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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2017/08/14PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting August 14, 2017 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Mounds View Blvd, Mounds View, MN 55112 6:00 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Bergeron, Gunn, Hull, Meehlhause, Mueller NOT PRESENT: None. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, August 14, 2017, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull. To Approve the Monday, August 14, 2017, agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. June 12, 2017, City Council Meeting Minutes. Council Member Meehlhause requested a correction on Page 7, Line 23 removing the word “for”. Council Member Meehlhause requested a correction on Page 8, Line 18 removing the word “a”. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Bergeron. To Approve the June 12, 2017, City Council meeting minutes as corrected. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. July 10, 2017, City Council Meeting Minutes. Council Member Meehlhause requested a correction on Page 3, Line 37 stating the comment was from Council Member Meehlhause. Mounds View City Council August 14, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 2 Council Member Meehlhause requested a correction on Page 6, Line 22, noting Theresa Cermak’s last name was spelled incorrectly. Council Member Meehlhause requested a correction on Page 8, Line 41, stating this line should read: “…approve the contract to the low bidder, Wenk & Associates.” Council Member Meehlhause requested a correction on Page 11, Line 11, commenting this line should read: “…would not be able to attend the National Night Out Pre-Party.” Council Member Meehlhause requested a correction on Page 12, Line 13, changing “bid” to “bit”. Mayor Mueller requested a correction on Page 2, Line 25, stating Jack’s last name was spelled “Krugen”. Mayor Mueller requested a correction on Page 6, Line 31, changing “last years” to “last year”. Mayor Mueller requested a correction on Page 10, Line 36, noting this line should read: “…thanking Public Works Supervisor Peterson for stepping forward and acting as...” Mayor Mueller requested a correction on Page 11, Line 5, changing “sent” to “mailed”. Mayor Mueller requested a correction on Page 11, Line 45, stating story time was every other Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. in the summertime. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Approve the July 10, 2017, City Council meeting minutes as corrected. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. July 24, 2017, City Council Meeting Minutes. Council Member Meehlhause requested a correction on Page 3, Line 13, changing “could” to “to”. Council Member Meehlhause requested a correction on Page 4, Line 10, noting this line should read: “…should be held off...” Mayor Mueller requested a correction on Page 4, Line 37 (and throughout the minutes), requesting Matt’s last name be spelled “Oquist”. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Approve the July 24, 2017, City Council meeting minutes as corrected. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council August 14, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 3 6. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Mueller asked to remove Item 6G for discussion. A. Just and Correct Claims. B. Resolution 8788, Approving Severance for Jeffrey Wienke, Mounds View Public Works Maintenance. C. Resolution 8804, Approving Severance for Desaree Crane, Assistant City Administrator. D. Resolution 8806, Approving Severance for Jim Hess, IT/Engineering Technician. E. Set a Public Hearing for 6:00 p.m. Monday, August 28, 2017 to Consider Adoption of Ordinance 935 Continuing a Franchise Fee on Xcel Energy Electric and Natural Gas Operations. F. Set a Public Hearing for 6:00 p.m. Monday, August 28, 2017 to Consider Adoption of Ordinance 936 Continuing a Franchise Fee on CenterPoint Energy Natural Gas Operations. G. Resolution 8810, Approving Revisions to the Anoka County Dispatch Agreement. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Approve the Consent Agenda as amended removing Item 6G. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. G. Resolution 8810, Approving Revisions to the Anoka County Dispatch Agreement. Mayor Mueller stated she pulled this item to explain the City had an agreement in place with Anoka County due to the City’s shared fire services. She reviewed the proposed expenses within the agreement and thanked staff for negotiating these costs down on behalf of Mounds View residents. She commented on the importance of having agencies being able to communicate between counties. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8810, Approving Revisions to the Anoka County Dispatch Agreement. