HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2013/11/25PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL 1
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW 2
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA 3
4
Regular Meeting 5
November 25, 2013 6
Mounds View City Hall 7
2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 8
7:00 P.M. 9
10
11
1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 12
13
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 14
15
3. ROLL CALL: Flaherty, Gunn, Hull, Meehlhause, Mueller 16
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NOT PRESENT: None. 18
19
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 20
A. Monday, November 25, 2013, City Council Agenda. 21
22
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Approve the Monday, November 25, 2013, agenda as 23
presented. 24
25
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 26
27
5. PUBLIC INPUT 28
29
None. 30
31
6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 32
33
None. 34
35
7. COUNCIL BUSINESS 36
A. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing, Resolution 8172 Approving the 2014 Fee Schedule. 37
38
Assistant City Administrator Crane reviewed the 2014 Fee Schedule with the Council. She 39
requested the Council hold a public hearing and recommended approval. 40
41
City Administrator Ericson reviewed the proposed rental rates for the Community Center. 42
43
Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:03 p.m. 44
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Mounds View City Council November 25, 2013
Regular Meeting Page 2
Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:03 p.m. 1
2
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8172 3
Approving the 2014 Fee Schedule. 4
5
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6
7
B. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing to Receive Public Input and Pass Upon Resolution 8
8173, Adopting a Special Assessment Levy for Unpaid Private Sewer Service 9
Repairs at 2508 County Road I. 10
11
Finance Director Beer recommended the Council take public comments and approve a 12
Resolution that would adopt a special assessment levy for unpaid private sewer service repairs at 13
2508 County Road I. He explained the repairs at this property were completed in February of 14
2013. He reported City Codes states that each property owner shall be responsible for 15
maintaining an unobstructed sewer line from the building located on the premises to the sewer 16
main. In addition, each property owner shall be responsible for all repairs on said line from the 17
building to the sewer main. 18
19
Finance Director Beer reported that a public hearing notice was sent to the property owner as 20
required by statute and was published in the Sun Focus on November 7th. He stated the property 21
owner has the option of paying the amount due by November 25th, to avoid interest. The 22
property owner has not made a payment to the City. For this reason, staff was recommending the 23
Council hold a public hearing, take comments and adopt a special assessment levy for the unpaid 24
private sewer service repairs at 2508 County Road I. 25
26
Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:08 p.m. 27
28
Kevin Staunton, speaking on behalf of Rajiv Garg, the owner of Woodlawn Apartments, noting 29
his client objected to the City’s assessment on the property. He encouraged the City to rethink 30
the current sewer service policy. He recognized the City had the authority to divide 31
responsibility on utility lines between property owners and the City. 32
33
Mr. Staunton discussed the history of the sewer line break problems at the Woodlawn 34
Apartments. He noted there had been several problems with the utility lines at this property and 35
Mr. Garg had paid the past assessments. However, the event that took place on February 14th of 36
2013 was different. He explained the water line to a duplex across the street broke which then 37
triggered problems with Woodlawn Apartments sewer line. Repairs were made to the sewer 38
service line after calls were made to the City. 39
40
Mr. Staunton indicated the damage to the sewer lines was caused by the water problems at the 41
duplex and were not normal wear and tear. The damage was out of Mr. Garg’s control and for 42
that reason, he should not be held responsible. He then discussed the configuration of the sewer 43
line, noting the duplex across the street was tied into the lateral rise or stack. He explained that 44
the bulk of the damage was caused at the rise or stack. This damage was not exclusively carrying 45
Mounds View City Council November 25, 2013
Regular Meeting Page 3
the sewage from 2508 County Road I, but rather, was being shared with the property across the 1
street, and for this reason, the expense should be shared. 2
3
Mr. Staunton reported the amount to be assessed for the February 2013 problems was over 4
$50,000. Additional costs for paving the road could bring this amount over $60,000. He 5
reported the water line break in 2011 was approximately $5,000 and the 2012 sewer line break 6
