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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2015/08/24PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting August 24, 2015 Mounds View City Hall 2401 County Road 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, August 24, 2015, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Monday, August 24, 2015, agenda as revised, adding Item 6A – Car Show-Presenting the Mayor’s Award. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT None. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Car Show – Presenting the Mayor’s Award Mayor Flaherty presented the Mayor’s Award for the 2015 Festival in the Park Car Show to Ron Hanson. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing for Resolution 8450, to Consider a Conditional Use Permit to allow a 1,176 Square Foot Oversize Garage at 5405 Quincy Street. Planning Associate Heller explained the applicant was requesting a Conditional Use Permit to allow an oversized garage on the lot at 5405 Quincy Street. She noted the existing garage was damaged last year and was in need of replacement. She reported the Planning Commission approved a variance to allow for the proposed garage placement. Staff reviewed the request in Mounds View City Council August 24, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 2 further detail and explained that the Planning Commission also recommended approval of the Conditional Use Permit for the oversized garage. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:07 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:07 p.m. Council Member Mueller asked what the height of the garage would be. Planning Associate Heller explained that City Code would allow the garage to be no more than 18 feet. Council Member Meehlhause questioned what the plans were for the shed. Mr. Olson, 5405 Quincy Street, reported that the shed would be moved across the street to his rental property. Mayor Flaherty asked if this corner lot could be subdivided. Planning Associate Heller reported this would not be possible. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8450, to Consider a Conditional Use Permit to allow a 1,176 Square Foot Oversize Garage at 5405 Quincy Street. Mayor Flaherty supported the request and believed the oversized garage would be a nice addition to the neighborhood. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing for Resolution 8451, to Consider a New License for the Keeping of Chickens at 5260 Long Lake Road, Applicant John Elofson. Assistant City Administrator Crane explained the Council recently passed City Ordinance 903 which allows for the keeping of chickens and/or ducks on residential properties (R-1). Residents are restricted to having eight birds or less in their rear yards. She reported that this Ordinance became effective August 3, 2015 and soon after, staff received two applications. The first application was from John Elofson requesting three chickens be allowed on his property. Staff reviewed the request before the Council and recommended the Council approve the keeping of chickens license for John Elofson at 5260 Long Lake Road. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:13 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:13 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8451, to Consider a New License for the Keeping of Chickens at 5260 Long Lake Road, Applicant John Elofson. Council Member Mueller understood Ordinance 903 was a hurdle for the City Council. Mounds View City Council August 24, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 3 However, she was pleased that the Council was able to meet the changing needs of the community. She was proud to support the chicken license request. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing for Resolution 8452, to Consider a New License for the Keeping of Chickens at 7025 Pleasant View Drive, Applicant James Wilson. Assistant City Administrator Crane explained the Council recently passed City Ordinance 903 which allows for the keeping of chickens and/or ducks on residential properties (R-1). Residents are restricted to having eight birds or less in their rear yards. She reported that this Ordinance became effective August 3, 2015 and soon after, staff received two applications. The second application was from James Wilson requesting eight chickens be allowed on his property. Staff reviewed the request before the Council and recommended the Council approve the keeping of chickens license for James Wilson at 7025 Pleasant View Drive. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:16 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:16 p.m. Council Member Mueller asked what Mr. Wilson would be doing with the numerous eggs he would be receiving on a weekly basis. James Wilson, 7025 Pleasant View Drive, anticipated that his hens would be laying an egg every other day. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8452, to Consider a New License for the Keeping of Chickens at 7025 Pleasant View Drive, Applicant James Wilson. Mayor Flaherty explained that the City was treading on new ground with Ordinance 903. He encouraged Mr. Elofson and Mr. Wilson to be responsible chicken owners. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing for Resolution 8447, Municipal Consent for Ramsey County Road 10, County Road H and I-35W Interchange Project. City Administrator Ericson discussed the plans for County Road H and the I-35W interchange. He requested the Council grant Municipal Consent for the Ramsey County project for County Road H and I-35W. He noted that representatives from the County were in attendance to provide the Council with a presentation. Beth Engum, Ramsey County, discussed the proposed improvements, project goals, layout, funding and design plans for the County Road H and I-35W interchange. She reported the County wanted to improve pedestrian facilities and safety while also providing increased Mounds View City Council August 24, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 4 mobility across County Road H. She understood the City’s concerns for the local businesses access and discussed the proposed changes to the project that would address these concerns. The cost participation between MnDOT and the County was reviewed and it was noted the City would be responsible for a portion of the pedestrian facility. In addition, the City would pay for the drainage costs based on contributing drainage area. She estimated that the City of Mounds View would contribute $250,000 to the project. The project timeline was reviewed further with the Council. She estimated that construction would begin in March of 2016. