HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packets - 2010/02/01
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA
MOUNDS VIEW CITY HALL
Monday, February 1, 2010
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. Housing Resource Center Presentation by Suzanne Snyder, Program Director, and
Marie Malrick, Program Administrator (Verbal Report)
2. Review of Mermaid Request for Reimbursement
3. Charitable Gambling Report
4. Hiring Public Works Employees
A. Public Works Seasonal Employees
B. Public Works Intern
5. Update on Required Changes to City Flood Plain Regulations
6. Discuss City Well Projects
7. Review Draft Agenda for the February 12, 2010 Council/Staff Retreat
8. Review Potential Purchase of land at Southwest Corner of Silver Lake Road and
Woodcrest Drive
Next Work Session: Monday, March 1, 2010, at 7:00 p.m.
Next City Council Meeting: Monday, February 8, 2010, at 7:00 p.m.
Item No: 2
Meeting Date: Feb 1, 2010
Type of Business: Work Session
Administrator Review : ____
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: James Ericson, Clerk - Administrator
Item Title/Subject: Review Reimbursement Request from Charlie Hall
Introduction:
Charlie Hall, owner of the Mermaid, located at 2200 County Highway 10, approached the
current City Council in 2009 asking to be reimbursed for a $10,000 check he asserts had
been provided to the City in 1977 in association with the expansion of his business and
never returned. Mr. Hall made a similar request a few years ago, and he indicates he has
appeared before many City Councils subsequent to his building expansion with the same
request. Subsequent to his appearance before the Council last year, Mr. Hall submitted a
detailed data practice request (attached) which resulted in many hours of staff time and a
consultation with the City attorney, with the ultimate outcome of not finding any
documentation referencing such a payment.
Discussion:
While no one is questioning Mr. Hall’s honesty or integrity, none of our archival research
(conducted multiple times at the request of Mr. Hall) has revealed any verification that the
City ever required such a deposit be made of Mr. Hall. Had the City made such a request,
it would have been memorialized in a resolution or development agreement associated
with the project. We have examined the 1977 accounts ledgers (revenues and
expenditures) at Mr. Hall’s request, plus Council minutes, resolutions, development
agreements, planning case files, address files, Laserfished data and microfilmed data,
none of which referenced the alleged $10,000 deposit. The only reference staff could
ascertain to any kind of deposit or escrow was a $15,000 bond required by Development
Agreement 78-13. The $15,000 bond was released by the City at the request of Daniel
Hall in 1984.
At the December 14, 2009 City Council meeting, Mr. Hall again appeared before the
Council with the same request. Mayor Flaherty indicated the issue could be brought back
at a future work session for review and discussion. Subsequent to the data practices
request and the December 14th Council meeting, I asked Kennedy & Graven to prepare an
opinion for the Council’s benefit. The opinion is attached.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the Council take no action with regard to Mr. Hall’s request, in that
there is no documentation on file to suggest the City required Mr. Hall to provide a $10,000
check in conjunction with his building expansion project or even accepted such a check.
Given the amount of time that has lapsed since the check was allegedly provided to the
City (thirty-plus years ago) the City cannot be expected to consent to Mr. Hall’s demand for
reimbursement, regardless of the absence of documentation.
Charlie Hall Request
Feb 1, 2010
Page 2
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
James Ericson
Clerk - Administrator
Attachments:
1. Performance Bond, Issued by the St. Paul Companies, May 1, 1978
2. Letter to Eastern Heights State Bank, April 25, 1978
3. Council Report, May 17, 1984
4. Resolution 1744, May 29, 1984
5. Letter to The Twin City Group, June 15, 1984
6. Opinion from Kennedy & Graven, dated Jan 25, 2010
7. Data Practices Request from Charlie Hall, Dated Nov 12, 2009
Item No: 3
Meeting Date: February 1, 2010
Type of Business: Work Session
Administrator Review: ____
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Desaree Crane, Assistant City Clerk - Administrator
Item Title/Subject: 2009 Charitable Gambling Report
Introduction:
Staff was directed by Council to research and annually report to the City Council each
permanent Charitable Gambling Permit to ensure contribution compliance with the Mounds
View Trade Area. According to the City Code Section 502.13. subd. 2 (c):
c. By December 31st of each calendar year, a licensed organization
conducting lawful gambling within the City shall expend seventy five
percent (75%) of its expenditures for lawful purposes conducted or
located within the City’s trade area. The City’s trade area” is defined as,
and limited to, Mounds View, Spring Lake Park, Blaine, Shoreview,
Arden Hills, New Brighton and Fridley.
