HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packets - 2011/03/14CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
MOUNDS VIEW CITY HALL
Monday, March 14, 2011
7:00 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL: Flaherty, Stigney, Hull, Mueller, Gunn
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. PUBLIC INPUT:
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.
6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
7. COUNCIL BUSINESS
A. Resolution 7752, Authorizing Step Wage Adjustments for Nick DeBar, Public
Works Director, and Don Peterson, Public Works Supervisor
B. Resolution 7753 Appointing Jean Miller as the 2010 Citizen of the Year
C. Resolution 7754, Approving the Hire of Agnes Quasabart to the Position of
Accountant in the Finance Department
D. Resolution 7755, Adopting Council Priorities for 2011
8. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Set a Public Hearing for Monday, March 28, 2011 at 7:05pm to Consider an
Interim Use Permit for a Temporary Tent at the Mermaid Entertainment
Center, 2200 County Highway 10
B. Set a Public Hearing for Monday, March 28, 2011 at 7:10pm to Consider an
Easement Vacation on 5260 O’Connell Drive as part of the Coventry Senior
Living Development
C. Resolution 7751, Accepting Donation from Bethlehem Baptist Church and
Approving Redistribution of Funds Totaling $17,230
D. Resolution 7756 Approving a Memorandum of Understanding between the
City and LELS 232 regarding Training Stipend
9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS
10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. February 14, 2011, City Council Minutes
B. February 28, 2011, City Council Minutes
City Council Agenda
Monday, March 14, 2011
Page 2
11. REPORTS
A. Reports of Mayor and Council
B. Reports of Staff
1. Community Development Department 2010 Report
2. Police Department 2010 Report
3. Administrator Report
C. Reports of City Attorney
12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, April 4, 2010, at 7pm
Next Council Meeting: Monday, March 28, 2011, at 7pm
13. ADJOURNMENT
Item No: 07B
Meeting Date: March 14, 2011
Type of Business: CB
Administrator Review: ____
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Desaree Crane, Assistant City Administrator
Item Title/Subject: Resolution 7753, Appointing Jean Miller as the 2010
Citizen of the Year Award
Background:
The City of Mounds View Citizen of the Year Award recognizes ordinary citizens who have
demonstrated initiative to improving the community. Past recipients of this award include:
2004: David Jahnke
2005: Frank Silvis
2006: Ed Lanz
2007: Don Hodges
2008: Barbara Haake
2009: Diane Wuori
Discussion:
The City of Mounds View Citizen of the Year Award recognizes a Mounds View resident who
represents the energetic, courageous, persistent and informed involvement of an ordinary
citizen in the issues and challenges that affect the City of Mounds View. The award seeks to
honor highly effective community leaders who have invested a significant amount of time
improving their community.
The City received five nomination forms (two of the nomination forms are for one resident) for
the Mounds View Citizen of the Year Award. Nominations were reviewed by the City Council
at the March 7th Work Session. The City Council made a decision to designate the 2010
Mounds View Citizen of the Year Award to Jean Miller.
The Mounds View Citizen of the Year Award is scheduled to be presented at the April 18th
Town Hall Meeting, located at Mounds View City Hall. Ms. Miller has been notified, and will
be attending. Staff has attached a draft of the plaque that will be presented at the Town Hall
Meeting.
Item 07B
March 14, 2011, City Council Meeting
Page 2
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council approve the attached Resolution 7753, Appointing
Jean Miller as the 2010 Mounds View Citizen of the Year.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________
Desaree Crane
RESOLUTION NO. 7753
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE
2010 MOUNDS VIEW CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD
WHEREAS, the Mounds View Citizen of the Year Award recognizes ordinary citizens
who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to improving their communities; and
WHEREAS, the Mounds View Citizen of the Year Award recognizes a Mounds View
resident who represents the energetic, courageous, persistent and informed involvement of
an ordinary citizen in the issues and challenges that affect the City; and
WHEREAS, nominations were solicited from the public and were reviewed by the City
Council; and
WHEREAS, Jean Miller, 2291 Hillview Road, was selected from the nominations and
meets the criteria outlined in the policy; and
WHEREAS, Jean Miller, as a citizen of Mounds View, has exemplified the courage and
determination to follow her values; and
WHEREAS, Jean Miller has demonstrated drive and initiative in her approach to
citizenship and has worked steadfastly with various community groups and organizations; and
WHEREAS, Jean Miller has volunteered a significant amount of time and energy to
further community causes and issues; and
WHEREAS, her efforts have generated positive results for the community; and
WHEREAS, she has contributed her efforts unselfishly, not expecting anything in
return.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mounds View City Council does
hereby present the 2010 Mounds View Citizen of the Year Award to Jean Miller, in sincere
gratitude and appreciation for efforts as a Mounds View citizen.
Adopted this 14th day of March, 2011
______________________________
Joe Flaherty, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
James Ericson, City Administrator
(seal)
(AWARD TO BE PRESENTED AT THE TOWN HALL MEETING)
2010 MOUNDS VIEW CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Presented to
JEAN MILLER
In recognition of many years of community participation and dedicated service as a citizen
of Mounds View
WHEREAS, Jean Miller, as a citizen of Mounds View, has exemplified the courage, initiative,
and determination to follow her values; and
WHEREAS, she has demonstrated drive and initiative in her approach to leadership, and has
worked consistently with various community groups and organizations; and
WHEREAS, she has volunteered a significant amount of time, passion, and energy to further
community causes and issues; and
WHEREAS, she unselfishly gave her efforts, not expecting anything in return; and
WHEREAS, her efforts have generated positive results for the community.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council does hereby present the 2010
Mounds View Citizenship Award to Jean Miller, in sincere gratitude and appreciation for
efforts as a Mounds View citizen.
Presented by the
MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL
April 18, 2011
Item No: 07C
Meeting Date: March 14, 2011
Type of Business: CB
Administrator Review: ____
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Desaree Crane, Assistant City Administrator
Item Title/Subject: Resolution 7754, Approving the Hire of Agnes Quasabart
to the Position of Accountant in the Finance Department
Background:
Mary Tatarek will be retiring with more than 30 years of service with the City. Her last day
with the City is on April 22, 2011.
At the January 24, 2011, City Council Meeting, the City Council authorized Staff to start the
process of filling the pending vacant Accountant position prior to Ms. Tatarek’s retirement.
This gives the City an opportunity to find a replacement and utilize the knowledge and
experience of the incumbent to assist in training her replacement.
Discussion:
Staff advertised the opening on the City’s website, the League of MN Cities website, and with
the StarTribune. Staff received over eight (80) applications, and interviewed eight (8)
candidates. There were two (2) interview panels. The first panel consisted of Finance
Director Mark Beer, Arden Hills Finance Director Sue Iverson, and Assistant City
Administrator Desaree Crane. The second interview panel consisted of Accountant Mary
Tatarek, Payroll/Utility Specialist Debbie Jasper, and Accounts Payable Clerk Marge
Norquist. It was the consensus of Staff to recommend Agnes Quasabart to the position of
Accountant.
Ms. Quasabart is currently employed as Deputy Treasurer with the City of Columbus,
Minnesota, since 2006. Her other qualifications include a bachelors degree in Accounting
and has a current CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license. Reference checks and
background checks are complete and satisfactory.
The Accountant position is an exempt, union position. Staff is recommending Step 1 of the
City’s pay plan at $24.84/hour for Ms. Quasabart, with an increase to Step 1.5 of the salary
range (currently $25.62/hrhour) after six months of employment, and to Step 2 of the salary
range (currently $26.39/hour) after 1 year of employment. Ms. Quasabart has been notified
that all increases are subject to a satisfactory performance evaluation and City Council
consideration.
Ms. Quasabart would begin employment on Tuesday, March 29, 2011.
Item 07C
March 14, 2012, City Council Meeting
Council Business
Page 2
Recommendation:
Staff recommends the City Council adopt Resolution 7754, a resolution approving the
hire of Agnes Quasabart to the position of Accountant.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
Desaree Crane
RESOLUTION NO. 7754
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
A Resolution Approving the Hire of Agnes Quasabart
to the Position of Accountant in the Finance Department
WHEREAS, upon direction from the Mounds View City Council, the Accountant
position was advertised; and
WHEREAS, over eighty (80) applications were received for the position and eight (8)
were chosen for interview; and,
WHEREAS, Ms. Agnes Quasabart’s skills and experience were determined to most
closely match the duties and responsibilities as outlined in the Accountant job description;
and
WHEREAS, Ms. Quasabart’s criminal background, credit check, and reference
checks are complete and satisfactory.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mounds View City Council
appoints Ms. Agnes Quasabart to the position of Accountant with employment to
commence on March 29, 2011.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the City Council approves the salary scale for the
Accountant as indicated herein, with a starting salary for Ms. Quasabart at Step 1 of the
City’s pay plan at $24.84/hour, with an increase to Step 1.5 of the salary range (currently
$25.62/hour) after six months of employment, Step 2 after one year of employment, Step 3
after two years of employment, Step 4 after 3 years of employment, and Step 5 after 4
years of employment, subject to City Council authorization.
Adopted this 14th day of March, 2011.
Joe Flaherty, Mayor
ATTEST:
James Ericson, Clerk-Administrator
(SEAL)
Item No: 7D
Meeting Date: March 14, 2011
Type of Business: CB
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: James Ericson, City Administrator
Item Title/Subject: Resolution 7755 Approving the 2011 City Council Priorities
Introduction:
On February 15, 2011, the Mounds View City Council held a retreat at Random Park with
the department heads to discuss, among other things, goals and priorities for 2011.
Discussion:
At the retreat, the Council began its goal setting session by reviewing the City’s mission,
vision and Values statements.
The Mission Statement describes the organization's overall purpose and reason for
existing:
OUR MISSION IS TO PROVIDE HIGH QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICES
THAT EFFECTIVELY ADDRESSES CHANGING CITIZEN AND
COMMUNITY NEEDS IN A FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE AND CUSTOMER-
FRIENDLY MANNER.
The Vision Statement is a mental image of a possible and desirable future state of the
organization.
WE SEE MOUNDS VIEW AS A PROACTIVE COMMUNITY THAT TAKES
PRIDE IN ITS ACHIEVEMENTS. WE ARE RESPONSIVE TO THE
CHANGING NEEDS AND INTERESTS OF OUR RESIDENTS AND OUR
BUSINESSES. AS A RESULT, OUR COMMUNITY THRIVES AND
PROSPERS
The Values Statement reflects the spirit of the city and defines the core values that
guide the day-to-day activities of city personnel. The following values are fundamental
to the City’s success and the fulfillment of its mission:
1. Excellence and Quality in the Delivery of Services
We believe that service to the public is our reason for being and strive
to deliver quality services in a highly-professional and cost-effective
manner.
2. Fiscal Responsibility
We believe that fiscal responsibility and prudent stewardship of public
funds essential for citizen confidence in government.
2011 Council Priorities
March 8, 2011
Page 2
3. Ethics and Integrity
We believe that ethics and integrity are the foundation blocks of public
trust and confidence and that all meaningful relationships are built on
these vales.
4. Treating Citizens with Respect
We believe that citizens are to be treated with courtesy and respect and
deserve the best services we can provide.
5. Open and Honest Communication
We believe that open and honest communication is essential for an
informed and involved citizenry and to foster an positive working
environment for employees.
6. Cooperation and Teamwork
We believe that the public is best served when departments and
employees work cooperatively as a team rather than at cross purposes.
7. Professionalism
We believe that continuous improvement is the mark of professionalism
and are committed to applying this principle to the services we offer and
the development of our employees.
8. Continuous Learning
We believe that continuous learning and ongoing education of our elected and
appointed officials will allow us to better recognize current opportunities,
anticipate change and prepare for the future.
After reviewing the mission, visions and values statements, the Council reviewed last
year’s adopted goals and priorities, which were as follows:
1. Address Immediate Budget Constraints and Achieve Budget Sustainability
2. Enhance City Revenue Streams
3. Focus on County Highway 10 Development and Redevelopment
4. Continue implementing the Street and Utility Improvement Program
5. Continue Emphasis on Code Enforcement throughout the City
6. Ensure Long-Term Municipal I-net Backbone Connectivity
7. Continue Focus on Issues Relating to Home Foreclosures and Vacancies
8. Assess and Improve Community Center Operations
9. Continue to Encourage Public Participation and Improve Communications
2011 Council Priorities
March 8, 2011
Page 3
In an effort to streamline and clarify the direction to staff, the Council reorganized the
goals as a shorter list of priorities for 2011, which are as follows:
• Work Toward Long-Term Budget Sustainability
• Enhance Sources of City Revenue
• Support and Continue Implementation of Street and Utility Improvement Program
• Address Code Enforcement Issues
• Assess and Improve Community Center Operations
• Encourage Public participation and Improve Communications and Business
Outreach
After consideration of these new priorities, the Council asked that staff prepare a resolution
to formally adopt them as the Council priorities for 2011.
