HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2015/05/26PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA
Regular Meeting
May 26, 2015
Mounds View City Hall
2401 County Road 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, May 11, 2015, City Council Agenda.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Monday, May 26, 2015, agenda as amended
switching Items 6B and 6C.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
5. PUBLIC INPUT
None.
6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
A. Oath of Office Ceremony for Police Officers Riley Solz and Andrew
Ronning.
Police Chief Kinney introduced Riley Solz and Andrew Ronning to the City Council. He
commended these officers for their courage in entering the law enforcement field.
Police Chief Kinney administered the Oath of Office to newly appointed Police Officers Riley
Solz and Andrew Ronning.
Mayor Flaherty welcomed each officer to the City of Mounds View and thanked them for their
willingness to serve the community. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance.
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C. Resolution 8424, Recognizing Eagle Scout Alex Kasporwicz.
Mayor Flaherty read a Resolution in full recognizing Eagle Scout Alex Kasporwicz for his efforts
and thanked him for completing his service project in the City of Mounds View. A round of
applause was offered by all in attendance.
B. Resolution 8419, Recognizing Eagle Scout Daniel Niedfeldt-Thomas.
Mayor Flaherty explained that Eagle Scout Daniel Niedfeldt-Thomas was unable to attend the
Council meeting. For this reason, he recommended this item be placed on a future meeting
agenda in order for the Council to properly recognize Mr. Niedfeldt-Thomas for his efforts.
7. COUNCIL BUSINESS
A. Continued Public Hearing – Resolution 8410, to Consider an Off-Sale
Intoxicating Liquor License for ABC Liquor located at 2840 County Road
10.
City Administrator Ericson reported the Council opened the Public Hearing on this item at their
May 11 th meeting. The item was continued due to the fact the business had not submitted their
liquor license application to the City. At this point, this was still the case. The City has reached
out to ABC Liquor on several occasions and the deadlines were reiterated. Staff recommended
that the Council continue the public hearing and postpone action on this item to the June 8, 2015
City Council meeting.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Continue this Item to the June 8, 2015 City
Council Meeting.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
B. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing for the Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance
900, Amending City Code Titles 1000 and 1100 to Remove Language
Pertaining to Religious Institutions (ROLL CALL VOTE).
City Administrator Ericson explained Ordinance 900 was introduced by the Council on May 11 th .
Staff reviewed the proposed language amendment with the Council and recommended adoption
of the Ordinance.
Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:18 p.m.
Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:18 p.m.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 900,
Amending City Code Titles 1000 and 1100 to Remove Language Pertaining to Religious
Institutions and authorizing staff to publish the Ordinance summary.
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ROLL CALL: Gunn/Hull/Meehlhause/Mueller/ Flaherty.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
C. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing for the Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance
901, Amending City Code Title 500, Business License Regulations, by Adding
Chapter 519, Christmas Trees (ROLL CALL VOTE).
City Administrator Ericson explained Ordinance 901 was introduced by the Council on May 11 th .
He reviewed the amendment proposed for Title 500 noting that Christmas Tree sales would be an
allowed outdoor sales use with an approved business license. Staff recommended adoption of
the Ordinance.
Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:21 p.m.
Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:21 p.m.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 901,
Amending City Code Title 500, Business License Regulations, by Adding Chapter 519,
Christmas Trees and authorizing staff to publish the Ordinance summary.
ROLL CALL: Gunn/Hull/Meehlhause/Mueller/ Flaherty.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
D. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing for the Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance
902, Amending City Code Title 1100, Chapter 1112, to Add Requirements for
Temporary Outdoor Food Sales (ROLL CALL VOTE).
City Administrator Ericson explained Ordinance 902 was introduced by the Council on May 11 th .
He reported that Ramsey County allows for a 21-day outdoor sales permit at any one location
while the City only allows for 10 days. Staff reviewed the proposed language amendment with
the Council noting the amendment would align the City’s Code with the County, and
recommended adoption of the Ordinance.
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: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance
902, Amending City Code Title 1100, Chapter 1112, to Add Requirements for Temporary
Outdoor Food Sales.
