HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packets - 2011/11/07
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA
MOUNDS VIEW CITY HALL
Monday, November 7, 2011
7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Flaherty, Stigney, Hull, Mueller, Gunn
PUBLIC COMMENT
Citizens may speak to issues not on tonight’s agenda. Before speaking, please give your
full name and address for the minutes. Also, please limit your comments to three minutes.
Agenda Items Discussed by Consensus
1. Red Oak Estates Townhome Project Update
2. Review Massage Therapy as a Home Occupation
3. 2012 Fee Schedule – Review Draft
4. Water Meter Reader Discussion
5. Economic Development Staffing Discussion
6. Review Snow Plowing and Ice Control Policy
7. Discuss Ice Hockey and Skating Rink Operations for 2011/2012
Next Work Session: Monday, December 5, 2011, at 7pm
Next City Council Meeting: Monday, November 14, 2011, at 7pm
Item No: 1
Meeting Date: Nov 7, 2011
Type of Business: Work Session
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: James Ericson, City Administrator
Item Title/Subject: Review Red Oak Estates Townhome Development
Introduction:
The City has been receiving complaints regarding the mounds of dirt that remain on the
site of the Red Oak Estates Townhome development, located at the southwest corner of
Long Lake Road and County Road H2. In addition to complaints about their unsightly
appearance and weed growth, complaints have been filed regarding erosion control and silt
collecting on the private internal driveways.
Discussion:
Staff understands that the mounds of dirt were intended to remain in place during the
construction of the townhomes on a temporary “staging” basis, representing topsoil to be
used on the Red Oak Estates site as well as the future Longview Estates subdivision on
Silver Lake Road. Unfortunately, before the topsoil could be utilized, the housing bubble
burst, the foreclosure crisis took hold and the great recession intervened, all of which had
the effect of halting projects such as Red Oak Estates and Longview Estates. As a result,
the mounds of dirt have sat idle for the last two years. Thirty-eight of the development’s
seventy-two units have been constructed, with the last units completed in July of 2009.
The mounds of dirt on the property can be considered a violation of both the City’s
Nuisance Code (Chapter 607) as well as its Erosion Control Regulations (Chapter 1303,
specifically, “Construction and Land Disturbance Run-Off Control.”) In addition to the
requirement that no person shall permit weeds or grass to grow to heights in excess of
eight inches, the Nuisance Code further states in Section 607.03, Subd 3f., that "Property
in a residential district not seeded, sodded or otherwise planted with a ground cover more
than two hundred forty (240) days after any disturbance to the property caused by
construction, grading, or other activity; or any time prior to the two hundred forty (240) days
if the property is causing erosion or drainage problems on the same or nearby properties,
including the public streets" shall be considered a public nuisance.
Actions:
The City has notified the property owner previously about the weed growth and we
understand that Rice Creek Watershed District has been out to review the property
regarding erosion control measures. This last week, the Fire Marshal delivered a letter to
the owner in response to complaints about parking and drive-aisle widths, requiring that the
internal driveways be maintained at the requisite width and that “No Parking” signs be
erected to help maintain such clearance.
Red Oak Estates Report
Nov 7, 2011
Page 2
Recommendation:
After receiving complaints from residents in the area, Staff contacted Paul Harstad to get
an update on the project(s) and the status of the dirt. Either Paul or Marty Harstad will be
present to respond to Council member questions and discuss the mounds of dirt and a
time frame for their removal.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
James Ericson
City Administrator
Photo demonstrating erosion from dirt mound Nov 2, 2011
Mounds of Dirt at Red Oak Estates
Nov 2, 2011
Nov 2, 2011
Red Oak Estates Townhome Project – Spring 2009 Aerial Image
Location of
dirt mounds
Item No: 2
Meeting Date: Nov 7, 2011
Type of Business: Work Session
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: James Ericson, City Administrator
Item Title/Subject: Review Possibility of Allowing Massage Therapy as a
Permitted Home Occupation
Introduction:
At the City Council’s meeting on October 24, 2011, resident Mary Jo Howell asked the
Council whether it would be willing to amend the City Code to be more permissive toward
allowance of “massage therapy” as a home based business in Mounds View. The City
Council asked staff to schedule a discussion for the Council at the next work session,
November 7, 2011.
Discussion:
Massage Therapy is a licensed business activity in Mounds View. The regulations
pertaining to massage therapy can be found in Chapter 514 of the Mounds City Code,
originally adopted in 1996 via Ordinance 583. There are many licensing and zoning
requirements associated with such a business and they are expressly permitted only in the
B2, B3 & B4 commercial business zoning districts. Such a use is not permitted in a
residential zone or as a home-based business, as indicated in Section 514.10, Subd. 2,
regarding locations ineligible for a therapeutic massage license. This clause reads, “A
therapeutic massage enterprise may not be licensed if the location of such enterprise is not
in conformance with Title 1100 of the Mounds View Municipal Code.”
The City’s intent in limiting such businesses to commercial business districts was to
minimize the risk and impact of inappropriate activity occurring. In addition, conducting
inspections to verify compliance with all the licensing requirements is inherently more
challenging when such activity is conducted in one’s home.
Staff requested information from other communities as to their allowance of massage
therapy as a home occupation. Ten communities responded that the activity was allowed
or permitted, although most required some sort of license or conditional use permit. Five
communities, including three neighboring to Mounds View (Fridley, New Brighton and
Shoreview) indicated such as activity was NOT allowed. Ms. Howell reported that the City
of New Brighton permitted massage therapy in a residential district, which is technically
correct, however if the premises is used as a home, then it is NOT permitted. Thus, in New
Brighton, it is not a permitted home-based business.
Staff asked Police Chief Tom Kinney, who’s experienced first-hand the challenges of
investigating and prosecution of illegitimate massage therapy operators, for his thoughts on
the request to allow massage therapy as a home-based business. Chief Kinney indicates
that, in his opinion, the practice of massage therapy is best conducted in a public
commercial business setting so as to avoid illegitimate conduct that may potentially occur
behind closed residential doors. The more transparency with this type of business, as with
any business for that matter, the less likelihood abuse could occur.
Massage Therapy Report
November 7, 2011
Page 2
Summary Points:
• The City of Mounds View does not presently allow massage therapy as a home-
based business due to a licensing provision that requires such an activity to operate
in a commercial business zoning district.
• Despite there being more communities which allow such a home occupation (based
on a very small sample size), those that do not cite concerns with potential
inappropriate activity and difficulties associated with inspections to verify
compliance with the many licensing requirements.
• The Chief of Police is not supportive of such a change due to concerns with the
potential for inappropriate, illegitimate activity.
• Because the City Code applies to all residents, amending the laws in response to
one person’s desires (whether the issue is bees, chickens or massage therapy)
would seem overly accommodating and ill advised.
Recommendation:
While Ms. Howell may have the best of intentions and would undoubtedly operate a
professional and highly-regarded operation from within her home, Staff would not support
amending the Code in response to this single request, as it would open the door to others
who may not share Ms. Howell’s above-board professional standards and holistic approach
to the healing arts. That said, the City Council should discuss Ms. Howell’s request and
provide direction on the issue.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
James Ericson
City Administrator
Attachments:
1. Municipal Survey regarding Massage Therapy as a Home Occupation
2. Mounds View City Code Chapter 514
Massage Therapy as a Home Occupation – Survey Results
City Permitted? Additional Information
Arden Hills Yes Requires a business license and a Conditional Use Permit
Blaine Yes Blaine does not license massage therapy businesses, and so long
as it satisfies general home occupation requirements, it would be
permitted.
Brainerd Yes Requires a home business license.
Champlin Yes Champlin has a specific license for home based massage
businesses which combines the otherwise separate
business/therapist licenses into one. There have not been any
problems with the licensed home based businesses.
Eagan No Licenses shall be granted only for operation on fixed premises which
must be located in a commercial or industrial district as established
by the zoning chapter.
Falcon Heights Yes They are required to get a home occupation license as well as the
regular massage therapy licenses.
Fridley No Fridley does not permit home based massage therapy.
Ham Lake Yes, by
CUP
Therapists must be certified by the National Certification Board for
Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB), or have passed the
MBLEx examination given by the Federation of State Massage Therapy
Boards, or be a member in the American Massage Therapy
Association (AMTA) or Associated Bodywork and Massage
Professionals (ABMP). Hours of operation limited to 8 am to 10 pm.
Mendota Heights No Massage therapy not a permitted home business.
New Brighton No Under the licensing section there are very specific requirements for
offering massage therapy in a residential district. One of the
limitations is that the property CANNOT be used for residential
purposes. So by definition one cannot have a home-based massage
business.
Richfield Yes The therapist must be certified by the National Certification Board for
Therapy Massage and Bodywork or by the Massage and Bodywork
Licensing Examination.
Shakopee Yes Shakopee allows massage therapy as a home occupation, so long
as the business meets the criteria for a home occupation set forth in
the City's zoning code. The definition of "home occupation" is very
broad, and includes "Any gainful occupation or profession engaged
in by an occupant." Shakopee does not license massage therapists.
Shoreview No Massage Therapy only allowed at commercial establishments
licensed for massage therapy
Stillwater Yes The City of Stillwater allows state licensed massage therapy as a
home occupation in its residential districts. If the home occupation is
a single practitioner business, and is practiced only by the resident,
an administratively issued permit is all that is required. One other
person may be employed in the home business if it meets a number
of conditions and would then require a Special Use Permit.
White Bear Lake Yes Massage Therapy requires a "special home occupation permit"
which is similar to and processed the same as a conditional use
permit, but does not run with the land. They charge less than a CUP
for the application fee ($100 versus $400).
Cities highlighted in yellow are those referenced by Ms. Howell as permitting massage therapy as
a home occupation.
Item No: 3
Meeting Date: November 7, 2011
Type of Business: WS
Administrator Review : ____
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Desaree Crane, Assistant City Administrator
Item Title/Subject: Review Draft of 2012 Fee Schedule
Attached is the draft of the 2012 Fee Schedule for your review. This was reviewed by all
Department Heads, and a final draft will be presented to the City Council by Public Hearing
on November 14, 2011. Changes to the Fee Schedule are highlighted in red and blue.
Respectfully Submitted,
Desaree Crane
Last updated:
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I. .................. Building/Community Dev. Related Fees P.
a. ........................................................................... Valuation Table P.
b. ................................................................................ Surcharges P.
c. .................... General Construction, Home, Building Permits, Misc. P.
