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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2019/05/13PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting May 13, 2019 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112 6:31 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Bergeron, Gunn, Hull, Meehlhause, Mueller NOT PRESENT: None. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, May 13, 2019, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Approve the Monday, May 13 , 2019, agenda as amended adding Item 7C – Minnesota National Guard Presentation. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of Minutes: April 22, 2019. B. Just and Correct Claims. C. Resolution 9111, Approving the Distribution of the DRAFT 2040 Comprehensive Plan to Affected Jurisdictions for Review. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Bergeron. To Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. PUBLIC COMMENT None. 7. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Proclamation National Public Works Week. Mounds View City Council May 13, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 2 Mayor Mueller read a proclamation in full for the record declaring May 19 through May 25, 2019 to be National Public Works Week in the City of Mounds View. B. Proclamation National Police Week. Mayor Mueller read a proclamation in full for the record declaring May 12 through May 18, 2019 to be National Police Week in the City of Mounds View. C. Minnesota National Guard Presentation. Dave Bambenek, a representative from Employer Support of the Guard Reserve, explained his organization was a Department of Defense agency that cultivates and promotes positive work environments for employers who employ military members. He reported Officer Lavore had submitted two applications for the Patriot Award and invited Officer Lavore to speak. Officer Lavore stated she was hired by the Mounds View Police Department in December of 2016. She commented in December of 2017 she was told she would be heading to Texas for four months for the National Guard. She discussed this situation with Police Chief Harder and his first words were “what do you need from us” and “how can we help”. She thanked the City Council for providing her with differential pay and thanked the Mounds View Officers for providing her with care packages. She indicated she had nominated City Administrator Nyle Zikmund and Police Chief Nathan Harder for the Patriot Award for offering their tremendous support while she was deployed. Mr. Bambenek read the Patriot Award certificate in full for the record and presented the award to Police Chief Harder and City Administrator Zikmund. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance. Police Chief Harder thanked City staff and the City Council for supporting Officer Lavore. 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. PUBLIC HEARING: Resolution 9107, Residential Dog Kennel License Request, Solomon Tilleskjor, 7534 Greenfield Avenue. City Administrator Zikmund explained Solomon Tilleskjor was requesting a residential dog kennel license for his property at 7534 Greenfield Avenue. He reported the applicant has completed all of the application requirements. He noted a neighbor had submitted a letter to the City objecting to the request and indicated the Council may have to discuss in the future how to address foster dogs. Mayor Mueller opened the public hearing at 6:48 p.m. Barb Staples, 7535 Edgewood, stated she has lived in her home for the past 33 years and reported she sent a letter to the City objecting to the request. She discussed the number of dogs in her neighborhood and questioned what was meant by “kenneling”. Mounds View City Council May 13, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 3 Mayor Mueller reported the applicant has three dogs in his home and has discovered he needs to have a residential kennel license in order to be in compliance with City Code. She indicated the applicant has provided the City with information noting each dog was current with its shots and were licensed. Ms. Staples expressed concern with the fact these dogs were fighting with the neighbor’s dogs at the fence line. She also did not like that her neighbor was letting the dogs out at 11:30 p.m. and noted she would be speaking to the Police Department regarding this matter. She requested further information regarding the kennel portion of this request. Mayor Mueller encouraged Ms. Staples to speak with the Police Department as the City did have a Noise Ordinance in place. Council Member Gunn explained Mr. Tilleskjor would not be creating an actual kennel in his yard and would not be boarding other dogs. She indicated the license required to have three dogs in a home was called a residential kennel license. Mayor Mueller commented most places that need assistance with foster dogs typically allow for no more than three dogs in a home. City Administrator Zikmund stated currently, City Code allows for no more than four dogs in a residential home. Donna Ackerman, 7564 Greenfield Avenue, stated she understood Mr. Tilleskjor was new to the neighborhood. She commented on the notification she received from the City and asked if the applicant could have three or four dogs. Mayor Mueller reported the applicant currently had three dogs and if the kennel license was approved, Mr. Tilleskjor would be allowed to have three or four dogs. Ms. Ackerman indicated she was in her backyard a lot and noted the problem dogs were not coming from Mr. Tilleskjor but rather were from the property at 7551. Miranda Munson, 7550 Greenfield Avenue, explained she was the property owner with multiple dogs. She indicated she owned two and was a dog trainer on the side. She reported both of her dogs were very well trained