ROLL CALL: Gunn/Hull/Meehlhause/Mueller/ Flaherty.
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Council Member Meehlhause thanked staff for bringing this code amendment to the Council for
consideration.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
E. Resolution 8418 for Approval to Purchase 9 Automated External
Defibrillators (AED’s).
Police Chief Kinney requested the Council approve the purchase of nine automated external
defibrillators (AED’s). He explained that these units would be used to equip the City’s police
squads and City buildings. He reported that $14,000 was budgeted for the expense of the new
AED units.
Council Member Mueller asked where the new AED’s would be placed. Police Chief Kinney
indicated the units would be placed at City Hall, the Community Center, the Public Works
Building and Random Park. The remaining units would be placed in police squad cars.
Mayor Flaherty questioned if any of the existing AED units have been used. Police Chief Kinney
explained that several of the units were used at emergency cardiac arrest calls. He estimated that
AED’s were used once or twice a month by officers.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8418
for Approval to Purchase 9 Automated External Defibrillators (AED’s).
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
F. Resolution 8420, Authorizing Professional Engineering Design and
Preparation of Bidding Documents for CSAH 10 Trail Segments 6 & 11.
Interim Public Works Director Peterson requested the Council authorize professional engineering
design and the preparation of bidding documents for CSAH 10 trail segments 6 and 11. He
reviewed the corridor improvements that have been made along County Road 10, noting that the
County would be assisting with a portion of the expense for this project. He discussed the
locations of trail segments 6 and 11 and recommended Bolton & Menk be approved as the
qualified vendor.
Council Member Mueller asked if the completion of these segments would complete the entire
trail along County Road 10. Interim Public Works Director Peterson reported there would still
be a small portion of trail that would still need to be completed.
Council Member Meehlhause understood that the engineering would be completed in 2015 and
the trail work would be conducted in 2016. Interim Public Works Director Peterson stated this
was the case.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8420,
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Authorizing Professional Engineering Design and Preparation of Bidding Documents for CSAH
10 Trail Segments 6 & 11.
Mayor Flaherty was pleased that the City was able to keep working on this trail segment. He
appreciated the fact that this trail encouraged walking in the community.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
G. Resolution 8421, Approving a Construction Contract with Hydro-Klean LLC
for the 2015 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project.
Interim Public Works Director Peterson requested the Council approve a construction contract
with Hydro-Klean for the 2015 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project. He reviewed the details of
the project further stating that the relining assisted the City with ongoing maintenance of the
municipal sewer lines. He discussed how the relining was also reducing the City’s I&I expenses.
Staff recommended approval of the construction contract with Hydro-Klean.
Mayor Flaherty supported the proactive nature of the proposed sanitary sewer project. He
appreciated the Public Works Department and their efforts in executing this program.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8421,
Approving a Construction Contract with Hydro-Klean LLC for the 2015 Sanitary Sewer
Rehabilitation Project.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
H. Resolution 8416, a Resolution Approving an Exemption for CenturyLink to
Install and Deploy Aerial Fiber Optic Facilities in Mounds View.
City Administrator Ericson stated on May 11 th the Council discussed CenturyLink’s desire to
install and deploy aerial fiber optic lines in the City of Mounds View. He explained that City
Code requires that lines longer than 300 feet be installed underground. However, there is a
provision within the code to allow the Council to approve an exemption. CenturyLink has
requested an exemption from the City.
City Administrator Ericson reported that the Council tabled action on this item at their May 11 th
meeting to allow for inspection of some of the work completed by CenturyLink. It was his
understanding that Interim Public Works Director Peterson met with CenturyLink and Xcel
representatives and all work now met City requirements. Staff recommended that the Council
approve the exemption for CenturyLink to install and deploy aerial fiber optic facilities in the
City.
Council Member Gunn asked if all permits and fees have been taken care of. Patrick Haggerty,
CenturyLink, commented that all permits and required procedures would be followed by
CenturyLink.