Accessory Buildings
Additions & Remodels, Residential
Deck
Demolition & Wrecking
Door/Window Installation
Driveways, Sidewalks, Parking Lots
and Patios
Electrical Work
Elevators
Fences / Kennels
Fire Permits
Fireplaces
HVAC
Irrigation Systems
Manufactured Homes
Moving Buildings
Plumbing Work
Porch
Raising, Shoring
Reshingling
Re-siding/Stucco
Satellite Dishes
Sheds
Signs/Billboards
Sprinkler Systems
Swimming Pools
Temporary Office
Tent, Temporary
Telecommunication Antenna
Warehouse Racking Systems
(commercial)
Windows
d. ......................................... Other Inspections/Planning Fees P.
Building Inspections
Change of Address
Comprehensive Plan Amendment
Conditional Use Permit
Contractor Licenses
Development/Site Plan Review
Housing and Fire Inspection Fees
Interim Use Permit
Interim Use Permit Amendment
Investigation Fee
Lead Safety Certification Verification
Park Dedication Fee
Plan Review Fee
Planned Unit Development/Amendment
Refund Policy
Rezoning
Street or Easement Vacation
Subdivisions
Text Amendment, Zoning Code
Text Amendment, Other Code
Variance
Wetland Alteration Permit
Wetland Buffer Permit
Zoning Letter
II. ........ Miscellaneous (copies, maps, agendas, etc.) P.
Certified Copies
Filing Fee for Public Office
Insufficient Fund Checks (NSF)
Municipal Code
Notary Public
Pending Assessment Search
Photocopies
DVD Copies
Zoning Code CD Rom
50th Anniversary Cookbook
Mounds View History Book
2
III…….……………. Police/ Administrative Offenses P.
IV. .................................................................... Licenses P.
Amusement Centers/ Devises/Rides,
Carnivals, Circuses
Automobile Sales
Bowling Alley
Cigarette and Tobacco
Contractor’s License
Dog Licenses
Garbage and Rubbish Hauler License
Gasoline Station License
Kennel License
Liquor Licenses/Investigation Fee
Rental Dwelling License
Pawn Shops
Peddlers/Transient Merchant
Recuperation of Half Way House
Restaurant License
Therapeutic Massage/Investigation
V. . Park, Recreation, and MVCC Facility Rental Fees P.
Banquet and Conference Center Rental
Gymnasium Rental
Athletic Field Rental
Park Building and Picnic Shelter Rental
VI. ..................................... Public Works Related Fees P.
Call Out Rate Schedule
Right-of Way Management Fees
Municipal Water System Fees
Municipal Sanitary Sewer System Fees
Surface Water Management Utility Fees
Street Lighting Utility Fees
Construction Site and land Disturbance Fees
Other Management Public Works Fees
3
I. BUILDING/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT RELATED FEES
A. VALUATION TABLE
The following Valuation Table shall be used to determine fees for those permits indicated below and
in all cases where the work is of such a nature that the permit fees cannot be determined from the
schedule established below for such work. The minimum fee for all permits shall be $29.50
unless otherwise specified.
$1 to $500
$29.50
$501 to $2,000
$28 for the first $500 plus $3.70 for each additional
$100 or fraction thereof, to and including $2,000
$2,001 to $25,000
$83.50 for the first $2,000 plus $16.55 for each
additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and
including $25,000
$25,001 to $50,000
$464.15 for the first $25,000 plus $12 for each
additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and
including $50,000
$50,001 to $100,000 $764.15 for the first $50,000 plus $8.45 for each
additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and
including $100,000
$101,001 to $500,000 $1,186.65 for the first $100,000 plus $6.75 for each
additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and
including $500,000
$500,001 to $1,000,000 $3,886.65 for the first $500,000 plus $5.50 for each
additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and
including $1,000,000
$1,000,001 and up
$6,636.65 for the first $1,000,000 plus $4.50 for
each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof
4
Specific Valuations
Accessory Buildings: Garages & Sheds
Attached Garage $28.63 per sq. ft.
Detached Garages & Sheds, > 120 sq. ft. (w/ concrete floor) $15.75 per sq. ft.
Detached Garages & Sheds, > 120 sq. ft. (w/ wood floor) $10.02 per sq. ft.
Carport / Lean-to $14.32 per sq. ft.
Residential Dwelling Additions
First Floor and basic floor area $83.51 per sq. ft.
Second Floor $64.71 per sq. ft.
Shell Only $47.51 per sq. ft.
Addition (mobile home) $26.48 per sq. ft.
Gazebo/Outdoor Living Room $29.17 per sq ft.
Basement
Unfinished $16.44 per sq. ft.
Rough-In Finish $21.40 per sq. ft.
Finished $27.81 per sq. ft.
Crawl Space $8.53 per sq. ft.
General Remodel $22.33per sq. ft.
Deck
Residential $9.92 per sq. ft.
Porch
Screen only $29.17 per sq. ft.
Three-Season (wood frame/windows/doors Not Heated) $52.83 per sq. ft.
Open Porch $22.00 per sq ft.
Swimming Pools (See Chapter 1009)
Above ground--Permanent (over 52” in depth) $10.61 per sq. ft.
Below ground $31.82 per sq. ft.
5
B. SURCHARGES
Building Surcharge: Where the fee for the permit is based upon valuation, the surcharge is as follows:
1. Building Surcharge
(For valuation-based permits, the surcharge is as follows)
Valuation of Work Surcharge Computation
$1,000,000 or less
.0005 x valuation
$1,000,000 to $2,000,000
$500 + .0004 x (Value - $1,000,000)
$2,000,000 to $3,000,000
$900 + .0003 x (Value - $2,000,000)
$3,000,000 to $4,000,000
$1,200 + .0002 x (Value - $3,000,000)
$4,000,000 to $5,000,000
$1,400 + .0001 x (Value - $4,000,000)
Greater than $5,000,000
$1,500 + .00005 x (Value - $5,000,000)
For fixed-fee permits, the surcharge shall be $5.00 per permit (or .0005 of the permit fee if
permit fee exceeds $10,000).
2. Heating & Plumbing Surcharge
Residential
$5.00 per permit (or .0005 of the permit
fee if fee exceeds $10,010).
Commercial
Use the above table
6
C. GENERAL CONSTRUCTION, HOME, MISCELLANEOUS BUILDING
PERMITS.
(Note: Surcharges Not Included in all figures listed below -- See Surcharge Section in Chapter 1006 for
more information)
Accessory Buildings Use valuation table
Residential Additions or Remodels Use valuation table
Residential Remodels Use valuation table
Deck 30” and under, or not attached to
dwelling
Deck above 30”
$30 (no surcharge)
Use valuation table
Demolition and Wrecking $30 plus $3.00 per 1,000 cubic feet or fraction thereof
over 2,000 cubic feet plus $5.00 surcharge
Residential Door or Window Installation
Change Opening $40 for first windows/door plus $12.50 for each
additional window/door (plus $5.00 surcharge)
Use Existing Rough opening $30 for first window/door plus $5.00 for each additional
window/door (plus $5.00 surcharge)
Egress Basement Window $50 for first window $25 for each additional window
(plus $5.00 surcharge)
Driveways, Sidewalks, Parking Lots, Patios; New Installation or Overlay (No Surcharge)
* A Right-of-way permit is also required for any construction that disrupts City-owned streets, curbing,
sidewalks, etc.
Residential
R-1 or R-2 Overlay or Seal Coating with
no expansion, no permit needed.
R-4 or R-4 Overlay or Seal Coating
Concrete/Asphalt/Brick: $30 for first 500 square feet
plus $2 for each additional 100 square feet or fraction
thereof (no surcharge)
Gravel*: $20 (no surcharge)
* See zoning code for gravel limitations.
$25 for first 500 square feet plus $2 for each
additional 500 square feet.
Commercial Use valuation table
Electrical Work -- Same as established by the Minnesota State Board of Electricity.
Elevators Use valuation table
7
Fences/Kennels
Six feet and below
Above six feet
$30 per installation (no surcharge)
$40 35 per installation (plus $5.00 surcharge)
8
Fire Permits
Fire Alarm Systems/Panels
Fire Works Display
Fireworks Sales
Temporary Tent
Tank Installation (fuel, oil, gas,
etc.)
Tank Removal (fuel, oil, gas, etc.)