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 7. PUBLIC COMMENT Julie Golias, 8377 Groveland Court, commented on the proposed Boulevard apartment complex. She respectfully requested all of the homes along Groveland Road north of Mounds View Boulevard be informed in writing when this item will be addressed in the future. She believed Mounds View City Council August 14, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 4 this was a reasonable request and explained she only learned of this project due to a conversation with a neighbor. She commented on how the Boulevard apartment complex would impact her neighborhood through increased traffic and decreased property values. Matt Oquist, 8408 Groveland Road, asked if the traffic study and plat would be discussed by the Council this evening. Mayor Mueller explained this would be discussed. Mr. Oquist inquired if the applicant’s MHFA application was disclosed to the City. City Administrator Ericson stated this information was not disclosed to the City. Mr. Oquist questioned how many of the proposed units were set as homeless priority housing. He asked how many of the proposed units were for low income (30% to 50% of the median income) housing. He requested the City have access to the renter policy for the Boulevard apartment complex. He inquired if the residents were required to work or be employed in order to live within the workforce housing. Chris Stokka, MWF Properties, reported he submitted an application to MHFA and noted this document was approximately 1400 pages. He noted 100% of the units were for residents that earned 60% of the median income or below. He commented on the proposed rental rates and noted he was not proposing to have any homeless priority units. He stated four of the units were being proposed for disabled individuals. He described the renter policy that would be utilized for the Boulevard. He explained that as long as the building was properly managed and maintained, surrounding property values would not be impacted. 8. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Resolution 8808, a Resolution of Appreciation to Planning Commissioner Paul Schiltgen. Planner Sevald requested the Council approve a Resolution of Appreciation for Planning Commissioner Paul Schiltgen recognizing him for his eight years of service to the City of Mounds View on the Planning Commission. He read the Resolution of Appreciation in full for the record. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Adopt Resolution 8808, a Resolution of Appreciation to Planning Commissioner Paul Schiltgen. Council Member Meehlhause thanked Commissioner Schiltgen for his service on the Planning Commission. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Discussion with Erin Laberee, Ramsey County Traffic Engineer, regarding Mounds View Boulevard traffic concerns. Mounds View City Council August 14, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 5 Planner Sevald provided the Council with a brief history on the MWF Properties request for the Boulevard apartment complex at the corner of Mounds View Boulevard and Groveland Road. He noted Erin Laberee from Ramsey County was present to discuss a traffic study that was completed for this project. Erin Laberee, Ramsey County Traffic Engineer, explained she reviewed the proposed Boulevard apartment complex being proposed for the corner of Mounds View Boulevard and Groveland Road. She discussed the County’s position on this proposal and reported the development was to have access off of Groveland Road per the County’s access management policy. Council Member Meehlhause asked what it would take to have a traffic signal installed at this intersection. Ms. Laberee reported traffic signals are installed at intersections where eight traffic warrants have been met based on traffic volumes, etc. She explained spacing was an issue here given the fact this intersection was only 1,000 feet from Red Oak and would create problems with traffic flow. She noted she reviewed the crash history at this intersection. She commented that the County could complete a warrant study. Council Member Meehlhause supported the County going through the warrant analysis process. Council Member Bergeron questioned if a business were to locate on these properties would the City tell the potential developer that they could not have access to Mounds View Boulevard. Ms. Laberee stated this was the case. Council Member Bergeron commented that concerns have been raised about safety and neighborhood disruption that could easily be resolved if the County would allow access from the proposed development to Mounds View Boulevard. He feared the County was more intent on following their access policy than listening to their constituents. Mayor Mueller stated Groveland Road, which was a residential street, currently had 1800 trips per day. She reported an additional 399 trips per day would be added to this residential roadway because the County had denied access to Mounds View Boulevard. She explained she could not understand why the County would not approve one access point onto Mounds View Boulevard when currently the four properties each had their own access point. Ms. Laberee commented on the County’s access policy and stated if access could come off of a minor street, this should be done, unless there was a compelling reason. Mayor Mueller questioned if there was any room for discussion on this matter, or if the County would speak with the developer. Ms. Laberee stated the County had an access management policy and noted the County has been working with the developer on access issues for the past six months. She reported the County tried to limit access onto County roads for safety purposes. She explained Ramsey County had the highest crash rate in the entire State of Minnesota due to poor access management. Council Member Gunn explained the property in question already had a driveway onto Mounds View Boulevard. She was puzzled why this driveway could not be continued to be used. She Mounds View City Council August 14, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 6 understood the County had access protocols in place but commented this was an existing access point and not a new