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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packets - 2004/03/08CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA Monday, March 8, 2004 7:00 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Linke, Quick, Marty, Stigney, Gunn 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5. PUBLIC INPUT: Citizens may speak to issues not on tonight’s agenda. Before speaking, please give your full name and address for the minutes. Also, please limit your comments to three minutes. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Resolution of Appreciation to Dana Mandoza for service on the Parks and Recreation Commission 7. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS 8. CONSENT AGENDA A. Licenses for Approval B. Approval to Amend Resolution 6173 For The Purchase of Four Automatic External Defibrillators (AED’s) 9. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Silver lake Woods Condominiums: Dedication of Private Streets B. 2003 Street Improvement Project – Design Issues to Resolve C. 2003 Street Improvement Project – Setting a Start Phase II (Area South of County Road H2 and West D. First reading and introduction of Ordinance 731-Amending Chapter 1005 of the City Code and adopting the International Property Maintenance Code with amendments. E. Resolution 6205 Hiring Police Officer Ben Zender 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. City Council Minutes, February 23, 2004. 11 REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council B. Reports of Staff 1. Fire Chief Presentation – Long Range Capital Plan 2. Finance Director – Long Range Financial Plan: 2004-2013 Capital Improvement Plan 3. Surplus Equipment Policy 4. Community Survey Update C. Reports of City Attorney 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, April 5, 2004 Next Council Meeting: Monday, March 22, 2004 RESOLUTION NO. 6202 CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW COUNTY OF RAMSEY STATE OF MINNESOTA RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO DANA MANDOZA FOR SERVICE ON THE CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION WHEREAS, Dana Mandoza has served on the City of Mounds View Park and Recreation Commission since March 20, 2003; and WHEREAS, Mr. Mandoza has gained the respect and gratitude of those who have had the privilege of working with him on the Parks and Recreation Commission. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Mounds View, on behalf of the residents of the City of Mounds View, expresses its appreciation to Dana Mandoza for his dedicated and devoted service on the Mounds View Park and Recreation Commission. Adopted this 8th day of March, 2004. ATTEST: Mayor Jerry Linke Councilmember Quick Councilmember Stigney Councilmember Gunn Councilmember Marty City Administrator Ulrich Item No: 08A Meeting Date: March 8, 2004 Type of Business: CA City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Barb Benesch, Administrative Assistant Item Title/Subject: CONTRACTOR LICENSES FOR APPROVAL Please consider the following contractor licenses for approval. All contractor licenses will expire on December 31, 2004. All applicants have submitted appropriate fees and proof of insurance. Those companies that are “new” include applicants that have never been licensed with the City or they may have been licensed with the City in the past, but were not licensed in 2003. Those companies renewing their license were licensed, at a minimum, in the year 2003. The type of license they are applying for follows the company name. Dave’s Heating & Air – HVAC – Renewal Master Gas Fitters – HVAC – Renewal Northern Heating & Air Conditioning – HVAC - Renewal Pride Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. - New White Bear Mechanical, Inc. – HVAC – New Staff Recommendation: Approve license applications as requested. Respectfully submitted, ________________________ Item No. 8B Meeting Date: March 8, 2004 Type of Business: CA WK: Work Session; PH: Public Hearing; CA: Consent Agenda; CB: Council Business Administrator Review: _____ City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Mike Sommer, Police Chief Item Title/Subject: Approval to Amend Resolution 6173 For The Purchase of Four Automatic External Defibrillators (AED’s) Background: On January 26, 2004 the Mounds View City Council approved resolution 6173 authorizing the purchase of four new AED’s for the police department. The cost for four AED’s was estimated at $10,739.60. The AED manufacturer was offering a “Trade-in” program, which would allow a credit for existing units (4), and even allow the retention and possession of the existing units for use or placement in other locations in the city. Half of the remaining cost was to be covered through a grant from the American Heart Association. The remainder of the cost was to be covered through the use of accrued interest in the police grant fund of approximately $1065.00, and the remainder from the police forfeiture fund of at least $1104.80. Discussion: After placing the order for the new AED’s, indicating that the City of Mounds View wished to exercise the option to retain the four current units it owns and not trade them in, updated invoicing was generated. Under the new invoice/purchase agreement, the pricing and cost changed from the original estimates, and is now as follows: $8065.64 Four AED’s @ $2016.41 each (New price INCLUDES case and electrodes) -$4032.82 Credit for AHA Grant (50% of cost) -$1186.64 Credit for existing units through the “Trade-up” promotion $2846.18 Balance required for purchase Staff is seeking authorization to adjust the means by which the balance would be paid by adjusting the contributions from the police grant and forfeiture funds. Purchase cost would be covered as follows: $1242.00 Police grant fund interest $1605.18 Police forfeiture fund Recommendation: Staff recommends authorization to purchase four new AED’s for the police department. This will be accomplished by applying AHA Grant funds, credit for the “Trade-up” promotion offered through the manufacturer, and by expending $1242.00 of interest from the police grant fund and approximately $1605.00 from the police forfeiture fund. Respectfully Submitted, Mike Sommer, Police Chief RESOLUTION NO. 6204 CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW COUNTY OF RAMSEY STATE OF MINNESOTA RESOLUTION AMENDING PREVIOUS RESOLUTION 6173 TO PROVIDE FOR THE PURCHASE OF FOUR NEW AUTOMATIC ELECTRONIC DEBIBRILLATORS FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WHEREAS, on January 26, 2004 the Mounds View City Council approved resolution 6173 approving the purchase of four Automatic External Defibrillators for the police department; and WHEREAS, a combination of credit for a grant through the American Heart Association, and trade-in credit for four existing AED units was to be applied to the purchase cost; and WHEREAS, updated invoicing was generated allowing the city to exercise the option to retain ownership of the four current AED units; and WHEREAS, the updated pricing and credits formula resulted in a change in the original purchase estimate, which now requires an additional amount be expended to cover the cost of purchase for four new AED’s; and WHEREAS, the additional funds are available within the police forfeiture fund. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the City Council of the City of Mounds View, Ramsey County, Minnesota authorizes the purchase of four new AED’s by the police department. The purchase cost of $8065.64 will be covered by applying $4032.82 from an AHA grant, $1186.64 from the manufacture’s “trade-up” promotion, $1242.00 in accrued interest from the police grants fund, and approximately $1605.00 from the police forfeiture fund. Adopted this 8th day of March 2004. ____________________________________ Jerry Linke, Mayor ATTEST: ____________________________________ Kurt Ulrich, City Administrator (seal) Item No. 9C Meeting Date: March 8, 2004 Type of Business: CB WK: Work Session; PH: Public Hearing; CA: Consent Agenda; CB: Council Business City Administrator Review _______ City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Greg Lee, Director of Public Works Item Title/Subject: 2003 Street Improvement Project – Phase II Setting a Start Date for Phase II Background: On October 13, 2003, City Council adopted Resolution No. 6110 authorizing the preparation of a Preliminary Feasibility Report and consultant selection for the 2003 Street Improvement Project – Phase II. The streets to be considered for this project are those contained in the area bounded by County Road H2 to the north, Silver Lake Road to the east, and the City limits to the west and south (southwestern section of the city). Discussion: Phase I of the 2003 Street Improvement Project was recently ordered on February 23, 2004 with a start date of June 2004. The original start date of May 2004 was postponed to allow for the proper notification, as required by state law, for conducting an assessment hearing prior to awarding the contract. The original intent of the Phase II project was to have a start date and construction in 2004. The City would subsequentially have two major street projects under construction in 2004. When planning for Phase II, an assumption was made that Phase II would follow the same course of action as Phase I. The construction start date would be in Late September or early October. In an effort to accelerate Phase II, Staff looked at eliminating steps not required by law like initial neighborhood meetings, and City Council’s preliminary review of the draft report. However, due to the numerous steps and time periods required by state law, the construction start date could only be moved up as early as late August. An August start date is possible: however, there are so many variables that come into play with a large project such as this that it is highly likely the project may not be finished until some time in 2005. These variables include: bad weather, permits not issued by other government agencies in a timely fashion, private utility companies not moving their structure in a timely fashion, and lack of supplies such as sod. There are also several issues the City Council needs to consider from a financial standpoint. Generally, bids received this late in the year are higher than those received in the beginning of the year. This is especially true if the specifications have strict requirements that the project must be competed by year’s end. Another financial consideration is cash flow for Phase I. Given that the City will be financing these projects through the sale of bonds (typically the City would sell bonds only once per year after a project is ordered), if Phase II isn’t ordered until late in 2004, this will affect the sale of bonds for Phase I and, consequently, the cash flow for this project. Given these impacts, along with the desire to have street improvement projects that are well orchestrated, cost effective, and in order to create as little disruption to the residents as possible, Staff recommends that the start date for Phase II be set for May of 2005; and with a 2005 start date, to change the name of Phase II to the “2005 Street Improvement Project”. Recommendation: It is recommended the City Council provide direction to Staff to abandon schedules that call for a 2004 construction start for the 2003 Street Improvement Project - Phase II, and develop a new schedule that indicates a May 2005 start date. Respectfully Submitted, Greg Lee, Director of Public Works Item No:9E Meeting Date: March 8, 2004 Type of Business:CB WK: Work Session; PH: Public Hearing; CA: Consent Agenda; CB: Council Business City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Chief of Police, Mike Sommer Item Title/Subject: Approval to Hire Benjamin Zender as Police Officer Date of Report: 3-8-04 Background: The City Council has approved the hiring of three Police Officers. The Police Chief met with the Police Civil Service Commission concerning the procedures for filling the positions. The following procedures were followed: • The position was advertised. 135 applications were received. • A scored competitive written examination was administered at the community center. 109 candidates took the written exam. The exam assessed writing skills, math, grammar, and reading comprehension skills. • 21 top scoring candidates were selected to advance in the process with oral interviews with a panel of Mounds View Police Officers (one Investigator, the School Resource Officer, and the Deputy Chief). • The interview panel scored the candidate’s responses. • A resume review of the 21 candidates was conducted and scored. • A meeting of the Police Civil Service Commission was held on 2-19-04. Based upon the overall scores of the applicants, the Commission certified the top 10 candidates for the positions. Background investigations have been initiated on the top five candidates. • Benjamin Zender is one of the top three candidates certified by the commission. We have an immediate need to hire a Police Officer. Mr. Zender’s background investigation, and pre employment medical exam have been successfully completed. Mr. Zender is immediately available. Staff recommends Mr. Zender be hired to the position at the step one rate of pay as stipulated in the Law Enforcement Labor Services contract. Recommendation: Staff seeks council approval to proceed with appointment of