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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 1997/01/13i Page 1 January 13, 1997 Mounds View City Council PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA • Regular Meeting January 13, 1997 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Hwy. 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 **********************************s*************s********************************* CALL TO ORDER The Mounds View City Council was called to order by Mayor McCarty at 7:00 p.m. on January 13, 1997. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor McCarty, Council members Trude, Quick, Stigney and Koopmeiners ALSO PRESENT: Chuck Whiting, Clerk Administrator Bruce Kessel, Finance Director Pam Sheldon, Community Development Director Jim Erickson, Planning Associate Cathy Bennett, EDA Executive Director Bob Long, City Attorney Mr. Whiting asked that one change be made. The discussion of the Bel Rae Project was put on the EDA Agenda and should rather be on the Council Agenda, under Report of Administrator. Mayor McCarty stated he would like to take care of the Special Order of Business prior to the Approval of the Minutes. Mayor McCarty read Resolution No. 5072, Resolution of Commendation to Sharie Linke, Parks, Recreation & i ~ Forestry Administrative Assistant, honoring Ms. Linke's 15 years of service to the City of Mounds View. He, on behalf of himself and the counciUstaff/residents presented a plaque to Ms. Linke in appreciation for her dedicated service. Page 2 . January 13, 1997 Mounds View City Council Ms. Linke took this opportunity to thank the council and stafffor the opportunity to work for the city, expressing her pride in all of the things that have been accomplished in Mounds View. APPROVAL OF MINUTES• December 9,1996 -City Council Mceting: Mayor McCarty noted a correction of a typographical error on line 34. VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried December 16,1996 -City Council Mceting: Mayor McCarty noted the following corrections: Page 5, Line 7 should identify Hankner as voting Nay, and Page 5, Line 46, should identify Trade as voting Nay. Ms. Trade noted that Page 2, Line 3, should identify Darrell Meyer as being from the Mounds View Police Department, but Melissa Strossberg-Peltz and Gus Wehmeyer should be identified as being from the State Highway Patrol Department. Mayor McCarty noted that Page 2, Line 24 should be changed to ...Amending Chapter 1124.. . VOTE ON APPROVAL OF MINUTES (as corrected): 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried January 6,1997 -Annual Mceting: Ms. Trade noted a correction on page 1, Line 13. It should be changed from 7:00 p.m. to 6:10 p.m. VOTE ON APPROVAL OF MINUTES (as corrected): 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried ACCEPTANCE OF ADVISORY COMMISSION MINUTES: October Z, 1996 -Planning Commission: MOTION/SECOND: Trude/Quick to accept the Advisory Commission Minutes for the Planning Commission meeting held on October 2, 1996. VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried CONSENT AGENDA: Mr. Whiting read the Consent Agenda as follows: A. Adopt Resolution No. 5074, Approving a Step Adjustment for Diane Clyne, Receptionist. Page 3 January 13, 1997 Mounds View City Council B. Adopt Resolution No. 5075, Approving a Step Adjustment for Pamela Sheldon, Community Development Director. C. Adopt Resolution No. 5073, Approving Just and Correct Claims Against City Funds. D. Requesting Council's award of Bid to Precision Tree Service, Inc. for boulevard tree trimming. E. LICENSES FOR APPROVAL: Auto Sales -Expires 12/31/97; Saturn of St. Paul -Mounds View Garbage and Rubbish -Expires 6/30/97: A W Disposal -New Cigarettes and Tobacco -Expires 12/31/97: Tom Thumb -Renewal Oasis Market -Renewal Gasoline -Expires 12/31 /97: Oasis Market -Renewal HVAC -Expires 6/30/97: Allied Fireside, dba Fireside Corener/Twin City Fireplace -New Roseville Heating and Plumbing, Inc. -Renewal MOTION/SECOND: t2uicklfrude to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried RESIDENTS REOUEST5 AND CONIlVIENTS FROM THE FLOOR: Mayor McCarty 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. Bill Werner, 2765 Sherwood Road, asked if there would be a Public Hearing on the new Water Rates. Mayor McCarty stated, yes there would be. Public Hearing and Introduction of Ordinance No. 588, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 1124 of the Mounds View Zoning Code Relating to the Location and Design of Wireless Telecommunication Facilities within the City of Mounds View. . Mayor closed the City Council Meeting and opened the Public Hearing at 7:20 p.m. Page 4 January 13, 199'7 Mounds View City Council Jim Erickson, Planning