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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2014/05/27PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting May 27, 2014 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 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, May 27, 2014, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Monday, May 27 , 2014, agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT None. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS None. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. 7:05 p.m. Public Hearing – Resolution 8261, Consideration of a Preliminary Plat for Longview Estates. Planning Associate Heller indicated Marty Harstad was interested in subdividing a seven-acre parcel into 10 single-family lots. The location of the property was described by staff along with the wetland area. She reported a 42 foot wide outlot would be given to the City to protect the wetland. She commented the plat would be known as Longview Estates. She noted Mr. Harstad had already received Rice Creek Watershed approval. Staff discussed the subdivision in further detail and explained the Planning Commission recommended approval of the request. Mounds View City Council May 27, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 2 Mayor Flaherty asked how many homes were located across the street from the proposed subdivision. Planning Associate Heller indicated there were 10 homes across from the proposed subdivision. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:12 p.m. Dave Tillman, 5166 Longview Drive, did not support the proposed development. He feared a great deal of damage would be done to his street due to number of trucks that would be needed to bring in soil. Mr. Tillman questioned why the development was proceeding when he believed the plat had expired. Martin Harstad, 2195 Silver Lane Road, stated the proposed site would need approximately 20,000 yards of soil. He further discussed the soil correction that was proposed for the building pads, noting split entry homes were being proposed to minimize the soil correction needed. Mayor Flaherty asked what assurances the City would have to ensure the streets were not damaged by the numerous dump trucks entering and exiting this subdivision. Mr. Harstad stated he would work through this issue with staff. Mayor Flaherty explained the previously approved plat was delayed due to the downturn in the housing market. He indicated the plat was extended and the developer would now be pursuing 10 homes in the subdivision. Mr. Tillman questioned who would be building the homes and asked how long it would take for the homes to be built. Ann Tillman, 5166 Longview Drive, stated she had a vested interest in how the subdivision was developed as it would impact her property. She asked how far above street level the Longview Estates homes would be. She inquired if the new development would impact the water table. She reviewed a comment from Herb Zwirn made over 10 years ago on how the filling of wetland adversely impacted adjacent homeowners. She recommended a covenant be drawn up for the 10 properties as she did not want additional water in her basement. Mr. Harstad discussed the elevation of the properties in relation to street level. He estimated the homes would be approximately a foot and a half above street level. He discussed how water drained in this neighborhood noting the holding pond would remain. He reiterated that he had received watershed approval for his subdivision. Barbara Koziak, 5173 Red Oak Drive, had concern with how the water table would be impacted. She questioned why this property was being developed when it was clearly a swamp. Mayor Flaherty commented the parcel was private property and the owner had the right to develop this property. Mounds View City Council May 27, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 3 Mr. Tillman explained he did not oppose the subdivision, but did oppose the variances. He stated City Code would only allow for eight houses within the wetland buffer zone. Mayor Flaherty explained the variances were approved to protect the wetland and ensure that no further development occurred on the rear of the property. Mrs. Tillman asked again, who would build and develop the property. Mr. Harstad stated he would be selling the lots outright to a single builder. Mrs. Tillman questioned what type of homes would be built on the parcel. Mr. Harstad indicated the homes would be valued around $300,000. Hearing no further public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:36 p.m. Council Member Gunn asked if the homes would be built all at once or over time. Mr. Harstad commented he could not anticipate how quickly the lots would sell and be developed. However, he anticipated that the lots would sell quickly as he had three builders vying for the property. Council Member Mueller stated she has lived in the area for 30+ years and noted she referred to this property as the swamp as well. She questioned if these homes would require drain tile and sump pumps. Mr. Harstad indicated there was a drain pipe running through the property currently. He discussed how the storm sewer drain would be redirected and treated prior to being discharged into the storm pond. He reported that all homes were built with drain tile these days and Mounds View homes were encouraged to have sump pumps. Council Member Mueller inquired how long the Harstad’s have owned this property. Mr. Harstad responded his family has owned this property his entire life and the water and sewer stubs have been in place for the past 30 years. Council Member Mueller requested further information on the amount of space the new homeowners within Longview Estates would have in their rear yard. Mr. Harstad reviewed a best guess plan for the lots that was approved by Rice Creek Watershed noting the rear