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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2017/03/27PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting March 27, 2017 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Mounds View Blvd, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:00 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, March 27, 2017, City Council Agenda. Council Member Hull noted the Council received two amended Resolutions for items on the agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Approve the Monday, March 27, 2017, agenda as amended. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT Eric Robertson, 5177 Longview Drive, provided the Council with several photographs. He reported he has lived in his home for the past 10 years and lives just north of the Longview Estates development. He explained that since these new homes have been built he has had water in his backyard and his sump pump now runs year round. He noted the staff members and individuals from the watershed district that he has met with. He stated he brought in five loads of dirt to raise the level of his backyard, but water continues to run into his yard. After speaking with an attorney, Mr. Robertson was encouraged to contact the City Council with his concerns. Mayor Mueller asked if Mr. Robertson believed the development of Longview Estates was contributing to the water in his backyard. Mr. Robertson believed this to be the case, but also understood the summer of 2016 was very wet. He described the slope of the neighboring property and stated water was running directly onto his property instead of towards the retention pond. Mounds View City Council March 27, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 2 Mayor Mueller requested comment from Public Works Director Erickson. Public Works Director Erickson stated he has been trying to work with the developer to address the final grading issues in order to close out the development. He explained one rain garden had to be rebuilt and understood the development still had work remaining. He commented that frost was still in the ground and this would be further examined later in the spring. Mayor Mueller recommended the City meet with Mr. Robertson, along with the Harstad Development personnel in order to address this matter. City Administrator Ericson suggested staff meet with the Rice Creek Watershed District first and after an evaluation was completed a meeting could be set for all parties involved. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Oath of Office – City Council Member Bill Bergeron Mayor Mueller administered the Oath of Office to newly elected City Council Member Bill Bergeron. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance. B. Presentation from Ramsey County Commissioners Blake Huffman and Mary Jo McGuire Ramsey County Commissioner Mary Jo McGuire thanked the Council for their time and provided the Council with a presentation on the issues occurring at the County level. She stated she appreciated attending the Mounds View Town Hall meeting on Monday, March 20th. She then described the County’s mission, vision, goals and provided services. She commented on the beautification of Mounds View Boulevard, along with the planned repairs on Long Lake Road. She updated the Council on the improvements occurring at Long Lake Regional Park. Lastly, she commented on the benefits of the Ramsey County library system. Ramsey County Commissioner Blake Huffman stated he appreciated the Council’s time and provided the Council with an update on Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP). He described the cleanup work that was completed by the County and noted Alatus was hired as the Master Developer for this project. He reviewed the proposed TCAAP Regulating Plan and described how the site would be zoned. He explained 1,500 housing units would be developed on TCAAP and commented on the variety of housing that would be offered. The proposed design of the Town Center was reviewed and it was noted water would be a focus throughout this development. He anticipated a grocery store would be located within the development, along with other significant retail and commercial buildings. He thanked Heather Worthington, the County’s Deputy Manager, for her dedication to this project. Council Member Meehlhause thanked the Commissioners for their report. He asked if the utilities for TCAAP would be installed underground. Ms. Worthington stated all utilities would be placed underground for this development. Mounds View City Council March 27, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 3 Council Member Gunn questioned how the freeway entrance from County Road I would be impacted by the development. Ms. Worthington discussed the construction project and noted how this intersection would be altered after the roundabout was complete. Council Member Meehlhause asked if a flyover was being considered for the County Road I Northbound entrance ramp with the 35W MNPASS Project. Ramsey County Commissioner McGuire stated she was not aware of a flyover. City Administrator Ericson understood all of the sanitary outflow from TCAAP would flow through Mounds View. He requested further information from the County on this matter. Ms. Worthington stated the County had a technical sewer plan for the project and she would be happy to provide this information to Mounds View City staff. She reported the County would be drafting a new agreement with Mounds View and the Met Council in order to address this issue. Mayor Mueller expressed concern with how Mounds View residents would be impacted after the northbound access to 35W from County Road I was closed. Ms. Worthington stated Mounds View residents would be able to access 35W via County Road H. Mayor Mueller thanked Ramsey County Commissioner McGuire, Ramsey County Commissioner Huffman, and Deputy County Manager Worthington for attending this evening and for their detailed reports. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Resolution 8737, Authorizing the Installation of a Perimeter Fence Surrounding Police Department Parking Area. Police Chief Harder requested the Council authorize the installation of a perimeter fence surrounding the Police Department parking area. He reviewed the proposed location of the fence and explained the fence would assist in providing security for both officers and the children playing in the adjacent park. He reviewed the quotes in detail with the Council and recommended approval. Mayor Mueller believed the fence was a logical step in upgrading this site. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8737, Authorizing the Installation of a Perimeter Fence Surrounding Police Department Parking Area. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 8736, Accepting Bids and Awarding Contract to Thein Well Company, Inc. for Municipal Well No. 1 Rehabilitation. Public Works Director Erickson requested the Council accept bids and award a contract to Thein Well Company, Inc. for the rehabilitation of Municipal Well No. 1. He described the work that would be completed on Well No. 1 noting this work was budgeted and planned for in 2017. Staff Mounds View City Council March 27, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 4 recommended approval of the project with a 20% contingency. Council Member Gunn questioned when this project would begin. Public Works Director Erickson stated the work would begin as soon as possible. Council Member Meehlhause asked if the City had worked with Thein Well Company, Inc. in the past. Public Works Director Erickson reported he had not previous work experience but another member of the public works staff has. Finance Director Beer explained the last time work was completed on Well No. 1 additional bailing of sand was required. He inquired if this work was anticipated to occur again. Public Works Director Erickson stated this work may be needed and was included as an alternate bid for this project. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8736, Accepting Bids and Awarding Contract to Thein Well Company, Inc. for Municipal Well No. 1 Rehabilitation. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Mueller asked to remove Item 8D. A. Resolution 8738, Approving Severance for John Hughes, Public Works Community Center Custodian. B. Resolution 8739, Approving a Cigarette/Tobacco License to AB Liquor, LLC (doing business as ABC Liquor) located at 2840 Mounds View Boulevard. C. Schedule a Public Hearing for Monday, April 10, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. to Consider a Honeybee Keeping License located at 2071 Terrace Drive. Applicant: Adam Retterath. D. Resolution 8728, Approving an Agreement with Simple Recycling for Free Curbside Pickup of Clothing and Household Goods. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull. To Approve the Consent Agenda items 8A, 8B and 8C. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 8728, Approving an Agreement with Simple Recycling for Free Curbside Pickup of Clothing and Household Goods. Council Member Meehlhause noted Item 8D had a revised Resolution. Mayor Mueller stated she was asked by a resident why the Council was considering this Resolution. She explained this service would provide Mounds View residents with bags to place Mounds View City Council March 27, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 5 unwanted clothing and other household items for pickup on their regular trash collection day. She indicated the City was given a small amount of compensation for the items donated (1¢ per pound). She encouraged Mounds View residents to continue to support their preferred non- profits and stated this service would be provided at no cost to residents if they should choose to use it. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8728, Approving an Agreement with Simple Recycling for Free Curbside Pickup of Clothing and Household Goods. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS Finance Director Beer answered the Council's questions related to claims. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES None. 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Gunn thanked Police Chief Harder and the entire Mounds View Police Department for the number of volunteers they sent out for the Bowling with a Cop event. She noted that 25 children were able to Bowl with a Cop yesterday. Council Member Meehlhause stated he attended a Twin Cities Gateway Board meeting last week. He provided the Council with a sports marketing brochure that was reviewed at the meeting. He was pleased to report Twin Cities Gateway had a healthy fund balance of $678,622. He anticipated a one-time grant would be provided to member cities to spend down a portion of the fund balance. He explained the City would be receiving $7,964 from the Twin Cities Gateway from hotel taxes. He stated he was nominated to serve on the Twin Cities Gateway Executive Board of Directors. Council Member Meehlhause invited the public to attend a fun basketball event this Thursday, March 30th at 4:30 p.m. where five members of the Mounds View Police Department would be taking on another team at Northeast Youth and Family Services. Mayor Mueller provided the Council with an update from the Festival in the Park Committee, noting this group met last Tuesday. She explained a new route had been chosen for the bike Mounds View City Council March 27, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 6 races. She stated the committee was seeking sponsors for the bike races given the high expense of the event. She encouraged the public to consider attending the next Festival in the Park Committee meeting on Tuesday, April 18th at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Conference