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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 1997/01/27i • Page 1 January 27, 1997 Mounds mew City Council .~_ ,y~1 ;~ r ; 6i V ~ ~i F3 ~ `.,~ to acv ....., y< • C7 PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MIlVNESOTA Regular Meeting January 27, 1997 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Hwy. 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 ****s****s********s******************~-****************~r************s*******#****** CALL TO ORDER The Mounds View City Council was called to order by Mayor McCarty at 7:00 p.m. on January 27, 1997. P .EDGE OF .1(.F[~iAN['F. ROLL CALi_• MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor McCarty, Council members Trade, Quick, and Stigney MEMBERS ABSENT: Council member Koopmeiners ALSO PRESENT: Chuck Whiting, Clerk Administrator Pam Shehdon, Community Development Director Jim Ericson, Planning Associate Michael Ulrich, Director of Public Works Bob Long, City Attorney ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: Council member Trude noted that there were residents present who had an interest in the Bel Rae issue and she asked that Items 11 (C) and (G) be moved ahead and considered after the Consent Agenda. Mayor McCarty asked that Item 8(E) be removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion. Mr. Whiting wished to add Resolution No. 5082, to be considered as part of Item I I (E}. Mr. Ulrich asked that Resolution No. 5083 be added, Setting a Public Hearing for the Old Highway 8 Reconstruction Project, to be considered in place of Item h 1(A). Page 2 i January 27, 1997 Mounds View City Council .. . ~l ~u .s~uu /~ Ms. Sheldon asked that the dates be changed on Items A and B of the Consent Agenda. The dates for the Public Hearings should be Monday, February 24,1997 rather than February 10,1997. ~. VOTE ON ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: 4 ayes 0 nays Carried January 13,1997 -City Council Meeting: Council member Trade noted a correction to Page 4, Lines 22 and 23. She asked that the following words be added "...eliminate the possibility of existing towers for co-location". MOTION/SECOND: TrudelQuick to approve the Minutes for the City Council meeting on January 13, 1997, AS AMENDED. VOTE: 4 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried • ACCEPTANCE OF VL-SORY C~~sSTnx~rrF~~ There were no Advisory Commission Minutes for consideration. SPECLAI.OROER OF BIISINESS: There was no Special Order of Business. CONSENT AGENDA• Mr. Whiting read the Consent Agenda as follows: A. Set Public Hearing for 7:05 p.m, Monday, February 24, 1997 to Consider Ordinance No. 596, Amending Section 1106.02, Subd 2 and 3 of the Mounds View Zoning Code to Allow Eight Children in Family Foster Homes. B. Set Public Hearing for 7:110 p.m, Monday, February 24,1997 to Consider a Conditional Use Permit for Cinder's Greenhouse at Mounds View Shopping Center, 2535-2585 Highway 10. C. Adoption of Resolution No. 5077, Certifying the Reapportionment of Assessments for 7775 Spring Lake Road. D. Adopt Resolution No. 5078, Approving Just and Correct Claims Against City Funds. Item E. was removed per a request by Mayor McCarty, for further discussion. i F. LICENSES FORLICENSES FOR APPROV~• • Page 3 January 27, 1997 Mounds View City Council Cigarette and Tobacco -1?xnires December 't t t 997 Mounds View Phillips 66 -Renewal r*A~oline - Exv~res T)ec.~ml,E±r ~ t t 997 Mounds View Phillips 66 -Renewal • • MOTION/SECOND: Trude/Stigney to approve the Consent Agenda AS PRESENTED. VOTE: 4 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried Ed LeTendre, Sr., 2088 Rustad Lane, was present and introduced several citizens who, along with himself, have bees a part of the Fare for All Program run under the Ramsey Action Program. This program rewards community volunteerism with an opportunity to purchase a grocery package each month. Other citizens who were present to provide information about the program were Jerry Johnson, Jennifer Walsh, Pat Michna, Laura Zemek and Scott Oestreich. Mr. LeTendre explained that they would like to help citizens in the Mounds View area to get the program going and they would appreciate the Mayor and Council members' support. He asked if a small article could be run in the city newsletter to make others aware of the program Mayor McCarty extended the Council's support, thanking the volunteers for their participation. It was agreed that an article would be prepared by a member of the Fare for All group to be published in the next Mounds View Matters newsletter. In addition, a Crime Watch article will also be prepared for pul2lication. COi1NCQ. BII~+- ~ C. Bel Rae Facility Referendum Options. Mr. Whiting explained that was an update in regard to the Council discussion at the Last meeting to hold a referendum regarding the question of the future of the Bel Rae property. He noted that there was some concern as to whether or not the city would be able to accommodate the