According to Section 502.13, subd. 2 (d), of the City Code, each organization licensed to
conduct charitable gambling in the City shall report monthly to the City its gross receipts,
expenses, and profits from those activities in and the distribution of those profits, itemized as
to payee, purpose, amount and date of payment. Organizations licensed to conduct
charitable gambling at more than one (1) site must provide the above-mentioned information
for each site within the City. These requirements may be satisfied by submission of copies of
the monthly reports required by the Gambling Control Board. Below is a breakdown of what
each permit holder contributed to the City’s trade area in 2009 for your reference.
Discussion:
Lake Region Hockey Association:
The Lake Region Hockey Association is a charitable organization to help in funding youth
hockey to include Irondale Youth Hockey and Mounds View Youth Hockey programs. The
City Council adopted their Charitable Gambling License on June 12, 2006, and conducts their
charitable gambling at Moe’s located at 2400 County Highway 10. Below is a breakdown of
their contributions to the Trade Area in 2009.
Jan: No Contributions to the Trade Area
Feb: No Contributions to the Trade Area
Mar: 3/17/09 Schwan’s Super Rink- Irondale Youth Hockey $2,000.00
3/17/07 Schwan’s Super Rink- Irondale Youth Hockey $2,000.00
Item 03
Monday, February 1, 2010, Work Session
2009 Charitable Gambling Report
Page 2
Lake Region Hockey Association:
Apr: 4/6/09 Boy Scout Troop 364 $500.00
4/20/09 Schwan’s Super Rink- Irondale Youth Hockey $2,000.00
4/20/09 Irondale Huddle Club $1,000.00
4/20/09 Mounds View Boys Lacrosse $250.00
4/20/09 Irondale Youth Hockey Program Support $500.00
May: 05/19/09 Totino Grace High School Donation $1,400.00
Jun: No Contributions to the Trade Area
Jul: No Contributions to the Trade Area
Aug: No Contributions to the Trade Area
Sep: No Contributions to the Trade Area
Oct: No Contributions to the Trade Area
Nov: No Contributions to the Trade Area
Dec: No Contributions to the Trade Area
Spring Lake Park Lions:
The Spring Lake Park Lions is a non-profit organization that currently holds a charitable
gambling permit at Robert’s Sports Bar and Entertainment. The City Council approved their
Charitable Gambling License on August 10, 2009. Below is a breakdown of their
contributions to the Trade Area in 2009:
Aug: No Contributions to the Trade Area
Sep: 9/9/09 Eyeglasses Donation to Trade Area Resident $159.00
9/30/09 CEAP: Community Emergency Assistance (Donated Meat) $242.00
Oct: 10/22/09 Eyeglasses Donation to Trade Area Resident $119.00
Nov: 11/25/09 Salvation Army Donation $250.00
11/25/09 CEAP: Community Emergency Assistance (Donated Meat) $198.00
Dec: 12/14/09 Eyeglasses Donation to Trade Area Resident $318.00
12/21/09 Fedors Market – Christmas Basket Project $6,209.00
Item 03
Monday, February 1, 2010, Work Session
2009 Charitable Gambling Report
Page 3
All gambling reports are available for your review at City Hall if you wish to examine any of
them. Based on Staff’s review of all monthly tax reports, it does appear that both
organizations meet the requirements under the City Code.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Desaree Crane
Item No: 4A
Meeting Date: January 4, 2010
Type of Business: Work Session
Administrator Review: ____
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Desaree Crane, Assistant City Clerk - Administrator
Item Title/Subject: Hiring Public Works Seasonals for 2010
Introduction:
On March 26, 2001, the City Council adopted Resolution 5546, which describes the procedure
for hiring Seasonal Employees. This resolution requires that the City Council approve all
seasonal positions. Staff will be presenting a resolution for City Council approval at the next City
Council Meeting on February 8, 2010, for hiring the 2010 Public Works Seasonal Employees.
Discussion:
Annually the City Council has approved the hiring of seasonal Public Works positions.