Recommendation:
Approve Resolution 7755, a resolution adopting the City Council’s identified priorities for
2011.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
James Ericson
City Administrator
RESOLUTION NO. 7755
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CITY COUNCIL’S IDENTIFIED
PRIORITIES FOR 2011
WHEREAS, the City Council together with department heads held a management
and planning retreat on February 15, 2011 at the Random Park building; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council reviewed and discussed the many issues and
challenges presently faced by the City; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council identified their most important priorities for 2011, which
are as follows:
• Work Toward Long-Term Budget Sustainability
• Enhance Sources of City Revenue
• Support and Continue Implementation of Street and Utility Improvement
Program
• Address Code Enforcement Issues
• Assess and Improve Community Center Operations
• Encourage Public participation and Improve Communications and Business
Outreach
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Mounds View City Council does
hereby approve the referenced priorities for 2011.
Adopted this 14th day of March, 2011.
_______________________________
Joe Flaherty, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
James Ericson, Clerk - Administrator
(seal)
Item No: 08C
Meeting Date: March 14, 2011
Type of Business: Consent
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: James Ericson, City Administrator
Item Title/Subject: Resolution 7751 Accepting a Donation from Bethlehem
Baptist Church in the Amount of $17,230 and Authorizing
Distribution of Funds
Introduction:
Bethlehem Baptist Church purchased the building located at 5151 Program Avenue in
2004 and received City zoning approval to renovate the former office / warehouse space
for church usage. At the same time, the Church expressed its desire to sponsor and
support worthy community endeavors and created the Mounds View Service Project Fund
pledging annual donations totaling $25,000. They envisioned the fund to be used to help
meet certain community needs jointly identified by the city and the Church that would be “in
harmony” with their mission and values.
Discussion:
Representatives from the City, the Community Center and the Park & Rec Commission
met with representatives from Bethlehem Baptist Church on February 18, 2011, to discuss
potential funding opportunities for the first half 2011 service project fund donation which
totaled $17,230. A number of programs and improvements which had been reviewed by
the Park and Recreation Commission, Community Center and Staff were highlighted for
Bethlehem’s consideration. Subsequent to the meeting, the Church responded with a
letter dated February 28, 2011, recommending the following disbursement schedule:
Club Mid $6,000.00
Music in the Park $2,000.00
Festival in the Park $1,000.00
Y-Partners $1,000.00
Edgewood Summer SAIL program $1,000.00
Disc Golf Asphalt Tees $2,000.00
Batting Cage L-Screen $ 858.50
Mobile Dental Clinic $ 500.00
EDA Activities $2,871.50
Recommendation:
Attached for your consideration is Resolution 7751, a resolution which accepts the
donation from Bethlehem Baptist Church in the amount of $17,230 and authorizes the
distribution of the donations according to the Church’s recommendations.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
James Ericson
City Administrator
RESOLUTION 7751
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A DONATION FROM BETHLEHEM BAPTIST CHURCH
IN THE AMOUNT OF $17,230 AND AUTHORIZING DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS
WHEREAS, Since its establishment in Mounds View in 2004, Bethlehem Baptist
Church has generously supported activities that have benefited the residents of Mounds
View; and
WHEREAS, Bethlehem Baptist Church would like to continue that support by
making a contribution to the City of Mounds View of $17,230 to support the following
programs and activities:
Club Mid $6,000.00
Music in the Park $2,000.00
Festival in the Park $1,000.00
Y-Partners $1,000.00
Edgewood Summer SAIL program $1,000.00
Disc Golf Asphalt Tees $2,000.00
Batting Cage L-Screen $ 858.50
Mobile Dental Clinic $ 500.00
EDA Activities $2,871.50
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mounds View City Council
gratefully acknowledges and accepts the donation of $17,230 from Bethlehem Baptist
Church, authorizes the distribution of the funds as directed herein, and approves the
amendment of the 2011 Budget accordingly.
Adopted this 14th day of March, 2011
_____________________________________
Joe Flaherty, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________________
James Ericson, City Administrator
(seal)
Item No: 8D
Meeting Date: March 14, 2011
Type of Business: Consent
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: James Ericson, City Administrator
Item Title/Subject: Resolution 7756 Approving a Memorandum of
Understanding between the City and LELS 232 regarding a
Training Stipend
Introduction:
Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. is the bargaining group representing both the patrol
officers and the sergeants. The Patrol unit is Local 204 while the Sergeants unit is Local
232.
Discussion:
W hen the City hires new patrol officers, other officers within the unit provide the field
training. The patrol officers who perform the training are referred to as Field Training
Officers, and according to the labor agreement with the patrol officers, when the officers
are needed to provide this training, they qualify for an additional stipend of $154.50 per
month, or prorated as may be the case.
Due to recent promotions from the patrol officer ranks, the staff that had been certified to
conduct such training has been depleted. It will likely be the case that one or both of the
recently promoted sergeants will need to provide field training services in the interim,
however there is no corresponding training stipend in the Sergeants’ labor agreement.
Attached is a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) approved by the bargaining group,
the City Administrator and the City Attorney. To ensure the department is able to provide
the new police officer with the training needed, the MOU indicates that the same stipend
available to the Patrol unit would be available to the Sergeants unit.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of Resolution 7756, a resolution approving a Memorandum of
Understanding between the City of Mounds View and LELS 232 regarding a training
stipend.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
James Ericson
City Administrator
RESOLUTION NO. 7756
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION APPROVING A MEMORANDUMOF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
THE CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW AND LAW ENFORCEMENT LABOR SERVICES, INC.
LOCAL NO. 232 REGARDING A TRAINING STIPEND
WHEREAS, the City of Mounds View has recently hired a new patrol officer who will
be going through a field training program with certified training officers; and,
WHEREAS, the field training services have traditionally been provided by members
of the Patrol Officers bargaining unit; and,
WHEREAS, as a result of recent promotions, there is a shortage of such certified
training officers in the patrol ranks, necessitating the use of sergeants for such purposes;
and,
WHEREAS, the existing labor agreement with LELS 232 (Sergeants) does not
presently include a field training stipend, necessitating the creation of a Memorandum of
Understanding.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Mounds View City Council
approves the attached Memorandum of Understanding adding language relating to a field
training stipend in the same amount as provided in the patrol officer contract.
Adopted this 14th day of March, 2011.
_______________________________
Joe Flaherty, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
James Ericson, Clerk - Administrator
(seal)
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
FTO STIPEND
This Memorandum of Understanding is made between Law Enforcement Labor Services, Local
232 (“Union”) and the City of Mounds View (“City.”)
WHEREAS, the Union and the City are parties to a collective bargaining agreement;
WHEREAS, the collective bargaining agreement does not contain a provision to
compensate Union members for performing Field Training Officer duties;
WHEREAS, the Field Training Officer duties have been traditionally performed by Patrol
Officers and those Patrol Officers received a stipend(s) for performing those duties;
WHEREAS, Union members are now being assigned Field Training Officer duties;
NOW THEREFORE, the parties agree that each Union member will receive a stipend in
the amount of $154.50 per month, or prorated for periods of less than one month, during any
period when the Union member is actively assigned a trainee for training.
LAW ENFORCEMENT LABOR CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
SERVICES, INC.
_________________________________ __________________________________
Business Agent date date
_________________________________ __________________________________
Steward, Local 232 date date
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL 1
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW 2
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA 3
4
Regular Meeting 5
February 14, 2011 6
Mounds View City Hall 7
2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 8
7:00 P.M. 9
10
11
1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 12
13
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 14
15
3. ROLL CALL: Flaherty, Stigney, Hull, Mueller, Gunn. 16
17
NOT PRESENT: None. 18
19
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 20
A. Monday, February 14, 2011, City Council Agenda. 21
22
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Monday, February 14, 2011, agenda as 23
presented. 24
25
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 26
27
5. PUBLIC INPUT 28
29
None. 30
31
6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 32
33
None. 34
35
7. COUNCIL BUSINESS 36
A. 7:05 p.m. Public Hearing: 37
1. Resolution 7739, Approving an On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License 38
Transfer from MoundsVista, Inc., (dba The Mermaid) to Mermaid 39
Acquisition Group, Inc. at 2200 Highway 10. 40
41
Assistant City Administrator Crane explained that MoundsVista, Inc. has a working relationship 42
with Mermaid Acquisition Group and would like to transfer the On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor 43
License. All City requirements have been met at this time and all outstanding property taxes 44
have been paid in full. She indicated it has been a great pleasure working with Michael 45
Mounds View City Council February 14, 2011
Regular Meeting Page 2
Anderson, and his staff at the Mermaid Acquisition Group. Staff recommended approval of the 1
license transfer. 2
3
Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:08 p.m. 4
5
Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:08 p.m. 6
7
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7739, 8
Approving an On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License Transfer from MoundsVista, Inc., (dba The 9
Mermaid) to Mermaid Acquisition Group, Inc. at 2200 Highway 10. 10
11
Mayor Flaherty welcomed the Mermaid Acquisition Group to the City of Mounds View. He 12
questioned when the acquisition would occur and why there was a need for a management 13
contract. Michael Anderson, President of Mermaid Acquisition Group, indicated the Mermaid 14
was in default with the bank due to outstanding and unpaid taxes. The purchase could not be 15
completed until those issues were resolved. Mr. Anderson indicated his organization wanted to 16
see business continue as usual while the issues were resolved, which was the reason for the 17
management contract. He thanked staff for working with him so diligently on the license 18
transfers. 19
20
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 21
22
2. Resolution 7740, Approving a Bowling and Restaurant License Transfer 23
from MoundsVista, Inc. (dba The Mermaid) to Mermaid Acquisition 24
Group, Inc. at 2200 Highway 10. 25
26
Assistant City Administrator Crane stated that MoundsVista, Inc. has a working relationship with 27
Mermaid Acquisition Group and would like to make a license transfer for Bowling and 28
Restaurant services. Staff recommended approval of the license transfer. 29
30
Councilmember Mueller questioned if The Mermaid employees retained their positions with this 31
acquisition. Michael Anderson, President of Mermaid Acquisition Group, stated staffing has not 32
changed at the Mermaid. 33
34
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7740, 35
Approving a Bowling and Restaurant License Transfer from MoundsVista, Inc., (dba The 36
Mermaid) to Mermaid Acquisition Group, Inc. at 2200 Highway 10. 37
38
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 39
40
B. Resolution 7734, A Resolution Concerning the Commencement of Formal 41
renewal proceedings under the federal cable communications policy act of 42
1984, as amended. 43
44
City Administrator Ericson indicated in October 2010, the City received correspondence from 45
Mounds View City Council February 14, 2011
Regular Meeting Page 3
Comcast indicating they would like to move forward with the renewal process. The current cable 1
commission renewal is set to expire in October of 2013. The Resolution before the Council will 2
provide Comcast with the knowledge that they have the right to negotiate on the City’s behalf. 3
All member cities would need to approve this document. Staff recommends approval of the 4
Resolution. 5
6
Rick Montour, Cable Commission member, encouraged the Council’s support and reviewed the 7
City’s within the Commission that already approved the Resolution. 8
9
Mayor Flaherty questioned if this was a continuation of the previous agreement. Steve Gazetta, 10
North Suburban Cable Commission, indicated the Resolution was not an extension but a new 11
agreement with Comcast. He explained the Commission would begin negotiating terms for the 12
10 member cities. 13
14
Mayor Flaherty asked what changes would be expected through the new agreement. Mr. Gazetta 15
stated cable television services would be provided, but there would be no guarantee of telephone 16
or internet services. The FCC has ordered new requirements for cable providers and franchise 17
fees. The Commission was aware of these new limits. He further reviewed the negotiation and 18
contracting process with the Council and encouraged the City of Mounds View to remain united 19
with the Commission through this process. 20
21
Councilmember Stigney inquired if the 5% franchise fee would be an issue for Comcast. Mr. 22
Gazetta stated the 5% was not the issue, more so the gross or net revenues from which this 23
percentage was taken. He explained the current contract was based on gross revenues. 24
25
Councilmember Mueller questioned the term length for this contract and how the term would be 26
negotiated. Mr. Gazetta stated the term of the contract would be negotiated with Comcast and 27
would depend on the commitment that Comcast is willing to make to the franchise term. In some 28
cases there would be a ten year commitment and others are five years. 29
30
Mayor Flaherty asked how the negotiated contract with Comcast affected the residents of 31
Mounds View. Finance Director Beer stated residents would see a 5% franchise fee written into 32
their billing statements, along with a $3.50 peg fee. These 5% franchise fee funds were then 33
returned to the City funding a cable productions position for the City. The peg fees were passed 34