yards would have approximately 20 feet of space. He explained that large boulders would be placed in the rear yards to ensure residents do not further encroach on the wetland. He believed that future homeowners would see the wetland as an amenity and would not be seeking large backyards. Council Member Meehlhause reiterated that Mr. Harstad has agreed to clean up the deadfall and debris in the outlot before turning this property over to the City. Planning Associate Heller stated this was the case. Council Member Hull asked if this property would have any large piles of dirt. Mr. Harstad clarified that the dirt mound from Red Oak would be moved to Longview and no new mounds would be created. Mayor Flaherty questioned how safe it was to build homes on in-filled wetland. Mr. Harstad Mounds View City Council May 27, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 4 commented that this subdivision has been reviewed by the City’s engineers, his engineers, and the watershed district. He reported he was a part of this community and had his reputation on the line. He assured the Council that these lots would be buildable. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8261, Consideration of a Preliminary Plat for Longview Estates. Council Member Meehlhause discussed the three conditions that have been agreed upon between Mr. Harstad and the City. He questioned if these conditions should be included in the Resolution. Planning Associate Heller explained these issues would be addressed within the developer’s agreement. Council Member Mueller read the legal description of the Longview Estates property for the record. She explained she was not in any way affiliated or related to this property. City Administrator Ericson read an amendment to the Resolution from the City Attorney. The Council agreed with this amendment. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. 7:10 p.m. Public Hearing – Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 887, Amending Chapter 1008 of the Mounds View City Code Relating to Dynamic Display Signs. Planning Associate Heller reviewed a proposed sign code amendment to Chapter 1008 of City Code. She explained this section addresses dynamic display signs and the blending or movement of the screen. She commented that the proposed amendment addressed the changing technology available on dynamic display signs. It was noted dynamic signs would not be allowed to blink or flash. She reviewed the language changes in further detail and explained the Planning Commission recommended approval of the proposed Ordinance. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 8:06 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 8:07 p.m. Council Member Mueller explained she had originally been nervous about dynamic display signs and distracted driving. However, she supported the recommendations of staff given the fact sign technology was continuing to evolve. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 887, Amending Chapter 1008 of the Mounds View City Code Relating to Dynamic Display Signs. Mayor Flaherty stated dynamic display signs have changed greatly since 2009 and he did not believe these signs were adversely impacting drivers. Mounds View City Council May 27, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 5 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Continued Public Hearing, Resolution 8253, a Resolution to Consider Approval of an On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Moe’s, located at 2400 County Road 10. Assistant City Administrator Crane stated that in accordance with City Code a public hearing was required for all liquor licenses. She reported that on May 12th the Council continued a public hearing for Moe’s because staff had not received any liquor license application materials. She reported staff sent a certified letter to Moe’s requesting that all application materials and fees be submitted to the City by May 21st. She explained staff received the application and fees on May 27th. For this reason, staff was unable to make a recommendation on the liquor license this evening due to the fact background checks still had to be completed. Assistant City Administrator Crane reviewed the options available to the Council and requested the Council direct staff on how to proceed. Mayor Flaherty questioned if the Council could take action on this matter without a Resolution. City Attorney Schaftel stated a Resolution would need to be drafted by staff prior to the Council taking action. Assistant City Administrator Crane commented the soonest the Council could take action on this matter would be June 9th. Council Member Mueller asked if the public hearing were continued to June 9th if staff could have a recommendation and background check completed by that time. Assistant City Administrator Crane was uncertain how long the background check would take, as the State was back logged at this time. Mayor Flaherty inquired if the prudent action to take would be to continue the public hearing to June 9th. City Attorney Schaftel believed this to be the case. Council Member Meehlhause asked if Moe’s was current on their City utility bills. Assistant City Administrator Crane reported Moe’s was current on their utility bills. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull. To Continue the Public Hearing for Moe’s On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License to Monday, June 9, 2014. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Continued Public Hearing, Resolution 8258, a Resolution to Consider Approval of an Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Vino & Stogies, located at 2345 County Road H2. Assistant City Administrator Crane stated that in accordance with City Code, a public hearing was required for all liquor licenses. She reported that the Public Hearing for Vino & Stogies was continued from May 12th. She indicated Vino & Stogies submitted all necessary application Mounds View City Council May 27, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 6 paperwork and fees for this license. She recommended approval of the Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Vino & Stogies contingent upon a satisfactory compliance and criminal background check from the BCA. It was noted the liquor license would be in effect from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 8:19 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 8:20 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8258, a Resolution to Consider Approval of an Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Vino & Stogies, located at 2345 County Road H2. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 8262, Approving the Hire of Brandon Stenglein to the Position of Project Coordinator in the Public Works Department. Assistant City Administrator Crane stated on March 10, 2014 the Council approved the job description, salary compensation and authorized staff to advertise for the Project Coordinator position for the Public Works Department. The City advertised for the position and received 20 applications. Seven candidates were fully qualified for the position and were interviewed by staff. She discussed Brandon Stenglein’s work experience and recommended the Council approve his hire as Project Coordinator, contingent on a satisfactory criminal background check effective on or about June 24th. Mayor Flaherty asked what type of work Mr. Stenglein did for Belair Excavating. Brandon Stenglein explained he was a project manager for Belair Excavating where he managed earth work and remediation projects. He indicated he was looking forward to working for the City. Mayor Flaherty welcomed Mr. Stenglein to the City of Mounds View. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8262, Approving the Hire of Brandon Stenglein to the Position of Project Coordinator in the Public Works Department, contingent on a satisfactory criminal background check. Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Hull) Motion carried. F. Resolution 8264, Approving the Purchase of a 2014 Ford F150 Pick-Up Truck from Midway Ford. Public Works Supervisor Peterson requested the Council consider the purchase of a 2014 Ford F150 pickup truck from Midway Ford. He explained this vehicle would be used for maintenance and field inspections purposes for the Public Works Department. Staff reviewed the competitive bids received for the vehicle noting Midway Ford provided the low bid. The total cost for the Mounds View City Council May 27, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 7 pickup with options would be $28,569.13. Council Member Mueller asked if the purchase fell under the new tax exemption law. Finance Director Beer reported it would not. He reported the sales tax would be approximately $1,800 on the pickup. Council Member Meehlhause questioned how staff would cover the entire expense of the truck as staff had only budgeted $25,000 for the purchase. Finance Director Beer indicated there would be items not purchased this year to make up the $5,000 difference. Council Member Meehlhause inquired if the Project Manager had to have a pickup to complete his duties or if a retired squad car would be sufficient. Public Works Supervisor Peterson explained further how the pickup would be used by the Public Works and Engineering department. Mayor Flaherty indicated the City would be adding a vehicle to its fleet through this purchase. He had concern with how this would impact the City’s replacement plan. Public Works Director DeBar stated the engineering department has no vehicle and he has been requesting this change since he began working with the City. He explained that one truck would be going away in the near future, which would help the department find efficiencies. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8264, Approving the Purchase of a 2014 Ford F150 Pick-Up Truck from Midway Ford. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. G. Resolution 8265, Approving a Contract with Pump and Meter Service, Inc. to install an Unleaded Fuel Station at the Public Works Maintenance Facility. Public Works Supervisor Peterson stated gas powered vehicles and equipment was fueled by public works employees at various pumps throughout the City. Over the last few years, diesel fuel has been purchased by the City through a State contract, which has saved Mounds View a great deal of money. Staff was recommending that the Council consider approving a contract with Pump and Meter Service, Inc. to install an unleaded fuel station at the Public Works Maintenance facility. This would provide the Public Works Department with convenience, accurate consumption rates and additional savings to the City. He estimated that the City would have saved over $10,000 over the past year through the State gas contract. Public Works Supervisor Peterson reviewed the expense of installing a fuel station at the Public Works maintenance facility indicating it would cost the City $52,082. He reported a concrete pad would also be needed, and this work could be completed by Pump and Meter Service. He explained staff had budgeted $30,000 for a new fuel station based on a rough cost estimate. He discussed the cost savings that the City would see over the final six months of 2014 and going forward noting the payback period for this project would be 4.9 years. Staff recommended the Council approve a contract with Pump and Meter Services, Inc. to install an unleaded fuel station Mounds View City Council May 27, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 8 at the Public Works Maintenance Facility. Council Member Hull inquired if staff should hold off on this item until the new Public Works facility was constructed. Public Works Supervisor Peterson