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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2013/08/12PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting August 12, 2013 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:02 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, August 12, 2013, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Monday, August 12, 2013, agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT Pat McGurk 2624 Lake Court Drive, explained she sent an email to the Council on July 31st. She expressed concern with the number of cars and lack of garage space at Silver Lake Woods townhomes. This becomes a huge problem in the winter months when the streets need to be plowed. She understood that Silver Lake Woods may need to reconfigure its parking. However, she was hoping to find a solution to eliminate future damage to her car and additional parking tickets. Ms. McGurk requested the Council consider a parking variance that would allow on- street overnight parking on Mounds View Drive through the winter months. Mayor Flaherty recommended this concern be brought to the Police Department. He suggested Ms. McGurk also bring her concerns to her homeowners association. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Resolution 8135, A Resolution of Appreciation to Jean Miller for Her Years of Service with the Mounds View Planning Commission. Mounds View City Council August 12, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 2 Mayor Flaherty read a Resolution of Appreciation thanking Jean Miller for her 33 years of dedicated service volunteering on both the Mounds View Planning Commission and Charter Commission. The Council offered her a round of applause. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8135, A Resolution of Appreciation to Jean Miller for Her Years of Service with the Mounds View Planning Commission. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 8136, A Resolution of Appreciation to Holly Smith for Her Years of Service with the Mounds View Planning Commission. Mayor Flaherty read a Resolution of Appreciation thanking Holly Smith for her three years of service on the Mounds View Planning Commission. The Council offered her a round of applause. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8136, A Resolution of Appreciation to Holly Smith for Her Years of Service with the Mounds View Planning Commission. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 8137, A Resolution of Appreciation to Darren Peterson for His Years of Service with the Mounds View Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission. Mayor Flaherty read a Resolution of Appreciation thanking Darren Peterson for his seven years of service on the Mounds View Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission. The Council offered him a round of applause for his service to the community. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8137, A Resolution of Appreciation to Darren Peterson for His Years of Service with the Mounds View Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. 7:05 p.m. Public Hearing for Resolution 8132, Approving a Conditional Use Permit for an Oversize Garage at 2917 County Road H2. Planning Associate Heller stated the applicant, Peter McIntyre, is requesting approval of a conditional use permit and a variance for an oversize garage on his property at 2917 County Road H2. The applicant wants to expand his existing 840 square foot garage and make it 10 feet deeper to 30’ wide x 38’ deep. The garage the applicant is proposing would be 1,140 square feet. Mounds View City Council August 12, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 3 Planning Associate Heller explained the applicant has submitted plans for a garage larger and taller than what the City Code allows. The City limits the size of accessory buildings, whether attached or detached from the house, to a maximum of 952 square feet. Any single building larger than 952 square feet must get City approval of a conditional use permit. The applicant had also requested to be able to build the garage addition the same height as the garage currently is, which no longer meets the Zoning Code. The garage height met the Zoning Code at the time it was built, but is now considered legal non-conforming. If a structure is non-conforming, it can be maintained and repaired, but not expanded without a variance. The Planning Commission granted approval of the variance request. Associate Heller reviewed the conditional use permit and variance requirements in detail with the Council. She noted a public hearing notice was sent out for the conditional use permit. Staff received no comments either for or against the request. She explained the Planning Commission discussed this item at their August 7th meeting and unanimously recommended approval of the requested conditional use permit Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:25 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:25 p.m. Mayor Flaherty asked for further information on how the addition would be completed. Peter McIntyre, 2917 County Road H2, explained the rear wall of the garage would be removed, along with the deck and stairs to make room for the addition. Council Member Mueller thanked Mr. McIntyre for following the City’s rules and regulations for both the conditional use permit and variance. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8132, Approving a Conditional Use Permit for an Oversize Garage at 2917 County Road H2. Council Member Meehlhause commended Mr. McIntyre for the incredible improvements that he has made to his home. He fully supported the request for the oversized garage. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. 7:05 p.m. Public Hearing to Consider Ordinance 881 Continuing a Franchise Fee on Xcel Energy Electric and Natural Gas Services. Finance Director Beer stated that in January the Council approved a new franchise agreement with Xcel Energy, which extended the agreement for the next 20 years. As part of that Ordinance, a sunset provision was written in to allow the Council to review and adopt the fee percentage on a yearly basis. He recommended the Council introduce Ordinance 881, which would continue the 4% franchise fee with Xcel Energy for electric and natural gas services in Mounds View. Mounds View City Council August 12, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 4 Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:30 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:30 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 881, an Ordinance implementing a Franchise Fee on Xcel Energy Electric and Natural Gas Operations within the City of Mounds View. Mayor Flaherty questioned how the franchise fees were used by the City of Mounds View. Finance Director Beer explained 50% of the funds were directed to the general fund and 50% was used for street repair. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. 7:05 p.m. Public Hearing to Consider Ordinance 882 Continuing a Franchise Fee on Center Point Energy Natural Gas Services. Finance Director Beer stated the original franchise ordinance with Center Point Energy began in 1999 and would be renewed in 2019. It was noted Mounds View only had one customer with Center Point Energy, but to remain consistent he recommended the Council introduce Ordinance 882, which would continue the 4% franchise fee with Center Point Energy for natural gas services in Mounds View. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:33 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:33 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 882, an Ordinance implementing a Franchise Fee on Center Point Energy Natural Gas Operations within the City of Mounds View. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 8138, Approving the Hire of Craig Swalchick to the Housing/Code Enforcement Inspector Position in the Community Development Department. Assistant City Administrator Crane stated that in June, the Council authorized staff to post for the position of Housing/Code Enforcement Inspector. Staff received 27 applications and held interviews for the top ten candidates. It was the consensus of the interview panel that the Council offer the position to Craig Swalchick effective August 26, 2013. Council Member Mueller asked if the Housing/Code Enforcement Inspector position was full- time. Assistant City Administrator Crane stated this was the case. Mounds View City Council August 12, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 5 MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8138, Approving the Hire of Craig Swalchick to the Housing/Code Enforcement Inspector Position in the Community Development Department. Mayor Flaherty found this to be a great hire for the City of Mounds View as Mr. Swalchick was already extremely familiar with the City and the Code Enforcement department. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 8134 Authority to Advertise for the Public Services Officer Position (PSO) in the Police Department and Create an Eligibility List. Police Chief Kinney stated with the soon departure of Craig Swalchick to a different position within the City of Mounds View, the Police Department would be in need of a new Public Services Officer (PSO). He recommended the position be turned into a full-time position. The duties and tasks of the PSO were discussed in detail with the Council. He recommended the Council authorize the advertisement for the PSO position and that an eligibility list be created. Council Member Mueller questioned if 10 hours of the PSO officer support would still be offered to code enforcement. Police Chief Kinney indicated this could be done as there was flexibility in the position. It was his opinion there was enough work within the department to keep the new PSO officer busy 40 hours per week. Mayor Flaherty asked if the PSO could also assist the DARE Officer. Police Chief Kinney indicated the DARE officer has a multitude of special duties. He indicated the PSO could assist but was not certified to teach the DARE courses. Council Member Gunn questioned where the additional funds would come from to cover the expense of a full-time PSO. Finance Director Beer explained there would be an additional $9,000 that would be needed to pay a full-time PSO and dollars were available within the general fund. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8134, Authorizing for the Advertisement for the Public Services Officer Position (PSO) in the Police Department as a full time position and Create an Eligibility List. Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Hull) Motion carried. F. Cancel Public Hearing to Consider a Special Assessment Levy on Unpaid Sewer Repair Charges at 2508 County Road I Pending a New Hearing Date. City Administrator Ericson explained that approval of the agenda this evening was sufficient action for this item. Mounds View City Council August 12, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 6 G. Cancel Public Hearing to Consider a Special Assessment Levy on Delinquent Utility Billing Charges Due to Payment of the Charges. City Administrator Ericson explained that approval of the agenda this evening was sufficient action for this item. 8. CONSENT AGENDA A. Resolution 8133 for Renewal of Training Contract with Century College. B. Resolution 8139, Authorizing Severance for James Demko (Police Department) in Accordance with the LELS Police Officers Labor Agreement. C. Resolution 8140, Authorizing Severance for Brian Smith (Police Department) in Accordance with LELS Police Officers Labor Agreement. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. 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 A. June 24, 2013, City Council Meeting Minutes. Council Member Mueller requested a correction on Page 4, Line 20, asking that the apostrophe on the word “years” be changed. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Approve the June 24, 2013, City Council meeting minutes as corrected. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Hull discussed a newspaper article regarding the hours of operation for the City of Deephaven. He noted Deephaven has gone to a four-day work week as a cost savings measure. He questioned if the Council was interested in considering this model. Mayor Flaherty stated in the past the Council has found it necessary to provide its residents service at City Hall five days a week. Mounds View City Council August 12, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 7 Council Member Mueller indicated she recently remodeled her home and found it beneficial to have a building inspector at her home for an inspection on a Friday. For this reason, she was in favor of keeping City Staff on a five-day work week. Council Member Meehlhause agreed. Council Member Gunn recalled discussing this item in the past, and did not feel it was necessary for the City to consider at this time. Council Member Hull agreed. Council Member Gunn highlighted the recent School Talk magazine and articles that affected the City of Mounds View residents. She commented the accolades and awards given to the teachers and students in Mounds View show everyone that the City has an excellent school district. Council Member Mueller commented Festival in the Park would take place this Saturday, August 17, 2013 along with the 7th Annual Car Show. She reviewed the schedule of events and invited all to attend this wonderful event. Mayor Flaherty stated National Night Out was held on August 6, 2013. He enjoyed riding with Police Chief Kinney, noting they were able to visit six different events. Mayor Flaherty noted the final Music in the Park event would be held on August 15th at 6:30 p.m. and would feature Triose. The invited all to attend this free event that would be held at Mounds View City Hall Park. B. Reports of Staff. City Administrator Ericson commented he toured the TCAAP property last week with Council Member Gunn. He stated only two buildings remain on the property. He indicated subsurface work would begin in the near future. He noted 85% of the material salvaged from the TCAAP buildings has been recycled. City Administrator Ericson stated he would be attending an Airports Commission meeting on Wednesday. He explained the EDC would be meeting on Friday morning. The group would be discussing the redevelopment of the newly purchased properties along Highway 10. City Administrator Ericson reviewed the proposed items for the August 26th meeting agenda. 1. Finance Quarterly Report. Finance Director Beer reviewed the second quarter financial report with the Council. He explained the North Suburban Hospital District wanted the City of Mounds View to issue Mounds View City Council August 12, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 8 conduit debt in the amount of $1.5 to $2 million dollars. It was noted the City would receive a 1% fee for the issuance. The Council supported the conduit financing. Finance Director Beer discussed the expenses and revenues through the second quarter in detail with respect to the 2013 budget. He noted the Community Center had a $20,000 deficit at this time, which was related to a prepayment of third quarter management fees. The street improvement fund balance was reviewed, along with the street light, water and sewer funds. Staff noted interest rates were extremely low at this time and he did not anticipate any inflation over the next six months. Mayor Flaherty thanked Finance Director Beer for his report this evening. 2. Police Department Quarterly Report. Police Chief Kinney discussed the second quarter report from the Police Department. He reviewed crime statistics with the Council, noting court citations and arrests in 2013 were reduced. He explained this was due to the change or flux in staffing earlier this year. It was noted theft and fraud were the top reported crimes in the City. Police Chief Kinney indicated the alcohol and tobacco compliance checks were completed in the second quarter. He was pleased that 100% compliance was achieved for both checks for the businesses in the City. He then discussed the activities of the school officer and the efforts of the Towards Zero Death Campaign. Police Chief Kinney explained newly hired Officer Brian Schultes has completed his field training and was now on his own. He provided comment on the activities that took place during National Police Week. He noted several officers took part in the Special Olympics Torch Run in June. He reported the department has recently implemented an electronic citation system, which would greatly improve the flow of paperwork. Mayor Flaherty thanked Police Chief Kinney for his report this evening. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 12. Next Council Work Session: TUESDAY, September 3, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, August 26, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. Mounds View City Council August 12, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 9 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.