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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2016/09/26PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting September 26, 2016 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Mounds View Blvd, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:01 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, September 26, 2016, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Approve the Monday, September 26, 2016, agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT None. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Proclamation – Minnesota Manufacturers Week in Mounds View. Mayor Flaherty read a proclamation in full for the record declaring October 2, 2016 through October 8, 2016 to be Minnesota Manufacturers week in the City of Mounds View. He stated he was proud of the numerous manufacturing companies located in the City of Mounds View. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. 7:00 p.m., Public Hearing: Resolution 8630, a Resolution to Consider a Transfer of an Off-Sale Liquor License from Applebaum, LLC (doing business as Big Top Liquors) to Merwin Liquors located at 2477 Mounds View Boulevard. Assistant City Administrator Crane requested the Council consider transferring an Off-Sale Mounds View City Council September 26, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 2 Liquor License from Applebaum, LLC (Big Top Liquors) to Merwin Liquors for the property located at 2477 Mounds View Boulevard. She reported Merwin Liquors currently owns stores in Maplewood, Falcon Heights, Brooklyn Park and North Minneapolis. It was noted Merwin Liquors has submitted all necessary fees and paperwork to the City. There was no outstanding utility or property tax fees on the property. Staff reviewed the request in further detail and recommended the Council hold a public hearing and approve the liquor license transfer, contingent upon a satisfactory fire inspection. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:07 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:07 p.m. Mayor Flaherty thanked Big Top Liquors for being a great partner to the community. He questioned what drew Merwin Liquors to this location. Mr. Cohen, Merwin Liquors, explained he was friends with some of the owners of Big Top Liquor and he was approached about the possibility of acquiring this store. He was excited about the opportunity to expand his business in Mounds View. Council Member Mueller encouraged Merwin Liquors to conduct yearly code enforcement training for their employees. Mr. Cohen noted he was a member of the MLBA and described the training that was offered to his employees twice per year. Council Member Mueller questioned if any of the Big Top employees would be retained by Merwin Liquors. Mr. Cohen indicated he would be meeting with the current employees to discuss this matter. Council Member Mueller asked when Merwin Liquors would be acquiring the property. Mr. Cohen anticipated he would have the purchase wrapped up in the next six weeks. At this time, Joel Frampton was introduced to the City Council noting he would serve as the liquor store’s manager. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8630, a Resolution to Consider a Transfer of an Off-Sale Liquor License from Applebaum, LLC (doing business as Big Top Liquors) to Merwin Liquors located at 2477 Mounds View Boulevard, contingent upon a fire inspection. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 8631, a Resolution to Consider Revisions to the 2016 Fee Schedule. Assistant City Administrator Crane requested the Council consider a Resolution revising the 2016 Fee Schedule for the licensing of on tap and off tap microbreweries and distilleries. She explained staff did a great deal of research on this subject and described how the proposed fees were devised. Staff recommended approval of the revised fee schedule. Mounds View City Council September 26, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 3 Council Member Mueller questioned how the City’s fees were related to neighboring communities. Assistant City Administrator Crane explained the City’s proposed fees were in the middle when compared to neighboring communities. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8631, a Resolution to Consider Revisions to the 2016 Fee Schedule. Mayor Flaherty supported the proposed fees and was pleased they were in line with the City’s existing liquor licensing fees. Council Member Mueller was pleased that the City was one step closer to having a microbrewery within the community. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 8632, a Resolution Approving Severance for Former Public Service Officer Samantha Drewry. Assistant City Administrator Crane requested the Council approve severance for former Public Service Officer Samantha Drewry. She explained PSO Drewry was due $7.11 for her unused accrued sick time. In addition, $5.96 was due for her accrued vacation time and $250.56 was due for her compensatory time. Staff recommended approval of the severance payouts. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8632, a Resolution Approving Severance for Former Public Service Officer Samantha Drewry. Council Member Mueller thanked PSO Drewry for her dedicated service to the community. Mayor Flaherty wished PSO Drewry well in her new position. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 8633, a Resolution Approving the Promotion of Officer Benjamin Knitter to the Position of Sergeant. Assistant City Administrator Crane explained at the August worksession meeting, the Council agreed to budget for a third Sergeant within the Police Department and also to promote from within the department. The position was posted for internal candidates with five years of experience and the three candidates were evaluated. Staff described the evaluation process in further detail with the Council and recommend the promotion of Officer Benjamin Knitter to the position of Sergeant. Council Member Mueller asked if the promotion would leave a vacancy within the Police Department. Police Chief Harder explained this was not the case. He indicated the department Mounds View City Council September 26, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 4 was in the process of backgrounding officers to fill a previous vacancy. Council Member Mueller noted a correction on Resolution 8633, noting the Resolution should reflect Officer Benjamin Knitter was being recommended for promotion. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8633, a Resolution Approving the Promotion of Officer Benjamin Knitter to the Position of Sergeant. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 8634, Authorization to Advertise for Permit Technician in the Community Development Department and Approve a Revised Job Description. Assistant City Administrator Crane requested the Council authorize the advertisement of a permit technician in the Community Development Department and approve a revised job description. She explained effective October 31 st Barbara Benesch would be retiring after 38 years with the City of Mounds View. It was anticipated the new employee would not begin working with the City until January 2, 2017. Staff reviewed the revised job description and recommended the Council authorize the advertisement of the position. Mayor Flaherty questioned how the new employee would be trained. Assistant City Administrator Crane explained she would be able to train the new employee for a portion of the job, but noted several other staff members would also be assisting in the training. Mayor Flaherty thanked Ms. Benesch for her valuable contributions to the City over the past 38 years. Council Member Mueller questioned if a temp should be brought in to assist staff November through December. City Administrator Ericson explained the City may seek assistance from another community in order for the permitting process to continue running smoothly. He then reviewed several minor changes to the job description. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8634, Authorization to Advertise for Permit Technician in the Community Development Department and Approve a Revised Job Description. Mayor Flaherty understood this retirement took the City by surprise and staff was now scrambling. He encouraged staff to consider looking at the positions within the organization in order for the City to be better prepared to make staffing changes. Council Member Mueller thanked Ms. Benesch for providing the City with a one-month notice on her retirement. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council September 26, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 5 F. Resolution 8635, Authorization to Advertise for the Project Coordinator Position in the Public Works Department. Assistant City Administrator Crane requested the Council authorize for the advertisement of the Project Coordinator position in the Public Works Department. She indicated Brandon Stenglein has resigned his position with the City effective October 7 th . She explained the job description did not need to be revised and noted the position would begin working with the City of Mounds View on January 2 nd . Mayor Flaherty questioned how the Public Works Department would move forward without this position filled. Public Works Director Erickson stated staff would work through the situation for the next three months and was looking forward to having a new staff member at the beginning of the year. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8635, Authorization to Advertise for the Project Coordinator Position in the Public Works Department. Council Member Meehlhause thanked Brandon Stenglein for his three years of dedicated service to the City of Mounds View. Council Member Mueller wished Brandon Stenglein well at his new position with the City of Maple Grove. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. G. Resolution 8638, Approving the Preliminary EDA Property Tax Levy Request for Fiscal Year 2017. Finance Director Beer requested the Council approve the preliminary EDA property tax levy request for 2017. He explained the EDA reviewed this matter at their meeting prior the Council meeting and approved the levy. He reported the City previously had three TIF districts to assist with economic development. These TIF districts have been decertified and all funding to the EDA has been lost. For this reason, a $60,000 EDA levy was being proposed to assist with furthering the City’s economic development efforts. Mayor Flaherty supported the EDA levy and believed this was the best way for the City to continue funding economic development. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8638, Approving the Preliminary EDA Property Tax Levy Request for Fiscal Year 2017. Council Member Hull suggested the Council approve a $100,000 allotment from the General Fund to the EDA and that the EDA levy be reduced to $50,000. Mounds View City Council September 26, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 6 MOTION AMENDMENT: Hull/Flaherty. To Approve a $100,000 allotment to the EDA from the General Fund and that the EDA levy be reduced to $50,000. Mayor Flaherty understood where Council Member Hull was coming from in that he wanted to see an increased General Fund transfer to the EDA in the amount of $100,000 and a reduced EDA levy in the amount of $50,000. Council Member Gunn questioned where the additional $50,000 would come from out of the General Fund. Finance Director Beer explained at the last Council meeting a maximum levy of 3.4% was approved when only a 2.5% levy was required. He reported this .9% in tax levy or $40,000 could be allotted to the EDA. He indicated the HRA levy could then be reduced to fall in alignment with the Council’s needs. City Administrator Ericson suggested the Council focus on the EDA levy and not on the General Fund budget allotment at this time. He reported the General Fund budget would be further reviewed by the Council over the coming months. He recommended the Council establish a levy and noted the amount could be set as desired by the Council. Council Member Gunn understood the EDA levy could be set high and reduced at a later date. Mayor Flaherty stated this was correct. Council Member Hull rescinded his motion to amend the original motion. The seconder, Mayor Flaherty, agreed. Mayor Flaherty called the question on the original motion. Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Hull) Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA Council Member Mueller asked to remove Item 8B. A. Schedule a Public Hearing for Monday, October 10, at 7:00 p.m., to consider the Major Subdivision of “Steil Addition”, consisting of two lots, located at 2940 County Road H2, and 7255 Hidden Hollow Court. B. Resolution 8629, a Resolution to Consider Authorizing the Mayor and City Administrator to Approve a Contract with Stantec to Complete Map work for the 2018 Comprehensive Pla n update. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Approve the Consent Agenda as amended removing Item 8B. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council September 26, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 7 B. Resolution 8629, a Resolution to Consider Authorizing the Mayor and City Administrator to Approve a Contract with Stantec to Complete Map work for the 2018 Comprehensive Plan update. Council Member Mueller discussed the information that was provided to the Council by staff regarding the Comprehensive Plan bids. She understood four bids were requested and each bid came up with different numbers. She reviewed the bids and projected hours needed to complete the map work for the Comprehensive Plan. She asked if staff was comfortable with the proposed hours and work needed. City Administrator Ericson stated staff supported the bid and proposed hours submitted by Stantec. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8638, Approving the Preliminary EDA Property Tax Levy Request for Fiscal Year 2017. 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/Mueller. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. August 22, 2016, City Council Meeting Minutes. Council Member Mueller requested a correction on Page 6, Line 39, stating a comma should be placed after the words Community Center. Council Member Mueller requested a correction on Page 13, Line 21, stating the minutes should reflect the Public Works seminar she was attending was Monday through Wednesday of the following week. Council Member Meehlhause requested a correction on Page 7, Line 44, eliminating the word “the”. Council Member Meehlhause requested a correction on Page 13, Line 34, changing evaluations to interviews and changing this to he. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Approve the August 22, 2016, City Council meeting minutes as corrected. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council September 26, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 8 B. September 12, 2016, Closed Meeting Minutes. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Approve the September 12, 2016, Closed meeting minutes as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Meehlhause was pleased to report the residents living along US Highway 10 and I35W will be receiving a sound wall. Council Member Meehlhause stated he attended a Twin Cities Gateway board meeting last week where the group discussed its financial standing and approved the 2016-2017 operating budget. Council Member Mueller thanked Council Member Meehlhause for his time and efforts concerning the sound walls. She indicated the City has been trying to get these sound walls for the past 20 years. Council Member Mueller reported on Friday, September 23 rd she attended the Minnesota Women in Local Government Luncheon at the League of Minnesota Cities office. Council Member Mueller explained on Saturday, October 8 th the Mounds View/Spring Lake Park/Blaine Fire Department would be holding an Open House at Fire Station 1 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Council Member Mueller invited the public to attend the Festival in the Park Craft Fair at the Mounds View Community Center from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 9 th . Council Member Gunn stated it was Homecoming week at Irondale High School. She invited the public to attend the homecoming game on Friday at 7:00 p.m. where the Irondale Knights will take on Robbinsdale Armstrong. Mayor Flaherty noted he recently attended a Five Cities meeting where the mayors discussed the budgeting process. Mayor Flaherty reported he would be attending a Cable Commission budget meeting on Thursday, September 29 th . B. Reports of Staff. City Administrator Ericson stated he received a request from a resident asking the Council to consider not allowing any commercial/industrial garbage pickup be allowed prior to 6:00 a.m. Mounds View City Council September 26, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 9 This resident questioned why the City’s noise ordinance does not address this issue. He asked if the Council was interested in addressing this matter. Council Member Mueller was interested to know why the City’s noise ordinance did not address commercial/industrial garbage pickup. City Administrator Ericson explained there was some expectation that some noise would occur when garbage was picked up in the commercial/ industrial zoning districts. However, he believed the noise ordinance could be reviewed by the City Council. Mayor Flaherty recommended that the garbage haulers be asked to voluntarily push back their pickup times. City Administrator Ericson explained a resident has requested that all recreational fires be banned in the City of Mounds View for health reasons. Mayor Flaherty was not interested in discussing this matter again. The Council was in agreement. City Administrator Ericson reviewed the items that would be addressed by the Council at their upcoming worksession meeting. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, October 3, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, October 10, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.