stated the equipment could be salvaged and moved quite easily. Council Member Gunn questioned what departments would be able to use the fueling station. Public Works Supervisor Peterson reported Public Works, Community Development, Engineering and the Police Department would have access to the fueling station. Council Member Mueller indicated the new monitoring system on the pumps would assist with budgeting in future years. She stated she supported the new fueling station. Mayor Flaherty commented there was a $17,000 shortfall in the budget for this expense. He asked how the budget would be amended to address this expense. Public Works Supervisor Peterson reported the fueling station and monitoring system expense came in higher than anticipated. Finance Director Beer reported this expense would be paid for out of the Special Projects Fund and would be shared by the Public Works, Community Development and Police Department. Public Works Director DeBar noted the Silver View Park Trail expense may come in lower than staff’s estimate, which would assist with making up the shortfall. Council Member Meehlhause asked how often the State changed the gas rate. Public Works Supervisor Peterson commented the price per gallon was changed one time each year. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8265, Approving a Contract with Pump and Meter Service, Inc. to install an Unleaded Fuel Station at the Public Works Maintenance Facility. Mayor Flaherty questioned when the fueling station would be installed. Public Works Supervisor Peterson anticipated the station would be installed in June and hoped it would be in operational in July. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA A. Resolution 8263, Approval of Mutual Aid Agreement Among Cities within Ramsey County. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/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. Mounds View City Council May 27, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 9 MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. March 24, 2014, City Council Meeting Minutes. Council Member Hull requested a correction on Page 1, Line 38, noting it should read she serves on. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Approve the March 24, 2014, City Council meeting minutes as corrected. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. April 14, 2014, City Council Meeting Minutes. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Approve the April 14, 2014, City Council meeting minutes as corrected. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. April 28, 2014, City Council Meeting Minutes. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Approve the April 28, 2014, City Council meeting minutes as corrected. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Mueller noted the League of Minnesota Cities Board of Directors met last week and nominations were received for Board seats. This matter will be voted on at the June conference in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Further discussion ensued regarding items discussed by the LMC. She commented the City’s LGA appropriation for 2015 is expected to increase. She reported the National League of Cities, “Summer Policy Forum” Conference would be held in St. Paul, July 24th-26th. Council Member Mueller reported Discover Aviation Days would be held on Saturday, May 31st and Sunday, June 1st at the Blaine Airport. She encouraged all to attend this event. Mounds View City Council May 27, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 10 Council Member Gunn commented the robotics team attended State and for the second year in a row have won the State tournament. Council Member Meehlhause noted he attended the Twin Cities Gateway board meeting last week where Steve Markuson’s contract was extended another year, the budget was now up to $1 million, and it was reported hotel revenues were up from last year. Mayor Flaherty stated $29 million in a recent State bonding bill was earmarked for TCAAP infrastructure. He discussed the work that would be completed with these funds. He suggested that the City continue to request funding from MnDOT for new signage for County Highway 10. Mayor Flaherty indicated Cor Wilson and Barbara Haake would be present at the June work session meeting to discuss the cable franchise. B. Reports of Staff. 1. Police Department Quarterly Report Police Chief Kinney provided the Council with a summary of first quarter activities for the Mounds View Police Department. He reviewed a number of statistics noting arrests in the City have decreased, while medical calls and traffic accidents were on the rise. He reported that all other crimes had remained stable. It was noted the School Resource Officer remained busy at Edgewood Middle School and Pinewood has requested a greater police presence for school events. Police Chief Kinney commented Niko had been recertified this year for narcotics detection. He indicated DARE instruction began in January for all 5th Grade students at Pinewood. He explained Officer Jeff Martin has successfully completed his training and was now on solo patrol. City Administrator Ericson reviewed the items that would be discussed by the Council at the June work session meeting. Finance Director Beer indicated he attended a number of educational finance sessions at the National Government Finance Officers Association last week. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Schaftel had nothing additional to report. 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, June 2, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, June 9, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. Mounds View City Council May 27, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 11 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:38 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.