HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packets - 2017/07/17
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA
MOUNDS VIEW CITY HALL
Monday, July 17, 2017
6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Mueller, Gunn, Hull, Meehlhause, Bergeron
PUBLIC COMMENT
Citizens may speak to issues not on tonight’s agenda. Before speaking, please give
your full name and address for the minutes. Also, please limit your comments to three
minutes.
Agenda Items Discussed by Consensus
1. Joint meeting of the City Council and Charter Commission
2. Crossroad Pointe Presentations
A. Global Real Estate Management / Kraus-Anderson / Urban Works
B. INH Properties / Heartland Gun Club & Range
3. Gift from League of Minnesota Cities (verbal report)
4. City Hall Playground Splashpad
5. Discuss Becoming a “Pollinator Friendly” Community
6. Review City Administrator Position
7. Guidelines for City Removal of Storm Debris
Next Work Session: Monday, August 7, 2017, at 6 p.m.
Next City Council Meeting: Monday, July 24, 2017, at 6 p.m.
Item No: 01
Meeting Date: July 17, 2017
Type of Business: Work Session
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: James Ericson, City Administrator
Item Title/Subject: Joint Meeting between the Charter Commission and the City
Council
Introduction:
Subsequent to the election of Council member Mueller to the position of mayor at last
year’s general election, the Council has discussed the process by which special elections
are held and under what set of conditions. City Attorney Riggs indicates that the Mounds
View City Charter (Section 4.05, attached) is different from most cities (both statutory and
charter) in that our Charter requires a special election be held for any vacancy where 365
days or more is remaining in a term. When less than 365 days remain in the term, the City
Council may appoint someone to fill the remainder of the term. The more common
language in other communities would allow for Council appointment for periods less than
two years.
Discussion:
The Council had expressed some concern about the requirement for a special election with
one year remaining in a term given the cost, and also because of the amount of time
required to schedule the special election. If a vacancy occurred with 365 days left in the
term, the elected candidate could end up serving only 4 months before needing to file for
office once again for the next election. Given the cost to the City to hold a special election,
along with the monetary and time cost to the elected candidate, the Council posed the
question to the Charter Commission that perhaps 365 days is too short of a time frame.
Staff asked Joe Mansky, the Ramsey County Elections Manager, from a practical
standpoint, what the minimum amount of time they would need to hold a special election.
His response is as follows:
“Since Minn. Stat. 205.16, subd 4 requires the city to provide us with notice of
what is going to be on the ballot at least 74 days before the election, I'm thinking
that this would effectively be the minimum time needed for us to conduct the
election. However, to allow us to have a reasonable filing period (which would
be from 98 to 84 days before the election), provide notice to the public (two
weeks before the first day to file for office), and to provide the council with time
to authorize the special election, 120 days would be my recommendation for the
minimum time period needed to conduct a special election.”
Accordingly, if a seat were vacated on December 31, 2017, the earliest we could hold a
special election would be April 1, 2018. Filing for office for the next general election would
begin early August 2018, thus the newly elected council member would need to file for
office after serving for only four months, presuming he or she intended to run for re-
election.
Council Report
July 17, 2017
Page 2
The Charter Commission has drafted a number of questions they’d like to cover during
the joint meeting.
1. Current Charter vacancy language, where is it found, what is it and what it isn't?
2. What is the appointment process as defined in City Code today?
3. What is the specific language the Council wishing to change?
4. Council's change reason clarification, so we're all on the same page.
5. W hat are the ramifications of language change, other than vacant Council seat
timing?
6. Should there be any restrictions to appointment process or a person after an
appointment, for example if they desired to be elected?
7. Does Charter language today over benefit the Mayor when voting on an
appointment, why is the tie vote defined?
8. Is possible Charter language change accomplished by unanimous ordinance or by
ballot?
9. How to conduct a citizen education program for any suggested change to Charter
language about vacancy language replacement?
Recommendation:
Please review the information included herein as well as the questions posed by the
Charter Commission. If the Council should desire any additional information prior to the
meeting, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
James Ericson
City Administrator
Attachments:
1. Mounds View City Charter Section 4.05
Mounds View City Charter
Section 4.05. Vacancy of Municipal Elected Office.
