HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 1994/12/12 APPRUVtU
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
110 CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA
Regular Meeting
December 12, 1994
Mounds View City Hall
2401 Hwy. 10, Mounds View, MN 55112
CALL TO ORDER
The Mounds View City Council was called to order by Mayor Linke at
7: 00 p.m. on December 12, 1994 .
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Linke, Councilmembers Wuori, Blanchard,
Quick and Trude
4111 MEMBERS ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT: Samantha Orduno, City Administrator; Don Brager,
Finance Director; Jim Thomson, City Attorney; Paul Harrington,
Community Development Coordinator; Rocky Keene, City Consulting
Engineer
ADDITIONS TO AGENDA:
Samantha Orduno, City Administrator, explained that the Pipeline
Safety Advisory Council had requested that her reappointment be in
the form of a Resolution. Mayor Linke stated that Resolution No.
4691 Supporting the Reappointment of Samantha Orduno to—the— - -
Pipeline Safety Advisory Council would be added as Item li-E.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
MOTION/SECOND: Trude/Wuori to Approve Closed Council Meeting
Minutes from September 12, 1994, as Submitted
VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried
MOTION/SECOND: Wuori/Quick to Approve Regular Council Meeting
Minutes from November 29, 1994, as Submitted
4111 VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried
® Mounds View City Council Page 2
Regular Meeting December 12 , 1994
MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Trude to Approve Budget Hearing Meeting
Minutes from November 30, 1994, as Submitted
VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried
ACCEPTANCE OF ADVISORY COMMISSION MINUTES:
Planning Commission Minutes from October 19, 1994, and November 2 ,
1994
MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Wuori to Approve Planning Commission Minutes
from October 19, 1994, and November 2, 1994, as Submitted
VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
There was no Special Order of Business scheduled for this meeting.
CONSENT AGENDA
Samantha Orduno, City Administrator, read the Consent Agenda as
4111 follows:
A. Consideration of Resolution No. 4680, Step Adjustment for
Administrative Clerk, Staff Report No. 94-1397C
B. Consideration of Resolution No. 4681, Step Adjustment for
Building Inspector, Staff Report No. 94-1398C
C. Consideration of Resolution No. 4682 , Step Adjustment for Code
Enforcement Officer, Staff Report No. 94-1399C
D Consideration of Budget Amendment to Reflect First Class
Postal Increase; Staff Report No. -94-1400C ---- - ----
E. Consideration of Award of Newsletter Printing Bid, Staff
Report No. 94-1401C
F. Consideration of Water Division Funds to 1995 Budget, Staff
Report No. 94-1402C
G. Adopt Resolution No. 4687 Approving Just and Correct Claims
Against City Funds
H. Consideration of Resolution No. 4690 Approving Membership to
the Metro East Development Partnership for $500, Staff Report
1111 No. 94-1403C
Mounds View City Council Page 3
41/1 Regular Meeting December 12 , 1994
I. Licenses for Approval
HVAC - Expires 6/30/95
Don's Plumbing - New
Siding - Expires 6/30/95
Wallmaster Home Improvements - New
Mayor Linke asked if there were any items the Council desired
removed from the Consent Agenda. There were none.
MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Trude to Adopt the Consent Agenda as
Presented
VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried
RESIDENTS REQUESTS AND COMMENTS FROM THE FLOOR:
Mayor Linke explained that this portion of the meeting was
designated for anyone who wished to speak to the Council on items
that were not on the Agenda and asked if there were any residents
requests and comments from the floor. There were none.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Consideration of Resolution No. 4683, a Resolution Levying a Tax
for Delinquent Utility Bills, Tree Removal and Miscellaneous
Charges Over a One Year Period
Mayor Linke opened the public hearing at 7 : 05 p.m.
Don Brager, Finance Director, reported that the purpose of the
hearing was to consider certification of delinquent utility bills,
tree removal and miscellaneous charges to Ramsey County for
collection-with 199-5 -property taxes-. --Letters--were--sent to those
customers advising them of the hearing and of the City's intent to
have the charges certified to their taxes, payable in 1995. Since
those letters were sent, a number of the accounts have been paid in
full. There are still many remaining to be certified which are
listed on the Staff Report furnished to the Council.
