HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2014/12/08PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA
Regular Meeting
December 8, 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, December 8, 2014, City Council Agenda.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Monday, December 8, 2014, agenda as
presented.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
5. PUBLIC INPUT
None.
6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
A. Presentation from Jerry Hromatka, Northeast Youth and Family Services
(NYFS)
Jerry Hromatka, Northeast Youth and Family Services, appreciated the opportunity to speak with
the Council. He discussed the importance of guiding and teaching youth in order to build a
strong community in the future. He reported that over 4,000 youth, families and individuals were
served in the last year. He reviewed the functions of NYFS’s three core program areas being
mental health, youth development and day treatment programs. He discussed the number of
Mounds View families and youth that were served by NYFS services in 2014, along with mental
health trends in the community. He thanked the Council for their continued support.
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Mayor Flaherty commented he was impressed by the work completed by NYFS each and every
year. He thanked Mr. Hromatka for his presentation and dedication to the youth in this
community.
7. COUNCIL BUSINESS
A. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing – 2015 Tax Levy and Budgets for All Funds.
1. Resolution 8330, Adopting the 2015 Tax Levy.
Finance Director Beer reviewed the lengthy process the Council follows to address its goals and
refine the 2015 tax levy. He was pleased that the City was able to sustain a 2% levy increase. He
requested the Council adopt the 2015 tax levy as presented.
Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:25 p.m.
Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:25 p.m.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8330,
Adopting the 2015 Tax Levy.
Mayor Flaherty was pleased by the proposed tax levy. He thanked staff and all department heads
for their work on this year’s budget and tax levy.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
2. Resolution 8331, Adopting the 2015 Budgets for All Funds.
Finance Director Beer reviewed the process the Council follows to establish its yearly budget.
He discussed the proposed budget in detail with the Council and recommended approval of the
2015 budget for all funds.
Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:27 p.m.
Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:27 p.m.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8331,
Adopting the 2015 Budgets for All Funds.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
B. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing – Resolution 8338, a Resolution to Consider
Approval of a Residential Kennel License located at 2228 Hillview Road.
Assistant City Administrator Crane stated Benjamin Strehlo was renting a house at 2228
Hillview Road and has three dogs (pitbulls). She reported that all dogs were current on their
rabies shot but noted Mr. Strehlo was in need of a residential kennel license. She explained that
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staff sent out all proper notifications to surrounding homeowners and requested the Council hold
a public hearing and approve the residential kennel license for the property at 2228 Hillview
Road.
Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:30 p.m.
Mark Hagaman, 2186 Bronson Drive, explained he owned the property at 2228 Hillview Road.
He indicated he supported the residential kennel license noting the rear yard was fully fenced.
He recommended the Council approve the kennel license request.
Hearing no further public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:31 p.m.
Council Member Meehlhause asked if staff received any feedback from the residents after the
public hearing notices were sent out. Assistant City Administrator Crane indicated one comment
was made about a neighboring barking dog.
Mayor Flaherty questioned how long the tenant had owned his pitbulls and asked how these dogs
were around young children. Mr. Strehlo indicated he has had his dogs for the past four years
and each was well behaved around children.
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8338, a
Resolution to Consider Approval of a Residential Kennel License located at 2228 Hillview Road.
Council Member Meehlhause commented this was the second kennel license approval the
Council has considered in recent months. He supported the new process.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
C. Resolution 8332 Approving the Hiring of Jennifer Fulton to the Position of
Police Support Specialist.
Police Chief Kinney discussed the administrative function completed by the Police Support
Specialist noting the position was currently vacant after the retirement of long time employee
Linda Meyer. He requested the Council consider hiring Jennifer Fulton as Police Support
Specialist effective December 15, 2014 as recommended by the Civil Service Commission.
Council Member Mueller asked how many applicants were received for this position. Police
Chief Kinney commented he received 83 applications.
Council Member Meehlhause requested further information on the previous work experience Ms.
Fulton had. Police Chief Kinney commented Ms. Fulton had a BA from Hamline in International
Studies and has experience with the Minneapolis Police Department as a Records Technician and
part-time work with the Robbinsdale Police Department as a Records Technician. He believed
this experience would give her and advantage when she begins this position.
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Mayor Flaherty questioned if this position required any certification. Police Chief Kinney
indicated Ms. Fulton had received some training and certification, but noted the department
would be sending her for additional records management certification.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8332
Approving the Hiring of Jennifer Fulton to the Position of Police Support Specialist.