Subdivision 1. When a vacancy in an elected office of the City occurs with 365 days or more
remaining in the term of the vacated office, there shall be a special election held within ninety
days after the vacancy occurs to elect a successor to serve for the remainder of the unexpired
term of the office vacated.
Subdivision 2. The City Administrator shall give at least sixty days published prior notice of such
special election, except as set forth under Subdivision 5 of this section.
Subdivision 3. The procedure at such election and assumption of duties of elected officers
following such election shall conform as nearly as practicable to that prescribed for other
municipal elections under this Charter.
Subdivision 4. In the case of a vacancy where there remains less than 365 days in the unexpired
term, the Council shall by a majority vote appoint a successor to serve for the remainder of said
term. In the case of a tie vote of the Council, the Mayor shall make said appointment.
Subdivision 5. When a vacancy in an elected municipal office occurs within 120 days prior to a
regular municipal election date, the special election to fill the vacancy shall coincide with the
regular election. If the vacancy occurs within sixty days prior to the regular election date, the
notice of such vacancy shall be published as soon as is practicable. If within the 120 day period
before a regular municipal election, the vacancy occurs in the office of the Mayor or in the office
of either or both of the Councilmembers whose seats are to be decided in the election, said
vacancy shall be considered not to exist for purposes of the election. However, if such vacancy
occurs in the office of either of the other two Councilmembers, the seat shall be filled by the
candidate for Councilmember with the third highest vote total, or, in the case of two vacancies,
the third and fourth highest vote totals. Where two vacancies exist, the candidate with the third
highest total shall fill the vacancy in the office having the longest unexpired term. Candidates
filing a vacancy shall take office at or before the next regularly scheduled Council meeting
following election certification. (Amended by Ordinance 748; Adopted September 27, 2004;
Filed October 13, 2004).
Subdivision 6. If there are insufficient numbers of candidates in a regular or special election to
fill expiring or vacated municipal offices, the City Council shall fill said offices by appointment
until the next regular municipal election. In the case of a tie vote of the Council, the Mayor shall
make said appointment.
Item No: __2A & 2B__
Meeting Date: July 17, 2017
Type of Business: Work Session
Administrator Review : ____
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Brian Beeman, Economic Development Coordinator
Jon Sevald, Planner
Item Title/Subject: Crossroad Pointe Presentations
2A. Global Real Estate Management / Kraus Anderson / Urban
Works; Sam Kerim, Matt Alexander, Bart Nelson
2B. INH Properties / Heartland Gun Club & Range; Pat Egan &
Greg Moore
Introduction:
The City Council is actively hearing from developers on their concept and development ideas for
Crossroad Pointe. Staff contacted numerous developers and has received some interest in the
site.
Discussion:
There will be two presentations from Global Real Estate, and INH Properties, both featuring
mixed use projects.
If Greenfield Ave. is vacated, the project site is 4.25 acres. The property is currently zoned B-3
Highway Business, and guided as Mixed-Use PUD in the Comprehensive Plan. It is anticipated
that the developer will request: (1) a rezone from B-3 Highway Business to Mixed-Use PUD
(minimum project size is 4-acres); (2) apply for a Preliminary and Final Plat; and (3) apply for a
Development Review of the project.
A PUD allows for flexibility within the City Code. For example, the City Code limits 4.25 acres to
a maximum density of 74 residential units (2,500 sq ft lot area per unit). A PUD would allow for a
higher density, to be determined by the City Council.
One of the commercial/retail options includes Heartland Gun Club & Range. Staff is interpreting
an indoor shooting range as “Commercial Recreational Uses” (not defined), which is a permitted
use in the B-3, B-4, and PUD districts. If an indoor shooting range is acceptable to the City
Council, it will be necessary to amend City Code, Section 702.01 (Misdemeanor Offenses),
Subd 13(b)(2) which prohibits any person from discharging a weapon within city limits.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council consider each presentation, and ask questions.