Operational Permits
$100
$100
$350 (business selling only fireworks)
$100 (business selling fireworks & other retail)
$50
$100 per tank (no surcharge)
$50 per tank (no surcharge)
$25 (annually)
Fireplaces
Wood/Corn burning Stove
(Building Permit)
$30 plus $5.00 surcharge
Gas Fireplace (Mechanical
Permit)
See Mechanical $30 plus $5.00 surcharge
Mechanical HVAC (Plus Surcharge)
Commercial HVAC
1.5% of contract price plus surcharge at .0005 times contract
price
Residential:
Air Conditioning $35 per unit
Furnaces $40 per unit – New
$30 - Replacement
Air Exchanger $30 per unit
Sheet Metal / Duct Work $30
Ventilation Systems $15 for the first fan plus $5 for each additional
Gas fireplace $30 (includes incidental piping)
Gas, oil piping $30 per unit
Wood/Corn Burning
Stove
$30 per unit
Steam, hot water heating $40 per unit
Irrigation Systems (landscaping) $30 (plus $5.00 surcharge)
9
Moving Buildings (See Chapter 1007)
Principal Structure $175 per building (plus $5.00 surcharge)
Accessory Structure (larger than 400sq. ft.) $50 per building (plus $5.00 surcharge)
Accessory Structure (400 sq. ft. or less) $30
Plumbing Work - (Chapter 1004)
Residential - Plumbing fixture, devices,
Connections
Residential - Fixture Replacement (same
opening) or Repair
Commercial (4 units and up)
$22 plus $8 per fixture (plus $5.00 surcharge)
$15 or 5% of value whichever is greater up to
$30 (plus $5.00 surcharge)
1.5% of contract price plus surcharge at
.0005 times contract price
Porch Use valuation table
Raising, shoring Use valuation table
Re-shingling
Residential
(Re-shingling permit not required for
buildings under 120 square feet)
$25 for this first 500 square feet plus $4 for
each additional 100 square feet or fraction
thereof (plus $5.00 surcharge)
Commercial Use Valuation Table
Re-siding / Stucco
Residential
(Re-shingling permit not required for
buildings under 120 square feet)
Soffit/Fascia only (fee not required if
included with siding permit)
$25 for the first 500 square feet plus $4 for
each additional 100 square feet or fraction
thereof (plus $5.00 surcharge)
Soffit/Fascia: $30 per installation (plus $5.00
surcharge)
Commercial Use Valuation Table
Retaining Wall
Four feet and below
Above four feet
$30 (no surcharge)
$40 (plus $5.00 surcharge)
Manufactured Homes (See Chapter 1110)
Installation Work $50 per installation (plus $5.00 surcharge)
Use valuation table
Mechanical (Gas hook up) $25 (plus $5.00 surcharge)
10
Re-siding / Stucco
Commercial Use Valuation Table
Satellite Dishes (See Chapter 1103.18)
(no permit required for mini dish systems)
$30 per installation (plus $5.00 surcharge)
Sheds (120 square feet and less) $30 (no surcharge)
Signs (Zoning Permit, no surcharge) & Billboards (Building Permit, surcharge) See Chapter 1008
Signs up to 100 sq ft. $50 for the first 24 square feet plus $5.00 for each
additional 25 square feet or fraction thereof up to
100 square
Signs 100 sq. ft. and over $75 for the first 100 square feet plus $10 for each
additional 100 square feet or fraction thereof
Signs re-facing or altering $40 per installation
Temporary Signs $40 per 21 day period (Limit 4 permits per year
plus one additional permit for a banner
Billboards $250 per billboard (plus $5.00 surcharge)
Sprinkler Systems (Fire Suppression)
Sprinkler; Residential
(City fees waived for systems installed voluntarily)
$40 plus $4.50 for each ten sprinkler heads or
fraction thereof over the ten heads, plus $5.00
Use Valuation Table
Sprinkler; Commercial 1.5% of the contract price plus surcharge at .0005
times the contract price
Sprinkler Plan Check Fee 65% of permit fee (for new construction or 20
heads or more only)
Residential Swimming Pools
Permanent (above or below ground) Use Valuation Table
Temporary (52” high or less) $25 (plus $5.00 surcharge)
Telecommunication Antenna
(Building Permit Fee, see also Chapter
1124)
$750 plus $5.00 surcharge per system installation.
For installations on city property, fee is 7% of
yearly rent to city (plus $5.00 surcharge)
$50 each for swapping antennas
Temporary Office (Mobile home) $50 ($10 annual renewal)
Warehouse Racking Systems (commercial) $50 (new installations or revisions)(plus $5.00
surcharge) Use Valuation Table
Windows See Door/Window Installation
11
D. OTHER INSPECTIONS / PLANNING FEES
Applicants are responsible for all costs incurred associated with the filing, review and processing
of development applications. Such fees are to be paid in escrow up front or upon receipt of
statement from the City of Mounds View. Fees may include but are not limited to costs for
consultants retained by the City, consultant planning services, attorney, and engineer fees. A
deposit may also be required to cover costs of public notices, materials and staff time spent in
the review, research or preparation of materials associated with this application. The applicant
shall be responsible for all reasonable incurred costs in excess of the initial fee and/or deposit
amount. Any portion of the deposit not spent or encumbered shall be refunded to the applicant
within 30 days after consideration of the application is completed. Payment of park dedication
fees is required with subdivision applications. Application fees are not refundable.
Building Inspections
Inspections conducted outside of
normal business hours
$63.25/hr. (Minimum charge two hours)
Inspections for which no fee is
specifically indicated
$63.25/hr. (Minimum charge - one half hour)
Reinspection Fees $63.25/hr.
Change of Address $150
Comprehensive Plan Amendment $500
Conditional Use Permit (CUP)
R-1 to R-2 $200
All other Districts $400
CUP Amendment Same as CUP Fee
Contractor Licenses (See Chapter 1001) $60 (after July 31st , $40)
Contractors License Verification Fee $5 per permit (See building procedures)
Development/Site Plan Review $400
Housing and Fire Inspection Fees (See Chapter 1012)
Initial and Follow up Inspection No charge
Each Additional Inspection $63.25/inspection (approved by Resolution 7330)
Interim Use Permit (IUP) $400
IUP Amendment $400
12
Investigation Fee Equivalent to permit fee (when work commences
without an approved permit)
Lead Safety Certification Verification
Fee
$5
Park Dedication Fee (See Ord 745) Up to 10% of fair market land value
Plan Review Fee
* Refund Policy: No plan review
fee may be refunded after
review has been completed.
*Payment shall be received
before plans are reviewed
Plan Review Fee -- “Similar”
65 percent of permit fee for all commercial permits and
for residential permits for new dwellings, dwelling
additions, garages, garage additions, decks, sheds over
216 square feet, and major remodeling. Additional Plan
Review Fee required by changes, additions or revisions
to plans $47/ hr. (Minimum charge one half hour) Plan
review for outside consultants for plan checking and
inspections, or both. Actual costs including administrative
and overhead costs.
Where all units are the same or similar, each unit after
first shall be 25% of original fee.
Planned Unit Development (PUD) (See
Chapter 1120)
$750
PUD Amendment $400
Refund Policy All but $40 of the permit fee can be refunded within 100
days of application if work has not commenced.
Rezoning $500
Street or Easement Vacation $250
Subdivisions
Minor Subdivision
Reapproval Fee
$300
$50
Major Subdivision
Reapproval Fee
$600
$100
Text Amendment, Zoning Code $400
Text Amendment, Other City Code $300
Variance
R-1, R-2 (Administrative) $100 (additional $125 if formal variance is required)
13
Wetland Buffer Permit
R-1 and R-2 $30
All Other Districts $100
Wetland Alteration Permit
R-1 and R-2 $200
All Other Districts $350
Zoning Letter $50 30
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II. MISCELLANEOUS FEES
Certified Copies $5 plus photocopy fee of .25 per page
Filing Fee for Public Office See Mounds View City Charter
Insufficient Funds (NSF) checks (returned or
NSF checks)
$30
Municipal Code $200
Notary Public $1 plus any photocopy charges
Photocopies Black/White (8 ½” x 11”): $0.25 per printed side
Black/White (11” x 17”): $0.50 per printed side
Black/White (24”x 36”): $2.00 per printed side
Color (8 ½” x 11”): $1.00 per printed side
Color (11” x 17”): $2.50 per printed side
Color (24”x 36”): $10.00 per printed side
Pending Assessments Search $10
DVD Copies $15
Zoning Code CD Rom $15
50th Anniversary Mounds View Cookbook
Mounds View History Book
$5
$5
15
III. POLICE/ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENSES
Crime Free Multi Housing Participant No charge
Driver License Record (Out of state) $6
Fingerprint Cards $15 for first card/$5 for each additional card
Police/Accident Reports .25 for each page
Police Reports Research .25 per page.
$50 per hour research fee for all requests exceeding
100 pages.
Certified Copy of Report $5 for certification and .25 per page
Color Printed Copy $2.00/page
35mm Standard Photos $1.00/print
Cassette or Video tape $25.00
Electronic copies to Digital Media $15.00 per disc
Impound Vehicle Storage Fee $15.00 per day
30’ Stop Sign $15
Alcohol in public $50
Animal Violations Fee $25 for the 1st violation within 12 months
$50 for the 2nd violation within 12 months
$75 for the 3rd and subsequent violations w/in 12
months
Building and Fire Code $150
Blocking Driveways $100
False Alarm Charges $50 -- Third false alarm in a 2 month period
$75 – for each false alarm in excess of three in a twelve
month period
Fire Hydrant $25
Fire Lane $25
Garbage Dumping $100
Handicap Zone $200
House Numbers $25
Junk Vehicles See Property Based Violations
16
Junk & Debris See Property Based Violations
Keys in Ignition $20
Loads limits $150
Loitering $25
Other Illegal Parking $15
Park Ordinance $25
Regulated Business Activity (Title 500) $100
Signs (Chapter 1008) $100
Snowbirds $25
Snowmobiles $25
Loud Parties/Noise: Mufflers, Stereos and
other violations of State and City Noise
Codes
$50
Property Based Violations 1st Offense: $150
2nd Offense (within 12 months): $300
3rd Offense (within 12 months): $450
Administrative Hearing: $50
Tobacco Penalties, Sale to Minors: Administrative Penalties for Individuals
1st Offense: $100
Subsequent Offenses The fine increases by $50 for each subsequent offense
within a 24 month period
Trespass $25
Truck parking $25
Watering Ban Violations 1st violation Written Warning
2nd violation $25.00
3rd violation $50.00
4th violation $100.00
5th violation $200.00
6th violation Turned over to the City Attorney for
criminal prosecution of theft
17
Wetlands (Chapter 1010) $150
Zoning (Title 1100) $150
18
IV. LICENSES (All licenses subject to a 10% late fee where applicable.)
Amusement Devices and Centers (Chapter
506)
$16 per location plus $16 per machine
Automobile Sales (Chapter 510) $204 per year
Amusement Rides, Carnivals, Circuses
(Chapter 506)
$133 for first day plus $21 for each additional day
Bowling Alleys (Chapter 507) $21 per alley
Cigarette and Tobacco License Fee (Chapter
512)
$230 per year
Contractor License $60 per year
Prorated after July 31st $40
Dog Licenses (decreased by 50% after one year)
Spayed or neutered $7 for two years
Unsprayed or Unneutered $13 for two years
Duplicate tags $2
Garbage and Rubbish Hauler (Chapter 603) $100105 plus $40 42 per vehicle per year
Gasoline Stations (Chapter 509) $72 plus $25 per pump
Kennel (Chapter 701)
Residential $32 per year
Commercial $61 per year
19
Liquor Licenses (Chapter 502, 503)
On-Sale Intoxicating without Cabaret $.65 per square foot for that space which is used
primarily as bar area and $.53 per square foot for
that space which is used primarily as dining area
with a minimum fee of $3,000 and a maximum
fee of $10,000
On-Sale with Cabaret $.65 per square foot for that space which is used
primarily as bar area and $.53 per square foot for
that space which is used primarily as dining area
with a minimum fee of $3,000 and a maximum
fee of $10,000 (Resolution No. 4629)
State Liquor Certificate $20 per year
On-Sale Wine $800 per year
Off-Sale Intoxicating $200 per year
Bottle Club $330 per year
On-Sale Malt Liquor/3.2 Beer $1,000 per year
Off-Sale Malt Liquor/3.2 Beer $100 per year
Set Ups $330 per year
Club $330 per year
Temporary Liquor License $100 per event
Investigation Fee: All Liquor Licenses
Single Person $300/$350
Partnership $365/$385
Corporation $400/$450
20
Rental Dwelling License (Annual) (Chapter 1012)
Single Family
(New Single Family Rental License)
Multi-Family
License Fee Discounts:
$60
$60 plus one-time conversion fee
$60 base fee plus $8 per unit
• Certification Level C 20% fee reduction
• Certification Level B 33% fee reduction
• Certification Level A 50% fee reduction
Rental Dwelling License Transfer $40 30
Single Family Rental Conversion Fee $375 (or $100 if owner attends “The
Fundamentals of Rental Property Management
in Minnesota or equivalent. A $275 refund may
be provided upon receipt of Certificate of
attendance of RPM Class within one year of
rental license application.)
