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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2016/08/22PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting August 22, 2016 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:00 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Flaherty, Gunn, Meehlhause, Mueller NOT PRESENT: Hull. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, August 22, 2016, City Council Agenda. Council Member Mueller requested Item 6B be added to the agenda to allow for the Car Show Trophy Presentation. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Approve the Monday, August 22, 2016, agenda as amended. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT None. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Oath of Office – Police Chief Nathaniel Harder. Mayor Flaherty administered the Oath of Office to Police Chief Nathaniel Harder and welcomed him to the City of Mounds View. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance. Police Chief Harder introduced himself to the City Council and those in attendance. He discussed his career in law enforcement and stated he looked forward to serving the residents of Mounds View. B. Car Show Trophy Presentation. Mounds View City Council August 22, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 2 Council Member Mueller presented the first place trophy on behalf of the 10 th Annual Car Show to Steven Johnson for his 2009 Shelby GT 500. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. 7:00 p.m. Continued Public Hearing, Resolution 8611, Municipal Consent for MnDOT I35W North Project. Public Works Director Erickson stated the Council opened a Public Hearing for the I35W North Project at their August 8 th meeting. He noted this Public Hearing was continued to this evening to allow for further comment from MnDOT. He reported Mark Lindeberg from MnDOT had a presentation for the Council. Mark Lindeberg, MnDOT, thanked the Council for their time. He discussed the preliminary designs for the I35W project noting an additional lane in both directions would be added from Highway 36 to Lexington Avenue. It was noted this extra lane would be a MNPASS lane. He estimated the project would cost approximately $208 million and explained MnDOT had $130 million secured. He anticipated the project would begin in 2019. He provided further comment on the spot improvements that would be made to the roadway. He described the noise wall design and reviewed the potential noise wall locations. He stated noise wall meetings would be held in the near future. Council Member Mueller discussed the existing noise wall locations and asked if a continuous wall would be located along Highway 10. Mr. Lindeberg reported there would be a noise wall with several gaps for the existing wooded areas. Council Member Mueller questioned if the east/westbound construction on I-694 would be completed prior to work beginning on I35W. Mr. Lindeberg explained the I-694 project would be complete in 2017 and the I35W project would not begin until 2018 (if fully funded) or 2019. Mayor Flaherty inquired how long it would take MnDOT to complete the I35W project. Mr. Lindeberg estimated the project would take four years to complete. Council Member Meehlhause asked if the northbound entrance from County Road I to I35W would be eliminated. Mr. Lindeberg stated it was his understanding this loop would be removed. He provided further comment on the work that was being done at County Road H for the TCAAP development. Council Member Meehlhause inquired what would happen if a city did not offer municipal consent. Mr. Lindeberg discussed the municipal consent process stating MnDOT would try and work with a city to reach an agreement. He commented on the appeal process that would have to be entered into if an agreement was not reached. Council Member Mueller expressed concern with how the businesses along County Road I would be impacted by the loss of access to I35W. She recommended that MnDOT post proper Mounds View City Council August 22, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 3 signage in order to keep traffic flowing to these businesses. Judy Elfstrand, 2071 Pinewood, understood the County Road I overpass as to be reconstructed in 2017. She asked if this work would be completed. Mr. Lindeberg stated the County Road I bridge would be completed as part of the MNPASS project. Ms. Elfstrand requested further information on the auxiliary lanes along County Road I. Mr. Lindeberg provided the Council and Ms. Elfstrand with additional information on how the auxiliary lanes would be designed. Hearing no further public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:34 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8611, Municipal Consent for MnDOT I35W North Project. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mayor Flaherty requested Items 7F and 7G be discussed next. The Council supported this recommendation. F. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing, Resolution 8620 to Consider a Chicken Keeping License for Andre and Patricia Koen located at 7951 Greenwood Drive. Assistant City Administrator Crane requested the Council consider a chicken keeping license for Andre and Patricia Koen at 7951 Greenwood Drive. She stated eight chickens were being requested and reviewed the location of the proposed chicken coop. It was noted one neighbor objected to the keeping of chickens in Mounds View. Staff reviewed the request further and recommended the Council hold a Public Hearing and approve of the request. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:38 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:38 p.m. Council Member Mueller questioned how many requests the City has approved over the past year for chicken keeping. Assistant City Administrator Crane estimated the City had received four to six requests. Mayor Flaherty asked how much experience the Koen’s had with raising chickens. Andre Koen, 7951 Greenwood Drive, reported he had no experience raising chickens but he and his wife were interested in living a more sustainable life. He had recently doubled the size of his garden and wanted now to provide his family with their own eggs. Mayor Flaherty questioned how Mr. Koen would be constructing his chicken coop. Mr. Koen indicated he would be purchasing a pen from Fleet Farm and noted his chicken coop would also have a four foot by 12 foot run. Mounds View City Council August 22, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 4 Mayor Flaherty wished the Koen’s well on their chicken keeping. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8620 to Consider a Chicken Keeping License for Andre and Patricia Koen located at 7951 Greenwood Drive. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. G. Resolution 8617, Authorizing the Sending of a Notice of Termination of Lease to Creative Kids Academy – Mounds View, Inc. City Administrator Ericson stated this item was discussed briefly at the Council’s August 8 th meeting. The item was continued to allow for comment to be received from the owner of Creative Kids Academy. He reported over the past few years, the YMCA has expressed interested in providing childcare at the Community Center. It was noted Creative Kids Academy currently provides childcare services within the Community Center. He noted the existing lease with Creative Kids does have an early termination clause that would allow the City to opt out with a one-year notice. The benefits of having a single provider in the Community Center space was reviewed at length with the Council. Staff recommended the Council authorize the sending of the Notice of Termination to Creative Kids Academy. Mr. Garg, Creative Kids Academy, thanked the Council for delaying action on this item until he could be in attendance at the meeting. He stated he was very surprised to learn that the City was interested in terminating the lease he had at the Community Center. He believed it was in the best interest of the community to keep Creative Kids Academy in business as it was only one of two accredited childcare providers in the City of Mounds View. He explained his families appreciated the size, healthy food, enrichment classes and enhanced programming provided by Creative Kids Academy. He discussed the involvement he has in the community and noted he has never been delinquent on his rent. He stated he would be more than willing to pay property taxes if this was a concern to the City. In addition, he was more than willing to assume the custodial services. He commented on the numerous investments he had made in the building and grounds. He indicated his business was not for sale and his employees would not be absorbed by the YMCA. He feared how his families would be disrupted by the proposed hostile takeover. Nate Danielson, YMCA, explained the YMCA began a relationship with the City in 1999. He discussed the growth that has occurred over the past five years at the Community Center. Due to the growth and expanded programing, the idea arose to take on childcare in order for this space to be programmed in the evening hours. He discussed the financial aid assistance that would be available to families through the YMCA. He explained the YMCA was proposing to provide high quality childcare and would be accredited. It was his opinion childcare services was a natural extension of the YMCA programming. Mayor Flaherty asked what the relationship was now between the YMCA and Creative Kids. Mr. Danielson stated Creative Kids staff volunteers at all YMCA events and the Y markets their Mounds View City Council August 22, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 5 classes at the childcare facility. He noted Creative Kids made use of the YMCA’s gym space when the weather was inclement. He viewed the relationship between the two organizations as positive. Mr. Garg believed this to be true and stated he tried to keep his space separate from the YMCA. Mayor Flaherty inquired why the YMCA was suggesting a change at this time. Mr. Danielson explained the growth at the Community Center had led him to make this request. He reported there was a need for additional space for programming in the evening hours. He believed it would be ideal to make a change to the childcare programming in August before the new school year began. Mayor Flaherty questioned what had more value to the YMCA, the space or the daycare. Mr. Danielson commented he was here to serve the community and its families. He explained the YMCA has been a partner to the community for the past 17 years and there was great value in extending the partnership the YMCA has with the City by offering childcare. Sangeeta Jain, Creative Kids Academy, requested the Council deny Resolution 8617. While she understood the Council was to act in the best interests of the community, she did not believe that the closing of Creative Kids would be in the City’s best interest. She discussed the importance of high quality childcare to a community and believed Creative Kids provided the highest early childcare education services. She questioned why the City had not completed any analysis or due diligence. She feared that the closing of Creative Kids would appear to be discriminatory in nature. She discussed her public service, family history, and commented on the key to early educational intervention. She highlighted