Mayor Linke asked if there had been any changes in the amount of
delinquent charges since Resolution No. 4683 had been written which
would change the amount of the Resolution.
Brager said that a payment had been received on the property at
5701 Quincy Street, leaving an amount still owing of $2, 100.84 on
4110 that property.
Mounds View City Council Page 4
4111 Regular Meeting December 12 , 1994
Trude commented that, because some people do not pay their water
bills, street light bills, and surface water bills, all of the
residents are affected. She felt the public should be made aware
of these delinquent amounts and directed the list be read.
Brager read the list of 1995 Delinquent Utility Bills To Be
Certified On Taxes in 1995, noting that payment had been received
on the property at 5701 Quincy Street since the time the list was
made up. He also read the 1994 Miscellaneous Charges To Be
Certified On Taxes in 1995 and stated the total amount to be
certified was approximately $36, 000. The Resolution would be
amended to reflect the amount of payment received on the 5701
Quincy Street property.
Cameron Obert, 8315 Greenwood Drive, asked whom the money was owed
to and if any collection action had been taken. Linke said it was
owed to the City of Mounds View and letters have been sent to the
people owing the money in an attempt to collect. Rather than hire
a collection agency, the City would have the delinquent charges
certified on the taxes.
Mr. Obert asked if the City had done this in the past and, if so,
1111 did the method work. Linke explained that this process was done
every year and, eventually, the money was collected.
Alex Hunt, 3055 Eagandale Pl. , Eagan, explained that his property
was 5701 Quincy Street. He requested the Council to offer special
consideration to his situation and said that it was never his
intention to avoid paying the water bills. He had recently
submitted payment for the entire amount of water service, excluding
any amount owed for penalties. He stated that he had made several
phone calls to City Officials as well as written correspondence
requesting some sort of compromise for the delinquent charges, but
felt the City was unwilling to negotiate.
Mr. Hunt commented that most of the charges owed were accumulated
by a previous owner under a different name. At the time he
repossessed the property, he was unaware of the delinquent charges.
The amount of the payment for the actual water service that was
recently made was $2 ,500 and the amount still owing for the
penalties is $2 , 100. He had not operated the building at a profit
and felt the penalties were unreasonable and too financially
burdensome. Raising the rents in that rental unit was not
feasible.
Mayor Linke asked Mr. Hunt when he had taken the building back.
Mr. Hunt replied that it was December 1993 .
1111
Mounds View City Council Page 5
• Regular Meeting December 12, 1994
Linke mentioned that, by taking the building back, all past due
bills became the responsibility of Mr. Hunt and since that time,
only one payment had been received for the delinquent bills.
Mr. Hunt said that he intended to pay the bills and that he had
made several attempts to negotiate with the City.
Brager explained the billing process and the finance charges which
apply for the City of Mounds View.
Samantha Orduno, City Administrator, commented that because of the
volume of late payments, a ten percent penalty was assessed which
is not unusual for a City. Since the penalty was implemented, the
amount of money remitted to the City has increased. There are also
legal fees that the City must pay when collection is necessary.
Councilmember Trude asked if a payment plan would be a possibility.
Mr. Hunt said that, even with a payment plan, the amount owed to
the City would prevent him from making any profit from the rental
unit. He requested the Council to forgive all penalty charges and
stated that he would pay in full the amount for the actual water
1111 service.
Mr. Obert commented that, although he was sympathetic to Mr. Hunt's
circumstances, there also exists a long list of other properties
that owe penalties for delinquent charges. He felt the issue
should be addressed that what is done for one person, should be
done for all.
Mayor Linke closed the public hearing at 7: 31 p.m.
MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Trude to Adopt Resolution No. 4683 as
Amended, a Resolution Levying a Tax for Delinquent Utility Bills,
Tree Remova-iand Miscellaneous_ Charges Over _a_ One Year Period
Councilmember Trude noted that Mr. Hunt has made no payments on the
delinquent charges for the past year and she was not in favor of
eliminating the penalty charges. She also stressed that it was
necessary to be consistent.