Resolution 5546 requires that approval take place six weeks prior to actual hire of seasonal
employees; therefore, this is typically done early in the calendar year.
Seasonal Employees benefit the City by providing labor services that are relatively less
expensive and are available during periods of greater labor demand. In return, seasonal
employees benefit from the skills and work ethics they learn on the job. As a result, the
employees, the City, citizens, and taxpayers all benefit from this program.
Historically, there have been three time periods throughout the year when the City has employed
seasonal workers. These periods have been: Summer (10 positions), Fall (2 positions), and
Winter (1 position). However, at the February 23, 2009, City Council Meeting, it was the
consensus of the City Council and Staff to decrease the summer seasonal positions from 10 to 8
positions, due to the budgetary cuts in state aid.
Summer Seasonal Employees – Duties include general Public Works and parks maintenance
duties. The employees generally are employed for about three months in the summer – mid-to
late-May to mid-to late-August. Typically one Parks Division seasonal employee begins
employment in April.
Fall Seasonal Employee – There are two (2) seasonal positions, one (1) in Public Works Sewer
Division, and one (1) in the Parks Division. Historically, summer positions are extended to cover
duties performed in the fall. Staff recommends these seasonal positions be designated as
completely separate positions with separate authorizations. Duties performed by the Public
Works Sewer Division seasonal employees include working with the two Sanitary Sewer
Maintenance employees and the Surface Water / Storm Sewer Maintenance employee to create
two separate crews of two employees to maximize efficiency.
Item 04
Monday, February 1, 2010 Work Session
Hiring Public Works Seasonal Employees for 2010
Page 2
The duties of the fall seasonal employee in the Parks Division include fall activities such as leaf
clean up and providing assistance to both Public Works and Parks in year-end maintenance
activities. These positions would start approximately in late August. The Parks Division seasonal
employee would work until the end of November. The Public Works Sewer seasonal employee
would work until the end of December, weather permitting.
Winter Seasonal Employee – This represents one seasonal position that was previously referred
to as the Ice Rink Maintenance position. The main duty of this position is to service and maintain
the City’s ice rinks and warming houses. This position typically runs from December to February
of the following year.
Wage Proposal for 2010 Seasonals:
Staff recommends no wage increases for 2010 Public Works Seasonals. In 2009, new hire
seasonal positions were filled at $11.00/hour, and returning seasonal workers were
compensated at $11.75/hour. Each summer seasonal employee will work 40 hours per week.
The fall seasonal employee and ice rink employee may also work 40 hours per week: however,
hours may be fewer. All seasonal positions will remain on staff for a period no longer than six
months.
Part-time Seasonal Employee:
In 2008 and 2009, the City Council approved a part-time seasonal employee position. This part-
time seasonal employee position was advertised in the past with the requirement that a
successful applicant would possess a Class A water license. This position is no longer
necessary, and therefore, should be classified as a regular seasonal position.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends hiring nine (9) total seasonal positions for 2010 with no wage increases. If
the City Council is in agreement, then Staff will present a resolution for City Council approval at
the next City Council Meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
Desaree Crane
Assistant City Clerk - Administrator
Item No: 6
Meeting Date: February 1, 2010
Type of Business: Work Session
Administrator Review: ____
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Nick DeBar, PW Director / Mike Schnur, Lead Utility Worker
Item Title/Subject: Discuss Upcoming Municipal Well Projects
City Staff wanted to discuss and make the City Council aware of upcoming 2010 projects
associated with the municipal wells. These projects are included in the adopted Capital
Improvement Program.
Municipal Well No. 1 and 2 Rehabilitation
The City established a maintenance program whereby the wells would be evaluated and
rehabilitated on a seven-year cycle. A longer period of eleven years was attempted; however, it
was discovered that this period was too long to identify minor problems and correct them before
they became major replacements. Well Nos. 1 and 2 were last rehabilitated in January 2003
and are now due for rehabilitation. Both wells draw water from the same aquifers.
Well No. 1 has started to pump a larger amount of sand compared to historical trends and
needs to be examined as to why this is occurring and take the necessary steps to correct the
problem. If this problem is not corrected, deterioration of the well line shaft, coulomb pipe, and
other well production parts will continue. In addition, the filter media in the Water Treatment
Plant (WTP) tanks, which is used to treat the raw ground water, could be displaced which may
result in a lower quality of water. Well No. 2 is also showing similar characteristics as Well No.