Room. Mayor Mueller reported the City of Mounds View will be celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2018 and a committee has been formed to begin preparations for this celebration. She invited Mounds View residents to consider assisting with this event and to contact City Hall for further information. Mayor Mueller stated on Friday, March 31st she would be attending a Minnesota Women in City Government meeting sponsored by the League of Minnesota Cities where the attendees would be addressing how to effectively communicate via social media. Mayor Mueller encouraged the public to consider purchasing a tree through the Ramsey County Friends of the Park tree sale. Further information regarding the tree sale could be found at City Hall. She noted orders must be placed prior to Friday, April 21st. Mayor Mueller stated she received a letter from Mark and Mary Holmes, parents of Patrick “Homer” Holmes, who lost his life when the 35W bridge collapsed. She read the letter in full for the record noting the Holmes family appreciated the recognition the City of Mounds View continued to provide to volunteer coaches in honor of their son. Mayor Mueller encouraged residents to fill out a postcard with their correct address for the Sun Focus to ensure their publications were delivered in a timely manner to all Mounds View residents. B. Reports of Staff. Police Chief Harder invited the public to attend a fun basketball event this Thursday, March 30th at 4:30 p.m. where five members of the Mounds View Police Department would be taking on another team at Northeast Youth and Family Services. Police Chief Harder thanked Council Members Meehlhause and Gunn for attending the Bowling with a Cop event, along with the volunteers from Target Corp. Police Chief Harder reported that all retired Mounds View Police Officers would be honored on Thursday, March 30th. Finance Director Beer noted the bond issue for the Public Works Facility would be called on Thursday. Public Works Director Erickson updated the Council on the Public Works Facility project noting the contracts were being reviewed by the City Attorney. He explained the street project would be starting in the coming weeks once the road restrictions were lifted. Mounds View City Council March 27, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 7 Police Chief Harder recognized the Mounds View Police Foundation for their support at the recent community event. 1. Administrator Report City Administrator Ericson reviewed his Administrative Report with the Council. He noted the League of Minnesota Cities would be holding their Annual Conference June 14-16 and invited Council members to let him know if they’d like to attend. City Administrator Ericson discussed the City Council meeting start times and noted a resolution could be brought forward by staff At the April 10th meeting to shift the meeting start time to 6:00 p.m. He requested direction from the Council on how to proceed. Council Member Meehlhause supported the Council start time being moved to 6:00 p.m. with EDA meetings to follow. Council Members Bergeron, Hull, and Gunn were in agreement. Mayor Mueller stated her only concern with changing the start time was that the Council be flexible and allow residents to speak even if they do not arrive right at 6:00 p.m. Council Member Gunn supported this recommendation and stated the Council could elect to move Public Input to the end of the agenda. City Administrator Ericson reported the Governor signed a bill that would allow Sunday liquor sales from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. City Attorney Riggs advised the City would have to allow Sunday sales, but could set their own hours. He recommended the Council provide staff with input on how to proceed with this matter. City Administrator Ericson stated he could invite the liquor license holders to a future work session meeting in order to discuss this issue in further detail. The Council supported this recommendation. Council Member Gunn was in favor of the City allowing local off-sale establishments being open from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays and until 10:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. City Administrator Ericson stated in 2003 the City adopted a policy supporting artistic organizations. He explained the local theater company was requesting to use the City’s photocopy and asked if the Council would allow for an administrative approval. The Council supported this becoming an administratively approved matter. City Administrator Ericson provided the Council with information on becoming a bee friendly community, along with a resolution that was recently approved by the City of Austin, Minnesota. The Council requested this item be placed on the May work session agenda. Mounds View City Council March 27, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 8 City Administrator Ericson reviewed the April work session meeting agenda with the Council. Mayor Mueller requested staff provide an update on the workforce housing initiative at this meeting. Council Member Gunn asked that the Council consider holding a discussion on racial equity as well. Council Member Bergeron explained that Nativity Lutheran Church in St. Anthony was holding a discussion on race on Tuesday, March 28th. City Administrator Ericson stated he would be attending a Met Council Environmental Services meeting on Thursday, April 6th at 9:00 a.m. where those in attendance would be discussing regional wastewater funding and budgeting for 2018. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs reviewed an employee matter with the Council. 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, April 3, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, April 10, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:59 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.