access point. Mayor Mueller questioned if Ms. Laberee was involved in the County Road H improvements. Ms. Laberee stated she was not involved in that project. Mayor Mueller commented on the history of the County Road H project and described how the City and County had come together to reach a compromise so as not to adversely impact existing Mounds View businesses. She stated she would like to speak with a member of the County staff that was willing to consider the safety and needs of the community. Ms. Laberee indicated she was aware of the County Road H concerns and understood compromises were made. She reiterated that the County found no compelling reason for the proposed project to have access to Mounds View Boulevard. She provided further comment on how traffic would flow out of this site onto Groveland Road based on the traffic study. Mayor Mueller indicated she took exception to the traffic study and did not believe that only 70 trips per day would be accessing Groveland Road to the north. Council Member Bergeron expressed hurt and anger for this entire situation. He questioned what it would take to create a compelling reason in order to be granted access to Mounds View Boulevard. Ms. Laberee explained the County would need to understand why Groveland Road, a public roadway, could not handle public traffic. She indicated the traffic from the proposed development was not unreasonable for Groveland Road to manage. Council Member Bergeron expressed frustration with the fact that this property could only be developed if it were to access Groveland Road, otherwise it would have to remain vacant. Especially considering the fact that the properties currently had access to Mounds View Boulevard. He asked if there was an appeals process within the County to present a request for a simple right-in, right-out for the proposed development. Ms. Laberee explained the County was not trying to dictate how this property develops, but rather was trying to dictate how the property was accessed. She believed that Ramsey County has been very cooperative in the past and was simply trying to follow its access management policy. She understood that the County would have to further study the safety of the corridor. She encouraged the Council to speak with Jim Tolaas, her supervisor. Council Member Bergeron understood policies were all fine and good but at times, had to be reconsidered or compromised for the betterment of the community. He supported taking an appeal to the County based on the concerns raised by the Council and public. Council Member Hull asked how much additional traffic would be brought onto Groveland Road from the proposed development. Ms. Laberee referenced the traffic study completed by the developer. It was noted 31 trips would be added during the AM peak, 37 trips during the PM peak, and 399 daily trips. Mounds View City Council August 14, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 7 Council Member Meehlhause questioned how a landlocked project (without the corner lot adjacent to Groveland Road) could be developed on this property. Ms. Laberee stated the County likes to work with the community on these issues. She discussed the high level and speed of traffic on Mounds View Boulevard (21,000 cars per day). She explained it was not safe for cars to be entering and exiting Mounds View Boulevard at a right-in, right-out. Council Member Meehlhause expressed concern with the traffic that would be leaving the development and were trying to head east on Mounds View Boulevard. He believed this was a dangerous movement for traffic. He stated he would like to see a signal at this intersection in order to address the concerns the City has with traffic. Mayor Mueller thanked the County for updating the Council on the traffic counts for Mounds View Boulevard. She stated she still could not understand why the County would not allow one entrance onto Mounds View Boulevard from the proposed development when four entrances were previously allowed. C. Introduction of Interim Administrator Candidates (verbal report) City Administrator Ericson stated he submitted his letter of resignation to the Council and his last day with the City would be September 8th. He explained the Council would like to proceed with hiring an Interim City Administrator as it would take four to six months to complete the hiring process for a permanent City Administrator. He referenced the list maintained by the League of MN Cities previously reviewed by the Council and a list of four potential Interim Administrator Candidates with the Council. Mayor Mueller commented on the number of key positions the City had open at this time. She stated it was a challenging time for the Council to be seeking a new City Administrator. She requested each of the candidates come forward and introduce themselves to the City Council. Matt Hylen introduced himself to the Council and stated his most recent municipal work experience was in the City of St. Francis. He reported he currently works in the private sector but had a flexible position that would allow him the opportunity to assist Mounds View over the coming months. He explained he likes to keep his public service saw sharpened. He understood the City was experiencing a time of transition and reported he would more than happy to assist with hiring the open key positions. Council Member Bergeron asked if Mr. Hylen was hired on as the Interim City Administrator if he would consider putting in for the permanent position. Mr. Hylen stated he has not ever slammed a