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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2015/02/23PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting February 23, 2015 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:01 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, February 23, 2015, City Council Agenda. Council Member Mueller requested Item G be added under Council Business to allow for the passing of a Resolution of Support for the League of Minnesota Cities Transportation Bill. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Approve the Monday, February 23, 2015, agenda as amended. 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 to Consider the Pavement Rehabilitation and Drainage Improvements for Mustang Drive and Mustang Circle. Interim Public Works Director Peterson discussed the pavement and drainage improvements proposed for Mustang Drive and Mustang Circle. He indicated the majority of vehicles using these roadways were larger semi-truck traffic. It was noted that the curb and gutter was in fairly Mounds View City Council February 23, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 2 good condition. Staff further discussed the condition of the roadways, noting the areas that were currently flooding. The project timeline was reviewed. Staff recommended that the Council hold a public hearing and take comments from the public. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:08 p.m. Blaine Krugerud, BioClean, requested further information on the project phasing. He stated that his operation had trucking needs and he wanted to be assured that his business would not be adversely impacted by the proposed project. He was concerned with how the exits and entrances would be addressed. Interim Public Works Director Peterson explained that the phasing of the street would not be available until after the project was ordered. Dave Fox, Fed Tech, expressed concern with the flooding that occurs in his parking lot during heavy rains. He requested that the water from the street no longer flow from the street into his parking lot. Mayor Flaherty commented that all water runoff and drainage issues would be addressed through this project. Hearing no further public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:13 p.m. B. Resolution 8377, Approving Plans and Specifications for 2015 SUIP – Area H. Interim Public Works Director Peterson discussed the City’s Street Improvement Program. He explained that Area H, which consisted of 2.4 miles, would be completed in 2015. It was noted staff completed bidding documents. He stated the Groveland Lift Station would be rehabilitated through this project. The project timeline was reviewed. Staff discussed the project details further and requested that the Council approve the plans and specifications for the 2015 SUIP. Council Member Mueller thanked staff for the thorough report. She asked where the sidewalk would be located along Groveland Road. Interim Public Works Director Peterson indicated the sidewalk would be located on the east side of Groveland Road, along with a bike lane. He reported that all utility lines would remain on the east side of the road as well. Council Member Mueller questioned where the mailboxes would be located on Groveland Road. Interim Public Works Director Peterson commented the mailboxes would be moved to the west side of Groveland Road. Council Member Mueller inquired how many large maple trees would be impacted by the sidewalk/bike lane. Interim Public Works Director Peterson explained staff has yet to review this information. He commented that the City may be applying for a forestry grant to assist with replacing these trees. Mayor Flaherty asked how the remaining work on Area G would impact the start of the Area H project. Christina Mlejnek, Stantec, did not believe that the two projects would overlap or impact each other in 2015. Christine stated that she expected the impact to the trees would be Mounds View City Council February 23, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 3 minimal. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8377, Approving Plans and Specifications for 2015 SUIP – Area H. City Administrator Ericson reviewed several minor revisions to the Resolution with the Council. The Council supported the Resolution as revised by staff. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 8378, Approving the 2015 City Council Priorities. City Administrator Ericson reviewed Council’s priorities for the coming year. He explained that these goals were discussed at a recent retreat. Staff requested the Council approve the 2015 City Council Priorities. Mayor Flaherty thanked staff for their assistance in revising the Council’s priorities. He indicated a goal for the Council this year would be to further its relationships with local businesses. In addition, to strengthen the bond between the Fire and Police Departments with the community. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8378, Approving the 2015 City Council Priorities. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 8380, Approving Additional Design Services, Bidding Documents, and Authorizing Advertisements for Bids for the 2015 Masonry Restoration at the Ground Reservoir, Booster Station, and Well House No. 2. Project Coordinator Stenglein explained the Council authorized the inspection of all municipal facilities in May of 2012. The information gathered from this study provided the City with a timely replacement plan for each of its buildings, which allowed staff to then budget and plan for these events. He reported that the Ground Reservoir, Booster Station and Well House No. 2 were all in need of masonry restoration. He discussed the proposed project in detail along with the project timeline. Staff recommended the Council approve design services, bidding documents and authorize the advertisement for bids for the 2015 masonry restoration project. Mayor Flaherty requested further information on how the reservoir, booster station and well house served Mounds View residents. Project Coordinator Stenglein explained how each structure served the City and assisted in providing the City’s water supply. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8380, Approving Additional Design Services, Bidding Documents, and Authorizing Advertisements Mounds View City Council February 23, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 4 for Bids for the 2015 Masonry Restoration at the Ground Reservoir, Booster Station, and Well House No. 2. City Administrator Ericson reviewed several minor revisions to the Resolution with the Council. The Council supported the Resolution as revised by staff. Mayor Flaherty commented that the well house and reservoir were built in the 1960’s and were in need of restoration. He supported the project as proposed by staff. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 8381, Approving the Bidding Documents, and Authorizing the Advertisements of Bids for the 2015 Seal Coat Project for Areas A, B & C3. Project Coordinator Stenglein explained the City was in the process of reconstructing 26 miles of City owned streets through its Street Improvement Program. As a part of this program, Areas A, B and C3 were in due for seal coating. He discussed the maintenance that has been conducted on these streets since 2009 and reviewed the seal coating project timeline. Staff recommended the Council approve bidding documents and authorize the advertisement of bids for the 2015 seal coat project. Council Member Mueller requested further information on the City’s seal coating policy. Project Coordinator Stenglein commented that staff was proposing to seal coat the new City streets every five to seven years. He indicated that three project areas were selected to assist in creating a schedule going forward from this point. Mayor Flaherty asked if the seal coating pebbles would be swept away into the City’s sewer lines. Project Coordinator Stenglein explained that all catch basins would have protection installed during the seal coating project. In addition, the roadways would be swept twice to pick up the loose gravel. Finance Director Beer noted that the City was saving 12% of the project costs by completing the engineering work in house. Mayor Flaherty requested that staff speak with the residents in Areas A, B and C in order to ensure that this project is coordinated smoothly with the Area G and H projects. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8381, Approving the Bidding Documents, and Authorizing the Advertisements of Bids for the 2015 Seal Coat Project for Areas A, B & C. City Administrator Ericson reviewed several minor revisions to the Resolution with the Council. The Council supported the Resolution as revised by staff. Mounds View City Council February 23, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 5 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. F. Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 898, Amending City Code Chapter 607 in Regards to Storage of Fish Houses in Front Yard Areas. Planning Associate Heller reviewed a proposed Ordinance amendment regarding fish houses in front yard areas. She explained that fish houses were sometimes brought home when not on the lake. She noted that City Code currently states that fish houses are not allowed to be stored in front yards for longer than 24 hours. She provided comment on the discussion held at the Planning Commission level regarding fish houses. It was noted the proposed amendment would allow for the storage of drop axle fish houses at any time, while all other fish houses would only be allowed for 24 hours. Council Member Gunn thanked staff for the work completed on this code amendment. She believed the proposed language was very clear. Council Member Meehlhause requested further information on how City Code addressed snowmobiles and snowmobile trailers. Planning Associate Heller discussed City Code regarding snowmobiles, trailers and RV’s. Mayor Flaherty suggested that the term “commercially manufactured” be placed in front of drop axle fish houses. He stated this would require that older model fish houses could not be placed on a drop-axle trailer and be allowed to be stored in front yards. Planning Associate Heller stated this may raise some concern due to the fact that Mr. Pearson built his own fish house on a drop axle trailer. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 898, Amending City Code Chapter 607 in Regards to Storage of Fish Houses in Front Yard Areas as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. G. Resolution of Support for the League of Minnesota Cities Transportation Bill. Council Member Mueller stated at the League of Minnesota Cities meeting last Thursday, a representative encouraged member cities to support the League’s proposed dedicated State funding for local streets. She reported that 80% of cities were not eligible to receive MSA funding and were therefore struggling to fund their street projects. She discussed the Transportation Bill in further detail and recommended the Council adopt a Resolution of Support. Mounds View City Council February 23, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 6 City Administrator Ericson read Resolution 8383 aloud for the record. Mayor Flaherty asked if there were grants available to meet the needs of smaller communities. He questioned how the transportation bill would be funded. Council Member Meehlhause commented that if City staff had not devised the street improvement project the City of Mounds View would also be struggling to replace its streets and infrastructure. Council Member Mueller was uncertain how grants were awarded or how the grant program worked. She did not want to see LGA reduced in order to fund additional transportation dollars. She anticipated that a gasoline and motor vehicle tax would assist with funding the bill. Mayor Flaherty supported the Resolution on the surface. He still had some concern with how the bill would be funded. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8383, Supporting the League of Minnesota Cities Transportation Bill. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Flaherty asked to remove Item 8A for discussion. A. Resolution 8382, Accepting the Financing for the ESP Program. Mayor Flaherty requested further information on the Financing for the ESP Program. City Administrator Ericson explained the intent of the resolution was to have the Council approve the financing and authorize the Energy Savings Partnership. He reviewed several language changes as proposed by the City Attorney and recommended approval. Council Member Gunn requested a copy of the revised Resolution. Mayor Flaherty questioned when the ESP program would be complete. Interim Public Works Director Peterson commented the program would be implemented and completed by August once approved by the City Council. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8382, Accepting the Financing for the ESP Program as amended. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS Mounds View City Council February 23, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 7 Finance Director Beer answered the Council's questions related to claims. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. January 12, 2015, City Council Meeting Minutes. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Approve the January 12, 2015, City Council meeting minutes as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. January 26, 2015, City Council Meeting Minutes. Council Member Meehlhause requested a correction on Page 4, Line 5 stating a period should be placed after the word repairs. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Approve the January 26, 2015, City Council meeting minutes as corrected. Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Flaherty) Motion carried. 