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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2014/01/13PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting January 13, 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, January 13, 2014, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Approve the Monday, January 13, 2014, agenda as revised. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT Jim Traen, 8145 Long Lake Road, commented he has lived in Mounds View since 1988 and at his current address since 1995. He explained a code enforcement officer informed his wife that his work truck was being parked contrary to City Code. He stated this truck has been parked in his driveway since June 17, 2002. He reported he owns Down Hole Well Services and works out of his home. Mr. Traen indicated that he met with City Administrator Ericson on December 27, 2013. At this meeting, the City Administrator said he could have the remove order delayed until the matter could be studied further. City Administrator Ericson provided further information on the commercial parking code. Mr. Traen requested the Council provide relief on the commercial vehicle parking ban through a waiver or permit. Mr. Traen commented this portion of City Code would greatly impact small business owners in Mounds View. Mayor Flaherty thanked Mr. Traen for his comments. He indicated the Council would be discussing this matter in further detail at the February work session meeting, which would be Mounds View City Council January 13, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 2 held Monday, February 3, 2014. He invited Mr. Traen to attend this meeting and be a part of the discussion. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Certificate of Appreciation to Noah Zierhut for Completing an Eagle Scout Service Project at Silver View Park. Mayor Flaherty presented Noah Zierhut with a Certificate of Appreciation for completing an Eagle Scout service project at Silver View Park. He explained Mr. Zierhut replaced the gable sheeting on the shelter building and worked to remove several invasive species in the park. On behalf of the City, he thanked Noah Zierhut for his efforts. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance. B. Resolution 8196, a Resolution of Appreciation for Brian Amundsen for his Service on the Streets and Utilities Commission. Mayor Flaherty read a Resolution in full commending Brian Amundsen for his service on the Streets and Utilities Commission. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Adopt Resolution 8196, a Resolution of Appreciation for Brian Amundsen for his Service on the Streets and Utilities Commission. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 8197, a Resolution of Appreciation for Shawn Young for his Service on the Streets and Utilities Commission. Mayor Flaherty read a Resolution in full commending Shawn Young for his service on the Streets and Utilities Commission. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Adopt Resolution 8197, a Resolution of Appreciation for Shawn Young for his Service on the Streets and Utilities Commission. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 8198, a Resolution of Appreciation for Keith Cramblit for his Service on the Planning Commission. Mayor Flaherty read a Resolution in full commending Keith Cramblit for his service on the Planning Commission. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Adopt Resolution 8198, a Resolution of Appreciation for Keith Cramblit for his Service on the Planning Commission. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council January 13, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 3 E. Resolution 8199, a Resolution of Appreciation for Jennifer Wagner- Harkonen for her Service on the Economic Development Commission (EDC). Mayor Flaherty read a Resolution in full commending Jennifer Wagner-Harkonen for her service on the Economic Development Commission. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Mueller. To Adopt Resolution 8199, a Resolution of Appreciation for Jennifer Wagner-Harkonen for her Service on the Economic Development Commission (EDC). Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. F. Presentation by Cor Wilson, Executive Director of the North Suburban Communications Commission and North Suburban Access Corporation. Cor Wilson, Executive Director of the North Suburban Communications Commission, updated the Council on events that have recently taken place at the access corporation. She reviewed the number of hours of cable programming that took place in 2013, along with the number of local events that were covered by CTV. It was noted the number of events was growing each and every year. Ms. Wilson discussed the items that have been addressed by the cable commission. At this point, a rate order was being disputed with Comcast. The FCC has reviewed the rate order and Comcast was found to be in noncompliance. She reported 78 complaints were received for Comcast, which was a large increase over previous years. She indicated there has been a drop in cable subscribers due to Comcast’s poor billing, service, response time and customer service. She described how the new call centers were organized stating wait times were rising. Ms. Wilson provided comment on the local PEG channels stating Comcast has now encrypted all local channels. These stations could still be viewed free of