along to the Commission. 35
36
Commissioner Gunn inquired if free local channel hookup would be available through Comcast 37
in the new contract. Mr. Montour stated the universal service would be negotiated. If all 38
communities felt strongly about this issue, it would be conveyed to Comcast. 39
40
Councilmember Stigney questioned if Comcast was collecting 5% for cable, telephone and 41
internet. Mr. Montour stated at one time, Comcast was collecting for internet services, but 42
regulations have changed and internet services were now viewed as informational. 43
44
Councilmember Mueller thanked the gentleman for their efforts on the negotiations that would 45
Mounds View City Council February 14, 2011
Regular Meeting Page 4
take place on behalf of the City of Mounds View. 1
2
Finance Director Beer questioned if any further funds would be needed for negotiations. Mr. 3
Montour indicated the Commission has budgeted legal fees for the negotiations. However, if the 4
process were to be long and drawn out, the Commission may come back before the City. 5
6
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7734, A 7
Resolution Concerning the Commencement of Formal Renewal Proceedings under the Federal 8
Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, as amended. 9
10
Councilmember Mueller requested that a summary of the Resolution and tonight’s discussion be 11
posted on the City’s website for informational purposes. 12
13
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 14
15
C. Resolution 7738, Approving Transfers Between Funds for the Year 2010. 16
17
Finance Director Beer stated indicated the proposed transfers were budgeted in 2010 and were 18
being made to coincide with capital outlay projects and EDA expenditures. He requested the 19
Council approve the transfers as submitted. 20
21
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7738, 22
Approving Transfers Between Funds for the Year 2010. 23
24
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 25
26
D. Resolution 7742, Authorizing KLM Engineering, Inc. to Prepare Technical 27
Specifications for the Elevated Water Tower Reconditioning Project. 28
29
Public Works Director DeBar explained the City was looking to contract with KLM Engineering 30
to prepare technical specifications for the City’s water tower. The water tower was in need of 31
repair and the work was budgeted for 2011. Staff explained the project would be an open bid 32
process and the design plans would come before the Council once completed. The City would be 33
teaming with KLM through the design process. Staff recommended Council authorize the 34
engineering services and proceed with the water tower reconditioning. 35
36
Councilmember Mueller asked how the City would proceed with this item if funds were not 37
budgeted. Public Works Director DeBar stated the tower would continue to degrade and the 38
City’s water quality would be affected. However, this was not the case, at this time. 39
40
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7742, 41
Authorizing KLM Engineering, Inc. to Prepare Technical Specifications for the Elevated Water 42
Tower Reconditioning Project. 43
44
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 45
Mounds View City Council February 14, 2011
Regular Meeting Page 5
1
E. Resolution 7737, Reapproving the Final Plat for the Select Senior Living 2
Project at County Highway 10 and Groveland Road. 3
4
Community Development Director Roberts indicated Mr. Larson of Select Senior Living has 5
requested the Council reapprove the Final Plat for an additional 120 days. If approved, the plat 6
would be extended to June 14, 2011. The Council first approved the project in October of 2008. 7
The collapse of the real estate and banking markets has provided some difficulties with this 8
project. 9
10
Community Development Director Roberts explained the original Final Plat approval will expire 11
shortly. No changes have been made to the plat or development plans. The re-approval would 12
allow Select Senior Living the necessary timing to complete the financing for this development. 13
Staff recommended Council reapprove the Final Plat. 14
15
Mayor Flaherty appreciated Mr. Larson’s efforts on behalf of this project. 16
17
John Sommerdorf indicated he purchased the property adjacent to Select Senior Living in 18
December and was seeking additional information on the proposed development. Mayor 19
Flaherty and the Councilmembers provided further details on the Select Senior Living 20
development. 21
22
MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7737, 23
Reapproving the Final Plat for the Select Senior Living Project at County Highway 10 and 24
Groveland Road. 25
26
Councilmember Mueller questioned if the property had been purchased by Select Senior Living. 27
Community Development Director Roberts indicated the property had not yet been purchased. 28
29
Councilmember Mueller asked when the site would be ready for occupancy. Community 30
Development Director Roberts stated occupancy would take place 12 months after breaking 31
ground. 32
33
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 34
35
F. Police Department Personnel Actions: 36
1. Resolution 7735, Approving the Promotion of Sgt. Steve Menard to the 37
Position of Deputy Police Chief. 38
39
Police Chief Kinney requested the Council approve the promotion of Sergeant Steve Menard to 40
the position of Deputy Police Chief. This position has been vacant for 16 months. The 41
promotion was discussed and approved by the Police Civil Service Commission on January 26, 42
2011. Staff recommended the Council approve the promotion of Steve Menard to Deputy Police 43
Chief. 44
45
Mounds View City Council February 14, 2011
Regular Meeting Page 6
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Adopt Resolution 7735, Approving the Promotion of 1
Sgt. Steve Menard to the Position of Deputy Police Chief. 2
3
Councilmember Hull questioned if the police department staff was becoming too young and 4
inexperienced. Police Chief Kinney did not feel this was a concern as Sergeant Menard was well 5
qualified for this promotion. He stated there was a good mix of personnel, both veterans and 6
new recruits. 7
8
Councilmember Mueller felt it greatly benefited the City and the Police Department to promote 9
these positions from within. 10
11
Councilmember Stigney questioned if the Deputy Police Chief position needed to be filled at this 12
time. The State has a huge deficit and he felt the structure of the Department should be reviewed 13
prior to approving this promotion. Councilmember Stigney indicated that while Steve Menard 14
was an excellent candidate, he would not support the promotion this evening. 15
16
Mayor Flaherty noted this was discussed by the Council, but the majority of the Council wanted 17
to proceed with filling this position. 18
19
Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Stigney) Motion carried. 20
21
2. Resolution 7736, Approving the Promotion of Officer Tim Wolf to the 22
Position of Sergeant. 23
24
Police Chief Kinney stated that as a result of the promotion of Steve Menard to Deputy Police 25
Chief, the Department would now have a Sergeant vacancy. From the current eligibility list, he 26
recommended Officer Tim Wolf be promoted to the position of Sergeant. 27
28
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Adopt Resolution 7736, Approving the Promotion of 29
Officer Tim Wolf to the Position of Sergeant. 30
31
Councilmember Stigney commented that while Tim Wolf was an excellent candidate, he would 32
not support the promotion as he felt the Police Department needed to further review the structure 33
of the organization. 34
35
Councilmember Mueller indicated the Police Department has addressed overtime and staffing 36
issues and did not feel the promotion was a concern. Long range sustainability was reviewed and 37
the public’s safety should be of the utmost concern. She supported the promotion as presented. 38
39
Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Stigney) Motion carried. 40
41
G. Resolution 7743, Approving the Purchase of One 2011 Ford Crown Victoria 42
Squad Car and One 2011 Four Wheel Drive Chevrolet Tahoe. 43
44
Police Chief Kinney explained the Police Department was requesting to purchase a 2011 Ford 45
Mounds View City Council February 14, 2011
Regular Meeting Page 7
Crown Victoria along with a four wheel drive Chevrolet Tahoe. Two older vehicles would be 1
cycled out to make room for the newer vehicles. The four wheel drive vehicle would provide the 2
Department with increased response times during the winter months. He stated that no vehicles 3
were purchased in 2010 for the Department. He noted the vehicles would be funded through the 4
general fund and the Police forfeiture funds. Staff recommended the Council proceed with the 5
two vehicle purchases with a black and white color design. 6
7
Councilmember Mueller requested further information on the Police forfeiture fund. Police 8
Chief Kinney indicated funds in this account were gained through the sales of vehicles at auction. 9
These vehicles would have been seized through drug or drunk driving offenses. 10
11
Councilmember Hull questioned what funds would be used to replace the Tahoe in five years. 12
Police Chief Kinney indicated if the Department had enough funds in the forfeiture funds 13
account, this could be used, otherwise the general fund would be used for budgeting purposes. 14
15
Mayor Flaherty supported the purchase of the Tahoe as it would increase the Police Officer’s 16
response time during the winter months. 17
18
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7743, 19
Approving the Purchase of One 2011 Ford Crown Victoria Squad Car and One 2011 Four Wheel 20
Drive Chevrolet Tahoe. 21
22
Councilmember Stigney commented the black and white vehicles were not necessary or needed 23
expenses at this time. He felt the four wheel drive vehicle was over and above the needs of the 24
Department. For these reasons, he would not support the purchase of the vehicles this evening. 25
26
Councilmember Mueller indicated the pricing provided by the State vendor for these vehicles 27
was extremely reasonable and provided the City with substantial savings. 28
29
Ayes - -- 3 Nays - -- 2 (Stigney and Hull) Motion carried. 30
31
H. Resolution 7744, Authorizing Barr Engineering Company to Prepare Part 1 32
of the Wellhead Protection Plan. 33
34
Public Works Director DeBar explained the State has been reviewing well vulnerability and 35
determining measures needed for a Wellhead Protection Plan. The Plan would assist with 36
protecting the source water used by the City. This was not a voluntary program, but rather an 37
unfunded State mandate. However, prevention of well contamination was much more cost 38
effective than remediation. 39
40
Public Works Director DeBar explained the City has six wells that draw from four aquifers. The 41
Wellhead Protection Plan, Part 1, would analyze each well, its water flow and delineation along 42
with potential contaminants. The second part would be addressed at a future date and had to be 43
completed by April of 2013. 44
45
Mounds View City Council February 14, 2011
Regular Meeting Page 8
Public Works Director DeBar noted the City solicited bids from several engineering 1
organizations and Barr Engineering provided a bid for services totaling $12,000. Barr 2
Engineering completed a Wellhead Protection Plan for a neighboring community which would 3
provide for savings to the City of Mounds View. Staff recommended the Council authorize Barr 4
Engineering to proceed with Part 1 of the Wellhead Protection Plan. 5
6
Councilmember Stigney questioned what cost savings the City would see by using Barr 7
Engineering. Public Works Director DeBar stated he was unaware what the City of New 8
Brighton paid. However, the Department of Health estimates the expense to be $25,000-50,000. 9
10
Councilmember Stigney requested that staff speak with New Brighton regarding the expenses 11
paid to Barr Engineering for their Wellhead Protection Plan. 12
13
Councilmember Mueller asked if this unfunded mandate could be completed through a multi-14
community wellhead protection plan to create greater cost savings. Public Works Director 15
DeBar stated this may be a possibility, but there was not a joint powers agreement in place at this 16
time. In addition, each City had its own way of completing the work. 17
18
Mayor Flaherty questioned when the State mandated the Wellhead Protection Plan. Public 19
Works Director DeBar stated it was mandated in 1986. The rules governing the program were 20
adopted in 1997. Cities have been phased into the program as time allows. If the City chose not 21
to participate in this program, the City would be issued a non-compliance citation. 22
23
Mayor Flaherty expressed frustration with State and Federal unfunded mandates and the stress it 24
placed on municipalities. 25
26
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7744, 27
Authorizing Barr Engineering Company to Prepare Part 1 of the Wellhead Protection Plan, for an 28
expense not to exceed $14,800. 29
30
Ayes - -- 5 Nays - -- 0 Motion carried. 31
32
8. CONSENT AGENDA 33
34
A. Resolution 7741, A Resolution Approving a Charitable Gambling Premises 35
Permit for Blaine Lions Club to conduct Charitable Gambling at Robert’s 36
Sports Bar and Entertainment. 37
38
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. 39
40
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 41
42
9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS 43
44
Finance Director Beer answered the Council's questions related to claims. 45
Mounds View City Council February 14, 2011
Regular Meeting Page 9
1
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented. 2
3
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 4
5
10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 6
A. Monday, January 10, 2011, City Council Meeting Minutes. 7
8
Council Member Mueller requested a correction on Page 7, Line 28, should read Dick “Kelner”. 9
10
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Approve the January 10, 2011, City Council meeting 11
minutes as corrected. 12
13
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 14
15
B. Monday, January 24, 2011, City Council Meeting Minutes. 16
17
Council Member Mueller requested a correction on Page 4, Lines 1, 2, 3 and 10, to correct Mary 18
Tatarek’s last name. 19
20
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the January 24, 2011, City Council meeting 21
minutes as corrected. 22
23
Ayes - -- 5 Nays - -- 0 Motion carried. 24
25
11. REPORTS 26
A. Reports of Mayor and Council. 27
28
Mayor Flaherty noted the Council and Staff Retreat would be held February 15th at 6:00 p.m. at 29
Random Park. The Council would be reviewing goals and strategies for 2011 while discussing 30
the 2012 budget. He invited the public to attend. 31
32
Mayor Flaherty indicated he attended the Mounds View Business Council meeting at the 33
MedTronic facility this past Wednesday. Representative Tom Tillberry was a special speaker at 34
the meeting. He invited the Council to attend the March 9th Mounds View Business Council, 35
7:30 a.m., at Mounds View Motor Company. 36
37
Mayor Flaherty stated he attended the North Metro Mayor’s Association meeting where it was 38
explained preliminary discussions have begun between the City of Arden Hills and State 39
Representatives to bring the Minnesota Vikings to the TCAAP site. There was a great deal of 40
unknowns at this time. 41
42
Councilmember Hull wished his wife and daughter a Happy Valentine’s Day. 43
44
Mounds View City Council February 14, 2011
Regular Meeting Page 10
Councilmember Mueller indicated Ramsey County Sheriff Matt Holstrom invited all Scouts to 1
