Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2016/09/12PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting September 12, 2016 Mounds View City Hall 2401 County Road 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:09 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Flaherty, Gunn, Hull, Meehlhause, Mueller NOT PRESENT: None. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, September 12, 2016, City Council Agenda. Council Member Mueller suggested Item 6B be moved to later in the meeting to accommodate Sheriff Bostrom’s schedule. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Approve the Monday, September 12, 2016, agenda as amended. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT None. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Constitution Week Proclamation Mayor Flaherty read a proclamation in full for the record declaring September 17, 2016 through September 23, 2016 to be Constitution Week in the City of Mounds View. B. Ramsey County Sheriff Matt Bostrom Ramsey County Sheriff Matt Bostrom was unable to attend this evening. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS Mounds View City Council September 12, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 2 A. Resolution 8622, Authorizing Certification of the Preliminary General Fund Budget and Preliminary Property Tax Levy for Fiscal Year 2017. Finance Director Beer requested the Council authorize certification of the preliminary general fund budget and property tax levy for 2017. He explained State Statute requires the City to certify a levy and budget to the County Auditor by September 30 th . He reported the Council could always lower the budget and levy after September 30 th but there could be no increases. It was noted the City was considering a tax levy 2.5% increase for 2017. Staff reviewed the preliminary budget and tax levy in further detail with the Council and recommended approval. Mayor Flaherty recommended the Council maximize the levy at this time and make necessary cuts prior to December. He supported the Council adopting a tax levy of 3.4%. He saw this levy increase as a placeholder until the City could get further answers on the EDA levy. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8622, Authorizing Certification of the Preliminary General Fund Budget and Preliminary Property Tax Levy of 3.4% for Fiscal Year 2017. Council Member Meehlhause stated he could support the 3.4% levy amount and was proud of the fact that the City had a balanced budget. He was pleased that the City’s tax capacity had increased in the past year due to the completion of new developments. Council Member Gunn believed it was a good decision to increase the levy to 3.4% until further information was provided by staff regarding the HRA/EDA levy. Brian Amundsen, 3048 Wooddale Drive, thanked the Council for hearing his previous concerns regarding the EDA levy. He requested further information on the transfers that would occur in order to balance the City’s budget. Finance Director Beer discussed the fund transfers in detail. Finance Director Beer provided the Council with a revised Resolution for approval reflecting a 3.4% tax levy increase. Mayor Flaherty read the revised Resolution aloud for the record. Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Hull) Motion carried. B. Resolution 8623, Approving the Mounds View Economic Development Authority’s Preliminary Special Benefits Tax for Fiscal Year 2017. Finance Director Beer requested the Council formally approve the EDA’s preliminary special benefits tax for 2017. He explained that if adopted the EDA levy would represent a 2.26% increase in the City’s tax levy. Mayor Flaherty indicated this levy could be reduced between now and December, but could not increase. Finance Director Beer stated this was the case. Mounds View City Council September 12, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 3 Brian Amundsen, 3048 Wooddale Drive, appreciated the fact that the EDA was looking into addressing economic issues. He discussed how the EDA tax levy would have to be used for housing and redevelopment. He suggested the EDA budget be approved prior to the levy request in the future. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8623, Approving the Mounds View Economic Development Authority’s Preliminary Special Benefits Tax for Fiscal Year 2017. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 8626, Approving Revisions to the Public Service Officer (PSO) Job Description and Advertising for a new Community Service Officer (CSO) Position. Assistant City Administrator Crane requested the Council approve revisions to the Public Service Officer (PSO) job description and advertise for a new Community Service Officer (CSO) position. She explained the City’s current PSO has resigned her position which gave management the opportunity to review the City’s staffing model and job description. Staff recommended the PSO position be changed to a CSO in order to remain consistent with surrounding communities. It was noted the salary for the position would remain the same. The hiring timeline was reviewed with the Council and staff recommended approval of the revisions and advertisement of the CSO position. Council Member Mueller asked if this was a non-exempt position. Assistant City Administrator Crane reported this was the case. Mayor Flaherty supported the CSO conducting code enforcement on behalf of the City. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8626, Approving Revisions to the Public Service Officer (PSO) Job Description and Advertising for a new Community Service Officer (CSO) Position. Council Member Mueller questioned how staff would be advertising the CSO position. Assistant City Administrator Crane described the numerous ways staff would be advertising the CSO position. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 8624, Adopting a Special Assessment Levy for Private Improvements in Area I of the Street and Utility Improvement Program. Finance Director Beer requested the Council consider adopting a special assessment levy for private improvements for Area I. He explained the residents listed have waived their right to a Mounds View City Council September 12, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 4 public hearing and understood a $35 administrative fee would be placed on their assessment. Staff recommended the Council approve the special assessment levies. Mayor Flaherty questioned the term of the levies. Finance Director Beer reported the assessments would begin in 2017 and would have a term of five years. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8624, Adopting a Special Assessment Levy for Private Improvements in Area I of the Street and Utility Improvement Program. Council Member Mueller was pleased that these residents took advantage of the opportunity to improve their property during the Street and Utility Improvement Project. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 8627, Approving the Hire of Margaret Hicks to the Position of Police Records/Evidence Technician. Assistant City Administrator Crane requested the Council approve the hire of Margaret Hicks to the position of Police Records/Evidence Technician. She explained this position would be vacant after the retirement of Kathy Bittner on September 30 th . She noted the Police Civil Service Commission discussed this matter and supported the hiring process. She commented further on the hiring process that was followed by staff and recommended the hiring of Margaret Hicks. Council Member Meehlhause asked if Ms. Hicks had prior experience. Assistant City Administrator Crane reported Ms. Hicks had extensive experience. Police Chief Harder explained Ms. Hicks was familiar with the Zeurcher system which would be of great help to the City of Mounds View. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8627, Approving the Hire of Margaret Hicks to the Position of Police Records/Evidence Technician. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. F. 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 before the Council previously in August. He explained the matter was tabled and action was being requested this evening. He noted the owners of Creative Kids Academy were in attendance to address the Council. He explained Creative Kids Academy has been in operation at the Community Center since 2009. He reported it has been the City’s goal to have non-profit, government essential services within the Community Center. However, when the original tenant moved out the community wanted another childcare option. Mounds View City Council September 12, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 5 City Administrator Ericson understood that Creative Kids Academy was providing high quality child care services to the community. He indicated the issue before the Council was the opportunity to have YMCA provide these services in order to create greater efficiencies within the entire building than were presently being considered. He commented on the benefits this new model would have on the community and City. He requested the Council further discuss the YMCA proposal and make a determination if this would be the best direction for the City. Mayor Flaherty explained this topic has been discussed on two separate occasions by the City Council with the owners of Creative Kids Academy and representatives from the YMCA. He reported the Council would be making a determination on this matter this evening. He requested comment from both parties at this time. Greg Waibel, COO of the YMCA, stated the YMCA was a non-profit that has proudly served the community of Mounds View for the past 17 years. He believed the YMCA’s proposal offered residents a better use of the space at the Community Center. He reported the YMCA would work diligently to provide a smooth transition for the new child care center. He encouraged Creative Kids Academy to work with the YMCA on this matter. He noted he has spoken to the State licenser and have been told the process can be seamless. He believed a “No” vote would not honor the residents of Mounds View, while a “Yes” vote would affirm the proper use of tax- payer resources. Mr. Garg, Creative Kids Academy, was disappointed with this entire situation and how he was being made out to be the bad guy. He felt that his business was being taken from him. He then read off a top ten list of why Creative Kids Academy was the proper choice for the City Council. He explained if his lease was terminated over 300 lives would be impacted, many of which were Mounds View residents. He did not believe the proposed savings were valid. He explained that families that qualified for State subsidies would not be allowed to be a part of the YMCA program until they were four star certified, which would take over a year to receive. He feared how his teachers and staff would be impacted by losing their jobs. He stated this was not just a business to him, but rather this was his passion. He indicated he enjoyed building relationships, providing support to families, and healthy food for hungry children. He requested the Council not discount the positive work that was being done by the Creative Kids Academy. He described the enrichment programs offered by CKA noting these were being offered free of charge to students. Mr. Garg encouraged the Council not to disrupt the lives of countless children in Mounds View by terminating his lease. He feared how these children and families would be stressed. He believed the City should not fix something that was not broken. He commented on the amount funding he had available to assist families in need and did not believe the YMCA would have this amount of money available. He reported 40% of his families required a subsidy. Mr. Garg explained CKA was the only small child care provider in Mounds View that was accredited and four star. By letting his lease terminate, Mounds View would lose this opportunity for all of its families. He feared how Mounds View families would be impacted by only having KinderCare and the YMCA as their child care provider options. The differences Mounds View City Council September 12, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 6 between CKA and KinderCare were further discussed. He believed CKA could serve the community best. He understood that the City could save a small amount of money by having the YMCA provide childcare. However, he urged the Council to consider the long-term value of these children and the valuable services that are being provided by CKA. He stated that he has worked very hard to create the child care center that he has and has paid a lot of money to use and improve that space. He made these investments because he was passionate about serving his families. Council Member Mueller asked if Mr. Garg was a part of the original Creative Kids child care center. Mr. Garg