Benjamin Zender to the Position of Police Officer at the step one rate of pay for the position. Respectfully submitted, Mike Sommer Chief of Police RESOLUTION NO. 6205 CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW COUNTY OF RAMSEY STATE OF MINNESOTA APPOINTING BENJAMIN ZENDER TO THE POSITION OF POLICE OFFICER WHEREAS, the City Council has approved the hiring of three Police Officers, and the Police Civil Service Commission has approved the procedures for establishing an eligibility register to fill these vacancies, and; WHEREAS, the approved hiring procedures consist of a competitive written examination, resume scoring, oral interviews, background investigations, physical examination, psychological examination, and physical agility testing, and; WHEREAS, the Civil Service Commission has certified the eligibility list for the openings, and Benjamin Zender is one of the three top candidates standing on the eligibility register, and his background investigation, physical, psychological, and physical agility testing have all been successfully completed, and: WHEREAS, the Chief of Police has met with Mr. Zender, and the Chief recommends he be appointed to the position of Police Officer. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mounds View City Council does hereby appoint Benjamin Zender to the position of Police Officer at the step one rate of pay as stipulated in the Law Enforcement Labor Services contract. Adopted this 8th day of March 2004. ______________________________ Jerry Linke, Mayor ATTEST: _______________________________ Kurt Ulrich City Clerk/Administrator (SEAL) PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL 1 CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW 2 RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA 3 4 Regular Meeting 5 February 23, 2004 6 Mounds View City Hall 7 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 8 7:00 P.M. 9 10 11 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 12 13 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 14 15 3. ROLL CALL: Linke, Quick, Marty, Stigney, and Gunn 16 17 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 18 19 A. Monday, February 23, 2004 City Council Agenda. 20 21 Council Member Marty asked that Item 9I be heard at the beginning of Council Business. 22 23 Community Development Director Ericson requested that Item 9C be removed from the agenda 24 as there is further information needed on the item. 25 26 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Quick. To Approve the Monday, February 23, 2004 Agenda as 27 Amended. 28 29 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 30 31 5. PUBLIC INPUT 32 33 William Werner of 2765 Sherwood Road indicated he would like to discuss the surplus property 34 matter but said, in light of the fact that there were a lot of people in attendance, he would wait. 35 36 Mayor Linke explained that surplus property would be addressed under item 11B(3). 37 38 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 39 40 A. Resolution 6189, a Resolution of Appreciation for Janet Quick, Police Civil 41 Service Commission 42 43 Mayor Linke read the Resolution of Appreciation. 44 45 Mounds View City Council February 23, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 2 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Gunn. To Approve Resolution 6189, a Resolution of Appreciation 1 for Janet Quick, Police Civil Service Commission. 2 3 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 4 5 7. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS 6 7 A. Just and Correct Claims 8 9 Council Member Marty asked for further information on Check Number 112753 to the City 10 Attorney. 11 12 City Attorney Riggs indicated that there were issues with regard to the status with Ramsey 13 County that he worked on for the Community Center. 14 15 Council Member Marty asked whether the charges for Longview Estates could be passed on to 16 the developer. 17 18 City Attorney Riggs indicated that it would most likely not be possible to do so. 19 20 Council Member Stigney asked for further information on Check Number 112757 to the YMCA 21 in the amount of $6,344. 22 23 Finance Director Hansen explained that each year in January the YMCA sends the City a check 24 for $20,000 as a payment of surplus revenues over expenses but, this year, the amount was only 25 $13,656 so the City is refunding the overpayment. 26 27 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Stigney. To Approve Just and Correct Claims as Presented. 28 29 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 30 31 8. CONSENT AGENDA 32 33 A. Licenses for Approval 34 B. Resolution 6194, Approving the License Renewal Application for the Twin 35 Cities North Chamber of Commerce to Allow Charitable Gambling at Jake’s 36 Sports Café in the City of Mounds View. 37 C. Resolution 6197, Approving a Temporary Gambling Permit for the New 38 Brighton/Mounds View Rotary to Allow Charitable Gambling at The 39 Mermaid on April 30, 2004. 40 41 Council Member Marty requested that Item B removed for discussion. 42 43 MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Stigney. To Approve Consent Agenda Items A and C as Presented. 44 45 Mounds View City Council February 23, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 3 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 1 2 B. Resolution 6194, a Resolution Approving the License Renewal Application 3 for the Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce to Allow Charitable 4 Gambling at Jake’s Sports Café in the City of Mounds View 5 6 Council Member Marty asked whether the City receives verification that the 75% is to be used in 7 the City. 8 9 Jim Witkowski from the Twin Cities North Chamber indicated that they gave $105,000 last year 10 and approximately 64% went into the New Brighton/Mounds View and surrounding area. 11 12 Council Member Marty said he thought that the ordinance required 75% within the City. 13 14 Ms. Crane indicated that she receives a tax form at the end of the year that indicates where the 15 monies have been spent. 16 17 Mr. Witkowski indicated the City receives a report every month. 18 19 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Gunn. To Approve the Consent Agenda as Presented. 20 21 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 22 23 9. COUNCIL BUSINESS 24 25 A. Public Hearing and Consideration of Resolution No. 6185 Ordering 26 the 2003 Street Improvement Project – Phase I 27 28 Mayor Linke opened the public hearing at 7:25 p.m. 29 30 Public Works Director Lee provided an overview of the 2003 street improvement project. 31 32 Public Works Director Lee overviewed the funding sources for this project as well as a timeline 33 for the project and those properties that are being assessed as benefiting properties. 