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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 1999/11/22• PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting November 22,1999 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:00 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL: Coughlin, Marty, Quick, Stigney and Thomason. NOT PRESENT: None. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, November 22,1999, City Council Agenda • Mayor Coughlin asked the Council if anyone would like to add items to the agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Marty. To Accept the November 22, 1999, City Council Agenda as Presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. (City Administrator Whiting requested the addition of Item L, Consideration of an Amendment to the Construction and Removal Agreement entered into between the City and the Property Owners of 8300 Fairchild Avenue) 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Monday, October 15,1999, City Council Minutes Ma}~or Coughlin stated it has been brought to his attention that a correction was approved to delete the vote tally listed on Page 17 of the October 25, 1999 City Council Meeting Minutes. He advised the Council, as per Open Meeting Law, there must be a record of every official vote taken by the Council MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Mary. To .Reconsider the Vote and Re-Amend the City Council Minutes of October 25, 1999, to Add Back In the Vote Tally Listed on Page 17. Council Member Stigney stated he was agreeable to this, as Long as that was all it was doing. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carved. C:\ADMINiMINUTES\CC\ 1 I -22-99.cc.doc Mounds View City Council October 25, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 17 Ayes - 3 Nays - (Stigney) Motion carried. • D Consideration of an Interfund Advance to the Golf Course Fund. City Administrator Whiting stated at various meetings, the Council has discussed the future cash flow at the golf course, and what to do about the projected shortfalls on two occasions in the future. He indicated he and Finance Director Kessel met with Attorney Jim O'Meara, of Briggs and Morgan, who advises the City with regard to the TIF issues. He explained that Mr. O'Meara has clarified some of the State Statutes and State Auditor opinions regarding the existing TIF funds, and whether or not a portion of those funds could be utilized to assist the golf course in a loan situation. City Administrator Whiting stated the Council is somewhat in agreement that some type of loan would be appropriate for the golf course. He noted concerns expressed earlier in the meeting in terms of utilizing taxpayer funds for the golf course, and explained that this would be a means to avoid that. He advised that further discussion of this matter is required, as it is a situation that would last for a few years, and the Council should determine the means by which they would approach this option and address the concerns. Finance Director Kessel stated staff has met with the City's bond counsel and TIF attorney, who have advised there is a provision, based upon the interpretation of the State Auditor's Office, which indicates that any interest earned on TIF funds prior to July 1, 1997 are not TIF dollars, and therefore, can be taken out of the TIF fund and utilized for other purposes. He explained at the staff level, rt has been discussed that the City may wish to pull out those funds and set up an Economic Development Fund, to provide that when the TIF Districts expire in approximately 2014, the City will have some tools available for economic development. He stated these funds could be used as the City sees fit. He pointed out that based upon the projections, the structure of the golf course financing is such that it is scheduled to be paid off in approximately 2013, at which. time, they could shift debt payments to repay the loan back to the TIF fund. He added that another positive factor is that once the TIF Districts expire, the City would still have funds available for economic development, because at present, there are. no other funds available for this purpose. City Administrator Whiting stated staff is requesting direction regarding this option. He suggested staff formulate a policy action for the Council to take, and review this at the following Work Session, and deal with it at a Council meeting, after that point. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Coughlin. To Direct Staff to Formulate a Policy Action for the Council to Take, and to Hold Over Consideration of this Matter Until the EDA and EDC Meet to Discuss TIF at Some Length, But in the Meantime, To Authorize Staff to Come Up with Any and All Necessary Paperwork So that The Council Can Move Upon it Quickly if the Need Arises. City Administrator Whiting inquired if this should be structured towards TIF funds, or other • available funds. Mounds View City Council October 25, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 18 Mayor Coughlin stated this should be the TIF Interest Fund, which has been called the Economic • Development Fund for lack of a better title. He stated he would agree this is the fund that should be utilized, and it appeared to be the consensus of the Council at a previous Work Session. Finance Director Kessel pointed out that one of the issues the State Auditor takes exception to is whether or not the funds are authorized. He suggested, in conjunction with this policy