Arden Hills on February 26th from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. to explore public safety and DARE 2
information. She thanked Sheriff Holstrom for providing this event to the Scouts. 3
4
Councilmember Mueller noted she would be attending an upcoming 5
Experience Leadership” seminar on February 25th and 26th. 6
7
Councilmember Mueller stated the next Festival in the Park meeting would be held on February 8
22nd. Additional volunteers were still needed for the event. She encouraged those interested to 9
call City Hall for further information. 10
11
Councilmember Mueller congratulated MedTronic for their FDA approval on a new medical 12
device. 13
14
B. Reports of Staff. 15
16
City Administrator Ericson reported the North Metro Home and Garden Show was scheduled for 17
Saturday, February 26th from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at the Schwan’s Center. He indicated he would 18
meet with Salem Baptist this Friday to discuss further programs and improvements that can be 19
funded through their donation to the City. 20
21
City Administrator Ericson explained that last week he met with the owner of Creative Kids 22
Academy. The marketplace had other opportunities available to this business and the Council 23
would need to discuss options to keep the tenant in the Community Center building. 24
25
Community Development Director Roberts noted the latest edition of the Mounds View Matters 26
would be mailed to all addresses in the City by March 1st. 27
28
C. Reports of City Attorney. 29
30
City Attorney Riggs had no report. 31
32
12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, March 7, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. 33
Next Council Meeting: Monday, February 28, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. 34
35
13. ADJOURNMENT 36
37
The meeting was adjourned at 9:24 p.m. 38
39
Transcribed by: 40
41
Heidi Guenther 42
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 43
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL 1
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW 2
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA 3
4
Regular Meeting 5
February 28, 2011 6
Mounds View City Hall 7
2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 8
7:01 P.M. 9
10
11
1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 12
13
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 14
15
3. ROLL CALL: Flaherty, Stigney, Hull, Mueller, Gunn. 16
17
NOT PRESENT: None. 18
19
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 20
A. Monday, February 28, 2011, City Council Agenda. 21
22
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Monday, February 28, 2011, agenda as 23
presented. 24
25
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 26
27
5. PUBLIC INPUT 28
29
Mike Reed, 2208 Lois Drive, commented on the amount of snow fall this year and commended 30
the City employees for doing an outstanding job keeping the streets clear. 31
32
6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 33
34
None. 35
36
7. COUNCIL BUSINESS 37
A. Resolution 7733, Approving Revisions to Section 1.27 of the Personnel 38
Manual about “Sexual Harassment Prevention”. 39
40
City Administrator Ericson stated this item was before the Council as a result of the work session 41
discussion in January. The Council has been reviewing the Personnel Manual over the past few 42
months and this policy was in need of updates. Kennedy & Graven provided the City with 43
necessary revisions. Staff recommends approval of the Resolution approving the revisions to the 44
Personnel Manual regarding Sexual Harassment Prevention. 45
Mounds View City Council February 28, 2011
Regular Meeting Page 2
1
Mayor Flaherty questioned how policies had changed with regard to sexual harassment. City 2
Attorney Riggs commented circumstances arise over the years and new policies are adopted. He 3
stated the revisions have simplified and modernized the manual. 4
5
Council Member Mueller asked if the revisions were covered by the Kennedy & Graven waiver 6
or if it was an additional fee. City Attorney Riggs stated the revisions made were billed 7
separately to the City. 8
9
Council Member Mueller inquired how all these revisions would be passed along to staff. City 10
Attorney Riggs indicated the City Administrator would bring the changes to the employees and 11
all new employees would receive this information in their Personnel Manual. 12
13
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7733, 14
Approving Revisions to Section 1.27 of the City of Mounds View Personnel Manual about 15
“Sexual Harassment Prevention”. 16
17
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 18
19
B. Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 857, An Ordinance Adding 20
Chapter 1013 to the City Code (Vacant Building Registration). 21
22
Community Development Director Roberts stated City Staff was requesting the Council to 23
consider an Ordinance adding Chapter 1013 which would require vacant building registration. 24
This issue was discussed in detail by Council in a work session meeting in both January and 25
February. The program merits and concerns were discussed and the consensus was to direct Staff 26
to draft an Ordinance for this program. The vacant building database would be managed under 27
the same software as the other City licenses and building permits. This City would require a 28
$500 fee to be paid with the permit to assist with monitoring and inspecting the vacant site. Staff 29
recommends the Council proceed with the first reading and introduce the Ordinance this evening. 30
31
Eric Myers, North Metro Realtors Association, appreciated the opportunity to address the vacant 32
building issue this evening with the Council. He then reviewed a housing market update for the 33
community noting the City has seen an increase in the mean value of homes, which was a very 34
positive sign. Mr. Myers explained the City has also assisted new homeowners with City 35
sponsored programs that have led to home ownership. He indicated the realtors association 36
appreciated the City’s efforts in this area. 37
38
Mr. Myers then expressed concern on the vacant building registration fee stating it would be 39
difficult to encumber a fee to a home being foreclosed. In addition, sales could be delayed as 40
banks try and determine what party is responsible for the fee. He cautioned the City from 41
creating an additional Ordinance to micromanage the housing stock, but rather encouraged the 42
City to focus their efforts on programs or incentives that would promote home ownership. 43
44
Mayor Flaherty thanked Mr. Myers for his comments and the information presented this evening. 45
Mounds View City Council February 28, 2011
Regular Meeting Page 3
He questioned how realtors searched for fees, liens or fines assessed to a property. Mr. Myers 1
explained the process indicating all information was passed along to a potential buyer when the 2
information was readily available. 3
4
Mayor Flaherty asked what recourse a purchaser had if additional fees were outstanding and 5
unknown to the realtor. Mr. Myers explained there was a limit to this scope as not all 6
information was readily available. He noted that State databases were searched for recorded fees. 7
8
John Periard, St. Paul Area Realtors, reviewed a brochure with the Council. He noted sales have 9
been down in the City of Mounds View but home prices were up 2.9%. Mr. Periard stated this 10
was a great reflection as to the things happening in this community. He then cautioned the 11
Council on proceeding with this Ordinance and suggested the Council seek another way to 12
address the vacant building concerns. In addition, the short-term vacancy language should be 13
revisited to allow landlords more than 30 days to find new tenants. Mr. Periard recommended 14
the Council address the problem properties while not hindering those in distress. 15
16
Betty Johnson, Realtor, 7718 Groveland Road, indicated she has been a resident of Mounds View 17
since 1972. Ms. Johnson noted there had been several foreclosures along Groveland Road that 18
the City has managed well. 19
20
Council Member Mueller questioned what percentage of properties became a nuisance to the 21
City in the last year. Community Development Director Roberts indicated he did not have the 22
numbers in front of him, but noted a small portion (10-20%) of the properties created a large 23
percentage of the work. 24
25
Council Member Mueller expressed concern about the timing of the vacant building registration. 26
She asked if it was reasonable for this registration to be completed within 30 days of the vacancy, 27
especially for those homes going on the market for sale. Community Development Director 28
Roberts indicated the City can set whatever timeline the Council feels is necessary. 29
30
Council Member Mueller did not feel it was right for new owners to be forced into costly home 31
repairs undone by a previous owner. Community Development Director Roberts commented 32
Section 1013.06 states that any proposed changes to the property will be brought to the City for 33
further review. 34
35
Council Member Mueller questioned if there would be a standard appeal process for the vacant 36
building registration fees. While the intent of the registration was to address the problem 37
properties, she did not want to see any other properties burdened. 38
39
Mayor Flaherty indicated he would not support the vacant building registration Ordinance. He 40
felt there were too many uncertainties within the process. He suggested the City speak further 41
with the realtors in the area regarding the City’s concerns to revise the Ordinance. In addition, 42
the City had not budgeted the expenses to cover the software and license needed to run the vacant 43
building program. 44
45
Mounds View City Council February 28, 2011
Regular Meeting Page 4
Council Member Mueller questioned the benefit gained by the City through the $500 registration 1
fee. She encouraged the City to enhance the code compliance area without adding a fee and a 2
new City program. 3
4
Mayor Flaherty asked if the Council had to take action on the item this evening. City 5
Administrator Ericson stated the Council should make a recommendation or direct staff on the 6
issue. He suggested the Council table or postpone action on the Ordinance this evening which 7
would allow staff to complete further research on the issues raised this evening. 8
9
MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Mueller. To Postpone the First Reading and Introduction of 10
Ordinance 857, An Ordinance adding Chapter 1013 to the City Code (Vacant Building 11
Registration) until the first meeting in May, 2011. 12
13
Council Member Mueller suggested the Council establish a task force to further investigate the 14
vacant building registration process. Community Development Director Roberts indicated staff 15
would speak with the realtors association first before creating a task force. 16
17
Mayor Flaherty felt that property owners within the community had every right to keep their 18
property vacant if well maintained. 19
20
Council Member Stigney requested Staff speak with neighboring communities to see how they 21
were addressing vacant buildings and blighted properties. 22
23
Council Member Hull felt the Ordinance would assist Staff in dealing with code enforcement 24
issues and would be enhanced after speaking with further with the area realtors. 25
26
Council Member Gunn supported the Ordinance and wanted to see the City become more 27
consistent with code enforcement. 28
29
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 30
31
C. Resolution 7745, Approving a Contract with Dick Gripentrog General 32
Contracting for Interior Painting Improvements at the Community Center. 33
34
Public Works Director DeBar stated last October the Council approved several improvements to 35
the Community Center. The second phase was complete and the furniture has been 36
reupholstered. The City has received a great deal of positive feedback from the improvements. 37
Staff would now like to proceed with repainting the Community Center as the paint was original 38
and through the painting improvements, the facility would be brought up to date. 39
40
Public Works Director DeBar explained the YMCA Advisory Committee was onboard with the 41
paint selections. He reviewed several other proposed improvements that would be made to the 42
site. Staff recommended the Council approve the contract for improvements at the Community 43
Center with Dick Gripentrog for an expense not to exceed $25,715. The work would be 44
completed March 27th through April 2nd. The contract would be funded through the YMCA 45
Mounds View City Council February 28, 2011
Regular Meeting Page 5
along with a surplus in the Special Projects Fund. 1
2
Council Member Hull asked if the front counter would be replaced through these improvements. 3
Public Works Director DeBar indicated the countertop could be re-laminated and the expense 4
was not a part of these improvements. He noted he could have bids submitted for this work. 5
6
Council Member Gunn was in favor of removing the two curved walls with the addition of a 7
bench seat. 8
9
Council Member Mueller questioned if the old ceiling tiles would be painted or replaced. Public 10
Works Director DeBar explained the tiles would be repainted and placed back in the metal grids. 11
12
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7745, 13
Approving a Contract with Dick Gripentrog General Contracting for Interior Painting 14
Improvements at the Community Center. 15
16
Council Member Stigney stated the expenses for these improvements would impact the general 17
fund. He thought the curved walls should remain, be repainted and reduce the overall expense of 18
the improvements. Public Works Director DeBar indicated the wall removal was a minor 19
expense within the project. 20
21
Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Stigney) Motion carried. 22
23
D. Resolution 7746, Approving the Purchase of a Used 80-kW Onan Emergency 24
Generator for City Hall. 25
26
Public Works Supervisor Peterson requested the Council consider approving the purchase of a 27
used 80 kW emergency generator for use at the City Hall. City Hall was the designated 28
Emergency Operating Center in case of a catastrophic event. The generator would assure 29
continuous operations of City Hall and the Police Department. 30
31
Public Works Supervisor Peterson indicated the generator has minimal hours and was a superior 32
quality. All data on the generator has been reviewed by the Public Works staff with Onan. The 33
City would need a fuel tank assembly, hood and several other components. In addition, the City 34
would need a cement slab for the placement of the generator and weather enclosure. Staff 35
recommended approval of the purchase of the emergency generator for City Hall for an expense 36
not to exceed $25,000. 37
38
Council Member Stigney questioned the estimated cost for the silencer kit. Public Works 39
Supervisor Peterson indicated the silencer kit was the muffler. 40
41
Mayor Flaherty asked how much concrete was required for the slab. Public Works Supervisor 42
Peterson estimated the slab would require four yards of concrete. He noted the slab would have a 43
fence to surround the unit. 44
45
Mounds View City Council February 28, 2011
Regular Meeting Page 6
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7746, 1
Approving the Purchase of a Used 80-kW Onan Emergency Generator for City Hall. 2
3
Council Member Hull thanked Staff for saving the taxpayers $40,000 on this generator unit. 4
5
Council Member Stigney stated the City did have a portable generator and the need for this unit 6