Council Member Mueller inquired who would be training Ms. Fulton. Police Chief Kinney
stated Kathy Bednar would be assisting with training, along with other Police department
members.
Mayor Flaherty asked if this was a probationary position. Police Chief Kinney indicated Ms.
Fulton would be a non-union employee and would have a six-month probationary period.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
D. Resolution 8339, Setting the 2015 City Council Meeting Dates, Council/Staff
Retreat and the 2015 Town Hall Meeting.
Assistant City Administrator Crane reviewed the 2015 City Council meeting schedule. She
requested guidance on the date for the Council/staff retreat and Town Hall Meeting.
Council Member Mueller suggested the Council retreat be held on February 10th. The Council
supported this date.
Council Member Mueller recommended the Town Hall Meeting be held on March 30th. The
Council supported this date.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8339,
Setting the 2015 City Council Meeting Dates, Council/Staff Retreat (February 10th) and the 2015
Town Hall Meeting (March 30th).
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
E. Resolution 8340, Approving Various Appointments to City Commissions and
Committees.
Assistant City Administrator Crane requested the Council approve various appointments to City
Commissions and Committees. She reviewed the open seats for each group along with the
recommendations.
Council Member Gunn requested that Dave Long’s name be added to the Resolution.
Council Member Meehlhause questioned if the EDC had any openings at this time. Assistant
City Administrator Crane reported that this group had several openings and appointments would
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be made in January by the EDA.
MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8340,
Approving Various Appointments to City Commissions and Committees adding Dave Long.
Council Member Meehlhause indicated the Planning Commission will be appointing a Chair and
Vice Chair in January of 2015.
Council Member Mueller asked if the City honored residents for serving on a committee or
commission after their term expires. Assistant City Administrator Crane explained that each was
presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for their service to the City of Mounds View. These
certificates would be awarded at the first Council meeting in January of 2015.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
F. Resolution 8341, Approving a Revised Job Description and Authorization to
Advertise for the Public Works Director.
Assistant City Administrator Crane commented that Public Works Director Nick DeBar’s last
day with the City would be December 19th. She indicated the Council reviewed this position’s
job description at their December worksession and suggested several minor changes. She
recommended the Council approve the revised job description and authorize staff to advertise for
a Public Works Director with an open deadline.
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8341,
Approving a Revised Job Description and Authorization to Advertise for the Public Works
Director.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
G. Resolution 8342, Approving Public Works Supervisor Don Peterson as
Interim Public Works Director.
Assistant City Administrator Crane reported that due to the recent resignation of Public Works
Director Nick DeBar, staff was recommending that the Council approve the temporary
appointment of Public Works Supervisor Don Peterson as the Interim Public Works Director,
with a 5% increase to his salary effective December 20th.
Mayor Flaherty recommended that staff review the language within the personnel manual and see
if Mr. Peterson would have to assume 75% of the Public Works Director’s position. City
Administrator Ericson commented he would review this and report back to the Council.
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8342,
Approving Public Works Supervisor Don Peterson as Interim Public Works Director.
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Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
H. Resolution 8343, Approval of the Purchase 2-Post Rotary TL07 Surface
Mounted Electric-Hydraulic Lift.
Public Works Supervisor Peterson requested the Council consider the purchase of a 2-post rotary
TL07 surface mounted electric-hydraulic lift. He described how the piece of equipment would be
used by the Public Works department noting it would greatly improve safety. He reviewed the
expense and recommended the purchase be approved from Pump and Meter out of Hopkins,
Minnesota.
Mayor Flaherty understood the expense was within the 2014 budget. He asked why the request
was being made mid-December. Public Works Supervisor Peterson explained that he has been
working on this item since the spring noted he was limited on space.
Mayor Flaherty questioned how the lift would be used. Public Works Supervisor Peterson
reported the lift would be used to lift smaller equipment and mowers in need of maintenance.
MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8343,
Approval of the Purchase 2-Post Rotary TL07 Surface Mounted Electric-Hydraulic Lift.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
I. Resolution 8347, Authorizing Preparation of Feasibility Report for Mustang
Drive Pavement Rehabilitation and Drainage Improvement Project.
Public Works Director DeBar reviewed the properties surrounding Mustang Drive, noting many
had semi-truck traffic. He explained the original pavement was constructed in 1974 and was in
poor condition, while the curb and gutter was in good condition. He commented the road was
failing at this time and was in need of a full reclamation. He discussed the proposed drainage
improvements that would be made in conjunction with this project. He noted that staff received
three bids for engineering services for this project. Staff recommended the Council authorize
Stantec prepare a feasibility report and drainage improvements for the Mustang Drive Pavement
Rehabilitation project.