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Council Member Mueller questioned when the City would begin modernizing through the use of
underground lines if CenturyLink were allowed to install additional overhead lines. City
Administrator Ericson indicated this would take many years to complete and stated new
technology could lead the City to make a change. He believed that a comprehensive analysis of
all utilities would have to be conducted prior to making any changes to the current utility lines.
Mayor Flaherty understood that CenturyLink would be offering an enhanced internet product for
this market. Mr. Haggerty stated this was correct. He reported that 1 gig internet service would
now be available to Mounds View residents, which would dramatically increase web browsing
speeds.
Mayor Flaherty asked if any new poles would be installed by CenturyLink. Mr. Haggerty
commented that no new poles would be installed, but additional line would be run along existing
poles. He discussed the amount of new lines that would be required and stated that over time,
copper lines have been installed underground and CenturyLink would now be installing overhead
fiber optic lines to fill in the gaps.
Mayor Flaherty expressed frustration that such a large amount of new lines would be required in
the City. He thought that CenturyLink would be piggybacking on existing lines. He requested
the CenturyLink representatives review with the Council where the new overhead lines would be
placed in the City. Aaron Krebs discussed the new project areas with the Council and explained
that the fiber optic lines would provide better service to CenturyLink customers. Mr. Haggerty
commented that the expense to put lines underground was four or five times higher than
installing lines overhead.
Mayor Flaherty indicated that he was not in favor of placing additional overhead wires in the City
of Mounds View. He questioned how CenturyLink would proceed if the Council were to not
approve the exemption. Mr. Haggerty encouraged the Council to consider the technological
advancements that would be brought to the City through the fiber optic lines.
City Administrator Ericson reviewed the language within the drafted Resolution and explained
that as written it would prohibit the hanging of fiber optic lines if copper lines were available
underground. Mr. Haggerty was not aware of this requirement from the City.
Mayor Flaherty asked if the Council supported the Resolution as proposed or if the Council was
in favor of modifying the language.
Council Member Meehlhause supported the Resolution as written with the exemption noted by
staff.
Council Member Hull and Council Member Mueller agreed.
Council Member Gunn supported the Resolution as drafted by staff.
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Mayor Flaherty believed that additional work was needed in order to get the City and
CenturyLink on the same page. He summarized the consensus of the Council at this time and
recommended that discussions continue with CenturyLink. He recommended that the Council
postpone action on this item to a future meeting.
City Administrator Ericson requested comment from CenturyLink on how they would be
impacted if the exemption were postponed. Mr. Haggerty believed it was worthwhile to both the
City and its residents to discuss this matter further with the Council and staff in order to find a
middle ground on the fiber optic lines.
Council Member Mueller asked if additional poles would be installed or if CenturyLink would be
hanging lines from existing poles. Mr. Haggerty reiterated that no new poles would be added and
that all lines installed would be hung from existing poles.
Council Member Mueller questioned if guide-wires would be required to go on the existing poles
to support the additional weight of the line. Mr. Krebs explained that additional guide-wires may
be necessary on end poles. He then discussed the impact of placing wires underground on rear
easements. Interim Public Works Director Peterson provided comment on the Xcel Energy
requirements for guide-wires noting these regulations were not set by the City.
Council Member Meehlhause inquired if his neighborhood would be able to upgrade to the 1 gig
internet service since it currently has no poles. Mr. Haggerty reported that CenturyLink has been
working for the last 100 years to build its network. He stated that customers were now
requesting a high-speed fiber network and the proposed aerial lines would provide them with a
better internet service. He indicated that fiber would be deployed in the most cost effective areas
first and would continue to roll out over time. Mr. Krebs explained that as technology changes,
CenturyLink may be able to deploy fiber optic to these neighborhoods in new and unforeseen
ways. Mr. Haggerty reiterated that putting lines underground would cost CenturyLink four to
five times the expense of deploying the lines overhead.
Council Member Mueller proposed a word change within the Resolution changing “shall not”
hang overhead lines to “may”. She questioned if the Council could support this adjustment.