Associate, explained that this ordinance would amend Chapter 1124 of the Mounds View Zoning Code and will specify which districts and what height towers and antennas would be allowed either by right or by Conditional Use Permit. It addresses co-location requirements, identifies the screening and other requirements for the tower and accessory buildings, establish equal requirements for Conditional Use Permits and Building Permits, and specify requirements for non-conforming towers. Mr. Erickson noted that this ordinance was recommended for approval at the December 18th Planning Commission meeting. He proceeded to summarize the ordinance. Questions were asked as to the where one could expect to see these types of antennas, what one could expect them to look like, etc. Ms. Sheldon, Community Development Director provided information as to the aesthetics of these types of antennas/towers. Ms. Trude asked if these antennas could be installed on top of billboards. Mr. Erickson stated this would not be a permitted use, and agreed to add language to the ordinance regarding such. Mr. Stigney asked whose option it is to detenmine whether a separate tower is constructed or an existing tower is used. S Mr. Erickson stated the ordinance would require the applicant to go through a process that would eliminate the possibility of existing towers for co-location. Additional questions were addressed such as how far out the antennas could project from the top of an utility pole, if these antennas could affect television antennas in residential properties, how it could affect HAM Radio transmissions, whether the style of the antenna would be dictated by the city, etc. Mr. Matt Danielson, of SBA, Inc. and representing Sprint/PCS, Mr. Peter Coyle of Larkin, Hoffman, Daly & Lingren and representing APT, and Jay Littlejohn of Hessian, McKasy & Soderberg, representing AT & T were present and offered answers to various questions. They also offered concerns in regard to various requirements of the ordinance (maximum tower/antenna height, whether co-location accessory equipment is acceptable, etc.). Mr. Bob Long, City Attorney, stated if the council wishes to set the maximum height lower than what one company needs, the city could consider a variance for it. However, he does feel this issue warrants some fiuther consideration. Mayor McCarty feels it would be advantageous to the city to have some professional design criteria to set the height limitation. Ms. Sheldon noted that the height often is determined from the area they are trying to serve and the terrain that is within that cell. Therefore, perhaps the city may want to require a study to be completed prior to the time of application, showing the minimum height needed. Mayor McCarty closed the Public Hearing at 8:40 p.m. and re-opened the Council Meeting to consider Item 11(A}. Page 5 January 13, 1997 Mounds View City Council A. Introduction of Ordinance Na 588, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 1124 of the Mounds View Zoning Code Relating to the Location and Design of Wireless Communication Facilities within the City of Mounds View MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Koopmeiners to postpone the Introduction of Ordinance No. 588 until an unspecified date/time to allow time to re-evaluate the ordinance and make changes as necessary. VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried Mayor McCarty closed the Regular Council Meeting at 8:41 p.m. PUBLIC HEARINGS• Public Hearing to Consider Ordinance No. 593, An Ordinance Authorhing the City Council of the City of Mounds View to Set Water Rates and Surcharges, effective January 1,1997. Mayor McCarty opened the Public Hearing at 8:41 p.m. Mr. Bruce Kessel, Finance Director, noted that Ordinance No. 593 increases the water rates $.05, effective with the January 1997 billing. The first reading of this ordinance was conducted on December 16, 1996. David Jahnke, 8428 Eastwood Road, stated he understood that the new water meters would save residents money and perhaps warrant a decrease in rates. Now he sees the rates climbing after the city spent nearly one million dollars. Mr. Kesel, stated it is his understanding that the increased accuracy in the new meters along with the surcharge would pay for the meter conversion. The surcharges are expected to remain in effect for approximately five or six years. Mr. Jahnke stated he is upset that every time there is any extra revenue, the city uses it for something. It never ends up reducing costs to the residents. He hopes the new council members will take a close look at this. Mayor McCarty explained that the $.OS increase is geared toward maintaining a viable operation in the water department aside from the new water meters, and