Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 1996/03/25 ~, ~ ~ e Page 1 March 25, 1996 Mounds View City Council PROCEEDINGS OF THE CTTY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA ~J • Regular Meeting March 25, 1996 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 March 25, 1996. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Linke, Council members Trude, Blanchard, Quick and Hankner ALSO PRESENT: Cathy Bennett, Interim City Administrator Mary Tatarek, Interim Finance Coordinator Michael Ulrich, Director of Public Works ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: There were no additions to the Agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: a. February 26, 1996 Regular City Council Meeting. MOTION/SECOND: Trude/Blanchard to approve the minutes of the. Regular City Council Meeting on February 26, 1996, as presented. VOTE: 4 ayes 0 nays I Abstain (Hankner) Motion Carried b. March 11, 1996 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes: Page 2 March 25, 1996 Mounds Vtew City Counctl MOTION/SECOND: Trude/Blanchard to approve the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on March 11, 1996, as presented. VOTE: 3 ayes 0 nays 2 Abstain (Linke, Quick) Motion Carried ACCEPTANCE OF ADVISORY COMMISSION MINUTES: There were no Advisory Commission Minutes presented for acceptance at this meeting. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: a. Presentation of Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the Mounds View City Finance Department. Mayor Linke, and City Council members presented the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financing Reporting to the City of Mounds View Finance Department. Mary Tatarek, Acting Finance Director, Dorothy Peterson, Utilities Billing Clerk and Kitty Hickok, Payroll Clerk were present to accept this award, which is the highest form of recognition in the area of government accounting and financial reporting and represents a • significant accomplishment. b. Presentation of Commendation and Appreciation to Jack Chambers, Patrol Officer/Investigator for 22 Years of Dedicated Service on the Mounds View Police Department, January 1974 through April 1996. Mayor Linke took the opportunity to read the plaque aloud to the public, noting Mr. Chambers' many contributions to the City of Mounds View in seeking to make it a safe environment for its residents. The Mayor and City Council members presented Mr. Chambers with the plaque, stating their great appreciation. The President and Secretary for the Mounds View Lions Association were present and also presented Mr. Chambers with an award. c. Presentation of Commendation and Appreciation to Paul Harrington for Five Years of Dedicated Service to the City of Mounds View. Mayor Linke stated Mr. Harrington was unable to attend the meeting and therefore this item would be postponed until the Apri18, 1996 City Council meeting. CONSENT AGENDA: Ms. Cathy Bennett, Interim City Administrator, read the Consent Agenda as follows: A. Adopt Resolution 4920, Approving a Step Adjustment for Housing Inspector. B. Adopt Resolution No. 492 l , Approving a Step Adjustment for Engineering Aide. C. Adopt Resolution No. 4922, Approving a Step Adjustment for Custodian. Page 3 March 25, 1996 Mounds View Ctty Counctl D. Adopt Resolution No. 4916, Approving Just and Correct Claims Against City Funds E. Licenses for Approval: Sewer/Water -Expires 6/30!96 Robarge Excavating -New HVAC -Expires 6/30/96 Cichy's Water and Sewer Co. -New Jim Sweeney Service -Renewal Sig1_ -Expires 6/30/96 DeMars Signs, Inc. -Renewal J. T. Specialties, Inc. Dba Identi-Graphics -New MOTION/SECOND: BlanchardlTrude to approve 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. Duane McCarty, 8060 Long Lake Road, stated he had reviewed the video cassette of the last City Council meeting and noted that Chapter 7 of the City Charter states that all expenditures must be part of the city budget as it is framed and adopted in the Fall. Any expenditures outside of the budget by an official of the city and which is not in the budget resolution becomes a personal obligation. Mayor Linke explained that the trip was budgeted for and actually included an amount for a council member to attend as well. He was at the meeting as a representative of the City of Mounds View, working with representatives from Shoreview, Arden Hills and New Brighton to meet with congressmen and lobby as a group for things that affect all four of the cities including transportation issues, housing issues, TCAP> etc. PUBLIC HEARINGS: To consider reconstruction of Bronson