action, staff research preparing a new budget as part of the TIF plan, so that if there is ever a question, it can be referenced. He explained that since the Council and the EDC have not yet met, one component of the discussion would be how to spend any other TIF dollars, or possible decertification or turning some of the tax dollars back. Council Member Stigney stated in that the EDA and the EDC has not had the opportunity to go over the TIF plan for the City, that it was somewhat premature to take the first steps toward making a loan to the golf course. He recommended they hold off action until after that meeting. Mayor Coughlin inquired regarding the time frame for this matter. Finance Director Kessel stated clarification was required by January 1, 2000, and this was the critical date, however, they could wait until December and this should not present a problem. Mayor Coughlin stated as the seconder, he would agree to lay this matter over until the meeting with the EDC and EDA, and to amend the motion to authorize staff to get everything in order, including all of the TIF considerations, and to begin the process. He inquired if Council Member - Quick would agree to this amendment. Council Member Quick stated he would agree to this. City Administrator Whiting commented that whatever action takes place, the golf course will repay the loan in total, plus full interest. Mayor Coughlin clarified that the motion is to hold over consideration of this matter until the EDA and EDC meet to discuss TIF at some length, but in the meantime, to authorize staff to come up with any and all necessary paperwork so that the Council can move upon it quickly if the need arises. Council Member Stigney stated staff should also research other funding sources for the golf course. Mayor Coughlin stated a variety of funding sources were listed and discussed at previous Work Sessions. City Administrator Whiting requested clarification, noting that it was his understanding that staff should research solely the interest generated off of TIF, prior to that date. Mayor Coughlin stated it was his understanding that this was the consensus of the Council at a previous Work Session. City Administrator Whiting pointed out, of the options available to the City, this option is furthest from the General Fund, not only at present but also in the future. Mounds View City Council October 25, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 19 Council Member Stigney stated he had no objection to proceeding in this manner, as long as they • will also look at other funding sources, so they are not just completely ignored. He stated the residents of the City and the Council should choose the preferred method of all. Mayor Coughlin stated the Council has discussed this matter, and it was the consensus to pursue the Economic Development Fund, because it is farthest away from the taxpayers, and they were attempting to stay as far as possible from involving any taxpayer dollars in this matter. Council Member Stigney stated he had no objections to this, however, he did not want to "close the door" on other avenues of revenue. Mayor Coughlin explained the consensus of the Council was to "close the door" and move forward with a plan. Council Member Stigney explained they do not have the plan. He stated the "big plan" is not yet determined. City Administrator Whiting explained that staff can research other sources of funding. He pointed out, however, a meeting for the future of the Economic Development Fund and TIF accounts between the EDA and EDC is still in order, and if after that point, that board sees fit to accept this option, it will proceed. Mayor Coughlin clarified the specific motion is to move ahead and direct staff to conduct their research under the assumption that the end result will be the Economic Development Fund, and to work in that vein, however, not to "close the door" on other sources of funding. • Council Member Stigney stated this was acceptable. City Administrator Whiting explained this funding source would be farthest from the General Fund, however, these funds are generated by the taxpayers in the TIF District. Council Member Stigney inquired if this funding was to offset the bonding issue or the development issues at the golf course. Finance Director Kessel advised that these funds were to offset the bond reserves. He explained that the City does not have sufficient resources to cover the bond. Mayor Coughlin explained that because of the funding structure at the golf course, there is a short term deficit in that bond fund, and this needs to be offset, and will be paid back in full, when the golf course gets out from underneath the bond fund. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. E. Anoka County-Blaine Airport Advisory Commission Appointees. City Administrator Whiting stated staff has advertised openings for two individuals to represent Mounds View on a 16-member board, along with three other cities, representing various airport issues. He stated staff has not received any applicants for these positions, at this time, and advised that the Council may make these appointments, if they so choose. Mounds View City Council October 25, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 20 Mayor Coughlin stated he would be willing to participate on this commission, however, he is already attending meetings on a daily basis. He stated he would be agreeable to attend the meeting in the short term, and inquired regarding he date of the first meeting. City Administrator Whiting stated he would expect the first meeting to be held either in November, or early December. Mayor Coughlin stated the Council will not officially meet until November 15, and the first meeting of the Advisory Commission may be held prior to that. He inquired if it would be in order for the City Administrator and himself to deputize two individuals in the interim, and have the Council affirm these appointments at the next meeting. City Administrator Whiting stated this would be acceptable. MOTION/SECOND: Thomason/Quick. To Authorize the Mayor and the City Administrator to Secure Two Individuals for the Anoka County-Blaine Airport Advisory Commission in the Interim, and Bring the Names Back to the Council for Formal Approval at an Upcoming Council Meeting. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. F. Consideration of Electronic Sign Bids. Director of Public Works Ulrich stated the electronic sign has been discussed by both the present, and several previous Councils, and $40,000 has been set aside in this year's budget for the project. Staff has solicited bids for the sign and received a bid from Aim Electronics for a one-line sign at $30,575, and atwo-line sign at $46,391, with $345 for freight. Staff also received a bid from Atra Electronics for cone-line sign at $29,104.32, and atwo-line sign at $46,529.85, with $350 for freight. Director of Public Works Ulrich stated Administrative Assistant Tracy Juell conducted the research on this matter, and contacted communities that utilize these signs. He explained the city of Rosemont, which is similar to the City of Mounds View in terms of the relatively high-speed highway, has recommended atwo-line sign, to provide for better visualization of the message. He pointed out the total sign budget is $40,000, and staff requesting an additional $7,038 to purchase the low bid. He stated staff has requested the Finance Director to identify any additional funding available, and he has indicated the Special Projects Fund, General Fund Reserve, or the 1999 Contingency Fund as possible sources. Council Member Stigney stated the electronic sign was originally to be 50 percent funded with TIF, and inquired if this was still possible. Director of Public Works Ulrich stated he had inquired of Finance Director Kessel who felt that the TIF contribution to the sign was very close to the maximum amount that the City could justify. Council Member Stigney inquired if the sign would utilize fixed or moving letters. Mounds View City Council October 25, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 21 Director of Public Works explained that the letters were fixed. He added that a short message • would flash, and a longer message would travel across the sign. Council Member Stigney stated the number of words they typically utilize on the current signage would not fit on the sign scale indicated in the staff report. He inquired if the proposed sign would be able to convey they type of message the City currently displays on the existing sign. Director of Public Works Ulrich stated the proposed sign would provide viewing of more words per second than the current sign. Council Member Stigney inquired if he would be able to read the entire message on the sign as he drives by, and be able to understand the complete message. Director of Public Works Ulrich stated the sign would scroll through three or four messages at a time, and if a person was stopped at the traffic light, they may be able to read 7 to 8 minutes worth of messages. Council Member Stigney clarified that as he presently drives by City Hall, he is able to see a number of words displayed on the sign, which convey a message. He explained there are an average number of words utilized in these messages, and inquired if, on average, this sign would have the ability to convey the same messages that are currently displayed. He pointed out this was important, as shorter messages are not typically utilized. He inquired if the proposed sign would indicate a loss or a gain of message capacity. • Director of Public Works Ulnch stated the electronic sign would represent a gam. He explained the present sign utilizes four lines with 35 letters that are visible at one time, however, the proposed sign, which is more legible and visually appealing, utilizes four lines, with two flashing first, and two reappearing after the first part of the message has been read. Council Member Stigney inquired if two lines would convey the same amount of message in the same time frame as the four-line sign that presently exists. Director of Public Works Ulrich stated it would. He explained that some messages would run for 30 seconds, and convey more, and others could be conveyed in 10 second. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Coughlin. To Award the Bid Amount of $47,038.55 to Aim Electronics, and Authorize Staff to Proceed with the Purchase of a Two-Line Electronic Message Board, With the Shortfall of $7,038.55 to Come Out of the Contingency Fund. Council Member Quick stated this sign will improve communications by a quantum leap. Mayor Coughlin requested staff advise in regard to an additional funding source. Finance Director Kessel stated the contingency on the 1999 budget was $48,000, and two items for which they transferred some money out of the Contingency Fund this year. He explained there was a transfer in the range of $6,000 to $8,000, for what purpose, he was uncertain, and the airport litigation, which is over budget, is in the range of approximately $20,000 to $30,000. He stated there was possibly one other item on the expense side of this fund. Mounds View City Council October 25, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 22 Finance Director Kessel stated on the revenue side of the Contingency Fund, the Building Permits have substantially increased from earlier projections, and clearer projections would be available toward the end of the year. He advised at the end of the previous year, the unreserved fund balance was approximately $200,000, and the fund balance, in total, was approximately 3.2 million dollars. He indicated it would be acceptable from staff's perspective to take the additional funds from the Contingency Fund, as long as the Council recognizes there are several other items that are over budget, and have yet to be dealt with. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. G. Snowplowing Equipment. Director of Public Works Ulrich stated staff has requested funds for a snowplow to be utilized for a pickup that was purchased for the year 2000. He explained the snowplow would be used to supplement plowing operations on the new trails that have been paved, as well as the City Hall parking lot, Community Center, and to maintain areas around the golf course, well houses, etc. Director of Public Works Ulrich stated the Public Works Facility was budgeted for a portable lift for vehicles this year, however, after researching this matter, staff has learned that the lift they were considering is no longer available, and the company which manufactures it has gone out of business. He explained the only lift available is not portable, and there is insufficient space available to install a permanent lift and obtain full utilization of it. Therefore, staff is requesting • to utilize the $3,500 initially requested for the lift, plus the $1,000 remaining from the water truck purchase, to purchase a snowplow this year, which would provide a full years utilization, and eliminate this item from the Year 2000 Budget. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Thomason. To Approve Staff's Request to Utilize the $3,500 Initially Requested for a Portable Lift, Plus $1,000 Remaining from the Water Truck Purchase, to Purchase Snow Plow Equipment, and Eliminate this Item from the Year 2000 Budget. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. H. Pavement Survey. Director of Public Works Ulrich stated, in light of the renewed pavement rehabilitation program, which will be in place soon, staff is recommending a complete pavement survey be conducted in the City. He explained a Pavement Management Program was initiated in 1995/1996, and at that time, staff performed a survey of all pavements throughout the City, and gave them a rating. He stated staff has performed a number of maintenance activities on those streets, however, they have not had the time or manpower to proceed with a new rating. Director of Public Works Ulrich stated it was essential to commence the new policy and program with good, effective ratings, to provide the residents can look at their streets in comparison with other streets, and understand the differing recommendations for rehab procedures on the streets. • Director of Public Works Ulrich stated staff has requested Braun InterTech, the maker of the Department of Public Works Pavement Management software, to provide a quote for conducting Mounds View City Council October 25, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 23 the pavement rating, data input, and GIS link to the software, so staff can make the necessary • presentations for the different ratings. He explained that an itemized quote has been provided for review, which indicates $6,000 for the rating, $1,800 for the data input, and $1,200 to provide the software link. Director of Public Works Ulrich stated there is approximately $6,500 remaining in the budget for the Pavement Management Fund, which is the fund utilized for seal coating, patching and miscellaneous curb and gutter repair. He explained that earlier in the year, staff recommended, and the Council approved approximately $25,000 to be spent out of this fund to pay for the path that was constructed along County Road I. Director of Public Works Ulrich stated staff has requested the Finance Director to determine if there are additional funds available to obtain the remaining $2,500 for the pavement survey. He stated the Finance Director has indicated the trail along County Road I is a very good qualifier for TIF funds, therefore, if the Council chooses to fund the trail with TIF, there would be adequate funding available to pay for the survey. Council Member Stigney inquired if this was TIF interest or actual TIF funds. Director of Public Works Ulrich stated these would be actual TIF funds. Council Member Thomason inquired regarding the life span of the pavement surveys. Director of Public Works Ulrich stated this would depend upon the pavements and the maintenance schedule. He explained that most cities rate their pavements every two years, or will attempt to rate a quarter of the city every year, to provide for a two or four-year survey. Council Member Thomason inquired if the pavement survey would be valid unti12002, and be an accurate reflection of the road ratings, if it was conducted this year. Director of Public Works Ulrich stated this was correct. He pointed out that if the survey was to proceed at this time, it could be completed by the end of November. MOTION/SECOND: Thomason/Quick. To Approve