Councilmember Blanchard commented that it was not fair that all the
other residents would have to pay the penalty charges for Mr. Hunt
if he did not pay in a timely manner.
VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried
Samantha Orduno expressed her appreciation to Mr. Hunt because he
• had always remained courteous and respectful in his dealings with
City Officials.
Mounds View City Council Page 6
110 Regular Meeting December 12, 1994
Consideration of the Transfer of the Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor
License for Murzyn Liquors, 2850 Highway 10
Mayor Linke opened the public hearing at 7: 34 p.m.
Samantha Orduno, City Administrator, explained that Stanley Murzyn,
Sr. , proprietor of Murzyn Liquors, is transferring his stock in
Murzyn Liquors to his son Stanley Joseph Murzyn, Jr. and his wife
Patricia Ann Murzyn. The transfer fee of $100 has been charged and
a public hearing is required. The Police Department has run the
required reports, all of which were clean.
Mayor Linke closed the public hearing at 7 : 35 p.m.
MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Blanchard to Approve the Transfer of the Off-
Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Murzyn Liquors, 2850 Highway
10, Mounds View, MN
VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried
Continuation of Public Hearing to Consider Request for a Wetland
Alteration Permit, Louis Downing, Woodale and Longview, Resolution
No. 4671
Mayor Linke opened the public hearing at 7 : 36 p.m.
Paul Harrington, Community Development Coordinator, reviewed the
circumstances of this public hearing and explained that Louis
Downing made application for a Wetland Alteration Permit to allow
the construction of a single family home in the Wetland Buffer
Zone. Mounds View Municipal Code requires the issuance of a
Wetland Alteration Permit for the construction, alteration or
removal of any structure in or upon a Wetland Zoning District, of
which the Buffer Zone is part of. Following the November 29
Counc l—Meetings --request was madeto have theCity_s__Consulting_____
Engineer present to explain the impacts of the development on the
Wetland and surrounding properties.
Rocky Keene, City Consulting Engineer, used an overhead projector
to show the area that drains to the 105 acre Wetland located behind
the proposed house. The discharge location is two 36-inch
culverts. The runoff potential is very low due to sandy soil
conditions in this area. As part of the Local Water Management
Plan, a hydrology study had been done. Keene presented a map
indicating the water level for a 100 year event, noting that the
minimum building elevation is at 892 feet which is almost a foot
higher than Silver Lake Road. Before the water level would get up
11111 to 892 feet, it would overtop the road and proceed down to Spring
Creek.
Mounds View City Council Page 7
1111 Regular Meeting December 12, 1994
Keene pointed out the actual drainage patterns across the property.
It is a very small impacted area through the whole watershed itself
and is limited to an area that actually drains through the
property. A diagram was presented showing the proposed house on
the property. The house is situated in the major drainage system
that goes through the site, therefore, if any grading is done, this
will have to be taken into consideration. The contours of the area
are such that the proposed house would block the drainage from the
adjacent property. That could be compensated by draining the water
around the side of the house, through the back of the property and
back into its natural drainage system. A portion of the property
would be blocked without some regrading.
Keene indicated the adjacent property that he felt would be
impacted by the development. This would be a local impact and
would require measures to ensure the water coming off the adjacent
property goes either around the proposed house and out the back
yard or through a culvert.
Keene explained the purpose of the Buffer Zone was to protect the
Wetlands. There are measures that can be done to alleviate some of
the impacts of development in the Buffer Zone such as maintaining
1111 as much natural vegetation as possible and restoring areas that are
disturbed back to long grasses and wooded areas. On this property,
the area that currently drains through the Buffer Zone is a
relatively small area and, with some of the proposed rerouting, the
drainage would actually go through a longer buffer area than it
currently does now, or could be modified to go back through more of
a natural buffer area.
Councilmember Trude asked Mr. Keene to explain the diagram showing
the 100 year event and was concerned that water would come right up
to the side of the house.