Dominium, Global Real Estate, and INH Properties are the only developers who have come
forward in the latest round of proposals with presentations on the Crossroad Pointe
redevelopment site. It is anticipated that the Council will discuss which developer or combination
thereof is of interest and also discuss setting a price for the land portion at its August 7, 2017
Council Work Session or an upcoming EDA meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Brian Beeman Jon Sevald, AICP
Business Development Coordinator Planner
DEVELOPMENT TEAM
Global Real Estate Management and Kraus-Anderson Development Company of Minneapolis is excited
to bring a new and progressive mixed use development to Mounds View. By combining Global Real Estate
Management’s knowledge of the local market with Kraus-Anderson’s years of experience in apartment
development, we know we can deliver a project that Mounds View will be proud of.
1MOUNDS VIEW, MN / 07.17.2017 / 17-0017
Global Real Estate Management LLC - Mounds View Apartments
SITE
1” = 60’-0”
2MOUNDS VIEW, MN / 07.17.2017 / 17-0017
Global Real Estate Management LLC - Mounds View Apartments
SITE AERIAL
OPTION 1
1” = 60’-0”
3MOUNDS VIEW, MN / 07.17.2017 / 17-0017
Global Real Estate Management LLC - Mounds View Apartments
SUBLEVEL 1
OPTION 1
1” = 60’-0”
4MOUNDS VIEW, MN / 07.17.2017 / 17-0017
Global Real Estate Management LLC - Mounds View Apartments
LEVEL 1
OPTION 1
1” = 60’-0”
5MOUNDS VIEW, MN / 07.17.2017 / 17-0017
Global Real Estate Management LLC - Mounds View Apartments
LEVEL 2 - 4
Development Summary KA : Mounds View Apartments - Opt. 3
Updated 07.06.17
Description Gross SF Parking GSF Retail SF Residential
GSF Res. Amenity Residential
NLSF
Efficiency
NLSF
Structured
Parking
Surface
Parking Res. Units
-1 Sublevel Parking 67,146 67,146 - - - 194 58 -
1 Apartments / Amenity / Retail 61,126 - 6,118 55,008 7,774 37,192 61% - 51
2 Apartments 61,126 - 61,126 - 50,297 82%69
3 Apartments 61,126 - 61,126 - 50,297 82%69
4 Apartments 24,298 - 24,298 - 19,906 82%27
Total 274,822 67,146 6,118 201,558 7,774 157,692 78% 194 58 216
Unit Mix Mix # of Units # of Beds Units SF NLSF
Micro 0.0%- - 400
Studio 22.1%48 48 499 23,962 110
Alcove 17.1%37 37 590 21,843 101
1 BR 28.6%62 62 663 41,136 190
2 BR 32.3%70 140 1,011 70,749 326
Total 100%217 287 727 157,690 727
Metrics
Total Dwelling Units 216
Total Stalls (Enclosed + Surface)252
Total Stalls / Dwelling Unit 1.17 36
Average Unit Size 727
Above Grade SF / Unit 963
Site SF 184,336
Site Acreage 4.23
Dwelling Unit / Acre 50.96
FAR 1.13
OPTION 1 - HOUSING
6MOUNDS VIEW, MN / 07.17.2017 / 17-0017
Global Real Estate Management LLC - Mounds View Apartments
DEVELOPMENT SUMMARY
1” = 60’-0”
OPTION 2
7MOUNDS VIEW, MN / 07.17.2017 / 17-0017
Global Real Estate Management LLC - Mounds View Apartments & Specialty Retail
SUBLEVEL 1 - PARKINGRamp to Level 1
1” = 60’-0”
OPTION 2
8MOUNDS VIEW, MN / 07.17.2017 / 17-0017 LEVEL 1Ramp to Sublevel 1Global Real Estate Management LLC - Mounds View Apartments & Specialty Retail
1” = 60’-0”
OPTION 2
9MOUNDS VIEW, MN / 07.17.2017 / 17-0017 LEVEL 2 - 3
Global Real Estate Management LLC - Mounds View Apartments & Specialty Retail
Development Summary Mounds View Apartments - Opt. 5
Updated 07.11.17