1, but not to the same severity as Well No. 1. Information on Well Nos. 1 and 2 are attached
this report.
The projected cost to rehabilitate Well Nos. 1 and 2 is estimated to be $60,000.
Municipal Well No. 2 Motor Replacement
Well No. 2 has an old natural gas motor that is not running smoothly when first turned on. This
intermittent running results in cyclical spikes in the water pressure throughout the system,
including the distribution piping and WTP, increasing the risks for water main breaks and
treatment system component damage. This motor was purchased used and installed over 35
years ago.
To adequately address the long-term needs of the well, a detailed analysis and evaluation
needs to be performed to ensure proper sizing of pumps, motors, power supply, and water table
drawdown. These services required specialized expertise and require hiring of outside
consulting engineers and hydrogeologists.
To assist in the analysis and evaluation of the well, Staff recommends only having the pump in
Well No. 2 pulled and the well inspected as part of the rehabilitation of Well No. 1. The pump
and associated piping would be reinstalled as part of a separate motor replacement project.
This will allow adequate time to perform a well evaluation and proper motor/pump sizing to meet
the current and future demands from the well. In addition, an evaluation will be performed to
best manage emergency power to the well.
The project cost to replace the motor for Well No. 2 is estimated to be $100,000.
Discuss Upcoming Municipal Well Projects
February 1, 2010
Page 2
Well Head Protection Plan:
The City has been put on notice that we are required to prepare and submit a Wellhead
Protection (WHP) Plan to the Minnesota Department of Health. Mounds View is included in the
next phase of municipalities required to perform this work based on our vulnerability to potential
contamination. This planning process takes some time to complete, and Mounds View has a
deadline of April 15, 2013 for compliance. A Q&A handout about the WHP process is attached
for reference.
Performing WHP planning is also a specialized field that will require the City to hire outside
consulting engineers and hydrogeologists. The project costs to perform the WHP plan is
estimated to be in the range of $25,000 to $40,000 over the course of planning (2010 – 2013).
The initial year (2010) of WHP planning is estimated to be $10,000.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends soliciting quotes for Municipal Well No. 1 Rehabilitation and including limited
work to Well No. 2 involving pulling of the pump and well inspection. It is further recommended
to solicit Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) from prospective consulting engineers to perform
the Municipal Well No. 2 Rehabilitation and Motor Replacement and WHP planning. The City
Council agrees, the solicitation package for Municipal Well No. 1 Rehabilitation will be reviewed
at the February 8, 2008 regular Council meeting. Requests for SOQs from qualified consultants
will be sent out for selection of a consulting engineer to assist the City with the Municipal Well
No. 2 Motor Replacement and WHP planning.
Respectfully submitted,
Nick DeBar
Public Works Director
Attachments:
General Characteristics of Well Nos. 1 and 2
Q&A Fact Sheet about WHP Planning
Item No: 7
Meeting Date: Feb 1, 2010
Type of Business: Work Session
Administrator Review : ____
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: James Ericson, Clerk - Administrator
Item Title/Subject: Review Draft Agenda for Feb 12, 2010 Council / Dept Head
Retreat and Goal Setting Session
Introduction:
The Council has scheduled its annual goal setting retreat for Friday, February 12, 2010 at
Random Park. We plan to meet at 5:30 pm for a light supper and begin the formal
activities at 6 pm. We’d like to limit the duration to three hours, but given the agenda items
to discuss, I’m not sure how we could realistically finish before 10 pm.
Discussion:
The agenda is proposed as follows:
5:30 pm Food & Informal discussion
6:00 pm Review 2009 City & Departmental Accomplishments
6:15 pm Review previous Council goals and priorities
6:30 pm Discuss present and future goals and priorities
7:30 pm Rank proposed goals, identify action steps
8:30 pm Discuss Code of Ethics
9:00 pm Discuss Community Center opportunity
9:15 pm Discuss next steps associated with Police Chief vacancy
9:55 pm Identify Fall 2010 retreat date
9:59 pm Retreat Conclusion
Recommendation:
Please review the proposed “agenda” and let us know if there is anything more that could
or should be discussed, and if so, in lieu of what other item (given the limited time
available.)