the curriculum that was provided by Creative Kids staff, as well as noting her business provided healthy, fresh food. She recommended the City reconsider the Resolution before them and not replace a small, minority owned business with a bureaucratic conglomerate. She feared how the children within her center would be disrupted if Creative Kids were forced to evict this space and suggested the City Council not place a subpar childcare provider in the Community Center. Mayor Flaherty understood both the YMCA and Creative Kids were exceptional organizations. He understood that Creative Kids was a great childcare provider to the community. He did not believe the situation to be a hostile takeover, but rather the YMCA was making a request on how to better utilize the space within the Community Center. He noted this request would not be considered lightly. Stephanie Thomas, YMCA Childcare Services, discussed the high quality childcare programs being offered by the YMCA. She believed the YMCA would be able to strengthen their options through an extended partnership with the City. She stated early childhood education was a mission for the YMCA and believed the YMCA could positively impact the achievement gap through its programming. She understood that transition was hard however, she hoped there could be some collaborative efforts. It was her opinion the YMCA provided high quality childcare services within its eight current facilities. She then discussed the collaboration that would be offered between the YMCA and the childcare facility. Mounds View City Council August 22, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 6 Council Member Meehlhause asked if the YMCA childcare program was accredited. Ms. Thomas reported in any new childcare situation, State licensing and accreditation was necessary. She understood the building has already met those requirements. It was noted the existing YMCA childcare facilities had met the national accreditation (NACY) requirements. Mr. Garg commented it would take the new childcare center over one year to receive NACY accreditation. Council Member Meehlhause questioned if financial assistance was provided to Mounds View residents that do not live in his apartment complex. Mr. Garg explained the families that live at Woodlawn received a 10% monthly discount. He indicated other families can receive financial aid or help through the County. He stated additional help can be offered up to $50,000 through State grants. Council Member Meehlhause requested further information on the property tax situation. Mr. Garg reported in the past he had stated the payment of the property taxes would be a hardship to his business. However, he would be willing to take on the cost of the property taxes in order to remain in the Community Center. Council Member Mueller asked if the City would be having the same conversation if Mr. Garg was contacted stating his space was needed for additional YMCA programming. Mr. Garg understood the City had the right to exercise the termination clause within the lease. He believed he would have come before the City questioning what he had done wrong and how he could save his business at this location. Council Member Mueller questioned if a daycare was not located in the Community Center, if there was enough programming to keep this space full. Mr. Danielson stated there was a growing need for more space at the Community Center. He indicated he was being as creative as he could with the existing space available, but noted he could fill a gym non-stop if it was built tomorrow. Council Member Gunn explained the goal of the YMCA was to partner with the City to provide community programming to all individuals. She stated the Community Center was owned by the City. She indicated the YMCA had a growing need for space in order to meet the needs of the community for Park and Recreational programming. In order to keep the Community Center viable and thriving she supported the YMCA having the additional space. Mr. Danielson believed that if the YMCA were to provide the childcare services within the Community Center, the YMCA would see program growth over time. Council Member Gunn indicated she was struggling with having this discussion at a regular meeting and wished this had been done at a Council worksession. Mayor Flaherty agreed but noted not all parties could be present at the previous Council worksession meeting. Mounds View City Council August 22, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 7 Council Member Mueller understood if the YMCA were to assume a childcare role at the Community Center this space would be utilized in the evening hours. She asked if this proposal included an option to have evening daycare for parents attending classes. Mr. Danielson stated if there was a community need this would be provided. However, at this time, there was more of a need to move non-revenue generating meetings into the childcare space. Council Member Meehlhause noted the City would receive a financial benefit if the YMCA were to assume the childcare services as the City would no longer have to pay property taxes on this portion of the Community Center. Finance Director Beer reported this was the case. Council Member Meehlhause discussed the cleaning contract. He understood a City of Mounds View public works employee completes the cleaning at the Community Center at this time. He noted this employee would be freed up for other activities if a change were made to the YMCA. Finance Director Beer stated this public works employee would be freed up to complete the cleaning of City Hall, which would save the City $19,000. Council Member Meehlhause asked if there would be an increase