Council Member Mueller questioned how much thicker this roadway would be to support the
semi-truck traffic on Mustang Drive. Public Works Director DeBar explained the pavement
would be 3½” in depth, which was the same thickness of asphalt throughout the City. He further
discussed the reclamation process and aggregate base that would be placed under the asphalt.
Council Member Mueller inquired if this project would be assessed to the impacted property
owners. Public Works Director DeBar stated he had not recommended the project be assessed,
but noted this would delay the project. He recommended the feasibility report be approved and
that estimates be determined before a decision was made on the assessments. He commented
that the final decision would be left to the Council.
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Finance Director Beer asked if this project could be bid with the City street improvement project.
Public Works Director DeBar stated this would be an option, but he would recommend that the
two projects remain separate. He then reviewed the proposed Resolution with the Council.
Council Member Meehlhause questioned if the City would bond for this project. Finance
Director Beer did not anticipate that the City would have to bond for the Mustang Drive
rehabilitation project.
Council Member Mueller inquired when a topographic survey would be completed. Public
Works Director DeBar recommended that this work be completed in the next few weeks before
the snow was too deep. He explained this survey would serve as the base design for the final
plans.
Mayor Flaherty questioned the expense of the feasibility study. Public Works Director DeBar
noted the expense quoted from Stantec was $11,780.
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8347,
Authorizing Stantec to Prepare a Feasibility Report for Mustang Drive Pavement Rehabilitation
and Drainage Improvement Project.
Council Member Meehlhause believed that special assessment should be considered given the
fact the City will have other commercial/industrial roadways to complete in the future.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
J. Resolution 8348, Authorizing Professional Engineering Design and
Preparation of Bidding Documents for Silver View Park Trail Rehabilitation.
Public Works Director DeBar explained Silver View Park Trail was originally constructed in the
early 1980’s with woodchips. He indicated the trail was paved with two inches of asphalt in
1993. He commented the trail was in poor condition at this time and was in need of
rehabilitation. He reported American Engineering Testing completed geo-borings on the trail
and recommends soil corrections for some segments of the trail.
Public Works Director DeBar reviewed the engineering expenses for the design, bidding and
construction phases for the Silver View Park Trail project. He reported Bolton & Menk came in
with the low bid of $31,772. He reported staff had $150,000 budgeted for this project in 2015.
Mayor Flaherty inquired if the four-inch aggregate base was necessary. He asked if the City
should consider lowering the inches of aggregate and asphalt to reduce the expense for the
project. Public Works Director DeBar stated this would be an option for the Council, but stated
the trail would not last as long as the other six-inch aggregate and three inch asphalt option. He
commented that he could have Bolton & Menk review the options available to the Council and
report back with further information. He further discussed the soil condition along the trail
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noting this was subjecting the trail to damage.
Council Member Mueller questioned if this project could be considered for pervious pavement
and receive potential grant funding. Public Works Director DeBar did not believe this would be
an option given the soil conditions. He explained that the trail was too close to the pond and did
not drain well.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8348,
Authorizing Professional Engineering Design and Preparation of Bidding Documents by Bolton
& Menk for Silver View Park Trail Rehabilitation at an expense not to exceed $31,772.
Mayor Flaherty requested staff report back to the Council with the cost options for the trail
rehabilitation with the two different aggregate and asphalt depths.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Flaherty asked to remove Item J.
Council Member Gunn requested Item K be removed.
City Administrator Ericson recommended Item F be removed as the applicant has withdrawn
their conditional use permit request.
A. Resolution 8333, Approving a Lease for the Chocolate Company at the
Mounds View Community Center.
B. Resolution 8334, Renewing a Five-Year Agreement with Northeast Youth
and Family Services.
C. Resolution 8335, Renewing the Ramsey County Geographic Information
Systems (GIS) Users Group Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) through
December 31, 2017.
D. Resolution 8336, Approving the 2015 SCORE Recycling Grant Request to
Ramsey County.
E. Resolution 8337, Approving the Recording Secretary Service Agreement with
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
F. Set a Public Hearing for Monday, January 12, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. for the
Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit to add 2 apartments to the 4-plex
at 2109 Hillview Road.
G. Resolution 8344, Authorizing Metro Elevator, Inc. to Repair City Hall
Elevator.