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
James Ericson
Clerk - Administrator
Item No: 8
Meeting Date: Feb 1, 2010
Type of Business: Work Session
Administrator Review : ____
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: James Ericson, Community Development Director
Item Title/Subject: Review Potential Acquisition of the property at the
Southwest Corner of Woodcrest Drive and Silver
Lake Road
Introduction:
1n 2007, the owner of the tract of land at the southwest corner of Silver Lake Road and
Woodcrest Drive (Amelia Sullivan) contacted City staff and expressed an interest in selling
her property, either to the City or to a developer. While the 1.5 acre lot is certainly large
enough to support a home (or two) the entirety of the lot is either wetland or wetland buffer.
Builders and developers have inspected the property over the years and all have concluded
that it would not be economically feasible to develop due to the local and regional restriction.
On July 23, 2007, Staff presented the City Council with Ms. Sullivan’s offer to sell the
property, and the Council directed staff to prepare an offer letter to Ms. Sullivan. (See
attached.) The offer was for $30,000. Ms. Sullivan did not respond to the offer, and Staff
would later learn that she intended to market the site for development, and no further contact
was made regarding the property, which would have been utilized for stormwater
management purposes.
On January 27, 2010, Ms. Sullivan re-initiated contact with the City, asking if the City was still
interested in the property. Given the amount of time that has lapsed, Staff responded back
to Ms. Sullivan that we would bring the opportunity back to the City Council for
reconsideration.
Discussion:
Mrs. Sullivan continues to pay taxes on the lot and has had to have a number of diseased
trees removed at the determination of former City Forester Wriskey. When this was
considered in 2007, then Public Works Director Greg Lee had considered the Sullivan
property as an ideal location for a stormwater management pond. (A 2005 feasibility report
highlighted a number of issues relating to stormwater management in this area—those
findings are attached to this report.) Subsequent to the 2007 consideration, the City received
approval to address stormwater management associated with street projects through a
series of infiltration swales in the right of way. Because of this approval, the Sullivan
property may not be as desirable as it once was. That said, acquisition would enhance our
ability to address our stormwater management needs and would provide a back-up location
in the event RCWD changes the methodology by which it determines the square feet of
infiltration needed for projects.
Sullivan Property Acquisition
Feb 1, 2010
Page 2
Aside from serving as a future location for a stormwater management feature, the propery
could serve other purposes to the City. The property presently functions as a stormwater
overflow outlet for Woodcrest Park, which is located across the street from the subject
parcel. Construction on the subject parcel—unlikely as it may be—could result in the City
having to readdress run-off from the Park. A secondary benefit would be to preserve the
majority of the heavily wooded site and ensure continued animal habitat and green space.
While the demand for housing has cooled significantly over the last two years, at some point
in the future, the wooded site could become attractive enough to justify the necessary soils
corrections and required permitting approvals.
The assessed valuation of the property has decreased since the 2007 consideration. At
present, the land is valued at $29,900 according to Ramsey County, but if the land has no
development potential, it would seem the value would be far less than $29,900.
Included with this report is an excerpt from the 2005 Street Improvement Project report
prepared by BRAA directly relating to this parcel. In addition, attached is a wetlands map
and a parcel map for your review.
Recommendation:
Staff seeks direction from the Council as to whether it would support acquisition of this parcel
for the purposes of stormwater management. If the Council supports acquisition, staff would
prepare an offer letter to Ms. Sullivan. The cost of the acquisition could come from the
stormwater management fund, as had been proposed in 2007. If accepted by Ms. Sullivan,
staff would bring forward a resolution formalizing the acquisition at a future meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
James Ericson
Clerk - Administrator
Attachments:
1. 2005 Street Improvement Project Report excerpt
2. Parcel Map
3. Wetland Zoning Map
4. 2007 Offer Letter to Ms. Sullivan
2005 Street Improvement Project Report Excerpt
South boulevard of Woodcrest Drive at Silver Lake Road
a. Storm water runoff at this location discharges directly from the street into an open
ditch along the west side of Silver Lake Road. The ditch then discharges directly
into Spring Creek at a location approximately 200 feet to the south. There is no
water quality treatment prior to the creek.