Description Gross SF Parking GSF Retail SF Residential
GSF Res. Amenity Residential
NLSF
Efficiency
NLSF
Structured
Parking
Surface
Parking Res. Units
-1 Sublevel Parking 55,330 55,330 - - - 154 -
1 Apartments / Amenity / Retail 70,762 - 30,582 40,180 7,058 24,012 34% - 99 35
2 Apartments 55,330 - 55,330 - 44,856 81%65
3 Apartments 55,330 - 55,330 - 44,856 81%65
Total 236,752 55,330 30,582 150,840 7,058 113,724 75% 154 99 165
Unit Mix Mix # of Units # of Beds Units SF NLSF
Micro 0.0%- - 400
Studio 21.8%58 58 501 29,050 109
Alcove 12.0%32 32 596 19,070 72
1 BR 41.7%111 111 670 74,329 279
2 BR 24.4%65 130 995 64,659 243
Total 100%266 331 703 187,108 703
Metrics
Total Dwelling Units 165
Total Stalls (Enclosed + Surface)253
Total Stalls / Dwelling Unit 1.53 88
Average Unit Size 703
Above Grade SF / Unit 1,100
Site SF 184,336
Site Acreage 4.23
Dwelling Unit / Acre 38.99
FAR 0.98
OPTION 2 - HOUSING & SPECIALTY RETAIL
10MOUNDS VIEW, MN / 07.17.2017 / 17-0017 DEVELOPMENT SUMMARY
Global Real Estate Management LLC - Mounds View Apartments & Specialty Retail
Development Summary Mounds View - Building A
Updated 07.11.17
Description Gross SF Parking GSF Retail SF Residential
GSF Res. Amenity Residential
NLSF Efficiency NLSF Parking Res. Units
-1 Sublevel Parking 55,330 50,139 - 5,191 - 154 -
1 Apartments / Amenity 55,330 - 15,150 40,180 7,058 24,012 60%63 35
2 Apartments 55,330 - 55,330 - 44,856 81%65
3 Apartments 55,330 - 55,330 - 44,856 81%65
Total 221,320 50,139 15,150 156,031 7,058 113,724 73%217 165
Unit Mix Mix # of Units # of Beds Units SF NLSF
Micro 0%- - 400
Studio 19%31 31 500 15,501 94
Alcove 10%16 16 605 9,676 59
1 BR 53%87 87 669 58,193 353
2 BR 19%31 62 979 30,354 184
Total 100%165 196 689 113,724 689
Metrics
Total Dwelling Units 165
Total Stalls (Enclosed)217
Total Stalls / Dwelling Unit 1.32
Average Unit Size 689
Above Grade SF / Unit 1,006
Site SF 133,816
Site Acreage 3.07
Dwelling Unit / Acre 53.71
FAR 1.28
OPTION 2 - BUILDING A - HOUSING
11MOUNDS VIEW, MN / 07.17.2017 / 17-0017
Global Real Estate Management LLC - Mounds View Apartments & Specialty Retail
DEVELOPMENT SUMMARY
Development Summary Mounds View - Building B (Specialty Retail)
Updated 07.11.17
Description Gross SF Parking GSF Retail SF Residential GSF Res. Amenity Residential
NLSF Efficiency NLSF Parking Res. Units
1 Specialty Retail 15,432 - 15,432 - - - 0%36 -
Total 15,432 - 15,432 - - - 0%36 -
Metrics
Total Dwelling Units -
Total Stalls (Retail-Gun Club)36
Total Stalls / Dwelling Unit -
Average Unit Size -
Above Grade SF / Unit -
Site SF 50,520
Site Acreage 1.16
Dwelling Unit / Acre -
FAR 0.31
OPTION 2 - BUILDING B - SPECIALTY RETAIL
12MOUNDS VIEW, MN / 07.17.2017 / 17-0017
Global Real Estate Management LLC - Mounds View Apartments & Specialty Retail
DEVELOPMENT SUMMARY
PRECEDENT IMAGES - HOUSING
CORNERSTONE CREEK, MINNEAPOLIS MN
CASCADE APARTMENTS, ROCHESTER MN FORT ROAD FLATS, ST. PAUL MN
EAST WOOD RIDGE, ROCHESTER MN
13MOUNDS VIEW, MN / 07.17.2017 / 17-0017
Global Real Estate Management LLC - Mounds View Apartments
REPRESENTATIVE URBANWORKS PROJECTS
PRECEDENT IMAGES - SPECIALTY RETAIL
1 - HTTPS://WWW.WEAPONSANDGEARRANGE.COM/
2 - HTTP://MAGMAARCHITECTURE.COM/
3 - HTTP://ARTICLE2RANGE.COM/