Pawn Shops (Chapter 516)
Non-Refundable Application Fee (includes
cost of investigation)
$500
New Manager Investigation Fee $150
Annual License $10,000
Billable Transaction Fee $1.50 per transaction
Performance Bond $10,000
Peddlers / Transient Merchants / Solicitors (Chapter 504)
Permits $61 per day
$204 per month
$510 per year
Investigation fee, new peddler / solicitor $15
I.D. Card $5.00 per person
Recuperation or Half Way House (Chapter 511)
Less than 10 beds $33 per year
10-49 beds $55 per year
50-99 beds $82 per year
21
Over 100 beds $110 per year
Restaurants -- Class A (occupancy load greater than 100) (Chapter 505)
Operating 16 hours/day or less $280
Operating more than16 hours/day $560
Restaurants -- Class B (occupancy load of 100 or less)
Operation 16 hours/day or less $168
Operating more than 16 hours/day $337
Therapeutic Massage License Fee/Investigation (Chapter 514)
Enterprise License $255
Therapist License $102
Individual Investigation Fee $100
Partnership / Corporation Investigation Fee $350
Temporary Massage License $100
22
V. PARK, RECREATION, AND MVCC FACILITY RENTAL FEES
Classifications for Rental Fee Rates:
Class I: School District 621, Mounds View Scouts, Lions and 4-H, Mounds View Area Athletic Associations (w/10%
roster MV residents)
Class II: Mounds View Residents, Mounds View Religious Groups (w/Mounds View Address), Local Political
Groups and Mounds View Non-Profits (w/Mounds View Address)
Class III: Mounds View City Employees, Non-local School Districts, Non-local Non-profit Groups.
Class IV: All For-Profit Groups, Non-local Religious Groups, Non-resident individuals/private agencies,
businesses/vendors, and Colleges and Universities.
**The City Administrator may waive the rental fees for charitable events held for the benefit of Mounds View residents
upon receiving a written request outlining the nature of such event.**
BANQUET AND CONFERENCE CENTER RENTALS
Event Center 1/6 (Seats 50)
*Class I excludes set up services
in Event Center or additional set-
up in multi-purpose rooms and
gymnasium.
Class I 2011 2012 2013
Hourly: $11.50 $12.00 13.00
4 hour block: $36.00 $38.00 40.00
Class II
Hourly: $22.00 $23.00 24.00
4 hour block: $77.00 $80.00 83.00
Class III
Hourly: $29.00 $30.00 31.00
4 Hour block $98.00 $101.00 104.00
Class IV
Hourly: $40.00 $41.00 42.00
4 hour block $138.00 $142.00 146.00
Event Center 1/3 (Seats 100)
*Class I excludes set up services in
Event Center or additional set-up in
multi-purpose rooms and
gymnasium.
Class I 2011 2012 2013
Hour: $21.00 $22.00 23.00
4 hour block: $63.00 $65.00 67.00
Class II
Hourly: $33.00 $34.00 35.00
4 hour block $111.00 $115.00 119.00
Class III
Hourly: $47.00 $48.00 49.00
4 hour block $150.00 $155.00 160.00
Class IV
Hourly: $69.00 $72.00 75.00
4 hour block $232.00 $239.00 246.00
23
Full Event Center (Seats 400)
*Class I excludes set up services
in Event Center or additional set-
up in multi-purpose rooms and
gymnasium.
Class I 2011 2012 2013
1 Hour $36.00 $37.00 38.00
4 hour block: $110.00 $115.00 120.00
Class II
Hourly: $89.00 $92.00 95.00
4 hour block: $285.00 $294.00 303.00
Class III
Hourly: $128.00 $132.00 135.00
4 hour block: $410.00 $423.00 436.00
Class IV
Hourly: $162.00 $167.00 142.00
4 hour block: $510.00 $526.00 542.00
Kitchen
(To be used by Licensed Caterer
Only)
*Class I excludes set up services
in Event Center or additional set-
up in multi-purpose rooms and
gymnasium.
Class I 2011 2012 2013
Hourly $16.50 $17.00 18.00
4 hour block: $42.00 $44.00 46.00
Class II
Hourly: $33.00 $34.00 35.00
4 hour block $110.00 $115.00 120.00
Class III
Hourly: $45.00 $47.00 49.00
4 hour block $150.00 $155.00 160.00
Class IV
Hourly: $68.00 $71.00 74.00
4 hour block $230.00 $237.00 244.00
Multi-Purpose Rooms A and B
(Seating up to 10-20 )
For multi-purpose rooms and
gymnasium rentals, if the MVCC is not
otherwise open, the permit holder will be
charged an additional $15/hour for a
staff fee.
Class I 2011 2012 2103
Hourly: $11.50 $12.00 13.00
4 hour block: $36.00 $38.00 40.00
Class II
Hourly: $22.00 $23.00 24.00
4 hour block $76.00 $80.00 84.00
Class III
Hourly: $29.00 $30.00 31.00
4 hour block $98.00 $101.00 104.00
Class IV
Hourly: $40.00 $41.00 42.00
4 hour block $136.00 $142.00 148.00
24
Multi-Purpose Room C and Youth
Room (Seating up to 30-40)
* Two-hour minimum rental *
For multi-purpose rooms and
gymnasium rentals, if the MVCC is not
otherwise open, the permit holder will be
charged an additional $15/hour for a
staff fee.
Class I 2011 2012 2103
Hourly Rate: $38.00 $40.00 42.00
4 Hour block: $130.00 $134.00 138.00
Class II
Hourly Rate: $50.00 $52.00 54.00
4 Hour block: $165.00 $170.00 175.00
Class III
Hourly Rate: $58.00 $60.00 62.00
4 Hour block: $195.00 $201.00 206.00
Class IV
Hourly Rate: $68.00 $71.00 73.00
4 Hour block: $230.00 $237.00 244.00
Other Charges Overhead Projectors: $10 per day
TV & VCR: $15 per day
Microphone $40 per day
Screen: $50 $35 per day
LCD Projector & Screen $50 $20 / hour,
$75 / day
$100 /day
$25 / hour
Lobby $150 $130 / day
Bar $20
Lattice $50
Cooler $50 / day
Coffee Pot and Carafes $10
Table Linens $3 each
Napkins $.15 each
Playland $25 / hour, $100 / day
Gymnasium Rental
Full Gym (Up to 4 hours – hourly rate)
Full Gym (Hourly Rate Exceeding 4
Hours)
Half Gym (Up to 4 Hours – hourly rate)
Half Gym (Hourly Rate Exceeding 4
hours)
Class I: $35
Class II: $40
Class III: $45
Class IV: $60
Class I: $70
Class II: $80
Class III: $90
Class IV: $120
Class I: $25
Class II: $30
Class III: $35
Class IV: $50
Class I: $50
Class II: $60
Class III: $70
Class IV: $120
25
Mounds View Athletic Fields
Fees Based Upon an Individual Event/Game/Practice. Reservations for Classes II, III,
IV will begin on March 1st. Field Reservations may be limited depending upon the
number of teams and fields available. The MV YMCA & Parks Maintenance Staff will
set a seasonal field use policy to determine field available, appropriate age groups,
dates, and times available and fields available. For purposes of the fees below, a
time block is considered four (4) hours.
Tournaments
Baseball & Softball Fields (Youth Only)
Hillview
Groveland
Oakwood
Greenfield
Lambert
City Hall
Softball Fields (Adults or Youth)
City Hall
Silverview
Soccer Fields (Youth Only)
Silverview
Groveland
Oakwood
Lighting Fee for Softball Fields
$100 per Field per Day
(If Field Maintenance is required during
tournaments, an additional $30 per hour
with a two-hour minimum will be charged.
Class I: 1 time block free per/wk
$5 per add’l time block
Class II: $5 per time block
Class III: $10 per time block
Class IV: Not applicable
Class I: 1 time block free per/wk
$5 per add’l time block
Class II: $5 per time block
Class III: $15 per time block
Class IV: $30 per time block
Class I: 1 time block free per/wk
$5 per add’l time block
Class II: $5 per time block
Class III: $10 per time block
Class IV: Not Applicable
Class I: $20 per time block
Class II: $30 per time block
Class III: $40 per time block
Class IV: $40 per time block
26
Park Building and Shelter Rentals – Random, Groveland, Hillview, and Lambert
Parks
Rates based upon 4 hour blocks or fraction thereof (e.g., a 7 hour rental = two 4 hour blocks).
Groveland, Hillview, and City Hall Parks
(see Page 21 for Classifications)
$100 Refundable Damage Deposit
Required
$50 Service Fee will be Charged to Groups
of 50 or more
Class I
4 hours: $2515
Full day: $30
Class II
4 hours: $5035
Full day: $70
Class III
4 hours: $7550
Full day: $100
Class IV
4 hours: $10070
Full day: $140
Picnic Shelter Rentals – Silver View and City Hall Parks
Lambert, Random, and Silver View
Parks
(see Page 21 for Classifications)
$100 Refundable Damage Deposit
Required
$75 50 Service Fee will be Charged to
Groups of 50 or more
Class I
4 hours: $5035
Full Day: $70
Class II
4 hours: $7550
Full day: $100
Class III
4 hours: $10070
Full day: $140
Class IV
4 hours: $150100
Full day: $200
27
VI. PUBLIC WORKS RELATED FEES
CALL-OUT RATE SCHEDULE (used for all hourly-based fees in this chapter)
Normal Business Hours for Call-out Rates 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday
After-Hours for Call-out Rates 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., Monday thru Thursday
Weekend and Holiday Hours for Call-outs 3:00 p.m. Friday to 7:00 a.m. Monday + Holidays
Standard Call-out Rate: Specified time
conducted entirely within normal business
hours
$50 per hour specified
After-Hours Call-out Rate: Specified time
conducted entirely within or partially during
after-hours
$85 per hour specified
Weekend/Holiday Call-out Rate:
Specified time conducted during weekend
and holiday hours
$120 per hour specified
RIGHT-OF-WAY MANAGEMENT FEES (Chapter 910)
Registration Fee (Annual) $25
Excavation Permit Fees:*
Hole Fee
Trench Fees (requires Hole Fee)
Trenchless Fees (req. Hole Fee)
$125 per hole excavated
$50 per 100 lineal feet of trenching beyond hole
$25 per 100 lineal feet of utility installed using
trenchless methods (HDD, etc.)