Drive. Mayor Linke opened the public hearing at 7:25 p.m. Mr. Ulrich, Director of Public Works, gave a brief introduction in regard to the reconstruction of Bronson Drive and the related improvements. He gave an outline of estimated project costs with a total estimated at $ l ,153,345. He also provided the unit costs for each of the proposed improvements and the assessment costs for each. • Page 4 March 25, 1996 Mounds Vtew Crty Counctl Mr. Ulrich noted that if there are any sanitary sewer service problems, residents may want to consider replacing their sewer. City staff has contacted a few companies that do inspection service and the city is trying to work out some type of contract to negotiate a better deal for residents and if an agreement is reached, the city will pass the information to the residents at one of the next meetings. He noted that some of the sanitary sewer is constructed out of pipe and some is out of clay tile. The clay the portion was inspected and it was reported that there are numerous areas where roots are protruding to the surface. Mr. Bary Peters of Short-Elliott-Hendrickson, Inc. was present and provided a diagram depicting the project area. He explained the proposed improvements in detail. He explained that the project will be funded through several sources including assessments against the benefited property owners, some State Aid allotment for the construction of the improvements and the city will also be using a portion of the Surface Water Management monies for the pond construction. He provided some mock assessments based on the various improvements and various properties. He also provided a timetable depicting the schedule for these improvements. As proposed, they hope to begin construction sometime in July and completing in September. The assessment hearing would then beheld in October. Duane McCarty, 8060 Long Lake Road, suggested that someone inform residents what their Charter rights are under Chapter 8, Special Assessments. Mr. Ulrich stated, according to the Charter, after the Council orders the project, there is a period of 60 days for anyone who does not want the project to have a petition formed and signed by 50% of the residents who voted in the last general election to stop the project. There is also a counter petition available for the same 50% of the people to come back in support of the project. Mr. McCarty suggested that before the Council commits to the project, they may wish to check with the City Attorney in the event that the residents disagree with the cost of the project. The residents have petitioning rights for or against public projects that are specially assessed. If the project is ordered by contract prior to knowing how the residents feel about it, the city could find itself committed to a project they are unable to fund. Mayor Linke explained that in order to be able to give the residents necessary information, the city will need to go through the process of ordering the plans and specifications. Mayor Linke closed the Public Hearing at 8:05 p.m. Mayor Linke read Resolution No. 4913, Regarding Bronson Drive Reconstruction. Linda Thorson, 2242 Bronson Drive, asked if a sidewalk needs to be constructed on Bronson Drive. Mayor Linke stated a sidewalk is not required however it will not be assessed to the properly owners and has been proposed as a safety feature and it is something that was planned for as part of the trailway system. Ms. Thorson stated she is only one of a number of residents in the area who do not wish to have a sidewalk constructed. Page 5 March 25, 1996 Mounds View Crty Counctl Dan Eller, 2286 Bronson Drive, stated he was at the last two informational meetings and it was his understanding that the majority of the people at the meetings were opposed to the sidewalk. He does not feel that a road as small as Bronson Drive needs a sidewalk and that having one will increase foot traffic there. He further stated residents are concerned about the necessity of a specific parking lane. They wonder how a designated parking lane will affect the traffic flow. Dennis McCann, 2215 Bronson Drive, stated he lives directly in front of where the storm sewer drains. He knows that when there is a problem with water running down the street, it is due to ice & snow or else refuse, garbage, leaves and branches has collected in the drainage area. If it is kept clean, there is no problem. He does not have a water problem in his yard except for the low areas. Mr. Ulrich explained that the storm sewer pipe that was originally put in is no longer adequate to handle the water runoff. Ms. Trude stated