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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2019/06/10PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting June 10, 2019 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112 6:30 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, June 10, 2019, City Council Agenda. Mayor Mueller requested Item 7B be added to the agenda which would be an announcement from City Administrator Zikmund. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Bergeron. To Approve the Monday, June 10, 2019, agenda as amended adding Item 7B. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of Minutes: May 28, 2019. B. Just and Correct Claims. C. Resolution 9121, Approving Severance for Karla Freecheck, Police Administrative Assistant. D. Resolution 9122, Adopting and Reporting Performance Measures. E. Resolution 9125, Appointing Hanna Kenow to Police Administrative Assistant. F. Resolution 9126, Approving Mediated Settlement Agreement and Release of Claims. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council June 10, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 2 6. PUBLIC COMMENT Bill Mori, 8141 Red Oak Court, read a statement to the Council. He explained he has lived in Mounds View with his wife for over 45 years. He stated he has known Jonathan and Grace Thomas for 40 of these years. He indicated he has known Brian and Val Amundsen for 17 years. He commented he sat with both of these gentlemen on the Charter Commission for five years, which he felt made him qualified to make a statement. He explained both men were of high integrity and of the highest ethical, moral standard. He reported both men were intelligent, honest, knowledgeable and detail-oriented. He stated if his math was correct, both have served a combined 50 years of voluntary service to the City of Mounds View. He indicated he was concerned after listening to the recent Charter Commission and Council worksession (June 3rd) meetings. He commented on the character of Jonathan Thomas and Brian Amundsen. He explained it was not their problem some of the Charter Commission members failed to attend meetings. He reported it was the Second Judicial Court’s job to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to sit on the Charter Commission. He questioned why the Council would refer to these two gentlemen using terms like insufficient, disrespectful, dis-functional and obstructionist. He reported the Council implied these two (Thomas and Amundsen) were responsible for the Chair resigning, along with two other members. He noted no specific facts were given that supported these actions and stated he found no specific behavior for either. He indicated there was some level of debate between the secretary and the attorney, but he saw this as simply points of debate and not blatant disrespect or unprofessionalism. He wondered what really was going on here. He stated he was bothered by the fact the Council had attacked the character of these two gentlemen without providing an opportunity for either to respond. He requested the Council allow these two gentlemen to respond publicly to the charges that have been made. Brian Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, stated if anyone was offended by his tone or words at the last Charter Commission meeting, he was sorry. He discussed the rules and processes that have been in place for the Charter Commission for years. He stated in 1978 the residents of Mounds View voted to become a charter city. He reviewed the bylaws that govern the Charter and commented on the agenda format requirements. He explained he was not trying to attack the Chair but rather was working to follow the Charter bylaws. He stated he believed in providing dignity to all persons. He reported for weeks he waited for responses to his calls and emails from both the Charter Commission Chair and City Administrator regarding specific secretary practices, requesting access to the TimeSaver minutes. He stated he finally called the Mayor and expressed his frustration with the situation and he was told it was unacceptable for City staff not to respond. He commented his only option was to bring these issues to the Commission as a whole. He indicated his tone at the Charter Commission meeting showed his level of frustration with the situation when he questioned the Council’s failure to follow its own statement of values, and their lack of due process. He stated he was shocked by the personal attacks coming from the City Council. He thanked those that came out tonight to support Jonathan Thomas and himself. He stated he had great peace in the love and support of God, from his wife, children and from his close friends. Jonathan Thomas, 8040 Groveland Road, discussed who he was noting he was one of 15 children. He explained when he was 10 years old the Lord spoke to him audibly and told him to Mounds View City Council June 10, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 3 seek the Kingdom of God and He would teach him to make the rocks cry out praises to God. For all of his life, he has sought to know more about the Kingdom of God. He stated he received a degree in Bible and Theology and God directed him to work in electronics where he was taught the truth. He discussed the volunteer work he completed in the community that allowed the rocks to cry out. He explained the Council asked for the removal of members from a body that was formed by the Court. He reported the Charter Commission was intentionally separate from the City Council to maintain the Charter. He commented removal of a member requires 10 to 20 days’ notice in order to allow the accused to respond and gather witnesses to speak on his or her behalf. He reported this typically ends in a closed session of a private body. He stated he was not afforded this opportunity but rather was named in an open, public meeting and was accused of all kinds of innuendo. He explained he has lived in this community for over 40 years. He indicated he had a deep passion for this City and the City Charter. He believed there was something wrong with the way this matter was handled. He believed God was truly able and was in control of this situation. Val Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, explained she was Brian Amundsen’s wife. She discussed what happened in the Council Chambers last Monday night where the Council slandered two Charter Commission members, Brian Amundsen and Jonathan Thomas. She explained Brian and Jonathan were not notified of the meeting nor the fact that they would be discussed in order to defend themselves. She stated this was disrespectful and a violation of the statement of values the Council approved. She indicated it was not until last Tuesday that Jonathan and Brian were made aware of the situation when they received a call from the City Administrator seeking their resignation from the Charter