door shut on any opportunity. Mayor Mueller questioned what the three most important qualities an Interim City Administrator should bring to the City of Mounds View. Mr. Hylen believed a calm and steady leadership presence would be important, along with the ability to answer questions throughout the transition process. He stated he would also be able to help staff and the Council with setting their future leadership goals for the City Administrator position. Mounds View City Council August 14, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 8 Council Member Meehlhause explained that he would like to see the open dialogue between City departments remain in place throughout the transition period and asked how Mr. Hylen would facilitate that. Mr. Hylen understood this to be the case and stated he would work with the City’s entire organization to remain calm and informed throughout the transition period. Mayor Mueller thanked Mr. Hylen for his time. She asked that Dallas Larson come forward at this time. Dallas Larson introduced himself to the Council and thanked them for their consideration as Interim City Administrator. He reported he had over 40 years of experience in municipal government, with the majority of these years serving as a City Administrator. He explained he retired at the end of 2014 and recently served as an Interim City Administrator in Oak Grove. He believed he was prepared to handle this situation and had the expertise to serve the City as an interim administrator. Council Member Bergeron asked if Mr. Larson was hired on as the Interim City Administrator if he would consider putting in for the permanent position. Mr. Larson stated he was not interested in serving the City as a long-term candidate. Mayor Mueller questioned what the three most important qualities an Interim City Administrator should bring to the City of Mounds View. Mr. Larson explained having a broad cross section of skills would be important. He stated he was confident that he had these skills and abilities based on his previous work experience. Mayor Mueller thanked Mr. Larson for his time. She then asked Nyle Zikmund to come forward. Nyle Zikmund provided the City Council with a handout and thanked the Council for their consideration. He stated he was interested in serving the City both in the short-term and permanently. He discussed his educational background and work history. He explained he has a strong interest in public administration and noted he taught as an adjunct professor at Hamline University. He stated he has a passion for this community. He believed that his work history and legislative experience would make him a valuable addition to the City of Mounds View. Mayor Mueller questioned what the three most important qualities an Interim City Administrator should bring to the City of Mounds View. Mr. Zikmund believed over communication would be important in addition to working with feedback. Mayor Mueller thanked Mr. Zikmund for his time and asked that Jim Brimeyer come forward. Jim Brimeyer introduced himself to the Council and stated he has been in the Twin Cities for the past 37 years. He reported he began his career with the City of St. Louis Park and soon after began his own executive search business. He discussed the workings of his private business over the past 20 years and noted he has conducted visioning processes with the St. Louis Park City Council. He noted he worked as the Interim City Administrator for several smaller communities. Mounds View City Council August 14, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 9 He explained he was recently certified as an Executive Coach. He indicated he was not interested pursuing this position long-term. In anticipation of the Mayor’s question, he believed it would be important for the Interim City Administrator to provide stability during the interim for both staff and the City Council. He anticipated he could help with the hiring process and could also provide feedback on the organization. He commented that he was interested in a part- time interim position but not 40 hours a week. Mayor Mueller thanked each of the candidates for their time and stated City Administrator Ericson would be in touch. 9. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Resolution 8778, Approval of a Development Review of “Boulevard”, a 60 unit Apartment Building, generally located at the Northwest Corner of Mounds View Boulevard and Groveland Road. This item was removed from the agenda. B. Resolution 8777, Approval of the Preliminary Plat of “Boulevard”, generally located at the Northwest Corner of Mounds View Boulevard and Groveland Road. Planner Sevald stated MWF Properties was requesting Preliminary Plat approval for Boulevard, a 60-unit apartment complex located at the northwest corner of Mounds View Boulevard and Groveland Road. He explained the project consists of 4½ acres and will combine four lots into one. He discussed the other requests that coincided with this redevelopment project. It was noted the Planning Commission would be considering the Development Review on August 16th after which time the item would be forwarded to the City Council. Planner Sevald provided further comment on the Preliminary Plat and noted this request was considered a major subdivision. He commented if the Preliminary Plat was approved by the Council this evening the applicant would have six months to apply for a Final Plat with the City and have this recorded with Ramsey County. He indicated the applicant had completed a traffic study