Keene-noted--that--the-100--foot Buffer--Z-one- was based-_-on the City
Wetland maps. The topography maps were not completed at that time,
so the elevations were an estimation. Since the proposed house
would block the natural drainage from the adjacent property, the
drainage would have to be redirected. Keene recommended a culvert
to satisfy the drainage, and noted that the area in question was
only 10 feet.
Mayor Linke asked if the drainage would be directed enough so that
no ponding would occur next to the proposed house. Keene affirmed
that a culvert would be adequate and easily maintained.
Councilmember Blanchard asked if soil borings had been done on this
1111 property.
1111Mounds View City Council Page 8
Regular Meeting December 12, 1994
Harrington affirmed that soil borings had been done on the site,
however, the hydrology was not determined by those soil borings and
they could not be considered at this hearing. They would be used
if the house were actually to be constructed, because suitable soil
is required for the house to be built on.
Blanchard expressed concern about the soil being peat rather than
sand.
Steve Feldner, 5168 Longview Drive, asked where the proposed
culvert would go in relation to the proposed house. He was
concerned that water would have to build up before the culvert
would be effective and stated that the area had standing water
seven months out of the year. He felt the maps were incorrect.
Keene explained the elevations and possible location of a culvert,
which would be at the natural ground elevation that presently
exists.
Dave Tillmann, 5166 Longview Drive, questioned when the Wetland
boundaries were drawn. He said that in 1992 there was a Wetland
Boundary Expansion Act done by the Federal government and he
1111 believed this property could be part of a Wetland.
Harrington explained that when an application is made with the
City, the City's adopted maps are used to review the project. When
action is taken on Wetland Alteration Permits, contingencies in
those Resolutions require that the applicant approach Rice Creek
Watershed District, which operates separately from the City.
Linke said the original Wetland Ordinance was passed in 1982 and,
since that time, every Wetland redelineation has resulted in a
smaller Wetland area, not larger.
M-r--. Till-mann- asked if any Counci-l-member-- had physically seen this
lot in the summer. He said that nothing grows on the lot in the
early months of summer because of standing water.
Linke explained that the Council had two situations to consider,
the first being the Wetland Ordinance and how this pertains to it,
the second is the issue of a City doing a "taking" of the property
if this Resolution is denied. The reason the proposed building
site is located in the Buffer Zone is because Mwcc put a massive
drain through there in the 1950's with a 30 foot easement which
takes up much of the lot that could have been built upon.
Harold Hjelle, 5161 Red Oak Drive, said the soil in the area
• changes dramatically and questioned whether the proposed building
site was actually sand. He asked where the borings had been done
Mounds View City Council Page 9
Regular Meeting December 12, 1994
and how deep they were. If unsuitable soil was to be removed from
the property, how much would be removed.
Harrington explained that the soil borings were done where the
proposed house would be located.
Linke responded that the purpose of the public hearing was to
consider the impacts of the Wetlands and Buffer Zone.
Ray Schelonka, 5139 Red Oak Drive, expressed his appreciation to
Councilmember Blanchard for offering his input at the last meeting
since he was unable to attend. He has lived there since 1969 and
said there is standing water in the proposed building site, which
would require the area to be built up. He is concerned that
backfilling the property would cause water problems in his house.
Linke explained that if the Wetland Alteration Permit is approved,
the owner of the property will have to find a way to alleviate the
drainage because, by law, the owner cannot do anything that will
adversely affect the adjacent properties.
Keene clarified that when he referred to the area as being sandy,
he was referring to the entire drainage area--not to the building
site specifically.
Councilmember Quick asked Mr. Keene for his opinion as to whether
this could work if the property owner was required to meet
contingencies on the lot.
Mr. Keene felt that the drainage issues could be resolved and the
development could work. His biggest concern was the ability to get
the water out of this property and into the Wetland, which a
culvert system would alleviate. He recommended a field survey to
determine why the water is not draining off when all maps indicate
- that it should. Perhaps the-amount of water -draining from_ the
adjacent park could be the cause of standing water on the property.
Mr. Tillmann said that half of the park had standing water after a
heavy rain and if the proposed development prevented drainage,
three quarters of the park would be destroyed.
Linke clarified that any drainage from the property would be
redirected to remain on the property. It would not be allowed to
drain off the property.