will ensure that the city's ongoing operations will remain in the black and not bring a deficit next year. After the six year surcharge period when the system is presumably paid for, the council will need to make a decision at that time whether or not it will be continued and used as an ongoing revenue source, whether it will take some other form, or whether there will be a reduction in operations. Mr. Jahnke stated he understands, however if the city had not spent all of that money on the water meters, he does not feel the residents would be faced with the raise in rates. A discussion ensued about the various improvements that have been done on the water towers, filtration systems, wells, etc. i Page 6 January 13, 1997 Mounds View City Council Mr. Bill Werner, 2765 Sherwood Road, stated he feels more information needs to be made available to residents about proposed increases so that residents can assess whether or not the accounting system is being handled properly. He feels the accounting and reporting system to the public must be improved greatly. Mr. Kessel explained that this type of financial information is available to residents annually in approximately April of each year after the audit report is completed. Ms. Trude strongly recommended that residents take time to come into the city offices and review the audited report. Mayor McCarty stated he has reviewed information, and he would suggest to the council that the city go back and have a current study completed on the water system. Many of the recommendations made in the last study were not completed and a new study would give the city a better overview of the system. He further stated that he would, however be voting in favor of the $.OS increase. Ruth White, 2917 County Road I, asked how long the $.OS increase will be in effect. Mr. Kessel stated the auditor recommended that the city call fora 6% increase through the year 2000. The city wants to finther look at this recommendation to see if it is indeed necessary. Ms. Trude noted that the city experiences a lot of electrical charges at the filtration plant. Therefore, labor and electricity are the big factors in the expenses for the water department. With no fiuther questions, Mayor McCarty closed the Public Hearing at 9:05 p.m. and re-opened the Regular Council Meeting to consider Item 11(B) at this time. COUNCIL BUSINESS• B. Consideration of Ordinance No. 593, An Ordinance Authorizing the City Council of the City of Mounds View to Set Water Rates and Surcharges eRective January 1,1997. MOTION/SECOND: Quicklfrude to Approve Ordinance No. 593, An Ordinance Authorizing the City Council of the City of Mounds View to Set Water Rates and Surcharges effective January 1, 1997. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mayor McCarty yes Council member Trude yes Council member Koopmeiners yes Council member Stigney yes Council member Quick yes Motion Carried (5 - 0) PUBLIC HEARINGS: • Publfic Hearing to Consider the Issuance of a Non-Intoucating Liquor License to the Bridges Golf Course, 8290 Coral Sea Street. Page ? January 13, 1997 Mounds View City Council Mayor McCarty opened the Public Hearing at 9:06 p.m. Mr. Whiting explained that Attorney Bob Long has noted that some language changes have been made to the State Statutes in regard to the term "non-intoxicating", and he would suggest that this public hearing be extended to the next council meeting. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Koopmeiners to extend the Public Hearing to the next Council meeting. VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried Mayor McCarty closed the Public Hearing until the next scheduled City Council meeting. Mayor McCarty opened the Regular Council Meeting at 9:09 p.m. COUNCIL BUSINESS• C. Consideration of Resolution No. 5049, Approving a Minor Subdivision Request for 7532 and 7540 Silver Lake Road. Mr. Erickson, Planning Associate, explained that this was an application for a minor subdivision. This would allow for the transfer of a 12.5 foot strip of land from 7532 Silver Lake Road to 7540 Silver Lake Road. This would complete a transaction that has been agreed upon by the property owners. Staff has obtained the signed drainage and utility easements as required and recommends approval of the subdivision request. MOTION/SECOND: Koopmeiners/Quick to approve Resolution No. 5049, Approving a Minor Subdivision Request for 7532 and 7540 Silver Lake Road. VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried D. Consideration of Request to Fill the Vacant Position of Recreation Program Supervisor. Mayor McCarty asked that this item be postponed until the Council has considered Item I. E. Consideration of Resolution No. 5069, Appointing City Council members