34 35 Council Member Marty asked whether the rain gardens recommended by Rice Creek were 36 explained to residents at the neighborhood meeting. 37 38 Public Works Director Lee indicated that Staff was not aware that Rice Creek would be 39 recommending them when the neighborhood meeting was held. 40 41 Council Member Marty commented that this was recommended a few years ago and it can be 42 aesthetically pleasing if done correctly. 43 44 Mounds View City Council February 23, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 4 Council Member Quick clarified that there were no rain gardens or alternate forms for retention 1 of water added after that project although it was promised. 2 3 Linda Buckardt of 2658 Lakecourt Drive asked what kind of project this would be and whether 4 the sewers and everything would be dug up. She then asked if they would have access to 5 parking. 6 7 Public Works Director Lee indicated he was not sure if Lakecourt Drive was included as that is 8 part of the townhome association. He then said that there would be minimal disruption and 9 residents would be notified of any major excavating in the roadway. 10 11 Don Lofquist of 7767 Groveland Road asked is the sidewalk would be on both sides or just one 12 and whether the driveways would be repaired. He also asked how much the project would cost. 13 14 Mayor Linke indicated there would only be sidewalks on Groveland. 15 16 Public Works Director Lee said that it looks like the west side is more favorable due to the power 17 poles on Groveland. He then indicated that the mock assessment roll has been prepared and the 18 estimated cost for properties lying west of Silver Lake Road is $2,822.55. He then pointed out 19 that it is not the final number as the final numbers will be based on the final bids so if the amount 20 is lower it would be adjusted down and if the estimates are higher the figure goes up. 21 22 Mayor Linke indicated that Rice Creek has made recommendations that cost $109,000. 23 24 Public Works Director Lee indicated that the estimate for those in the Parkview neighborhood is 25 $1,539.86 26 27 Public Works Director Lee indicated that Silver Lake Court estimate would be based on whether 28 the Association wants to participate in the project and how they decide to divide up the 29 assessments. 30 31 Ms. Buckhardt asked how long it would take to finish this project as she saw that the H2 project 32 seemed to drag on. 33 34 Public Works Director Lee indicated that there were errors with the County Road H2 project 35 which caused delays. 36 37 Council Member Marty commented that Rice Creek Watershed made changes that added to the 38 delays. 39 40 Mike Grommesh of 2698 Lakecourt Drive indicated he was at the meeting last fall and has 41 watched a number of work sessions a year ago when the City was talking about taking over the 42 streets and there were two issues. One is that there is no easement for lines under the streets and 43 that needs to be remedied. He then asked what the status of that process is. 44 45 Mounds View City Council February 23, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 5 Public Works Director Lee indicated that the last time this was discussed was in May of 2002 1 and Staff proposed that that streets be upgraded to a City standard before being taken over by the 2 City and they were waiting for a public improvement project to look at the policy further. 3 4 Mr. Grommesh asked if there was a policy for assessing the condominiums. 5 6 Mayor Linke indicated that there is an association that would decide how to divide up the 7 assessment. 8 9 Mr. Grommesh said he read through what was presented last fall and asked why they would be 10 assessed at 100% rather than the 50%. 11 12 Mayor Linke said that right now residents own the streets through the association and that is why 13 the assessment is 100%. 14 15 Public Works Director Lee indicated that the issue has been raised by the association president to 16 see if the assessments could be at a rate of 50% rather than looking at them as private streets. 17 18 Daniel Martin of 7490 Knollwood Drive asked for clarification on the street project west of 19 Silver Lake Road. 20 21 Mayor Linke indicated that the asphalt would be removed and the sub-grade inspected and 22 improved if necessary and then the street would be repaved. 23 24 Mr. Martin asked if the City could reclaim the pavement and use that for base to pave over. 25 26 Mayor Linke indicated that is what would be done. 27 28 Mr. Martin asked if the assessment was based per lineal foot. 29 30 Public Works Director Lee indicated that it is on a per lot basis. 31 32 Council Member Marty indicated that Council felt it was more equitable to do the assessment on 33 a per lot basis because living on a corner lot cost a lot more the other way. 34 35 Jim Huntsman of 2570 Mounds View Drive expressed concern that the association is being 36 assessed to upgrade the storm sewer to handle additional flowage from the strip mall on the east 37 side of Highway 10. 38 39 Public Works Director Lee explained that the storm sewer is being upgraded to bring it to City 40 standards not to increase flowage. 41 42 Mr. Huntsman asked if the storm sewer is being upgraded for the entire association. 43 44 Mounds View City Council February 23, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 6 Public Works Director Lee indicated that Mounds View Drive would be included in the project 1 and there are some catch basins that need to be upgraded to City standards if the City is going to 2 take over the streets. 3 4 Mr. Huntsman indicated the association and its members would incur a lot of cost to increase the 5 capacity for runoff and that is not fair. He then said that one of the reports refers to the properties 6 by abstract method but his tax statement has him as torrens property. 7 8 Mayor Linke indicated the association owns the streets and the utilities underneath them and for 9 the City to accept them they need to be brought up to City standards. 10 11 Theresa Muckala of 7666 Knollwood Drive asked whether this project would be taking away any 12 lawn and if any damage would be restored. 13 14 Mayor Linke indicated that the right of way would be disturbed but restored at the end of the 15 project. 16 17 Ms. Muckala said that she would prefer the gentle sloping concrete curbing rather than the 18 squared concrete. 19 20 Public Works Director Lee indicated that Staff is recommending the squared off curb as it is 21 much better for snow plowing and safer than surmountable curbs as it keeps vehicles in the 22 roadway. 