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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2016/02/22PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting February 22, 2016 Mounds View City Hall 2401 County Road 10, 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, February 22, 2016, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Approve the Monday, February 22, 2016, agenda as amended adding Council Business Item 7E, Resolution 8528, Authorizing Expenditure of Funds for Consultant Services Associated with the Police Chief Recruitment Process. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT None. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Presentation by Jerry Hromotka, representing Northeast Youth & Family Service Jerry Hromotka, Northeast Youth and Family Services, thanked the Council for their time. He updated the Council on the events taking place at NYFS noting his organization’s main goal was to help people find out what’s important in order to induce change. He provided a summary on the three major NYFS program areas, which were mental health, youth development and day treatment. He explained there was a growing need for youth mental health services throughout the metro area. He discussed how NYFS was partnering with the school districts and youth in distress to improve this situation. He described in detail what the City’s support offers to Mounds View residents and noted over 90 families were assisted in 2015. He provided an overview on the trends within the community. He explained how he was working to address Mounds View City Council February 22, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 2 isolation and trauma, while also improving community connections. The numerous partnerships that have been forged by NYFS were discussed. He appreciated the City’s continued support and discussed how NYFS was working to enhance its fundraising culture. He invited the City Council to participate in the Mayor’s Golf Challenge on June 13 th . Council Member Mueller thanked Mr. Hromotka for his thorough presentation and the excellent work he does for the community. She questioned how individuals could make donations to NYFS. Mr. Hromotka encouraged residents to either visit the NYFS website or give him a call. Another way for individuals to get involved would be to participate in NYFS events. Council Member Meehlhause explained he serves on the NYFS Board. He requested further information from Mr. Hromotka on their enhanced fundraising efforts. Mr. Hromotka discussed how the economic times have changed. He explained this has led the Board to adjust its financial model in order to keep thriving within this community. His goal was to drive fundraising throughout the culture of the organization while also making connections with local corporations. Mayor Flaherty thanked Council Member Meehlhause for serving on the NYFS Board. He requested further information on how the senior chore program works. Mr. Hromotka explained how his organization works to connect youth with seniors. He encouraged seniors in Mounds View to contact his office with any chores or assistance they may need or for further information on this great program. It was noted the senior chore program applied to seniors 60 and older. Mayor Flaherty appreciated the great work being done by NYFS for this community. He thanked Mr. Hromotka for his service to this organization and to the residents of Mounds View. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Resolution 8524, Accepting the Public Works Facility Space Needs Report. Public Works Director Erickson reviewed the Public Works Facility Space Needs Report with the City Council. He explained a draft RFP would be created from the data collected in the space needs study. He apologized for misinterpreting the consensus of the Council regarding the size and funding for the public works facility. He explained he would be looking further into the budget for this facility. He understood the Council was interested in building sustainable energy into the space. He reported he would be presenting the Council with two options on the facility at a future meeting. Mayor Flaherty thanked staff for the thorough report and appreciated the fact that staff would be providing the City Council with options on the new facility. He asked what the next step would be for this process. Public Works Director Erickson stated he would be coming back to the Council with an RFP. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8524, Accepting the Public Works Facility Space Needs Report. Mounds View City Council February 22, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 3 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 8525, Approving Hydro Klean Change Order. Public Works Director Erickson requested the Council approve a change order from Hydro Klean for extra work that was completed above and beyond their contract. He explained that Hydro Klean found numerous joint leaks in the project area, which added to the contract overage in 2015. He anticipated that dewatering would be included in the 2016 contract. Council Member Mueller questioned if the additional funding would cover the work that was needed this summer. Public Works Director Erickson explained the work completed this summer would be awarded under a separate contract. Finance Director Beer questioned how much water was infiltrating into the sanitary sewer lines. Public Works Director Erickson stated he had watched the video and it was a significant amount that had to be addressed prior to the pipe being relined. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8525, Approving Hydro Klean Change Order. Council Member Meehlhause requested staff correct the spelling of “sanitary” within the Resolution. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 8527, Approving the Purchase of an Engine including installation for #319, Toro Mower. Public Works Supervisor Peterson requested the Council consider the purchase of an engine including its installation in a Toro mower. He discussed the benefits the City has had by decreasing the mowing time from the new mowers. He explained that last summer, one of the seasonal workers had an incident while trying to mow one of the infiltration basins. He reported the engine was ruined after this event. After having the engine evaluated by a mechanic it was recommended the engine be replaced and not rebuilt. Staff recommended the Council approve the purchase of an engine including the installation for Toro Mower #319. Mayor Flaherty asked if the seasonal worker was hurt in any way. Public Works Supervisor Peterson explained the worker jumped from the mower and was not seriously injured. Mayor Flaherty understood that accidents happened. He questioned what staff was doing to ensure this would not happen again. Public Works Supervisor Peterson indicated the video from the mower would be reviewed and additional training would be offered to the seasonal employees this spring. He reported he was speaking with a rep to see if a mercury switch could be added to the mower for safety purposes. Mounds View City Council February 22, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 4 Mayor Flaherty appreciated the fact that staff was looking into additional safety precautions. Council Member Mueller questioned if the Public Works department had any wiggle room in their mowing schedule to ensure that seasonal employees were not mowing wet parks. Public Works Supervisor Peterson indicated there was a little wiggle room, but staff did work to have all of the parks mowed each week by the weekend. He stated he would look into finding a proper balance with staff. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8527, Approving the Purchase of an Engine including installation for #319, Toro Mower. Mayor Flaherty asked if the City would receive any refund on the original motor. Public Works Supervisor Peterson commented he would look into this. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 8526, Approving participation in the Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program. City Administrator Ericson explained staff has been pursuing participation in the Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program per the Council’s direction. He discussed the GreenStep Cities Program further noting the initiative worked to promote sustainability and energy savings efforts. He indicated that based on the checklists, the City was well on its way to becoming a Step 1 GreenStep City. He explained Public Works Supervisor Erickson would act as the City’s program coordinator. Staff recommended the Council approve the City’s participation in the Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program. Council Member Gunn was pleased the City would be moving forward and joining this program. Council Member Mueller indicated the Council has discussed the GreenStep program for a number of years. She stated the League of Minnesota Cities recognizes and honors cities that participate in this program. Council Member Meehlhause asked if Public Works Director Erickson’s former employer was a GreenStep City. Public Works Director Erickson reported this was the case. Council Member Mueller requested staff provide a display regarding the GreenStep City Program at the upcoming Town Hall meeting. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8526, Approving participation in the Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program. Council Member Meehlhause supported the City participating in this program. Mayor Flaherty commented his recent article in the Mounds View Matters addressed the City Mounds View City Council February 22, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 5 Council’s desire to participate in this program. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 8528, Authorizing Expenditure of Funds for Consultant Services Associated with the Police Chief Recruitment Process. City Administrator Ericson stated at the February 8th City Council meeting, the Council approved a revised Police Chief job description and authorized the advertisement for this position. He explained this position has been posted in the Star Tribune, along with numerous websites. He reported the City was receiving responses for the position. He discussed the hiring process with the Council and requested approval of expenditures for consultant services associated with the Police Chief recruitment process Phase I and Phase II for an amount not to exceed $11,500. Mayor Flaherty questioned how the City would fund this expense. City Administrator Ericson reported this matter would come out of the General Fund. Council Member Gunn asked if any of the City’s current Police Officers would be applying for the Chief position. City Administrator Ericson stated based on the previous discussions, staff would be encouraging existing qualified officers to apply for the position, but the intent would be to consider these candidates along with all others that apply as part of the City doing its due diligence. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8528, Authorizing Expenditure of Funds for Consultant Services Associated with the Police Chief Recruitment Process. Mayor Flaherty supported the proposed hiring process and hoped that police officers from within the organization would apply for the position. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA None. 9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS Finance Director Beer answered the Council's questions related to claims. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council February 22, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 6 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. November 23, 2015, City Council Meeting Minutes. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull. To Approve the November 23, 2015, City Council meeting minutes as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. December 14, 2015, City Council Meeting Minutes. Council Member Gunn requested a correction on Page 5, Lines 5 and 6, stating the word “with” should be removed. Council Member Meehlhause requested a correction on Page 2, Line 21, noting 2015 should be changed to 2016. Council Member Meehlhause requested a correction on Page 2, Line 28, his comment should read he was uncomfortable with having a deficit for 2016. Council Member Meehlhause requested a correction on Page 5, Line 26, indicating the word “the” should be removed. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Mueller. To Approve the December 14, 2015, City Council meeting minutes as corrected. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. December 28, 2015, City Council Meeting Minutes. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Approve the December 28, 2015, City Council meeting minutes as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. January 11, 2016, City Council Meeting Minutes. Council Member Meehlhause requested a correction on Page 3, Line 26, stating the word chance should be change. Council Member Meehlhause requested a correction on Page 4, Line 11, indicating Council Member Meehlhause and Council Member Hull would continue on the YMCA Advisory Committee. Mounds View City Council February 22, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 7 Council Member Meehlhause requested a correction on Page 7, Line 26, changing in to on. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Approve the January 11, 2016, City Council meeting minutes as corrected. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Mueller stated the League of Minnesota Cities Finance Committee would be meeting on Thursday, February 25 th and the next Board of Directors meeting would be held on Thursday, March 17 th . Council Member Meehlhause reported he attended a meeting with Ramsey County Public Works Director, Jim Tolaas and Ramsey County Commissioner, Blake Huffman, Mayor Joe Flaherty and City Administrator Jim Ericson regarding the renaming of County Highway 10. He explained the discussion centered on renaming the portion of County Highway 10 in Ramsey County. The impact on 35W was reviewed. He anticipated the Council would be further addressing this matter at a future worksession meeting. Council Member Meehlhause indicated he would be attending an NYFS Board meeting this week. He discussed a meeting he would be attending with Jerry Hromotka and representatives from Deluxe Corporation. The goal of NYFS was to improve its partnerships with local companies to enhance fundraising opportunities. Council Member Meehlhause commented the next YMCA Advisory Commission meeting would be held on Monday, March 7 th . Council Member Meehlhause understood that the candidates for the fire chief position have been narrowed down to three. Council Member Gunn stated the I35W Coalition would be holding a teleconference on March 4th with representatives in Washington DC. The group would be discussing funding updates. Council Member Mueller indicated the Ramsey County League of Local Government would be holding their annual meeting with local legislators on Thursday, February 25th. Council Member Mueller noted also on Thursday, February 25 th from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the New Brighton Community Center there would be meeting with Met Council regarding growth and projections. Mayor Flaherty reported he attended a Cable Commission meeting last Tuesday. Comcast provided the group with a proposal and a counter proposal was submitted by the Cable Commission. It was his hope that a franchise with Comcast could be settled in the near future. Mounds View City Council February 22, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 8 Mayor Flaherty explained he attended a North Metro Mayors Association meeting last Thursday. The upcoming legislative session was discussed along with the proposed highway bonding bills. Mayor Flaherty indicated the Council and staff retreat would be held on Monday, February 29 th beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Community Center. Council Member Gunn reported she would be attending the upcoming Communities Partners with Youth luncheon. B. Reports of Staff. Public Works Director Erickson reported Met Council had a minor setback on the interceptor. He explained a small leak was found and was managed by the contractor. It was noted the expense for the fix would be the responsibility of the Met Council. Public Works Director Erickson indicated the new Public Works mechanic would begin working with the City on Monday, March 7 th . Public Works Director Erickson stated he had a meeting with Trane representatives last Friday. He updated the Council regarding the solar panels on the Community Center. Mayor Flaherty expressed frustration with the contractor at the Community Center. He believed that Trane needed to step up. Finance Director Beer stated that over $300,000 in payment was being held by the City to ensure that all work will be completed. Public Works Director Erickson noted there was a sewage blockage due to flushable wipes. He wanted to caution Mounds View residents from flushing these wipes as they could cause a blockage in sanitary sewer lines. Public Works Supervisor Peterson requested the Council approve the continuation of the forestry grant from the DNR. He indicated the grant ended in December of 2015. Staff has since requested an extension. He discussed the forestry items that would be covered through the DNR grant. Public Works Supervisor Peterson commented the 2016 budget has $40,000 set aside for new exercise equipment to assist with remodeling the exercise area. Nate Danielson proposed the City purchase additional equipment jointly with the YMCA in 2015. Nate Danielson has since explained to City staff that this purchase may not occur in 2016, but rather 2017 to allow him adequate time to research the exercise equipment prior to making a recommendation on the purchase. He requested that the funding be used to replace broken or cracked floor and ceiling tiles at the Community Center. The Council fully supported the forestry grant and the $40,000 being used for maintenance at the YMCA. Mounds View City Council February 22, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 9 1. Police Department 2015 Annual Report Police Chief Kinney reviewed the 2015 Annual Report with the City Council. He commented on the crime statistics noting arrests and citations were down in 2015 when compared to 2014. He explained the number of calls for service in 2015 was on the rise. He discussed the actions taken by the Edgewood Middle School SRO. Police Chief Kinney commented on the Towards Zero Death initiative. He was pleased by the events that occur each year that targeted speeding, seat belts, distracted and drunk driving. He indicated K-9 Officer Niko continues to be effective in the community and received high marks from his recent competition. Police Chief Kinney indicated a new CAD and records managements system was recently transitioned into the department and Ramsey County. This was a huge undertaking and staff was continuing to train and implement this new program. He believed the new program was a huge improvement. Police Chief Kinney reported the department hired Riley Solz in 2015. He noted several Mounds View Police Officers received a life-saving award from Allina for an event that occurred in Arden Hills. He commented on the additional efforts the department was making to engage with the community. He discussed the huge success of the Punt, Pass & Kick event, along with Shop with a Cop. He thanked his officers for working to continually engage with the community. Mayor Flaherty appreciated the training and education that the Police Department receives on an annual basis. Council Member Meehlhause thanked Officer Garland for his dedicated work in the community. It was his hope that Officer Garland would be considered for the NYFS Service to Youth Award in the future. Council Member Meehlhause appreciated the great leadership Police Chief Kinney provided to the City of Mounds View Police Department. He wished Police Chief Kinney the very best in his retirement. City Administrator Ericson reported the Council/staff retreat would be held on Monday, February 29 th . He asked if the Council was looking for a different format for the meeting. Mayor Flaherty believed the retreat ran quite effectively and no changes needed to be made to the meeting format. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs updated the Council on the Silver View Trail easements. He also provided comment on how the City was managing the DVS claims. Mounds View City Council February 22, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 10 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, March 7, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, March 14, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. Town Hall Meeting: Monday, March 21, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:11 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.