was uncertain. However, the price for this unit would greatly benefit the City and met a long-7
term goal. 8
9
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 10
11
E. Resolution 7747, Approving Plans and Specifications and Authorizing 12
Advertisement for Bids for the 2011 Street and Utility Improvement Project 13
– Area D. 14
15
Public Works Director DeBar stated the City was approaching the third construction cycle of the 16
nine area plan created through the Street and Utility Improvement Plan. The program was 17
created by a task force in response to petition to the 2007-08 street and utility improvement 18
project. He indicated the City was working through the seven year plan and in 2011, Area D was 19
slated for improvements. 20
21
Public Works Director DeBar indicated Areas A-C have been completed $1.6 million under 22
estimated expenses. The City held a number of neighborhood meetings regarding the Area D 23
improvements. Several appeals have been made regarding Area D and were denied. The 24
executive summary from Bonestroo was reviewed and the total cost for the improvements were 25
estimated to be $2.5 million for 2.4 linear miles of roadway. The City received preliminary 26
approval from the Rice Creek Watershed District. Staff explained the expense for Area D was 27
slightly higher than expected due to the increased price of oil. He reviewed the streets included 28
in Area D that would be advertised for bid and recommended the Council approve the plans and 29
specifications. Staff then reviewed the street improvement timeline with the Council. 30
31
Council Member Gunn questioned why Quincy Street was not included within Area D. Public 32
Works Director DeBar noted Quincy Street was a State Aid roadway. 33
34
Mayor Flaherty noted the first two improvement projects received favorable bids. He then asked 35
why the design fees through Bonestroo were increased $9,000. Joe Rhein, Bonestroo, 36
commented the original design fees were approved last summer and after several non-standard 37
issues were found and redesigned, additional funds were needed to resolve those issues. He felt 38
the bidding environment for the improvement project was extremely healthy at this time. He 39
anticipated the project would be ready for bid in four weeks. 40
41
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7747, 42
Approving Plans and Specifications and Authorizing Advertisement for Bids for the 2011 Street 43
and Utility Improvement Project – Area D with a March 31st bid opening date. 44
45
Mounds View City Council February 28, 2011
Regular Meeting Page 7
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 1
2
F. Resolution 7750, Approving the Hire of Nathan Garland to the Position of 3
Police Officer. 4
5
Police Chief Kinney recommended the Council hire Nathan Garland to the position of Police 6
Officer filling a vacancy in the agency. He provided a brief history stating the department has 7
two vacancies at this time due to retirements. The Civil Service Commission met on February 8
23rd and approved an eligibility list. The top three candidates were recommended with the 9
number one candidate being Nathan Garland. 10
11
Mayor Flaherty questioned the work history of Nathan Garland. Police Chief Kinney indicated 12
this would be Mr. Garland’s first position as a police officer. 13
14
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7750, 15
Approving the Hire of Nathan Garland to the Position of Police Officer effective March 2nd. 16
17
Council Member Stigney recommended the Police and Fire Department further review cost 18
savings measures for the City. 19
20
Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Stigney) Motion carried. 21
22
8. CONSENT AGENDA 23
24
Council Member Stigney requested that Item 8B be removed from the Consent Agenda for 25
further discussion. 26
27
Mayor Flaherty requested that Item 8A be removed from the Consent Agenda for further 28
discussion. 29
30
A. Resolution 7748, Approving Parking Restrictions on Jackson Drive Between 31
County Road H2 and County Road I. 32
B. Resolution 7749, Approving the Purchase of Supplies for Grouped Mailboxes 33
for the 2011 Street and Utility Improvement Project – Area D. 34
35
A. Resolution 7748, Approving Parking Restrictions on Jackson Drive Between 36
County Road H2 and County Road I. 37
38
Mayor Flaherty requested Staff further explain the parking restrictions along Jackson Drive. 39
Public Works Director DeBar stated the City had to follow the State Aid design standards for 40
Jackson Drive in order to be eligible for State Aid funding. The resolution was a formality. 41
42
MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7748, 43
Approving Parking Restrictions on Jackson Drive Between County Road H2 and County Road I. 44
45
Mounds View City Council February 28, 2011
Regular Meeting Page 8
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 1
2
B. Resolution 7749, Approving the Purchase of Supplies for Grouped Mailboxes 3
for the 2011 Street and Utility Improvement Project – Area D. 4
5
Council Member Stigney expressed concern about the address numbers and requested the size 6
and shape be standardized. Public Works Director DeBar indicated the City did have a one inch 7
standard size which was sent out to the homeowners within a flyer. 8
9
Council Member Stigney stated he would like to see white numbers and letters used. Public 10
Works Director DeBar explained the mailboxes were private property and the homeowners were 11
allowed to select their own letters and numbers in any color. 12
13
Council Member Gunn noted there was confusion with the last improvement project and 14
additional information regarding the standardizing of the numbers would be beneficial. She did 15
not want to see the issue taken on by City Staff. 16
17
Council Member Hull agreed that the numbers should be standardized. Public Works Director 18
DeBar stated the notification would explain the City favored one inch white letters with a sketch 19
on the preferred placement. 20
21
MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7749, 22
Approving the Purchase of Supplies for Grouped Mailboxes for the 2011 Street and Utility 23
Improvement Project – Area D. 24
25
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 26
27
9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS 28
29
Finance Director Beer answered the Council's questions related to claims. 30
31
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented. 32
33
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 34
35
10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 36
37
None. 38
39
11. REPORTS 40
A. Reports of Mayor and Council. 41
42
Council Member Mueller noted she attended the League of Minnesota Cities conference this past 43
weekend in Brooklyn Center. The information was provided by Lindsey Strand and an extra 44
Mounds View City Council February 28, 2011
Regular Meeting Page 9
informational packet would be given to staff. She felt the training was well attended and well 1
done. 2
3
Mayor Flaherty indicated the Mounds View Business Community would be meeting again on 4
Wednesday, March 9, 2011, at 7:30 a.m. at the Mounds View Motor Company site. He added 5
that Mounds View Matters would arrive this week in mailboxes throughout the City. 6
7
Council Member Stigney thanked City Administrator Ericson for providing an Executive 8
Summary for the packet. He stated this would be a valuable tool for the Council Members and 9
requested City Administrator Ericson provide his professional opinion for each item. This 10
summary has been provided in the past. 11
12
Council Member Gunn agreed. 13
14
Council Member Mueller felt the synopsis was not necessary as this would use a great deal of 15
additional Staff time. 16
17
Mayor Flaherty agreed stating the Council could speak with the City Administrator on items to 18
address concerns and the additional summary was not necessary. 19
20
B. Reports of Staff. 21
22
Community Development Director Roberts stated last Saturday the Home and Garden Show took 23
place in Blaine at Schwann’s Arena. The event was well attended, but numbers were down given 24
the snow and poor driving conditions on Saturday. 25
26
City Administrator Ericson updated the Council on several items. He reviewed a summary of the 27
recent Staff retreat. The Council thanked Staff for completing the summary and requested it be 28
posted on the City’s website. City Administrator Ericson indicated the Council could take formal 29
action on the goals and priorities for 2011 by Resolution, if desired. Mayor Flaherty was in favor 30
of this suggestion. The Council was in agreement. 31
32
City Administrator Ericson indicated the Creative Kids lease would return to the Council at the 33
March work session. Staff outlined the March work session discussion items. City 34
Administrator Ericson suggested the Human Resources Task Force be addressed at the April 35
work session. 36
37
City Administrator Ericson explained a resident met with Senator Wolf regarding the sound wall. 38
A future date meeting will be scheduled at the Community Center for the community to discuss 39
this item in further detail with Senator Wolf. 40
41
City Administrator Ericson noted Citizen of the Year nominations are due on March 4th and 42
applications can be found on the City’s website or at City Hall. 43
44
C. Reports of City Attorney. 45
Mounds View City Council February 28, 2011
Regular Meeting Page 10
1
City Attorney Riggs provided the Council with a memorandum. 2
3
12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, March 7, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. 4
Next Council Meeting: Monday, March 14, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. 5
6
13. ADJOURNMENT 7
8
The meeting was adjourned at 9:41 p.m. 9
10
Transcribed by: 11
12
Heidi Guenther 13
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 14
Budget Analysis
The Community Development Department finished 2010 under budget by about $55,000,
spending about 89 percent of the funds authorized by the City Council. The department staff
was careful in their spending for supplies, books and periodicals, printing, memberships and
training that resulted in a savings of about $13,000. The largest savings for the department
was because the City spent $42,000 less on salaries and benefits in 2010 than budgeted by
the City Council. This savings is primarily because we were able to use Don Burda on a very
limited basis as a seasonal inspector while maximizing his time with the City.
As for revenue in 2010, the City had budgeted to collect $125,000 in building permit and li-
cense revenues. The City actually collected $65,610 in permit and license fees in 2010. This
is because the total value of building permits in 2010 was down when compared to 2009
($2,263,947 versus $6,606,471) and the total number of permits was down (350 versus 405).
A large number of the building permits that the City issued in 2010 were for reroofing.
I am happy to present to the City Council and to the
residents of Mounds View the Community Development
Department’s 2010 Annual Report. The department staff
has compiled much information about 2010 for the
department including a budget summary, a collection of
updates that highlight development activity in the City,
staff member highlights, code enforcement and housing
maintenance spotlights, economic development activity
and year-end reports and statistics. I have found that the
work that the Community Development Department
accomplishes is a direct result of the great staff – those in
the department and all City employees.
While the City had fewer planning applications and
building permits in 2010, the department staff continued
to provide excellent service for the City in a variety of
ways. This included increased code enforcement,
webmaster responsibilities and improving public
communications. The department staff is poised and
ready for a busy and exciting 2011 in Mounds View.
Ken Roberts
Community Development Director
2010 ANNUAL REPORT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 763-717-4020
COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT
PAGE 2
BUILDING/FIRE OFFICIAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Wildwood Manor completed the installation of their new fire sprinkler system in 2010. This was a positive experi-
ence as both staff and residents are now much safer in the building. With the installation of the sprinkler system
came new paint that freshened up the facility.
Staff completed the Building Department Disaster Plan and integrated it with the Police department and Fire De-
partment disaster plans to form a coordinated disaster plan for the City.
Kathi Osmonson worked diligently on the idea of requiring the owners of multi-family non-owner occupied residen-
tial properties to have licensed contractors to work on such properties. This review, with the help of Barb Benesch,
led to a full editing of the licensing chapter and eventually to many revisions to Title 1000 (Building and Develop-
ment Regulations) of the Mounds View City Code.
Fire Marshal Osmonson found and initiated the use of Image Trend / Fire Bridge software provided free of charge
by the State Fire Marshal’s office. The start up of the use of this software required extensive data entry, as the
Mounds View properties did not exist in the program. This software is able to track all of the inspections and re-
inspections and the specific code violations involved. Not all of the desirable sorting capabilities are available; how-
ever, as this is new software and its use will be an ongoing learning process.
Medtronic made a tenant improvement by remodeling one of their rooms. As Building Official, Kathi Osmonson
noticed there was fire resistive construction in place in this room. As Fire Marshal, she followed up and discovered
that Medtronic would be using additional flammable liquids in the building. Extensive follow up by staff revealed
that the building is still under the allowable limits set forth by the fire code, and Medtronic would be self-monitoring
their quantities.
After a presentation to the City Council on the importance of Building Official involvement in the code development
process, Kathi Osmonson attended the ICC Final Code Final Action Hearings in Dallas. The Association of MN
Building Officials paid for this trip.
Kathi Osmonson attended the hearings to testify on proposed code changes and to make sure that the residential
fire sprinkler requirement stayed in the Building Code. Her involvement with the code hearings and the code devel-
opment committee count toward the continuing education requirements for MN Building Official Certification.
Staff attended other fiscally responsible education sessions including:
Free training at Upenor Laboratories about residential combination domestic water and fire sprinkler sys-
tems. This is a new technology offered by the company.
Audited the summer conference presentation on International Building Code Changes.
Blue Card training offered by the fire department.
Fire Investigation Conference offered by the fire department
One day of training at the MN State Fire Chief’s conference, offered by the fire department.
Kathi’s Professional memberships include:
Association of MN Building Officials – Secretary of the Board
AMBO Code Development Committee – Vice Chair
International Code Council – 2009-2010 Member of the International Residential Code Committee
North Suburban Building Officials
Fourth Suburban Regional Mutual Aid Association
Fire Marshal’s Association of MN
PAGE 3
BUILDING/FIRE OFFICIAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Residential Sprinkler Facts
Sprinklers are HEAT activated.
