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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2016/11/14PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting November 14, 2016 Mounds View City Hall 2401 County Road 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, November 14, 2016, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Approve the Monday, November 14, 2016, agenda as revised removing Item 7D under Council Business. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT None. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Resolution 8663, a Resolution Canvassing Election Results of the 2016 General Election. Acting City Administrator Crane reviewed the results from the 2016 General Election and requested the Council adopt a Resolution canvassing the results. She noted a Special Election would have to be held in February or March of 2017 to fill the vacant Council seat. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8663, a Resolution Canvassing Election Results of the 2016 General Election. Acting City Administrator Crane thanked the residents of the City for being patient during the early voting process. She also thanked staff for the long hours she put in prior to the election. Mounds View City Council November 14, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 2 Council Member Gunn thanked Acting City Administrator Crane for her dedicated service to the City. Council Member Mueller questioned how many Mounds View residents took advantage of early voting. Acting City Administrator Crane estimated 1300 to 1500 residents voted early. Mayor Flaherty appreciated staff’s efforts and how they professionally managed all of the early voters. He congratulated incoming Mayor Carol Mueller along with Council Member Gunn and Council Member Meehlhause on their reelection. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Presentation by SBM Fire Chief Charlie Smith Fire Chief Charlie Smith stated he has been working for the fire department for the last seven months. He discussed how the fire department personnel had been restructured and commented on the 2017 budget. He expressed the importance of training his fire fighters and noted Fire Station 4 would be remodeled. The significant incidents that occurred in recent months were discussed with the Council. Council Member Mueller questioned how the Fire Department advertised for open positions. Fire Chief Smith reported he advertised on social media, the SBM fire website along with other sites. He then reviewed the requirements for SBM volunteer fire fighters. Council Member Mueller asked if the dispatch issues between Ramsey County and Anoka County had been resolved. Fire Chief Smith explained this would be a continual process to get the two organizations talking to each other. Council Member Gunn asked when the fire department would be holding the Santa parade. Fire Chief Smith stated the Santa parade would begin on November 28th and would be in Mounds View on December 1st. He encouraged the public to participate by donating non-perishable food items which will benefit the Ralph Reeder food shelf. Mayor Flaherty recommended the public visit the SBM website for further information on the Santa parade. He then encouraged the residents of Mounds View to take advantage the free home safety survey program offered by the Fire Department. He thanked Fire Chief Smith for the update and for his dedicated service to the community. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing, Resolution 8662, a Resolution to Consider a Bee Keeping License located at 2228 Lambert Avenue for Mia Hanson. Acting City Administrator Crane requested the Council consider a bee keeping license for Mia Hanson at 2228 Lambert Avenue. She explained Ms. Hanson would like to have four hives which was consistent with City Code, however staff has not received any paperwork on her Mounds View City Council November 14, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 3 training. Staff recommended approval of the bee keeping request contingent upon proof of training. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:36 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:36 p.m. Mayor Flaherty asked why Ms. Hanson had opted to have four bee hives. Mia Hanson, 2228 Lambert Avenue, stated four was the maximum allowed per City Code. She explained she was searching for a class to attend on bee keeping and understood the University of Minnesota would be holding a class in March of 2017. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8662, a Resolution to Consider a Bee Keeping License located at 2228 Lambert Avenue for Mia Hanson, contingent upon proof of training. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing (continued), Resolution 8640, Considering an Appeal of the Planning Commission’s Denial of a Variance, for property located at 7790 Eastwood Road. Acting City Administrator Crane reviewed the history of this Planning Case and noted the Planning Commission recommended denial of a variance request for Value Homes for the property at 7790 Eastwood Road. This request was then brought to the City Council for consideration of an appeal on October 24th. This item was continued to November 14th City Council meeting due to the fact the applicant was unable to attend the previous meeting. Staff explained that on November 10th the applicant withdrew his appeal request and was working to amend the house plans. Acting City Administrator Crane reviewed an email from the City Attorney stating his recommendation was to close the public hearing and to then deny the request for the appeal. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:42 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Deny the Appeal of the Planning Commission’s Variance (Planning Case VR2016-004), for property located at 7790 Eastwood Road due to the fact the request had been withdrawn by the applicant. Council Member Meehlhause clarified for the record that the Planning Commission voted to approve the variance on a 4-3 vote, however noted a two-thirds majority was required. Council Member Mueller was pleased that Value Homes had withdrawn their appeal and was willing to work on a new house plan for this lot. Mounds View City Council November 14, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 4 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing, Resolution 8658, Adopting the 2017 through 2021 Capital Improvement Plan and Giving Preliminary Approval to the Issuance of General Obligation Improvement Bonds. Finance Director Beer requested the Council consider adopting the 2017 through 2021 Capital Improvement Plan and grant preliminary approval of the issuance of General Obligation Improvement Bonds. He discussed the plans for the Public Work Facility. He commented on the City’s current debt per capita, noting the level of debt that would be issued in further detail with the Council and recommended approval. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:53 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:53 p.m. Mayor Flaherty briefly reviewed the items that would be completed in the next five years within the Capital Improvement Program. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8658, Adopting the 2017 through 2021 Capital Improvement Plan and Giving Preliminary Approval to the Issuance of General Obligation Improvement Bonds. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 8660, a Resolution to Consider and Approve the 2017 Fee Schedule. This item was removed from the agenda. E. Resolution 8653, Accept Improvements and Approve Final Payment for Mustang Drive Pavement Rehabilitation and Drainage Improvements. Public Works Director Erickson requested the Council accept the improvements and approve the final payment for the Mustang Drive pavement rehabilitation and drainage improvements. He discussed the improvements that had been completed and was pleased to report costs had come in under the engineer’s estimate. Staff recommended approval of the final payment. Council Member Mueller requested the City send the contractor a letter of appreciation due to the fact this contractor came in on time and under budget. Public Works Director Erickson stated a letter has not been sent to contractors in the past but noted he would pass along verbal thanks for a job well done. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8653, Accept Improvements and Approve Final Payment for Mustang Drive Pavement Rehabilitation Mounds View City Council November 14, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 5 and Drainage Improvements. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. F. Resolution 8654, Accept Improvements and Approve Final Payment for 2014 Street and Utility Improvement Project, Area G. Public Works Director Erickson requested the Council accept the improvements and approve the final payment for the 2014 Street and Utility Improvement Project for Area G. He discussed the work that was completed by Northwest Asphalt in 2016 and explained a budget amendment would not be necessary. Staff recommended approval of the final payment for Area G. Council Member Mueller recalled that this was the first street improvement project that was not completed within a year. She asked if staff understood why the contract was not completed in a more timely manner. Public Works Director Erickson believed this had to do with an early snow that occurred in 2014. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8654, Accept Improvements and Approve Final Payment for 2014 Street and Utility Improvement Project, Area G. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. G. Resolution 8664, Approving the Hire of Sarah David to the Position of Patrol Officer within the Mounds View Police Department. Acting City Administrator Crane requested the Council approve the hire of Sarah David to the position of Patrol Officer within the Mounds View Police Department. She explained a vacancy within the department was created after the resignation of Officer Daniel Stone. She reported this position was a critical fill and staff recommended approval of the Sarah David as recommended by the Police Civil Service Commission. Mayor Flaherty questioned if this hire would bring the department up to full staffing numbers. Police Chief Harder stated this was the case. He then provided the Council with the employment history of Ms. David. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8664, Approving the Hire of Sarah David to the Position of Patrol Officer within the Mounds View Police Department. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. H. Resolution 8655, Approve a 2014 Municipal Inflow and Infiltration Grant Request to the Metropolitan Council. Mounds View City Council November 14, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 6 Public Works Director Erickson requested the Council approve a 2014 Municipal Inflow and Infiltration Grant request to the Met Council. He discussed the timeline of this project and recommended approval of the request. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8655, Approve a 2014 Municipal Inflow and Infiltration Grant Request to the Metropolitan Council. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. I. Resolution 8659, Approving the Sale of Surplus Public Works Equipment. Public Works Director Erickson explained staff has been going through the items within the current Public Works Facility and recommended the Council approve the sale of surplus equipment. Council Member Mueller questioned where the funds will be placed from the sale of these surplus items. Public Works Director Erickson reported the funds will be placed in the General Fund. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8659, Approving the Sale of Surplus Public Works Equipment. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. J. Resolution 8661, Accepting a Donation from Bethlehem Baptist Church and Approving Distribution of Funds as Specified. Finance Director Beer reviewed the donations proposed by Bethlehem Baptist Church and requested the Council approve the distribution of funds as specified. He thanked Bethlehem Baptist for their continued donations to the City. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8661, Accepting a Donation from Bethlehem Baptist Church and Approving Distribution of Funds as Specified. Council Member Mueller was pleased to see that the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf was on the list of contributions. She reported the dollars given to the food shelf in November would receive a matching grant. Mayor Flaherty appreciated all of the faith-based organizations in the community and thanked Bethlehem Baptist Church for their generous donations. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA Mounds View City Council November 14, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 7 Council Member Meehlhause asked to remove Item 8E. Council Member Mueller asked to remove Item 8B. A. Schedule a Public Hearing for November 28, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. to consider a Conditional Use Permit for open and outdoor storage as an accessory use for the property at 2466 Bronson Drive (Public Works Facility). B. Schedule a Public Hearing for November 28, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. to consider a Conditional Use Permit for storage of flammable liquids over 800 gallons above ground for the property at 2466 Bronson Drive (Public Works Facility). C. Resolution 8665, a Resolution to Approve Severance for Barbara Benesch. D. Resolution 8656, Authorize Stormwater Improvement at 2255 Lambert Avenue. E. Resolution 8657, Approve Request for Quotes for 2017 Mounds View Boulevard Median Mowing Services. F. Schedule a Public Hearing for November 28, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. to consider Special Assessments for Unpaid Administrative Offense Fines. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Approve the Consent Agenda as amended removing Items 8B and 8E. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Schedule a Public Hearing for November 28, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. to consider a Conditional Use Permit for storage of flammable liquids over 800 gallons above ground for the property at 2466 Bronson Drive (Public Works Facility). Council Member Mueller stated several residents have received letters regarding this matter and have expressed concern with the above ground storage of fuel. She asked if the letter that was sent to the residents informed them of the public hearing on November 28th. Public Works Director Erickson indicated he would check with staff and would report back to the Council. He provided further clarification on what action the City would be taking with its above ground and underground storage tanks. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Schedule a Public Hearing for November 28, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. to consider a Conditional Use Permit for storage of flammable liquids over 800 gallons above ground for the property at 2466 Bronson Drive (Public Works Facility). Council Member Meehlhause reported the Planning Commission would be addressing this request at their Wednesday, November 16th meeting. He stated he was pleased that the City would be removing its underground storage tank for safety purposes. Mounds View City Council November 14, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 8 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 8657, Approve Request for Quotes for 2017 Mounds View Boulevard Median Mowing Services. Council Member Meehlhause suggested the cost of labor for the application of mulch be specified within the contract and that it be noted the City will be providing the mulch. Public Works Director Erickson reported he would make this change to the contract. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8657, Approve Request for Quotes for 2017 Mounds View Boulevard Median Mowing Services. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS Finance Director Beer answered the Council's questions related to claims. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Mueller. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES None. 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Mueller stated she would be attending a conference at the League of Minnesota Cities on Wednesday. She explained the training would be about how to manage contentious meetings and appropriate ways to handle contentious crowds. Council Member Meehlhause reported NYFS was accepting nominations for candidates based on their contributions to youth. He thanked Police Chief Harder for already submitting an application based on the contributions of a Mounds View Police Officer. Council Member Meehlhause wished all Mounds View residents and staff a Happy Thanksgiving. Council Member Gunn stated there would be an I-35W Coalition meeting on Thursday. She anticipated the group would be discussing project funding. Mounds View City Council November 14, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 9 Mayor Flaherty reported he would be attending a Cable Commission meeting on Wednesday where the 2017 budget would be discussed. B. Reports of Staff. 