Cameron Obert, 8315 Greenwood Drive, felt that enough information
was not yet received to issue the Wetland Alteration Permit for a
411 house to be built.
1111 Mounds View City Council Page 10
Regular Meeting December 12, 1994
Joel Sheldon, 5143 Red Oak Drive, pointed out on the map the lot
which he lives on. He questioned the effectiveness of a culvert to
be used for drainage.
Trude said that she would like to see the soil borings that were
done on the property. She was also concerned that this variance
was applied for in the winter so the on-site inspection would be
more difficult to perform.
Harrington explained that the soil borings were done to determine
if the soils could support a foundation and were required by the
Building Inspector. The results of those borings would not be
pertinent to a Wetland Alteration Permit. Although application was
made for this permit two months ago, notice of a public hearing was
required which pushed this item into the winter months. Harrington
also commented that there were instances in the past, in which
Council directed specific projects to be done under the general
direction of the City's Consulting Engineer.
Keene advised that a detailed grading plan would be required
because the drainage issues were so critical. The property owner
1111 would have to demonstrate that, in deed, he was protecting his
neighbors. Monitoring the construction of the home would be the
responsibility of the Building Inspector. Upon completion of
construction, the City would verify that the plan was followed as
proposed.
Trude asked if the property owner could alter the landscaping in
the Buffer Zone after the building was completed.
Keene explained that every time the property owner wanted to make
changes in the Buffer Zone, a Wetland Alteration Permit would have
to be applied for.
- -- -Trude requested the- City- Attorney - to clarify the latitude the
Council had regarding the discretion to grant a variance.
Jim Thomson, City Attorney, said that the Council did, in fact,
have discretion regarding the variance. The problem in this
particular case was that the City has approved the Plat. By
approving the Plat, they have approved the lot as a buildable lot.
If, by the City's action, the property owner cannot build on the
lot the City has deprived the owner of all economically viable use
of the lot. If compensation was received by the property owner at
the time the MWCC created the easement, rendering the property
unbuildable, then compensation has already been received and cannot
again be received for the property.
Linke asked if a variance was denied, would that be considered a
"taking" by the City.
Mounds View City Council Page 11
Regular Meeting December 12 , 1994
Thomson replied that many facts would have to be considered in
order for a determination to be made, however, he was concerned
that it would be considered a "taking" because the property owner
would be deprived of all economically viable use of the property.
In order to make that determination, the property owner would have
to make application to use the property for a specific purpose,
such as building a house. If, by denying a Wetland Alteration
Permit, the property owner has been denied all economically viable
use of the property, there is a possibility the action would be
considered a "taking. "
Trude questioned what was specifically meant by economically viable
use.
Harrington explained the only economically viable use for the
property would be a single family home, a duplex, or twin home
because the property is zoned R-2 . No businesses would be allowed.
Mr. Tillmann said that the lot had been for sale since he moved in,
which was in 1991. He felt it was not a good lot and that's why it
has taken so long for the property to sell.
4111 Sherri Ruff, 1829 NW 127 Lane, Coon Rapids, explained that her
father owns the property in question, and felt that other issues
should not be a consideration at this public hearing. The only
issue to be considered should be the impact to the Wetland.
Mary Feldner, 5168 Longview Drive, said she was not against a house
being built there, but felt there was not enough information
received to approve the Permit.
Todd McCall, 5164 Longview Drive, expressed concern that
landscaping changes to the property would be done after the house
was completed. He wanted assurance that the City would still have
- - --control of- the--Buffer--Zone___and that __approval_ for any changes would
have to be obtained from the City.
Linke explained that, by adopting this Resolution, the Council
could dictate how the grading will be done on the property. Those
plans cannot be changed without going through the process of
obtaining a Wetland Alteration Permit. He cited an example of
property owners in Mounds View who made alterations to their
property in a Buffer Zone without obtaining approval. The City
required them to remove those alterations and return the
landscaping to the original plan.
Mr. Schelonka commented that it appeared as if there was going to
• be a wall on the southeast corner of the proposed house.