expense was $13,000. Woodlawn Apartments bore the expense for each of these incidents. He 7
requested the Council reconsider the proposed assessment as it was much more extensive and 8
involved a neighboring property. 9
10
Mayor Flaherty thanked Mr. Staunton for his comments. 11
12
Tim Roche, Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce, stated he was present to represent the 13
Mounds View Business Community. He was contacted by Mr. Garg regarding the assessment 14
matter. He reported the Chamber of Commerce was reviewing the City Codes for each of its 15
seven member communities regarding utility lines and would be coming back to the City of 16
Mounds View at a future date. 17
18
Rajiv Garg, property owner of Woodlawn Apartments at 2508 County Road I, explained he had 19
no jurisdiction over County roads. In addition, he did not have access or expertise to excavators. 20
It was his opinion that the work was not done correctly the first time, and he was therefore, being 21
over assessed for the completion of the sewer work. Mr. Garg encouraged the Council to 22
reconsider the City Code regarding sewer and water lines, while also reconsidering his 23
assessment. 24
25
City Attorney Riggs stated City staff met with Mr. Garg and Mr. Staunton regarding these issues 26
last Friday. At that meeting, Mr. Garg submitted an objection to the assessment. 27
28
Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:21 p.m. 29
30
Mayor Flaherty requested comment from staff on the sewer line break. Public Works Director 31
DeBar explained there was a water service line break to Mr. Garg’s property in November of 32
2011. The City pinpointed the location and a City contractor was used to dig up and correct the 33
water line break. The cause of the water line break was on Woodlawn Terraces property. He 34
stated the City made the repair and Mr. Garg paid the assessment. 35
36
Public Works Director DeBar commented the next event took place in November of 2012, when 37
a sewer repair was completed. He reported on February 14, 2013 the water service line for the 38
duplex across the street from Woodlawn Terrace was sheered. He reported this water line was 39
not City property, but fell under the City’s repair program because it was a duplex. 40
41
Public Works Director DeBar reported the location of the broken water line was five to seven 42
feet from the previously repaired Woodlawn Terrace sewer line. Therefore, the sewer pipe was 43
compromised by the water line break. This led to another repair for the Woodlawn Terrace 44
sewer line to clear the sand from the line. 45
Mounds View City Council November 25, 2013
Regular Meeting Page 4
1
Public Works Director DeBar indicated the City received a call from Woodlawn Terrace on 2
February 16th stating that the sewer lines were backed up again. He spoke with Mr. Garg stating 3
this was a private sewer system and that City funds could not be used to repair the problem. 4
There was a discussion regarding the water line concerns at the duplex and how this could have 5
compromised the apartment complexes sewer lines. 6
7
Public Works Director DeBar made it clear that if the City were to bring in a contractor to 8
complete the work, that Mr. Garg would be responsible for the expense. Mr. Garg gave him the 9
okay to proceed. This led staff to inspect the stack, the rise, and the pipes. It was found that an 10
entire pipe had been compromised and was no longer plumb. He discussed at length the depth of 11
the repairs needed, along with the time that it took, stating the road needed to be closed in order 12
to complete the necessary repairs. He reported the pipe was now completely airtight. 13
14
Mayor Flaherty questioned if the road was patched after the November 2011 repair. Public 15
Works Director DeBar explained an asphalt patch was placed on the road; however the County 16
prefers to have the patches completed with concrete. He reported a permanent concrete patch 17
was never completed. Mr. Garg commented he was not made aware that this was an issue. 18
19
Mayor Flaherty asked if the 2012 sewer repair was inspected by the City. Public Works Director 20
DeBar stated the City inspected sewer lines and signed off on the work. 21
22
Mayor Flaherty questioned how the Woodlawn Terrace sewer line was compromised in February 23
of 2013 due to the water line break at the duplex across the street. Public Works Director DeBar 24
stated the sewer lines were no longer properly aligned and the sand around the lines had been 25
displaced. He commented the water line break was only five to seven feet from the Woodlawn 26
sewer line. He indicated the repairs were made by a contractor. 27
28
Mayor Flaherty questioned if the City allowed any excavator to rip open the streets to make 29
sewer and water repairs for private systems. Public Works Director DeBar reported all 30
contractors would have to be licensed and bonded with the City. He stated right-of-way permits 31
were needed from Ramsey County and a call would have to be made to the City of Mounds 32
View. 33
34
Council Member Hull asked if the sewer line joints were inspected in November of 2012. Public 35