Children's Home Society who have been negotiating with the city for the past few months for space over at the Bel Rae if a referendum were held. However, it appears that they would have an option which would allow them to be housed in another building for the early part of the summer which would give the city council more time to discuss the status of the Bel Rae. In looking into the City Charter provisions, he asked Mr. Long to address the procedural requirements of an advisory election. Mr. Lang, City Attorney, explained that the requirements for an advisory election are governed by the Charter. He briefly went over the charter requirements. In regard to other options other than polling places for handling the election, such as via mail, it appears that the City would have the authority to do so. Several questions were brought up in regard to mail ballots such as whether a deadline date could be glared on the mail in ballots if the city were to exercise more than one voting option, to eliminate the possibility of a person voting more than once. ,~.. ~ , i j y .. F X ~ N+a~ 7...~ i~5 ' ~ H N I ,'d^..,~1 `J Sf Page 4 _ ~~` ~ ~ ~ -.:.%' ~.~. +_-:.~77 • January 27, 1997 - Mounds View City Council Council member Trude stated she if very concerned about spending money to solicit opinions from perhaps 4% or 5% of the community (based on the turnout of one of the last special elections), when a survey has already been completed, which she feels is a good tool. She feels another survey could be done to solicit opinions that would be a cross representative sampling of the city. She is against holding an advisory election. She noted that other cities do not have advisory elections as they are non-binding. Council member 5tigney feels a mail ballot would direct the votes to 100% of the registered voters and give them an opportunity to respond to it, and it would be at a minimal cost. A discussion followed as to the estimated cost for a mail ballot. Jerry Linke, 2319 Knoii Drive, estimated that there are approximately 7,500 registered voters in Mounds View. If this were conducted, at $.32 per mailing it would cost the city $2,400 to mail the ballots, plus as additional $2,400 for a stamped, return envelope. Additionally there would be a cost to print the ballots and informational literature and the administrative costs involved in counting the ballots. He would estimate this to run the city $10,000. He feels the information has already been given to the citizens. To further complicate the situatioq many citizens do not even know what Tax Increment Financing is or how much the city has of it. Mayor McCarty noted the costs the city has incurred to date on the building. He feels that $10,000 is a minimal cost to the residents in comparison to what the overall costs are expected to be to remodel the property and that residents should be allowed to voice their opinion on the project, • Council member 5tigney stated he understood from information gathered earlier that a mail ballot would be roughly $2,000. He feels that in addition to the acquisition and remodeling costs, the city must relay the operational costs to the residents, Steve Larson (no identified address), suggested that the city consider including the baitot with the Mounds View Matters newsletter or have it distributed with the Focus Newspaper to help reduce costs. He feels the city owes it to the residents to have a voice in the matter. He personally does not trust the results of the survey. Susan Do, 2274 Oakwood Drive, stated she feels the property needs to be identified by a new name. It is no longer the Bel Rae Ballroom. She stated people need to focus their attention on what great possibilities there are for the building. The city needs a place where people can gather together. It doesn't need to be a fancy place, but there needs to be something to attract families to the community. However, she does not feel that a mail ballot will give the council a true answer from many of the people who will actuatty use the community center. The council needs to consider the opinions of alI of those who will use the center -perhaps opening the vote to students at Edgewood and Irondale schools. She feels confident that she could get 3,000 signatures of people who are in favor of keeping the building and using it as a community center. She would be willing to pay more in taxes to have a place in her own "backyard" to bring her kids. Ed LeTendre, 2088 Rusted Lane, stated most of the problems in the Crime Watch program involves kids. They don't have any place to play. He stressed the need to keep the Bel Rae and to provide for the kids in Monads View. He feels confident stso that he could obtain 2,000 signatures himself of people who are in support of the community center. Mayor McCarty stated he must balance those in favor of the Community Center with those who are opposed to the Community Center. He feels the city must give everyone a chance to provide their input. -~-. :. i rte.., ~ a .R- ~ ..