Mayor Flaherty believed this language amendment was too ambiguous and questioned who
would make the determination if lines should be hung overhead.
Council Member Mueller believed that in the end CenturyLink would be making this
determination as it was deploying a fiber optic network to Mounds View residents.
Mayor Flaherty did not want to see additional wires added to the City. Because he did not have a
real good idea where new wires would be added, he was in favor of delaying action on this item.
Council Member Mueller understood this concern; however, she did not believe that one
additional wire hanging on an existing pole would adversely impact the City. Mr. Haggerty
commented that he was only requesting overhead lines for three projects.
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Council Member Gunn indicated that the City’s right-of-way was becoming full. She stated that
the City may need to do an inventory of the lines currently underground. For this reason, she
could support Council Member Mueller’s language amendment. She understood that there was a
want for higher internet speeds in the community.
Council Member Mueller discussed a resident’s comment regarding the street project. This
resident encouraged the City to bury a tube under the streets to be used for fiber optic lines in the
future. She wished that she had given this comment further consideration at the time and
questioned why the City didn’t have the vision to pursue this option.
Mayor Flaherty expressed concern that the City would be going against its goals and missions by
allowing CenturyLink to continue to hang overhead lines in Mounds View. He encouraged the
Council to postpone action on this item in order to allow both parties to discuss this matter
further in order to reach a middle ground.
Brian Lawrence, 8420 Groveland Road, explained that his neighborhood was within one of the
first phases of CenturyLink’s project. He indicated that he frequently telecommutes for work.
He commented that he would personally benefit from the additional internet bandwidth. He
requested that the Council allow CenturyLink to deploy its’ aerial fiber optic lines. He believed
this would be a huge asset to Mounds View businesses and residents.
MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Mueller. To Postpone Action on this item to the June 8, 2015
City Council meeting.
Council Member Mueller commented that part of the proposed project area was having streets
reconstructed. She believed it would benefit the City to have the aerial lines deployed prior to
the street work being completed.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
I. Resolution 8422 Authorizing Budget Adjustments and Approving Bid and
Authorizing Contract with Northwest Asphalt for the Silver View Park Trail
Rehabilitation.
Interim Public Works Director Peterson requested the Council authorize budget adjustments and
approve the bid and contract with Northwest Asphalt for the Silver View Park Trail
rehabilitation. He discussed the history of this project and noted the original engineer’s estimate
for the trail segment was $313,000, which was higher than the 2015 line item budget. He
reported that on May 19 th bids were received for the project and the low bid came in at
$372,586.75 from Northwest Asphalt. He recommended that the Council approve the bid and
authorize the contract adding engineering fees and contingencies bringing the total project cost to
$452,116.09. He then reviewed how the project would be funded.
Council Member Mueller asked if the favorable bid climate had gone away. Interim Public
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Works Director Peterson stated this seems to be the case as bids for this project came in 10% to
15% higher than the engineer’s estimate.
Council Member Mueller questioned if rebidding the project in 2016 would be a viable option.
Interim Public Works Director Peterson commented that if the Council were to wait until 2016 to
complete the project, costs may increase by another 25%.
Mayor Flaherty asked if TIF funds could be used on the project. Finance Director Beer reported
this was not an option.
Council Member Mueller inquired if Special Projects Fund could be used to assist in funding the
project. Finance Director Beer stated funds from this account would be available.
Mayor Flaherty was disappointed that this project ran over budget, but he understood the trail
segment was in desperate need of rehabilitation. He questioned when the trail would be
complete if the Council were to authorize the contract. Interim Public Works Director Peterson
reported that the goal would be to have the trail segment completed for Festival in the Park
(weather pending).
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8422,
Authorizing Budget Adjustments and Approving Bid and Authorizing Contract with Northwest
Asphalt for the Silver View Park Trail Rehabilitation.
City Administrator Ericson reviewed a minor amendment to the Resolution stating that a
reference to easements had to be added.
Council Member Mueller noted several minor grammatical changes to the Resolution.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Resolution 8423, Approving the Contract with Upper Cut Tree Service and 4
Seasons Tree Care for Tree Removals of Accessible and Non-accessible
Trees.