Works Director DeBar indicated the joints were inspected and found to be okay. 36
37
Mayor Flaherty requested information from staff as to Mr. Garg’s objection to the assessment. 38
City Attorney Riggs stated Mr. Garg did not agree with the assessment, which he had the right to 39
do. If the Council were to proceed with the assessment, Mr. Garg may pursue the matter further. 40
41
Mayor Flaherty discussed the point made by Mr. Staunton in that the sewer lines were working 42
fine until the water line break for the duplex across the street. However, at this time, the City 43
was not prepared to fact find on if the sewer lines were damaged through the repair work. 44
45
Mounds View City Council November 25, 2013
Regular Meeting Page 5
Mr. Staunton responded by stating the 14 foot lateral rise pipe took the brunt of the damage and 1
was serving two properties. He did not understand why Mr. Garg was being held responsible for 2
the entire expense, when the line served multiple properties. 3
4
Mayor Flaherty questioned if it was common for adjacent properties to share lateral rises. Public 5
Works Director DeBar stated this was not comment, but did happen on occasion throughout the 6
City. He reported the main sewer pipe at this location was 25 feet down and the duplex must 7
have connected into the lateral rise that services the Woodlawn Terrace property. He stated the 8
City had no record of an agreement between the two properties. 9
10
Mr. Staunton commented City Code was very clear on tapping into lateral rises stating that a 11
permit must be approved from the City and the work was to be supervised. This was to assure 12
there was segregation. However, in this case the lines were co-mingled, which would make it 13
difficult to assign responsibility. 14
15
Council Member Gunn asked who would be responsible for the concrete patch on County Road I. 16
Public Works Director DeBar stated after the first fix in November of 2011, the property owner 17
(Mr. Garg) was responsible for replacing the roadway. Mr. Garg commented he was not made 18
aware of this fact by the City. 19
20
Council Member Gunn questioned when the current City Code was put in place regarding the 21
sharing of lateral sewer lines. City Attorney Riggs reported this would be difficult to determine 22
as dates for previous Ordinances have been lost. He noted this portion of code has been in place 23
for quite some time. 24
25
Mayor Flaherty indicated the item before the Council for consideration was whether or not to 26
assess the expense of the sewer line repairs. He noted that both parties met last Friday to discuss 27
the matter and could not reach a compromise. He reported that Mr. Garg would have the right to 28
file an objection with the courts. 29
30
Mr. Staunton mentioned that the amount being assessed was a large sum of money and it was Mr. 31
Garg’s position that he should not be responsible for 100% of the expense due to the 32
circumstances surrounding the repair. 33
34
Council Member Mueller inquired if the assessment were approved if a precedence would be set 35
for this case. City Attorney Riggs advised that this was a unique situation and it was his opinion 36
that precedence would not be set in this case. 37
38
Council Member Gunn asked the property owner who should be responsible for the assessment. 39
Mr. Garg recommended the assessment expense be split between the duplex owner and the City 40
because of the shared stack. He did not feel it was fair to assess him in excess of $50,000 when 41
the adjacent properties water line caused the problem in the first place. 42
43
Finance Director Beer clarified that City’s Code allowed for water lines to be fixed at the City’s 44
expense for single family residential homes up to four-plexes. However, it was noted that sewer 45
Mounds View City Council November 25, 2013
Regular Meeting Page 6
lines were always the responsibility of the property owner and were never covered by the City. 1
2
Council Member Gunn inquired if the City was aware that the lateral rise at this property was 3
shared. Public Works Director DeBar commented the City did not know that the rise was shared 4
until work began in February of 2013. He anticipated that the City could share in a portion of the 5
concrete roadway patch expense due to the fact the water line repair was necessary. He 6
explained that the sewer repair required the City to dig down 20 feet, which made the repair quite 7
larger than originally anticipated. He estimated the concrete patch would cost $25,000 and 8
would require the roadway to be shut down. 9
10
Mr. Garg stated at the meeting held two days after the water line break he was told specifically 11
that he would not have to cover the expense of the concrete road repair. 12
13
Public Works Director DeBar reported that City staff was not aware of the extent of the repairs 14
that were needed. He indicated that City staff worked all through the night in order to clear the 15
sand and correct the problem. He stated he did not recall stating Mr. Garg would not be 16
responsible for the road repair. 17
18
