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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2017/01/23PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting January 23, 2017 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:00 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Gunn, Hull, Meehlhause, Mueller NOT PRESENT: None. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, January 23, 2017, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Approve the Monday, January 23, 2017, agenda as amended. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT Emily Lange, 2558 Ridge Lane, asked if the sidewalk project on County Road H had been delayed. Finance Director Beer explained this project died due to lack of funding from the County and State. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. NYFS Recognition of Officer Nate Garland Police Chief Nate Harder announced the 2017 Service to Youth Award from NYFS had been awarded to Mounds View Police Officer Nate Garland. He encouraged the Council to show their support on February 9, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. at NYFS where Officer Garland will be presented with this award. Council Member Meehlhause explained he was the City’s representative for NYFS and served as the Chairman of the NYFS Board of Directors. He reported NYFS celebrated its 40th anniversary in May of 2016. He discussed the role of NYFS and the importance they have placed on working with at risk youth. He described the benefits of the NYFS diversion program. He commented on Mounds View City Council January 23, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 2 the recognition NYFS offers each year to individuals involved with youth and invited the Council to attend the Service to Youth Awards. He noted tickets for the event were $30. Mayor Mueller requested Police Chief Harder pass along a hearty congratulations to Officer Garland from the City Council. She then offered Officer Garland a round of applause. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Resolution 8699, Approving Transfers Between Funds for 2016. Finance Director Beer requested the Council approve transfers between funds for 2016. He explained this action was taken on a yearly basis. He noted revenues were slightly higher than anticipated which would increase the surplus transferred to the Special Revenue Fund. Staff reviewed the proposed transfers in further detail and recommended approval. Council Member Meehlhause asked if franchise fees were up due to the new housing in the City. Finance Director Beer stated this may be part of it, along with the fact that residents were coming out of the economic downturn and were using cable services again. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8699, Approving Transfers Between Funds for 2016. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 931, an Ordinance Amending Section 105.04 of the Municipal Code Regarding Council Meeting Times (ROLL CALL VOTE). City Administrator Ericson requested the Council adopt an Ordinance amending City Code regarding Council meeting times. He reported this Ordinance was introduced at the January 9th Council meeting. He explained the Council was interested in changing its meeting start time and the proposed Ordinance would allow the Council to set this by Resolution. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 931, an Ordinance Amending Section 105.04 of the Mounds Vie City Code of the Municipal Code Regarding Council Meeting Times. Mayor Mueller requested that the City Council remain flexible and allow for public comment a second time if a resident was not able to make a 6:00 p.m. meeting. ROLL CALL: Gunn/Hull/Meehlhause/Mueller. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 8701, Appointing Michael Richie to the Position of Project Coordinator in the Public Works Department. Mounds View City Council January 23, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 3 Assistant City Administrator Crane stated Brian Stenglein resigned from the position of Project Coordinator in October of 2016. The Council authorized staff to authorize for this position. Staff interviewed four qualified candidates and the consensus of staff was to recommend Michael Richie to the position of Project Coordinator in the Public Works Department. It was noted this appointment would be contingent upon satisfactory background, license and reference checks. If approved, Mr. Richie would begin his employment with the City of Mounds View on or around January 30 th. Council Member Meehlhause requested a brief overview of this position. Assistant City Administrator Crane explained this position would be responsible for completing and coordinating special projects for Public Works and would act as a project manager reporting back to the Public Works Director. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8701, Appointing Michael Richie to the Position of Project Coordinator in the Public Works Department contingent upon satisfactory background, license and reference checks. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 8703, Authorizing the Abatement of Nuisance Conditions at 2832 Mounds View Boulevard (“Tires ‘N More”). City Administrator Ericson requested the Council authorize the abatement of a nuisance condition at the Tires ‘N More property located at 2832 Mounds View Boulevard. He provided a brief history of actions staff has requested from the property owner noting the stack of tires onsite was growing, and noted there were numerous junk vehicles. He explained the City has dealt with this property in the past and the previous code enforcement officer had sent warnings to the property owner. He indicated staff was working to keep this property consistent with Chapter 607 of City Code and for this reason, recommended the Council authorize the abatement. It was noted the abatement would be completed on Wednesday or Thursday of this week. Council Member Gunn asked if the two junk vehicles were still on the rear of the property. City Administrator Ericson reported these two vehicles were still on the property the last time he visited it. Mayor Mueller questioned if the property had been plowed. City Administrator Ericson believed activity was taking place on the property other than retail. Mayor Mueller inquired when the photos of the site were taken. City Administrator Ericson explained he took these photos on January 12th. Mayor Mueller asked if the property owner was in attendance. The property owner was not in attendance at the meeting. Mounds View City Council January 23, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 4 MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8703, Authorizing the Abatement of Nuisance Conditions at 2832 Mounds View Boulevard (“Tires ‘N More”). Council Member Gunn stated a pile of tires appears periodically on this property. She understood this wasn’t the first time that tires have been placed on this property. She was pleased that the City would be taking action to clean this property. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA Council Member Meehlhause asked to remove Item 8B. A. Resolution 8700, Renewing Lease Agreement with Dippin’ Chocolates, Inc., at the Mounds View Community Center. B. Resolution 8698, Appoint Parks and Recreation and Forestry Commission Chairperson. C. Resolution 8702, Approving a Settlement Agreement and Release of Claims. D. Schedule a Public Hearing on Monday, February 27, 2017, at 7:00 p.m., to Consider a Residential Kennel License to allow four (4) dogs at 8144 Pleasant View Court. Applicant: Alison Caldwell. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Approve the Consent Agenda as amended removing Item 8B. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 8698, Appoint Parks and Recreation and Forestry Commission Chairperson. Council Member Meehlhause thanked Gerald Arel for stepping forward and agreeing to serve as the Chair on the Parks and Recreation and Forestry Commission. He thanked John Kroeger for agreeing to be the Vice Chair. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8698, Appoint Parks and Recreation and Forestry Commission Chairperson. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS Finance Director Beer answered the Council's questions related to claims. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented. Mounds View City Council January 23, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 5 Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. January 9, 2017, City Council Meeting Minutes. Council Member Hull requested a correction on Page 1, Line 44 stating Allina was spelled incorrectly. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the January 9, 2017, City Council meeting minutes as amended. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Gunn stated she attended an I-35W Coalition meeting today and the group received a post-election recap. It was noted Minneapolis would be approving the joint powers agreement. She explained this project remained shovel ready but still lacked funding. She provided further comment on the federal funding for this project and encouraged the City to draft letters and send them to local representatives to gain support for this project. She provided further comment on the proposed project including the benefits of the MnPASS lane. Council Member Hull stated he would like to see the City donate $1,000 from the Bethlehem Baptist donations to CPY on a yearly basis. He discussed the great work CPY was doing with at risk youth and he wanted to see the City support this organization. The Council supported this recommendation. Council Member Meehlhause explained he attended a Twin Cities Gateway board meeting last Tuesday. He noted this group continued to do well financially. He discussed the hospitality tax collected through November of 2016 and was pleased to report hospitality tax collections were up 3%. He described how the City utilized gateway funds on a yearly basis. He thanked Steve Markuson for the great work he does in marketing the nine communities involved in Twin Cities Gateway. He suggested the Council invite Steve Markuson and Al Stauffacher to attend the April worksession meeting to provide an update. The Council supported inviting Steve and Al to the April work session meeting. Mayor Mueller recommended a representative from the Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce also attend this meeting, along with representatives from the YMCA. Council Member Meehlhause stated he would be attending an NYFS board meeting on Thursday. He noted he would be attending a League of Minnesota Cities training event along with the Mayor and Council Member Gunn on Friday and Saturday. Mounds View City Council January 23, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 6 Council Member Meehlhause encouraged Mounds View residents to consider attending the Service to Youth Awards event sponsored by NYFS on Thursday, February 9th where Officer Nate Garland would be recognized for his efforts throughout the community. Mayor Mueller reported she has attended several different Mayor’s meetings in recent weeks. She commented on the discussions held at these meetings. She noted she attended the Festival in the Park planning meeting on Tuesday, January 17th. She encouraged those interested in getting involved in this group to attend the next Festival in the Park meeting on Tuesday, February 21st at City Hall at 7:00 p.m. Council Member Meehlhause thanked the Public Works Department for the great work on the Random