~ ~~ ~ _, a ,~ .i N ~ .1 VvC/ 'u7 ~/ a~a~i/ Page 5 January 27, 1997 Mounds mew City Council Naja Werner, 2765 Sherwood Road, believes everyone should have an opportunity to vote on this issue and decide what action should be taken in regards to the property. To assist them in making a decision, they should be provided with information in regard to operational costs and remodeling costs necessary to serve the purpose for which it is intended. If ballots indicate that a majority of people are in support of the community center, she will feel that the people's democratic principles have been exercised and she will be in support of it. To date, she does not feel the democratic principles have been exercised She is in favor of having a vote on this matter. Leon Burton, 2550 Bridge Lane, stated he feels a special election needs to beheld on this issue. He feels that costs were not clearly provided to residents. He wondered how much it would have cost to put a simple question on the election, "should Mounds View have purchased the Bel Rae?". He feels it is important and the city should spend the estimated $10,000 to have an election. Jerry Blanchard, 8005 Groveland Road, stated he feels it would be nice to have a community center for kids and for seniors. He noted that the five council members are empowered to make decisions for residents and he does not feel that as advisory ballot is needed It carries no weight and the council is not reQuired to comply with the results. He feels it is a waste of tax dollars. Ruth White, 2917 County Road I, stated she has no objection to the community center, however she believes that the taxpayers of Mounds View should be given an opportunity to vote on this issue. As a resident, she would like to Imow how much it will cost to remodel the building, to maintain it, to staff it, etc. and whether or not it will beself-sustaining. Phyllis Blanchard, 8005 Groveland Road, stated she feels people have spoken both in favor and against the Bel Rae and to have a mail ballot would be a very costly option. She would rather see that money go into the renovation of the Bel Rae. She has nothing against having Public Hearings to provide residents with details, however, if an advisory ballot is decided on, it should be held as a regular election as she feels the mail ballot is too costly. Mayor McCarty reminded residents that costs have not yet been determined for a mail in ballot and that the $10,000 cost that they have used in discussion is merely a rough estimate. Mona Miske, 7980 Grovelaad Road, stated as a recruiter for Girl Scouts at Pinewood Elementary, she has experienced difficulty much of the time in finding space for the troops to meet. She finds that they are often going outside of the community to hold these types of events. She feels the Community Center would be a way to hold these events in the community. Diane Wuori, 5613 St. Stephen Street, stated if the city does proceed with an election, she would suggest that it contain many questions, i.e. if the city does keep the BeI Rae property, what should be done with it? Also, when community events are held at various other locations, custodial fees are collected from the various entities to share in the costs. Therefore, it is already costing the city money to run programs that could be run at the community center. If events were held there, custodial time would stay within the city rather than going to another entity. Furthermore, other programs that people wished to hold at the community center could be charged a nominal fee. • Jerry Linke, 2319 Knoll Drive, took this opportunity to briefly explain the Tax Increment Financing process. He noted ihat the city currently has Tax Increment Financing funds available. -.~ ~~d aT r ~. a ~.:~ ~.~ w .~..J Page 6 January 27, 1997 Mounds View City Council Council member Quick asked who would be eligible to vote in the election and if a person would need to be registered to vote. A lengthy discussion followed Mr. Quick stated this is an advisory election and no one is being elected for office, so he wondered why someone could not vote without registering. A discussion also followed as to whether the calling for an advisory election would be seen as legislative or administrative, thereby determining whether the election must be set by ordinance or by resolution. Mr. Long stated he felt in this case, the city would follow the wording in the Charter which calls for it to be done by resolution. Mr. Long stated he believes the city would need to follow the standard voting procedures. Otherwise the city would take a chance of people challenging the validity of the vote. Council member Stigney asked if TIF funds could be used to pay for some of the advisory election expenses. Mr. Long stated there are some opportunities for TIF funds to be used for various information gathering, but whether or not it can actually be used for an election such as this, he is unsure. Fie stated he would be willing to get firrther clarification