Staff's Recommendation to Take the Full Amount of the Trail Funds From TIF, and Utilize $2,500 to Conduct a Pavement Survey. Council Member Stigney clarified that the pavement survey funds were to come from TIF. Mayor Coughlin requested clarification of the motion, and inquired if the motioner and seconder intended the monies for the trail come out of TIF, as well as the funding for the pavement survey. Council Member Thomason stated this was correct, exactly as recommended on the staff report. Council Member Quick stated this was his understanding. Finance Director Kessel advised the TIF funds are to be utilized for social and recreational purposes, and inquired if the Council desired to take out the entire $27,000, or just $2,500 for the • pavement survey. Council Member Stigney advised staff was only requesting $2,500 for the pavement survey. Mounds View City Council October 25, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 24 r~ ~_~ Mayor Coughlin pointed out that if they were to indicate that the trail is a public function and apply TIF dollars to it, they may as well allocate fully to that account. Council Member Thomason asked Finance Director Kessel what problems might arise in terms of splitting the funding sources of the trail, and taking only a portion from TIF. Finance Director Kessel advised that taking a portion of the fiords from the General Fund and a portion from TIF would be acceptable, as well as taking the full amount from TIF. Council Member Thomason stated her motion would stand per the recommendation of staff, to take the full amount of the trail funds from TIF. Council Member Quick agreed. Council Member Stigney pointed out that as the EDA and EDC may have different thoughts on the matter, as it involves the TIF plan. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. • I. Consideration of Resolution 5381, a Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Limited Use Agreement to Permit a Driveway to be Installed over and across Unimproved City Right of Way. Planning Associate Encson stated at the September 20, 1999 City Council meeting, Spencer Mistelske was before the Council to request permission to allow for a driveway to be constructed on unimproved LaPort Drive, just off of Edgewood Drive, and south of Highway 118. He explained this area has often been referred to as the "Little Woods," and there has been much discussion regarding these lots, and much interest among the public to build upon these lots. He pointed out, however, a number of issues make these lots somewhat undesirable to build upon, including the location of the wetlands in the area, and that there is no direct access to an improved roadway. Planning Associate Ericson stated the City may consider a Limited Use Agreement to allow for a driveway to be constructed over the unimproved LaPort Drive right-of--way, if a wetland study is performed, which determines that such driveway would not impact the wetland, and the lots are deemed buildable. He explained the applicant has retained a company to perform a delineation of the site, and they have provided a survey that indicates where the wetland has been delineated, and also where the 100-foot buffer is, in relation to the two lots, as well as LaPort Drive. He pointed out that the wetland is a significant distance from these lots and the 100-foot buffer, and is also at such a distance that even if the structure and driveway were constructed on the third lot, as proposed, they would not infringe upon the 100-foot buffer. Planning Associate Ericson stated the Limited Use Agreement before the Council is similar to that utilized in the past for a similar situation. He explained the Limited Use Agreement has been revised to take into consideration the specific details of this proposal, and has been reviewed by the City Attorney who has indicated it is in proper legal form, and would protect the City's interest m the event of any potential liabilities. He advised that there is a stipulation that Mounds View City Council October 25, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 25 the applicant would be responsible for any and all appropriate assessments, in the event LaPort • Drive is improved, and the applicant has agreed to this. Planning Associate Encson stated, m light of this information, and Council's direction at the September 20 meeting, staff has brought before the Council the Limited Use Agreement, and Resolution No. 5381, which authorizes the execution of the Limited Use Agreement. He advised staff recommends a stipulation be added to indicate that if it is shown that the wetland delineation is inaccurate, the applicant would be responsible for obtaining a Wetland Buffer Permit. He explained that Rice Creek Watershed District was unable to examine the site prior to the Council meeting to verify the accuracy of the delineation. He pointed out, however, SEH staff and other individuals have been to the site, and staff has prepared a site plan which indicates staff's understanding of the location of the wetland, and it is in agreement with the indications provide by SEH and their wetland specialist. He stated therefore, so staff feels very confident that the delineation is accurate, however, in the event that the buffer is closer than is thought, the applicant would be required to come before the Council for a Wetland Buffer Permit. City Attorney Long advised that this action would be to authorize the execution of the Limited Use Agreement, with the stipulation pertaining to the Wetland Buffer Permit added as part of the execution. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Thomason. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution No. 5381, a Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Limited Use Agreement to Permit the Installation, Use and Maintenance of a Driveway Over and Across Unimproved City Right of • Way, As Stipulated to Indicate If It Is Shown that the Wetland Delineation is Inaccurate, the Applicant Will Be Responsible for Obtaining a Wetland Buffer Permit. Ayes - 4 11. Next Council Work Session: Next Council Meeting: Nays - 0 Motion carried. Monday, November 1, 1999 - 6:00 P.M. Monday, November 15, 1999 - 7:00 P.M. 12. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Coughlin adjourned the meeting at 9:02 p.m. Transcribed and recorded by: Trish Pearson Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW . RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting November 15, 1999 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:05 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL: Coughlin, Marty, Quick, Stigney and Thomason. NOT PRESENT: None. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, November 15, 1999, Amended City Council Agenda Mayor Coughlin asked the Council if anyone would like to add items to the agenda. • Mayor Coughlin requested Item I, Airport Commission Appointments, be considered at the beginning of Council Business. He stated the one of the two appointees for whom he is seeking approval was present. Mayor Coughlin requested the addition of Item J, Cable Broadcast Policy of Meetings in Mounds View to the agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Stigney. To Accept the November 15, 1999, Amended City Council Agenda as Presented, with the Addition of Item 10 J, Cable Broadcast Policy of Meetings in Mounds View. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Monday, October 25,1999, City Council Minutes Mayor Coughlin requested a correction to Page 3, seventh paragraph, last sentence, to indicate "...one half more noise." Mayor Coughlin requested a correction to Page 6, second paragraph of Item 9, sixth sentence, to indicate "...address these issues in somewhat of a brainstorming or visioning process." • Council Member Stigney requested a correction to Page 3, fourth paragraph of Reports, second sentence, to indicate "This includes any new, changed, or continuation..." Mounds View City Council November 15, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 2 Council Member Stigney requested a correction to Page 11, Motion, to omit the following: "as • Amended to Stipulate `The Stormwater from the Home be Directed Away from the Wetland to Allow for the Runoff to be Absorbed Into the Lawn Areas Instead of Being Guided Directly to the Wetland. In Addition, the Driveway Shall be Constructed With Enough of a Slope to Direct Runoff to the North, Away From the Wetland. "' Council Member Stigney requested the vote tally on Page 17 be deleted. Council Member Stigney requested a correction to Page 18, third paragraph, first sentence, to indicate "...go over the TIF plan for the City, that it was somewhat premature to take the first steps toward making a loan to the golf course." Council Member Stigney requested a correction to Page 18, third paragraph, last sentence, to indicate "He recommended they hold off action until after that meeting." MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Thomason. To accept the October 25, 1999 City Council minutes as corrected. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Abstain - 1 (Marty) Motion carried. 5. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Acknowledgement of Presentation of Mounds View Plaque of Dedicated Service, Kitty Hickok. Mayor Coughlin stated this item was to acknowledge the presentation of a plaque to Kitty Hickok at her going away party the previous week, for her dedicated service to the City of Mounds View. He read the plaque, which indicates "For 12 years of dedicated service presented to Kathleen "Kitty" Hickok, in appreciation and recognition of her humor, enthusiastic attitude, and 12 years of exceptional service to the City of Mounds View, with sincere gratitude." Mounds View City Council and staff, November 1999. Mayor Coughlin stated he and Council Member Thomason had the opportunity to attend Ms. Hickok's going away party. He commented it was very nice to see some of the same old faces, and some who have gone on before, and returned for this occasion, however, it seemed more like a funeral than a party. He stated it should be acknowledged that Ms. Hickok did a wonderful job for the City. Mayor Coughlin stated Ms. Hickok had been employed with the City for 12 years, and during that time, never missed a payroll, although she had gone on maternity leave, and at one point, contracted pneumonia. He added, regardless of snow, sleet or hail, Ms. Hickok came in to work, and made sure that everyone was paid, and everything was put in order. He advised that anything done consistently for twelve years should be honored, and he had indicated this to Ms. Hickok at her going away party. Mayor Coughlin stated he was dismayed at the number of City employees who are leaving. He pointed out that 29 people have left the City within the past three years. He explained some of these individuals were of retirement age, and were leaving m due course, and off to better things, and some people truly were just with the City temporarily, and then moved up the corporate