one resident had mentioned to her that she has water gushing over the rolled asphalt area into her front yard. However, she wondered if constructing a curb and gutter in the area will increase the need for handling more storm water since less will be absorbed by front yards. Steve Campbell, City Engineer, explained that when a storm sewer system is designed, they always look at the amount of drainage generated in that particular drainage area to see that there are enough catch basins in it to handle the drainage. The new 6" high curb should help to correct the problem. The water will channelize into the gutter. Bernie DeBee, 2210 Bronson Drive stated she does not want a sidewalk constructed on Bronson Drive as she will likely get more trash & debris in her yard. She also stated she does not want the road constructed any wider than it currently is. Vera Edmond, 2234 Bronson Drive, asked where the properties were that had water standing in the yards. She stated she has lived there for 47 years and is only aware of one property that has ponding in the yard. Andrew Powell, 5392 Clifflon Drive, asked if the sanitary sewer between Quincy and Raymond is being replaced due to the fact that it was originally constructed out of clay tile. Mayor Linke stated i[ is being replaced due to age and condition. Mr. Powell stated the assessment cost for that particular area is overburdening. Craig Weinmann, 2209 Bronson Drive, wondered if the drainage pond behind him will be cleaned out this year. Duane McCarty asked what the next step will be for the project. Mayor Linke stated if the council passes Resolution No. 4913, it will authorize SEH to proceed with the project and develop plans and specifications for approval. Page 6 March 25, 1996 Mounds Vtew City Council Mr. McCarty stated by proceeding the city may be expending money they may never be able to recoup should the residents "sink the project". Mayor Linke explained that the council has followed the steps as set forth in the Charter. He noted that there is a very limited construction time in the State of Minnesota. If the project is to be completed before snowfall, construction must begin in July. Ms. Trude stated the SEH provided a schedule which she believes conforms with the Charter. Bernie DeBee, 2210 Bronson Drive, asked how residents can be heard in regard to their feelings. Ms. Trude stated they will need to follow the Charter. Mr. Ulrich stated that staff would like to make a slight change to Resolution No. 4913, striking the first "Now therefore be it resolved ..." paragraph. Ms. Hankner suggested that changes be made to the final paragraph to read as follows: "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council authorizes the City's Consulting engineers, SEH, to • proceed with the development of plans and specifications for approval. Cameron Obert, 8315 Greenwood Drive, asked if residents shouldn't have access to the architectural findings so they can made a decision before the 60-day period begins. Mayor Linke explained that what the resolution refers to is basically the construction documents. The preliminary information regarding the costs is already out. Therefore, the information the residents should need in order to make a decision has already been made available. MOTION/SECOND: Hankner/Trude to approve Resolution No. 4913, Regarding Bronson Drive Reconstruction, AS AMENDED. VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried COUNCIL BUSINESS: a. Consideration of Resolution No. 4918, Setting Water Rates Effective January 1, 1996. Mary Tatarek, Interim Finance Coordinator explained that in ] 990 and 1996, Tautges, Redpath, Co., LTD, were asked to analyze the performance and future projections of the city's utility rates. After the study was commissioned the results were that if the water rates were increased from $1.20 to $1.30 per 1,000 gallons, it would help to cover the operating and debt service of that fund. The city needs to preserve the fund balance for maintenance of the water mains and for emergencies. Mayor Linke explained that the actual dollar amount recommended was $1.27> however the city has always kept the rate at an even number. Page 7 March 25, 1996 Mounds Vtew Ctty Counctl MOTION/SECOND: TrudeBlanchard to approve Resolution No. 4918, Setting Water Rates for 1996, adjusting it to $1.30 per 1,000 gallons of water. Duane McCarty, 8060 Long Lake Road, asked what is proposed for the Sewer REC. He was informed it is proposed at $45.50. He explained that the Charter deals with taxation of finances in Chapter 7 and in 7.04 it says the City budget shall provide