H. Resolution 8345, Authorizing Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. to Perform
Professional Engineering Design Services and Prepare Bidding Documents
for Groveland Lift Station Rehabilitation.
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Regular Meeting Page 9
I. Resolution 8346, Accepting Work for the 2013 Street and Utility
Improvement Project – Area F and Authorizing Final Payment to Northwest
Asphalt, Inc.
J. Resolution 8349, Approving a Step/Wage Increase for City Administrator
James Ericson.
K. Resolution 8350, Approving the Anoka County Fire Protection Joint Powers
Agreement.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Approve the Consent Agenda as amended
removing Items 8F, 8J and 8K.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
J. Resolution 8349, Approving a Step/Wage Increase for City Administrator
James Ericson.
Mayor Flaherty explained that City Administrator Ericson was the only at-will employee in the
City. He indicated the Council recently reviewed City Administrator Ericson’s performance and
it was found to be stellar. For this reason, he supported the well-earned step/wage increase.
MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8349,
Approving a Step/Wage Increase for City Administrator James Ericson.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
K. Resolution 8350, Approving the Anoka County Fire Protection Joint Powers
Agreement.
Council Member Gunn requested comment from Fire Chief Zikmund on the Joint Powers
Agreement (JPA). Fire Chief Zikmund discussed the JPA and explained that Blaine and Spring
Lake Park would be approving the JPA next Monday at their respective Council meetings. He
appreciated the Council’s continued support.
Mayor Flaherty asked if the Board members were compensated. Fire Chief Zikmund reported
that no compensation was paid to Board members, directors or officers. He did not envision this
would occur in the near future.
Council Member Meehlhause questioned if the JPA should refer to the fire department
representing all of Anoka County or just the related cities. Fire Chief Zikmund commented he
took this concern to the attorney and requested the Council allow this reference as four cities had
already approved this document. He explained that the reference would in no way impact the
City’s JPA.
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8350,
Approving the Anoka County Fire Protection Joint Powers Agreement.
Mounds View City Council December 8, 2014
Regular Meeting Page 10
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS
Finance Director Beer answered the Council's questions related to claims.
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. October 27, 2014, City Council Meeting Minutes.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Approve the October 27, 2014, City Council
meeting minutes as presented.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
11. REPORTS
A. Reports of Mayor and Council.
Council Member Hull thanked Public Works Director DeBar for his service to the City of
Mounds View over the past six years. He appreciated his efforts in creating the municipal
maintenance program for the City’s buildings and for overseeing the street improvements
program. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance.
Council Member Gunn explained there would be a TCAAP Open House at the Ramsey County
Public Works Building in the Marsden Room on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 from 4:00 to 6:00
p.m. She reported the projects planned for County Road I and H would be addressed, along with
the diverging diamond interchange at County Road 96.
Council Member Mueller indicated she was invited to attend a Court of Honor this evening for
Troop #267. She commented she was a merit badge mentor for citizenship. She discussed the
scouts in the community working to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. She was proud of the hard
work these youth were putting into their rank advancement.
Council Member Mueller reported she would be attending a League of Minnesota Cities Board
meeting next week.
Council Member Mueller stated the Mounds View Business Council would meet on Wednesday,
December 10th at 7:30 a.m. at the Mounds View Community Center and County Commissioner
Blake Huffman would be the guest speaker.
Council Member Meehlhause stated NYFS would be meeting on Wednesday, December 10th.
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Regular Meeting Page 11
B. Reports of Staff.
City Administrator Ericson reviewed a revised fee schedule with the Council and noted three
changes with regard to surcharges. He requested the Council discuss and approve the amended
fee schedule by motion.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Amended 2015 Fee Schedule.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
Public Works Director DeBar discussed the sediment sampling results from Silver View Pond
with the Council. He was happy to report that all samples were Level 1, which would reduce the
expense for the project.
Public Works Director DeBar thanked the Council and residents for allowing him to serve the
City of Mounds View for the past six years. He appreciated the confidence and support the
Council has offered him.
Mayor Flaherty commended Public Works Director DeBar for his efforts on behalf of the City,
for his professionalism and wished him well in his new position.
Mayor Flaherty stated it has been a pleasure serving with the Council and staff in 2014. He
wished everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
C. Reports of City Attorney.
City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report.
12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, January 5, 2015 following Special City
Council Meeting
Next Special Council Meeting: Monday, January 5, 2015, at 7:00 p.m.
13. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:34 p.m.
Transcribed by:
Heidi Guenther
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.