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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2016/10/24PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting October 24, 2016 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Mounds View Blvd, 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, October 24, 2016, City Council Agenda. Mayor Flaherty requested Item 7E be discussed after Item 7A. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Approve the Monday, October 24, 2016, agenda as amended. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT None. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS None. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing: Resolution 8647, to Consider Approval of a Residential Kennel License to Susan and Daniel Gillett, located at 7741 Greenwood Drive. Assistant City Administrator Crane requested the Council consider approval of a residential kennel license for Susan and Daniel Gillett at 7741 Greenwood Drive. She explained the property owners have three dogs that are licensed and tagged with the City. She indicated the Mounds View City Council October 24, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 2 three dogs require kennel license per City Ordinance. The Code requires a public hearing be held on the license. Staff had not received any comments from the public and recommended the Council hold a public hearing and approve the request. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:03 p.m. Daniel Gillett, 7741 Greenwood Drive, stated his dogs were inside dogs. Hearing no further public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:04 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8647, to Consider Approval of a Residential Kennel License to Susan and Daniel Gillett, located at 7741 Greenwood Drive. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing to Consider Resolution 8646 Approving a Conditional Use Permit for an Oversized Garage, located at 7715 Eastwood Road. Planner Sevald stated the applicant, Cindy Brown, has applied for a building permit to add a second floor onto the home and an addition onto the existing two-car attached garage. The garage addition will exceed the maximum size permitted for an accessory building, unless a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is approved. Staff reviewed the variance and conditional use permit request in detail noting the Planning Commission had approved the Variance and recommended approval of the Conditional Use Permit request. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:07 p.m. Cindy Brown, 7715 Eastwood Road, explained the addition would assist with her expanding family and the number of drivers in her family. Hearing no further public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:07 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8646 Approving a Conditional Use Permit for an Oversized Garage, located at 7715 Eastwood Road. Council Member Meehlhause appreciated the fact that Ms. Brown was improving her home, investing in her property and was working to have all of her vehicles within a garage. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing to Receive Public Input and pass upon Resolution 8643 Adopting a Special Assessment Levy for Delinquent Public Utility Accounts. Mounds View City Council October 24, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 3 Finance Director Beer requested the Council adopt a special assessment levy for delinquent public utility accounts. He explained the City takes this action on a yearly basis to address property owners who are delinquent on their quarterly utility bills. The outstanding amounts, plus a $35 administrative fee, will be assessed to Ramsey County if not paid within the next 30 days. Staff recommended approval of the request. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:12 p.m. Paul Brzezinski, 8336 Spring Lake Road, asked that his portion of the assessments not be forwarded to the County and that he be allowed to pay the City directly. He reported he made a mistake and missed paying one bill. Finance Director Beer encouraged Mr. Brzezinski to contact Utility Billing to make this payment. Hearing no further public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:13 p.m. Council Member Mueller thanked staff for preparing this report. She stated the City had almost $99,000 in outstanding utility bills for 2016 and asked if the August billing was included in this number. Finance Director Beer reported the August billing was included. Mayor Flaherty questioned if any of the delinquent properties were in foreclosure. Finance Director Beer stated this could be the case for several of the properties, but he was uncertain of the circumstances for each property. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8643 Adopting a Special Assessment Levy for Delinquent Public Utility Accounts. Council Member Meehlhause indicated the City does now offer automatic payment plans for utility bills, which assists property owners in keeping their bills paid on time. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing to Receive Public Input and pass upon Resolution 8644 Adopting a Special Assessment Levy for Administrative Offense Charges and Nuisance Abatement Charges. Finance Director Beer requested the Council adopt a special assessment levy for delinquent administrative offense charges and nuisance abatement charges. He explained the City takes this action on a quarterly basis to address property owners that are delinquent. The outstanding amounts, plus a $35 administrative fee, will be assessed to Ramsey County if not paid within the next 30 days. Staff reviewed the outstanding charges and recommended approval of the request. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:23 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:23 p.m. Mounds View City Council October 24, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 4 Mayor Flaherty discussed how the City completed abatement procedures. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8644 Adopting a Special Assessment Levy for Administrative Offense Charges and Nuisance Abatement Charges. Council Member Mueller asked if the action taken this evening was a matter of public record. Finance Director Beer stated this was the case. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing to Consider Resolution 8640, Considering an Appeal of the Planning Commission’s Denial of a Variance, for property located at 7790 Eastwood Road. Planner Sevald stated the applicant, Value Homes, LLC, had requested a Variance to the front yard setback for the property at 7790 Eastwood Road. The minimum front yard setback in the R- 1 district is 30’ unless homes on the same side of the street have a greater setback (54’ in this case). The variance request was due to the hardship of a private drainage easement which reduced the developable area of the lot. It was noted the Planning Commission conducted a Public Hearing on September 7, 2016 but a quorum (2/3’s or 5 of 7 members) was not present to approve a Variance. The Public Hearing was tabled and the Planning Commission denied the Variance application at their October 5, 2016 meeting, which led the applicant submitting the appeal to the City Council. He reported the applicant was not able to be in attendance this evening and has requested action on this item be tabled to the November 14, 2016 City Council meeting. Mayor Flaherty supported this item being continued to allow the applicant to be in attendance. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:29 p.m. Marissa Rajas-Johnson, 7851 Sunnyside Road, stated she spoke at the Planning Commission meeting and wanted to speak again. Her main concern was that the applicant stay within the City’s setback requirements. She understood the developer could still build on the property but would have to adjust his floor plan. She expressed concern with the drainage easement on this property and how it flooded several weeks ago. Marilyn Ebbs, 7790 Greenwood Drive, stated she has lived in this neighborhood for the past 55 years. She was concerned about the water drainage as well and did not want to see her neighbors flooded. She recommended that all homes along this street be built according to code, as has been done by every other homeowner on the street. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Meehlhause. To Continue the Public Hearing and Appeal of the Planning Commission’s Denial of a Variance, for property located at 7790 Eastwood Road, to Mounds View City Council October 24, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 5 the November 14, 2016 City Council meeting. Mayor Flaherty requested staff provide the Council with a rendering of how a home would look on this property with a 30-foot setback at the next Council meeting. He believed this would assist him in deciding if the 30-foot setback was out of character with the neighborhood. He also wanted to learn more about the conversations the applicant has had with the apartment dwelling regarding the drainage easement. Council Member Meehlhause asked if the non-action taken by the Planning Commission was a concern. Planner Sevald stated it was his understanding the Planning Commission’s action was a denial of the Variance request and noted the 60-day time period began again when the applicant submitted an appeal. Council Member Mueller discussed the action the Council took recently regarding granny pods. She believed it would look out of character with the neighborhood to have a home on this lot with a 30’ setback. She looked forward to discussing the appeal with the applicant in November and hoped he would have a new floor plan for the home. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. F. Resolution 8652, Approving the Hire of Miles Wakumoto to the Position of Mounds View Police Officer. This item had been removed from the agenda prior to the meeting. G. Resolution 8651, Approve Design and Authorize Seeking Quotes for Stormwater Improvement at 2255 Lambert Avenue. Public Works Director Erickson requested the Council approve the design and authorize seeking quotes for Stormwater Improvement at 2255 Lambert Avenue. He indicated this project would be partially funded by a grant the City received in June 2016. He described the work that would be completed through the project and recommended approval of the request. It was staff’s hope the project would be completed prior to the end of 2016. Council Member Mueller understood City funds would be used for this project due to the fact there was a City easement on the property. Public Works Director Erickson stated this was the case. Council Member Mueller asked if Rice Creek Watershed approved of the plans. Public Works Director Erickson reported staff has been working through this project with the Rice Creek Watershed and the City did have their support as the overall water quality would be improved. Council Member Mueller questioned where this water would be piped to. She did not want the water pushed behind Pinewood Elementary. Public Works Director Erickson stated he would have to report back to the Council with this information. Mounds View City Council October 24, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 6 Mayor Flaherty inquired if the ditch could be adjusted or realigned. Public Works Director Erickson explained this was not explored and staff did not believe this was the best option for the City. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8651, Approve Design and Authorize Seeking Quotes for Stormwater Improvement at 2255 Lambert Avenue. Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Mueller) Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Flaherty asked to remove Item 8D for discussion. A. Resolution 8642, Electing to Retain the Statutory Tort Limit on Liability for the 2017 Insurance Policies. B. Resolution 8648, a Resolution to Approve Severance for Kathy Bednar, Mounds View Police Records/Evidence Technician. C. Resolution 8649, a Resolution to Approve Severance for Brandon Stenglein, Public Works Project Coordinator. D. Resolution 8645, a Resolution Approving State of Minnesota Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Mounds View on Behalf of its Police Department and Prosecuting Attorney. E. Resolution 8650, a Resolution to Consider a Cigarette and Tobacco License to Merwin Liquors, located at 2577, Mounds View Boulevard. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Approve the Consent Agenda as amended by removing Item 8D for discussion. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 8645, a Resolution Approving State of Minnesota Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Mounds View on Behalf of its Police Department and Prosecuting Attorney. Mayor Flaherty requested further information on how information was accessed by the Police Department. Police Chief Harder indicated each case was very different, but explained that each piece of information had to be accessed separately by Police Officers and Prosecuting Attorneys. Mayor Flaherty questioned what limitations were set on officers for accessing information within the databases. Police Chief Harder reported each officer had to be trained to use the resources and with this training officers were taught what they can and cannot do within the database searches. Mounds View City Council October 24, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 7 MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8645, a Resolution Approving State of Minnesota Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Mounds View on Behalf of its Police Department and Prosecuting Attorney. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 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. October 10, 2016, City Council Meeting Minutes. Council Member Mueller requested a correction on Page 4, Line 35 removing the words “she attended” and add at the end of the sentence “was well attended”. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Flaherty. To Approve the October 10, 2016, City Council meeting minutes as amended. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Mueller reported In-person Early Voting would be held Monday through Friday at City Hall through November 7th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturday, November 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. She noted polls would be open on November 8th from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Community Center. Council Member Mueller indicated she attended a Ramsey County League of Local Governments meeting last week along with Public Works Director Erickson at the Ramsey Conservation District Offices in Arden Hills. She noted the group discussed the State of the Waters and Anna Henderson, Ryan Baker and Steve Woods were the guest speakers. She was pleased with the quality of Mounds View’s water and the fact that the City drew its water from four separate aquifers. She summarized the comments that were provided on global warming. Council Member Mueller explained the Ramsey County League of Local Governments would meet next on Thursday, December 8th at 6:00 p.m. at Gulden’s in Maplewood where an election recap would be provided. She encouraged the entire City Council to attend this event. Mounds View City Council October 24, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 8 Council Member Mueller stated that on Wednesday, November 30th at the Earle Brown Center she would be attending the League of Minnesota Cities and Metro Cities joint meeting called the Metro Regional Meeting where police relationships would be discussed. Council Member Mueller noted she and City Administrator Ericson attended a League of Minnesota Cities meeting last Thursday where the group in attendance discussed important issues facing cities at this time, such as infrastructure and community engagement. Council Member Mueller encouraged the public to consider attending the next Festival in the Park meeting on Tuesday, November 15, 2016, at 7 pm and reminded everyone that the Festival next year will be on Saturday, August 19, 2017. Council Member Meehlhause invited the public to attend the Fall Festival at the Community Center on Saturday, October 29th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. He noted the Mounds View Lions would be serving a Waffle Breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Council Member Meehlhause reported he would be attending an NYFS Personnel Committee meeting on Wednesday and an NYFS Board meeting on Thursday. In addition, he would be attending a YMCA Advisory Committee meeting on Monday, November 7th. Mayor Flaherty stated he and City Administrator Ericson attended a Celebration of Life service honoring resident Bill Werner. Mayor Flaherty thanked Council Member Meehlhause for attending the CTV meeting for him in October and Council Member Mueller for acting as Mayor at the October 10th meeting. B. Reports of Staff. Public Works Director Erickson stated he attended the State of the Waters Event with Council Member Mueller and learned a great deal about the City’s water quality. He noted Area I was almost done for the season and provided an overview of the work that had yet to be completed. Public Works Director Erickson reviewed a Public Works Facility quote with the Council noting the total cost was estimated to be $6.9 million. He discussed the plans for the cold storage and public works facility in further detail. Mayor Flaherty was interested in discussing the Public Works Facility at an upcoming worksession meeting. The Council was in agreement. Mounds View City Council October 24, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 9 Council Member Mueller asked if the Public Works Facility would have a mezzanine area for storage. Public Works Director Erickson reported the facility would have an area to store out of season items. Council Member Gunn questioned when lighting would be installed on the recently completed trails. Public Works Director Erickson indicated the lighting would be installed very soon. Council Member Meehlhause asked when the County Road 10 signs would be replaced. Public Works Director Erickson reported he received an email from the County and this was in the works. Mayor Flaherty requested a monument sign be considered at the roundabout at County Road H. Police Chief Harder commented the Police Department’s mobile rock wall would be debuted at the Fall Festival. Council Member Mueller requested an update on the Heart Safe Community Initiative. Police Chief Harder explained Officer Kirsten has held a number of events recently and all upcoming events were posted on the City’s website. City Administrator Ericson stated there would be 2016 Land Use Education Training and Education program hosted by GTS on “Community Solar Gardens” on Friday, November 4th at the League of Minnesota Cities offices. City Administrator Ericson reported the City had several vacancies at City Hall. After posting these positions staff was having a difficult time receiving applications from qualified candidates. For this reason, he recommended the Council may need to consider adjusting the pay for the Code Enforcement Officer to more closely match the wages being paid by neighboring communities. Mayor Flaherty was interested in reevaluating the City’s personnel needs more closely. He suggested the open positions be adjusted at this time but that a full compensation study for the City be completed at a later date. Council Member Hull asked how long a compensation study took to complete. City Administrator Ericson indicated the last study took six to nine months to complete. Council Member Mueller questioned if the City had any adjustment built into the budget to cover a compensation study. City Administrator Ericson commented this had not been included in the 2017 budget. Council Member Mueller recommended this be included in the 2017 budget. Mounds View City Council October 24, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 10 Mayor Flaherty recommended City Administrator Ericson be in communication with all staff explaining each member was valued and describe the Council’s desire to complete a compensation study. Council Member Meehlhause understood the last compensation study was completed in 2008 and for this reason he believed it was time for the City to complete another study. Mayor Flaherty believed that pay was not the only reason that the City has lost several of its valued employees. He suggested the City Administrator make a recommendation on how to approach the wages for the open positions and the compensation study at an upcoming meeting. City Administrator Ericson regretfully reported The Beard Group had backed out of the Crossroad Pointe development for financial reasons. While this was disappointing, he indicated the City could further evaluate what should be completed within this project area. He asked if the Council wanted to hold another Open House to gain feedback from the public. Mayor Flaherty supported the Council further discussing this topic at a future worksession meeting. City Administrator Ericson reviewed the items that would be addressed by the Council at the next worksession meeting. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, November 7, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, November 14, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:06 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.