23 24 Ms. Muckala indicated that snow plowing is only a few days per year and they live there 365 25 days a year and would prefer to look at the gentle sloping curb than the squared off one. 26 27 Ms. Muckala asked when they have to pay for this assessment. 28 29 Mayor Linke explained that residents could pay it or put it on the taxes and pay for it over time 30 with interest. 31 32 Public Works Director Lee indicated that Staff is proposing to have the assessment hearing on 33 May 24, 2004 and residents would have 30 days to pay the assessment without any interest. If 34 residents wait to have the amount certified to the County they would pay interest over a 10 year 35 time period at whatever rate Council sets. 36 37 Lisa Sunde of 7850 Groveland Road asked where the fence and trees go and whether the 38 sidewalk locations are set in stone. 39 40 Mayor Linke indicated that Council would be discussing sidewalk issues on March 8, 2004. 41 42 Public Works Director Lee clarified that Staff is looking at the west side of Groveland and 43 proposes to locate the sidewalk directly behind the curb so it disrupts the lawns less. The 44 sidewalk is proposed to be 6.5 feet wide made of concrete. 45 Mounds View City Council February 23, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 7 1 Ms. Sunde asked why the City needed sidewalks on Groveland Road. 2 3 Public Works Director Lee indicated that the Comprehensive Plan shows sidewalks on 4 Groveland Road. 5 6 Mayor Linke indicated that the sidewalk is a part of the park system walkway designed 7 throughout the City. 8 9 Ms. Sunde commented that it costs residents on Groveland Road $2,000 for the sidewalk. 10 11 Mayor Linke clarified that it is $2,800 for the road and the sidewalk. 12 13 Ms. Sunde asked whether she would be required to shovel the sidewalk. 14 15 Mayor Linke indicated the City takes care of the sidewalk. 16 17 Mr. Huntsman asked how the City intends to handle the association property. 18 19 Public Works Director Lee indicated that the improvements would be made to Mounds View 20 Drive regardless of whether the townhome association wants to proceed. 21 22 Mayor Linke indicated that he would be assessed for Mounds View Drive whether the 23 association does the project or not but, if the association, decides to do the project then the 24 association determines how the assessment is split. 25 26 Council Member Quick asked whether residents that live on a properly constructed street would 27 be assessed as much as those that are on streets that require more upgrade. 28 29 Public Works Director Lee indicated that those needing only minor work will be assessed a lesser 30 amount. 31 32 Harvey Ford of 7780 Groveland Road asked who the City is building the sidewalk for because no 33 one walks on Groveland. 34 35 Mayor Linke indicated that early in the 1980s the City looked at a plan for connecting pathways 36 throughout the City and the plan calls for a sidewalk on Groveland. 37 38 Karin Martinjako of 7692 Groveland Road commented that the residents are given 30 days to pay 39 without interest and asked what the interest would be and who sets the rate. 40 41 Finance Director Hansen explained that last year the rate set by Council was 4.5% but he would 42 be recommending something lower based on the market. He then suggested that since the 43 assessments are being levied in the spring that the City allow residents until the fall to pay. 44 45 Mounds View City Council February 23, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 8 City Attorney Riggs indicated he did not see an issue with allowing more than the 30 days to pay 1 and commented that there is usually a rush because it is being dealt with at the end of the year 2 and the certification deadline needs to be met. 3 4 Ms. Martinjako asked whether the streets would be widened west of Silver Lake Road. 5 6 Public Works Director Lee indicated that they are proposed to be 28 feet from face of curb to 7 face of curb so they may be a little narrower than they presently are. 8 9 Ms. Martinjako asked why curbs were necessary. 10 11 Mayor Linke indicated it is a proven case that roads last longer when there are curb and gutter. 12 13 Ms. Martinjako asked what water gardens are. 14 15 Public Works Director Lee explained that they are depressions in the boulevard that take water 16 from the street and allow it to infiltrate into the ground. He then said that they are usually 17 maintained within the boulevard area and are 10 to 15 feet wide. 18 19 Ms. Martinjako asked what kind of a time frame the streets are supposed to last for and when the 20 next assessment would be. 21 22 Public Works Director Lee said there really is not a set timetable for assessments and said that 23 the next assessment would be for something minor such as a mill and overlay as this is a total 24 reconstruction that should last 40 years. 25 26 Sarah Merkl of 7851 Spring Lake Road indicated that the back of her lot is affected by this and it 27 is less than 10 feet. She then asked whether she would be charged $3,000 for something that she 28 does not use. 29 30 Public Works Director Lee explained that the policy dictates that if there is no access onto the 31 street when it is reconstructed then the resident is not assessed. 32 33 Mr. Ford asked whether commercial property is assessed more than residential. 34 35 Public Works Director Lee agreed to meet privately to discuss the assessment but told him he 36 could expect 50% rather than the 25% of a residential assessment. 37 38 Tony Marchiafava of 7500 Knollwood Drive asked what the timing of the project would be and 39 whether he would have adequate access to his property. 40 41 Public Works Director Lee indicated that any major work would require notification to the 42 property owners but the rest of the work should be restored each day by 5:00 p.m. to provide 43 adequate access. He then said there would be a neighborhood meeting to discuss the timing of 44 the project after the bid is awarded. 45 Mounds View City Council February 23, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 9 1 Mr. Marchiafava asked whether there is a ceiling on the costs or if changes can be made along 2 the way. 3 4 Public Works Director Lee indicated that once the assessment hearing is held and the 5 assessments are set and cannot be increased. 6 7 Council Member Quick asked the City Attorney whether it is possible to enter into an agreement 8 with Rice Creek to prevent them from changing their recommendation midway through the 9 project. 10 11 City Attorney Riggs indicated he and Mr. Lee would look into it and may be able to put together 12 some type of agreement on that. 13 14 Council Member Quick indicated the city of Mounds View has a high water table and he does 15 not think water gardens are the way to go and would prefer ponds to hold the water for natural 16 evaporation rather than sinking into the ground and forcing residents in the area to run sump 17 pumps to pump it out of their basements. 