and Clerk Administrator as Representatives for City Commissions and Other Organizations. The following changes were recommended for Resolution No. 5069: Planning Commission: Roger Koopmeiners (I3aiwn) Roger 5tigney (Alternate) Parks and Recreation Commission: Roger 5tigney (Liaison) Roger Koopmeiners (Alternate) • Ramsey County League of Local Government: Julie Trade (Liaison) Page 8 January 13, 1997 Mounds View City Council Chuck Whiting, Clerk-Administrator (Alternate) Associate of Metropolitan Municipalities: Julie Trude (Liaison) Chuck Whiting, Clerk-Administrator (Alternate) New Brighton/Mounds View Chamber of Commerce (rather than Mounds View Bus. Assoc.): Duane McCarty (Liaison) Cathy Bennett (Alternate) Northwest Youth and Family Services: Julie Trude (Raison) Mary Saarion (Alternate) League of Minnesota Cities: Chuck Whiting, Clerk-Administrator (Liaison) National League of Cities: Chuck Whiting, Clerk-Administrator (Liaison) Cable Committee (rather than Commission): Roger Stigney (Raisost) MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Trude to approve Resolution No. 5069, Appointing City Council Members and Clerk Administrator as Representatives for City Commissions and Other Organizations, AS AMENDED. VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carved F. Consideration of Resolution No. 5070, Appointing Official Newspaper, Acting Mayor, Deputy Clerk and Otftcial Depository for 1997. Council member Quick nominated Roger Koopmeiners to be Acting Mayor. There were no other nominations. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Stigney to Approve Resolution No. 5070, Appointing Official Newspaper, Acting Mayor, Deputy Clerk and Official Depository. Ms. Trude asked if Western Bank continues to remain the city's primary depository. Mr. Kesel stated yes, Western Bank is the city's primary depository. Mr. Whiting stag he has also received comments from residents in regard to the city's depositories and feels perhaps at a future work session the council should discuss the city's investment policies, where the funds are and that depository's relationship to Western Bank, etc. VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried • Page 9 • January 13, 1997 Mounds View City Council G. Adopt Resolution No. 5066, Re-appointing Commission members for Three Year Terms, Expiring December 31,1999. Mayor McCarty noted the commission members whose terms were expiring, noting that Resolution No. 5066 would re-appoint these commission members for three year teams, expiring on December 31, 1999. He took this opportunity to thank them for their service on the commissions, extending to them his deep appreciation. MOTION/SECOND: KoopmeinerslTrude to Approve Resolution No. 5066, Re-appointing Commission members for Three Year Terms, Expiring December 31, 1999. VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried H. Adopt Resolution No. 5065, Re-scheduling City Council Meetings Falling on Legal Holidays. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Stigney to Approve Resolution No. 5065, Re-scheduling City Council Meetings Falling on Legal Holidays. Ms. Trude asked if City Hall was closed on Columbus Day, October 13, 1997. She understood this was no longer a legal holiday and noted that it was included on the list of holidays to be re-scheduled. • It was noted that Columbus Day should be removed from the list of holida s to be re-scheduled on Resolution Y No. 5065. Council members Quick and Stigney accepted this amendment. VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried I Consideration of Resolution No. 5071, Approving the 1997 Compensation and Insurance Contribution Schedule for Non-Union, Pubik Works and Park Maintenance Personnel Mayor McCarty noted that this resolution would approve the 1997 compensation and insurance contribution schedule for non-union, Public Works and Park Maintenance Personnel. Mr. Whiting noted that at the last work session, he mentioned that the staff was looking for the Stanton Information, but realized afterward that this information was not available for 1997. A phone survey was done of various other communities, most of which indicated a 3 % increase. The communities contacted were Anoka, Chaska, Columbia Heights, Crystal, Golden Valley, Hastings, New Brighton, Ramsey, Robbinsdale, Savage, Shakopee and Stillwater. Council member Stigney stated he had no objection to the 3% increase as he feels they are deserving of it. However, he did some have objections with how the compensation policy is being implemented in the city. He noted that as he understands it, certain employees are receiving 100% compensation for all of their health care. He feels that ] 00% is a pretty sizable portion, and feels it may be too