b. In addition to the runoff from Woodcrest Drive, a storm sewer pipe from Silver
Lake Road, which is under the jurisdiction of Ramsey County, also discharges into
the open ditch, just south of Woodcrest Drive. This storm water from the County
Road also enters the creek with no treatment.
c. A vacant single family lot exists at this location. There is a question as to whether
or not it is buildable, due to existing low areas. However, the current owner has
not yet investigated that question, nor have they given any indication of desire to
sell the property.
d. Construction of a storm water pond to treat the runoff from Woodcrest Drive, of
size in accordance with the Watershed District rules, would require the acquisition
of a portion of the vacant lot. However, even if this were done, the discharge from
the County storm sewer on Silver Lake Road would continue to enter directly into
Spring Creek with no treatment.
e. The findings yielded from the investigation performed for this project would
indicate that the most appropriate long-term approach to this situation is for the
City and County to monitor the status of this lot. If the owner becomes interested
in selling, the City and County could enter an agreement to acquire the property
and construct a joint storm water quality pond of sufficient size to accommodate
both the City and County storm sewer flows at this location.
f. Such an acquisition of the vacant lot and development of a joint storm water
feature is beyond the scope of this project to rehabilitate Woodcrest Drive. It is
more appropriate to be addressed under a separate action jointly entered into by
both the City and County.
g. However, as part of this 2005 Street Improvement Project, there is space available
within the public right-of-way along the south side of Woodcrest Drive. While a
pond that meets the volume requirement of the Watershed District can not be
achieved, a pond can be installed that maximizes the use of the land available at
this time. Construction of such a feature is proposed as part of this project.
Item No: 4B
Meeting Date: February 1, 2010
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 the Rehiring of the Public Works Intern Position
Background:
An engineering intern for the Public Works (PW) Department was first approved by the City
Council in June 2006 in lieu of a seasonal maintenance worker to assist with the
administrative/engineering staff. This minor shift in staffing was proposed to better enable PW
to administer activities associated with the many upcoming public improvement projects planned
at that time.
Due to a rather heavy class load and college campus transfer, the Engineering Intern (Ryan
Johnson) recently resigned and his last day of employment with Mounds View was September
4, 2009.
Discussion:
The minor shift in PW staffing in 2006 with the creation of the PW internship has made a big
difference in allowing PW to achieve some much-needed long-term goals and objectives. In
addition to assisting with the diverse daily activities and public inquiries, the intern position was
instrumental in helping PW achieve good advances with project development, traffic count
analysis, and activities associated with increased capital improvement projects. However, the
biggest gain occurred in archiving closed project files through utilization of the City’s Laserfiche
software program. These activities have provided a stable, long-term records management
system that will serve the City into the future.
The PW intern is a temporary, part-time position geared toward current or recent college
students. The temporary nature of the position allows PW to identify areas where extra help is
needed between internships. PW staff has identified Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
base mapping as a high priority where extra help is needed. The timing for this task is critical
since much of the topographic surveying performed for the Streets and Utilities Improvement
Projects will be utilized in building the GIS date/base map. In addition, the City already owns
this software (ArcGIS).
For current need and long-term flexibility reasons, the PW intern position has been revised from
an “Engineering Intern” position title to an Engineering/GIS Intern” position title. The position
description has been revised to reflect this change and enhanced to accommodate some
shortcomings of the previous version. The proposed position description and the current
position description are attached to this report.
It is proposed that the PW Intern position be hired at the same $11.75 hourly rate as the last PW
Intern. Work hours would remain the same, with full-time hours during summer and holiday
breaks, and part-time employment (10-15 hours per week) the remainder of the year. If
authorized, the position will be posted on the Mounds View and League of Minnesota Cities
websites, and notices will be distributed to Metro-area universities and technical colleges that
have programs in Civil Engineering, GIS, or other closely related fields.
Discuss Public Works Intern Position
February 1, 2010
Page 2
Recommendation:
Staff recommends approving the revised PW Intern position description (Engineering/GIS
Intern) and the rehiring for this position. If the City Council agrees, a separate resolution will be
presented to City Council at their regular meeting on February 8, 2010.