Obstruction Permit Fees:*
Obstruction Base Fee
Lineal Obstruction Fee
(requires Obstruction Base Fee)
$50 per obstruction
$7 per 100 lineal feet obstructed (in-line w/ traffic)
per each week of obstruction
Permit Extension Fee $20
Delay Penalty $10 per day
Restoration Cost Security: Determined on
a permit-by-permit basis by the PW Director
Hole Excavation
Trench Excavation
Trenchless Excavation
Minimum security amounts:
$1,000 per hole excavated
$1,000 per 100 lineal feet of trenching beyond
hole
$500 per 100 lineal feet of utility installed using
trenchless methods (HDD, etc.)
*Additional fees may be required for legal and consulting engineering costs incurred by the City
28
MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM FEES (Chapter 906)
Water Availability Charge (WAC):
Residential $500 per unit
Commercial/Industrial $1,000 per acre of developable land
($1,000 minimum charge)
Water Rates and Surcharges:
Water Usage Rate – Residential
0 to 15,000 gallons per quarter
15,001 to 30,000 gallons per quarter
Over 30,000 gallons per quarter
$1.80 1.70 per 1,000 gallons
$1.98 1.87 per 1,000 gallons
$2.28 2.15 per 1,000 gallons
Water Usage Rate – Commercial
0 to 150,000 gallons per quarter
150,001 to 750,000 gal. per quarter
750,001 to 1,250,000 gal. per quarter
Over 1,250,000 gallons per quarter
$1.80 1.70 per 1,000 gallons
$1.98 1.87 per 1,000 gallons
$2.18 2.06 per 1,000 gallons
$2.51 2.37 per 1,000 gallons
Water Quality Testing Charge $1.59 per connection quarterly
Water Service Line Repair Charge $4.50 per connection quarterly
Meter Read Program Penalty
(Failure to participate or grant access
for installation or repair)
$75 per connection quarterly
Utility Bill Late Payment Fee 10% of delinquent bill amount
Utility Bill Assessment Search $10
Water Connection/Repair Permit Fees:*
Service size of less than 4-inches $50 (no surcharge)
Service size of 4-inches or greater $75 (no surcharge)
Inspection Fees No charge if during normal business hours,
otherwise 1 hour at Call-out Rate per visit
Re-inspection Fees 1 hour at Call-out Rate per visit
*Right-of-Way Permit needed if excavation occurs in public Rights-of-Way
Water Hydrant Usage/Deposit Fees:
Water Hydrant User Deposit $1,000
Water Consumption from Hydrant Current Rate per 1,000 gallons
29
2 to 3-inch Water Meter Deposit $750
5/8" Water Meter Deposit $125
Hydrant Wrench Deposit $100
Hydrant Hose Deposit $100 per hose
Adapters $100 deposit
Miscellaneous Fees and Material Costs:
Water Service Shut-off/Turn-on Fee 1 hour at Call-out Rate No charge during normal
business hours, otherwise 1 hour at Call-Out rate
per visit
Water Meter Testing Fee $50 1 Hour at Call-Out Rate(fee waived if meter is
faulty)
Water Testing Fee Standard Call-Out Rate (1 hour)1 Hour at Call-Out
Rate
Water Meter City cost plus sales tax
MXU Radio Remote Reading Device City cost plus sales tax
Shut-Off and Curb Stop City cost plus sales tax and 10% for handling
MUNICIPAL SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM FEES (Chapter 907)
Sewer Service Availability Charge (SAC) $2,365 2,230 per Metropolitan Council
Environmental Services
Sewer Rates and Surcharges:
Sewer Usage Rate $1.97 1.90 per 1,000 gallons water sold
Sewer Service Charge - Residential $24.75 23.79 per Residential Equivalent Unit
(REU) Connection Quarterly
Sewer Service Charge – Commercial,
Industrial, Public Bldgs., & Churches
$60.79 58.45 per REU Connection Quarterly
Sewer Connection/Repair Permit Fees:*
Service Conn./Repair Permit Fee $50 (no surcharge)
Unit Charge – New Connection $100 per connection
Inspection Fees No charge if during normal business hours,
otherwise 1 hour at Call-out Rate per visit
Re-inspection Fees 1 hour at Call-out Rate per visit
*Right-of-Way Permit needed if excavation occurs in public Rights-of-Way
30
SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT UTILITY FEES (Chapter 908)
Surface Water Management Utility Charges - New Construction:
R-1 $212 per lot
R-2 $1,038 per acre
R-3, R-4, R-0 $1,500 per acre
B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4 $1,500 per acre
I-1, PUD $2,096 per acre
Surface Water Management Utility Fee Rates:
R-1, R-2 Single & Two Family Residential $10.00 per unit quarterly
R-3 Medium Density Residential $54.67 per acre quarterly
R-4, R-5, R0 High Density Residential
Mobile Homes and Residential Office
$64.84 per acre quarterly
B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4 Neighborhood Business,
Limited Business, Highway Business,
Regional Business
$84.93 per acre quarterly
I-1 Industrial $66.30 per acre quarterly
PUD Planned Unit Development $75.19 per acre quarterly
CRP Conservancy, Recreation and
Presentation
$9.24 quarterly
School/Church, Public, Private $30.52 quarterly
STREET LIGHTING UTILITY FEES (Chapter 904)
Residential (includes single family homes,
duplexes, four-plexes, condominium and
town homes)
$3.25 per unit quarterly
Commercial/Industrial $16.25 per acre quarterly
Institutional/Charitable $16.25 per acre quarterly
Apartments $14.37 per acre quarterly
31
CONSTRUCTION SITE AND LAND DISTURBANCE FEES (Ord. 804/Chapter 1303)
Land Disturbance Permit Fees:*
50 cubic yards or less…………………….......$29
51 to 100 cubic yards………………….………$44
101 to 1000 cubic yards……………….………$44
for the first 100 cubic yards, plus $21.00 for each
additional 100 cubic yards or fraction thereof.
1001 to 10,000 cubic yards……………….…$226
for the first 1000 cubic yards, plus $18.00 for each
additional 1000 cubic yards or fraction thereof.
10,001 to 100,000 cubic yards………..........$377
for the first 10,000 cubic yards, plus $78.00 for each
additional 10,000 cubic yards or fraction thereof.
100,001 cubic yards or more……….…..….$1,064
for the first 100,000 cubic yards, plus $44.00 for each
additional 100,000 cubic yards or fraction thereof.
*Additional fees may be required for legal and consulting engineering costs incurred by the City
OTHER MISCELLANEOUS PUBLIC WORKS FEES
(Actual time is rounded up to the nearest full hour)
Overweight/Oversize Permit Fees $50 daily per vehicle
$150 weekly per vehicle
$1000 annually per vehicle
Emergency Utility Locates No charge if during business hours, otherwise
actual time at call-out rate
Call-out Charge for Contractor Negligence
(lack of maintenance, traffic signs, etc.)
Actual time at Call-out Rates
Street Sweeping Charges Actual time at Call-out Rates + $100 per hour
Tree Removal/Trimming Contact City Forester
Water Tower Communications Fees:
Water Tower Access Fee No charge if during normal business hours,
otherwise 1 hour at Call-out Rate per visit
Plan Review and Inspection Fees Actual City, legal, and consulting engineering costs
($2,000 minimum)
Item No: 4.
Meeting Date: November 7, 2011
Type of Business: Work Session
Administrator Review: _____
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Mark Beer, Finance Director
Item Title/Subject: Consider the Purchase and Installation of 820 Neptune R900 Radio
Read Devices
Background:
The City Council authorized the purchase of Neptune R900 radio read devices in resolution 7203
and resolution 7313 to replace the failed or failing phone read devices in 2008. This replaced
about two thirds of the meter readers. The remaining readers were Sensus radio read devices.
Discussion:
The City currently has 848 Sensus radio readers that will need to have batteries replaced every
seven to eight years on average. The replacement cost of the batteries is currently $22.56 per
battery. It also takes about ½ hour of staff time to complete the swap out of batteries which
includes scheduling, driving to and from the service location, and installation of the new battery.
The staff cost is $16.37 per battery for a total cost to swap out a battery of $38.93. Many of the
existing batteries will need to be replaced in the next couple of years as they fail. The 20 year cost
to maintain the Sensus meter readers assuming 2½ % inflation would include battery
replacements in year 1 - $33,013, year 8 - $39,242, and year 16 - $47,813, 19 years of software
interface charges of $11,546 for a total 20 year cost of $131,614. ($108,276 NPV)
The Neptune radio readers have a 20 year guaranteed battery life and the City has installed 2,366
to date replacing the old phone read devices that failed or were failing. The 20 year cost to install
the Neptune R900 meter readers is year 1 - $77,121 meter readers, $424 supplies for installation,
and staff cost of $13,882 for a total 20 year cost of $91,427.
Further Discussion:
Public Works staff has obtained a quote from Northern Water Works Supply, the original bid price
in 2008 was $95.14 each, which includes tax. The current quoted price is $94.05 each, which
includes tax. (see attached quote) We have some readers in stock and would only need to
purchase 820 readers. We also may be able to sell the Sensus readers to a city that uses them
along with any supplies we have which would further off-set the cost.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends purchasing 820 Neptune R900 radio read devices from Northern Water Works
Supply at a cost of $77,121.00 which includes tax and recommends authorizing staff to reprogram
water fund account 700-4823-7050 to accommodate the purchase. We have delayed the water
tower project to 2012 thus there is sufficient budget authority to reprogram.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
Mark Beer, Finance Director
Item No: 5
Meeting Date: November 7, 2011
Type of Business: Work session
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: James Ericson, City Administrator
Item Title/Subject: Economic Development Staffing Discussion
Introduction:
The City of Mounds View has at present four active Tax Increment Finance (TIF) districts.