a complete financial plan for all city funds and activities for the ensuing fiscal year. In Section 11.02 of the Charter it states that the Council may by ordinance fix rates, fares and prices for municipal utilities, and he assumes that the ordinance was passed at the time that the budget was passed (as required by the Charter). Ms. Trude stated she has talked with the city attorney about this very issue and it is her understanding that the Charter provisions have been followed in the rate setting. It is not mandatory that the rates be set by ordinance, and the process the council is following is the same process that has been used for the past five years. Mr. McCarty stated he assumes that the water and sewer rates were adopted as a part of the budget (as required by the Charter), and that they were set according to the Truth in Taxation last Fall, with the water rates set at $1.2511,000 gallons and the Sewer REC at $45.00/quarter. It is his belief that there is only one way to amend the budget under. the city Charter and that is to cut expenses -revenues cannot be raised. Bill Fritz, 8072 Long Lake Road, stated the city invested in a new water meter system to take care of the city's water deficit. Why was a new system put in if the city has a fund balance? Ms. Trude explained why a fund balance must be maintained. Ms. Blanchard asked that her SECOND be withdrawn. Ms. Trude asked that her MOTION be withdrawn. MOTION/SECOND: TrudeBlanchard to authorize the Acting City Administrator consult the City Attorney and have him write an opinion to the City Council stating the correct procedure under the City Charter to adopt the new water and sewer rates and to state whether they are authorized to set those rates at the time of the budget and then increase the rate above the budgeted amount. VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nay Motion Carved B. Consideration of Resolution No. 4919, Setting Sewer Rates Effective January 1, 1996. Action on this will be postponed until the City Attorney advises (see 11. (a).) C. Consideration of Resolution No. 4910, Revoking Municipal State Aid Street. Mr. Ulrich explained that this street was never constructed ,nor will it in the future because of the Business • Park expansion. Page 8 March 25, 1996 Mounds Vtew Ctty Counctl D. Consideration of Resolution No. 491 ] ,Establishing Municipal State Aid Street. Approval of this Resolution would add the State Aid designation to Ardan Avenue from Red Oak Drive to Long Lake Road. E. Consideration of Resolution No. 4912, Establishing a Municipal State Aid Street. This Resolution would establish a State Aid road on a County Road Turn back (County Road H2 from Pleasant View Drive to Highway 10). This would be an additional State Aid road above the city's 20% allotment for the remainder of the city streets. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Hankner to Approve Resolutions 4910, 491 I ,and 4912 as presented. VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried F. Consideration of Surface Water Pond Abandonment, Long Lake Road and TH 10. . Mayor Linke noted that staff has requested that item be postponed until the April 1, 1996 Work Session. G. Consideration of Policy Regarding Council Direction to Mounds View City Staff. Ms. Bennett noted that she had one revision to the Policy, at the advise of the City Attorney. He advised that Section II, Item 1. be changed to read as follows: t . Council direction is defined as the consensus or majority vote of the council to take an action. Council direction occurs at council meetings and is communicated to the clerk-administrator. When time is of the essence, because of an emergency or unforeseen circumstance, the clerk-administrator may individually discuss an issue with each council member to determine each council member's direction. In all cases, the requirements of the Open Meeting Law shall be met. Ms. Hankner stated she had one other revision that should be considered. After some discussion, it was recommended that changes be made to Section II, Item 2., to be read as follows: ...This policy does not prevent staff members from considering a council member's suggestions or viewpoints. MOTION/SECOND: Hankner/ Quick to approve the Policy for Council Direction to Mounds View City Staff, AS AMENDED. Ms. Hankner stated she wanted to clarify that no staff member needs to feel intimidated by a Council member who might try to come in and give them direction. The policy is merely to help clarify how the City Council should operate. • VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried Page 9 