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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 1997/03/10 .~ Page 1 March 10, 1997 Mounds View City Council PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL CTTY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA • • Regular Meeting March 10, 1997 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 McCarty at 7:00 p.m. on March 10, 1997. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor McCarty, Council members Trude, Quick, Koopmeiners and Stigney ALSO PRESENT: Chuck Whiting, Clerk Administrator Pam Sheldon, Community Development Director Steve Bubul, City Attorney ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: There were no additions to the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: February 24,1997 -City Council Meeting: MOTION/SECOND: Koopmeiners/Stigney to approve the Minutes of the City Council Meeting on February 24, 1997, as presented. VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried ACCEPTANCE OF ADVISORY COMMISSION MINUTES: Planning_Commission Meeting Minutes - February 5.1997: Page 2 March 10, 1997 Mounds View City Council MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Quick to accept the Planning Commission Minutes of February 5, 1997 as presented.. VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: There was no Special Order of Business. CONSENT AGENDA: Mr. Whiting read the Consent Agenda as follows: A. Adopt Resolution No. 5095, Approving Just and Correct Claims Against City Funds. B. Adopt Resolution No. 5093, requesting authorization to purchase a 1997 Crown Victoria from Superior Ford. C. consideration of Resolution No. 5094, Approving the hire of Margaret Burke, Recreation Program Supervisor. D. Set a Public Hearing for 7:05 p.m., Monday, March 24, 1997 to Consider a Conditional Use Permit for an oversized garage at 2185 Pinewood Drive. E. Set a Public Hearing for 7:10 p.m., Monday, March 24, 1997 to Consider Review of a Conditional Use Permit for on-site mobile home sales at 2075 Rustad Lane. G. LICENSES FOR APPROVAL: HVAC License -Expires June 30. 1997: Diamond Power Mechanical, Inc. -New Council member Stigney asked that Item C. be removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion. Council member Koopmeiners requested that Item D. be removed for discussion. MOTION/SECOND: Trude/Stigney to approve the Consent Agenda AS AMENDED. VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried Discussion of Item C. Mr. Stigney stated it was his understanding that staff would wait to hire for the position of Recreation Program Supervisor until the Council has had an opportunity to discuss personnel issues such as hiring practices, wages, salary increases, etc. A meeting has been scheduled to discuss the personnel policy on Apri17, 1997. He would like to postpone hiring for the position at this time and direct staff to, if necessary, seeking the services of a temporary employment agency during the interim. Page 3 March 10, 1997 Mounds View City Council MOTION/SECOND: by Stigney/Koopmeiners to postpone hiring for the Recreation Program Supervisor position until such time as the Council has had an opportunity to review and discuss the Personnel Policy and authorize staff to hire a temporary person for a period of three months. Discussions followed in regard to the cost of hiring temporary help through a job service versus filling the position as requested by staff. Council member Trude wondered if the cost would be greater to hire temporary help through an agency than it would to fill the position. Furthermore, she had concerns as to the qualifications of temporary help for this type of position. Discussion followed in regard to whether background checks would need to be completed on the temporary help as well and the costs involved in that process. It was noted that this position involves working with children and therefore background checks would be required. Mayor McCarty stated, ideally, he would like to see staff be able to hold together without hiring additional help, however if it would mean the loss of important programs, then he would suggest hiring temporary help to allow the Council time to iron out issues of concern in the Personnel Policy. Council member Trude was concerned that the city has already gone four months without help in the • department to set up playground programs and she is really concerned about the internal operations of the city. Council member Koopmeiners stated he does not feel the city's Parks & Recreation Department staff have gotten enough input from the School District. He does not see a cooperative effort between the School District and the Park and Recreation Department and he feels something should be looked at seriously at the school district level. He has had conversations with Mr. Temali of Community Education, and it appears that they have interest in providing a staff member and/or help for the Park & Recreation Department and he does not.see that being generated. Ms. Trude stated she feels that staffhasbeen dragged around long enough. The pay for the position has akeady be decreased by approximately $8,000 per year. She understood that council directed Mr. Whiting to put the item on the agenda and that information would be provided to Council to answer questions they may have. She noted that she has a substantial amount of information that has been provided in regard to this item. Furthermore she feels that the idea of having temporary help come into assist with children's programs will be rather alarming to mothers in the community. VOTE ON MOTION: 4 ayes 1 nay (Trude) Motion Carried Discussion on Item D: Mr. Koopmeiners stated he has some concerns on the Conditional Use Permit request for the oversized garage at 2185 Pinewood Drive. He is concerned that the applicant has a number of engines in the existing garage and that he intends to use the new garage for rebuilding engines. Additionally he has received two telephone calls from residents who are concerned about the aesthetics of the proposed building. Mayor McCarty noted that the City Council is required to have the Public Hearing. Any concerns maybe addressed at the public hearing. Page 4 March 10, 1997 Mounds View City Council MOTION/SECOND: Koopmeiners/Quick to approve Item D. of the Consent Agenda, Setting a Public Hearing for 7:05 p.m., Monday, March 24, 1997 to Consider a Conditional Use Permit for an oversized garage at 2185 Pinewood Drive. VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried RESIDENTS REQUESTS AND COMMENTS FROM THE FLOOR: Bill Siercks, 2210 Pinewood Drive, stated he recently received a letter the city Planning Commission concerning the proposed oversized garage. The letter states that plans are available at the City Hall for review. He noted that he came to City Hall and there are no plans available. Ms. Sheldon explained that a copy of the plan is available for review. However, in regard to the actual appearance of the garage, staff has requested that the applicant submit a sketch revealing what the proposed building will look like. This is normally submitted at the time the applicant applies for a building permit, however, staff has requested this information and expects to receive it prior to the Public Hearing. Russ Nordstrom, 2536 W. County Road H2, asked if the Council would consider setting some road limits on • County Road H2. Numerous semi trucks use the roadway as a shortcut from Hwy. 65 to the Interstate. He feels they contribute to the deterioration of the roadway and imposing road limits would reduce the overall maintenance costs. Mayor McCarty stated he would direct the Public Works Department for further consideration. Mr. Nordstrom also suggested that the city consider imposing a fine to those under 18 years of age who are caught with cigarettes. Additionally, they could be required to do some community service. He feels the government needs to make people responsible for their own actions and he feels this would be a better way to approach the problem than to leave it as a store owners responsibility. Council member Trude noted that children who are tagged for smoking are already required to perform community service hours. However, the Police Department has many other pressing matters to attend to. Don Hereau, 2260 Buckingham Lane, Townsedge Terrace, stated he would like to see a "point of sale inspection" enforced for mobile homes. He believes there was a city law on this that was put into force but never enacted upon. It would require that inspections be completed on mobile homes and that the homes be required to be brought up to code before they are sold. Ms. Sheldon gave the Council a brief update on the pre-sale inspection policy. It was noted however, that the city code does not state that the city is committed to making periodic inspections prior to the sale of the homes. Staff will need to investigate and find out who has the authority and responsibility to conduct inspections, and if it is the County's responsibility, (1992 State Law) staff will need to speak with them in this regard. Ms. Sheldon noted that at this time, the city does not require notification when ownership of the mobile home is transferred over. At this time, she does not feel there is enough in the City Code to be able to effectively carry out the requests of the Townsedge Terrace residents. It would be up to the Council if they would like staff to get involved in this matter. Council member Trude stated she understood that when Mr. Hereau came in last year concerning this matter, the City was going to enforce the Nuisance Code in all of the community, including the Mobile Home Parks. Page 5 March 10, 1997 Mounds View City Council Mayor McCarty stated staff would look into this matter and would get back to Mr. Hereau with an update. Bill Rice, 2932 County Road H2, asked for an update in regard to the procedure required to terminate the actions taken in regard to the Pedestrian Bridge project. Ms. Trude provided an update. Mayor McCarty noted that a legal opinion has not been provided by the City Attorney to date and he believes there will be some additional steps necessary to put all of it in proper order. Mr. Rice asked a number of other questions, such as the MMC charge on his Franchise Fees, how Mounds View taxes compare with other communities, etc. Brad Jahnke, 8408 Eastwood Road, stated he is happy that the council has decided to re-examine salaries of city staff. Omar Kaste, 7580 Greenfield Avenue, stated he has been paying an illumination fee for Greenfield Avenue, but the residents there are not benefiting from it. He noted that the area is very dark and in need of lighting. Mayor McCarty noted that there is a process set out under the Ordinance to petition for a street light. He urged • Mr. Kaste to contact City Hall for the procedure to follow to request lighting. PUBLIC HEARINGS: There were no Public Hearings scheduled for this meeting. COUNCIL BUSINESS: A. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 596, Amending Section 1106.02, Subd. 2 and 3 of the Mounds View Zoning Code to Allow Eight Children in Foster Family Homes, Group Homes and Group Foster Homes. Ms. Sheldon, Director of Community Development gave a brief update on purpose of Ordinance No. 596. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Koopmeiners to Approve the Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 596, Amending Section 1106.02, Subd. 2 and 3 of the Mounds View Zoning Code to Allow Eight Children in Foster Family Homes, Group Homes and Group Foster Homes, and to waive the reading. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mayor McCarty aye Council member Trude aye Council member Koopmeiners aye Council member Quick aye Council member Stigney aye Motion Carried (S-0) B. Consideration of Resolution 5081, a Resolution Ordering an Advisory Election Pursuant to Section 4.04 of the Mounds View City Charter and Providing for Election Procedures. Page 6 March 10, 1997 Mounds View City Council Mr. Whiting noted that he had drafted an Advisory Election Question for the Council's review. He noted that a date needs to be established for the election; he is proposing that it be held on Saturday, Apri15, 1997 with voting being allowed at City Hall during normal work hours the two days prior to the election for those who are unable to vote on April 5th. He would also like to set a public informational meeting on the Bel Rae for Wednesday, Apri12, 1997. Mayor McCarty stated he would like some anticipated project costs provided on the ballot form so that residents will have an idea of what the project will cost. He also felt it important to let residents know where the revenues will come from. Council member Trude asked how the election will be paid for. She noted that it was not budgeted for and therefore the council will need to determine a funding source, If a budget amendment is done, a budget resolution will need to be passed, amending the 1997 budget. Mr. Whiting stated