Mayor Flaherty encouraged the parties to reach a compromise. He questioned how the proposed 19
Resolution would be impacted if it were approved by Council and the parties reached a 20
compromise in the near future. City Attorney Riggs advised that the Resolution could be 21
amended in the next 30 days before being filed with the County and placed on the 2014 property 22
taxes. 23
24
Mr. Staunton stated if the assessment were appealed by the property owner the assessment would 25
not be placed on the 2014 taxes. 26
27
Council Member Mueller was unaware how far apart the parties were from reaching a 28
compromise. She asked if it was reasonable to assume the parties could reach a compromise 29
within the next 90 days in order to avoid a court case. City Attorney Riggs stated the parties 30
were approximately $25,000 apart at this time. He reported that by approving the Resolution, the 31
assessment amount would be forwarded to the County and would be certified in 30 days. This 32
action would create a timeframe for further discussions between the City and the property owner. 33
If a compromise was not reached, an appeal would then be made by the property owner. He 34
reported the Council could defer action in hopes of resolving the issue with Mr. Garg, as there 35
would be litigation expenses for both parties if the matter were to go to court. 36
37
Mayor Flaherty preferred that the Council take action and that the two parties continue 38
discussions and work to reach a compromise in the next 30 days. 39
40
Mr. Garg stated he was more than willing to negotiate the matter further with the City. He 41
reported he would be leaving the country on December 15th for a family vacation. 42
43
Council Member Mueller thanked staff for the thorough reports provided this evening. She 44
expressed concern with forcing the property owner to litigate the matter and wanted to see a spirit 45
Mounds View City Council November 25, 2013
Regular Meeting Page 7
of compromise pursued instead. She recommended the parties be given another 90 days to reach 1
an agreement that accommodates Mr. Garg and his family vacation. She understood that the City 2
would be losing a portion of interest, but did not see that this should be the determining factor. 3
She thought the City would be better served to reach a compromise than to drive Mr. Garg into 4
litigation. 5
6
Council Member Gunn suggested that the parties be allowed 60 days to reach a compromise. 7
8
Council Member Meehlhause preferred to see the City and Mr. Garg reach a compromise as well. 9
He asked if the matter could be determined by an arbitrator. City Attorney Riggs stated a 10
mediator may be more applicable than an arbitrator. He further discussed the unique 11
circumstances behind this case. 12
13
Mayor Flaherty questioned how the Council wanted to proceed with the Resolution. City 14
Attorney Riggs stated a motion could be made to postpone action on the Resolution for 60 days 15
in order to allow time for the parties to reach a compromise. He explained he would report back 16
to the Council if a compromise was reached prior to the 60 days. 17
18
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Postpone Action on Resolution 8173 to the February 10, 19
2014 City Council Meeting allowing the two parties additional time to reach a compromise. 20
21
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 22
23
C. 7:05 p.m. Public Hearing for the Second Reading of Ordinance 884, 24
Amending Chapter 1008 about Signs. 25
26
City Administrator Ericson requested the Council review the Second Reading of Ordinance 884 27
amending Chapter 1008 regarding signs. He explained the Planning Commission reviewed this 28
matter and recommended changes be made to sign height and location. He reported a public 29
hearing notice was sent to all business owners in Mounds View. He reviewed several responses 30
that were received from the business community. Staff recommended the Council hold a public 31
hearing for the proposed Ordinance amendments, noting the Ordinance would be adopted at the 32
December 9, 2013, City Council meeting. 33
34
Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 8:27 p.m. 35
36
Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 8:27 p.m. 37
38
Council Member Mueller commented she has attended the Mounds View Business Council 39
meetings over the past several years and she commended staff for bringing forward the proposed 40
Ordinance amendment. 41
42
D. Resolution 8176, for Approval to Hire Samantha Drewry as the Public 43
Service Officer. 44
45
Mounds View City Council November 25, 2013
Regular Meeting Page 8
Police Chief Kinney recommended the Council approve the hire of Samantha Drewry as the 1
Mounds View Public Service Officer. He explained the position was currently vacant and Ms. 2
Drewry would be responsible for code enforcement and animal issues on a full-time basis. A 3
successful background check was completed on Ms. Drewry. He requested the Council approve 4
the hire effective December 2, 2013. 5
6
Council Member Meehlhause requested background information on Ms. Drewry. Police Chief 7