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. 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/Gunn. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented.
Mounds View City Council May 26, 2015
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Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. April 27, 2015, City Council Meeting Minutes.
MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Approve the April 27, 2015, City Council meeting
minutes as presented.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
11. REPORTS
A. Reports of Mayor and Council.
Council Member Mueller reported the League of Minnesota Cities Board has made an offer to a
new Executive Director. She anticipated that the decision would be made public at the League of
Minnesota Cities Conference in Duluth, Minnesota June 24 th through June 26 th .
Council Member Mueller commented that Discover Aviation Days would be held May 30 th and
May 31 st at the Anoka County Airport. She encouraged all to attend the hanger dance on
Saturday, May 30 th .
Council Member Gunn indicated the school year was coming to an end and seniors would be
attending a picnic at Long Lake Park on Friday. She noted that Graduation would be held on
Tuesday, June 2 nd . She wished all of the graduates well in the future.
Council Member Meehlhause congratulated Vanessa VanAlstine for being inducted into the CTV
Hall of Fame. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance.
Council Member Meehlhause stated the Twin Cities Gateway Board met last week. He noted
that hotel tax collection for 2015 was up 3.6% in Mounds View. He was happy to report that the
International Broomball Tournament would be held at the National Sports Center in 2018, which
would mean teams from all over the world would be flying in for this event and staying at local
hotels. He indicated that Twin Cities Gateway was creating a video to be shown on Fox Sports
North that would promote seven local activities within the gateway communities.
Council Member Meehlhause reported he would be attending a Northeast Youth and Family
board meeting on Thursday. He noted Northeast Youth and Family Services would be hosting a
golf tournament called the Mayor’s Challenge on Monday, June 8 th at Keller Golf Course. The
fee was $150 per person, which included dinner.
Mayor Flaherty thanked those who have served and continue to serve in the military and hoped
that residents in the community spent time reflecting on this service on Memorial Day.
B. Reports of Staff.
1. Police Department Quarterly Report.
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Police Chief Kinney reported there were few changes to the crime statistics in 2015 when
compared to previous years. He reviewed the crime comparison numbers from 2014 to 2015. He
discussed the work being completed by the School Resource Officer. He reported that K9
Officer Niko and his handler were recertified for narcotics detection. He discussed the Police
Department’s new CAD and records management systems. He recognized the department’s two
Sergeants Ben Zender and Tim Wolfe and the excellent instruction the have provided for the past
10 years through the firearms safety classes.
Mayor Flaherty thanked Sergeants Zender and Wolfe for continuing to offer firearms safety
courses to the community.
Council Member Mueller requested further information on how officers elected between
reporting criminal offenses and diversion programs. Police Chief Kinney reported that these
options were only available to minors. In the event that a minor was remorseful for his actions,
an officer could elect to recommend a diversion program instead of charging the minor for their
criminal conduct. He commented that the Court system could also direct youth to a diversion
program.
Council Member Meehlhause asked how the new records management program was working for
the Police Department. Police Chief Kinney indicated that the department was working through
several bugs. He commented that staff was becoming educated on both the new CAD and
records management system.
Council Member Meehlhause questioned how many speeding tickets were given out in the first
quarter. Police Chief Kinney was uncertain of the number, but reviewed the number of traffic
stops made under the Towers Zero Death initiative.
Interim Public Works Director Peterson provided the Council with an update on the Energy
Savings Program (ESP). He explained that further testing was being completed on the
Community Center and RPU’s 3 and 5 would be installed shortly.
City Administrator Ericson gave the Council a verbal update on the sound wall. He indicated
that a MnDOT representative was reviewing the placement of homes within the mobile home
park.
City Administrator Ericson reviewed the June worksession agenda with the Council.
City Administrator Ericson commented that a Three Cities meeting was scheduled for Tuesday,
June 9 th at 6:30 p.m. at Fire Station #3.
Council Member Meehlhause suggested that the County Highway 10 name change be discussed
at the Three Cities meeting. City Administrator Ericson commented that the main focus of the
meeting would be to discuss fire department issues.