and noted one of the dogs was a therapy dog. She commented she did not allow her dogs to bark outside and if they were to bark the dogs are brought inside. She discussed how fence aggression can impact dogs. She stated the main issue with the dogs on her block were coming from the home behind hers who have two aggressive dogs that are left outside. She noted the Police have been called numerous times. She indicated she has fostered dogs in the past and has discussed this with the City Administrator. She commented she would rather not foster dogs any longer because it did not fit with her lifestyle, but was interested in dog sitting. She stated she would be interested in working on this further with the City. Mayor Mueller thanked Ms. Munson coming forward. She asked if Ms. Munson supported the requested kennel license. Mounds View City Council May 13, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 4 Ms. Munson stated she had no objections to the kennel license. Hearing no further public input, Mayor Mueller closed the public hearing at 7:01 p.m. Council Member Bergeron stated he appreciated the responsible dog owners. He recommended the City clarify the term “kennel” within the license language so neighbors better understand that a dog kennel business was not being requested. Council Member Meehlhause asked if a better term could be selected for the license. City Attorney Riggs reported staff was in the process of investigating better terminology. Mayor Mueller questioned if each of the dogs in the applicant’s home were pets. Solomon Tilleskjor explained he was unaware the City had a limit on number of dogs allowed in a home. He reported each of the dogs in his home was a pet and all were rescue dogs. He stated he appreciated the fact the City was working with him on this matter and noted each of his dogs were licensed. Mayor Mueller encouraged Mr. Tilleskjor to purchase muzzles to assure the dogs were not barking outdoors. Mr. Tilleskjor commented he was working to address this concern. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9107, Residential Dog Kennel License Request, Solomon Tilleskjor, 7534 Greenfield Avenue. Council Member Hull stated he feels for Ms. Staples who had to live adjacent to 10 dogs, but indicated he could not punish the applicant because of this. Mayor Mueller encouraged Ms. Staples to contact the Police Department with any concerns she had regarding the dogs in her neighborhood. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. PUBLIC HEARING: Resolution First Reading of Ordinance 956, Amending the Zoning Map for 8482, 8484, and 8486 Long Lake Road. Community Development Director Sevald requested the Council introduce an Ordinance that would amend the Zoning Map for the properties at 8482, 8484 and 8486 Long Lake Road. He noted an error was made on the Zoning Map in the 1980’s when these properties were erroneously zoned. Mayor Mueller opened the public hearing at 7:11 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Mueller closed the public hearing at 7:12 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance Mounds View City Council May 13, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 5 956, Amending the Zoning Map for 8482, 8484, and 8486 Long Lake Road. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. PUBLIC HEARING: Resolution 9108, Revocation of a Conditional Use Permit for C & N Group LLC (dba Tires N’More), 2832 Mounds View Boulevard. Community Development Director Sevald requested the Council consider revoking a Conditional Use Permit for C & N Group, doing business as Tires N’More at 2832 Mounds View Boulevard. He explained Tires N’More received a CUP in 2012 for a tire and minor auto repair store. He reported the property was zoned B-3 and would allow for retail sales with accessory warehousing storage. He stated the site has been used for warehousing and not for retail sales. He commented on the number of zoning code violations that have occurred at this property in recent years. He noted this property was family owned and the current owner was Sammy Sussi. He explained Mr. Sussi has been cooperating with the City and was working to clean up the property. He stated the business was open and tire sales were occurring. He reported the Planning Commission was recommending the Council revoke the CUP which would eliminate minor auto repair, but noted the retail tire sales business would remain. He stated staff was recommending the Council support this recommendation and that the business owner voluntarily supports the CUP revocation. Mayor Mueller opened the public hearing at 7:19 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Mueller closed the public hearing at 7:20 p.m. Council Member Meehlhause asked if staff was recommending Option 1 or Option 2 within the staff report. Community Development Director Sevald stated staff was recommending Option 1, if considered practical. Mayor Mueller commented on the correspondence City staff has had with the property owner since 2017. She indicated on March 30, 2018 a letter or email of intent from Mr. Sussi was sent to the City outlining four steps that would bring the property into compliance. She noted Mr. Sussi did not follow through on these four steps. She explained with this business, because the business owner lived outside the country and given its history with the City, she recommended Option 2 be followed. Council Member Bergeron read a letter received from the property owner noting they would not be servicing tires but would be selling auto accessories and tires. He commented on the difference between inventory and warehousing. He noted the property owners have been warehousing tires because no sales or transactions have been occurring. City Administrator Zikmund commented it was Mr. Sussi’s plan to be in attendance this evening. Community Development Director Sevald indicated he had left a message with Mr. Sussi to remind him of the meeting. Mounds View City Council May 13, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 6 MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9108, Approving a Revocation of a Conditional Use Permit for C & N Group LLC (dba Tires N’More), 2832 Mounds View Boulevard. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 9109, Adopting a Five-Year Financial Plan for 2020 through 2024. Finance Director Beer requested the Council adopt a five-year financial plan for 2020 through 2025. He reported the City Charter requires the Council to have a five-year financial plan in place. He noted the Council reviewed this plan at a recent worksession meeting and noted this was a working document that served as a blueprint for future spending for upcoming projects. Mayor Mueller commented on the 5.3% increase that would be coming from the Ramsey County Dispatch Center. She requested staff make a note of this for the 2020 budget. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9109, Adopting a Five-Year Financial Plan for 2020 through 2024. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. First Reading Ordinance 957, Amending/Updating Chapter 1000 of the Mounds View City Code. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council introduce an Ordinance that would amend and update Chapter 1000 of City Code. He reported this portion of City Code dealt with the adoption of the building and development code. He noted all changes made to this portion of the Code were made by Kennedy & Graven. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Bergeron. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 957, Amending/Updating Chapter 1000 of the Mounds View City Code. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. F. Removed This item was removed from the agenda. G. Resolution 9110, Adopting a Calendar for the Preparation of the 2020 Budget. Finance Director Beer requested the Council adopt a calendar for the preparation of the 2020 budget. He reviewed the proposed budget calendar with the Council and recommended approval. Mounds View City Council May 13, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 7 MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9110, Adopting a Calendar for the Preparation of the 2020 Budget. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. H. Resolution 9112, Approving the Plans and Specifications for the City Hall/Police Remodel and Authorize Bidding. Public Works Director Peterson requested the Council approve the plans and specifications for the City Hall/Police Remodel and authorize bidding. He explained the Council has discussed this project at several worksession meetings. He noted Beutow 2 Architects has been working with the City to draft plans to remodel City Hall and the Police Department space. Staff commented further on the proposed project timeline and recommended approval of the plans and specs. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9112, Approving the Plans and Specifications for the City Hall/Police Remodel and Authorize Bidding. Council Member Bergeron stated this project would allow the Police Department to have more space which was desperately needed. He noted the interview rooms would be improved and a holding cell would be created, along with shower facilities for men and women. He explained the proposed renovations were not frivolous but rather were a necessity. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. I. Resolution 9113, Approving HVAC Repairs at Mounds View Community Center and City Hall. Public Works Director Peterson requested the Council approve HVAC repairs at the Mounds View Community Center and at City Hall. He stated in 2014 and 2015 the City upgraded the rooftop units (RTU’s) at the Community Center. After the RTU’s were balanced it was determined the variable air systems were not hooked up. He explained because systems were not working properly staff could not control the air volume in different spaces in the building. He discussed the recommendations being made by Trane Building Services to improve the HVAC units at the Community Center and City Hall. It was noted this project was included in the 2019 budget. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9113, Approving HVAC Repairs at Mounds View Community Center and City Hall. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. J. Resolution 9114, Approving the Purchase and Installation of an Automatic Transfer Switch for the Generator at City Hall. Mounds View City Council May 13, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 8 Public Works Director Peterson requested the Council approve the purchase and installation of an automatic transfer switch for the generator at City Hall. He reported City Hall was considered the Emergency Operating Center for Mounds View, noting this designation required a backup generator. He recommended the Council approve the installation of an automatic transfer switch for this generator to assure City Hall has power in an emergency situation. He noted three electricians were contacted to submit bids for this project. Staff reviewed the expense for this project and noted the cost would be covered by the Special Projects Fund. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9114, Approving the Purchase and Installation of an Automatic Transfer Switch for the Generator at City Hall. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Bergeron reported last Thursday he attended the North Suburban Cable Commission meeting. Council Member Bergeron stated he would be bringing Tobacco 21 to the June work session meeting for further discussion noting New Brighton and Arden Hills had raised the legal age to purchase tobacco to 21. Council Member Meehlhause stated the Mounds View Lions would be holding a garage sale on Wednesday, May 15th, Thursday, May 16th and Friday, May 17th at Hillview Park from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Council Member Meehlhause reviewed his upcoming meeting schedule noting he would be attending an NYFS HR Committee meeting on Wednesday, May 15th. He stated on Thursday, May 16 th he would be attending an NYFS Executive Committee meeting. He indicated he would be attending a Twin Cities Gateway meeting on Tuesday, May 21st. Council Member Gunn reported the Mounds View Police Foundation met last Tuesday and discussed additional funding opportunities. Council Member Gunn stated the Festival in the Park Committee would meet next on Tuesday, May 23 rd at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center. She noted this group was still seeking volunteers to assist with this year’s event. Mayor Mueller reported on Thursday, May 16th a Peace Officer Memorials Service would be held at 11:00 a.m. at Abiding Savior Church. 1.) Report on Closed Session – Administrator Review - Mayor Mounds View City Council May 13, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 9 Mayor Mueller provided an update on the Closed Session meeting that was held on Monday, May 6th. She noted the Council conducted a yearly performance review on the City Administrator. She was pleased to report the City Administrator had a good performance review. B. Reports of Staff. 1.) City Hall Hours – Administrator Zikmund City Administrator Zikmund suggested the hours at City Hall be modified. He indicated this may assist the City in attracting and retaining employees. He proposed having extended hours Monday through Thursday, working from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. He stated City Hall would then be closed on Friday. He commented the amount of activity that occurs at City Hall on a Friday afternoon was little or none. He noted several staff members would still be at City Hall on Friday’s, but the building would be locked. He explained this new work schedule could be done on a pilot basis. He requested feedback from the City Council on the proposed change. Mayor Mueller questioned if it would be better to be open until noon on Friday given the number of development projects that would be occurring this summer in the City. City Administrator Zikmund explained Jacob and Nick could still be working on Fridays if an appointment is scheduled. Mayor Mueller stated this change may assist with employee retention and may also provide energy savings at City Hall. She recalled a report was completed addressing this matter. Finance Director Beer anticipated that any energy savings would be negligible because employees would still be in the building on Fridays. Council Member Gunn commented the modified hours were discussed in the past and noted the extended hours Monday through Thursday would assist residents in getting to City Hall before or after work. She stated she supported the proposed modified work hours. City Administrator Zikmund explained the City would pilot the modified hours June through August. Council consensus was to direct staff to proceed with the modified hours at City Hall for the months of June, July and August. 2.) Automotive Repair in Residential Zoning City Administrator Zikmund explained the City received a complaint from a resident where automotive repair for profit was occurring in a residential neighborhood. He noted the resident buys old cars, has a title for the vehicle and completes the required mechanical repair on the car over time. He asked if the Council wanted to regulate automotive repairs for profit in the R-1 zoning district. Staff suggested the gentleman replace his wood burning stove with a natural gas heater in the garage. Mayor Mueller reported she was a huge car person and noted automotive repairs have occurred in her driveway. She stated she did not want this to become a commercial enterprise in residential neighborhoods but supported residents being able to help a friend with an automotive repair. She Mounds View City Council May 13, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 10 commented she did not support pursuing an Ordinance that would prohibit automotive repair in the residential zoning district. However, she encouraged residents to be considerate of their neighbors to ensure they were not creating a nuisance with the amount of auto repair occurring on their property. Council Member Gunn recommended the automotive repair work be limited in the residential zoning district. She encouraged the residents to work together and be mindful of how the work was impacting the neighbors. Council Member Meehlhause stated he did not support further regulation of automotive repair in the residential zoning district. He supported staff’s recommendation and encouraged the gentleman to replace the wood burning stove with a natural gas furnace as this would reduce the impact on the neighbors. Council Member Hull explained he did not support further regulation from the City. Council Member Bergeron reported the buying and selling of cars was monitored by the State. He stated because the resident was following all City Ordinances, he did not see a reason to restrict or further regulate the automotive repair. City Administrator Zikmund stated the splash pad should be operational by mid-June or early July. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 10. Next Council Work Session: Monday, June 3, 2019, at 6:30 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at 6:30 p.m. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:23 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.