• Mounds View City Council Page 12
Regular Meeting December 12 , 1994
Keene stated that it did appear as if there would be a wall, but
noted the issue to be considered was drainage of the area.
Linke asked Mr. Keene if the only concern he had regarding this
Wetland Alteration Permit was to assure the drainage off the two
adjacent properties through this property and into the Wetland.
Keene stated that was correct.
Linke went on to ask if Keene felt there would be a problem with
the house itself or the property itself, other than blocking that
drainage area.
Keene said there appears to be engineering solutions to all of the
problems.
Linke reminded the Councilmembers that the Wetlands and the
drainage issues are what must be considered at this public hearing,
not the home itself. The house would not negatively impact the
Wetland.
Trude expressed concern that the house would impact the Wetland
because natural vegetation would be removed and landscaping soils
would be put in. She questioned the impact of the driveway on the
Wetlands.
Keene explained that the purpose of a Wetland Buffer Zone was to
protect the Wetlands. He felt that, in this case, the driveway
would go through approximately 60 or 70 feet of buffer area and
would not have a negative impact to the Wetlands because it was
being buffered before it got to the Wetland.
Trude pointed out that it appeared as though a sodded area bordered
the Wetland itself which meant it would not be buffered. She was
- concerned thatrunoff from the sodded area would not be _filtered
before it entered the Wetland.
Keene said the amount of sod to be permitted was something the City
could direct by placing a contingency on the Resolution.
Quick asked if the Buffer Zone had been established to act as a
filtering system as well as to control development in that area.
Keene said he had made an attempt to find the specific definition
of the Buffer Zone, but past Ordinances were unclear in defining
the specific purpose.
Bill Frits, 8072 Long Lake Road, stated that he agreed with Mayor
• Linke that over the years, the Wetlands and the Buffer Zones have
gotten smaller. During the last 50 years that he has lived in the
Mounds View City Council Page 13
• Regular Meeting December 12 , 1994
area, he has seen houses built on property where there was standing
water before. He felt that it was the responsibility of this
Council to ensure that the remaining Wetlands and Buffer Zones are
protected. The financial responsibility will be determined by the
Courts. He reminded Councilmembers that the issue to be decided is
whether to adopt a Resolution approving a Wetland Alteration
Permit. That is the only issue to be considered at this hearing.
Linke expressed his appreciation to Mr. Frits for his comments.
Mayor Linke closed the public hearing at 8: 56 p.m.
Linke read Resolution No. 4671 noting that it contained an area for
contingencies to be applied by the Council.
Trude asked City Attorney Thomson if there was legal justification
for denial of this Resolution. She would prefer not to have more
construction, landscaping and sod go into an area within ten feet
of this Wetland.
Thomson advised that there were probably grounds adequate to
support a denial of the Permit. The problem he foresaw was that,
• by denying the property owner of all economically viable use of the
property, the City may have to pay the fair market value of the
property. Essentially, the City would be acquiring the property
for a governmental purpose, i.e. expansion of the Wetland. The
fair market value of the property is based on the particular lot
and what it is worth--not what some other lots are worth. There
would be substantial legal fees involved with this process.
Trude requested City Consulting Engineer Keene to clarify his
perspective on the issue.
Keene stated that he felt the proposed development would not have
an adverse_ effect to the Wetland.
Thomson commented that his perspective of the issue was that if a
Permit were to be granted, the Engineer would recommend conditions
to be imposed. Therefore, there would be no impact to the Wetlands
based on the conditions that were imposed.
Blanchard felt there was a commitment to the Wetlands as well as a
commitment to the citizens.
MOTION/SECOND: Blanchard/Trude to Direct City Attorney and Staff
to Prepare a Resolution for Denial of the Request for a Wetland
Alteration Permit for Louis Downing, Woodale and Longview
• Quick stated that by denying this Resolution, the City assumes the
risk of being forced to buy the property. He cited three similar
4111 Mounds View City Council Page 14
Regular Meeting December 12, 1994
instances in which the Council approved Wetland Alteration Permits.
He felt that because of the similar instances, along with the fact
that the City Consulting Engineer gave testimony that this
development would not adversely impact the Wetland, the City could
not legally justify this denial.