18 19 Mayor Linke closed the public hearing at 8:18 p.m. 20 21 MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Marty. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6185, a 22 Resolution Ordering the 2003 Street Improvement Project – Phase I as Amended. 23 24 Council Member Stigney asked that the Resolution be amended to state that funding is proposed 25 to be derived from the listed sources as the Townhome Association has not agreed to the project 26 at this time. 27 28 The Motioner accepted the friendly amendment. 29 30 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 31 32 B. Resolution 6198 Hiring a New Receptionist for the City of Mounds 33 View 34 35 Ms. Crane indicated that the City received 70 applications and eight were selected and 36 interviewed by a panel of three employees with the second round of interviews being conducted 37 by the City Administrator. 38 39 Mayor Linke read the pay scale in the Resolution. 40 41 MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Marty. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6198, a 42 Resolution Hiring a New Receptionist for the City of Mounds View. 43 44 Mounds View City Council February 23, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 10 Council Member Stigney said he feels this position is unneeded and unnecessary since the City 1 has an automated phone system that was put in and he does not feel this is in the best interest of 2 the City. 3 4 Mayor Linke said he feels this benefits City residents. 5 6 Ayes – 4 Nays – 1(Stigney) Motion carried. 7 8 C. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 729, an Ordinance 9 Setting Sanitary Sewer Rates for Service in the Year 2004 10 11 Finance Director Hansen reviewed the changes made to the Ordinance since February 9, 2004. 12 He then recommended that Council consider a minimum unit usage of three (3) rather than the 13 five previously discussed because the five (5) unit minimum captures a lot of residents that use 14 very little water. 15 16 Mayor Linke indicated that he did not think that five units would be too much. 17 18 Council Member Marty agreed. 19 20 Council Member Stigney indicated that the average of the users listed in the report is 2.29 so he 21 would think it would be more appropriate to make the minimum usage two and a half (2.5) units. 22 23 Finance Director Hansen indicated the system does not accept half units so the figure would need 24 to be whole. 25 26 Council Member Stigney asked Staff to check whether the system would take a half unit and then 27 said that he would like the minimum usage not to be over three (3) units. 28 29 Council Member Gunn agreed with Mr. Hansen’s recommendation as there are a lot of residents 30 that use less than three (3) units. 31 32 Council Member Quick commented that he feels that everybody needs to be “pushing on the 33 cart” and he is not sure that using three units as the minimum would bring enough money into the 34 system to support it so he would like to keep it at five units. 35 36 Council Member Quick asked how many residents were using three units or less. 37 38 Finance Director Hansen indicated that 104 users were using three units or less. 39 40 Council Member Quick asked whether it could be broken down to single family houses or 41 apartments. 42 43 Mounds View City Council February 23, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 11 Finance Director Hansen indicated that the users of three units or less were mostly single family 1 homes and a few townhomes. He then said that the apartment buildings usually have one meter 2 for the entire building so it would be difficult to break those down. 3 4 Council Member Quick asked whether the Staff recommendation would generate enough to 5 support the system. 6 7 Finance Director Hansen indicated that it would because there is still a fixed amount of $21.00 8 per quarter and the variable rate was to pay for the bill that the City gets from the Metropolitan 9 Council for wastewater treatment. 10 11 Council Member Quick indicated that he switches his support to the three unit minimum as 12 recommended by Staff. 13 14 Finance Director Hansen explained that Staff would not be able to enter all the information 15 quickly enough to meet the effective date for January 1, 2004 on May bills so the effective date 16 would need to be April 1, 2004 for bills received in August. 17 18 Council Member Marty asked for clarification on charges for Laundromats and car washes. 19 20 Finance Director Hansen indicated the information was added to the Ordinance but that is the 21 way they have been billed all along and it is billed on a per residential equivalent connection. 22 23 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Stigney. To Waive the Reading, Approve the Second Reading and 24 Adopt Ordinance 729, an Ordinance Setting Sanitary Sewer Rates for Service in the Year 2004 as 25 Amended. 26 27 ROLL CALL: Linke/Quick/Marty/Stigney/Gunn. 28 29 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 30 31 Council Member Quick told the Mayor that in the future when there is a personal attack made he 32 expects the Mayor to gavel that person down because they are totally out of line and next time he 33 intends to ask for a censure. 34 35 D. Resolution 6195, a Resolution Authorizing Severance Payment for 36 Reed Krogh 37 38 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Quick. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6195, a 39 Resolution Authorizing Severance Payment for Reed Krogh. 40 41 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 42 43 Mounds View City Council February 23, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 12 E. Resolution 6196, a Resolution Authorizing a User Agreement with the 1 City of St. Paul for the Use of the St. Paul Police Records 2 Management/Mobile Computing System 3 4 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Quick. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6196, a 5 Resolution Authorizing a User Agreement with the City of St. Paul for the Use of the ST. Paul 6 Police Records Management/Mobile Computing System. 7 8 Council Member Marty thanked the Chief for sticking around. 9 10 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 11 12 F. Resolution 6190, a Resolution Authorizing the Reclassification of the 13 Positions of Public Works Foreman and Parks Foreman 14 15 MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Marty. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6190, a 16 Resolution Authorizing the Reclassification of the Positions of Public Works Foreman and Parks 17 Foreman. 18 19 Council Member Marty indicated that he thinks this should go into effect immediately because 20 the salary is way behind and he feels it is time to bring things up to speed. 21 22 Council Member Stigney requested that the resolution be read. 23 24 Mayor Linke read Resolution 6190. 25 26 Mr. Pitman thanked Greg and Kurt for getting this taken care of. 27 28 Ayes – 4 Nays – 1(Stigney) Motion carried 29 30 G. Resolution 6199, a Resolution Authorizing the Cable Television 31 Production Coordinator to Work Up to 30 Hours Per Week 32 33 City Administrator Ulrich explained that the Resolution is intended to allow the cable television 34 coordinator the flexibility to be able to work up to 30 hours per week under approval of the City 35 Administrator. He then said that the Cable Commission reviewed the Resolution and supports 36 the amendment. 37 38 Mayor Linke indicated that the position is funded through cable franchise fees. 39 40 Council Member Marty asked if more hours affects the amount of benefits the City pays. 41 42 City Administrator Ulrich indicated that the benefits are pro rated so more hours means slightly 43 more pro rated benefits. 44 45 Mounds View City Council February 23, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 13 Finance Director Hansen explained that the additional benefits should be no more than 15% of 1 the additional pay. 2 3 Council Member Stigney asked whether the franchise fees are used to pay for the pro rated 4 amounts for lights and heat for the cable room. 5 6 Finance Director Hansen indicated the City is absorbing those costs but is billing a portion of the 7 City Administrator’s salary so that covers the City’s incidentals. 8 9 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6199, a 10 Resolution Authorizing the Cable Television Production Coordinator to Work Up to 30 Hours 11 Per Week. 12 13 Council Member Stigney said he thinks the position should stay at the 20 hours. 14 15 Ayes – 4 Nays – 1(Stigney) Motion carried. 16 17 H. Resolution 6200 Approving the Acquisition of Tax Forfeited Property 18 Described as Lot 36, Knollwood Park from Ramsey County 19 20 Economic Development Coordinator Backman provided an overview of his staff report. 21 22 Council Member Marty commented that he does not have a problem with this but has an issue 23 with the amount of City Staff time going over to try and change these and acquire the property 24 and he would like a computation of the amount of resources and city staff time that has been put 25 into this project and have it built into the costs passed onto the developer as well as attorney’s 26 fees. 27 28 Council Member Stigney asked whether there is any protection for the City if the developer does 29 not purchase the property. 30 31 City Attorney Riggs indicated that there is no final purchase agreement or final development 32 agreement at this time. 33 34 Economic Development Coordinator Backman indicated he does have a draft of a final 35 development agreement and will email it to the City Attorney tomorrow. 36 37 Finance Director Hansen explained that the developers have more money committed to this 38 project than what the City has for acquiring the property so they are fully committed. He then 39 recommended that the City purchase the property regardless of whether the developer purchases 40 it because the City needs to own that contiguous block of land for redevelopment. 41 42 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6200, a 43 Resolution Approving the Acquisition of Tax Forfeited Property Described as Lot 36, Knollwood 44 Park from Ramsey County. 45 Mounds View City Council February 23, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 14 1 Council Member Stigney asked whether there should be a contingency buying agreement. 2 3 Mayor Linke indicated the City has the option of using another developer to develop the City 4 owned property if this one does not work out. 5 6 Council Member Stigney commented that this purchase is being funded out of the special project 7 funds and asked what the funding source for the other property purchases was. 8 9 Economic Development Coordinator Backman indicated that TIF funds were used for the other 10 purchases but they cannot be for this one since this parcel is not specified in the TIF plan. 11 12 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 13 14 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 15 16 A. City Council Minutes February 9, 2004 17 18 Council Member Marty requested the following changes: Add: in the letter of hire or agreement 19 and there was to be a review and step increase after six months. On Line 27, add for the 20 executive session (or closed session). 21 22 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Stigney. To Approve the City Council Minutes for February 9, 23 2004 as Amended. 24 25 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 26 27 11. REPORTS 28 29 A. Reports of Mayor and Council. 30 31 Council Member Quick asked Staff to look into expanding the cable job to cover updating the 32 website and other communications tasks for the City. 33 34 Council Member Marty had no report. 35 36 Council Member Stigney had no report. 37 38 Council Member Gunn indicated the Irondale drum line took first at Dassel Cokato and first at 39 Buffalo Lake Hector. 40 41 Mayor Linke had no report 42 43 Mounds View City Council February 23, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 15 B. Staff 1 (1) Community Development Department Report – 2003 in Review 2 3 Community Development Director Ericson indicated that his department was very busy in 2003 4 and came in under budget by $70,000 which can be attributed to going without a City Planner for 5 most of the year as well as to being conservative with purchases. He then noted that some 6 expenditures were pushed out to 2004. 7 8 Director Ericson indicated that the City has a full time planner after going a year without one. He 9 then referenced the information on Scotland Green researched by Ms. Prososki at the request of 10 Council. 11 12 Director Ericson indicated the planning activity was a little less than 2002 but there were a 13 number of variances and CUPS as referenced in his report. 14 15 Director Ericson indicated that the City issued 1,200 building permits in 2003. 16 17 Director Ericson indicated that Mr. Backman is very busy with redevelopment issues and 18 continues to be a great representative of the community. 19 20 Director Ericson indicated that the billboard applications are being reviewed by MNDOT and 21 there may be a response in the next few weeks. 