generous. He also wondered about the city's policy in regard to Step Adjustments over a five step period. Some employees are receiving two or more increases annually (a step adjustment increase and a cost of living increase) and he has some problems with this. He feels many ofthe communities who have approved a 3% increase have a higher tax base thaw Mounds View. Also he noted that city is only comparing with other municipalities and not with Page 10 January 13, 1997 Mounds View City Council what the private sector is paying. He would really like the staff to look at all of these concerns. He personally feels that any type of salary compensation package should be based more on a merit system. He would like to get some of the staff and the council members together to go over the policy and see if it is indeed in the best interest of the residents. Furthermore, until this is accomplished, he would recommend that the council initiate a hiring freeze of any new employees into the city. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Trude to approve Resolution 5071, Approving the 1997 Compensation and Insurance Contribution Schedule for Non-Union, Public Works and Park Maintenance Personnel. A discussion followed in regard to the employee health insurance coverage. Mayor McCarty asked if a change could be made to the resolution to state ...shall pay the entire premium for fith-time single health insurance coverage up to $330., which would place the single coverage on the same level as the family coverage. Mr. Kesel explained he believes perhaps the wording needs to be changed slightly. He thinks it should state that there is $330. for insurance per employee and the employee has the option of choosing the insurance plan. He noted that as it now works, an employee can use up to the $330. limit to obtain various insurance (dental, additional life, etc.koverage. Various wording options were discussed to clarify this policy. Ms. Trade stated she would be in favor of voting on the Resolution without making any changes as to the wording for the insurance. This is the same language that has been used for at least the past three years and she feels it is best to leave it intact. Furthermore, it will merely cause unnecessary concern for employees. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Koopmeiners to Table Resolution No. 5071 to allow staff time to make appropriate revisions. VOTE: 4 ayes 1 nay (Trade) Motion Carried Mr. Kesel noted that he has some concern in tabling the 3 % increase in compensation and would recommend that the council reconsider this. MOTION/SECOND: McCarty/Koopmeiners to reconsider the tabling of Resolution No. 5071. VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nay Motion Catried TABLING MOTION RECONSIDERED: VOTE: 0 ayes 5 nays Motion Failed The council discussed various changes which they felt could be made to Resolution No. 5071. MOTION/SECOND: Trude/Koopmeiners to amend Resolution No. 5071 as follows: 1) removing "and insurance contribution" from the Resolution title; • 2 removin "and insurance" from the first ara a h• g P ~P Page 11 • January 13, 1997 Mounds View City Council 3) removing the last "and" from the third paragraph; 4) deleting the entire fourth paragraph; 5) deleting "and the 1997 Insurance Contribution Schedule" from the final paragraph. VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried VOTE ON INITIAL RESOLUTION WITH CHANGES AS INDICATED IN MOTION ABOVE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carved D. Consideration of Request to Fill the Vacant Position of Recreation Program Supervisor. Ms. Trude stated she feels it is necessary to honor staffs request to advertise for the vacant position as some of the departments heaviest demands come in the next few months and it will take some time to advertise, receive applications and conduct interviews. Mayor McCarty noted that Mr. Stigney had voiced his concerns in regard to the city's compensation policies and he had recommended that the city consider a hiring freeze until the policy has been re-examined and the concerns addressed. However, he feels that the council can initiate the process, and the council can approve hiring for the position at a later date. He feels that the council should have had an opportunity to discuss the policy and have some direction before a hiring recommendation is made to the Council for the position. Mayor McCarty asked that subject be put on the agenda for the next Council Work Session so that the council can fiuther identify methods to address the concerns that Mr. Stigney has brought forth. Mr. Stigney noted that he feels some method of addressing "pay for performance" should be considered. He is not specifically advocating it, he