4 - HTTP://WWW.THERANGEAUSTIN.COM/
5 - HTTP://WWW.COLONIALSHOOTING.COM/RVA/
6 - HTTP://WWW.RWMURRAY.COM/PORTFOLIO/ELITE-SHOOTING-SPORTS
7 - HTTP://WWW.CENTENNIALGUNCLUB.COM/
8 - HTTP://WWW.FISHERMT.COM/FEATURED/THREE-SIGHTS-INDOOR-SHOOTING-RANGE/
9 - HTTP://WWW.CCSSEF.ORG/EDUCATION-MARKSMANSHIP-CENTER/
3 - ARTICLE II RANGE, LOMBARD, IL
2 - TORONTO INTERNATIONAL TRAP & SKEET CLUB, ONTARIO, CANADA
1 - POWAY WEAPONS AND GEAR RANGE, POWAY, CA
4 - THE RANGE AT AUSTIN, AUSTIN, TX 7 - CENTENNIAL GUN CLUB, CENTENNIAL, CO
8 - THREE SIGHTS INDOOR SHOOTING RANGE, BILLINGS, MT
9 - CHESHIRE COUNTY SHOOTING SPORTS EDUCATION CENTER, KEENE, NH
5 - COLONIAL SHOOTING ACADEMY, RICHMOND, VA
6 - ELITE SHOOTING SPORTS, MANASSAS, VA
14MOUNDS VIEW, MN / 07.17.2017 / 17-0017
Global Real Estate Management LLC - Mounds View Apartments
REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS BY OTHERS
Item No. 5
Meeting Date: July 17, 2017
Type of Business: Work Session
City Administrator Review: ______
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Don Peterson, Interim Director of Public Works
Item Title/Subject: Becoming a “Pollinator Friendly” Community
Introduction
City Council recently discussed the possibility of become a ‘pollinator friendly’ city and Staff has
researched what this would encompass. At the May 1, 2017 Work Session Staff inquired on what
the City Council’s goals for this program are and to then establish a tentative timeline for Staff to
complete the necessary research.
Staff discussed the topic of being a pollinator friendly city with the Parks and Recreation and
Forestry Commission on April 27, 2017 regarding the possible effect on the city parks due to the
proposed capital expenditures. The Parks and Recreation and Forestry Commission is in
agreement with moving forward with becoming a “pollinator friendly” community where it is
practical and the budget allows. The Commission also was in favor of starting small and looking
at a few parks and green spaces where pollinator friendly plantings could occur and be
maintained.
Discussion
Attached is the Pollinator Protection Action List, provides a number of steps that could be taken
to assist with the protection of not only bees, but butterflies, beetles and song birds as well. The
City of Mounds View could take a number of the actions, for example ‘Cease systemic insecticides
especially neonicotinoids and fipronil.’ However, that action may increase the amount of non-
noxious ‘weeds’ such as dandelion throughout City owned property which. Staff will still be
required to treat noxious weeds such as Canadian thistle. The Pollinator Protection Action List
can be used as a guide along with using other resources to establish Best Management Practices,
“BMP’s” that can be used by the City of Mounds View.
Attached is a draft resolution ENDORSING "POLINATOR FREINDLY" POLICIES AND
PROCEDURES for the City Council to review.
Recommendation
There are a large number of actions that could be incorporated into this effort. Staff would like to
discuss the desired goals and possible effects that could occur as a result. Having clear goals
from the Council will assist Staff in further selection of what BMPs should be established for the
City of Mounds View.