1. Draft 2017 General Fund Budget Finance Director Beer reviewed the draft 2017 General Fund Budget with the Council. He reported the Council set the general fund levy increase at 3.4% in September. He discussed the $100,000 levy that had been established for the EDA to assist the City with economic development efforts. He explained that if a special session was held by the State additional LGA funds could be provided to the City which would benefit the levy. Mayor Flaherty requested the Council continue to review the budget prior to the December Truth in Taxation meeting. Council Member Mueller asked if the street improvement overages would impact the 2016 budget. Finance Director Beer stated this would not impact the General Fund for the coming year as the overage would be covered by the Street Improvement Fund. Mayor Flaherty appreciated the flexibility that was offered to the Council through the 3.4% levy, however, he would like to see this percentage reduced in the coming weeks. Council Member Meehlhause asked if the proposed budget reflected the 2017 health costs. Finance Director Beer stated these costs were included. 2. Police Department Quarterly Report Police Chief Harder reviewed the third quarter Police Department report with the Council. He highlighted the outreach projects that the agency has conducted. He discussed the personnel transitions that have been taking place in the last three months. He thanked his officers for the high level of service being provided to the community given the climate in the community towards Police officers. He commented on the problem areas in the City for speeding for September and October. He explained the department was asking for greater involvement in the Neighborhood Watch program. He discussed the recent Veterans Day Programs and thanked his officers for their positive involvement. Police Chief Harder stated the Mounds View Police Department would be implementing body cameras in January of 2017. He explained the department was seeking input from residents on this topic and how the program would be deployed. He reported input would be taken on the department’s website and Facebook page. Mayor Flaherty thanked Police Chief Harder for engaging the community and for his thorough report. Mounds View City Council November 14, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 10 Council Member Mueller asked how the City would fund the body cameras. Police Chief Harder indicated the Police Forfeiture Fund would be used to purchase the body cameras. Mayor Flaherty questioned how many body cameras the department would be purchasing. Police Chief Harder proposed purchasing eight body cameras and charging stations. He reported the cameras took approximately eight hours to charge. Mayor Flaherty inquired how the department would manage the body camera data. Police Chief Harder stated the League of Minnesota Cities had a great model policy that would be posted on the Police Department’s website. Public Works Director Erickson reported he received a letter from a resident on Dickens Lane regarding the water main break within an easement in September. He discussed the situation in detail with the Council and explained a large amount of sand was washed onto neighboring properties. He stated the City completed a significant amount of clean up but a resident did put in a claim against the City. He explained this claim was reviewed by the League of Minnesota Cities and was denied. However, a request was made again by the resident to have the Council review the matter. He reviewed several photographs with the Council and asked for comments or question. Mayor Flaherty thanked Public Works Director Erickson for providing the Council with photographs of the property. Finance Director Beer believed that the City went above and beyond the required cleanup and explained the City was not negligent in this case. Mayor Flaherty requested staff reach out to this resident to see where she was at and report back to the Council via memo. Council Member Mueller understood that the City could now electronically monitor its wells. Public Works Director Erickson reported the SCADA system could conduct this type of monitoring. Acting City Administrator Crane thanked all of her staff for their assistance with the recent election. Finance Director Beer stated Nate Danielson has taken another position with YMCA and his last day with the City would be Friday, November 18th. Mayor Flaherty wished Nate Danielson well and asked what the replacement schedule would be. Finance Director Beer indicated that YMCA staff has already begun working to fill this position. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. Mounds View City Council November 14, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 11 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, December 5, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. Truth in Taxation Meeting: Monday, December 5, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, November 28, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:14 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.