just has several concerns over the present compensation policy. Council member Quick noted that many of Mr. Stigney's concerns may actually be a result of state and federal law. MOTION/SECOND: Trude/Quick to authorize the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Director to begin the steps necessary to fill the vacant position with a new person whose title would be Recreation Program Supervisor. Mr. Stigney inquired as to whether a college degree was a necessary requirement for the position. He wondered if someone else could complete the job at a lower pay schedule. Ms. Saarion, Director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, noted this position does require afour-year degree. She proceeded to give a brief summary of the current department staff as well as the responsibilities. Mr. Stigney stated, again he feels the council needs to look at what some of the requirements are of the city. Mayor McCarty stated he will support this because it will allow the city to go forward. He does not want the council to delay these things unnecessarily, however he would like to look at this position more closely when staff comes in with their recommendation. Page 12 • January 13, 1997 Mounds View City Council Mr. Whiting explained that he had met with Ms. Saarion several times to discuss this issue and they worked out the recommendation together. Mayor McCarty noted that the proposal recommendation by staff is $10,000 less than the current rate for the vacant position. In that respect, some of the things Mr. Stigney has addressed have akeady been accomplished. VOTE: 3 ayes 2 nays (Stigney/Koopmeiners) Motion Carried J Discussion of Quad City Rink Project. Mr. Whiting noted that the agreement included in the council agenda packet was one of two agreements that have been worked on since this time last year. He briefly summarized various portions of the agreement, noting that this was included for discussion only. K. Consideration of Resolution No. 5068, Resolution Initiating Process for Construction of a New Taa Increment Financing District. Mr. Whiting noted that this item is also on the EDA Agenda for consideration. This Resolution would allow the staff to begin work formulating the tax increment district for the Bel Rae site. He noted that it would • merely initiate the process and would not consummate the process. He noted the copy of the schedule as prepared by City Attorney, Bob Long. MOTION/SECOND: Trude/Koopmeiners to Approve Resolution No. 5068, Resolution Initiating Process for Construction of a New Tax Increment Financing District. VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried REPORT5• Report of Councll members: Trude: Ms. Trude stated she has had a number of phone calls in regard to the potential development on the property across from City hall. She asked Ms. Sheldon to provide information in regard to the meeting scheduled for Wednesday evening. Ms. Sheldon noted that a Neighborhood Meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, January 15th at the Bel Rae to discuss the proposed development of the property. She encouraged anyone who is interested to attend this meeting. K~opmeiners: No report. Stignev: Mr. Stigney noted that he had received a telephone call from a resident who expressed their opposition to the development. Mr. Stigney also alerted residents to the free cable access to all the residents. Those interested should contact • Meredith Cable. He also requested that this be put in the newsletter. Page 13 January 13, 1997 Mounds View City Council u c : No report. Report of Mayor McCarty: No report. Report of Clerk Adwinistrator: Mr. Whiting provided a brief update in regard to the Bel Rae property. He noted that he has talked with Ms. Saarion about trying to come up with some options to satisfy the council's interest in some type of referendum for community input. He asked if the council was comfortable using a representative sample of the community for input or if they wished to have a ballot system. He feels it is necessary to determine the desires of the council so that he maybe able to give some direction to the Children's Home Society. Mayor McCarty and Council members Koopmeiners and Stigney wished to have an election; Council members Trude and Quick would have been satisfied with a survey. By majority, it was felt that an advisory election was necessary. Report of Staff: No report. Report of Attoruev: No report. Mayor McCarty noted that the next Council Work Session will be held on February 3, 1997 at 6:00 p.m. The next Regular Council Meeting will be held on January 27, 1997 at 7:00 p.m. The Council meeting was adjourned at 10:56 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Tamara D. Saeflce Recording Secretary