the Police Department’s annual report with the Council. He discussed highlights from 2012 noting the arrest numbers have increased for both adults and children. He attributed this to the increase in traffic enforcement and traffic stops. He commented the Police Department has seen an increase in “Permits to Purchase” firearms. Police Chief Kinney discussed the “Towards Zero Death” initiative. He noted DWI, speed, seat belt and distracted driving issues were all addressed through saturation events. He explained the Mounds View Police Department hosted an event at the Community Center last October, which was well attended by officers from Ramsey County. Police Chief Kinney described the work completed by the Crime Prevention/DARE Officer. He then provided comment on the great success of the K9 program. He stated Officer Erickson has done numerous demonstrations in the past year, along with 48 deployments with K9 Officer Niko since June 1st. He thanked the Council for supporting the K9 program. Police Chief Kinney indicated the police department launched its own Facebook page to increase awareness in the community. He stated several officers participated in the Climb for a Cure and the Law Enforcement Torch Run. He explained that 13 students participated and graduated from the Fire Arm Safety program. Mayor Flaherty thanked Police Chief Kinney for discussing the work completed by the DARE officer. He found this work to be extremely valuable. Council Member Gunn requested further information on the new smartphone Amber Alerts. Police Chief Kinney discussed the new alerts system stating this was being offered through FEMA and was evolving over time. Mounds View City Council February 25, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 10 Council Member Mueller asked where the range training was held for gun safety classes. Police Chief Kinney stated the Spring Lake Park gun range was used for the last session. Council Member Meehlhause thanked Police Chief Kinney for his report this evening. He then commended Sergeant Bob Nelson on his 28 years of service to the City of Mounds View. 3. Review Council Priorities for 2013 City Administrator Ericson discussed the recent Council/Staff/Manager retreat on February 5th. He stated the priorities for 2013 were prioritized and one main area of focus would be County Road 10. He read each of the priorities and stated he would bring this list back to the Council for approval on March 11th. The Council thanked Staff for reviewing the list. Council Member Meehlhause suggested one additional bullet point being to work with Ramsey County on the corridor name change. City Administrator Ericson noted the mission and vision statement were revised as recommended by the Council. City Administrator Ericson explained he had provided the Council with an updated foreclosure and vacant property listing. He was pleased with the number of properties recently sold stating there were only 54 properties on the list at this time. City Administrator Ericson indicated he attended a MnDOT Managed Lane Study in Blaine on February 19th. He stated expansion and transit plans for 35W were discussed and the feedback was generally positive. City Administrator Ericson commented last week he attended a management conference and the economic forecast for Minnesota was discussed. He noted the economy was not anticipated to grow much in the coming year. He explained the aging work force was also mentioned, along with the need for a skilled labor force in the future. City Administrator Ericson discussed the proposed agenda items planned for the March 4th worksession meeting. City Administrator Ericson stated the Home and Garden Show was held last weekend at the National Sports Center Expo Center. This proved to be a great venue and it was estimated that 13% of the attendees were from Mounds View. He stated he received much positive feedback from Staff on the event. Public Works Director DeBar discussed the repairs being made at County Road I in detail with the Council. He then noted a letter would be sent to Dave Shoop regarding truck traffic along Quincy Street. Mounds View City Council February 25, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 11 Council Member Mueller thanked Staff for providing the Council with a draft letter regarding the truck traffic. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, March 4, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, March 11, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.