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City Administrator Ericson reported on Wednesday, June 10 th at 6:30 p.m. at the Community
Center, author Jim Taylor would be making a presentation on the tornadoes that went through
Mounds View and Fridley 50 years ago.
City Administrator Ericson noted that the Bel Rae facility was now open to the public. He
encouraged residents to tour this wonderful facility.
City Administrator Ericson indicated the League of Minnesota Cities Conference would be held
June 24-26, 2015 in Duluth, Minnesota.
City Administrator Ericson reported the most recent copy of Mounds View Matters was delivered
to residents on Saturday. Extra copies of the publication were available at City Hall.
City Administrator Ericson commented that the City Council had the opportunity to tour several
redevelopment sites similar to Crossroad Pointe. He questioned if the Council wanted to tour
these sites via bus in the metro area along with the Planning Commission and EDC. He noted
that there would be a cost associated with the tour for the bus and consultants, but questioned if
the Council was interested in this opportunity. The Council was in support of going on a tour
with the Planning Commission and EDC.
2. Update on Draft Poultry/Fowl Ordinance.
City Administrator Ericson provided the Council with information on chickens. He indicated
one resident had requested the Council consider allowing chickens in the City of Mounds View.
He stated that the City Code currently prohibits chicken and fowl. He reviewed a proposed draft
Ordinance with the Council noting that no more than eight chickens would be allowed on an R-1
property and roosters would remain prohibited. He requested feedback from the Council on how
the City should proceed with this matter.
Mayor Flaherty stated he did not want chickens allowed on the properties next to his home and
for this reason, he was not in favor of the Council changing City Code. He feared how the City
would enforce a chicken Ordinance and the requirements.
Council Member Gunn fully supported having chickens in the City of Mounds View. She
appreciated the work staff had done on the draft Ordinance. She supported bird banding, noting
this would ensure that the birds would be returned to their permitted owner. She encouraged the
Council to move forward with the proposed Ordinance.
Council Member Hull recommended that a square footage requirement be placed on the size of
back yards in order for chickens to be allowed. He suggested that only four chickens on
residential lots and that written consent of neighbors be required.
Council Member Mueller believed it was important to hold further conversations on this topic
with the community. She questioned how staff would deal with nuisance problems that arise
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from chickens. City Administrator Ericson anticipated that nuisance chickens would be dealt
with in the same manner as nuisance pets.
Council Member Mueller supported this matter going forward.
Council Member Meehlhause was not in favor of allowing chickens in Mounds View and did not
want his neighbors to keep chickens. He also did not want to see the Council become divided on
this issue. He recommended that the number of chickens allowed be reconsidered, and that the
definition of fowl be more closely defined. He supported the written neighborhood consent
moving forward.
Mayor Flaherty questioned if eight chickens were too many and questioned if one family needed
four dozen eggs a week. He stated that he did not want to find out the hard way that chickens
were not conducive to residential neighborhoods.
Council Member Gunn believed that chickens were a community building experience and would
benefit Mounds View neighborhoods. She encouraged Mayor Flaherty to visit the school to see
its chickens and ducks.
Council Member Mueller discussed her experience with chickens growing up in Wisconsin.
Mayor Flaherty recommended that further discussions be held with the public regarding the draft
poultry/fowl Ordinance.
City Administrator Ericson suggested bringing the draft Ordinance to the Council on June 8 th .
Council Member Mueller was in favor of discussing the draft Ordinance further at a worksession
meeting prior to moving forward to a Council meeting.
Council Member Gunn supported staff’s recommendation.
Mayor Flaherty agreed to introducing the draft Ordinance on June 8 th with a public hearing
scheduled for June 22 nd .
C. Reports of City Attorney.
City Attorney Sonsalla had nothing additional to report.
12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, June 1, 2015, at 7:00 p.m.
Next Council Meeting: Monday, June 8, 2015, at 7:00 p.m.
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13. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:51 p.m.
Transcribed by:
Heidi Guenther
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.