Residential sprinkler heads activate at 155 degrees F.
One or two sprinkler heads will contain a fire.
They produce less water damage than a fire hose.
Expel 8−16 gallons per minute (gpm) per head vs. 150 gpm for a fire hose.
Can be retro-fit for existing homes.
May be installed as part of your plumbing system.
Receive insurance discounts of up to 25%.
COST−about 1−1.5 % of a new home’s cost.
Can be installed on a well system.
3000+ Americans die in residential fires each year.
No more maintenance than for your existing plumbing system.
Less maintenance needed than for smoke alarms.
Like having a firefighter in your home 24/7/365.
Protects firefighters from the dangers of light frame construction
(structural failures).
Fire is controlled by the time the fire trucks get to your house.
An investigation by City staff at 5279 Greenfield
revealed that the homeowner was using his garage
as a spray booth for auto body repair. Follow up by
staff included making sure the re-built garage meets
the provisions of the fire code in order to ensure the
safety of the neighborhood.
Kathi conducted CPR and Fire Extinguisher train-
ing for City employees.
Kathi began studying community risk reduction
with the hope of being accepted to the National Fire
Academy to formally pursue this training and to intro-
duce new safety strategies in Mounds View.
City staff and the fire department created a public
mailing in response to residents’ concerns about
smoke alarm systems that a company was promoting
and then selling to seniors through scare tactics. The
mailing went out with the water bill and reminded
people to check smoke alarms, change the batteries
every year, replace the alarms every 10 years and
contact the fire department with any questions about
alarms or to schedule a free home safety survey.
This was a joint effort between the City and the Fire
Department in conjunction with fire prevention week.
Jeremiah and Kathi continue to respond to fire calls –
to extinguish and to investigate. Jeremiah responds
to fire calls during the daytime and he volunteers to
respond to fire calls at night to help protect our com-
munity. Kathi also responds to fire calls during the
daytime and she volunteers as a Fire & Life Safety
Educator during her off time – all to help keep our
community safe.
The City lost the services of
two inspectors in 2010. The
remaining City staff sorely
misses the help and knowl-
edge that Don Burda and Jeff
Baker provided the City.
PAGE 4
TOP 10 HIGHEST VALUE BUILDING PERMITS IN 2010
Business Address Street CONSTYPE PERMIT # Valuation
SF Home 7406 SPRING LAKE ROAD New House 2010-00165 $279,282
Wildwood Manor 2559 MOUNDSVIEW DRIVE Fire Sprinklers 2010-00001 $84,300
SF Home 2749 LAPORT DRIVE Addition 2010-00666 $68,041
SF Home 7515 KNOLLWOOD DRIVE Garage 2010-00365 $41,227
United Natural Foods 5222 QUINCY ST Remodel 2010-00440 $38,500
Medtronic 8200 CORAL SEA ST Tenant Improvements 2010-00051 $37,900
Pinewood Elementary 5500 QUINCY ST Chimney 2010-00026 $31,000
SF Home 5279 GREENFIELD AVE Repair 2010-00280 $30,000
Owens & Minor 2151 COUNTY ROAD H2 Remodel 2010-00443 $29,500
Sysco MN 2400 COUNTY ROAD J Antenna 2009-00803 $20,000
City of Mounds View 2450 BRONSON DRIVE Antenna 2010-00034 $20,000
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
Reroof
Window
Siding
Deck
Remodel/Repair
Addition
Other
New Const.
2009 2010
BUILDING PERMITS BY TYPE: 2009 VS. 2010
PAGE 5
ZONING PERMITS BY TYPE: 2009 VS. 2010
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
2009 2010
Drive/Patio
Fence
Shed under 120 sf
Deck under 30"
Retain. Wall
Temp. Pool
Antenna
Sign
BUILDING/ZONING INSPECTIONS: 2009 VS. 2010
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
2009 2010
Kathi Osmonson
Don Burda
Jeff Baker
Jeremiah Anderson
Heidi Heller
Other
2009 – 1,521
2010 – 1,298
2009 /2010 YEAR-END PERMIT COMPARISONS
PAGE 6
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE & CODE ENFORCEMENT
During 2010, staff opened 329 Code Enforcement cases throughout the City. These 329 Code Enforcement cases repre-
sented a total of 473 code violations. At the end of 2010, staff had closed 319 of the 329 cases, which represents a 96%
closure rate for 2010. The case closure rate for 2009 was 96%. For some perspective about this, we have attached a
graph showing the 10-year history of cases that staff has opened.
PSO Tyler Martin left Mounds View in January 2010 to accept a position as a full time police officer. Jarren Zech worked
as a PSO from May to August 2010 and then took a position with the City of Blaine. The City hired Craig Swalchick as a
PSO in October and he has started to help with code enforcement activities as his schedule allows. Because of the turn
over in this position, there were two employment gaps for the PSO position. This gap eliminated the Code Enforcement
help that the PSO provides the City during some of the busier months.
Use of Technology
The City continued using the Comcate Code Enforcement Management software
during 2010. Comcate has surpassed the City’s expectations by providing two
significant updates per year to the Code Enforcement Manager system. These
updates continue to improve an already excellent product. As in 2009, staff now
generates most correction notices using a mobile printer in the inspection vehicle
while in the field. This fiscally responsible investment in technology has put the
City in a good position to respond effectively to the increased service requests by
our citizens about code enforcement.
49
40
7647
41
20
18
28Vehicles off improved surface (49)
Junk/Debris (40)
Long grass (76)
Public Nuisance General (47)
Abandoned/Unsafe Vehicle (41)
Garbage/Trash (20)
Brush Pile (18)
Work without permit (28)
2010 TOP CODE ENFORCEMENT CASE TYPES
PAGE 7
PAGE 8
2010 CODE ENFORCEMENT SUMMARY REPORT
2010 CODE ENFORCEMENT SUMMARY REPORT
PAGE 9
PAGE 10
NUISANCE & ZONING CODE VIOLATION TOTALS: 2000-2010
In 2010, the Planning Commission held 14 meetings. The main cases approved by the Planning Commission and City Council were:
A renewal of the Interim Use Permit for the temporary tent at the Mermaid for another 5 years.
Amended the Conditional Use Permit for the previous Saturn dealership by removing the condition that the property
owners had to maintain a new car license. After General Motors discontinued the Saturn brand in 2010, the dealer-
ship owners wanted to change the business into a “Motor Trend Used Vehicle” store and were not sure what the
future held for obtaining a new car franchise at this location.
Approved a development review and preliminary plat for Coventry Senior Living, a 95-unit senior housing building
on the self-serve car wash site and two adjacent vacant lots on the west side of County Highway 10. The timing for
the start of their project has been dependent on when the Select Senior Living project occurs. They will be submit-
ting their final plat to the City for approval in early 2011 in order to complete their planning application, but are still
unsure of when they will start construction.
Approved a Conditional Use Permit for a Farmer’s Market in Mounds View located in the Wynnsong movie theater
parking lot.
Considered a variance request to allow reduced lot widths in a wetland district for Longview Estates. The Planning
Commission denied the request, but the City Council overturned the decision and approved the variance with condi-
tions that no additional development beyond the approved 10 lots occurs on this property.
Approved amendments to the B-1, Neighborhood Business, and B-2 Limited Business Zoning Codes and the Sign
Code. The City made these changes to help future and existing businesses in the City.
Approved three conditional use permits for oversize garages.
Other 2010 planning activity:
The City Council adopted the 2008 Comprehensive Plan in February.
Staff continues to work with Select Senior Living to finalize the details of their project in anticipation of beginning
construction. They unfortunately again ran into problems with their financing due to the current financial market.
They hope to complete the process in early 2011 and begin construction in the spring.
The City renewed its participation in the Metropolitan Council’s Livable Communities Act for the years 2011 to 2020
and submitted the required Housing Action Plan to the Met Council.
137 158 146
103 92 113
171
255 255
456
329
10
60
110
160
210
260
310
360
410
460
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
PLANNING
HOUSING
Housing Inspections
From May to September, Jeremiah did many in-
spections related to the City rental dwelling li-
cense program. This involved scheduling inspec-
tions, preparing the correspondence and sending
out letters to owners of the rental properties.
There are about 1,500 individual units in this
category in Mounds View.
By the end of 2010, the majority of rental dwelling
properties had completed the inspection process.
Community Development Technician Barb
Benesch completes the bulk of the administrative
work involved with sending out reminder notices
and continuously updating our list of rental dwell-
ings. During 2010, we continued to experience
single-family properties changing ownership
more frequently than multiple dwellings. As such,
the administrative work involved in maintaining
this program will continue.
Similar with the national trends, foreclosures continued throughout 2010 in Mounds View. Staff continued to maintain
a list of identified Vacant and/or Foreclosed properties in the City during 2010.
The number of active vacant or foreclosed homes in Mounds View has steadily climbed from less than 5 in 2004, to 40
in 2007, rising to 75 in 2009 and surpassed 100 in 2010. Although many experts believe the majority of the sub-prime
foreclosures have occurred, many economists believe the high unemployment rate is sending another wave of foreclo-
sures into motion. This is turning out to be the case in Mounds View.
The North Metro Home and Garden
Show was held on February 27, 2010
at the Schwan center in Blaine. Atten-
dance was down a bit from 2009 but
still close to the goal of 1,000 people
through the door for the one day event.
By all accounts, this show was a great
success with 70 vendor booths and several informative home
improvement seminars.
Apartment Managers’ Coalition
During 2010, the New Brighton/Mounds View Apartment Manag-
ers’ changed their meeting schedule to an every other month
schedule and continued to alternate locations between Mounds
View and New Brighton. The meetings are rather informal, but
offer an opportunity for managers and owners to collaborate and
share information with each other and City officials. Several
meetings provided specific training about crime prevention
strategies.
PAGE 11
Vacant/Foreclosed Properties Continue to be an Issue
In October 2010, Mounds View recognized Manu-
facturers Week with a Mayor’s proclamation and a
tour of local manufacturer Homeshield. City offi-
cials and fellow manufacturers attended the tour.
Before the tour, Mayor Joe Flaherty presented
Homeshield with a Certificate of Commendation
from Governor Pawlenty’s office and a Certificate
of Appreciation from the City of Mounds View.
Homeshield is a local
manufacturer of door
and window compo-
nents. Homeshield has
leased 125,000 square
feet of space in Mounds
View Business Park
South since November
of 2002 and currently
employs 106 people.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Economic Development Commission
The EDC met seven times in 2010. The Commission’s main
accomplishment was initiating a response to the deteriorating
housing stock of Mounds View homes.
The City Council began discussing Mounds View’s housing
needs at their July 6th Work Session and after a series of meet-
ings of the EDC and Economic Development Authority (EDA),
the EDA approved four new housing loan programs for Mounds
View residents on November 22, 2010.
Before the City created the new loans, Mounds View residents
were competing with homeowners throughout Ramsey County
for access to loan dollars, leaving many Mounds View home-
owners on long waiting lists.
Four New Business in 2010
Four businesses opened in Mounds in 2010: A-1 Foam & Up-
holstery, Mounds View Family Dental, ICS Consulting, Inc. and
Mounds View Community Thrift Store
Home & Garden Show
Manufacturers Week Tour
PAGE 12
CITY MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
The Economic Development
staff published the first issue
of Mounds View Business
News in December of 2010.
The purpose of this monthly,
electronic newsletter is to pro-
vide a way for Mounds View
businesses to communicate
with one another, which pro-
motes business partnerships
to enhance Mounds View’s
local economy.
Convention & Tourism Bureau Business to Business Newsletter
The City Council appoints the Economic Development
staff annually to serve on the Board of Directors of the
local Convention and Tourism, Bureau, Twin Cities Gate-
way. Heidi Steinmetz served as the Board’s secretary in
2010 and helped interview candidates for the Bureau’s
first Director of Administration and Marketing.
City Newsletter
The Economic Development staff published four issues of Mounds View Matters in 2010.
Newsletter Insert in Utility Bill
The Economic Development staff published three issues of Mounds View Mentions in 2010.
PAGE 13
CITY MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
City Facebook Page
Heidi Steinmetz created a Facebook
page for the City in 2010. Facebook is
another way for the City to communicate
with residents and businesses. The dif-
ference between the City’s Facebook
page and the City Website is how the
information is provided. On Facebook,
fans of the City’s page do not have to
search for information because Face-
book delivers it automatically. On the
City Website, users have to search for
information themselves. In short, Face-
book is a quick and easy way for resi-
dents and businesses to stay informed
about the City of Mounds View.
MAGC Membership
Heidi Steinmetz joined the Minnesota
Association of Government Communi-
cators (MAGC) in 2010.
EDAM Board of Directors
In December 2010, Heidi Steinmetz fin-
ished her two-year term on the Economic
Development Association of Minnesota’s
(EDAM’s) Board of Directors.