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Gunn reported she attended the Irondale High School Robotics Open House where the group unveiled its robot for this year. She noted the team would be in Duluth, Minnesota on February 28th for a competition. She stated robotics team was in need of monetary support and those interested should contact the Irondale High School. In addition, the group was in need of storage space. Council Member Mueller indicated the Festival in the Park Committee met on February 17th. She explained the group was still in need of volunteers to assist in planning this year’s event, which was scheduled for Saturday, August 22nd. She encouraged those interested in serving to attend the March 17th committee meeting at City Hall at 7:00 p.m. Council Member Mueller discussed her experience with the absentee ballot voting system. She noted that the current system may be revised. She stated she would be passing along information on this subject to staff. Council Member Mueller commented the Minnesota Women in City Government would be holding a luncheon meeting on Friday, March 27th at the League of Minnesota Cities office from Mounds View City Council February 23, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 8 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. She noted Kathleen O’Brien would be the guest speaker and the cost for the event would be $10. Council Member Meehlhause indicated he attended a reception at the Kelly Inn where the City of Bemidji was lobbying at the capitol. He explained that Senator Bev Scalze was very complimentary to Mayor Flaherty and City Administrator Jim Ericson, and the testimony he provided regarding the sound wall along Highway 10. Council Member Meehlhause commented he attended the recent Northeast Youth and Family Services recognition banquet where eight individuals were recognized for their work in the community. Council Member Meehlhause then reviewed a number of meetings he would be attending in the coming weeks. He congratulated Megan Lorence for achieving 100 points with the University of Minnesota Hockey Team. Mayor Flaherty provided further comment on the testimony he provided at the State regarding the sound wall along Highway 10. B. Reports of Staff. 1. Finance Quarterly Report Finance Director Beer reviewed the year end financials with the Council. He noted the City would end 2014 with a $14,000 surplus in the General Fund. He reported the City received a large portion of unexpected revenues than was anticipated, which means the transfer from the levy reduction fund was not necessary. He indicated the Community Center ended with a surplus as well. Finance Director Beer explained TIF District #2 would be decertified at the end of 2015, while TIF Districts #1 and #3 were already decertified. He noted that all funds were spent from TIF Districts #1 and #3. He commented that the Water and Sewer Fund ended the year with a deficit due to deferred maintenance. He anticipated that these funds would break even in the coming years. Finance Director Beer discussed the City’s investments over the past year and noted that interest rates were declining. He provided comment on the 2016 budgeting process and reviewed a potential timeline with the Council. He indicated staff was reviewing new finance software to assist with mainstreaming processes and procedures. Mayor Flaherty thanked Finance Director Beer for the thorough report and for his dedicated service to the City. Interim Public Works Director Peterson updated the Council on several projects. He noted the bid for Silver View Trail was coming in higher than anticipated at around $310,000 plus Mounds View City Council February 23, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 9 stormwater engineering costs for a 30 year trail. He explained the City budgeted $150,000 for the trail. He requested comment from the Council on how to proceed. Mayor Fl aherty questioned how the Council wanted to address this matter. Council Member Gunn believed this trail needed to be redone, given the fact it has become a safety hazard. He was in favor of completing the project at a funding level of $210,000. Council Member Mueller agreed the trail needed attention this year. She was in favor of completing the 30 year trail, even though it would cost the City slightly more. Mayor Flaherty stated if the trail were completed in 2015, it would involve a transfer from the Special Projects Fund. He only supported the 20 year trail if it were to be completed this year. Council Member Hull agreed. Council Member Mueller questioned if the City should be taking on another large project, given the fact Area G and H would be finished this year, along with seal coating Areas A, B and C. Interim Public Works Director Peterson commented that this project would be supervised by Project Coordinator Stenglein. Council Member Mueller asked when the Council would be reviewing applicants for the Public Works Director position. City Administrator Ericson stated he would have an update for the Council at their next Council meeting, but believed the City was still two months out from hiring for this position. Council Member Gunn supported a transfer from the Special Projects Fund to complete the trail. She suggested more Class 5 be used with two inches of asphalt. Council Member Mueller and Council Member Meehlhause agreed the trail needed to be redone this year. Mayor Flaherty requested the project be bid out both ways and be brought back to the Council at a future meeting. He suggested staff also review the 2015 budget to review any items that may be pushed back to 2016 to free up funds for the trail project. City Administrator Ericson announced the Town Hall meeting would be held on Monday, March 30th at 6:00 p.m. He reported this information was included in the most recent edition of the Mounds View Matters newsletter. City Administrator Ericson discussed the Community Development Department’s Fourth Quarter report. He noted he recently toured the Medtronic facility with several City staff members. He found the site to be unique as it had its own Caribou, café, fitness center, Minute Clinic, childcare facility, convenience store and US Bank. Mounds View City Council February 23, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 10 City Administrator Ericson indicated this week he would be meeting with Ramsey County regarding the County Road H project and project revisions would be discussed. City Administrator Ericson reported the City was undergoing another round of funding from Bethlehem Baptist Church. Staff was creating a list of potential uses for the upcoming donation. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney had nothing additional to report. 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, March 2, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, March 9, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. Town Hall Meeting: Monday, March 30, 2015, at 6:00 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:31 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.