22 23 Director Ericson indicated that Mr. Anderson continues to be busy with enforcement issues and 24 did 450 housing inspections last year. He then explained that they are splitting the community 25 and Ms. Prososki will assist with code enforcement issues. 26 27 Director Ericson indicated that there were 1250 inspections by the building inspector and fire 28 marshal and she continues to respond to fire calls saving the City money in keeping the fire 29 portion of the City’s bills down. 30 31 Director Ericson indicated his department did not spend a lot of money on continuing education 32 and will continue to utilize only those seminars that are the most appropriate and the best use of 33 City dollars. 34 35 Mayor Linke indicated that the City used to send planning commissioners to a seminar on how to 36 be a planning commissioner and what the position requires. He then asked if that is still an 37 option. 38 39 Director Ericson indicated that the City budgets for that seminar and one member attended last 40 year. 41 42 Director Ericson reviewed the priorities for 2004 indicating that the TIF plan needs to be 43 amended at the recommendation of the OSA and Staff intends to begin work on that process. 44 45 Mounds View City Council February 23, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 16 Director Ericson indicated that Staff continues to finalize the procedures manual so someone can 1 step into the job if there is a personnel shortage. 2 3 Director Ericson indicated that Ms. Prososki is working on a draft of a tree preservation 4 ordinance for consideration. 5 6 Director Ericson indicated that Staff is considering a zoning code revision in an attempt to make 7 it easier to administer as well as a Comprehensive Plan amendment review. 8 9 Council Member Stigney asked for clarification on the information that the City lost 163 10 employees. 11 12 Director Ericson indicated that Staff does not feel that the number is accurate as they do not think 13 the City lost any employment within the City. 14 15 Council thanked Staff for the report and for all they are doing for the City. 16 17 Council Member Quick asked for an update on the stoplight at Sunnyside School. 18 19 Public Works Director Lee indicated that the School District and the County are working on it 20 and he will contact them for an update. 21 22 Council Member Marty asked whether a traffic count was done on Silver Lake Road and County 23 Road H for the possibility of a light. 24 25 Director Ericson reminded Council of the home and garden show scheduled for March 6, 2004 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 27 28 (2) City Council/Staff Retreat 29 30 City Administrator Ulrich indicated that the Council/Staff retreat had to be rescheduled due to 31 the caucuses. The new dates are March 1, 2004 and March 3, 2004 at the Community Center. 32 33 (3) Surplus Equipment/Disposal Policy/Purchasing Policy 34 35 City Administrator Ulrich indicated that Staff is working on a list of excess property and a 36 proposal for disposal of it. He then suggested an auction at City Hall or online, classified ads, a 37 City Hall garage sale, sealed bid or by donation. Another option would be to offer the items for 38 disposal during the spring clean up day or during the festival or at a City-wide garage sale. 39 40 C. City Attorney 41 42 City Attorney Riggs updated Council on the American Hardware landfill clean up matter 43 indicated that of the three parties that are still involved and attempting to litigate one party 44 Mounds View City Council February 23, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 17 appears to be dropping out and settling with the State Attorney General. A hearing on the matter 1 will be scheduled and the rest of the issue should take care of itself then. 2 3 Mayor Linke indicated that Tuesday, March 2, 2004 is caucus night at 7:00 p.m. He then 4 recommended checking the website for the County at www.co.ramsey.mn.us to find the location 5 or contact them at 651/266-2171. 6 7 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, April 5, 2004 8 Next Council Meeting: Monday, March 8, 2004 9 10 13. ADJOURNMENT 11 12 Mayor Linke adjourned the meeting at 9:18 p.m. 13 14 Transcribed and recorded by: 15 16 17 Joan Lenzmeier 18 Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 19 Item No: 11B4 Meeting Date: 03/08/04 Type of Business: Reports City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Kurt Ulrich, City Administrator Item Title/Subject: Community Survey Update Late in 2003, the City Council debated the merits of proceeding with a community survey. At the time, the survey was proposed to be a telephone survey of fifty questions in length conducted by Decisions Resources, Inc, costing approximately $10,000, a portion of which would come from the City’s Park Dedication Fund. Additional research and further discussion by the Park and Recreation Commission has resulted in an alternative approach to gather information on local parks. First, in order to gather information about the use of City parks, the Parks and Recreation Commission has launched an extensive park observation program. Through this program, volunteer observers will observe parks and record data on park use. Second, as a means to ascertain the need for new or additional facilities, the Park and Recreation Commission is proposing a one-page survey which will be placed in the Mounds View Matters. The survey will be designed as a tri-fold piece to mail back to the City. If the Council still wishes to gather broader community-wide information, I would suggest a mailed survey to a random sample of residents. Research has shown that some Cities are able to get up to a 70% return rate with such a method. The key is to select a valid random sample and to mail individual letters to each household. If residents receive a letter from the Mayor and Council stating that they are “one of four-hundred people in the City, randomly selected to help shape the future of the community . . .” they will be likely to respond. At least two reminder follow-up post cards are also recommended with this method. Staff is researching sample size and analysis software necessary to do this type of survey. This type of survey has the advantage of being low cost (i.e., estimated to be $1,000- $1500) and of being a visible effort on behalf of the City to gather information from its residents. The added advantage is that, because of its low cost and simple design, could be conducted on a more regular basis that a survey costing $10,000. Ideally, a survey like this would be done every 2-4 years. If the Council agrees with this approach, staff will proceed to modify the survey instrument and to develop a detailed cost estimate and implementation plan.