charge through the use of a special DTA box for one year and after that time, the fee would be $2.99 per month. She indicated she would continue to work with the cable company on this issue, along with the franchise renewal. Those interested in receiving local stations were encouraged to contact the CTV office. Mayor Flaherty asked where the Cable Commission was with Comcast with regard to the franchise renewal. Ms. Wilson explained Comcast has not budged from the rates they proposed last February, while only offer a tenth to CTV. This was disappointing but not surprising. She hoped to continue holding informal conversations with Comcast to finalize negotiations. Mayor Flaherty questioned what services CTV provided to the public. Ms. Wilson indicated this included PEG channel programming, 100 hours of free production hours, web streaming of City meetings, along with technical services for video programming. In addition, CTV services were provided to the Community Theater and the Community Center. She provided further comment on the negotiation process with Comcast noting it was a challenge. Mounds View City Council January 13, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 4 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. First Reading of Ordinance 885, Amending Chapter 512 of the City Cigarette and Tobacco Code by Adding Language Relating to Electronic Cigarettes (E- Cigarettes). Assistant City Administrator Crane stated at the November work session the Council discussed regulating and defining E-Cigarettes. At this time, the use was not regulated by City Code. She reviewed the proposed Code Amendment language noting Chapter 512 would now address Electronic Cigarettes. Staff recommended the Council hold the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 885. Mayor Flaherty asked if the City had any businesses that currently sold E-Cigarettes. Assistant City Administrator Crane indicated the City did not have any businesses that solely sold E- Cigarettes at this time. Mayor Flaherty questioned if nicotine was harmful to a person. Katie Engman, Ramsey Tobacco Coalition, said nicotine was an addictive substance, and could damage a body, as any other stimulant could. Council Member Gunn asked if E-Cigarettes should be used in public places. Ms. Engman explained that the proposed Ordinance would not ban the use of E-Cigarettes but would simply regulate the sales. She anticipated that the legislature will address this issue during upcoming session through the Freedom to Breath Act. She reported Duluth was the only community that has already banned the use of E-Cigarettes in all indoor facilities. Council Member Mueller commented that the private sector was setting policy on the use of E- Cigarettes. She inquired if E-Cigarettes could be sold to minors. Assistant City Administrator Crane indicated E-Cigarettes could only be sold to those 18 years of age or older, and would not be sold in vending machines. Council Member Hull questioned if this product had to be placed behind sales counters. Assistant City Administrator Crane stated this was the case. She reported she would be sending a letter to all tobacco vendors in the City to notify them of the Code change and new requirements once the Ordinance was adopted. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 885, Amending Chapter 512 of the City Cigarette and Tobacco Code by Adding Language Relating to Electronic Cigarettes (E-Cigarettes). Council Member Mueller asked if the First Reading of this Ordinance would be available for local business owners to review. Assistant City Administrator Crane stated she could place this information on the City’s website. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council January 13, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 5 B. Resolution 8200, Selection of the Official Newspaper, Acting Mayor, Treasurer and Official Depositories for 2014. Assistant City Administrator Crane requested the Council select an Official Newspaper, Acting Mayor, Treasurer and Official Depository for 2014. She reviewed the proposals from the local papers and recommended the Sun Focus be selected. She recommended the St. Paul Pioneer Press be chosen as the City’s secondary newspaper. Assistant City Administrator Crane noted the Acting Mayor for 2013 was Council Member Mueller and the Treasurer was Finance Director Beer. She recommended the Council select an Acting Mayor for 2014 and approve the Treasurer and Official Depositories as recommended by staff. Mayor Flaherty recommended Council Member Mueller serve as the Acting Mayor again in 2014. He supported the Sun Focus as the primary newspaper. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8200, Selection of the Official Newspaper (Sun Focus), Acting Mayor (Council Member Carol Mueller), Treasurer and Official Depositories for 2014. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 8201, Appointing City Council Members and City Staff as Representatives for City Commissions and Other Organizations. Assistant City Administrator Crane requested the Council approve the appointment of City Council members and City Staff as representatives for City Commissions and other organizations. Mayor Flaherty reported Council Member Mueller currently represents the City for the Ramsey County League of Local Government. Council Member Mueller was happy to continue serving. Mayor Flaherty questioned who wanted to serve on the Blaine, Mounds View, Spring Lake Park Fire Relief. Council Member Gunn wanted to continue her service. Mayor Flaherty asked who was willing to serve on the Human Resources Committee. Council Member Hull and Council Member Meehlhause were willing to continue on this committee. Mayor Flaherty requested City Administrator Ericson represent the City on the Metro North Tourism Board. Council Member Meehlhause indicated he could serve as the alternate. Council Member Meehlhause was interested in serving on the YMCA Advisory Committee and Council Member Gunn would act as the alternate. Mounds View City Council January 13, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 6 Council Member Meehlhause would continue as the representative for Northeast Youth and Family Services. Mayor Flaherty would be the alternate. Mayor Flaherty would serve as the representative for the League of Minnesota Cities and Council Member Mueller would be the alternate. Mayor Flaherty would represent the City in the North Metro Mayor’s Association. The Mounds View Business Council would be represented by Council Member Mueller and Council Member Meehlhause. Council Member Gunn suggested the I-35W Coalition be added to this list noting she served as the City’s representative. Council Member Meehlhause indicated Metro Cities should also be added to this list as well. Mayor Flaherty was interested in serving on Metro Cities with City Administrator Ericson. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8201, Appointing City Council Members and City Staff as Representatives for City Commissions and Other Organizations as discussed by Council. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 8192, Approve to Hire Jeffrey Martin as a Police Officer. Police Chief Kinney requested the Council approve the hire of Jeffrey Martin as a Police Officer for the Mounds View Police Department. He indicated the department had a resignation last November. He reviewed the hiring process with the Council noting Mr. Martin has successfully completed all statutory requirements. He requested Mr. Martin’s employment begin on January 21, 2014. Council Member Meehlhause asked if Mr. Martin had any previous law enforcement experience. Police Chief Kinney indicated Mr. Martin had experience in security and as a community service officer. Mr. Martin currently works at a jail and had a degree in law enforcement. Council Member Mueller questioned how the field training program would work for Mr. Martin. Police Chief Kinney discussed how the field training program would be completed by the two Sergeants in the department. He stated this was a 14 week process. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8192, Approve to Hire Jeffrey Martin as a Police Officer. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council January 13, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 7 E. Resolution 8193, Authorizing the Purchase of New Copiers. Finance Director Beer requested the Council consider purchasing new copiers. He explained this purchase was deferred in 2013 to allow the City to take advantage of the new sales tax law. He reported the City would save just over $1,200 pushing back this purchase. He reviewed the six quotes received for the new copiers and recommended the Council approve the purchase of three new copiers for an amount of $18,200. Council Member Hull excused himself from the Council Chambers. Council Member Mueller asked if the low bid included the trade in of the old units. Finance Director Beer stated this was the case. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8193, Authorizing the Purchase of New Copiers and authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to sign the Maintenance Agreement. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. F. Resolution 8191, Accepting Miscellaneous Cash Donations for 2013. Finance Director Beer requested the Council adopt a Resolution accepting miscellaneous cash donations received in 2013. He reviewed the donations received in detail with the Council. Council Member Hull returned to the Council Chambers. Council Member Mueller questioned how residents could make donations to the Police Department K-9 unit. Finance Director Beer encouraged residents to contact City Hall. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8191, Accepting Miscellaneous Cash Donations for 2013. Council Member Mueller thanked everyone for their generous donations. Mayor Flaherty agreed stating the donations for the K-9 unit were greatly appreciated as these monies assisted the City in providing K-9 services to the community. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. G. Resolution 8195, Accepting Work for the 2012 Street and Utility Improvement Project – Area E and Authorizing Final Payment to Northwest Asphalt, Inc. Public Works Director DeBar stated Area E of the Street and Utility Improvement Project was completed during the summer of 2012. He explained the work was substantially completed on Mounds View City Council January 13, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 8 November 9, 2012. He reported all warranty periods would begin from this date. He indicated a punch list was completed after November 2012 and Northwest Asphalt worked on these items last summer. He reviewed the amount outstanding and recommended the Council accept the work and authorize the final payment to Northwest Asphalt. He was pleased to report the project and engineer costs came in below bid, and without change orders. Council Member Mueller was pleased that staff recommended the Council remain with Stantec as this company has provided the City with superior services each year at a very good price during the Street and Utility Improvement project. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8195, Accepting Work for the 2012 Street and Utility Improvement Project – Area E and Authorizing Final Payment to Northwest Asphalt, Inc. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA A. Resolution 8194, Authorizing Purchase of Dias Chairs and Work Session Tables. B. Resolution 8124, Authorization of the Purchase of an AEBI Tractor for the Public Works Department (Council approved a 2014 purchase at the July 22, 2013 City Council Meeting). MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. 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: Gunn/Hull. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. November 25, 2013, Truth in Taxation Minutes. Council Member Gunn requested a correction on Page 3, Line 24, stating the line should read “if the State did not provide the promised LGA.” MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Approve the November 25, 2013, Truth in Taxation meeting minutes as corrected. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council January 13, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 9 B. November 25, 2013 City Council Minutes. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Hull. To Approve the November 25, 2013, City Council meeting minutes as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. December 9, 2013, City Council Minutes MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Approve the December 9, 2013, City Council meeting minutes as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Gunn reported the I-35W Coalition meeting was changed to January 28, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. and would be held in Conference Room C a the Community Center. Council Member Mueller noted the Mounds View Business Council met last Wednesday where Mayor Flaherty served as the guest speaker and spoke of the City’s vision for 2014. She thanked Mayor Flaherty for being present at this meeting. Council Member Mueller indicated this Thursday she would be attending the League of Minnesota Cities Board meeting. The group would be finalizing the budget. She reported the newly elected and experienced official’s conference would be held on January 31st through February 1st at the Earle Brown Conference Center in Brooklyn Center. Communication would be a key component of the event. Council Member Mueller indicated the first Festival in the Park meeting for 2014 would be held on January 21, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. She encouraged those interested in volunteering to attend the meeting. Mayor Flaherty commented he recently met with local school officials and city administrators. He commended Superintendent Hoverman for bringing cutting edge programming to students within the Mounds View School District. B. Reports of Staff. City Administrator Ericson stated the TCAAP Master Plan Open House was scheduled for Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at the Ramsey County Public Works Facility from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mounds View City Council January 13, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 10 City Administrator Ericson reported on Saturday, January 25, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the 11th Annual Home and Garden Show would be held at the NSC’s Sport Expo Center. He encouraged residents to attend this event noting it was sponsored by the cities of Blaine, Fridley and Mounds View. City Administrator Ericson noted there would be an Open House for the Crossroad Pointe redevelopment on Monday, January 27, 2014 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Mounds View City Hall. City Administrator Ericson reported the goal setting retreat for staff and Council was set for Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. at the Mounds View Community Center. City Administrator Ericson explained a City employee, Deputy Chief Menard, forfeited 45 hours of vacation time at the end of 2013. This was due in part to the personnel changes and low staffing within the Police Department. He requested the Council consider a one-time waiver to allow Deputy Chief Menard to carry over these vacation hours. Council Member Meehlhause and Council Member Hull supported Deputy Chief Menard being allowed to carry these hours over to 2014. Council Member Mueller asked if the City could pay Deputy Chief Menard for the 45 hours. Mayor Flaherty did not support this suggestion, as he viewed this case as an extenuating circumstance. Finance Director Beer agreed stating other employees had lost their vacation time. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Approve allowing Deputy Chief Menard’s 45 hours of vacation time to carry over into 2014. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Reports of City Attorney. There was nothing additional to report. 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, February 3, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, January 27, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:58 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.