explained he was not, but stated he acquired the lease with a partner in 2009. Council Member Gunn stated she has considered both sides of this matter. She explained she has tried to view this matter strictly from a business point of view, in addition to an emotional point of view. In the end, she believed the City should honor the contract it has in place with Creative Kids Academy. For that reason, she would not support the resolution. Council Member Mueller thanked both parties for the information that has been provided to the Council. She discussed the matter from a business perspective and understood that Creative Kids Academy was willing to pay the property taxes. After thoughtfully weighing both sides of the matter, she wanted to see the City honor the current lease. Council Member Hull explained his opinion has not changed since the work session meeting. He was in favor of keeping the contract with Creative Kids Academy. Council Member Meehlhause noted he visited Creative Kids Academy last week with City Administrator Ericson and thanked Mr. Garg for the tour. He then read a written statement for the record. He believed this was a very difficult decision for the City Council given the fact the Council was being forced to choose between two outstanding entities within the community. It was his opinion that the community would continue to benefit regardless of the outcome. He appreciated Mr. Garg’s comments and understood the passion he had for his organization. He noted Creative Kids Academy has been an excellent tenant for the City since 2009 with zero issues associated with their monthly rental payment. Council Member Meehlhause continued his statement by indicating he did not appreciate the comments made by Mr. Garg regarding the YMCA’s hostile takeover of his business and feared these comments detracted from his otherwise positive presentation. He explained the City has had a great partnership with the YMCA for the past 18 years. He appreciated the Y’s dedication to the community by offering successful programming. Council Member Meehlhause stated after touring the childcare space he agreed with Mr. Garg that it would be difficult to utilize this space after hours. However, there was some open space that could be used by the Boy Scouts or Mounds View Lions. He then discussed the accreditation process that would have to be followed by the YMCA. He believed it was in the best interest of the community to send the notice of termination of lease to Creative Kids Academy. He commented on the savings the City would receive if the lease were terminated. Mounds View City Council September 12, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 7 He explained that program participation was on the rise at the Community Center and he believed the building would be better utilized during non-business hours if the CKA lease were terminated. He stated the Community Center belonged to all Mounds View residents and it was his opinion that it was the Council’s responsibility to decide how this was best achieved. He understood CKA has been an excellent tenant for the City since 2009 but noted the YMCA has been a partner with the City since 1998. In conclusion, it was with a heavy heart that Council Member Meehlhause supported the notice of termination being sent to CKA. Mayor Flaherty stated this was a very tough decision for the City Council. He believed the proposal was brought to the City prematurely. He explained that he supported the Council honoring the existing contract. He thanked everyone for the thoughtful discussion on this topic. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Deny Resolution 8617, Authorizing the Sending of a Notice of Termination of Lease to Creative Kids Academy – Mounds View, Inc. Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Meehlhause) Motion carried. G. Resolution 8625, Approving the Extension of the Department of Natural Resources 2012-2014 Community Forest Bonding Grant and Approving Additional Funding for Replacement Tree Plantings. Public Works Supervisor Peterson requested the Council approve the extension of the DNR Community Forest Bonding Grant and approve additional funding for replacement tree plantings. He explained in 2012 the Council accepted a grant from the DNR for Emerald Ash Borer. He reported there has been no outbreaks within the City limits to date. However, it was decided to remove trees in conjunction with Area I of the Street and Utility Improvement Project. Staff recommended $6,428 in grant funding be used to replace ash trees. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8625, Approving the Extension of the Department of Natural Resources 2012-2014 Community Forest Bonding Grant and Approving Additional Funding for Replacement Tree Plantings. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. H. Resolution 8628, Authorizing Blue Earth Labs and Hawking Water Treatment Group to Perform Repairs on Water Treatment Plant #2 Filter Media Cleaning. Public Works Supervisor Peterson requested the Council authorize Blue Earth Labs and Hawking Water Treatment Group to perform filter media cleaning repairs on Water Treatment Plant #2. He explained there has been a decrease in the water production out of Well 5 and Water Treatment Plant #2. The cause was investigated by staff and it was determined the filters were in need of cleaning. He explained the expense for the cleaning was $7,140. Mounds View City Council September 12, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 8 Council Member Mueller thanked staff for the thorough report. She asked if any preventive maintenance was ever conducted on the media filters. Public Works Supervisor Peterson did not believe a maintenance plan had been created. Council Member Mueller questioned if the manganese and sand could be removed from the reservoir. Public Works Supervisor Peterson reported the sediment would be removed and placed in the sanitary waste. He explained that this well has not been online since the problem was discovered. Council Member Meehlhause questioned where Well #5 was located. Public Works Supervisor Peterson reported this well was located at Long Lake Road and Woodcrest Lane. Mayor Flaherty understood the filter would be cleaned. He inquired how the City would know if the filter cleaning worked. Public Works Supervisor Peterson described the filter was made up of layers of rock and once the cleaning was completed the well production should increase. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8628, Authorizing Blue Earth Labs and Hawking Water Treatment Group to Perform Repairs on Water Treatment Plant #2 Filter Media Cleaning. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA A. Schedule a Public Hearing for Monday, September 26, 2016, at 7:00 p.m., to Consider a Transfer of an Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License from Applebaum, LLC (doing business as Big Top Liquor) to Merwin Liquors located at 2577 Mounds View Boulevard. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Mueller. To Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. 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/Hull. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES None. 11. REPORTS Mounds View City Council September 12, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 9 A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Mueller reported Minnesota Women in Local Government would be hosting a program on Friday, September 23 rd where Michelle Purdue would be the guest speaker. Council Member Mueller stated on Saturday, October 8 th an Open House would be held at the Blaine-Spring Lake Park-Mounds View Fire Department located on County Road 10. Council Member Mueller indicated the First Annual Festival in the Park Craft and Vendor Fair would be held on Sunday, October 9 th at the Community Center from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Council Member Mueller discussed the food donations that were made to the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf at the Festival in the Park Car Show and thanked everyone for their participation. She explained the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf was really in need at this time and encouraged the public to consider making a donation. Mayor Flaherty questioned how many vendors would be at the Festival in the Park Craft Show. Council Member Mueller reported she currently had 10 vendors. Council Member Gunn explained she attended the Suburban Ramsey Family Collaborative meeting on Thursday, September 8 th with Police Chief Harder. She indicated this group was focusing its efforts to find organized activities for children to do after school. She understood the Y would like to begin a Youth Council. She stated she would be attending further meetings for this group. Council Member Meehlhause reminded residents that live along US Highway 10 in the Laport neighborhood to cast their vote for the MnDOT sound wall and to attend the neighborhood meetings. He discussed how the voting would be processed by MnDOT. Council Member Meehlhause indicated the YMCA Advisory Committee met today and discussed the success of the Y’s summer programs. He reviewed the program revenue, park rental, room rental and event rentals for 2016 compared to previous years. He reported fall sports programs were underway and participation rates were looking good. He commented a youth diabetes prevention program was going to begin shortly at the Y. He indicated the YMCA’s new website for the event center was now up and running. Council Member Gunn reported the Mounds View Public Schools would be holding a free youth heart screening for all Mounds View and Irondale High School students. The screening would be held at the Mounds View High School on Saturday, September 17 th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The goal would be to have 300 students screened. Council Member Meehlhause reminded the public the Mounds View Business Council would meet next on Wednesday, September 14 th at 7:30 a.m. at the Mermaid. The guest speaker will be the Master Developer for the Rice Creek Commons development. Mounds View City Council September 12, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 10 Council Member Meehlhause reviewed his upcoming meeting schedule for NYFS and Twin Cities Gateway meeting. Council Member Meehlhause encouraged the public to attend the Taste of Northeast event for NYFS on Thursday, October 6 th at the Vadnais Heights Commons at 5:30 p.m. Council Member Meehlhause reported the Lion’s Annual All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner would be held at the VFW in Spring Lake Park on Thursday, October 13 th from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $9.50 per person. B. Reports of Staff. 1. Police Department Second Quarter Report Police Chief Harder reviewed the Police Department’s Second Quarter Report with the City Council. He discussed the highlights from the report noting the top crimes and citations compared to 2015. He thanked Deputy Chief Steve Menard for his assistance with this report. He commended the efforts of each officer within the department, especially the work being done by the SRO and K-9 officers. He appreciated the positive interactions that his officers were having with the public. He reported the Punt, Pass and Kick event would be held on Saturday, September 17 th at the Edgewood Middle School. He discussed some new events that he was hoping to host within Mounds View, such as a New Americans Academy and Father Daughter Ball. Council Member Meehlhause asked if the Police Department was able to break down where citations were issued for speeding. He understood that Red Oak and Groveland were concern streets for speeding traffic. Police Chief Harder explained it would be difficult to track this by location. He discussed how data gathered from speed trailers could be used to assist the Council and Police Department in this area. He encouraged the Council and Mounds View residents to visit RAIDS online. Council Member Mueller believed the speed of traffic along Long Lake Road, County Road H, Sunnyside and Irondale Road were also areas of concern. Police Chief Harder requested this information be forwarded to him and he would review this further with his staff. Mayor Flaherty thanked Police Chief Harder for his report. City Administrator Ericson reported on Wednesday he would be attending a meeting at CTV. C. Reports of City Attorney. There was nothing additional to report. 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, October 3, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, September 26, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. Mounds View City Council September 12, 2016 Regular Meeting Page 11 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:29 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.