Kinney explained Samantha Drewry had a bachelor’s degree from Winona State with a degree in 8
Tourism and Recreation and had seasonal work experience with the DNR. 9
10
Council Member Mueller asked if the public service officer was a sworn peace officer. Police 11
Chief Kinney indicated that the Public Service Officer was a civil position and was not governed 12
by post certification regulations. 13
14
Mayor Flaherty questioned if the Resolution should be amended to state the Public Service 15
Officer was a full time position. Finance Director Beer commented the Council had budgeted for 16
a full-time PSO in 2014. City Administrator Ericson indicated the Council could amend the 17
Resolution to provide clarification on the full-time employment status. 18
19
MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8176, for 20
Approval to Hire Samantha Drewry as the full-time Public Service Officer. 21
22
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 23
24
E. Resolution 8179, Approving Cost of Living/Insurance Adjustment 25
Contribution for Non-Union Employees. 26
27
Assistant City Administrator Crane requested the Council approve the cost of living and 28
insurance adjustment contribution for non-union employees in accordance with the 2014 budget 29
at 2%. 30
31
Council Member Mueller supported the Resolution. 32
33
Council Member Meehlhause asked if the proposed increases matched the increases for the union 34
employees. Assistant City Administrator Crane stated the union contracts were not finalized at 35
this point. 36
37
Council Member Meehlhause questioned how many non-union employees the City had. 38
Assistant City Administrator Crane stated there were 18 non-union City employees. 39
40
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8179, 41
Approving Cost of Living/Insurance Adjustment Contribution for Non-Union Employees. 42
43
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 44
45
Mounds View City Council November 25, 2013
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F. Resolution 8180, Considering Stormwater Infiltration Program (SIP) 1
Appeals in Area G of the Street and Utility Improvement Program. 2
3
Public Works Director DeBar stated that Area G of the Street Program was in the final design 4
phase. He discussed the Stormwater Infiltration Program (SIP) that was being followed to 5
address the City’s stormwater requirements. He commented the City identified 52 candidates 6
within Area G for infiltration basins. It was noted this number may decrease as the plans are 7
finalized. 8
9
Public Works Director DeBar reported the City received six appeals to the proposed infiltration 10
basins and two have since been eliminated from the plans. This left four appeals to be 11
considered by the City. The first appeal was submitted by Abraham Eapen and Renie Abraham 12
at 8305 Sunnyside Road. The owners are alleging there is high ground water on the site with 13
non-permeable soils. He discussed a recent soil boring indicating the water table was 8½ feet 14
below the surface, and noted the soil was sand and silt, which would not be an issue. The 15
property owners were also concerned with the level of water runoff from adjacent properties. He 16
commented the new roadway would be crowned to ensure that the water does not run across the 17
street. Staff recommended the Council deny this appeal. 18
19
Public Works Director DeBar presented the next appeal, submitted by Sharon Goodroad, located 20
at 2581 Arden Avenue. The property owner appealed based on spacing and based on the fact the 21
required maintenance of the basin would not be possible given her age. Public Works Director 22
DeBar explained it was not uncommon for SIP’s to be located across the street from one another 23
due to the fact the roadway would be crowned. Public Works Director DeBar stated the basin 24
required no more maintenance than mowing the grass. For this reason, staff recommended 25
denying this appeal. 26
27
Public Works Director DeBar explained the next appeal, submitted by Randy Heltzer, located at 28
8180 Eastwood Road. The property owner was appealing based on the fact a pine tree at the end 29
of the block may be affected. Public Works Director DeBar reported the basin would be smaller 30
in size, so as not to impact the entire boulevard and would be more aesthetically pleasing. Public 31
Works Director DeBar stated the property owner objected to the spacing and questioned the 32
safety of the basin near the fire hydrant. He commented there were no safety concerns with 33
locating a basin near a fire hydrant and for this reason, staff recommended the appeal be denied. 34
35
Council Member Mueller stated snow removal around a fire hydrant was wise through the winter 36
months. She encouraged Mr. Heltzer to reconsider his position and encouraged him to keep the 37
fire hydrant on his property clear and free of snow in the winter. 38
39
Public Works Director DeBar indicated the final appeal was submitted by David and Sarah Hunt 40
of 8310 Eastwood Road. The property owners thought they had high ground water due to the 41
level of activity of their sump pump after small rain events. He reported a nearby soil boring 42