Respectfully submitted,
Nick DeBar
Public Works Director
Attachments:
Draft Engineering/GIS Intern Position Description
Current Engineering Intern Position Description
Engineering/GIS Intern Position Description Page 1
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Engineering/GIS Intern
Department: Public Works – Administration/Engineering Division
Accountable to: Director of Public Works
Status: Internship (1-3 year duration), Part-time, Non-Union
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF POSITON
To assist the Administration/Engineering Division of the Public Works Department with records
management, geographical information system (GIS) data and base mapping, engineering,
project development, planning, inspections, public requests, and other Division functions. This
position is intended for a current or recent college student majoring in Civil Engineering,
Geographic Information Systems (GIS), or other related field for continuous part-time
employment (full-time during summer/holiday breaks) for a period of approximately one to three
successive calendar years for each internship cycle.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
This position is supervised by and works under the general guidance and direction of the Public
Works Director. This position may receive specific guidance and direction from the
Engineering/IS Technician as assigned by the Public Works Director.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
None.
ESSENTIAL DUTES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Assist with creating, maintaining, and updating the City’s GIS data and base mapping system
for citywide infrastructure and lands management.
Collect field measurements, conditions, and other infrastructure information and incorporate
into database and mapping systems.
Assist with the management of the City’s electronic and hard copy record drawings, plats,
and other as-built inventories.
Prepare various displays, graphics, and exhibits for use in public meetings, reports, and
other functions.
Perform field assessments and investigations for use in studies and project development.
Inspect and document construction activities for public improvement projects.
Calculate estimated construction quantities and prepare cost estimates for use in the Capital
Improvement Program and public improvement projects.
Draft construction plans and details for use in public improvement projects and for use as
City Standards.
Prepare construction specifications and contract documents.
Respond to public requests and inquiries for record drawings, as-built information, permits,
and other department functions in a timely and courteous manner.
Coordinate work activities with activities of the Operation and Maintenance Division.
Engineering/GIS Intern Position Description Page 2
Performs other duties and responsibilities as apparent or assigned by the Public Works
Director.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
High School diploma or GED.
Current or recent enrollment in a college or technical school pursuing a degree in Civil
Engineering, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), or other related field.
Valid Class D Minnesota driver’s license.
Semi-proficient with AutoCAD and/or ArcView computer software programs.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Completion of at least one year of college or technical school coursework.
Proficient with AutoCAD and ArcView computer software programs.
Familiarity with municipal infrastructure, including construction activities.
NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Skill and knowledge in the operation of AutoCAD and/or ArcView computer software
programs, including the ability to
Skill and knowledge in using computers to maintain records and electronic files; prepare
letters, memos, and reports; correspond via e-mail; and research using the internet.
General knowledge of the principals and practices of drafting for construction plans, details,
maps, exhibits, and other visual displays.
General knowledge of the principals and practices of geographic information systems (GIS).
Skill and ability to be well organized with a keen attention to details and neatness.
Ability to solve basic math and design problems.
Ability to read and interpret construction plans and specifications, maps, O&M manuals, and
other technical documents.
Ability to communicate effectively, in English, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to assist with performing fieldwork, including surveying, utility locates, traffic counts,
construction inspection, and other similar activities.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
None.
WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work environment and physical demands described herein is representative of those that
must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions.
Work for this job is located in both indoor and outdoor environments. The indoor work
environment is typically in a HVAC-conditioned office setting with quiet to moderate noise levels.
Job duties also require exposure to outdoor conditions year-round, including adverse weather
conditions and outdoor areas under heavy/highway, utility, or facility construction. The
Engineering/GIS Intern Position Description Page 3/3
employee may occasionally work near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places
and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, traffic,
toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
The employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel or
operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms and occasionally climb or
balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; taste or smell. Visual acuity sufficient to evaluate field
conditions, construction practices and work done, and plans and drawings is necessary, as is
the ability to communicate orally in person and over the telephone. Specific vision abilities
include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the
ability to adjust focus. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and
occasionally up to 100 pounds.
SELECTION GUIDELINES
Formal application and resume, rating of education and experience, oral interview and reference
check; job related tests may be required.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may
be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the
position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and
the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and
requirements of the job change.
Approval: _________________________ Approval: ________________________
Supervisor Clerk - Administrator
Effective Date: ______________________ Revision History: 01/2010 (Draft Rev.)
05/2006