Respectfully Submitted,
Don Peterson, Interim Director of Public Works
RESOLUTION XXXX
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
A RESOLUTION ENDORSING "POLINATOR FREINDLY" POLICIES AND
PROCEDURES
WHEREAS, the City Council of Mounds View, along with the Park and
Recreations and Forestry Commission have discussed the study and understanding of
promoting a healthy natural environment through the reduction and elimination of
harmful pesticides; and,
WHEREAS, bees and other pollinators are integral to a wide diversity of essential
foods including fruit, nuts, and vegetables; and,
WHEREAS, native bees and honey bees are threatened due to habitat loss,
pesticide use, the pathogens and parasites; and,
WHEREAS, recent research suggests that there is a link between pesticides that
contain neonicotinoids and the die-off of plant pollinators, including honey bees, native
bees, butterflies, moths, and other insects; and,
WHEREAS, neonicotinoids are synthetic chemical insecticides that are similar in
structure and action to nicotine, a naturally occurring plant compound; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council finds it is in the public interest and consistent with
adopted City policy for the City to demonstrate its commitment to a safe and healthy
community environment through the implementation of pest management practices in
the maintenance of city parks, green spaces and city property.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Mounds
View, Ramsey County, Minnesota as follows:
1. The City shall undertake its best efforts to become a ‘Bee-Safe’ City by undertaking
best management practices in the use of plantings and pesticides in all public
places within the City.
2. The City shall refrain from the use of systemic pesticides on Mounds View
City property including pesticides from the neonicotinoid family.
3. The City shall undertake its best efforts to plant flowers favorable to bees
and other pollinators in the City's public spaces.
4. The City shall designate ‘Bee-Safe’ areas in which future City plantings are
free from systemic pesticides including neonicotinoids.
5. The City shall undertake best efforts to communicate to Mounds View
residents the importance of creating and maintaining a pollinator - friendly
habitat.
6. The City shall publish a Bee-Safe City Progress Report on an annual basis.
Adopted this 24th day of July, 2017.
____________________________________
Carol A Muller, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________________
James Ericson, City Administrator
(SEAL)
POLLINATOR PROTECTION ACTION LIST Protect the life that
sustains us
Declining pollinator populations like honey bees, native bees, beetles and others are crucial
to our food supply and ecosystem. Now is the time to take action. It’s the right thing to do.
Replace Turf
Transform under-utilized areas of turf to gardens, meadows, prairie and bee or low mow lawns.
New construction and plans include habitat instead of turf.
Ecologically Sound Practices Replace Pesticides
Cease systemic insecticides especially neonicotinoids and fipronil.
Develop Integrated Pest Management Program that focuses on ecologically sound practices.
Conduct an annual inventory of current pesticides and practices; update with least toxic options.
Use non-toxic alternatives to pesticides like controlled burns and organic methods. (see alternative
pesticide list)
Read pesticide labels thoroughly, keep staff updated on pesticide certification
Evaluate, Monitor and Research
Conduct research on pollinator populations and pollinator best practices.
Evaluate current practices, keep records and monitor results.
Develop and pay attention to thresholds, tolerate some insect damage and unwanted plants.
Educate and Innovate
Get community involved. Provide conservation education and citizen science programs.
Take time to vision new and innovative practices, programs and actions.
Raise awareness by promoting pollinator friendly practices in social media, website and printed
materials.
Bee a good example - Share your knowledge with colleagues and the public.
Learn plant identification to better discern habitats such as native thistle.
Send staff to technical training to update them on ecologically sound practices.
Ecology: Restore, Plant and Build
Use regenerative practices like beneficial insects, beetle banks, buffer strips, hedgerows, and
wind breaks.
Leave plantings intact until spring to allow overwintering insects hibernation nesting areas.
Choose untreated native plants that bloom in spring, summer and fall for abundant pollinator
resources.
Choose untreated native plants that maximize water filtration and soil stabilization, and will
attract pollinators and
predators that prey on garden pests.
Commit to annual goals for habitat restoration and installation.
Steward existing woodlands to promote woodland groundcover which provide early nectar
resources.
Create pesticide free zones and corridors in right of ways, roadsides, in parks and public lands.
Carefully plan mowing. Implement alternate roadside mows to avoid harming animals and
habitat.
Change Perceptions
Tolerate bee “weeds” such as dandelions, creeping charlie, and native thistle.
Adopt not-so-tidy areas for habitat and nesting areas; mulch or wood piles, hedgerows and
beetle banks.
Change perceptions of maintenance…accept some plant damage and imperfections.
Don’t spray swarm. Save bees by calling the statewide swarm catchers 651-436-7915.
Advocate and Legislate
Insist on untreated plants and seeds from your plant sources. Be diligent in asking your grower.
Purchase pesticide free and non-GMO products.
Recommend changes to policy and practices for pollinator protection.
Implement a pollinator friendly resolution in your community or county.
