Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2014/04/14PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting April 14, 2014 Mounds View City Hall 2401 County Road 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:00 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Flaherty, Gunn, Hull, Meehlhause, Mueller NOT PRESENT: None. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, April 14, 2014, City Council Agenda. Council Member Meehlhause requested Item 7E under New Business be discussed before Item 7A on the agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Mueller. To Approve the Monday, April 14, 2014, agenda as amended. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT None. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Arbor Day Proclamation. Mayor Flaherty read a proclamation declaring Friday, April 25, 2014 to be Arbor Day in the City of Mounds View. He discussed the numerous benefits of trees in the community, encouraged residents to partake in this wonderful event and was proud that Mounds View continued to be a Tree City USA. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS E. Public Hearing at 7:00 p.m., to Consider the First Reading and Introduction Mounds View City Council April 14, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 2 of Ordinance 886, an Ordinance that would Amend Chapter 607 of the City Code Pertaining to Commercial Vehicles. City Administrator Ericson stated that this item has been previously discussed by the Council at the January, February and March worksessions. He explained that numerous homeowners in Mounds View were bringing commercial vehicles home and parking them in their driveways during the day or overnight. He reported these vehicles were over the designated weight limits (Class E) within City Code. City Administrator Ericson reported the Council was proposing to expand the commercial vehicle limits to allow for a Glass G weight limit in residential neighborhoods. The Council would be restricting residents to allow for only one commercial vehicle on residential properties. These commercial vehicles could have no more than six wheels, and must be licensed and operable. Staff reviewed the proposed Ordinance in further detail and recommended the Council hold a public hearing and introduce Ordinance 886. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:12 p.m. City Administrator Ericson noted an email he received from Mary Mullen regarding the proposed City Code changes. He stated she referred a portion of her comments to Section 1106 regarding Home Businesses. He explained Home Businesses would continue to be allowable and the new language would be consistent with the current City Code. It was noted Ms. Mullen opposed the Ordinance amendment. Carlie Steinbach, 7861 Woodlawn Drive, indicated she received a new road last year and had concerns with how heavy commercial vehicles would impact her roadway. In addition, she commented there were a lot of children biking and skating on her road and wanted to keep them safe. Matt Severance, 2341 Laport, inquired if the City would allow for variances to the City Code, if the language change were not to pass. Mayor Flaherty stated the City was not prepared to make exceptions to the City Code at this time. Marilyn Eibs, 7790 Greenwood Drive, stated she has been a resident in Mounds View since 1959. She requested the City protect the new streets and not allow additional commercial vehicles in residential neighborhoods. Christian Fentin, 7948 Edgewood, reported he owns Fentin Lawncare and has recently moved to Mounds View with his wife and kids. He agreed Mounds View should protect their roadways, but stated the slightly higher weight allowance would allow him to continue to operate his home business. Hearing no further public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:18 p.m. Mounds View City Council April 14, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 3 Council Member Hull asked if neighboring communities allowed for larger commercial vehicles. City Administrator Ericson stated this was the case. Mayor Flaherty understood that more people were working from home or worked as a subcontractor and was required to bring a commercial vehicle home. He provided comment on the discussion held by the Council had regarding the size and weight limits that would be allowed within residential neighborhoods. He reported the City did not have a large number of commercial vehicles parked in residential neighborhoods currently and for this reason, he supported the proposed Ordinance amendment. He indicated if commercial vehicle parking became a concern in the future, the Council could revisit the matter. Code Enforcement Officer Craig Swalchick discussed the size and weight of vehicles that would be allowed in residential neighborhoods. He reported that by increasing the weight limit within City Code, there would not be a huge change in the vehicles allowed. Council Member Mueller noted commercial vehicles would have to be parked on improved surfaces on a homeowners’ property and could not be parked on City streets. Code Enforcement Officer Swalchick stated this was the case. Council Member Mueller believed that the City Code needed to be revised to more closely align with the times. Council Member Gunn commented that the Council was not allowing larger trucks (semis, moving vans, etc.) to move into residential neighborhoods, but rather, to allow for trucks that were already located in the R-1 district. She thanked Code Enforcement Officer Swalchick for bringing this concern to the Council’s attention. Mayor Flaherty reiterated that the code would not allow for vehicles with more than six wheels in the R-1 zoning district. Earling Eibs, 7790 Greenwood Drive, stated he has lived in the City for more than 55 years. He expressed concern with how commercial vehicles would block site lines when parked in residential driveways. Council Member Meehlhause asked if City Code allowed for vehicles to be parked in the City’s right-of-way. Code Enforcement Officer Swalchick indicated that vehicles were not to park in the right-of-way. This assisted in keeping sight lines free and clear for passing traffic. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 886, an Ordinance that would Amend Chapter 607 of the City Code Pertaining to Commercial Vehicles. Mayor Flaherty commented the Council was accepting the First Reading this evening. He explained a Second Reading and further comments would be taken at the Council’s April 28th meeting. Mounds View City Council April 14, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 4 Council Member Mueller believed the Council was helping honest, hardworking neighbors through the Code amendment by allowing them to keep their existing commercial vehicles parked on their property. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. A. Resolution 8239, Approving the Hire of David Radtke as a Mounds View Police Officer. Police Chief Kinney recommended the Council approve the hire of David Radtke as a Mounds View Police Officer. He explained the Department had a vacancy due to the resignation of Officer Stoffel. The hiring process was discussed in further detail and it was noted Mr. Radtke successfully completed all testing. He reported Mr. Radtke was raised in Mounds View and looked forward to serving this community. Council Member Meehlhause asked if there was concern given the fact Mr. Radtke was not at the top of the compiled hire list. Police Chief Kinney voiced no concern with this and was confident in Mr. Radtke’s ability. Council Member Mueller questioned if an exit interview would be held with Officer Stoffel. Police Chief Kinney commented a questionnaire was presented to Officer Stoffel, but noted his feedback and completion of the paperwork was voluntary. He explained that Officer Stoffel resigned his position with Mounds View to accept a position closer to his place of residence. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8239, Approving the Hire of David Radtke as a Mounds View Police Officer. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 8242, Approving a Labor Agreement with Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) Local 204 (Mounds View Patrol Officers). City Administrator Ericson requested the Council approve a three-year labor contract for the Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) Local 204. He noted the contract expired in 2013. He indicated a pay study was completed and it was found the City’s officers were being paid comparable to neighboring cities. The proposed changes within the contract were reviewed with the Council, along with the retirement plan classes. It was recommended the Council authorize the contract with the understanding the class system may need to be amended by the plan administrator. Council Member Meehlhause requested clarification on the refused/unpaid overtime statement within the contract. Police Chief Kinney stated he has not had to exercise this clause. Finance Director Beer indicated this statement could be getting to the department’s need to equally distribute overtime between the officers. Mounds View City Council April 14, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 5 MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8242, Approving a Labor Agreement with Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) Local 204 (Mounds View Patrol Officers), with the understanding the class system may need to be amended by the plan administrator. Council Member Mueller was pleased that staff had negotiated a three-year agreement. She commended City staff and the labor union for coming together and reaching this agreement. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 8243, Approving a Labor Agreement with the Public Works Group. City Administrator Ericson requested the Council approve a three-year labor agreement with the Public Works group. He reported the previous agreement had expired at the end of 2013. He noted a compensation study was completed and from a comparable standpoint, Mounds View was underpaying its Public Works Maintenance employees by 4.45%. He reviewed the proposed changes within the contract and recommended Council approval. Mayor Flaherty questioned if the rate increase was included in the 2014 budget. Finance Director Beer reported he had a rate increase of 3.93% in the 2014 budget. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8243, Approving a Labor Agreement with the Public Works Group. Council Member Meehlhause stated he would have liked to have seen the market rate adjustment spread out over several years. However, after discussing this further with the Council, he indicated he would be supporting the contract as proposed. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 8245, Approving a Cigarette/Tobacco Business License for Sam’s Food Market Located at 2408 County Road I. Assistant City Administrator Crane requested the Council approve a cigarette/tobacco business license for Sam’s Food Market as the business has changed ownership. It was noted all necessary paperwork and fees have been paid to the City. She reported the Council previously discussed this item at the March 24th meeting and staff recommended the Council table action until several inconsistencies could be clarified with the applicant. Assistant City Administrator Crane explained that on April 10, 2014 staff and Council Member Meehlhause met with the applicant, his interpreter and the City Attorney. A discussion was held regarding the inconsistencies and staff was now comfortable with the Council approving the cigarette/tobacco license for Sam’s Market with several conditions. Staff reviewed the Mounds View City Council April 14, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 6 conditions in detail with the Council, noting the eleven conditions would be made a part of City Code and were reviewed and recommended by the City Attorney. Council Member Gunn suggested the reference to the sale of “dice” be clarified. Finance Director Beer indicated “dice” was a reference to crack cocaine. Council Member Hull questioned how soon Sam’s Market would have to comply with the conditions. Assistant City Administrator Crane reported the applicant would have to comply immediately. Council Member Mueller thanked staff and Council Member Meehlhause for working through the areas of concern with the applicant to resolve the confusion. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8245, Approving a Cigarette/Tobacco Business License for Sam’s Food Market Located at 2408 County Road I, contingent on the eleven (11) conditions proposed by staff, revising Letter E. Council Member Meehlhause stated originally he was uncomfortable with approving this license, but after meeting with the applicant, along with staff he now supported the request. Mayor Flaherty reported the 11 conditions were required of all establishments that sell tobacco/cigarettes. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA A. Resolution 8244, Approving a Garbage and Rubbish Hauler Business License for Nitti Sanitation, Inc. B. Set a Public Hearing for Monday, April 28, 2014, at 7:00 p.m., for Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit for an Oversize Garage at 8312 Red Oak Drive. C. Schedule a Public Hearings for Monday, May 12, 2014, at 7:00 p.m., to Consider On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor Licenses for Moe’s (located at 2400 County Road 10), The Mermaid (located at 2200 County Road 10), and El Loro (located at 2535 County Road 10. D. Schedule Public Hearings for Monday, May 12, 2014, at 7:05 p.m., to Consider Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor Licenses for ABC Liquor (located at 2840 County Road 10), Big Top Liquor (located at 2577 County Road 10), and Vino & Stogies (located at 2345 County Road H2). E. Schedule a Public Hearing for Monday, May 12, 2014, at 7:00 p.m., to Consider an Off-Sale 3.2 Malt Liquor License for SuperAmerica, located at 2640 County Road I. F. Resolution 8241, Authorizing Insurance Policies for the Year January 2014 through December 2014. Mounds View City Council April 14, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 7 MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. 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: Mueller/Meehlhause. 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 Gunn reported on April 17, 2014 there would be a public hearing regarding the Comcast franchise renewal. Comments were welcomed from the public in written form or at the hearing. She reported the hearing would be held at the Shoreview Council Chambers. Council Member Gunn noted the robotics team took first in the 10,000 Lakes Competition. This guaranteed the team a trip to the international tournament. She stated the Irondale Color Guard ranked 7th at a recent competition in Dayton, Ohio. Council Member Mueller indicated the Festival in the Park committee would be meeting on April 15, 2014 at City Hall at 7:00 p.m. Those interested in volunteering were invited to attend. Council Member Mueller stated Boy Scout Troop #267 would be Scouting for Food on April 26th for the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf. Council Member Mueller noted Area G of the Street Improvement Program would be having a public informational meeting on Tuesday, April 22nd at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. Those who are unable to attend could stream the meeting from the City’s website. Mayor Flaherty reported City Hall would be open on Friday, April 18, 2014. B. Reports of Staff. City Administrator Ericson stated the Community Center would be holding its annual Resource Fair on Saturday, April 26, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Mounds View City Council April 14, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 8 City Administrator Ericson was pleased to report the City Hall’s monument sign was now operational. He explained that staff would continue to learn more about the sign software in order for the messages on the reader board to remain with City Code. Mayor Flaherty recommended all messages remain within City Code or that the Council consider a sign code amendment for the corridor. City Administrator Ericson indicated Spring Clean-Up Day would be held on May 10th from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the public works facility. Notices would be sent to the public shortly. City Administrator Ericson stated there were several tax-forfeited parcels in the Meadows area, which was surrounded by approximately eight acres of City owned land. He explained the City could buy these two parcels for an estimated $900. He believed it made sense for the City to purchase these properties. He inquired if the Council supported the land acquisition. The Council recommended the land purchase move forward. C. Reports of City Attorney. There was nothing additional to report. 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, May 5, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, April 28, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:39 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.