in revenue opportunities if the daycare facility was open for additional programming in the evenings and on weekends. Finance Director Beer commented the non-revenue generating meetings would be held within the childcare area which would open up additional space for programming. Council Member Meehlhause believed that a change to YMCA provided childcare could positively impact the City’s current subsidy to the Community Center. Finance Director Beer stated if rentals and programming were up, this would be the case. Council Member Meehlhause estimated the City would have a savings of at least $27,000+ if the Council were to support the lease termination. Mayor Flaherty understood this was an emotional issue along with being a business issue. He stated he was not ready to make a decision on this matter at this time. He recommended the issue be postponed and further discussed by the Council at an upcoming worksession. He indicated this would also allow for the full complement of the Council to weigh in on this issue, along with representatives from Creative Kids Academy and the YMCA. The Council supported this matter being tabled to September 12 th . MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Postpone Action on the Creative Kids Academy Lease Termination to the Monday, September 12, 2016 City Council Worksession Meeting. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. At this time, Council Member Mueller presented one more First Place Trophy for the Special Feature Vehicle to Ramsey County for their Mobile Incident Command Center. Brian Mayer, Ramsey County Emergency Management, thanked the City Council for this recognition. A Mounds View City Council August 22, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 8 round of applause was offered by all in attendance. B. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of Ordinance 923 Continuing a Franchise Fee on Xcel Energy Electric and Natural Gas Operations. Finance Director Beer requested the Council hold a public hearing and adopt an Ordinance that would continue a 4% franchise fee with Xcel Energy Electric and Natural Gas for operations in the City of Mounds View. He reported this revenue stream has assisted the City with replacing its 26 miles of streets. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 8:56 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 8:56 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 923 Continuing a Franchise Fee on Xcel Energy Electric and Natural Gas Operations and direct staff to publish the Ordinance summary. ROLL CALL: Gunn/Meehlhause/Mueller/ Flaherty. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of Ordinance 924 Continuing a Franchise Fee on CenterPoint Energy Natural Gas Operations. Finance Director Beer requested the Council hold a public hearing and adopt an Ordinance that would continue a 4% franchise fee with CenterPoint Energy Natural Gas for operations in the City of Mounds View. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 8:58 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 8:58 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 924 Continuing a Franchise Fee on CenterPoint Energy Natural Gas Operations and direct staff to publish the Ordinance summary. ROLL CALL: Gunn/Meehlhause/Mueller/ Flaherty. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing: 1. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 926, an Ordinance amending Title 1100 of the Mounds View City Code, Chapters 1102, 1113, 1114 and 1116 relating to Microbreweries, Microdistilleries, Taprooms, and Mounds View City Council August 22, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 9 Cocktail Rooms. City Administrator Ericson requested the Council hold a public hearing and adopt an ordinance amending Title 1100 of the City Code relating to microbreweries, microdistilleries, taprooms, and cocktail rooms. He questioned if the Council wanted to allow a microbrewery and taproom in the B-2 zoning district. He indicated this ordinance was previously discussed by the Council at the August 8 th and August 15 th meetings. Staff discussed the proposed amendments in further detail, noting there was a growing demand for microbreweries or microdistilleries in the metro area. Council Member Meehlhause supported the B-2 zoning district being included in the ordinance noting that each request would require a Conditional Use Permit. Council Member Mueller and Council Member Gunn were in agreement. Mayor Flaherty requested further information on the CUP process. City Attorney Riggs advised the Council on the discretionary control offered through the Conditional Use Permitting process. Mayor Flaherty stated based on this information he did not support microbreweries, microdistilleries, taprooms or cocktail rooms being located within the B-2 zoning district. Council Member Meehlhause reconsidered his previous comment and recommended that B-2 be removed from consideration. Council Member Mueller believed that the free market would regulate where a brewpub or microbrewery could locate. She still supported the use being allowed as a CUP in the B-2 zoning district. Council Member Gunn agreed with Council Member Mueller. Mayor Flaherty discussed the recent liquor license request noting the Council may not have wanted to approve this request, but had no reason not to approve the request. He did not want the City Council face the same situation with a microbrewery or taproom. City Administrator Ericson believed there were five to seven criteria within the CUP process noting a proposed use could not adversely impact adjacent properties. It was his opinion there were adequate regulations in place within Chapter 1125 to protect the City from allowing an impactful use in a neighborhood business space. He reported the Council could always amend the City Code at a later date if a situation were to arise. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 9:13 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 9:13 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Mueller. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance Mounds View City Council August 22, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 10 926, an Ordinance amending Title 1100 of the Mounds View City Code, Chapters 1102, 1113, 1114 and 1116 relating to Microbreweries, Microdistilleries, Taprooms, and Cocktail Rooms, allowing these uses within the B-2 Zoning District. Council Member Mueller thanked Planner Sevald for all of the information he provided to the City Council regarding this topic. She was proud of the Mayor and City Council for having the vision to amend this portion of City Code. ROLL CALL: Gunn/Meehlhause/Mueller/ Flaherty. Ayes – 3 Nays – 1 (Flaherty) Motion carried. 2. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 925, an Ordinance Amending Title 500, Chapter 502, to add Micro Breweries, Brewpubs, Distilled Spirits, Microdistilleries, and Taprooms Business Licensing to the Liquor Code. Assistant City Administrator Crane requested the Council hold a public hearing and adopt an Ordinance amending Title 500 within City Code adding microbreweries, brewpubs, distilled spirits, microdistilleries, and taprooms business licensing to the liquor code. She explained this item was discussed by the Council at their August 8th meeting. Staff reviewed the revised Ordinance and recommended approval. If approved this evening, the Ordinance would become effective October 2 nd . Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 9:19 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 9:19 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 925, an Ordinance Amending Title 500, Chapter 502, to add Micro Breweries, Brewpubs, Distilled Spirits, Microdistilleries, and Taprooms Business Licensing to the Liquor Code, directing staff to publish an Ordinance summary. Council Member Meehlhause thanked Planner Sevald and Assistant City Administrator Crane for their work on this Ordinance amendment. Council Member Mueller questioned what the next step would be for this matter. Assistant City Administrator Crane reported staff would now be working on a fee schedule for the microbrewery, brewpub and taproom licenses. ROLL CALL: Gunn/Meehlhause/Mueller/ Flaherty. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council August 22, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 11 E. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 927, an Ordinance amending Title 1100 of the Mounds View City Code, Chapters 1102, 1103, and 1106 relating to Accessory Dwelling Units. City Administrator Ericson requested the Council hold a public hearing and adopt an Ordinance amending Title 1100 of the City Code relating to Accessory Dwelling Units. He discussed the Ordinance in further detail and offered a definition of an accessory dwelling unit. It was noted this Ordinance was introduced on August 8 th . Staff commented on the differences between rental properties and accessory dwelling units. He proposed one addition to the code which shall read: Property owners are responsible for an additional quarterly utility fee upon creation of an accessory dwelling unit to include the following: sewer service charge, surface water management utility fee, and street lighting utility fee. He believed this addition would keep the utility fees charged by the City fair and equitable between duplexes and single family homes with an accessory dwelling unit. Staff recommended approval of the Ordinance with the stated revision. Council Member Mueller appreciated the revision proposed by staff. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 9:32 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 9:32 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 927, an Ordinance amending Title 1100 of the Mounds View City Code, Chapters 1102, 1103, and 1106 relating to Accessory Dwelling Units as revised, directing staff to publish an Ordinance summary. Council Member Mueller explained a provision within the Ordinance was to require the property to be owner occupied. Mayor Flaherty stated another intent of the Ordinance was to assist families with an ailing family member that required close care. ROLL CALL: Gunn/Meehlhause/Mueller/ Flaherty. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. H. Resolution 8621, Approving Severance for Craig Swalchick, Housing/Code Enforcement Inspector. Assistant City Administrator Crane stated Craig Swalchick resigned his position with the City effective August 10 th . She requested the Council approve a severance for Housing/Code Enforcement Inspector Swalchick in accordance with the Mounds View’s Personnel Manual. She reported Mr. Swalchick would be receiving $1,859 for accrued sick time, $262.38 for his accrued unused vacation hours and $371.91 for his remaining comp time. Mounds View City Council August 22, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 12 MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8621, Approving Severance for Craig Swalchick, Housing/Code Enforcement Inspector. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. I. Resolution 8619, Approving the Purchase of Two School Zone Radar Signs. Police Chief Harder requested the Council consider approving the purchase of two school zone radar signs. He explained this was a budgeted item for 2016 and the City had set aside $15,000 for the expense. He was pleased to report the bids came back at $11,425.25, plus installation costs of $4,800 which would be covered by the school district. He recommended approval of the purchase. Council Member Mueller understood both signs would be placed on County Road I. Police Chief Harder stated this was correct and reviewed the placement of the signs in further detail with the Council. Council Member Mueller expressed her thanks to Deputy Chief Menard for his efforts regarding the two school zone radar signs. Mayor Flaherty asked when the flashing lights would be on. Police Chief Harder explained the signs would be programmed to have the flashing lights operational during school hours. Council Member Gunn was pleased the signs were solar powered. Mayor Flaherty questioned what fund would be used to cover the expense of the signs. Finance Director Beer indicated the Police Forfeiture Fund would be used. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8619, Approving the Purchase of Two School Zone Radar Signs, with the installation costs to be covered by the Mounds View School District. Ayes – 4 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: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented. Mounds View City Council August 22, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 13 Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. August 8, 2016, City Council Meeting Minutes. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Approve the August 8, 2016, City Council meeting minutes as presented. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Mueller reported she made it through the very soggy August 20 th Festival in the Park. She was sad to note the parade had to be canceled, but was pleased the Car Show went on. She thanked Officer Nick and Niko for putting on a demonstration and reviewed all of the other activities that occurred during Festival in the Park. She appreciated all those who contributed to the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf. She then read a list of winners for the 10 th Annual Festival in the Park Car Show. Council Member Mueller indicated she would be attending a Public Works Seminar Monday through Wednesday of next week. Council Member Mueller stated the Minnesota Women in Government had a meeting last Friday. Council Member Gunn explained the I-35W Coalition met last week. She noted the environmental study for the upcoming project was now posted on MnDOT’s website. Council Member Meehlhause discussed the sound walls for the I-35W project and encouraged residents to attend the upcoming public meetings on either Monday, September 19 th or Wednesday, September 21 st . Council Member Meehlhause stated he and former NYFS Chair would be completing interviews of NYFS staff on Tuesday, August 23 rd . He explained this was being done as part of the performance review for Jerry Hromatka. Council Member Meehlhause indicated NYFS would be holding a staff appreciation picnic next Wednesday, August 31 st . B. Reports of Staff. 1. Public Works Department Quarterly Report Public Works Director Erickson reviewed the quarterly report with the Council. He summarized the activities that the Public Works Department has been completing over the summer months. He provided an update on Area H. He noted the Mounds View Boulevard trail was being held up Mounds View City Council August 22, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 14 due to the light fixtures. He explained staff was in need of a motion to approve funding to cover the cost of geotechnical testing for both the Mounds View Boulevard and Silver View Pond trails. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Direct Staff to Complete Testing as Necessary for the Mounds View Boulevard ($5,536) and Silver View Pond Trail ($5,272). Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mayor Flaherty was in favor of the City taking over the mowing of the median along Mounds View Boulevard. He believed this would assist with beautifying the corridor. Finance Director Beer commented on a Ramsey County tax meeting that he attended last week. The proposed impacts and changes for 2017 were reviewed with the Council. City Administrator Ericson reminded the Council that Mounds View would be hosting a Legislative Forum in October. City Administrator Ericson also reported the City would be moving forward with a new sign for the Community Center and noted the footings were poured today. City Administrator Ericson reviewed the September 6th worksession agenda and discussed the work that was being done on the City’s website. Mayor Flaherty recommended the childcare situation at the Community Center also be discussed on September 6 th . Bruce Sherve, owner of Cars Bike Shop, thanked the City for allowing him to hold the bike races in Mounds View in conjunction with Festival in the Park. He believed this was a successful event noting he had 52 racers, despite the rain. He appreciated the efforts of the Public Works Department and the Mounds View Police Department. He looked forward to holding this event again in 2017. Mayor Flaherty was pleased that work was commencing along Silver View Pond. He thanked all of the volunteers that made Festival in the Park possible and appreciated all of Theresa Cermak’s efforts. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 12. Next Council Work Session: TUESDAY, September 6, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, September 12, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. Mounds View City Council August 22, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 15 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10:23 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.