Trude said that the Resolution should be drafted with very specific
contingencies and she would like to have the input of Rice Creek
Watershed District.
Linke commented that he would be voting against this motion for the
same reasons stated by Councilmember Quick. Linke also stated that
the Staff and City Consulting Engineer should spend adequate time
developing contingencies necessary for approval.
Trude suggested that if a Resolution to deny the Permit passed, the
City could then begin taking steps to acquire the property, thereby
avoiding legal expenses.
Councilmember Wuori stated that she was not in favor of denying the
Permit because of the possibility of legal action. The Courts are
not favorable to "takings" ; they are very much pro-ownership
• throughout the country. Although the present laws are directed at
protecting Wetlands, this is not a Wetland--it's a Buffer Zone and
not a protected entity. She concurred that a better Resolution
should be drafted with more specific contingencies. Wuori advised
that she would be voting against the motion in its present form.
Keene offered that this Wetland issue should be put off until
spring because a field delineation cannot be performed until the
snow is gone.
Linke said that the issue of timing for building the house was not
a consideration for granting the Alteration Permit. His only
concern is to makethebest-decision -for-the Council,_ for the City,
and for the property owner.
Trude asked if a denial could be based on the fact that the
applicant failed to provide adequate evidence to the City to
support the granting of a Permit. The burden is on the applicant
to supply the City with supporting evidence.
Thomson replied that the obligation of the applicant was to comply
with what Municipal Code requires them to submit in order to get
the Permit.
Harrington said that all documentation required from the applicant
411 had, in fact, been received.
Mounds View City Council Page 15
• Regular Meeting December 12, 1994
VOTE: 2 ayes (Blanchard, Trude)
3 nays (Linke, Quick, Wuori) Motion Failed
MOTION/SECOND: Linke/Quick to Table Consideration of Resolution
No. 4671 Approving Request for Wetland Alteration Permit, Louis
Downing, Woodale and Longview, Until Staff has Prepared the
Specific Contingencies to be Contained in the Resolution
VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried
Linke stated that the Resolution with all contingencies included
would be presented at the Regular Council Meeting on December 19.
COUNCIL BUSINESS:
A. Consideration of Adoption of Resolution No. 4685 Regarding
Request for Development Review, Amoco Oil Company, 2155
Highway Avenue, Planning Case No. 402-94
Paul Harrington, Community Development Coordinator, reported
that Amoco Oil Company made application for a Development
Review for a proposed addition to their facility at 2155
• Highway Avenue. They are seeking approval for a 320 square
foot addition to be located on the southwest side of the
existing building. This item must go through the development
review process which requires that all commercial developments
which are expanding be reviewed by the Planning Commission and
the City Council to ensure they are in compliance with all
applicable City Codes. The Mounds View Planning Commission
has reviewed this item and has recommended approval of the
request. Harrington advised that he has prepared Resolution
No. 4685 for Council's consideration.
MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Blanchard to Adopt Resolution No. 4685
Approving the Development Request of Amoco Oil Company, 2155
Highway Avenue, Planning Case No. 402-94
VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried
B. Consideration of Adoption of Resolution No. 4686 Approving
Feasibility Study and Plans and Specifications, Authorizing
Execution of Petition and Waiver Agreement, Ordering
Improvement Project No. 94-5 and Awarding Contract Therefor
Paul Harrington, Community Development Coordinator, explained
that within the past two years, the City of Mounds View has
been in the process of requiring all properties not hooked up
to Municipal Sanitary Sewer to do so as required by City and
• State Codes. The property located at 2748 County Road J has
approached the City regarding the possibility of assessing the
Mounds View City Council Page 16
• Regular Meeting December 12, 1994
charge for hook-up. This is the last remaining property in
the City which is not hooked up to Municipal Sanitary Sewer.
Harrington explained the documents and sketches which he had
provided and felt that a special assessment for the project
appeared to be the best alternative for bringing the property
into conformance with the Municipal Codes.