he talked with the City Attorney about whether specific fmancial details should be made a part of the ballot. Some concern was addressed about whether the city should do this, realizing that only architectural estimates have been submitted, not actual contractor estimates. Additionally potential revenue sources may not wish to be identified at this point when no agreements have been entered into. In terms of the . ballot, Mr. Whiting noted that he experienced difficulty knowing whether he should present the question in concept form or in actual estimated numbers. He feels much of the financial information could be presented in greater detail at the informational meeting and through a mailing to the residents. Steve Bubul, City Attorney stated the council must remember that the purpose of the election is strictly advisory to allow for feedback. The council needs to consider how good the feedback will be if number are provided that look very precise and then the final project ends up being different than that. Additionally, the city will still be negotiating contracts and leases and they must be careful not to jeopardize negotiations by adding specific rent numbers on the actual ballots. Some caution must be taken to ensure that the city does not bind itself. He feels voters need to be provided with as much information as possible, however it must be done cautiously. Background information such as mailings could provide a better explanation of the current estimates, which he feels would be different than having numbers on the ballot and having residents vote on particular numbers. William Werner, 2765 Sherwood Road, wondered why the information couldn't just be provided on the ballot form with a clarification that the numbers are only estimates. Council member Stigney suggested that ballots be sent out to residents along with the informational mailing if the council is concerned about the cost of two mailings. He also noted that some "not to exceed" cost could be provided on the fmancial information. Mr. Stigney stated he also would like the information to include the loss of tax base incurred from the city now owning the Bel Rae property. Naja Werner, 2765 Sherwood Road asked if there will be anything on the ballot to indicate if the residents will pay more in property taxes if the community center is approved. Mr. Whiting stated the concept has been to insulate the city tax base from having to incur any increase in taxes for the community center. The city is currently looking at spending Tax Increment Financing funds to cover the up front construction of the project. Once the work is done, the city will not have any debt on the building but will need to maintain it. However, the tenants involved would pay an annual lease for a period of time to help Page 7 March 10, 1997 Mounds View City Council defray the maintenance costs. He further noted that he cannot commit as to what the future council or community may want to do with the building as far as add-ons or other improvements. Ms. Werner stated she feels it would be beneficial to residents if staff would try to explain how Tax Increment Financing works. She noted it is also important for residents to realize that TIF is not a "free lunch" either. Omar Kaste, 7850 Greenfield Avenue, stated he feels the planning of the project has been done responsibly. He feels a community center is one small step in building a community and he feels the council needs to move ahead. He stated he feels the numbers may be intimidating to many of the residents and does not feel that is the approach the council should take. A discussion followed in regard to the fmancial information that is to be provided to residents. It was felt that a safe estimate in terms of cost would be $3,000,000 should be provided on the ballots. The acquisition costs could be included on the accompanying infomtation. This would provide residents with an idea of what the city would need to recoup if the community center did not get approved and the building were sold. Council member Koopmeiners stated he would propose that the amount on the ballot be increased to $3.3 million to include the cost of the gymnasium. If VB Digs proceeds with the gymnasium, the city would be ahead. He feels either way, a gymnasium needs to be included. Mayor McCarty felt the $3.3 million dollar estimate is reasonable. It was agreed that a cost estunate of $3.3 million would be included on the ballot. Mr. Whiting stated he would like to have the voting take place on Saturday, April 5, 1997 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Additionally, residents would have the option of voting on Thursday, April 3rd or on Friday, April 4th during work hours for those who are unable to vote on Saturday. A discussion followed in regard to whether the voting should be done via mail ballots. Mayor McCarty stated he feels there would be a greater response with mail ballots. The council authorized Mr. Whiting to investigate the options and report back. Mayor McCarty also noted that the council will need a recommendation as to a funding source for the election. MOTION/SECOND: Koopmeiners/Stigney to Approve Resolution No. 5081, Resolution Ordering an Advisory Election Pursuant to Section 4.04 of the Mounds View City Charter and Providing for Election Procedures, incorporating the date of the election as Apri15, 1997. VOTE: 4 ayes 1 nay (Trade) Motion Carried REPORTS: Report of Council members: Trade: No report. Koopmeiners: Council member Koopmeiners reminded residents of the Planning Commission meeting on March 19th at 7:00 p.m. at the Bel Rae building to discuss the properly South of Highway 10, East of Long Lake Road and North of County Road H2. Sti e : No report. u • Page 8 March 10, 1997 Mounds View City Council uick: No report. Report of Mayor McCarter Mayor McCarty noted that he had a copy of the League of MN Cities Bulletin and he would make it available to other council members for review. Report of Clerk Administrator: Mr. Whiting provided a brief update on recent meetings he attended. ReRort of Staff: No report. Report of Attorney_ No report. Mayor McCazty noted that the next Council Work Session will be held on Mazch 17, 1997 at 6:00 p.m. The next Council Meeting is on March 24, 1997 at 7:00 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Koopmeiners to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m. VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried Respectfully submitted, Tamara D. Saeflce Recording Secretary