and this information was presented to the City Council on July 24th. At this meeting, the Council opted to postpone action on this item to August 14th in order for more discussion to be held. He reported the Planning Commission had recommended approval of the Preliminary Plat. Mayor Mueller asked if public comment could be taken this evening. City Administrator Ericson indicated this would be the prerogative of the Mayor and Council. Council Member Meehlhause requested that if residents were going to oppose the proposed development that they consider bringing ideas forward of what type of development they would like to see on this site. Council consensus was to allow the public to speak on this matter. Mounds View City Council August 14, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 10 Mayor Mueller opened the meeting for public comment at 7:47 p.m. Matt Oquist, 8401 Groveland Road, understood it would be challenging for this project to move forward without access to Groveland Road. He encouraged the Council not to confirm the plat. He recommended the parcel that abuts Groveland Road be dropped from the development in order for the remainder of the landlocked project to be allowed to access Mounds View Boulevard. He feared that if the plat was approved as is, the City would lose its negotiating power with the County. Chris Stokka, MWF Properties, believed Mr. Oquist had a good point. He stated if the Preliminary Plat were approved separate from the Development Review his options would be reduced. He suggested action on the Preliminary Plat be delayed until the Council was going to consider the Development Review. Dallas Larson questioned if the development should have a median on Groveland Road to keep traffic away from the existing neighborhood. City Administrator Ericson did not believe this would be the best option for the development as it would create ingress issues. Mayor Mueller explained that this option would also impact the existing business that had semi- truck deliveries made on a weekly basis. Further discussion ensued regarding the potential of omitting the parcel abutting Groveland Road from the Preliminary Plat and how this would impact access to the remaining landlocked property. City Administrator Ericson stated this option could be brought before the County for consideration in order to secure access to Mounds View Boulevard. Mayor Mueller closed the meeting for public comment at 7:58 p.m. Council Member Meehlhause asked to see how the building presently sits on the property. Mr. Stokka reviewed the preliminary plat with the Council noting the proposed building location. Council Member Bergeron questioned if a portion of land for this project could be dedicated to the City in lieu of Park Dedication Funds. He suggested this portion of land be the portion directly adjacent to Groveland Road. Mr. Stokka stated he has completed projects where land has been dedicated in lieu of Park Dedication Funds. He indicated he would be open to pursuing this option. Mayor Mueller stated she may not be interested in foregoing Park Dedication Funds as the City needed to replenish this fund. Council Member Bergeron suggested the Park Dedication for this project be split 50/50 between land and cash. City Administrator Ericson reported staff could negotiate this type of split with the developer. He indicated the County may view the park land as City right-of-way and could Mounds View City Council August 14, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 11 still require access from Groveland Road. Council Member Gunn noted the applicant has requested action on the Preliminary Plat be delayed or postponed until the Development Review was before the City Council. Council Member Meehlhause asked why the applicant was requesting the item be postponed. Mr. Stokka explained it was not advantageous for him to have one item approved without the other. In addition, this would allow him to digest the information that was presented this evening. For this reason, he asked that both items be considered by the Council at the same meeting. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Bergeron. To Postpone Action on the Preliminary Plat of “Boulevard” to the August 28, 2017 City Council meeting, or until the Planning Commission has made a recommendation on the Development Review. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 8807, Consider Approval of a Cigarette and Tobacco Business License for Nilkanth Tobacco, LLC, d.b.a. SNAP Market, located at 2408 County Road I. City Administrator Ericson reported Nilkanth Tobacco, LLC was requesting a cigarette and tobacco license for the property located at 2408 County Road I. He noted the applicant was proposing to reopen the site as SNAP Market. He explained all background checks were completed and all necessary paperwork has been submitted. Staff recommended approval of the request. Mayor Mueller questioned when SNAP Market would be reopening. Rajendsa Patel, representing Nilkanth Tobacco, LLC, stated he was hoping to have the market reopened by September 1st. Mayor Mueller asked if Mr. Patel had any other convenience markets in the metro area. Mr. Patel reported he had another location in Champlin. He requested the dba reference to SNAP Market be eliminated from the Resolution. In addition, he stated his LLC should be stated as Nilkanth Tobacco and Groceries. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8807, Consider Approval of a Cigarette and Tobacco Business License for Nilkanth Tobacco and Groceries, LLC, located at 2408 County Road I. Council Member Meehlhause asked why the applicant was looking to open a business in Mounds View. Mr. Patel stated there was a large number of apartments surrounding this location and there was no grocery store in this area of Mounds View. He believed the City had good potential for a grocery/convenience market. Mounds View City Council August 14, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 12 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 8795, Approving the Hire of Benjamin Geisbauer to the Position of Public Works Maintenance Worker. City Administrator Ericson requested the Council approve the hire of Benjamin Geisbauer to the position of Public Works Maintenance Worker. He reported Mr. Geisbauer currently works for the City as a seasonal worker and after holding interviews, staff recommends he be hired on as a full time Public Works Maintenance Worker. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8795, Approving the Hire of Benjamin Geisbauer to the Position of Public Works Maintenance Worker. Mayor Mueller welcomed Mr. Geisbauer to the City of Mounds View. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 935, an Ordinance Continuing a Franchise Fee on Xcel Energy Electric and Natural Gas Operations within the City of Mounds View. Finance Director Beer requested the Council introduce an Ordinance that would continue a franchise fee with Xcel Energy for electric and natural gas operations within the City. He commented on the franchise that was in place and reported half of the funds received from Xcel Energy were used to assist with street improvement projects and the other half was placed in the General Fund. Staff recommended the Ordinance be introduced. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 935, an Ordinance Continuing a Franchise Fee on Xcel Energy Electric and Natural Gas Operations within the City of Mounds View. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. F. Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 936, an Ordinance Continuing a Franchise Fee on CenterPointe Natural Gas Operations within the City of Mounds View. Finance Director Beer requested the Council introduce an Ordinance that would continue a franchise fee with CenterPointe for natural gas operations within the City. He commented on the franchise that was in place and reported half of the funds received from CenterPointe were used to assist with street improvement projects and the other half was placed in the General Fund. Staff recommended the Ordinance be introduced. Council Member Meehlhause questioned how much the CenterPointe franchise generated on an Mounds View City Council August 14, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 13 annual basis. Finance Director Beer reported this franchise generated approximately $600 on a yearly basis. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 936, an Ordinance Continuing a Franchise Fee on CenterPointe Natural Gas Operations within the City of Mounds View. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. G. Resolution 8803, Accepting Improvements and Approving Final Payment for Municipal Well No. 1 Rehabilitation. Interim Public Works Director Peterson requested the Council accept improvements and approve the final payment for the rehabilitation work completed on Municipal Well No. 1. He reported the project ran slightly over budget ($6,300). It was noted this was within the contingency amount. Staff reviewed the history of the project and recommended Council approval. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8803, Accepting Improvements and Approving Final Payment for Municipal Well No. 1 Rehabilitation. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. H. Resolution 8809, Approving Additional Funding for the 2017 Sewer Rehabilitation Project. Interim Public Works Director Peterson requested the Council approve additional funding for the 2017 Sewer Rehabilitation Project. He explained on June 12th the Council ordered a contract with Insituform for sanitary sewer lining. He stated after inspections for the project were completed, staff found several additional sewer lines that needed lining. Staff discussed the project details further with the Council and recommended approval of the additional funding to complete the sewer rehabilitation project. Mayor Mueller asked how this project was being funded. Interim Public Works Director Peterson explained the project was being funded by the Enterprise Fund and the Storm Sewer Fund. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8809, Approving Additional Funding for the 2017 Sewer Rehabilitation Project. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 10. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Mounds View City Council August 14, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 14 Council Member Meehlhause stated it was great to have Council Member Hull present at this meeting. Council Member Meehlhause noted the Festival in the Park Committee would be receiving a check for $6,964 from Twin Cities Gateway. Council Member Meehlhause commented on the severance pay that was recently paid out to three employees. He explained he brought this question to staff and Finance Director Beer informed him the City had an obligation for accumulated sick and vacation time that amounted to $458,000. Council Member Gunn commented on the recent Cable Commission meeting she attended. She reported the amount of money the City receives in PEG fees would be reduced from 5% to 3%. She noted this group would meet again on Thursday to discuss the 2018 budget. Mayor Mueller and Council Member Bergeron welcomed Council Member Hull back. Council Member Bergeron stated last Saturday he had the pleasure to attend the Ghana Expo in Mounds View. He indicated he was pleased to see how well used the Police Department’s rock wall was. Council Member Bergeron encouraged the City Council to consider passing a Resolution that supports local control. The Council supported this Resolution coming before the Council at their next meeting. Mayor Mueller thanked Police Chief Harder, the Mounds View Police Department and the entire community for their participation in Night to Unite. She stated she was proud to be a part of this community. Mayor Mueller explained she had a Ramsey County Dispatch Policy meeting last Thursday and noted this group would be meeting again on Thursday, September 14th. Mayor Mueller indicated the next Minnesota Women in City Government meeting would be held on Friday, August 18th. Mayor Mueller reported the Planning Commission would be meeting on Wednesday, August 16th to discuss the “Boulevard” project at the corner of Mounds View Boulevard and Groveland Road. Mayor Mueller stated the next Movie in the Park event would be held on Thursday, August 17th at 8:30 p.m. where A Dog’s Purpose would be screened at Silver View Park. She noted the next Music in the Park event would be held on Thursday, August 17th where Rich and the Resistors would be playing from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Silver View Park. Mounds View City Council August 14, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 15 Mayor Mueller encouraged all residents of Mounds View to attend Festival in the Park on Saturday, August 19th. She reviewed the schedule of events that had been planned for the Festival and thanked all of the volunteers that have worked so diligently to make this event possible. She thanked Troop #267 for their assistance with the Car Show. Theresa Cermak stated the parade would begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. She then reviewed the Festival in the Park parade route. It was noted the parade would begin and end at the Community Center. She explained she was still seeking volunteers for Saturday and those interested in serving were encouraged to contact City Hall. She thanked the City Council for all of their help the day of the Festival. B. Reports of Staff. 1. Police Department Quarterly Report Police Chief Harder reviewed the Police Department Quarterly Report with the City Council. He reviewed the crime statistics for the second quarter. He noted body worn cameras would be fully implemented by August 31st. He commented on the recent events he attended such as the Ghana Expo, the Bike & Fire Event, and Night to Unite. He reported the rock wall was a positive part of each of these events. Police Chief Harder understood that speeding traffic was a major concern for residents of Mounds View. He questioned how the Council felt about mobile speed bumps. He noted the expense for the speed bumps was roughly $1,900. He explained he had applied for a grant to assist with covering half of this cost. The Council supported the expense for the mobile speed bumps. Council Member Bergeron thanked the Police Department for all of their hard work and for working to increase their number of community engagements events. Council Member Gunn commended the Police Department for Mounds View being named one of the safest cities to live in, in the State of Minnesota. Mayor Mueller thanked Police Chief Harder for his thorough report and asked if this information would be available on the City’s website. Police Chief Harder explained this report was available at the Police Department and on the City’s new website. Police Chief Harder requested feedback from the Council on a potential mobile command center for the Mounds View Police Department. He noted the SBM Fire Department had a mobile command center but his concern was this vehicle may not be available to Mounds View during multiple emergency events. He reviewed the amenities within the proposed community resource vehicle and described how the unit would be used by the department. He questioned if the Council would support him going to California to take possession of the vehicle and return it to Minnesota. He explained he had funds available for the journey to and from the City of Mounds View. Mounds View City Council August 14, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 16 Council Member Gunn stated she supported Police Chief Harder’s request and believed this vehicle would be a great addition to the community. Council Member Hull agreed and believed the police department would find many ways to utilize this vehicle. Council Member Meehlhause and Council Member Bergeron concurred. Mayor Mueller requested further information on how this vehicle would be used by the police department. Police Chief Harder described the numerous ways the proposed community resource vehicle could be used within Mounds View for outreach and on crime scenes. Mayor Mueller questioned how the vehicle would be supported long-term. Police Chief Harder stated he would be open to seeking additional funding from the Police Foundation. He explained he was not looking to further burden the Mounds View tax payers. Mayor Mueller asked why the vehicle was being turned in. Police Chief Harder stated the vehicle had reached its useful life cycle in its current community. Mayor Mueller