March 25, 1996 Mounds Vtew Crty Counctl H. Consideration of Resolution No. 4909, Regarding Organizational and Management Structure of The Bridges Golf Course. Ms. Bennett noted that this item failed to be Tabled at the last meeting due to the lack of affirmative votes, therefore she has been advised by the City Attorney to put it back on the agenda in the same format as it was on the agenda at the March 11, 1996 City Council meeting. Mayor Linke stated after reviewing the final resolution, he found it to be inaccurate in its statements. For example, the resolution states -that the City Council assigned management responsibility of the facility to the Parks and Recreation Department. In fact, the City Council assigned management responsibilities to a triad which included Park and Recreation, Administration and Finance. The responsibility was to all of them. Additionally, the resolution states that the management was not adequately met by the Parks and Recreation Department. In considering the fact that it was the first year of operation, that the staff changed several times at the Golf Course, that the golf course was very successful in having more golf rounds than planned, and that it had a revenue of $31,000 over expenditures so the council did not have to dip into the proposed loan, Mayor Linlce stated he does not understand why the city cannot continue with the triad process they currently have. Furthermore, a new administrator will be starting with the city shortly. MOTION/SECOND: Hankner/Quick to approve Resolution No. 4909, Providing for a Reorganization of the Bridges Golf Course Management Structure. Ms. Hankner stated she feels it is the Council's responsibility to make decision on the overall organization of city hall. There has been some difficulty in the management of the golf course and she feels the city has overloaded the Parks and Recreation Department. There have been a number of shortfalls within that department and she feels. as long as the city has a new administrator coming in who has had experience in managing entrepreneurial adventures, it would be wise to give the responsibility to him so he does not have to come in and work through a chain of people. She feels the Parks & Recreation Department should focus their energy on the things they do well. Mayor Linke stated he feels the wording of the Resolution is inaccurate and therefore could not support it. Furthermore, it was the Parks and Recreation Department who found some of the problems and rectified them with the help of the Finance Department. Ms. Trude stated she does not like the wording of the resolution as she also finds it to be inaccurate. She would like to make a decision with the new City Administrator present to give his input and therefore postpone making any decision until a later date. Ms. Blanchard stated she agrees with Ms. Hankner that the management of the golf course needs to be handled by someone other than the Parks and Recreation Department. However, she does not like the way the resolution is written and therefore, she cannot vote for the resolution. Ms. Hankner asked if action could be taken by the council without a Resolution. She asked that her Motion be withdrawn. . Mr. Quick asked that his Second to the Motion be withdrawn. Page 10 March 25, 1996 Mounds Vtew Ctty Council MOTION/SECOND: Hankner/Quick to move the management of the Bridges Golf Course from the Parks & Recreation Department to the Department of Administration. The motion was not acted upon. Mayor Linke asked who will be responsible for the scheduling, marketing, etc. which is now the responsibility of the Parks & Recreation Department. He feels there is no need to change management immediately. MOTION/SECOND: Trude/Linke to table this item until the new City Administrator is present to give his input on the issue. VOTE: 3 ayes 2 nays (Hankner/Quick) Motion Carved MOTION/SECOND: Hankner/Quick to give the Acting City Administrator the authority to seek proposals from firms to come in and conduct an exit interview with Samantha Orduno and Paul Harrington with respect to the operation, management and personnel issues,. that it be funded with Contingency Funds. MOTION/SECOND: Hankner/Quick to amend the previous motion to state that the proposals be brought to . the City Council at the April 1, 1996 Work Session, and then to the April 8, 1996 City Council meeting for consideration. Mayor Linke stated he has no problem with the first motion, but is not in favor of the amendment which dictates when the City Council is to take action on the issue. VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays • Motion Carved I. Consideration of Resolution No. 491?, Establishing Compensation for Interim City Administrator. Adoption of this Resolution would adjust Ms. Bennett's salary to compensate for the additional duties she will be responsible for as Interim City Administrator. Ms. Hankner asked why the termination date for compensation is April 19, 1996 when the new City Administrator will start on April 8, 1996. Ms. Trude stated she recommended the April 19th termination date for compensation as the additional burden will continue into the first few weeks that the new City Administrator is on staff. Ms. Hankner recommended the Resolution be amended to change the compensation termination date from April 19, 1996 to Apri18, 1996. MOTIONlSECOND: HanknerlBlanchard to adopt Resolution No. 4917, Establishing Compensation for Interim City Administrator, AS AMENDED. VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carved Page 11 • March 25, 1996 Mounds Vtew City Counctl MOTION/SECOND: LinkeBlanchard to appoint Joyce Pruitt to the position of Acting Community Development Director. VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried It was suggested that a Resolution be prepared for the next City Council Meeting, compensating Joyce Pruitt for the additional responsiblities of her position as Acting Community Development Director and that such compensation be made retro-active. Julie Olson, 2663 Lake Court Circle, asked if the increase in water charges is a result of expenditures taken out of those funds for the construction of the Pedestrian Bridge, directly or indirectly. Mayor Linke explained that information and dollar figures could be attained by contacting the city offices. REPORTS• 1. Report of Council members: • u'ck: No Re ort. QL P Blanchard: No Report. Hankner: No Report. Trade: Ms. Trade stated on Thursday, Apri14, 1996 at 7:00 p.m., the Parks & Recreation Commission has invited people to come and discuss potential uses for the Woodcrest Park site. This will beheld at City Hall. Ms. Trade stated she spoke before the Community Education Advisory Board on Monday evening to update them on the city's possible purchase of the Be1Rae Ballroom. They were very positive about working with the city and would like locate programs in the city to serve the residents. If that facility is purchased, they would like to locate some of their programs in there. Ms. Trade thanked the staff for their extra efforts they have put forth in the search for a new City Administrator. 2. Report of Mayor Linke: Mayor Linke noted that the city unveiled a new banner that will be seen around the community which was put together by the marketing task force. The banner sign states the city's motto, Pride -Progress -Partnership. Mayor Linke, in defense of charges made on him by Ms. Hankner at the last meeting, offered the following. He stated his spouse is employed at the City of Mounds View, however this occurred nine months prior to the time he was elected into office. Furthermore, there have been other relatives of officials employed by the city at various times. He feels it is not a case of nepotism and that Ms. Hankner owes an apology to all those who she directed the statement to. The next City Council Meeting is scheduled for Monday, Apri18, 1996. Page 12 • March 25, 1996 Mounds View City Council The next Council Work session is scheduled for Monday, April 1, 1996. Mayor Linke adjourned the meeting at 10:20 p.m. Respectfully submitte~} Q~Yc-Q/1-Q- ~/, o~~~'12.~2 -C1 ~amara D. Saefke Recording Secretary • • S~~~n l~~ ~hee~ ~J u S~l~ ~~ti T ~~'-~ ~~ =-~~'//C X~ / -- _2_Ptrc~~2L~ ~,~%%C~ - --~ ~v~~_~~~:~~ !fin ~ d/ r n IAn 1 ~ _ _ 1 U i _~ i_--~- ~+ D~ T / `/ P lL` f'~r~ Sz ~5 `~ U ~/U 'mil c~ - ~ c --.___._~ _. ----- --- 4_ _ _ _ ------ ~~ Tom, --- _ --- ---- ZZ/5 ~~.~~c_ ~-j - ---- --------- -- --- ---.:.r - -- • • i ~' _-_._, ~~ ~ ~7 ~~ ._ _ _ __ ~ _ _ _. ._ r " ~J/ ~- r 1 A -- ---- 1 ~ ~~ ~ 1 ~. ~ ~~ :+i :~ ----- -- - 4 vw/ t rc~~ _~~ ~(,L(/~i/ CJ~~ ----- ~-- --- --_----_T~.----- ---- ------.._-.J --- - -- i i¢ , pn[~ `~= ~ 1 N c / -- ~ -- -~-~- ~ - (: _ __ , , ~ ~~ ~3 z ~ l ~ 1 _$_c~~s_Q~. ~~ ~--- ------- - - ---- --- ---- --~?--- -- T ~n ~'~"-'~j~- _ _ --- ~.1.iC n ~"_~~ V J : C/ .~`~e;~~ ~ a v~ ~. _-_~T__.__.__---- -- T _ »_ f ~ _ ~~- _. . ---_Ck~~- .--_ ` ~ '~~~w `- - --- 53`f 3 v~ --j'~-'~--_- - --------___~~~s_---5>- std ~~ ~'~~- __. ; _ _ ~~~~ _~1~~~' ~ r a _.~ 1 ~ , : ~ , -- _ '- -.. '- f L~ ~1 S _ ._----.~~_ ° . ~~' -~, t~ ~; a _ -. ~ ~ ~ ' ~ .~ ~~ ~ t, /~~~~ ~~ ~~~~'~ --~_ _ _ __ _ __ __ I~', _ _ _ .1 _ __ _ __. __ _ ____ _~