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:29 p.m. James Wilson, 7025 Pleasant View Drive, asked why the City of Mounds View was having to pay for storm sewer costs given the fact MnDOT typically covers this expense. Ms. Engum responded that MnDOT would be contributing $7 million to the project for the bridge replacement. She explained that due to the TCAAP redevelopment, the bridge would be widened and the project scope was expanded. For this reason, all water runoff would have to be captured and treated. The City would be responsible for this treatment due to the fact the water would run outside of the MnDOT right of way. Mayor Flaherty understood that the City would be responsible for the water mitigation. He believed that the expense to the City was reasonable. City Administrator Ericson requested further information on the $250,000 cost estimate from the County. He noted that City staff had estimated the City’s expenses to be closer to $200,000. Ms. Engum explained that the additional $50,000 expense could be attributed to design expenses and construction costs. She reported that these additional costs would be eligible for State Aid reimbursement. Hearing no further public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:36 p.m. Mayor Flaherty questioned the contribution Arden Hills would be making to the project. Ms. Engum reported that Arden Hills would be making the same contribution to construction and design costs. Council Member Meehlhause asked if the County was aware of the name change for County Road 10. He encouraged the County to make this name change in conjunction with the County Road H and I-35W project. Council Member Meehlhause requested comment from the County on Rice Creek Commons possibly being put on hold. Ms. Engum discussed the Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Arden Hills and the County. She reported that Arden Hills has approved a Master Plan and Comprehensive Plan Amendment for Rice Creek Commons. Before these documents were approved, the County Commissioners requested that Arden Hills consider the County’s request for more flexibility in the plan, and this was not granted. For this reason, the County Board was now discussing the level of flexibility within the Master Plan. Mounds View City Council August 24, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 5 Finance Director Beer questioned why the County was charging 25% for construction and design costs, when the City was only being charged 10% for its projects. Ms. Engum commented that State Aid rules allow for reimbursement of these costs and reiterated that the County Road H interchange was a very complicated project. Council Member Mueller detested the County Road 10/County Road H stoplight. She believed this intersection was extremely unsafe. She asked if the proposed re-design would improve the safety at this intersection. Ms. Engum commented this was one of the main reasons this intersection was being improved, in addition to the high traffic volume along County Road 10 and County Road H. She explained that the roadways would be properly aligned after the improvement project was complete. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8447, Municipal Consent for Ramsey County Road 10, County Road H and I-35W Interchange Project. Council Member Mueller appreciated that Ramsey County worked with the City and its local businesses to create a better vision for this improvement project. Council Member Meehlhause agreed and thanked the County for working with its businesses and addressing their concerns with the original project design. Mayor Flaherty questioned when the City would have to make decisions regarding the bridge and pedestrian amenities. Ms. Engum encouraged the Council to discuss this and forward its decisions to the County as soon as possible. City Administrator Ericson explained that the Council could discuss this at their September 8 th Council worksession meeting. Council Member Mueller recommended that Mounds View match the landscaping that would be completed by Arden Hills. Ms. Engum stated she could work with staff on this initiative. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 906 Continuing a Franchise Fee on Xcel Energy Electric and Natural Gas Operations in Mounds View. Finance Director Beer commented this was the Second Reading and Adoption of a franchise agreement with Xcel Energy Electric and Natural Gas. He noted this was an annual Ordinance adopted by the City. He discussed how the City used the funds generated by the franchise fee on a yearly basis. Staff recommended approval of the 4% franchise fee. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:57 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:57 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Mounds View City Council August 24, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 6 Ordinance 906 Continuing a Franchise Fee on Xcel Energy Electric and Natural Gas Operations in Mounds View, approving the publishing the Ordinance summary. ROLL CALL: Gunn/Hull/Meehlhause/Mueller/ Flaherty. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. F. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 907 Continuing a Franchise Fee on Centerpoint Energy Natural Gas Operations in Mounds View. Finance Director Beer commented this was the Second Reading and Adoption of a franchise agreement with Centerpoint Energy Natural Gas. He noted this was an annual Ordinance adopted by the City. He discussed how the City used the funds generated by the franchise fee on a yearly basis. Staff recommended approval of the 4% franchise fee. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:59 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:59 p.m. Council Member Meehlhause asked if the City has had any problem receiving franchise fee payments from either Xcel or Centerpoint. Finance Director Beer reported that this has not been a concern and noted the City receives monthly payments from both utility providers. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 907 Continuing a Franchise Fee on Centerpoint Energy Natural Gas Operations in Mounds View, approving the publishing the Ordinance summary. ROLL CALL: Gunn/Hull/Meehlhause/Mueller/ Flaherty. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. G. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing, First Reading and Introduction of Ordinance 908, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 701 of the Municipal Code to Permit the Keeping of Honeybees in Certain Residential Districts. City Administrator Ericson stated the Council discussed the keeping of honeybees at the June and July worksessions. There was support from the Council to amend the City Code in order to allow Mounds View residents to keep honeybees. He stated that cities are being more proactive in order to protect and encourage honeybees in the metro area. Staff reviewed the proposed code amendment and recommended the Council waive the First Reading and Introduction of Ordinance 908. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 8:04 p.m. Mounds View City Council August 24, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 7 Chip Gruver, 5278 Red Oak Drive, was pleased that the City was amending its code to allow for the keeping of bees. He stated that his grandfather would be training him on bees and asked if this training would be sufficient. He suggested that the City allow for a nucleus hive. He commented that he has a half-acre lot and was requesting the Council consider allowing him to have four hives. Mayor Flaherty thanked him for his previous correspondence. Hearing no further public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 8:06 p.m. Council Member Meehlhause asked why bee licensing was being treated differently than chickens/ducks. City Administrator Ericson explained that the keeping of bees differed because the amount of work necessary to manage the hive was considerably different. He did not believe there would be a lot of City involvement in managing beehives. Council Member Meehlhause requested further information on a nucleus hive. Mr. Gruver indicated a nucleus hive was the smallest possible size to survive the winter. He commented that the nucleus hive would provide beekeepers some insurance to ensure that the hive continued to thrive after the winter. Mayor Flaherty inquired what type of bee training the City was requiring of its beekeepers. Jens Loder, 7575 Pleasant View Drive, discussed the various types of bee keeping courses that were provided in the metro area. Mayor Flaherty did not believe that the City was requesting too much by requiring beekeepers to attend a training course. He questioned why Mr. Gruver should be allowed to have more than two hives. Mr. Gruver commented that he has .46 acres and would like to have four hives, given the fact this is allowed on all properties over .5 acres. He did not believe that the bees would be disruptive creatures and for this reason, he was seeking the freedom to have four hives. Kathleen Smith, 7405 Spring Lake Road, explained that four hives would assist beekeepers with covering their winter loss. She reported that in Minnesota alone, beekeepers had a 52% loss last winter. She encouraged the Council to allow for homeowners to have more than two hives to assist with winter loss. She appreciated the formal training requirement being suggested by the City. Council Member Meehlhause did not believe that Mr. Loder would require training as he has been around bees his entire life. Mayor Flaherty agreed with this comment, but wanted all residents to be properly trained. Finance Director Beer questioned if the Council would consider approving a variance from the proposed Ordinance to allow for homeowners to have more than two hives on their property. City Administrator Ericson did not believe this was the proper way to manage this situation as it was not a zoning issue and it would be difficult to determine a hardship. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance Mounds View City Council August 24, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 8 908, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 701 of the Municipal Code to Permit the Keeping of Honeybees in Certain Residential Districts. Council Member Mueller was intrigued by the idea of nucleus beehives. She recommended the Council consider amending the Ordinance to allow for up to four hives on any property. This would allow homeowners to have two to four hives. Council Member Gunn supported this recommendation. Council Member Hull was in favor of the Council taking baby steps. He wanted to see the two hive limit remain. Council Member Meehlhause supported four hives. He believed that homeowners would have to have a proper food source before investing in four hives. Mayor Flaherty believed that four hives seemed like too much. He was in favor of the Ordinance remaining as is and that an increase be considered in the future. However, the consensus of the Council was to allow for up to four hives. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. H. Resolution 8443, a Resolution Approving the Renewal of an Agreement for Services with the YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities. City Administrator Ericson stated the YMCA has been providing Mounds View with recreation programming services and management of the Community Center since 1999. This has been a great working relationship for the City. He reviewed several changes to the Services Agreement between the City and the YMCA and recommend Council approve renewal of the agreement. It was noted the agreement had a five-year term. Mayor Flaherty discussed the compensation rates. He asked when the compensation rates would be adjusted. City Administrator Ericson commented that the rates would be adjusted January 1, 2016. Further discussion ensued regarding the CPI numbers. He commented that additional language could be included within the agreement to address negative CPI numbers. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8443, a Resolution Approving the Renewal of an Agreement for Services with the YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities, revising the CPI language in Section 4, Article A. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mayor Flaherty requested that Item K be discussed next on the Agenda. The Council was in agreement with this suggestion. Mounds View City Council August 24, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 9 K. Resolution 8449, Authorizing Bolton & Menk to Perform Professional Engineering Design Services and Prepare Bidding Documents for Area I of the Street and Utility Improvement Program. City Administrator Ericson requested the Council authorize Bolton & Menk to perform professional engineering design services for Area I. He noted fee proposals were requested from two firms and the low bid was provided by Bolton & Menk. Staff discussed the bids further and recommended Council approve the professional engineering design services with Bolton & Menk. Council Member Meehlhause requested information on the differences between project design and construction expenses. Project Coordinator Stenglein explained that project design involves the work it takes to create the project plans and bidding documents. He reported the construction expenses centers more around the management and inspection services. Council Member Mueller asked who updated the City’s website on a weekly basis. Project Coordinator Stenglein indicated he was responsible for that task. Mayor Flaherty discussed the differences between the two bids and how the costs varied. He anticipated that the representative from Stantec would like to make a comment. Phil Gravel, Stantec representative, did not believe that Stantec received the same documentation as Bolton & Menk for the Area I Street and Utility Improvement project. He stated in years past he would present a cost for the design phase, the bidding phase, and the construction phase. He explained that the number presented was strictly for design services, with the understanding that the bidding and construction phases would follow. He reported that the other costs were provided only roughly. Mayor Flaherty asked if Stantec was questioning the number provided to the Council regarding construction costs. Mr. Gravel reported this was the case. Council Member Gunn asked what Stantec received. Mr. Gravel stated he did not receive RFP per se. He stated in the past Stantec has provided the City with project costs in order to keep the improvement project moving in a timely manner. He indicated he was not aware that the project would be sent out for bid. He supported the entire RFP process, however, he wanted to clarify that Stantec only provided numbers to the City for the project design phase. Mayor Flaherty understood there was a discrepancy on the information that was submitted. He believed that there was a miscommunication between Stantec and the City on the RFP process. He was in favor of postponing action on this item until this situation could be clarified. Mayor Flaherty questioned how a postponement would impact the project. Project Coordinator Stenglein believed that either firm would be able to survey the project area and complete design plans in a timely manner if this item were delayed two weeks. Mounds View City Council August 24, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 10 Mayor Flaherty requested comment from the Bolton & Menk representative. He questioned what type of RFP they received. Mark Kasma, Bolton & Menk representative, stated he did not receive an RFP but rather received a phone call from Brian Erickson requesting Bolton & Menk put together a proposal for Area I. He stated he identified the project, understood the scope of the services and forwarded an estimate to the City of Mounds View. He believed that both firms had the opportunity to provide the City with a bid with an understanding of the scope of the project and Bolton & Menk provided the low bid. Mayor Flaherty asked if both firms were given the same information for the RFP. He asked if Bolton & Menk was requested to provide design, bidding and construction costs. Joe Rein, Bolton & Menk, believed that a City would want all of this information in order to properly prepare for a street and utility improvement project. He commented that more thorough design could be done upfront in order to reduce fieldwork; or a less detailed design could be drafted and plans could be finalized in the field. He stated the bottom line was, he did not believe that the City had ever received such a low engineering design/construction fee in the past. Mayor Flaherty questioned why the engineering fees received from Stantec were not firm. Mr. Gravel stated he only provided a firm number for the design services, which was his normal practice with the City of Mounds View and the other numbers were estimates. He suggested that the City use $180,000 for a construction number. He discussed how the Area H estimates came in conservatively high and were adjusted as the project continued. Council Member Gunn expressed frustration that the bid numbers from both firms had been printed and was uncertain how to address the situation. Mr. Gravel reiterated that he had followed the same bidding process that had been followed with former Public Works Director DeBar and only provided a firm number for the design phase with estimates for the bidding and construction phases. He believed that the construction services for Area H were not approved until the spring of 2015, which he anticipated would be the same process Area I would follow. He commented again, that he was only requested to provide the City with a design number and not a construction number. Council Member Gunn questioned where the rough estimate numbers from Stantec came from. Mr. Gravel explained that he provided estimated construction manager hours. Mayor Flaherty believed that the Council would have to go with the low bid even if each was an estimation. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8449, Authorizing Bolton & Menk to Perform Professional Engineering Design Services and Prepare Bidding Documents for Area I of the Street and Utility Improvement Program. Council Member Meehlhause supported the item being delayed. He was uncomfortable with making a decision given the fact that the Public Works Director was not in attendance at the meeting. He wanted further clarification on the discrepancy on the information that was requested from staff and what was provided. Mounds View City Council August 24, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 11 Council Member Mueller understood there may have been some confusion about the design services request. However, after reviewing the letter from Stantec, the numbers provided offer an estimate for total costs for the design, bidding and construction phases. For this reason, she was confident moving forward with Bolton & Menk’s bid. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Abstain – 1 (Meehlhause) Motion carried. I. Resolution 8444, a Resolution Approving a Legal Services Agreement with Kennedy & Graven. City Administrator Ericson requested the Council approve a legal services agreement with Kennedy & Graven. He noted the agreement expires at the end of August. He discussed the details of the agreement and noted the retainer amount would be reduced from $2,200 to $2,000. per month Staff appreciated the great service provided to the City by Kennedy & Graven. Council Member Mueller appreciated the services provided by Kennedy & Graven and fully supported the legal services agreement. Scott Riggs, Kennedy & Graven, explained he has enjoyed working with the City of Mounds View. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8444, a Resolution Approving a Legal Services Agreement with Kennedy & Graven. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. J. Resolution 8446, Adopting a Special Assessment Levy for Private Improvements in Area H of the Street and Utility Improvement Program. Finance Director Beer requested the Council adopt a special assessment levy for private improvements in Area H of the street improvement project. He discussed the improvements that were being completed by residents. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8446, Adopting a Special Assessment Levy for Private Improvements in Area H of the Street and Utility Improvement Program. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA A. Resolution 8448, Renewal of Training Contract with Century College. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council August 24, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 12 9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS Finance Director Beer answered the Council's questions related to claims. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. August 10, 2015, City Council Meeting Minutes. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Approve the August 10, 2015, City Council meeting minutes as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Mueller provided an update on Festival in the Park. She discussed the weather impacted several planned events and then thanked residents that were able to attend. She then reviewed the Car Show winners. She was proud of the quality of the cars and trucks that attended and thanked all who were able to participate in the Car Show event. Mayor Flaherty thanked Council Members Mueller and Meehlhause for their dedication to Festival in the Park and the Car Show. Council Member Meehlhause reported the NYFS Board met last week. He was pleased to report that NYFS has a positive cash flow and a small cash bonus was being awarded to employees. He commented that vacation time could only be accrued up to 80 hours after 2018. He noted that he was recommended to continue his service on the Executive Committee for NYFS. Mayor Flaherty updated the Council on the North Suburban Cable Commission. He reported that negotiations continue with Comcast and with CenturyLink for a new franchise. Mayor Flaherty thanked all of the volunteers who assisted in making Festival in the Park a huge success. Mayor Flaherty indicated the Minnesota State Fair would begin on Thursday, August 27 th . B. Reports of Staff. 1. Police Department 2 nd Quarter Report Police Chief Kinney reviewed the Police Department’s 2 nd Quarter report with the Council. He was pleased to report that crime calls were down slightly over this quarter, while non-criminal Mounds View City Council August 24, 2015 Regular Meeting Page 13 response calls were on the rise. He discussed the activities handled by the School Resource Officer (SRO). He reported that Officer Kirk Leitch would be the new SRO at Edgewater Middle School this fall. He was proud of Officer Niko for receiving high marks in a recent competition. He provided comment on a recent life-saving event that occurred in the City. Police Chief Kinney indicated he recently toured the Ramsey County response vehicle. He explained that the City’s newest officers were recently sworn in and he was pleased with the work being conducted by the two new officers. He then discussed the Punt Pass Kick Competition that would occur on September 19 th at the Edgewater Middle School. He noted the next gun safety course would begin on September 10 th . Council Member Mueller requested Police Chief Kinney pass along her thanks to the department for locating an autistic boy in our community that had wandered away from his grandmother. Mayor Flaherty appreciated the County and City’s Police Department’s participation at Festival in the Park. City Administrator Ericson stated he attended the North Metro Mayors Association meeting last week. The guest speaker was Ralph McGinnis, who assisted with financing the Running Aces facility. City Administrator Ericson reviewed the items that would be discussed by the Council at the Tuesday, September 8 th worksession meeting. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs provided an update on the Silver View Trail easement situation. 12. Next Council Work Session: TUESDAY, September 8, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, September 14, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10:08 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.