City Logo Implementation
The City Council approved a new City logo in April 2009. In 2010,
Economic Development staff continued to implement the new City
logo on the following items:
PAGE 14
SERIOUS & UNUSUAL CODE ENFORCEMENT CASES
January 2010
5232 Skiba Drive:
Numerous appliances outside covered with unique identification.
8400 Block Groveland Rd:
Is it a garage truck opener? Closer inspection revealed the garage door
was carefully closed just behind the cab of the flatbed type truck
2600 Block County Rd I:
Report of the roof being ripped off of the house. The homeowner completed repairs in the spring to correct this condition.
PAGE 15
SERIOUS AND UNUSUAL CODE ENFORCEMENT CASES
February 2010
2065 Hillview Rd:
Additional follow up on an unfinished construction project at a foreclosed 4-unit building.
The property was later sold and the new owner completed the construction activity.
March 2010
5232 Skiba Dr:
Report of vehicles being cut apart in the yard at 5232 Skiba Drive and an accumulation of junk in the yard.
The occupants corrected these conditions after being issued a notice of violation.
PAGE 16
SERIOUS AND UNUSUAL CODE ENFORCEMENT CASES
April 2010
5232 Skiba Dr:
Report of junk and debris accumulation in the yard again at this location. The property owner was issued a summary
abatement order and the City contractor cleaned up the exterior junk and debris.
Before
After
5500 Block St. Stephen:
The property owner was encouraged to bring their exterior accumulation of aluminum cans to the area recycling center
PAGE 17
SERIOUS AND UNUSUAL CODE ENFORCEMENT CASES
April 2010
2400 Block County Rd H-2:
Business owner was advised that electrical extension cords can not supply electrical power to a permanent sign.
5300 Block Jackson Drive:
The occupant was issued a notice of violation advising that the raising and keeping of chickens
in a residential zoned district was prohibited by City ordinance.
May 2010
5400 Block Adams St:
The City’s contractor mowed grass at numerous vacant/foreclosed properties throughout 2010.
Maintaining the grass at a vacant property has a significant impact on the surrounding neighborhood.
Before After
PAGE 18
SERIOUS AND UNUSUAL CODE ENFORCEMENT CASES
May 2010
8300 Block Red Oak Drive
The owner of the property was issued a notice of violation regarding the exterior accumulation of junk and debris
and the peeling paint on the garage. Corrective actions were completed in June 2010.
Before Before
After After
PAGE 19
SERIOUS AND UNUSUAL CODE ENFORCEMENT CASES
June 2010
5232 Skiba Drive:
The property owner was issued a summary abatement order and the City’s contractor
mowed the grass at this foreclosed property.
Before After
July 2010
7900 Block Eastwood
House and large tree sustained damage.
The force of the lightening and resulting fire caused the tree to become unstable.
Before After
PAGE 20
SERIOUS AND UNUSUAL CODE ENFORCEMENT CASES
July 2010
2000 Block Oakwood
The owner of this vacant property was advised to remove a large tree limb
that had fallen onto the street due to storm related damage.
August 2010
7634 Woodlawn Drive
Dumping of garbage and debris was continuing to occur at the dumpster left behind
at this vacant four unit building. The owner was located and removed the dumpster.
September
5700 Block Quincy
Garbage service discontinued at the four unit building. The property owner was issued a summary abatement order
requiring garbage service was restored and the garbage disposed of. The City’s contractor cleaned up this garbage.
Before After
PAGE 21
SERIOUS AND UNUSUAL CODE ENFORCEMENT CASES
September 2010
8300 Block Groveland Rd
The property owner was issued a summary abatement order and the City Council authorized an
abatment of remaining exterior code violations. The City’s contractor removed and disposed of the exterior items.
Before
Before
After
PAGE 22
SERIOUS AND UNUSUAL CODE ENFORCEMENT CASES
November 2010
2400 Block County Rd I
Extension cord plugged into outside electrical receptacle on a neighboring building
and running under the door of the business at 2400 County Road I.
2219 Highway 10
Follow up on vehicle damage to the front of the building.
PAGE 23
Barb Benesch − Permit Technician
In 2010, Community Development Technician Barb Benesch chose not to attend any continuing education
classes at the MN Building Officials conference in January or the AMBO conference in February due to budget
cuts.
Barb, however, did continue her involvement with the Minnesota Building Permit Technicians Association
(MBPTA) by attending the bi-monthly meetings. She was elected secretary of the organization for her seventh
straight year.
In October, MBPTA hosted a one-day seminar that Barb and Heidi Heller attended called “Public Sector Ethics
& Issues and Answers.” In addition, Barb attended bi-monthly MBPTA meetings that offer various educational
segments at each meeting.
Barb also attended some of the monthly (September – May) PermitWorks User Group meetings. These ses-
sions allow her to keep informed of changes and give recommendations for enhancing and improving the City’s
permit, planning and contractor licensing software.
STAFF’S CONTINUING EDUCATION
Heidi Heller − Planning Associate
In October, Heidi attended the Minnesota Building Permit Technician Association’s (MBPTA) one-day seminar
called “Public Sector Ethics.” She also attended several Ramsey County training sessions in preparation for
the 2010 Election, and several Housing Collaborative Institute presentations.
Ken Roberts − Community Development Director
Ken attended the annual Ehlers & Associates Public Finance Seminar in February. He also attended one day
of the American Planning Association State conference in September in Mankato.
Heidi Steinmetz − Economic Development Specialist
In 2010, Heidi attended the annual Economic Development Association of Minnesota (EDAM) Winter Confer-
ence in January, the Ehlers & Associates annual Public Finance Seminar in February, a garbage house pres-
entation at the City of Coon Rapids in March, General Election training in May, June and July, a Rethink Recy-
cling social media presentation in August, a portion of the Dept. of Employment & Economic Development
(DEED) annual conference in October, the MN Assoc. of Government Communicators Fall conference in No-
vember, monthly EDAM Board Meetings, several EDAM Third Thursday presentations and several Housing
Collaborative Initiative presentations throughout the year.
Jeremiah Anderson − Housing/Code Enforcement Inspector
On January 14th and 15th 2010, Jeremiah attended the Housing Section of the Building Officials’ Institute at the
College of Continuing Education in Saint Paul. Jeremiah has served on the planning committee for the past 8
years, which provides a benefit of free tuition to attend the two days of the event.
Jeremiah received the certification of Local Hazard Zone Management from the Minnesota Fire Service Certifi-
cation board in 2010.
Kathi Osmonson − Building Official/Fire Marshall
In 2010, Kathi continued her involvement with the Association of MN Building Officials (AMBO) and the group
nominated her to be Executive Treasurer. Kathi also continued her involvement with AMBO’s code develop-
ment committee and attended Code hearings. These activities constitute continuing education credits. In
January, she attended the University of Minnesota Building Official’s Institute focusing on Mechanical code up-
dates and inspections. She attended the Region III Building Official’s Educational Institute in February that in-
cluded training about tenant improvements and continued use and re-use of existing buildings. Also in Febru-
ary, she attended a Bureau of Criminal Apprehension arson investigation class and in March the International
Institute of Arson Investigation Conference. She completed the written portion of her “Blue Card” incident com-
mand certification in April and in September she attended a Creative Team Building class. The fire department
paid for all fire related training.
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
Visit Community Development on the Web!
www.ci.mounds-view.mn.us 2010 Community Development Department (pictured left to right):
Heidi Heller: Planning Associate, Barb Benesch: Permit Technician,
Heidi Steinmetz: Economic Development Specialist, Kathi Osmonson: Building Official/Fire Marshall,
Jeremiah Anderson: Housing/Code Enforcement Inspector, Ken Roberts : Community Development Director
2010 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT
www.ci.mounds-view.mn.us
1
POLICE DEPARTMENT
2010 REPORT
Police Department
2401 County Road 10· Mounds View, MN 55112-1499
Phone 763-717-4070· FAX: 763-717-4069
www.ci.mounds-view.mn.us
2
Statistical Report:
Jan thru Dec 2010 Investigative Reports
Cases assigned for investigation
Oct- Dec 2010 2009 YEAR TO DATE 2010 2009
TOTAL 91 96 TOTAL 406 474
2010 2009 2010 2009
Assault 76 83 Misc-Other Offenses 34 62
Burglary 27 17 Disturbing Peace 37 15
Forgery 3 0 Obscenity 0 0
Narcotics 4 2 Property
Damage/Trespass
25 15
Arson 2 2 Robbery 5 6
Crimes Against
Family
25 13 Theft/Fraud 78 82
Traffic (DUI,
Accidents, Other)
44 31 Vehicle
Theft/Tampering
5 17
Criminal Sexual
Conduct
19 16 Weapons 4 7
Misc. Liquor
Offenses
0 4 Crimes Against Admin
of Justice
2 5
Juvenile-Runaway 16 6
Activity
Jan thru Dec
2010
TOTAL
Jan thru Dec
2009
TOTAL
Oct thru Dec
2010
TOTAL
Adult Arrests 333 353 80
Juvenile Arrests 43 27 9
Calls For Service 6174 6004 1504
Court Citations 781 661 163
Administrative Offenses 326 353 81
www.ci.mounds-view.mn.us
3
Jan thru Dec 2010 Crime Reports
Oct – Dec 2010 2009 YEAR TO DATE 2010 2009
TOTAL 348 363 TOTAL 1532 1448
2010 2009 2010 2009
Assault 165 163 Misc-Other Offenses 15 28
Burglary 49 71 Disturbing Peace 229 194
Forgery 22 11 Obscenity 6 4
Narcotics 40 30 Property
Damage/Trespass
205 203
Arson 4 3 Robbery 4 6
Crimes Against
Family
12 18 Theft/Fraud 381 373
Traffic (DUI,
Accidents, other)
221 175 Vehicle
Theft/Tampering
44 56
Criminal Sexual
Conduct
15 16 Weapons 8 15
Misc. Liquor
Offenses
42 39 Crimes Against Admin
of Justice
25 28
Juvenile-
Runaway/Curfew
42 15
www.ci.mounds-view.mn.us
4
Jan thru Dec 2010 Misc. Incidents, Calls & Complaints
Oct – Dec 2010 2009 YEAR TO DATE 2010 2009
TOTAL 1225 1228 TOTAL 4736 4865
Lost & Found
(persons/property)
116 90 Suspicion
Narcotics
15 27
Vehicles (towed, recovered,
abandoned)
109 71 Public
Disturbance/Loud
Party
244 302
Accidents 210 223 Disorderly Juvenile 137 154
Animal
Complaints/Impounds
297 336 MV/Traffic
Complaints
325 265
Fires 105 78 MV/Noise
Complaints
0 1
Medical/Suicide/Mental/DOA 621 620 City Ordinance
Complaints
74 70
Domestic-Verbal 221 220 Warrants 60 45
Alarms 297 262 Assist other
Agencies
267 273
Lockouts 195 290 Misc. Public Calls 1126 1124
Suspicious Misc 391 447
Jan thru Dec 2010 Traffic Noise Citations
Oct - Dec
TOTAL 0 TOTAL YEAR TO DATE 0
Unreasonable Acceleration 0 Loud Muffler 0
www.ci.mounds-view.mn.us
5
Calls for Service
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Part 1 Crimes
0
15
4
7
49
312
28
4
0 100 200 300 400
Homicide
Criminal Sexual Conduct
Robbery
Agg Assault
Burglary
Theft
Auto Theft
Arson
www.ci.mounds-view.mn.us
6
Driving While Under the Influence
73
53
67
102
75
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
Crime Prevention/Dare
The police department has an officer assigned to instruct DARE at the Pinewood Elementary
School, monitor predatory offenders, provide crime prevention education and partner with
multi-unit dwelling properties to further crime free housing efforts. The following information
offers additional details on many of these duties.
Officer Keckeisen hosted a very successful DARE program for over 100 5th graders from
Pinewood Elementary School. Officer Keckeisen also met with the 5th grade teachers from
Pinewood Elementary School to finalize the DARE curriculum for the 2010 / 2011 school
year.
To provide added safety for school aged children Officer Keckeisen, along with the Patrol
Division, provided extra police presence at the cross walks of Edgewood, Sunnyside, and
Pinewood schools before and after school.
Two tobacco and two alcohol compliance checks were conducted this year. All Mounds View
businesses successfully passed!
www.ci.mounds-view.mn.us
7
Officer Keckeisen was involved in several proactive crime prevention projects. A presentation
on drug abuse prevention and self defense information for Club Mid at Wildwood Manor was
conducted. Officer Keckeisen also held self defense instruction at White Bear Lake High
School. Crime prevention and law enforcement education was provided to the students at
Kinder Care, as well as holding other safety classes for several day care providers and
church groups in Mounds View.
The Festival in the Park and National Night Out were both very successful events.