MOTION/SECOND: Blanchard/Wuori to Adopt Resolution No. 4686
Approving Feasibility Study and Plans and Specifications,
Authorizing Execution of Petition and Waiver Agreement,
Ordering Improvement Project No. 94-5, and Awarding a Contract
Therefor
VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried
C. Consideration of Resolution No. 4688 Rescheduling City Council
Meetings Falling on Legal Holidays
Samantha Orduno, City Administrator, explained that
traditionally the Council adopts a Resolution which schedules
meetings for the upcoming year. Not only has the rescheduling
• been done for legal holidays, but also for meeting dates that
represent schedule conflicts. She cited the schedule for the
months of March and December of 1995 which had been adjusted
due to conflicts.
Mayor Linke stated that September 25 should be rescheduled to
September 26 due to Rosh Hashanah; also December 18 should be
rescheduled to December 19 due to Hanukkah. He directed that
those two dates be included in the Resolution.
MOTION/SECOND: Linke/Blanchard to Adopt Resolution No. 4688
as Amended, Rescheduling City Council Meetings that Fall on
Legal Holidays _ _ __
VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried
D. Consideration of Resolution No. 4689 Requesting Independent
School District 621's Financial Participation in the
Construction of Flashing Speed Zone Reduction Lights on County_
Road I
Samantha Orduno, City Administrator, reported that this
Resolution had been prepared per Council direction at the
December 5, 1994, Work Session. The Resolution addresses the
request from the City Council for District 621 officials to
enter into a cooperative partnership with the City to help
finance the construction of flashing speed reduction lights on
County Road I as an indication for drivers to slow down
Mounds View City Council Page 17
4111 Regular Meeting December 12, 1994
because of the school zone. The request presented to District
621 is for the cost to be shared equally between the City and
the School District, each share amounting to $7, 000.
Councilmember Trude expressed concern that the School District
would deny the request to share the expense because that had
been the custom historically. She asked what would be the
strongest manner to ask for their help. Trude addressed any
School Board Members that may be watching this Meeting to put
some of their City and School District tax dollars into the
flashing lights to improve the safety of the children coming
and going to school.
Wuori stressed the importance of these warning lights because
of the high speed traffic coming off the freeway.
MOTION/SECOND: Wuori/Trude to Adopt Resolution No. 4689
Requesting Independent School District 621's Financial
Participation in the Construction of Flashing Speed Zone
Reduction Lights on County Road I
VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried
• E. Consideration of Resolution No. 4691 Supporting the
Reappointment of Samantha Orduno to the Pipeline Safety_
Advisory Council
Samantha Orduno, City Administrator, explained that this
Resolution was requested by the Pipeline Safety Advisory
Council to be submitted with the application for
reappointment. Orduno summarized the contents of Resolution
No. 4691.
MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Blanchard to Adopt Resolution No. 4691
Supporting the Reappointment of Samantha Orduno to the
Pipeline Safety Advisory Council
VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried
REPORTS
1. Report of Councilmembers:
Councilmember Quick: No report.
Councilmember Blanchard: No report.
Councilmember Wuori: No report.
• Councilmember Trude: No report.
Mounds View City Council Page 18
Regular Meeting December 12, 1994
Report of Administrator:
a. Samantha Orduno: No report.
Report of Mayor Linke:
a. Reported that there will be an open house for Councilmember
Diane Wuori from 5:00 to 7: 00 p.m. on December 19, which is
the date of the next Council Meeting. He invited all who are
present at this meeting as well as all viewers.
b. There will be a quorum for the Ramsey County League Meeting in
Downtown St. Paul on Wednesday, December 14 . Linke will be
sworn in as President of the Ramsey County League at that
meeting and Diane Wuori will be awarded a plaque of gratitude
from the League.
c. There will be Council Meetings on January 9 and 23 , 1995,
however, there will be no Work Sessions in January.
Report of Staff: No report.
• Mayor Linke announced the next Council Meeting will be December 19,
1994. The next Council Work Session will be February 6, 1995.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business before this Council, Mayor Linke
adjourned the meeting at 9: 25 p.m.
Respectful)jj5 submitted,
( "\ ,(3L
IJ dyRi er
R condi g Secretary
\ T1meSav r Off Site Secretarial
•