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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2014/11/24PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting November 24, 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, November 24, 2014, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Monday, November 24, 2014, agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT Dan Mueller, 8343 Groveland Road, requested clarification if residents would be able to speak regarding the non-standard street design for Groveland Road and Ardan Avenue. Mayor Flaherty explained he would allow comment when this item was being discussed on the agenda. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS None. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Resolution 8325, Consider a Cigarette/Tobacco Business License to Snap Market, located at 2408 County Road I. Assistant City Administrator Crane explained that Ahmen Mohammad was requesting a tobacco license at the site formerly known as Sam’s Market. According to the license application, the Mounds View City Council November 24, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 2 applicant was requesting the name be changed to Snap Market. She noted that all necessary materials and fees have been submitted to staff and a background check has been requested. Staff recommended approval of the tobacco business license for Snap Market. Mayor Flaherty understood that the applicant had another Snap Market in St. Paul. He questioned what made this market unique. Ahmen Mohammad, the applicant, discussed the proposed convenience store he would be bringing to the City of Mounds View. He noted he would be leasing the building for one year and would have an option to buy after that time. Council Member Meehlhause requested further information on the previous failed compliance check for the Snap Market in St. Paul. Mr. Mohammad explained that an employee of his failed to check an ID. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8325, Consider a Cigarette/Tobacco Business License to Snap Market, located at 2408 County Road I. Mayor Flaherty questioned when Snap Market would be open for business. Mr. Mohammad hoped to be open for business in December of 2014. Mayor Flaherty encouraged Mr. Mohammad to consider exterior enhancements to his establishment next spring/summer. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 8327, Considering Stormwater Infiltration Program (SIP) Appeals in Area H of the Street and Utility Improvement Program. Public Works Director DeBar stated that the Stormwater Infiltration Program assisted the City in managing water runoff. He discussed how this program was being completed in conjunction with the City’s Street Improvement Program. He reviewed the final design and appeal process for homeowners within Area H and noted staff had received two appeals to date. He explained that one appeal had been addressed and the swale had been removed, however, one appeal remained. The appeal parameters were discussed at length and staff recommended the Council take comments from the appellant. Don Neeck, 8321 Knollwood Drive, explained he approved of the street improvements. He had an issue with the impact that the proposed inlet would have on his property. He stated he had a full basement under his home. He feared that the slope in his yard would push water into his basement if an inlet were placed in his front yard. Mayor Flaherty asked if Mr. Neeck discussed his concerns with the Streets Committee. Mr. Neeck reported he did not. Council Member Mueller appreciated the conversations she had with Mr. Neeck over the past week and was pleased that he could attend this Council meeting. Mounds View City Council November 24, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 3 MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8327, Denying the Stormwater Infiltration Program (SIP) Appeals in Area H of the Street and Utility Improvement Program. Council Member Mueller thanked Mr. Neeck for his courage in coming before the Council this evening. She discussed the two spruce trees that were removed in Mr. Neeck’s yard. She did not believe that this location was ideal for an inlet and that he should be allowed to replant two spruce trees. For this reason, she supported the appeal. Mayor Fl aherty appreciated Mr. Neeck’s comments this evening and recommended that if any infiltration basins were up for removal, that Mr. Neeck’s be considered first. Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Mueller) Motion carried. C. Resolution 8328, Approving a Non-Standard Street Design and Parking Restrictions for Ardan Avenue Between Spring Lake Road and Red Oak Drive. Public Works Director DeBar stated the City was on Area H of the Street and Utility Improvement Program. He reported that any street outside the standard street design required special Council approval. It was noted Ardan Avenue was an MSA roadway. He indicated staff was requesting non-standard street design and parking restrictions for Ardan Avenue between Spring Lake Road and Red Oak Drive. He explained that this had been discussed at a neighborhood meeting with the Streets Committee and surrounding property owners. He then reviewed the proposed roadway design for Arden Avenue and recommended approval of a 32’ street with sidewalks. Council Member Mueller asked why the sidewalk was being proposed on the north side of Ardan Avenue. Public Works Director DeBar explained this was due to the location of the park. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8328, Approving a Non-Standard Street Design and Parking Restrictions for Ardan Avenue Between Spring Lake Road and Red Oak Drive. Mayor Flaherty explained he supported the non-standard design of Ardan Avenue as this was a continuation of the Area G project from 2014. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 8329, Approving a Non-Standard Street Design and Parking Restrictions for Groveland Road Between County Road 10 and County Road J. Public Works Director DeBar stated the City was on Area H of the Street and Utility Mounds View City Council November 24, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 4 Improvement Program. He reported that any street outside the standard street design required special Council approval. He indicated staff was requesting non-standard street design and parking restrictions for Groveland Road between County Road 10 and County Road J. It was noted Groveland Road was an MSA roadway. He explained that this had been discussed at a neighborhood meeting with the Streets Committee and surrounding property owners. He then reviewed options for the roadway design for Groveland Road. He provided comment on the feedback received from the public. Staff indicated the Streets Committee (4-1) recommends the Council approve Option C with nine-foot shoulders for Groveland Road, while the Park Commission recommends the Council approve Option A. Mayor Flaherty understood that speed was a concern on Groveland Road. He then opened the floor to comments from the public. Antoinette Strong, 8465 Groveland Road, expressed concern with the group home across from her home. She indicated there was a great deal of speeding along Groveland Road. She recommended the City proceed with Option C. Tony Hoffman, 8415 Groveland Road, noted he served on the Streets Committee. He indicated Option A and Option C were the same width. He recommended that Option C be pursued as it would allow for parking on both sides of the street while also reducing the speed of passing traffic. Dave Auge, 8401 Groveland Road, reported he was disabled and enjoyed speaking with his neighbors. He noted he spoke with more than 40% of his neighbors and not one of them supported narrowing the roadway. He did not believe that the sidewalks or bike lane would improve safety. He wanted to see a decent and safe roadway outside his home to keep him from further injury. He supported Option C. Dan Mueller, 8343 Groveland Road, discussed the expense of the proposed roadway and sidewalks. He recommended the Council proceed with Option C with either eight or nine foot parking lanes. Jonathan Thomas, 8340 Groveland Road, stated he reviewed the plans for Groveland Road and believed it was not possible to calm traffic by narrowing the street. He believed that sidewalks were unsafe and did not work in the winter months. Paul Schiltgen, 7807 Bona Road, reported he served on the Streets Committee and wanted to see consistency within the roads. He explained he supported Option C. Mike Downs, 8344 Groveland Road, thanked all the residents present and for their comments. He believed the proposed design for Option C with nine foot parking lanes was the best option. Gary Rundle, 7445 Spring Lake Road, noted he served on the Park and Rec Commission, along with the Streets Committee and he supported Option A. He recommended the sidewalks proceed. Mounds View City Council November 24, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 5 John Kroeger, 8280 Pleasant View Drive, discussed why the Park and Recreation Commission supported Option A. He indicated the proposed sidewalk would provide for a valuable trail connection. Council Member Mueller discussed the importance of safe travel for pedestrians along this street, children, those in wheelchairs and for bike traffic. She requested further information on the differences between Option A and Option C. Public Works Director DeBar reviewed each of the options in further detail and noted Option A and C would provide for a shared use lane. Council Member Mueller explained she attended the October 20th neighborhood meeting. She believed that a shared use lane and safe pedestrian access was the main concern of the comments expressed at that meeting. She indicated she lived on this street and while staff supported Option A, it was her opinion that Option C would better meet the needs of her neighbors. She appreciated the public input provided by her neighbors this evening. Council Member Hull was disappointed that the City only received feedback from 46% of the impacted properties. Council Member Meehlhause asked how the City had constructed its other State Aid streets. Public Works Director DeBar commented that each MSA street in Mounds View had been developed differently to meet the needs of the neighborhood. He explained that his recommendation was being made based on good sound engineering experience. He noted the City streets that receive the most complaints were Red Oak Drive, County Road H2 and Spring Lake Road. Each of these roadways had heavy residential influences when being designed. Council Member Gunn knew residents complained about the speed and amount of traffic along Groveland Road. For this reason, she could not understand why residents were suggesting the City replace the street with the same exact street width. She stated she was a proponent for the sidewalk and the added safety this would provide for pedestrians. She supported Option A for Groveland Road. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8329, Approving Option C, with eight foot parking lanes for a Non-Standard Street Design and Parking Restrictions for Groveland Road Between County Road 10 and County Road J. Mayor Flaherty explained he would support Option C for the non-standard street design of Groveland Road based on the input provided from the residents. He encouraged the residents to understand that the speed of traffic would not be calmed through the proposed design. Council Member Mueller stated this was an important issue to the residents along Groveland Road. She believed that the shared use lane served her neighbors well. Council Member Mueller reminded the Council that only 41% of eligible voters in Ramsey County voted in the November 4, 2014 election, so a 44% neighborhood response was more than adequate to serve the needs of the residents. Mounds View City Council November 24, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 6 Council Member Meehlhause supported Option A or B for Groveland Road. He did not see the need for parking on both sides of the street. He wanted to see the Council taking steps towards a more walkable community. He discussed the expense of adding the second parking lane. Council Member Hull agreed with Council Member Gunn and Council Member Meehlhause. He stated that the speed on Groveland Road has been a concern for years. He expressed his frustration again, that only 44% of the residents had responded to the City survey. He liked the idea of a sidewalk along this roadway and for this reason, he supported Option A or B. Council Member Mueller appreciated the opinions discussed by the residents present and found value in their comments. Mayor Flaherty appreciated the comments from residents, the recommendation of staff, along with the Streets Committee and Park and Recreation Commission input. He reported that the final decision rested with the City Council. Council Member Hull reiterated that the Park and Recreation Commission, along with City staff recommended Option A for the non-standard street design of Groveland Road. Ayes – 2 Nays – 3 (Gunn, Hull and Meehlhause) Motion failed. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8329, Approving Option B for a Non-Standard Street Design and Parking Restrictions for Groveland Road Between County Road 10 and County Road J. Council Member Mueller discussed Option B and asked if this layout was the same as Hillview. Public Works Director DeBar stated this was the case and noted the roadway would be widened by three feet. Ayes – 2 Nays – 3 (Flaherty, Hull and Mueller) Motion failed. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8329, Approving Option A for a Non-Standard Street Design and Parking Restrictions for Groveland Road Between County Road 10 and County Road J. Council Member Mueller requested Option B be reconsidered. Mayor Flaherty recommended the Council vote on the motion on the floor first. Council Member Mueller believed that Option B was a better option for her friends and neighbors than Option A. Mounds View City Council November 24, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 7 AMENDMENT: Mueller/Flaherty. To have the Council Reconsider Option B for a Non- Standard Street Design and Parking Restrictions for Groveland Road Between County Road 10 and County Road J. Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Hull) Motion carried. Council Member Gunn withdrew her second from the motion to consider Option A. Mayor Flaherty explained that the motion to consider Option A failed due to a lack of a second. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8329, Approving Option B for a Non-Standard Street Design and Parking Restrictions for Groveland Road Between County Road 10 and County Road J. Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Hull) Motion carried. Council Member Mueller excused herself from the Council Chambers. 8. CONSENT AGENDA A. Set a Public Hearing for 7:00 p.m. for Monday, December 8, 2014, to Consider the 2015 Property Tax Levy and Budgets for All Funds. B. Set a Public Hearing for 7:00 p.m. for Monday, December 8, 2014, to Consider a Residential Kennel License for Benjamin Strehio, 2228 Hillview Road. C. Resolution 8326, Approving Cost of Living Adjustment/Insurance Adjustment Contribution for Non-Union Employees. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS Finance Director Beer answered the Council's questions related to claims. Council Member Mueller returned to the Council Chambers. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. October 13, 2014, City Council Meeting Minutes. Mounds View City Council November 24, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 8 Council Member Gunn requested a correction on Page 7, Line 6 stating it should read answers provided by the candidates. Council Member Mueller requested a correction on Page 6, Line 34 stating it should read specifically discussing the design of Ardan Avenue and Groveland Road. Council Member Meehlhause noted a change on Page 2, Line 4 removing the word “that”. Council Member Meehlhause noted a change on Page 4, Line 10 should read in 2015 and not 2014. He requested that the BioLife lot language be addressed. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the October 13, 2014, City Council meeting minutes as corrected. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Meehlhause noted he attended the Twin Cities Gateway board meeting last week. He was pleased to report that hotel tax revenues were up 12% through November of 2014. He indicated the National Sports Center was being considered for the 2018 International Broomball tournament. Council Member Meehlhause discussed the recent Mounds View Business Council meeting. He explained that Bruce Nustad spoke on behalf of the Minnesota Retailers Association. Council Member Mueller reported the Festival in the Park Committee met last Tuesday. The group would meet again on January 20th and was in need of a secretary, along with fundraising assistance. Council Member Mueller indicated she attended the Ramsey County League of Local Government’s Annual Meeting at The Mermaid last Thursday. She reviewed the speakers present at the event noting an election recap was provided. She was proud to announce that City Administrator Jim Ericson was given an award for his years of service as Treasurer to the organization. Council Member Gunn explained the I-35W Coalition recently met with representatives from MnDOT. She reviewed the fees that would be due in 2015 for the coalition. In January, the group would meet to discuss appropriation of funds. B. Reports of Staff. 