shows the ground water was 7½ feet from the surface. Another concern was the safety of the 43
water collected in the basin and how this would affect their children. He explained the catch 44
basin was only six inches deep and the water collected drained away quickly. The last concern of 45
Mounds View City Council November 25, 2013
Regular Meeting Page 10
the property owners was maintenance of the catch basin. He reviewed the minimal maintenance 1
required for the catch basin and recommended the appeal be denied. 2
3
Council Member Mueller questioned if the property owners were made aware that the catch 4
basins could be filled with plants to reduce the maintenance concerns. Public Works Director 5
DeBar explained he provided each of the homeowners with an informational sheet that included 6
the planting information. This was also discussed at the public information meeting. 7
8
Council Member Mueller asked if additional basins could be placed along Arden Avenue. Public 9
Works Director DeBar stated the high grade of this roadway would preclude catch basins from 10
this location. The catch basins would also be difficult to maintain in this location. 11
12
Council Member Meehlhause noted Mr. and Mrs. Hunt were the only homeowners that attended 13
the Street Committee meeting last Monday. He explained that the Hunts were new to the City 14
and had little knowledge of the street improvement program. It was his impression that the 15
Hunt’s were pleased with the answers provided by staff at the meeting. 16
17
Finance Director Beer reported that the infiltration basins were put in place to alleviate the need 18
for costly storm sewer repairs in the future. Mayor Flaherty thanked staff for this information. 19
20
MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8180, 21
Considering Stormwater Infiltration Program (SIP) Appeals in Area G of the Street and Utility 22
Improvement Program. 23
24
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 25
26
8. CONSENT AGENDA 27
A. Resolution 8174, Adopting the 2014 SCORE Recycling Grant Request to 28
Ramsey County. 29
B. Resolution 8175, Approving Severance for Heidi Steinmetz, Economic 30
Development Specialist. 31
C. Resolution 8181, Approving a Consultant Services Agreement with the 32
Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation for Housing Resource Center 33
Services in 2014. 34
35
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. 36
37
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 38
39
9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS 40
41
Finance Director Beer answered the Council's questions related to claims. 42
43
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented. 44
45
Mounds View City Council November 25, 2013
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Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 1
2
10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3
A. October 28, 2013, City Council Meeting Minutes. 4
5
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the October 28, 2013, City Council meeting 6
minutes as submitted. 7
8
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9
10
11. REPORTS 11
A. Reports of Mayor and Council. 12
13
Council Member Gunn reported she attended the recent I-35W Corridor Coalition meeting. The 14
group discussed the budget and fee schedule, along with the future managed lane. It was noted 15
Mounds View fees for the coalition would remain at $2,000. Officers were elected for the 16
coalition and she would serve as President. The Treasurer would be Jim Keinath and Dick 17
Swanson would serve as the Vice President. She reported Bob Binke was running for a Met 18
Council seat for District 10, which would mean he would have to step down from the coalition. 19
20
Council Member Meehlhause indicated on Tuesday, November 19th he attended a meeting in 21
Arden Hills at the Ramsey County Public Works Building regarding the Highway 96 bridge over 22
35W redesign. He was also interested in learning how County Road H would be designed, and 23
how it would affect County Road 10. He commented the adjustments made to this roadway may 24
be a prime opportunity for the City to rename County Road 10 to Northtown Boulevard. He 25
recommended the City keep in touch with MnDOT regarding this situation. 26
27
Council Member Mueller stated on Tuesday, November 19th she attended a Festival in the Park 28
meeting. She reported the 2014 Festival in the Park event would be held on Saturday, August 29
16th. She commented an Elvis Presley theme has been selected for the event. She discussed the 30
Festival in the Park Committee members noting the group would meet again January 21, 2014. 31
32
Council Member Mueller provided a report on the grand opening of the Mounds View 33
McDonald’s. 34
35
Council Member Meehlhause explained he too attended the grand opening event and thanked 36
McDonald’s for their generous $500 donation to K-9 Officer Niko. 37
38
Council Member Mueller discussed the League of Minnesota Cities meeting she attended on 39
November 21st. At that meeting, the group discussed pending litigation, rising insurance costs 40