Meet with legislators to encourage pollinator friendly legislation and restrict pesticides.
Encourage businesses, churches, schools and groups to implement pollinator friendly
resolutions.
Form an environmental commission or pollinator consortium.
March 1, 2017 by Pollinator Friendly Alliance & Washington County Pollinator Consortium
Item No: 06
Meeting Date: July 17, 2017
Type of Business: Work Session
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: James Ericson, City Administrator
Item Title/Subject: Review City Administrator Position
Discussion:
As the City Council is aware, I have expressed my intent to resign as the City Administrator
effective Friday, September 8, 2017. With almost two months’ advance notice, the Council
has ample time to discuss how it would like to proceed with the filling of the position.
For previous vacancies of the City Administrator position, the City has contracted with an
executive search firm to recruit for the position. I have reached out to the firm who
conducted the most recent executive search in 2007 (Springsted) and requested a quote
for such services. I would anticipate the cost would range between $20,000 and $25,000.
In my remaining time here, I would like to be as effective as possible in addressing certain
City Council priorities. I will be preparing a list of outstanding projects, back-burner items,
and other short and long term tasks, along with the Council’s adopted goals for 2017. If
the Council would like certain tasks completed over others, it would be helpful to know that
in advance.
Recommendation:
Discuss the impending vacancy of the city administrator position and provide direction on
the desired process to fill the position. In addition, provide direction if there are certain
tasks or projects you would like addressed / completed between now and September 8,
2017.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
James Ericson
City Administrator
Item No: 07
Meeting Date: July 17, 2017
Type of Business: Work Session
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: James Ericson, City Administrator
Item Title/Subject: Guidelines for City Removal of Storm Debris
Introduction:
The metro area experienced some severe weather the morning of July 12, 2017. Storms,
which including straight-line winds, caused some localized damage to properties near Long
Lake Road, Sherwood Road and Hillview Road. Trees were uprooted and many large tree
limbs fell in the storm, some falling on structures and vehicles. Other parts of the City
however were untouched. Due to the narrow swath of storm damage, it was
communicated to residents that the City would not be collecting storm debris. Some
residents were displeased with this decision which prompted staff to prepare the attached
information for the City Council.
Discussion:
In the last 20 years, there have been just two severe weather events which resulted in the
City coordinating a collection of storm debris. The threshold to initiate a city-wide clean up
in those cases was the extent of the damage being more widespread throughout the City
rather than isolated. The last such event occurred in 2005, and the total cost to the City
exceeded $100,000, which did not include a significant amount of staff time. After the July
12 storm, some residents have asked what the policy is to make such a determination. We
do not have a formal policy or even guidelines, which after asking other cities the same
question, seems to be typical.
After the June hail event which caused so much property damage in Blaine, the League of
MN Cities put together some information to assist cities dealing with storm events and their
potentially damaging after-effects. Only one City was referenced as having a policy, and
that was Saint Paul. Other cities post language on their websites that residents are
responsible for tree debris on their own property—regardless of how widespread the event
is. The League suggests that if a City DOES decide to collect tree debris resulting from a
storm that the decision to do so be announced within 24 hours after the storm’s conclusion.
Recommendation:
Review the attached information and provide staff with direction.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
James Ericson
City Administrator
I reached out to Ramsey County to find out if it would be possible to utilize the Ardan
Park compost site for dropping off “woody” storm debris. I spoke with John Springman,
Environmental Health Supervisor for the County, who indicated that it would not be
possible to temporarily use Ardan Park, and he cited a couple reasons:
1. The site is not licensed for such use—apparently there are state and local
permits that would be required.
2. The site is too close to residential units who would be bothered by the loud noise
of industrial tree chippers.
3. Allowing drop off of woody materials, even temporarily, will cause future
problems as residents will expect the site would always be able to accommodate
the debris.
4. Finally, there are space limitations at the Ardan Park site that would make such a
drop off impractical if not impossible.
Thus, as much as they’d like to be flexible in this instance, it will not be possible to use
Ardan Park. Two other sites are recommended:
1. Arden Hills Brush Site (South of County E2)
3530 Hudson Ave, Arden Hills
2. White Bear Township site (South of County Rd J)
5900 Sherwood Rd, White Bear Township
For more information, call (651) 633-3279