1. 3rd Quarter Finance Report Mounds View City Council November 24, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 9 Finance Director Beer reviewed the 3rd Quarter Finance report with the Council in detail. He noted the City received $290,000 in LGA in July. The balance of the LGA payment would be made around the 27th of December. He explained that a large portion of revenues would be brought in during the 4th quarter. He noted all utility funds were under budget at this time. He provided comment on the minor utility rate increases proposed for 2015. Mayor Flaherty thanked Finance Director Beer for his thorough report. 2. Public Works – Miscellaneous Items Public Works Director DeBar explained the Groveland Lift Station was being proposed for rehabilitation. He stated this lift station was originally constructed in 1962. He recommended that the rehabilitation be completed in conjunction with the Area H Street and Utility Improvement Project. He recommended the pump be made submersible. He reviewed the expense for the design fees and reconstruction of the lift station. It was noted these expenses were placed in the 2015 budget. Mayor Flaherty questioned what would happen if the Council were to take no action. Public Works Director DeBar reported if the lift station were to fail, it would lead to sewage in basements. Council Member Mueller supported staff’s recommendation and asked if the tennis courts would be impacted by the proposed rehabilitation. Public Works Director DeBar discussed how the property would be rehabilitated and stated the tennis courts may be shifted to the east in the future. Council Member Meehlhause asked what fund would cover the expense of the lift station rehabilitation. Public Works Director DeBar noted the Sewer Fund would cover the expense. There was Council consensus to support staff’s recommendation to update the lift station along with Area H of the Street and Utility Improvement Project. Public Works Director DeBar noted there was a sump pump failure at City Hall, which impacted the City’s elevator pit. He discussed the electrical damage the water caused and noted the State Elevator Inspector has tagged the elevator out of order. He noted this was not a budgeted expense. He indicated the City has received two quotes on the repairs and requested comment from the Council on how to proceed. Mayor Flaherty asked if the Public Works had funding in their budget to cover the expense. Public Works Director DeBar explained that he could review this further with Finance Director Beer. However, he noted the item could be placed in the 2015 budget. There was Council consensus to support the bid from Metro to repair the City Hall elevator directing staff to find funding in the 2014 budget. Mounds View City Council November 24, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 10 Public Works Director DeBar suggested the Council consider purchasing two belly blades to improve snow removal within the City. He reported that existing plows would be retrofitted to use the belly blades. He commented that this piece of equipment would reduce the City’s salt consumption. Council Member Meehlhause asked if the belly blade would do any damage to the City’s streets. Public Works Director DeBar stated this was not the case. Mayor Flaherty inquired if staff was seeking the belly blades for 2014 or 2015. Public Works Director DeBar requested one this year and one for 2015. Finance Director Beer recommended that the expense be taken out of the Vehicle and Equipment Fund. City Administrator Ericson explained that a local business was seeking approval to sell medicinal marijuana. He commented that local zoning designations would have to be reviewed to address this matter further. He reported an interim ordinance could be adopted if this was the desire of the Council. Council Member Gunn supported the sale of medicinal marijuana and wanted to see the City address its code. Council Member Mueller stated the industrial area of the City had a current business that allowed for pharmaceutical sales. She wanted the City of Mounds View to be known as a medical community and the sale of medical marijuana would be another step in that direction. City Administrator Ericson thanked the Council for their input on this item. He noted that Ebenezer had located in the Community Center and a chocolate fountain business was proposing to locate there as well. City Administrator Ericson reviewed the upcoming worksession agenda for the Council’s December 1st meeting. He reported that the 2015 budget for all funds would be approved at the Council’s December 8th meeting. He questioned if the Council wanted to hold the December 22nd Council meeting. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Meehlhause. To Cancel the December 22, 2014 City Council Meeting. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mayor Flaherty wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. He encouraged all to travel safely. He noted City Hall would be closed on Thursday, November 27th and Friday, November 28th. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. Mounds View City Council November 24, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 11 12. Truth In Taxation Meeting: Monday, December 1, 2014, at 6:00 p.m. Next Council Work Session: Monday, December 1, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, December 8, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10:03 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.