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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2015/03/23PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting March 23, 2015 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:05 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, March 23, 2015, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Monday, March 23, 2015, agenda as revised. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT None. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Presentation and Update from Ramsey County Commissioner Mary Jo McGuire Ramsey County Commissioner Mary Jo McGuire provided the Council with an update from the County. She looked forward to attending the Town Hall meeting on March 30th. She reported the County has completed its strategic planning for the coming year and reviewed the new vision, mission statement and goals. The County’s vision was to create a vibrant community where all are valued and thrive. The County’s mission was to be a County of excellence working with you to enhance quality of life. The goals had been narrowed down to four which addressed early intervention, the cultivation of economic prosperity, enhancement of connectivity, and lastly to model forward thinking fiscal responsibility. Mounds View City Council March 23, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 2 Ramsey County Commission McGuire discussed her committee assignments for 2015 along with her legislative agenda. She noted Ramsey County would be requesting funding for Victims Advocacy Services, $2 million for I-694/Rice Street Interchange, $6.5 million for Rice Creek Commons Road Improvements, as well as funding for school-based workforce career counselors. She provided examples of how Ramsey County and Mounds View worked together such as public works projects, the Ramsey County Library, parks and trails and on elections. She was proud that legislation had been drafted for the Sound Wall. She noted she had an email newsletter that she would be sending out quarterly and invited the public to subscribe. Council Member Mueller thanked Ramsey County Commissioner McGuire for her report and for her advocacy on behalf of the City of Mounds View. She encouraged her to keep Mounds View in mind through the redevelopment of TCAAP. She did not want Mounds View to be adversely impacted by the new businesses and transit that would be focused on TCAAP. She reported that six local businesses would be impacted by a proposed County road closure. Ramsey County Commissioner McGuire understood that TCAAP could not be developed at the expense of its neighboring communities. She appreciated the voiced concern and noted she would speak with her County Manager to ensure that communication between the County and City was improved. Council Member Mueller requested that the park and ride within Mounds View not be sacrificed through the redevelopment of TCAAP. Mayor Flaherty thanked County Commissioner McGuire for her advocacy regarding the Sound Wall. He explained he would be at the Capital tomorrow morning meeting with Representative Yarusso. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 898, Amending City Code Chapter 607 Regarding the Storage of Fish Houses in Front Yard Areas. Planning Associate Heller requested the Council hold the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 898 amending Chapter 607 of the City Code regarding the storage of fish houses in front yard areas. She discussed the proposed amendment noting it would allow for the storage of drop axle fish houses to be stored in front yards. Staff recommended the Council hold a public hearing and adopt the Ordinance. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:48 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:48 p.m. Council Member Meehlhause asked if staff had any concerns with code enforcement of the proposed Ordinance. Planning Associate Heller explained that she drafted the code amendment with Code Enforcement Officer Swalchek and believed that the language would provide clarity on what would and would not be allowed in front yard areas. Mounds View City Council March 23, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 3 MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 898, Amending City Code Chapter 607 Regarding the Storage of Fish Houses in Front Yard Areas. Council Member Mueller noted that this item was brought to the City’s attention by a resident. She thanked this resident for bringing this concern to City Hall. Council Member Meehlhause thanked staff and the Planning Commission for their work on this code amendment. ROLL CALL: Gunn/Hull/Meehlhause/Mueller/ Flaherty. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 8388, Approving Bidding Documents and Authorizing Advertisement for Bids for 2015 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project. Project Coordinator Stenglein indicated the municipal sanitary sewer consisted of 44 miles of trunk sewer lines, 900 man holes and two lift stations. He noted much of this infrastructure was constructed in the 1960’s with clay pipe. Clay pipe was the industry standard at that time, but over time leaks can occur. He discussed how the Public Works Department inspects and televises the City’s sanitary sewer lines. He noted that slip lining was one method used to repair damaged clay pipe lines. Project Coordinator Stenglein explained that City staff had prepared bidding documents for the rehabilitation of sanitary sewer lines and requested the Council approve these documents and authorize the advertisement for bids. He anticipated that the bid opening would be held on April 28th. Council Member Mueller thanked staff for their work on completing the bidding documents. Mayor Flaherty requested further information on how the slip lining was completed. Project Coordinator Stenglein discussed how spray liners were inserted into the clay pipes. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8388, Approving Bidding Documents and Authorizing Advertisement for Bids for 2015 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Flaherty asked to remove Item 8D. A. Schedule Public Hearing for Monday, May 11, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. to Consider On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor Licenses for Moe’s (located at 2400 County Mounds View City Council March 23, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 4 Road 10), The Mermaid (located at 2200 County Road 10), and El Loro (located at 2535 County Road 10). B. Schedule Public Hearing for Monday, May 11, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. to Consider Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor Licenses for ABC Liquor (located at 2840 County Road 10), Big Top Liquor (located at 2577 County Road 10), and Vino & Stogies (located at 2345 County Road H2). C. Schedule Public Hearing for Monday, May 11, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. to Consider an Off-Sale 3.2 Malt Liquor License for SuperAmerica, located at 2640 County Road I. D. Resolution 8387, Approving an Amended North Suburban Communications Commission (NSCC) Joint and Cooperative Agreement for the Administration of a Cable Communications Franchise. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Approve the Consent Agenda as amended removing Item 8D. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 8387, Approving an Amended North Suburban Communications Commission (NSCC) Joint and Cooperative Agreement for the Administration of a Cable Communications Franchise. Mayor Flaherty discussed the proposed Joint and Cooperative Agreement that was reached with NSCC. He provided comment on the changes and noted the City of Shoreview elected to drop out of the Cable Commission. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8387, Approving an Amended North Suburban Communications Commission (NSCC) Joint and Cooperative Agreement for the Administration of a Cable Communications Franchise. Council Member Meehlhause indicated that a deadline date has been created in case any other cities wanted to drop out of the Cable Commission. This deadline was now July 1st for budgeting purposes. 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/Mueller. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council March 23, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 5 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. March 9, 2015, City Council Meeting Minutes. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull. To Approve the March 9, 2015, 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 met and Jerome Adams from MnDOT was in attendance. She noted the group was provided information on the environmental assessment and the next step would be to review preliminary designs. She discussed the three preliminary design options that would be presented next month. She noted that $100 million has been set aside for this project. Mayor Flaherty asked how the bridge replacements would impact MnDOT’s project. Council Member Gunn explained that both bridges would be reconstructed to meet MnDOT’s requirements. Council Member Mueller thanked the Mayor and staff for attending the Bel Rae Senior Living tour. She was impressed by how quiet this building was inside and that 20% of the units were already reserved. Council Member Mueller stated the Ramsey County League of Local Government would meet on Thursday, March 26th and the group would tour the Roseville Fire Station. Council Member Mueller indicated the Minnesota Women in City Government would be holding a luncheon program on Friday, March 27th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The guest speaker will be Kathleen O’Brien, former professor from the University of Minnesota. The cost for this event was $10 and would be held at the League of Minnesota Cities Offices in St. Paul. Council Member Mueller explained the Ramsey County Dispatch Policy Committee was proud to announce that the new CAD system would be live next week. The new dispatch center has held training on the new system and anticipated there would be a seamless transition. She indicated the Ramsey County Dispatch Policy Committee would be meeting again on May 7th where the group would discuss the transition. She commended the dispatch center for the great work that they provide the community. Council Member Mueller thanked staff for addressing Council’s concerns in a timely manner. She discussed an upcoming active shooter training that would be held at City Hall. Mounds View City Council March 23, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 6 Council Member Mueller noted that on Friday, April 10th and Saturday, April 11th the Minnesota Pilot’s Association would be holding their Annual Conference at the Anoka County Airport. The admission fee would be $5 for individuals. Council Member Mueller stated Discover Aviation Days would be held at the Anoka County Airport on Saturday, May 30 th and Sunday, May 31st. The Dave Andrews Swing Band would be featured at the scheduled dance. The group was seeking assistance with organizing their parade and car show. Council Member Mueller reported the League of Minnesota Cities Board met last week. She thanked the Mayor and staff for supporting the recent transportation funding bill. She discussed the legislation that was being produced by Senator Dibble. Council Member Mueller explained the Festival in the Park Committee was still seeking volunteers to assist in the planning of this year’s event, which was scheduled for August 22, 2015. Council Member Hull commented he attended a luncheon with City Administrator Ericson for a group known as Community Partners with Youth (CPY) in the City of New Brighton. He discussed the numerous services provided by CPY and asked if the Council would be interested in hearing more about this organization. The Council was in agreement to discuss CPY at the May worksession. Council Member Meehlhause stated he attended the annual meeting of Twin Cities Gateway. He noted that hotel lodgings in the nine communities continue to do well and the hotels in Mounds View were up 10%. He believed this was a great sign for the economy. Council Member Meehlhause discussed a 22 minute video that was being created to advertise the unique amenities available in the nine member cities that participate in Twin Cities Gateway. He explained that this video would be aired on Fox Sports North and could also be aired on local access channels for the next year. Council Member Meehlhause congratulated the University of Minnesota Women’s Hockey Team for winning their third national championship. He congratulated Mounds View resident and Irondale graduate, Meghan Lorence, for her hockey career with the Gophers. Mayor Flaherty indicated the North Metro Mayor’s Association met last week. This group passed a Resolution supporting increased transportation funding which would be presented to legislators and senators. He noted the sound wall at I-35W and TH10 