Three of the four districts were certified in 1988, 1990 and 1989, and the last district was
certified in 2008 to support the Medtronic project. The original three districts have
performed quite successfully, creating sufficient increment to cover all obligations plus fund
the City’s economic development programs. In 2007, after two failed assessment projects,
a taskforce was created to address funding for streets, and it was decided that a
substantial portion of the pooled, unobligated increment would be utilized to help fund a
newly-created street reconstruction program. While some increment remains, the
reprioritization of the TIF funds has greatly diminished the role of economic development in
the City.
Discussion:
Despite having a fairly robust TIF fund balance, the City has not historically embraced
economic development activity (with one significant exception). The prevailing philosophy
of the City Councils during my time with Mounds View has been one of allowing the market
to dictate what happens. The City has not endeavored to purchase available property and
does not support the assembling of land for larger redevelopment purposes. Programs
and policies which have been suggested by staff and the EDC to help incent new business
growth, relocation or expansion are generally not supported, and some tools presently at
our disposal are not allowed to be marketed to prospective businesses. Taking all of this
into consideration, promoting the City and working to bring new businesses into the
community becomes a frustrating exercise with little to show for the effort. Under these
circumstances, it would seem apparent that a full-time employee may not be needed to
coordinate the EDA’s programs.
In addition to the City’s reluctance to support incentives or subsidies to encourage or
promote business growth and development, the present state of the economy has
effectively stagnated development activity in the City, leaving many buildings on our most
visible commercial corridor to sit vacant. Because the presence of these vacant buildings
does nothing to enhance the City’s image or tax base, it would seem more important than
ever to be aggressive in our marketing of the City and open to providing incentives to
encourage redevelopment of these key, visible parcels.
Economic Development Staffing Report
November 7, 2011
Page 2
Unobligated TIF Balance
Subsequent to the planned redistribution of TIF funds to support the City’s Street and Utility
Improvement Program, as much as $700,000 in increment will remain available to support
economic development activity in the City. That figure could exceed $1,000,000 depending
upon the Council’s wishes regarding certain projects already indicated in the City’s Five-
Year Capital Improvement Plan. Given the languishing state of the economy, Staff
believes the City should adopt a more aggressive and supportive position regarding
economic development activity, and partner with the EDC to prioritize the remaining funds
for an immediate community reinvestment, with the goal of bringing new businesses to
existing vacant buildings and redeveloping blighted properties to enhance and improve the
City’s tax base.
Urban Land Institute (ULI) Minnesota
ULI Minnesota has designed a workshop for cities aimed at elected and appointed officials
interested in economic development and land use. ULI Minnesota recognized that it has a
wealth of land use and development expertise to help municipalities attract new
development, especially walkable, mixed use development. ULI Minnesota will respond to
questions about changes in the marketplace, how cities can attract the development they
want, and how to develop private sector partnerships to get it done. The workshops provide
a two-way street for the public and private sectors to work collaboratively, to learn from
each other, and to build trust. Is the Council interested in hosting such a workshop?
Recommendation:
Staff recommends the City Council work with the EDC to develop a plan to prioritize the
use of the remaining TIF funds to reinvest back into the community, with a concerted focus
on the County Road 10 corridor. Should the Council not support such a reinvestment of
the remaining TIF funds, the Council will need to determine whether the economic
development specialist position, funded by TIF dollars, remains a priority. Because unless
a philosophical shift occurs regarding economic development activity, there is simply not
enough work to justify the position on a full-time basis.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
James Ericson
City Administrator
1. Unobligated TIF Balance Spreadsheet
2. Economic Development Specialist Job Description
3. Economic Development Projects in Neighboring Cities
4. Urban Land Institute “Navigating the New Normal” Workshop Information
Item No: 6
Meeting Date: November 7, 2011
Type of Business: Work Session
Administrator Review: ____
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Nick DeBar, Public Works Director
Item Title/Subject: Review Snow Plowing and Ice Control Policy
Background:
Public Works is responsible for snow plowing and ice control operations on all city-owned streets (40+
miles), trails and sidewalks (15+ miles), and public facility parking lots (11 lots). This service is
performed with City employees and equipment. Prior to the 1988/1989 winter, the City contracted with
Ramsey County to provide these services. The decision to perform these services in-house was due to
concerns with cost effectiveness and timeliness of the service that the City was getting from Ramsey
County.
As part of taking on snow plowing duties in-house, a snow and ice control policy approved by the City
Council on December 27, 1988. This policy was adopted by ordinance (451) which added Chapter 901
(Snow and Ice Control Policy) to the Municipal Code. The Code, however, does not include the policy
but indicates that the policy is on file and available for public review.
Discussion:
City staff has drafted a new policy for the snow plowing and ice control operations. While there has
been some review of the policy over the last 23 years, there has not been any revisions to the original
policy. The League of Minnesota Cities (LMNC) has model policy language available for city snow and
ice control operations. LMNC develops these model policies for guideline purposes only since each
city has unique and specific circumstances that may dictate a different approach than what the model
recommends. These recommendations focus on risk management, amongst other challenges that
face cities. City staff utilized the LMNC model to develop a new version of the policy and tweaked it to
reflect our city-specific operations and needs.
Attached to this report is a draft of the new snow plowing and ice control policy. Also attached is a
marked-up copy of the existing (original) policy. These mark-ups include new policy references
associate with old policy language (right column) and explanations for deletions of old policy language
(left column). The new policy is broken into four general sections: 1) Description, 2) Standard
Provisions, 3) Rules, Regulations, and Property Damage, and 4) General and Administrative
Provisions.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council review and provide feedback on the revised policy. If the City
Council is in favor of the proposed revisions, City staff will prepare a final version of the policy for
Council consideration to approve at their next regular meeting. Staff (and the City Attorney) further
recommend deleting Chapter 901 from the Municipal Code since the Code’s purpose is to regulate
people and private property and establish penalties if these regulations are violated. Snow plowing and
ice control is a City-provided service and does not fall under these categories.
Respectfully submitted,
Nick DeBar - Public Works Director
Attachments:
• Draft Snow Plowing and Ice Control Policy
• Marked up Copy of Current Snow and Ice Control Policy
4472 - SNOW PLOWING AND ICE CONTROL POLICY 1
4472
SNOW PLOWING AND ICE CONTROL POLICY
1. DESCRIPTION
A. Introduction: The City of Mounds View finds that it is in the best interest of its residents to assume
basic responsibility for control of snow and ice on public streets, trails, sidewalks, and parking lots
under the jurisdiction of the City. Reasonable snow plowing and ice control is necessary for
routine travel and emergency services. The City will use city employees, city-owned or rented
equipment, and/or private contractors to provide this service.
B. Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to establish standard guidelines and objectives for snow
plowing and ice control operations. The City will attempt to provide such operations in a safe and
cost effective manner, keeping in mind safety, budget, personnel, and environmental concerns.
C. Application: This policy applies to all public streets, trails, sidewalks, and parking lots located on
City property and in public rights-of-way under the jurisdiction of the City, including trails and
sidewalks located within Ramsey County public rights-of-way that are maintained by the City.
This policy does not apply to snow removal maintenance of ice hockey and skating rinks.
D. Appointed Authority: The Public Works Supervisor is primarily responsible to carry out the
provisions of this policy and oversee its guidelines and objectives.
E. Unusual or Extenuating Circumstances: While the City fully intends to meet the guidelines and
objectives established in this policy, there may be times when this is not feasible due to unusual
or extenuating circumstances involving, but not limited to, weather, equipment failure, resources,
budget constraints, emergencies, and force majeure events.
F. Related Documents and References:
1. Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 169 – Traffic Regulations
2. Municipal Code, Chapter 801 – General Traffic Regulations
3. Municipal Code, Chapter 802 – Parking Regulations
4. Municipal Code, Chapter 910 – Right-of-Way Management
5. City of Mounds View Records Retention Policy
G. Tables and Exhibits:
1. Table 1 – Priority Snow Plow Routes (Streets) [To be provided with final version]
2. Table 2 – Priorities for Trails and Sidewalks [To be provided with final version]
3. Table 3 – Priorities for Municipal Parking Lots [To be provided with final version]
4. Exhibit A – Priority Snow Plow Route Map (Streets)
5. Exhibit B – Snow Plow Route Map for Trails, Sidewalks, and Municipal Parking Lots
2. SNOW PLOWING AND ICE CONTROL STANDARD PROVISIONS
A. Commencing Snow Plowing and Ice Control Operations
1. The Public Works Supervisor will decide when to begin all snow plowing and/or ice control
operations. The criteria for that decision are:
(a) Snow accumulation amounts;
(b) Drifting of snow that causes problems for travel;
(c) Icy conditions which seriously affect travel;
(d) Time of snowfall in relationship to heavy use of streets;
(e) Air and pavement temperatures; and
(f) Weather forecast.
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4472 - SNOW PLOWING AND ICE CONTROL POLICY 2
2. Snow plowing and ice control operations are expensive and involve the use of limited
personnel and equipment. In addition, snow and ice characteristics, as well as pavement and
weather conditions, vary extensively and can be unpredictable for each winter storm.
Therefore, the Public Works Supervisor will exercise his or her professional judgment when
evaluating the decision to begin snow plowing and ice control operations.
B. Snow and Ice Control Methods
1. The City will choose from a variety of available snow and ice control methods best geared to
tackle the varying conditions of snow, ice, weather, and pavement conditions for each winter
storm event. Some of these methods may use sand, salt, and other chemicals when there are
hazardous ice or slippery conditions. The City is concerned about the effect of such chemicals
on the environment and will limit its use for that reason.
2. The following methods, or combination thereof, may be used in the City’s snow plowing and
ice control operations:
(a) Snow Plowing is the pushing of accumulated snow with a snowplow blade and redirecting
it into the boulevard areas (typically). This is the traditional and most common form of
snow removal from pavements.
(b) Snow Blowing is similar to snow plowing but employs a motorized rotary blowing device to
propel the snow into the air and away from the area being cleared.