Letters detailing concerning conduct occurring on licensed properties were sent to several
“problem addresses” this year with positive results. Police calls have dropped noticeably at
those particular addresses.
Security and traffic control was provided for The Pinewood School Fun Run. Traffic flow
monitoring ensured the safety of all participants.
Officer Keckeisen continued to monitor monthly alarm reports to determine crime patterns
and to assign fines for repeating false alarms.
Quarterly Predatory Offender checks continued this quarter. Officer Keckeisen visited
several offenders to confirm that their registration information is current and correct, and to
provide recent photos to the B.C.A. All predatory offenders in Mounds View are currently in
compliance with their registration.
A community notification meeting was held in September to inform the public that a level 3
predatory offender moved into the 5600 block of Quincy St.
Officer Keckeisen attended the monthly property manager’s coalition meetings this year,
along with meeting property managers on a weekly basis to discuss reports of crimes that
happened on their property and to develop proactive strategies to deter future criminal
activity.
To help reduce criminal activity, and address specific concerns of citizens, extra patrol and
visual police presence was focused on several locations through out the city.
Finally, Officer Keckeisen continues to publish and distribute the weekly crime summary and
crime prevention tips. This year crime mapping was added to the weekly crime summary.
Crime mapping gives citizens a visual representation of where criminal activity took place
during any given week. This also allows officers to adapt accordingly and allocate patrol
resources where they are most needed.
www.ci.mounds-view.mn.us
8
Safe & Sober
2010 was the inaugural full year for the Ramsey County
Traffic Safety Initiative. For review, the Ramsey County
Traffic Safety Initiative is a collaborative effort among law
enforcement agencies in Ramsey County, as well as the
Minnesota State Patrol, to reduce traffic crashes and deaths
caused by impaired driving. Numerous officers from these
various agencies conduct high saturation patrols on scheduled evenings throughout various
targeted areas in Ramsey County to enforce impaired driving laws, as well as all traffic laws.
As a whole, the pilot year was a great success!
The Department of Public Safety’s, Office of Traffic Safety is very excited about our results
and is using our organizational model as a template for other counties in the state.
The last quarter for the year was hampered with poor weather conditions on Friday &
Saturday nights so some of the 4th Quarter numbers were down.
Below are some yearly Safe & Sober totals for the Mounds View Police Department:
Vehicles stopped 443
Charges Issued 153
People Arrested 26
DWI 12
Driving w/o Valid License 14
Equipment Violations 6
Other Violations 22
While conducting surveys of seat belt use, it was calculated that seat belt use in Mounds
View had a compliance rate of approximately 92%.
Through these efforts, we hope to further reduce impaired driving and stress the importance
for the public to plan a safe and sober ride while on the roadways.
www.ci.mounds-view.mn.us
9
School Resource Officer (SRO)
The department has an officer assigned to Edgewood Middle School during the entire school
year. Officer Ben Knitter is the assigned officer who provides a multitude of duties which
includes security, enforcement, counseling and overall assistance in maintaining successful
school operations.
For the year 2010, the SRO made the following incident reports: 2 follow-up investigations for
patrol, 1 assist to other agency, 14 disorderly conducts, 2 domestic assaults, 3 assaults, 5
thefts, 1 suspicious person, 1 possession of tobacco, 1 suicidal person, 1 illegal fireworks, 1
assist ambulance, 2 terroristic threats, 1 child abuse, and 1 hit and run car accident. From
those cases, the SRO referred 10 juveniles to the Northwest Youth and Family Services
Diversion Program, petitioned 9 juveniles to the courts, and cited 1 juvenile.
The SRO has performed a number of functions at the school throughout the year which
include assisting with emergency drills, providing security at dances and school sponsored
events, and serving on several Edgewood committees such as the SAIL (special education)
Team, the Building Operations Committee, and the Anti-bullying/Positive Student Behavior
Committee. The SRO regularly deescalated emotionally upset and out-of-control students
and counseled parents, teachers, and students on a great number of law enforcement and
non-law enforcement related topics. During the 2010 year, the SRO attended the MN School
Safety Conference and a 32 hour Crisis Intervention Team Course. The SRO worked towards
developing positive relationships with staff and students, especially at-risk students.
Training Report
All officers must maintain their state issued POST (Peace Officer Standards & Training
Board) license by attending a required number of continuing education hours on an annual
basis. Many courses the officers will attend are mandated each year, such as the use of force
training and the emergency vehicle operations training, which is required every four years.
It is essential that police officers continually stay current with new technologies, procedures,
techniques and of course laws, which do change each year. The classes listed can only
increase the abilities, knowledge and level of professionalism that our officers provide to our
citizens. The following is a list of courses attended by Mounds View Police Staff during 2010:
www.ci.mounds-view.mn.us
10
• Bloodborne Pathogens/Hazmat
• Use of Force/Taser Refresher
• Low Light Firearms Shoot
• Cell Phone Investigations
• School Safety: Secured & Prepared Schools
• Interrogation & Gentle Art of Persuasion
• Criminal Interdiction/Traffic Enforcement
• Firearms/M16 Rifle Qualification
• Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
• Occupant Protection Usage & Enforcement
• Drugs that Impair Driving
• Summer Qualification Shoot
• Conflict Communication
• Emergency Vehicle Operations
Course
• Cold Weather One on One Tactics
• Executive Training Institute
• LMC Safety & Loss Control
Workshop
• Law Enforcement Executive
Development Seminar (LEEDS)
• Risk Management Seminar
• Critical Incident Training
• Basic Narcotics Investigation
• First Aid Essentials
• Legal Update
• Essentials of Crime Scene Investigation
• CSI Effect and Prosecution
• Exercise Design
• Fundamentals of Emergency
Management
• Emergency Planning
• Leadership & Influence
• Exercise Evaluation & Improvement
Planning
• Decision Making & Problem Solving
• Effective Communication
• Developing & Managing Volunteers
• Association of MN Emergency
Managers Conference
• Crisis Intervention Training
• Introduction to Incident Command
• Incident Command System (ICS) for
Single Resources
• National Incident Management System
(NIMS)- An Introduction
• FBI National Instant Criminal
Background Check
• Criminal Justice Information Users
Conference
• Fall Rifle Shoot
• Inclement Weather Shot
• Background Investigations
• First Aid/CPR Instruction Training
• Hate Crimes
• Role Voluntary Agencies in Emergency
Management
• Introduction to Hazard Mitigation
• Diversity Centered Leadership
• Toward Zero Deaths Conference
• Internal Affairs Investigations
• Knowledge Center Orientation
www.ci.mounds-view.mn.us
11
Department News
The department has seen the departure of 23 year veteran Sergeant Mike Kampa last July.
However, new members have been added as well. In February, Gregg Neumann was hired
as a new patrol officer. The position of Public Service Officer (PSO) has also gone through
many changes in 2010. The most recent person to hold this position is Craig Swalchick. The
department is fortunate to add these new officers to our ranks.
PSO Craig Swalchick Officer Gregg Neumann
The police department also saw the naming of a new police chief, Tom Kinney, a 25 year
veteran of the department and a promotion to sergeant for Ben Zender, an officer for nearly 7
years. Vacancies continue to be filled within the department as the goal is to return to
staffing levels held in 2009.
The department has again been involved in the instruction of a DNR gun
safety course focused on providing safe firearm handling and operation
for young adults. Students participating must be a minimum of 11 years of
age. This Minnesota DNR firearm safety class consists of 17 hours of
classroom and field experience in the safe handling of firearms and hunter
responsibility. The field experience allows students to demonstrate
accepted principles of safety in hunting and the handling of firearms
learned in the classroom. The course includes live fire on a rifle range.
Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a hunter safety certificate. This
certificate allows the student to purchase a hunting license in Minnesota and other states
where certification is required. This educational opportunity in firearms provided by our
officers allows positive interaction to occur between the officers and the young members of
our community. It provides a setting for young students to be able to view our officers from a
new perspective.
The police department has also participated in charitable events such as the Law
Enforcement Torch Run benefitting Special Olympics and the Climb for the Cure, a fundraiser
for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
www.ci.mounds-view.mn.us
12
Financial Report
Item No: 11C
Meeting Date: March 14, 2011
Type of Business: Reports
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: James Ericson, City Administrator
Item Title/Subject: Administration Reports
1. 2012 Budget and 2011 Personnel Actions
The Council and Staff are already beginning to prepare the 2012 Budget based on some of
the initial expectations and assumptions expressed by Council members at the February
15th retreat. Staff has been asked to prepare the 2012 Budget without any reliance on LGA
or Market Value Homestead Credit (MVHC). While we were able to eliminate LGA from
the revenue column in 2011, eliminating both LGA and MVHC would require reducing
expenditures in 2012 by an additional $190,000. Assuming no increase in revenues plus
inflationary increases in many goods and services, we anticipate a budget imbalance of
more than $250,000. While the Council has not yet concluded its analysis of which
services are essential, it is presumed that most of what we do will be considered important,
if not essential, with very little services that could be eliminated to positively impact the
City’s bottom line. To help address the imbalance, I have examined the City’s staffing
levels and conclude that we cannot continue to support the same number of staff members
as we did when the economy was growing and the market robust. To achieve an
appreciable savings in the present year that can be applied to next year’s imbalance, I
would propose taking action at the next meeting to lay off one staff member and continue
to explore potential cost savings that could be achieved by contracting out specific
services.
2. Home Improvement Loan Program Funding Advancement
Now that the program guidelines have been established and the mortgage documents
approved by the City Attorney, staff at Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation (GMHC)
has started marketing the programs, and already a handful of applications have been given
out. To ensure that GMHC has funds available if and when loans are approved and
promissory notes signed, they are requesting the City provide a $50,000 advancement into
their account. While this is somewhat unusual for the City, GMHC regularly requests and
receives advances from all of the communities or organizations they serve. I have
consulted with Suzanna Snyder, Program Director with GMHC, who indicates that their
organization does not have funds of its own and thus would have a cash-flow issue without
the City’s advancement. The funds would be deposited into a segregated interest-bearing
account, and loan payments would also be deposited into this account. The alternative to
advancing the funds would be to for GMHC to request funding from the Council after every
loan closed, however with the City’s just and correct claims process, each loan
disbursement could be delayed as much as two weeks. Advancing the funds up front
makes more sense from a practical and procedural standpoint. Unless the Council directs
otherwise, we would plan to issue the check Tuesday, March 15th.
Administrator Report
March 14, 2011
Page 3
3. North Metro Mayors Association Meeting
Wednesday, March 9, I attended a meeting of the North Metro Mayors Association. We
discussed the joint purchasing program and announced that the group had received a bid
for porta potties from “Bixby Portable Toilet Service, Inc”. The rates proposed are
substantially less than what Mounds View pays its current vendor, so we will plan to
transition to the new vendor this spring. We did not observe any savings as a result of the
office supplies contract with S & T, however Mayor Flaherty and I spoke with S & T
representatives who assured us they would work with us on pricing. In response to that,
we are in the process of summarizing our purchases from 2010 and we’ll get the
information to S & T for them to consider. This meeting was intended to feature a number
of state legislators (it was billed as the NMMA Legislative Delegation Meeting) however
earlier in the afternoon; the legislators were called into committee meetings and were
unable to attend. We were however given the opportunity to meet one of the new Met
Council representatives—John Doan, who represents District 10, which Mounds View is in.
I invited Mr. Doan to come to a City Council meeting as a means of introduction to our City
Council members.
4. Ramsey County Meeting With Managers and Administrators
Monday afternoon, I will be meeting with the County Manager Julie Kleinschmidt along with
other managers and administrators in Ramsey County. This is a semi regular meeting
which provides a good opportunity for the County to communicate directly with managers
and administrators in the Ramsey County suburbs. The agenda for the meeting is
attached for your reference. After the meeting, Commissioners Bennett and Ortega will
provide an update on activities associated with the proposed Vikings stadium in Arden
Hills.
5. Meet and Greet for Nathan Garland
The City Council is invited to attend a “meet and greet” with the City’s newest employee,
patrol officer Nathan Garland. The ceremony will take place in the Council chambers and
will culminate with Officer Garland being sworn in.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________
James Ericson
City Administrator
AGENDA
City / County Managers / Administrators Meeting
Monday, March 14, 2011
3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Ramsey County Public Works
1425 Paul Kirkwold Drive
1. Introduction of newly-elected County Attorney John Choi, First
Assistant County Attorney John Kelly, and newly-elected Sheriff Matt
Bostrom – Julie Kleinschmidt
2. Legislative update – Nick Riley, Ramsey County Intergovernmental
Relations
3. Dispatch and CAD update – Scott Williams
4. Other
Following Ramsey County City Managers/Administrators meeting:
4:30 p.m. – Commissioners Tony Bennett and Rafael Ortega will provide an
update to Ramsey County City Managers/Administrators and Mayors on
discussions with the Minnesota Vikings on the TCAAP property in Arden Hills