Park building. Mayor Mueller stated she would be attending a Ramsey County Dispatch Policy Committee meeting next Thursday. B. Reports of Staff. Police Chief Harder reported the Mounds View Police Department would be sponsoring a First Annual Daddy Daughter Ball on February 14th at the YMCA from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. He stated this event would encourage strong families and a strong community. He commented further on the importance of children having a strong father figure in their lives. City Administrator Ericson reported the new Public Works facility would be bid on Tuesday, February 21st and staff was hoping for a strong bidding climate. City Administrator Ericson explained the Ramsey County League of Local Government would be meeting next on Thursday, February 23rd. 1. Review Agenda for Council/Staff Retreat. City Administrator Ericson reviewed the proposed agenda for the Council/Staff retreat. It was noted the Council/Staff Retreat would be held at the Community Center on Monday, January 30th at 6:00 p.m. The Council supported the agenda for the Council retreat as presented. 2. Discuss Receptionist/Recycling Coordinator Position. City Administrator Ericson discussed the City’s receptionist/recycling coordinator position. He explained the temp that had been hired was doing a wonderful job on behalf of the City. He asked if the Council would consider directing staff to negotiate and hire Kerrie Kane full time for the position of receptionist/recycling coordinator. The Council supported staff hiring Ms. Kane full time for the position. Council Member Meehlhause appreciated how much Ms. Kane had helped out during the recent election. Mounds View City Council January 23, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 7 Mayor Mueller agreed and recommended staff proceed with the hire of Ms. Kane. 3. Review Charter Commission Questions RE: Charter Section 4.05. City Administrator Ericson reviewed several questions from the Charter Commission regarding Charter Section 4.05, which was the portion of City Code relating to the filling of a vacant seat on the City Council. He discussed the Charter requirements in further detail noting the City would have to have hold a Special Election, which would cost roughly $10,000, in order to fill the vacancy. Another for the Council to consider would be to appoint a Mounds View resident to the vacancy if the opening was for less than two years. City Administrator Ericson stated the Charter Commission was seeking clarifying information on several questions. These questions were read in full to the Council and staff requested feedback on how to proceed. Council Member Gunn discussed the pros and cons of holding a Special Election. She commented on the great amount of staff time that would be spent on this election and how low the voter turnout would be. She supported a Special Election not being held unless there were two years remaining on a term. She understood other cities have appointed City Council members and this has worked out quite well. Council Member Hull agreed with Council Member Gunn’s comments and stated he supported the proposed changes to the Charter. Council Member Meehlhause was in favor of holding a Special Election for seats that had over two years remaining. He discussed the Special Election process, along with the staff time and cost involved. He did not believe it made sense to hold a Special Election when an individual would serve for less than a year or 15 months. He described his sons experience with the City Council in Bemidji. Mayor Mueller stated she did not know the history of those who wrote the Charter. She understood there were some contentious times at the Council dais over the years and for this reason, a Council appointment could assist in advancing a personal agenda. While she hoped this would never happen in the City of Mounds View, she understood the reason for the Charter being drafted as is. She supported a Special Election being held for seats with an opening more than 365 days. She understood there were Council’s that did not work well together and it was her hope Mounds View could avoid this situation at all cost. She did not want to see a Mayoral appointment become controversial or an area of contention for the City. She knew there would be staff time and cost savings if the Special Election were eliminated, however she supported the Charter as written. City Attorney Riggs advised the Council on the other Charter cities he represented noting each had a two-year time period for Special Elections, except for Mounds View. He reported this was the requirement for statutory cities with the State as well. Mounds View City Council January 23, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 8 Council Member Meehlhause believed it did not make sense to require a candidate to go through two elections in less than a year and for this reason, he still supported a change to the Charter. Further discussion ensued regarding Special Election requirements for the City of Mounds View. After much discussion, the Council consensus was to move forward with recommending the Charter be amended by Ordinance to only hold a Special Election for open seats with more than a two-year time period remaining. City Administrator Ericson stated the cost of the Special Election from Ramsey County was estimated to be $10,200. The Council supported this expense. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 12. Council/Staff Retreat: Monday, January 30, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. Next Council Work Session: Monday, February 6, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, February 13, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:51 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.