(c) Applying Salt is the spreading of rock salt onto the pavement surface to melt snow and ice
accumulations where hazardous ice or slippery conditions exist. The effectiveness of salt
to melt snow and ice is typically limited to pavement temperatures above 0° F.
(d) Applying Sand is used in locations where a layer of ice covers the pavement surface and
air temperatures are too cold for salt to effectively melt the ice. Sand applications may be
used at traffic intersections with hazardous ice or slippery conditions to improve vehicular
friction for stopping and traction for acceleration.
(e) Pre-wetting is when brine or other chemical solutions are added to the salt (and/or sand)
mixture prior to dispersal to the pavement surface, causing the mixture to stick to the
pavement instead of blowing off the pavement.
(f) De-icing is a generic term for the removal of existing snow and ice from a pavement
surface by either mechanical means (plowing or scraping) or chemical methods (applying
salt or other ice melting chemicals). De-icing activities are intended to break the bond
between a layer of ice or snow and the pavement surface.
(g) Anti-icing is the pretreatment of pavements with ice melting chemicals (usually liquid brine
or wetted salt) before a winter storm to prevent or delay the formation of ice and frost, or
the adhesion of ice and snow, to the pavement surface. Anti-icing can significantly reduce
the amount of salt needed during de-icing operations and allows easier removal by snow
plows.
(h) Winging Back is the pushing of snow banks further into the boulevard and away from the
driving surface. Winging back is typically performed between winter storms to create
additional snow storage volume for future snow storms or to increase traffic sight lines at
intersections.
(i) Hauling or Snow Removal is the removal of snow piles and windrows, created by prior
snow plowing operations, by loading into trucks and hauling to a snow storage area.
Hauling is commonly performed after other snow removal operations are complete.
C. Performing Snow Plowing and Ice Control Operations
1. Street Operations
(a) Snow will be plowed in a manner to minimize traffic obstructions.
(b) In general, the center of the street will be plowed first. The snow will be pushed from left to
right on two-way streets. The discharge shall go onto the boulevard area of the street
right-of-way.
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW | PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
4472 - SNOW PLOWING AND ICE CONTROL POLICY 3
(c) In times of extreme snowfall, streets may not always be immediately cleared of snow
completely. An initial pass will try to plow the street as wide as possible to allow for
vehicular passage. Subsequent passes will attempt to clear the remaining snow from the
street. Clean up operations will occur last to clear intersections and snow storage areas
along corners and County intersections.
(d) Widening and clean up operations may occur on the initial day of snow plowing or on the
following working day for most winter storms. There may be major winter snow storms that
will necessitate additional time to complete widening and clean up operations.
2. Trails and Sidewalks Operations
(a) Trails and sidewalks adjacent to streets will typically be plowed after the adjacent street
has been cleared of snow. In general, the snow will be pushed onto the boulevard area
furthest from the street. In times of extreme snowfall, subsequent passes may be needed
to clear additional snowfall that has fallen or been discharged from street snow plowing
operations onto the trail or sidewalk.
(b) Trails and sidewalks will be plowed, blown, or swept depending on the amount and type of
snowfall. The City will attempt to clear trails and sidewalks as thoroughly as possible, but
they may not be cleared of all snow and ice or maintained to bare pavement.
3. Municipal Parking Lots Operations
(a) City-owned parking lots that are generally empty of parked vehicles and/or whose facilities
closed for business at the time of plowing will typically be plowed in the most efficient
manner to clear the accumulated snow from the drive lanes and parking spaces. Parking
lots that contain a higher number of parked vehicles make plowing the entire lot difficult. In
these cases, the drive lanes may be plowed for vehicular passage. Plowing of parking
spaces and other clean up operations may need to occur at a later time after the lot
becomes more empty of parked vehicles.
(b) The City will attempt to clear the parking lots as thoroughly as possible, but they may not
be cleared of all snow and ice or maintained to bare pavement. The City may make
exceptions with handicapped stalls and associated circulation routes.
4. Other Operations
(a) Metro Transit is responsible for winter maintenance of their bus stops in the city. However,
if commuters are subject to hazardous or unsafe conditions due to lack of adequate space
to wait, the City may attempt to clear the waiting area in conjunction with snow and ice
control for trails, sidewalks, or clean up operations.
(b) Private property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice control activities
associated with their properties. The City will not perform snow plowing or ice control
operations for any driveways, streets, sidewalks, or parking lots owned by private entities.
D. Determining Priority Snow Plow Routes and Coordinating Operations
1. Priority Snow Plow Routes for Streets
(a) The City has designated certain streets as “Priority Snow Plow Routes” to set precedence
for which streets provide the most benefit to the City when snow plowing and ice control
demands exceed available resources. This designation was generally based on street
function, traffic volume, and importance to the welfare of the community. The higher
ranking streets typically have higher traffic volumes and connect major sections of the city,
whereby providing emergency access for fire, police, and medical services to these various
sectors. Other high ranking priority streets provide good access to schools, civic centers,
commercial businesses, industrial parks, and other points of interest. Table 1 lists the
Priority Snow Plow Routes and a map showing the location of these streets is attached as
Exhibit A. Most city streets have a functional classification as local streets.
2. Priority Routes for Trails, Sidewalks, and Municipal Parking Lots
(a) Snow plowing and ice control priorities for City trails and sidewalks are based upon use,
location, and connections to other trails and sidewalks. Priorities for trails and sidewalks
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW | PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
4472 - SNOW PLOWING AND ICE CONTROL POLICY 4
consider school routes and zones and proximity to arterial and collector streets, city
facilities, and bus routes. These priorities may change based upon time of day and day of
week that snow plowing and ice control operations begin (and end) for each winter storm,
compared to the schedules of the schools, bus company, and business hours. Table 2
summarizes the priorities for city trails and sidewalks as high, medium, and low. A map
showing the trail and sidewalk system, along with the parking lots, is attached as Exhibit B.
(b) A municipal parking lots priority for snow plowing and ice control also varies depending on
time of day and day of week compared to use of parking lots. In general, the priorities are
summarized in Table 3 and locations shown on Exhibit B.
3. Coordinating Snow Plow and Ice Control Operations
(a) The City has a limited number of specific pieces of equipment for snow removal and ice
control. Most of this equipment is customized for only streets or trails/parking lots or
sidewalks. In addition, City employees are assigned to specific routes with backups
assigned. Therefore, snow plowing and ice control operations for streets, sidewalks, and
trails/parking lots are more-or-less separate processes and priorities between these
infrastructure types seldom conflict.
(b) During significant and severe winter storms, the City must be prepared to move personnel
and equipment to maintain Priority Snow Plow Routes if needed. In fulfilling the need to
have all priority streets safe and passable, when resources are limited, plowing of all other
streets may be stopped at any time so resources can be shifted to priority routes.
(c) Snow plowing and ice control operations for municipal parking lots and trails may be
intertwined since travel between municipal parking lots occurs on the trail system.
(d) Unforeseeable circumstances may cause delays in completing assigned plow routes.
Such circumstances may include weather conditions that endanger the safety of snowplow
operators and/or safe and effective operation of equipment, commuter traffic, disabled
vehicles, poor visibility conditions, parked cars along streets, assistance to emergency
response vehicles, equipment breakdown, and personnel shortages.
3. RULES, REGULATIONS, AND PROPERTY DAMAGE
A. Traffic and Parking Regulations
1. Snowplow Operator Exemption (Minn. Statutes, Chapter 169)
(a) The City recognizes that snowplow operators are exempt from traffic regulations set forth
in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 169 while actually engaged in work on streets, except for
regulations related to driving while impaired and the safety of school children. Pursuant to
this authority, snowplow operators engaged in snow removal or ice control on city streets
have discretion to disregard traffic laws set forth in Chapter 169, except for laws relating to
impaired driving and school children safety, when in their judgment, it is safe to disregard
such laws.
(b) The privileges granted herein to operators of snow removal and ice control vehicles shall
apply only if the vehicle is equipped with one lighted lamp displaying a flashing, oscillating,
or rotating amber light placed in such a position on the vehicle as to be visible throughout
an arc of 360 degrees.
2. Snow and Ice Accumulations (Municipal Code, Section 801.40, Subd. 1)
(a) “All snow accumulated from clearing or plowing operations on private property shall be
stockpiled on the property from which the snow is cleared or upon other private property
for which the property owner has written permission. In clearing snow and/or moving
snow, it shall be unlawful to operate in such a manner as to cause any snow to be
deposited in the street, on sidewalks, in the boulevard of any street or on private property
for which the property owner does not have written permission for storage of snow. Snow
cleared from the portion of a driveway or sidewalk in the boulevard of a street may be
placed on the boulevard adjacent to the driveway or sidewalk, but may not be moved
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW | PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
4472 - SNOW PLOWING AND ICE CONTROL POLICY 5
across the street to other areas without express permission of the property owner receiving
the snow.”
3. Parking During Snow Accumulations (Municipal Code, Section 802.06)
(a) “No person shall park or permit to be parked any vehicle within any block on any public
street when, within the preceding forty eight (48) hours, melting or blowing snow or a
combination thereof has accumulated to a depth of three inches (3") or more at street level
anywhere within that block. Provided, however, that parking shall be permitted within any
block of any public street where not otherwise prohibited whenever the entire length of the
roadway of such block has been cleared of snow from curb to curb or, in the case of
streets without curbs, between the outer edges of the shoulders of such streets. Any
vehicle parked in violation of this Section may be removed as provided by Section 802.10
of this Chapter.”
4. Parking – Restricted Hours (Municipal Code, Section 802.08, Subd. 1)
(a) “No person shall stop, stand or park a motor vehicle or trailer on any street or highway in
the City between the hours of two o'clock (2:00) A.M. and six o'clock (6:00) A.M., except as
otherwise authorized by this Chapter or unless directed or authorized by a police officer or
traffic-control device. The City Council may authorize exceptions from this Section. Any
street or highway so excepted must be posted with a sign indicating that parking between
two o'clock (2:00) A.M. and six o'clock (6:00) A.M. is allowed.”
5. Vehicle Towing Provisions (Municipal Code, Section 802.10, Subd. 3 & 4)
(a) “Police officers are hereby authorized to remove, or cause to be removed, a vehicle from a
street or highway to the nearest garage or other place of safety or to a garage designated
or maintained by the Police Department or otherwise maintained by this City under the
circumstances hereinafter enumerated:
Subd. 3. Unattended, Illegally Parked Vehicles: When any vehicle is left unattended upon a
street and is so parked illegally as to constitute a hazard or obstruction to the normal
movement of traffic or snow plowing.