on it and report back to staff. E) Approval of Resolution No. 5076, A Resolution A rovin the 1997 Insurance Contribution for Non- PP g Union, Public Works and Park Maintenance. Mayor McCarty asked for some further clarification from staff is regard to firll time health insurance coverage for single persons, in particular, whether the $330 cap for insurance for single coverage was specified. Ms. Sheldon explained that the city provides up to $330 to employees to be used only for certain benefits that are allowed to be paid for out of that amount. This includes medical insurance, for either single or family coverage. If an employee has funds remaining after paying for medical coverage, he may choose to use it toward dental coverage or additional life insurance. The city will only pay up to $330. per month. If the money is not put toward additional insurance, they do not have the option of receiving reimbursement for the remainder. Mayor McCarty stated he would recommend that the Council adopt the resolution as amended, but that this discussion should be put on the "front burner" for firtute deliberations on employee benefits. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Trude to approve Resolution No. 5076, A Resolution Approving the 1997 Insurance Contribution for Non-Union, Public Works and Park Maintenance. Council member Stigney stated he is still concerned about whether the City should supplement single employees. In the future, he feels the council should look at what the private sector is doing for its employees when considering these issues. Mayor McCarty asked that the council have some single sessions where they will just deal with personnel issues such as employee benefits so that decisions can be made before the budgeting process. Page 7 January 27, 1997 Mounds mew City Council a. J: ~~ w J '^ 1J e~ ~ :.-_, .~ .ri1 iG.j Council member Trude noted that an amendment needs to be made to Resolution No. 5076, to show that the City's contribution is $330 per month. Council member accepted this amendment. VOTE: 4 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried PLiBLC HEARiNCS• Public Hearing Regarding the Issuance of a 3.2•/. Malt Liquor License to the Bridges Golf Course. Mayor McCarty opened the Public Hearing at 9:46 p.m. There were no comments or questions from the public and the Public Hearing was closed at 9:47 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Trude/Quick to Approve the Issuance of a 3.2% Malt Liquor License to the Bridges Golf Course. VOTE: 4 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried • Public Hearing Regarding the Issuance of a Temporary liquor Banquet License to Donatelle's for an Event to be held at 5394 Edgewood Drive, February 6,1997. Mayor McCarty opened the Public Hearing at 9:47 p.m There were no questions or comments from the public and the Hearing was closed at 9:48 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Trude/Stigney to Approve the Issuance of a Temporary Liquor Banquet License to Donatelle's for an Event to beheld at 5394 Edgewood Drive, February 6, 1997. VOTE: 4 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried couNC>I. BusnyESC~ A. Consideration of Resolution No. 5083, Setting a Public Hearing for Old Highway 8 Reconstruction and Public Improvements. Mr. Ulrich, Public Works Director, explained that even though this is a county project and is not city-initiated, possible assessments are pending on this project and therefore, the bid awards cannot be awarded this evening as was originally intended in the request for approval of Resolution No. 5079. A sixty-day petitioning process must elapse before the bid can be awarded. Therefore, Mr. Ulrich asked that Resolution No. 5079 be tabled and that the Council consider Resolution No. 5083, which sets a public hearing for the reconstruction of Old Highway 8. He noted that two changes need to be made to the Resolution, in the final paragraph. The date of the Public Hearing needs to be set for February 24, 1997 at 7:15 p.m MOTION/SECOND: Trude/Stigney to Approve Resolution No. 5083, Setting a Public Hearing for Old Highway 8 Reconstruction and Public Improvements, AS AMENDED. w '~, ~ ' _ _,,. u ~i ~ 9 , .. ~~ Page 8 . January 27, 1997 Mounds View City Council VOTE: 4 ayes 0 nays Motion carried Mr. Ulrich noted that SEH is currently working on a mock assessment and that he hopes to have it for review within the next day or two. Council member Trude asked that staff be sure that property owners are notified that the WILL be assessed and that not all costs will be covered by other government entities, just because it is a county project. She asked that the letter notifying residents be reviewed by Mr. Long to make sure that it complies with Charter requirements. B. Introduction of Ordinan~x No. 588, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 1124 of the Mounds View Zoning Code Relating to the Location and Deign of Witeleas Communication Facilities within the City of Mounds View Mr. Jim Ericson, Planning Associate, explained that at the last Council meeting, staff presented a draft of Ordinance No. 588, after which a number of comments and suggestions were made by the Council and industry representatives. Staff went through the Ordinance and made changes and sent copies to the industry representatives for their review and a copy was sent to SEH for their review and comments. Mr. Ericson briefly went through the changes that were made to the draft ordinance. • Gary VanCleve, representing APT was present and noted that he had five points of concern with the proposed ordinance which he has also talked with Mr. Ericson about. He proceeded to go through the areas of concern. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Trude to Approve the Introduction and Waive the Reading of Ordinance No. 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. VOTE: 4 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried D. Bel Rae Status. Mr. Whiting stated that his discussions with the Children's Home Society have continued in regard to a draft for a lease agreement. They have discussed the general perimeters of what that agreement should contain. As he mentioned previously, the Children's Home Society may be able to lease space through early Summer. He also noted that he has continued discussions with another entity in regard to an agreement with them. He will continue to keep the council posted on this issue. E. National Sports Center Ice Arena Master Agreement. Mr. Whiting noted that this master agreement must be agreed to by the City of Mounds View in order to be a part of the construction of one of four ice rinks being proposed at the National Sports Facility in Blaine. Mounds View has joined with three othercommunities -Arden I~iills, Shoreview and New Brighton in the agreement and will share in the operational costs of one of the rinks at the sports center. The group will commit to provide assurance that 2080 hours of ice time will be purchased each year at a minimum cost of $125/hour. As part of the supplemental agreement, they have been working with two area hockey associations who would basically commit to those ice hours and who would build an escrow fund to help pay for unused ice hours. In addition, one of the requirements of the group would be that $500,000 be ~ i.. ~s ~:-- a • Page 9 January 27, 1997 Mounds mew City Council ii ,1 q ,aai' d r put toward the construction of the rink. The cities have worked with Ramsey County and have secured their; commitment to put the $500,000 toward the rink The ground breaking is expected to take place sometime this year. He asked that two separate Resolutions be adopted, one approving the Master Agreement and the other approving the Supplemental Agreement. Minor language changes may yet need to be made to the agreements, none of which will substantially change the basic contents. Mayor McCarty stated he would like to see the four cities develop a Joint Powers Agreement under Statutes 471.59. He feels it would be a better way of doing business. Mr. Long stated he would look into this to see if a Joint Powers Agreement should be entered into and report back to staff. MOTION/SECOND: QuicklTrude to Approve Resolution No. 5080, Approving the National Sports Center Ice Arena Master Agreement. VOTE: 4 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Trude to Approve Resolution No. 5082, Approving the National Sports Center Ice Arena Supplemental Agreement. • VOTE: 4 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried REPORTS: Report of Cocci members: Trade: Ms. Trvde briefly updated the council on issues discussed at meetings that she has attended with the Northwest Youth and Family Services and with the Ramsey County League. Ms. Trade asked that one item be added to the February Council work session. She would like to know how drug activity in Mounds View is dealt with. Sti¢nev: Mr. Stigney stated he had received a telephone call from a concerned resident who will not be in town to vote on the Bel Rae issue, asking about the process in getting an absentee ballot. Q~~; No report. Report of Mayor McCarty: Mayor McCarty gave a brief update on the council's goal setting session. He noted that one of the top priorities for the council is fiscal responsibility. Mayor McCarty also noted that some state firads that have been allocated for snow removal. The city staff is in the process of applying for the fimding. He asked that residents assist in keeping the fire hydrants free of snow. Report of Clerk Ad iniAtrator•. No report. Report of Staff: No report. Report of Attorney No report. • Page 10 January 27, 1997 Mounds View City Council ~. _, ~'`"" i Mayor McCarty noted that the next Council work session would be on February 3, 1997 at 6:00 p.m. The next Regular Council Meeting is scheduled for February 10, 1997 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 11:03 p.m. Respectfully submitted, =</I~LI~lCL2~ .~/. ~~ ~7I~S Tamara D. Saeflce Recording Secretary VOTE: • •