and possible premiums for 2014. She noted the League of Minnesota Cities would meet again on 41
December 5th at the North Oaks Country Club. 42
43
Mayor Flaherty wished everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. 44
45
Mounds View City Council November 25, 2013
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B. Reports of Staff. 1
1. E-Cigarette Update 2
3
City Administrator Ericson stated a business has inquired about opening an e-cigarette wholesale 4
operation at Silver View Plaza. At this point, the City has no licensing requirements. 5
6
Council Member Mueller questioned if the business could offer sampling to the public. City 7
Administrator Ericson stated this would be allowed until the City approved operational criteria 8
that would state otherwise. 9
10
2. Public Works Quarterly Report 11
12
Public Works Director DeBar reviewed the third quarter Public Works report with the Council. 13
He summarized the activities completed by the Public Works crew and seasonal employees, 14
noting there were 15 after hour events this quarter. He indicated street maintenance and patching 15
throughout the City was continuing to decline as the street improvement project neared 16
completion. 17
18
Public Works Director DeBar explained his department completed a great deal of fleet 19
maintenance this quarter and has generated over $10,000 in right of way fees to date this year. 20
Personnel changes were reviewed with the Council. He reported Inspec was designing the reroof 21
of the Ground Reservoir and Well Pump #2. He discussed options for the 35W/County Road H 22
bridge replacement noting this would be a costly improvement project. 23
24
Public Works Director DeBar commented Part 2 of the Wellhead Protection Plan had been 25
submitted and the City was awaiting approval. He indicated the playground at Silver View Park 26
was replaced, along with the building automation and HVAC units at the Community Center. He 27
noted all Public Works budgets were tracking well for 2013. 28
29
Mayor Flaherty thanked Public Works Director DeBar for the thorough report. 30
31
City Administrator Ericson explained the Police Department conducted tobacco compliance 32
checks this past weekend and he was happy to report all retailers passed. He provided a report on 33
the Fall Family Fun Festival that took place at the Community Center. He stated 260 people 34
attended the wonderful event. 35
36
City Administrator Ericson reported Cookies with Santa would take place on Saturday, 37
December 7, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Community Center. 38
39
City Administrator Ericson stated the City only received one bid to repaint the semi-fours along 40
County Highway 10. The bid came in just over $73,000. He asked if the Council wanted to 41
proceed with this work or pursue additional bids. 42
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Council Member Meehlhause was in favor of pursuing a second quote for the work. The Council 44
was in agreement and directed staff to seek additional quotes in the spring. 45
Mounds View City Council November 25, 2013
Regular Meeting Page 13
1
City Administrator Ericson reviewed the upcoming worksession agenda with the Council. 2
3
Council Member Gunn discussed the Santa Parade being hosted by the Blaine-Spring Lake Park-4
Mounds View Fire Department noting it would take place on December 4, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. 5
The route of the parade was reviewed. She explained the firefighters would be handing out 6
candy canes to children and would be collecting non-perishable food items. 7
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3. Motion to Consider Cancelation of the December 23, 2013, City 9
Council Meeting. 10
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City Administrator Ericson stated typically the Council cancels the second meeting in December. 12
He indicated if the Council wanted to cancel this meeting, a motion would be required. 13
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MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Hull. To Cancel the December 23, 2013, City Council Meeting. 15
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Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 17
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C. Reports of City Attorney. 19
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City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 21
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12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, December 2, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. 23
Next Council Meeting: Monday, December 9, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. 24
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13. ADJOURNMENT 26
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The meeting was adjourned at 9:58 p.m. 28
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Transcribed by: 30
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Heidi Guenther 32
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 33