Subd. 4. Violation of Provisions: When any vehicle is parked upon a public street in
violation of the provisions of this Chapter.”
B. Property Damage
1. General: In accordance with Municipal Code Chapter 910, the City manages and regulates the
pubic right-of-way to ensure the integrity of its streets and the appropriate use of its rights-of-
way. Regulation is done through a permitting process for any work or installation that occurs
in the city boulevard. Many adjacent property owners place or install private property objects
or make improvements in the boulevard without City knowledge making the object or
improvements subject to damage. A key function of this boulevard area during winter is snow
storage from streets. Snow plowing operations can damage private property objects located in
the boulevard in two general ways: 1) direct physical contact with the plowing equipment, or 2)
damage from snow during snow plowing operations.
2. Mailboxes
(a) Mailboxes can be placed in the boulevard without prior City approval. The mailbox is
owned by the property owner, and the delivery of mail is an arrangement between the
property owner and the US Postal Service. The City will attempt to remove snow as close
to the curb lines as practical for delivery of the mail, but it is the property owner’s
responsibility to perform final clean up along the curb to ensure his or her mail delivery.
(b) Damage to a mailbox is a risk that snowplow operators face during their winter plowing
operations. The mailbox assembly (mailbox with post) should be constructed securely
enough to withstand snow rolling off a snow plow blade or wing. The City will not be
responsible for any mail posts that are rotten or too weak to withstand this snow mass. In
addition, any mailbox or newspaper tube that is crushed, dislodged, or lost is the
responsibility of the property owner.
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW | PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
4472 - SNOW PLOWING AND ICE CONTROL POLICY 6
(c) The City will conduct a review of each mailbox damage claim to determine whether the
City has any legal responsibility for the damage. In general, the City may claim
responsibility for the damage only if direct physical contact was made between the City’s
plowing equipment and the mailbox assembly. If the City determines they are responsible
for the damage, the City will first consider repairing the mailbox assembly. If repair is not
feasible, then the City will furnish and install a new mailbox and/or post.
(d) Grouped mailbox assemblies (commonly furnished and installed with street reconstruction
projects) have a shared ownership. The City is responsible for the timber post and cross-
beam, while the resident is responsible for his or her individual mailbox that is attached to
the City’s post/cross-beam.
3. Boulevard Turf Grass
(a) Turf grass in the boulevard can be damaged by snow plowing equipment during winter
snow plowing operations. The City will assess the damaged boulevard turf and compile a
list of substantiated locations for restoration the following spring. Most restoration will use
fertilizer and seed; however, some locations may require restoration with sod due to site
specific conditions. The decision to use sod for restoring boulevard turf grass is at the
discretion of the City. All restoration costs for damaged boulevard turf grass will be the
City’s responsibility.
4. Irrigation, Landscaping, Tress/Shrubs, Fences, and Other Items
(a) The City will assume no responsibility for damage to irrigation systems, landscaping,
retaining walls, trees, shrubs, fences, private lighting systems, or any other private property
objects located in the City’s public right-of-way. Property owners are encouraged to mark
these items with non-metal markers (such as wood or plastic rods) before winter to lessen
the possibility of damage.
(b) Garbage containers should only be brought to the curb on designated pick-up days and be
placed only in the driveway or boulevard and kept entirely off the street to avoid conflicts
with snow plowing operations.
(c) The City will assume no responsibility for damage to vehicles, boats, RVs, equipment, and
other similar items parked in the City’s boulevard. Parking of these items in the boulevard
is prohibited under Municipal Code Section 802.07 Subd. 4.
4. GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
A. Documentation and Record-Keeping
1. The City will document snow plowing and ice control operations as described in this policy,
including snow removal logs, priority route changes, property damage reports, general
complaints, and policy comments.
2. Records will be retained by the City in accordance with the records retention policy.
B. Employee Safety and Training
1. Snow and ice control operations will be conducted only when weather conditions do not
endanger the safety of snowplow operators and equipment. Factors that may delay snow
plowing and ice control operations include severe cold, significant winds, and limited visibility.
2. The City will provide training to employees responsible for snow plowing and ice control
operations. Training of some employees may include education necessary to earn and
maintain appropriate certifications or licenses for these operations. Training will also address
standard operating procedures, proper use of equipment, emergency response, and other
topics required by State and Federal regulatory agencies.
C. Public Safety and Communication
1. This policy does not relieve operators of private vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, property
owners, residents, and all others that may be using public streets, trails, sidewalks and parking
lots of their responsibility to act in a reasonable, prudent, and cautious manner, given the
prevailing pavement conditions.
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4472 - SNOW PLOWING AND ICE CONTROL POLICY 7
2. Periodically, the City may inform residents of policy provisions in an effort to communicate
objectives and responsibilities related to this policy.
D. Complaint Procedures
1. Complaints will be recorded on telephone logs and be investigated for substantiation by the
Public Works Supervisor. Valid complaints requiring remedial action will be prioritized by the
Public Works Supervisor and scheduled accordingly. Emergency complaints will be handled
in an expeditious manner as resources are available.
E. Deviation from Policy
1. The Public Works Supervisor may deviate from this policy when in his or her judgment it is in
the best interest of the City or is necessary because of budget needs or other unusual or
extenuating circumstances.
F. Review and Modification of Policy
1. This policy will be reviewed periodically to ascertain if its provisions are practical, timely, and
legal. Any review will consider comments and complaints since the last review and any other
factors affecting the policy or its implementation.
2. The Director of Public Works is authorized to make and implement modifications to the policy
after providing notification to the City Administrator. Proposed modifications that significantly
affect the policy’s scope of services, objectives, level of service, and/or budget in a negative
manner will be approved by the City Council prior to implementation.
POLICY REVISION HISTORY
Rev.
No.
Res.
No. Date By Description
- Ord.
451
12/27/1988 - New policy adopted as ordinance; add Chap. 901 to Municipal Code
1 8XXX 11/XX/2011 DeBar Major policy overhaul; delete Chap. 901 from Municipal Code
11/3/2011 2:38 PM
Item No: 7
Meeting Date: November 7, 2011
Type of Business: Work Session
Administrator Review: ____
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Nick DeBar, Public Works Director
Item Title/Subject: Discuss Ice Hockey and Skating Rink Operations for 2011/2012
Background:
In previous years, the City has maintained three separate ice hockey and staking rink facilities for
recreational purposes. Hillview and Lambert Parks have hockey and skating rinks, while Groveland
Park has only a skating rink. During a typical season, Public Works begins building up the ice sheets
toward the end of November and warming house hours begin mid-December (in time for school break)
and end in mid-February (around President’s Day). The YMCA hires warming house attendants who
monitor activities at the rinks during warming house hours. Last season the warming house hours were
4:00 to 9:00, Monday through Friday, and 10:00 to 9:00 weekends and school breaks.
Discussion:
City staff discussed ice rink operations for this upcoming winter with the Parks and Recreation and
Forestry Commission and the YMCA Program Director at the October Commission meeting. Staff
presented a breakdown and analysis of visitor participation and operational cost estimates at the
meeting – attached a summary of those figures. The data used was for six of the last seven years
(2006/2007 data was unavailable). In general, the total cost to operate the ice rinks each season is
estimated to be around $18,900. Hillview and Lambert Parks each account for about 36% or $6,850 of
these costs, while Groveland Park accounts for about 28% or $5,200. Costs for warming house
staffing accounts for approximately one-half of these costs.
The Commission is recommending the following ice hockey and skating rink operations for this year:
• Maintain full ice hockey and skating rinks at Hillview and Lambert; and a skating rink at Groveland;
• Provide staffed warming house hours of 4:00 to 9:00, Mon. to Fri., and 12:00 to 8:00 weekends and
school breaks for Hillview and Lambert;
• Provide staffed warming house hours of 12:00 to 8:00 weekends and school breaks only for
Groveland; and
• Allow Groveland to be rented outside normal warming house hours.
Outside of school breaks, the proposal above would have 98 hours per week of open warming house
hours compared to 141 hours per week last season (30% drop). Since approximately one-half of the
total costs to operate the rinks are paying warming house attendants, the City will realize some cost
savings with this proposal, estimated to be about $2,500. Rental revenue could also be realized for
Groveland Park.
Recommendation:
The Commission and staff recommend that the City Council consider the proposed ice hockey and
skating rink operations plan presented above. Doing so will provide City and YMCA staff the direction
needed for readying the ice rinks for this upcoming season.
Respectfully submitted,
Nick DeBar - Public Works Director
Attachments:
• Ice Hockey and Skating Rink Summary
ICE HOCKEY AND SKATING RINK SUMMARY
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
Participation Summary
2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2009/10 2010/11
Hillview Park 693 761 422 1,079 924 739
Lambert Park 762 428 609 566 712 701
Groveland Park 368 255 95 282 305 195
Season Total 1,823 1,444 1,126 - 1,927 1,941 1,635
Operation Summary
2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2009/10 2010/11
Hillview Park 55 43 35 48 50 52
Lambert Park 55 43 36 48 50 52
Groveland Park 55 39 17 48 50 52
Participation Analysis
2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2009/10 2010/11
Hillview Park 12.6 17.7 12.1 0.0 22.5 18.5 14.2
Lambert Park 13.9 10.0 16.9 0.0 11.8 14.2 13.5
Groveland Park 6.7 6.5 5.6 0.0 5.9 6.1 3.8
Season Total 33.2 34.2 34.6 0.0 40.2 38.8 31.5
Operation Cost Estimate
Maint.1 Utilities2 YMCA3 Total %
Hillview Park 2,550$ 800$ 3,500$ 6,850$ 36%
Lambert Park 2,550$ 800$ 3,500$ 6,850$ 36%
Groveland Park 1,000$ 700$ 3,500$ 5,200$ 28%
Season Total 6,100$ 2,300$ 10,500$ 18,900$ 100%
1. Maintenance costs includes Public Works labor, water, and fuel.
2. Utility costs include natural gas and electric.
3. YMCA costs are for warming house attendants (budget amount used).
Park Facility
No. of Visitors
Park Facility
No. of Days Open
Park Facility
Average No. of Participates per Day
Park Facility
Cost Breakdown