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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2015/04/27PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting April 27, 2015 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:02 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Flaherty, Gunn (arrived at 7:46 p.m.), Hull, Meehlhause, Mueller NOT PRESENT: None 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, April 27, 2015, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Monday, April 27, 2015, agenda as revised. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT Kathleen Smith introduced herself to the Council and stated she was a resident of Mounds View. She discussed the importance of honey bees to the City and environment, noting the population of honey bees was declining. She requested that the Council allow honey bee colonies in the City of Mounds View. Mayor Flaherty questioned how many bees were in a honey bee colony. Ms. Smith explained that a colony could start out with somewhere between 10,000 and 12,000 bees. As the colony grows there could be 40,000 to 50,000 bees. Mayor Flaherty asked if bees were able to winter in Minnesota. Ms. Smith indicated she protects her colony with a wax covered box and leaves a fair amount of honey in the hive to provide the bees with key nutrients they need to survive the winter. She commented that the hive needed to remain at 95 degrees Fahrenheit over the winter months. Council Member Mueller thanked Ms. Smith for the information she provided to Council. Mounds View City Council April 27, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 2 Council Member Meehlhause stated he has family members that have been bee keepers. He feared how additional bee colonies would impact those who have bee sting allergies. Ms. Smith discussed the two different bee families and reported that wasp, hornet and yellow jackets were able to sting repeatedly. She commented that honey bees were only able to sting once and typically only did so under duress. Mayor Flaherty indicated the Council was not prepared to take action regarding honey bees this evening, but suggested that honey bees be discussed further by the Council in June. Gretchen Crowder, 3001 Bronson Drive, supported the City of Mounds View having honey bees. Robert Davies, 3024 Bronson Drive, stated he supported Mounds View residents having both bees and chickens. He believed this was an evolving need for residents. Maria Ritar, 3016 Bronson Drive, fully supported having honey bees in her neighborhood as this would be a great addition to the community. She was not afraid of being stung by the honey bees. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Proclamation – Building Safety Month Mayor Flaherty read a proclamation in full declaring May to be Building Safety Month in the City of Mounds View. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing, Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 899, Amending Chapters 1102 and 1106 of the Mounds View Zoning Code to Allow Columbaria on Properties owned by Religious Institutions. Planning Associate Heller requested the Council hold a Public Hearing for a code amendment, which would allow columbaria on properties owned by religious institutions. She discussed how churches are beginning to display columbaria for family members. She provided comment on the columbaria building materials and explained that the Planning Commission reviewed this code amendment and recommended approval of the code amendment. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:29 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:29 p.m. Council Member Meehlhause asked if this Ordinance has been discussed with the local church that had requested a columbaria. Planning Associate Heller explained that the code amendment was discussed with the local church. Mayor Flaherty questioned if the exterior building materials on the columbaria should match the principle structure. Planning Associate Heller explained that this was discussed by the Planning Mounds View City Council April 27, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 3 Commission and the group wanted to be ensured that the accessory structure was properly maintained. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 899, Amending Chapters 1102 and 1106 of the Mounds View Zoning Code to Allow Columbaria on Properties owned by Religious Institutions. Council Member Meehlhause thanked the Planning Commission and Planning Associate Heller for their work on this code amendment. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 8402, Approving the Hire of Brian Erickson to the Public Works Director Position. Assistant City Administrator Crane requested the Council approve the hire of Brian Erickson for the Public Works Director position. She indicated that Brian Erickson would fill the vacancy left when Nick DeBar resigned his position with the City of Mounds View. She stated it was the consensus of staff to recommend the hire of Brian Erickson as he meets all requirements outlined in the job description. She indicated Mr. Erickson would begin his employment with the City of Mounds View on or about June 1st. Brian Erickson introduced himself to the Council and stated he was looking forward to working in the City of Mounds View. He stated he has been with the City of Northfield for the past 10 years and was looking forward to the opportunities available in Mounds View. Mayor Flaherty explained he was very proud of the City’s Public Works Department and wished Mr. Erickson well in his new position. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8402, Approving the Hire of Brian Erickson to the Public Works Director Position. Council Member Meehlhause indicated he and Council Member Hull participated in the interview process. He stated he was very impressed with Mr. Erickson’s responses. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 8403, Appointing Therese Kieffer to the Planning Commission. Assistant City Administrator Crane indicated Cindy Carvelli-Yu has resigned her position with the Planning Commission, which left a vacancy. She requested the Council appoint Therese Kieffer to the Planning Commission. This appointment would expire on December 31, 2015. Council Member Gunn arrived at the meeting. Mounds View City Council April 27, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 4 Mayor Flaherty believed that Ms. Kieffer was highly qualified to serve on the Planning Commission. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8403, Appointing Therese Kieffer to the Planning Commission. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 8398, Approving the Purchase of (2) two pumps for the Bronson Lift Station. Interim Public Works Director Peterson requested the Council consider the purchase of two pumps for the Bronson Lift Station. He explained this lift station was originally constructed in the 1960’s and was refurbished in 1991. The submersible pumps were in need of replacement due to wear and tear over the past 24 years. He discussed the quotes received for two new pumps. He recommended the Council approve the purchase of two pumps from Electric Pump at an expense of $5,871 per pump plus $924 for installation. Council Member Mueller thanked staff for the thorough report. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt 8398, Approving the Purchase of (2) two pumps for the Bronson Lift Station. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 8399, Authorizing Stantec to Complete Plans and Specifications for the Mustang Drive/Circle Pavement Rehabilitation and Drainage Improvements. Interim Public Works Director Peterson requested the Council authorize Stantec to complete plans and specifications for the Mustang Drive/Circle pavement rehabilitation and drainage improvements. He explained that the City was in the process of rehabilitating Mustang Drive and Mustang Circle off of Old Highway 8. He discussed the actions the Council has taken for this project to date. He anticipated that construction for this project would begin in June of 2015. Council Member Mueller requested further information on how the assessments would be handled for this project. Interim Public Works Director Peterson explained that assessments for this project would be addressed after the improvement project was completed. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8399, Authorizing Stantec to Complete Plans and Specifications for the Mustang Drive/Circle Pavement Rehabilitation and Drainage Improvements. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council April 27, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 5 F. Resolution 8400, Approving the Replacement of the Playground Equipment at Groveland Park. Interim Public Works Director Peterson requested the Council approve the replacement of the playground equipment at Groveland Park. He indicated the Parks Commission has been reviewing this park and the National Park Institute recommends that all play structures be replaced every 12 to 15 years. He commented that the Groveland Park playground was 20 years old. He reported that Minnesota/Wisconsin Playground was approached to submit a bid on this project. The bid for the Groveland Park playground equipment came in at $40,500 plus installation and site work. The total expense for the park project would be $65,643.63. Staff noted that this was a budgeted item within the 2015 budget and recommended that the Council approve the playground equipment replacement. Council Member Mueller asked if the picnic area would be maintained within Groveland Park. Interim Public Works Director Peterson explained that the picnic area would remain. Council Member Mueller discussed how the Groveland neighborhood was transitioning to younger families and she believed these new residents would greatly appreciate the new park equipment. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8400, Approving the Replacement of the Playground Equipment at Groveland Park. Council Member Meehlhause appreciated the Parks Commission and Public Works Department staff for their efforts on Groveland Park. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. G. Resolution 8401, Awarding a Construction Contract with Pearson Bros, Inc. for the 2015 Seal Coat Project for Areas A, B, & C. Interim Public Works Director Peterson requested the Council award a construction contract with Pearson Brothers, Inc. for the 2015 Seal Coat Project for Areas A, B and C. He stated the City has worked to reconstruct its 26 miles of street while also creating a maintenance program. He reported that in 2015 the City would need to seal coat Areas A, B and C. Bids for this project were requested and Pearson Brothers submitted the low bid of $198,879.75 plus a 10% contingency. Staff recommended the Council award the project to Pearson Brothers. Mayor Flaherty requested further information on the seal coating process. Interim Public Works Director Peterson reported a thin layer of oil emulsion would be applied to the road surface and would be covered with crushed granite. He indicated the loose gravel would be swept up within 24 hours. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8401, Awarding a Construction Contract with Pearson Brothers, Inc. for the 2015 Seal Coat Project for Mounds View City Council April 27, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 6 Areas A, B, & C. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA A. Schedule a Public Hearing for Monday, May 11, 2015 at 7:00 p.m., to Consider a Temporary On-Sale 3.2 Malt Liquor License for the Mounds View Festival in the Park Committee to Allow the Ole Piper Inn to sell Liquor During the August 22, 2015, Mounds View Festival in the Park Celebration. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. 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: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES None. 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Mueller reported she attended a news conference at the League of Minnesota Cities regarding the transportation funding bill. She was proud to report that 180 cities in Minnesota have passed Resolutions of Support for the transportation funding bill. She thanked the Council for offering the City’s support. Council Member Mueller stated the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office would be holding a memorial service on May 11th at 11:00 a.m. to honor fallen police officers. Council Member Mueller commented on Tuesday, May 19th at 7:00 p.m. there would be a Festival in the Park Committee meeting. She explained the committee was now taking entries for the car show. Council Member Meehlhause indicated he would be attending a Northeast Youth and Family Services board meeting on Thursday morning. Mounds View City Council April 27, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 7 Council Member Meehlhause stated on Friday and Saturday evening Pinewood Elementary would be putting on a musical. He encouraged the public to support this local event. Mayor Flaherty explained there would be a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Bel Rae Senior Living on May 11th at 4:00 p.m. Mayor Flaherty reported last Thursday he went to the Capitol along with City Administrator Ericson to further discuss the sound wall. The City was now waiting to see what action would be taken by the legislature on the transportation bill. It was his hope that action would be taken in 2015 or 2016. Finance Director Beer indicated the Council had the opportunity to partner with Millennium Charter Schools to acquire property and construct a facility in Brooklyn Center. He reported this group was looking for $15 million in conduit bonding authority. He noted the City would not be responsible for the bonds, but would receive a 1% fee on the bonds. Staff questioned if the Council was interested in pursuing this partnership. The Council supported staff pursuing the conduit bonds with Millennium Charter Schools. B. Reports of Staff. 1. Five Year Financial Plan Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Finance Director Beer reviewed the five year financial plan and Capital Improvement Program with the Council. He noted this document would come before the Council at an upcoming worksession to assist with the 2016 budgeting process. Council Member Mueller questioned if the splash pad would be completed in 2015. Finance Director Beer believed this would be determined by the Council, but understood it was placed in the budget. 2. 1st Quarter Finance Report Finance Director Beer reviewed the 1st Quarter Financial Report with the Council. He explained that property taxes would not be collected until late June, which accounted for the majority of the City’s revenue. He reviewed the City’s expenditures, along with the revenues generated by the Community Center. He discussed the capital projects planned for 2015. Finance Director Beer provided comment on the upgrades needed for the City’s cable equipment. He indicated that Vanessa was addressing this item and would be reporting back to the Council in the near future. He stated that all utility funds were trending below budget for the 1st Quarter. He believed that LGA would be safe for 2015 and 2016 due to the State’s financial surplus. City Administrator Ericson stated last week he met with area City Managers within the North Suburban Communications Commission. This was the group’s first meeting and the CenturyLink proposal was discussed. Mounds View City Council April 27, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 8 City Administrator Ericson indicated the Area H Neighborhood Meeting would be held on Wednesday, April 29th at 6:00 p.m. at the Community Center. City Administrator Ericson reported the Spring Clean Up would be held on Saturday, May 2nd at the Public Works facility from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. City Administrator Ericson stated a Tri-City Fire Meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 9th at 7:00 p.m. at Fire Station 3. City Administrator Ericson reviewed the items that would be discussed at the May 4th City Council worksession meeting. Council Member Meehlhause discussed the County Road H project. He thanked staff for working with the County and MnDOT regarding this project. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, May 4, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, May 11, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:43 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.