applauded Police Chief Harder on his efforts and for keeping the safety of Mounds View as his top priority. Interim Public Works Director Peterson provided the Council with an update on the projects occurring in the community and reported Area I was substantially completed. He noted the Met Council restoration project was almost done. Work continues on the Public Works Facility and he was pleased to report the project was currently on schedule. He commented on a potential grant that could assist the Council with covering the expense of the City Hall playground and requested direction on how to proceed. Council Member Gunn asked if Park and Rec had equipment picked out for this playground. Interim Public Works Director Peterson stated this group did have equipment selected. Council Member Gunn supported this project moving forward, even if the equipment had to be stored until it could be installed. The Council consensus was to move forward with the grant application and purchase of the playground equipment for City Hall. Interim Public Works Director Peterson reported staff met with Met Council regarding discharge limits at Water Treatment Plants 2 and 3. He indicated the City had exceeded the discharge limits for copper, mercury and lead. He stated at this time, City staff does not understand why the limits are not being met. He explained staff would be bringing a proposal forward on August 28th in order to have AE2S assist in finding a solution to this concern. Mayor Mueller questioned how much the contract would cost the City. Interim Public Works Director Peterson reported the contract was estimated to cost $13,000. He stated he was uncertain how much it would cost the City to correct the problem. Mounds View City Council August 14, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 17 Mayor Mueller inquired if the City had funding available to cover the engineering costs and possible discharge correction fees. Finance Director Beer stated the City has been paying strength charges of $5,000 to the Met Council for several years. He indicated he would have funding available to cover the engineering costs, but was uncertain which fund would be used. He explained he would bring this information back to the Council on August 28th. Mayor Mueller thanked the Public Works Department for all of their assistance in preparing for Festival in the Park. She asked if the Council would be able to tour the new Public Works Facility on August 21st. Interim Public Works Director Peterson stated he would be available to give the Council a tour on August 21st at 5:00 p.m. Finance Director Beer provided the Council with an update on inflation rates and how these would impact the City’s levy. City Administrator Ericson reviewed the agenda items the Council would be addressing at their August 21st worksession meeting. He noted one item for the Council to consider was the replacement of Assistant City Administrator Crane. The Council supported this item being placed on the worksession agenda as there was a need to evaluate the position and job description. City Administrator Ericson encouraged the Council to consider promoting Planner Sevald to a supervisory position. He explained he discussed this with the Finance Director and Planner Sevald was willing to serve in this capacity. If this were to occur Planner Sevald would be receiving a pay increase to Step 2 of a revised job description. He recommended the Council consider this matter at the August 28th Council meeting. The Council supported this recommendation and commented on the importance of retaining Planner Sevald. City Administrator Ericson reported Planning Commission Paul Schiltgen would be stepping down from the Planning Commission due to the fact he was moving out of state. He requested the Council consider deviating from past practices and allow a previous applicant to fill this vacant seat. The Council supported this recommendation. City Administrator Ericson commented on the liquor license moratorium and apologized for not getting the City Council the necessary information to make a decision. He questioned if the Council wanted to extend the moratorium. Mayor Mueller supported the moratorium being extended in order for the necessary research to be completed. The Council was in agreement. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Extend Resolution 8551, the Liquor License Moratorium for an additional one year. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council August 14, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 18 2. Discuss Interim Administrator Candidates (verbal report) City Administrator Ericson requested Council feedback on how to proceed with the Interim City Administrator candidates. Council Member Gunn supported candidates A and C being interviewed. Council Member Hull supported candidates C and A being further pursued. Council Member Bergeron, Council Member Meehlhause, and Mayor Mueller also supported candidates A and C being interviewed. City Administrator Ericson stated he would arrange interviews with candidates A and C for Thursday, August 17th at 12:00 p.m. He encouraged the Council to pass questions along to staff by Wednesday. C. Reports of City Attorney. There was nothing additional to report. 11. Next Council Work Session: Monday, August 21, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, August 28, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. 12. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10:04 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.