was a main issue to be addressed. Mayor Flaherty reported he read to the children at Sunrise Learning Center again this month. Mounds View City Council March 23, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 7 Mayor Flaherty noted that Reverend Church was seeking information on how to further outreach in the community. He got Reverend Church in touch with Assistant City Administrator Crane. He noted that he would be discussing volunteerism in further detail at the Town Hall Meeting. Mayor Flaherty encouraged all residents to attend the Town Hall Meeting on Monday, March 30th at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. B. Reports of Staff. City Administrator Ericson stated he attended the North Metro Mayor’s Association meeting last week. He was pleased that a resolution was passed in support for the I-35W/TH10 sound wall. City Administrator Ericson reported he would be meeting tomorrow with Representative Yarusso regarding the sound wall. It was his hope that a hearing for her bill would be scheduled this week. City Administrator Ericson indicated five candidates for the public works director position were interviewed last week. He was happy to report that staff would like to have two candidates in for a second interview, one of whom was from out of state. Staff has been investigating the expense for airfare/rental car and asked if the Council would support the purchase of a same day flight. The Council supported this expense. City Administrator Ericson explained he would be attending a meeting with Ramsey County staff on Tuesday, March 31st to review revisions to the preliminary design of County Road H. He noted the Clifton Drive access issues would be further discussed. City Administrator Ericson reported the League of Minnesota Cities Conference would be held in Duluth this year June 24th through June 26th. He requested that the Council RSVP to staff for this event. City Administrator Ericson stated that Met Council would be disrupting the community with a construction project in the Greenfield Park/Colonial Village neighborhood this summer. He noted that Met Council was willing to attend the Town Hall Meeting to discuss this project in further detail. Interim Public Works Director Peterson provided further comment on the Met Council project. The Council was in favor of discussing this matter at a future worksession meeting and recommended staff to invite the Colonial Village neighborhood. Mayor Flaherty recommended that staff briefly discuss the Met Council project at the Town Hall Meeting. City Administrator Ericson reviewed the items scheduled to be discussed at the April worksession meeting. Mounds View City Council March 23, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 8 City Administrator Ericson noted he and Interim Public Works Director Peterson met with representatives from CenturyLink last week to discuss fiber line installation and the potential for faster internet services in the City of Mounds View. He explained that City Code requires that this material be installed underground, however CenturyLink was going against the City’s requirements and the work had to be shut down. He read City Code pertaining to this matter noting that an exemption could be granted by the City Council. He noted that a $500,000 investment had been made by CenturyLink for the fiber line to be installed above ground on poles and could not easily be reused elsewhere. He questioned if the Council wanted to have a discussion with CenturyLink regarding this matter. Council Member Mueller expressed concern with the fact that CenturyLink did not follow the City’s code or permitting process. She was in favor of addressing CenturyLink at a future meeting in order to address their ethics and way of doing business. Council Member Hull and Council Member Meehlhause were in favor of speaking further to CenturyLink. Mayor Flaherty suggested that CenturyLink be contacted and ask that they attend the May worksession meeting. Finance Director Beer stated the annual audit was complete. He anticipated there would be a presentation on the audit at the second meeting in April. Interim Public Works Director Peterson discussed preliminary estimates for the Silver View Trail improvements. He noted that some areas may need six to eight inches of class five in order to address the organic soil conditions. He commented that this would bring the project costs to $371,020. The City budgeted $150,000 for the project and also had $200,000 for the design of the Public Works building. He questioned how the Council wanted to proceed with this trail improvement project. Council Member Gunn believed the trail improvements were necessary and should be completed in 2015. She proposed using Medtronic funds in order to assist in covering the expense of this trail. She commented that by using these funds, the City would not have to raise taxes for the project expense in the future. Council Member Mueller agreed the trail needed to be done in 2015 and done correctly. She questioned if there were any TIF dollars available to assist with the expense. Finance Director Beer noted the City had no TIF funds available for this project. Council Member Hull supported the project. Council Member Meehlhause wanted to see the trail completed in 2015 as well. He believed that there were funds available within the budget to cover the expense of the project, even if it meant delaying the design of the new Public Works building. He was willing to look at using the Medtronic funds. He reported that the City did not transfer $250,000 from the levy reduction Mounds View City Council March 23, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 9 fund last year, which could potentially be used for this project. Finance Director Beer discussed a transfer that was made into the Special Projects Fund. Interim Public Works Director Peterson stated that if the Council wanted to proceed with the project, he could have the plans and specs approved in April. This would ensure that the project would be completed in time for the Festival in the Park. Mayor Flaherty supported the trail improvement project as well and understood the trail needed to be replaced. He wanted to hold further discussion on how the project would be funded. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, April 6, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, April 13, 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 9:06 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.