Commission. She reported their conduct from the May Charter Commission meeting was cited as the reason for the requested resignation, but no specifics were given. She stated she watched the Council worksession meeting online and was shocked by what she saw given the fact slanderous statements were made about Jonathan and Brian. She commented there were also numerous misstatements and half-truths. She indicated it was apparent to her that the Council seems to believe they control the Charter Commission and not a citizen established body. She reported the last Charter Commission meeting had a spirited discussion regarding duties, bylaws, policies and procedures. And while meetings can feel tense at times, she reiterated that no personal attacks were made. She explained Brian brought his concerns to the group only after he had not received any feedback from staff or the Chair. She stated both Brian and Jonathan were really decent men. She explained these men deserved the community’s thanks for their many years of dedicated service to the community. She indicated slandering volunteers was not a great way for the Council to encourage residents to speak up, especially if they had a difference of opinion. Douglas Schmidt, 2690 County Road H2, stated it was his understanding that after the June 3rd Council worksession meeting, two senior members of the Charter Commission were asked to resign. He explained no specific reference was made to the charges against them. He noted Jonathan Thomas was one of the senior Charter members. He reported he has known Jonathan Thomas since 1971. He indicated he served with Jonathan Thomas and was introduced to Christianity by him. He commented on Jonathan’s personal character, integrity, honesty, fairness and respect for others. He stated he watched the last half-hour of the June 3rd Council worksession meeting where discussion was held regarding the conduct of one or more senior Mounds View City Council June 10, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 4 Charter members. He noted the Council was very careful not to mention names. He was of the opinion that the actions of Jonathan Thomas do not warrant a character assassination of a man that has an otherwise good reputation. Barbara Smith, 2090 Burke Avenue in North St. Paul, stated Jonathan Thomas was her father. She stated she was not hear to speak to the character of her father because he had enough people in attendance to speak to that. She reported she was a member of a small, select group that has served as a Councilmember and on the Charter Commission. Rather, she directed her comments to the Council and noted the Charter Commission was a separate body for a reason. She noted there has been contention between the City Council and the Charter Commission for years. She encouraged the Council to be civil and to handle matters professionally. She stated she believed in the work being done by the Charter Commission even though she no longer lives in the community. She encouraged the City Council to not lose the value of the Charter Commission but rather to work together for the betterment of the community. Jerry Peterson, 8125 Red Oak Drive, stated he has been on the Charter Commission for just over four years. He explained during this time he has not seen the type of behavior that was falsely accused by the City Council at their June 3rd worksession meeting. He wondered where the Council got this information. He stated he was shocked by the Council’s behavior at the June 3rd worksession meeting. He indicated each Councilmember made false statements about the Charter Commission members. He commented on a report that was provided to the Council at the worksession meeting and requested this report be provided to the public. He stated the work on the Charter Commission was tedious and somewhat boring. He feared the Council had created such a hostile environment that residents would not want to serve on the Charter Commission. He questioned why the Council had violated their own code of ethics and stated he looked forward to receiving a report from City staff. Wudnesh Gelett Etaffa, 8106 Groveland Road, stated she lived three houses down from Jonathan Thomas’s home. She explained she bought her home in 1997. She discussed her experiences with Jonathan over the years and stated he was a man of high integrity that was always willing to help his friends and neighbors. She stated she was a Christian that moved to the United States from Ethiopia. She indicated she has never seen a person walking the Word of God like Jonathan Thomas. Barbara Haake, 3024 County Road I, stated she has lived in Mounds View for the past 53 years. She explained she watched the May 21st Charter Commission meeting, along with the June 3rd Council worksession. She indicated she did not see anything that was disrespectful but noted the respect of the Mounds View citizens still had to be taken into consideration. She questioned why this was being brought out in such a public forum. She stated it may have been better for the Council to discuss the issues directly with Jonathan Thomas and Brian Amundsen, versus the manner in which the Council proceeded. She feared if the Council had some other ulterior motive. She explained she appreciated the City’s Charter and the work that had been done by Mr. Thomas and Mr. Amundsen. Mounds View City Council June 10, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 5 Grace Thomas, 8040 Groveland Road, stated she has lived in her home in Mounds View for close to 40 years. She explained she was married to Jonathan Thomas and indicated she was humbled by her friends that have made statements regarding the personal value of her husband and Brian Amundsen. She thanked the Council, City Attorney and City Administrator for listening. It was her hope something like this would not occur in the City she loves, ever again. Kay Mori, 8141 Red Oak Court, stated she has lived in this community for 40+ years. She thanked the Council for all that they do for the community. She encouraged the Council and the City to move forward in a positive manner and with forgiveness. Paul Thomas, 5487 Landmark Circle, explained he has lived in Mounds View since he was five years old. He noted he was Jonathan Thomas’s son. He stated he was confused by the emotion that has been brought up regarding the slanderous comments that were made about his father and Brian Amundsen. He commented his dad has forgotten more than he will ever learn in his entire life and was a very wise man. He encouraged the Council to see the value of having a senior member on the Charter Commission and to see the value of the Charter Commission. Mayor Mueller stated based on the discussion of the Council at their June 3rd meeting staff was directed to contact Brian Amundsen and Jonathan Thomas requesting their resignation. She explained the Council was concerned about how uncomfortable some of the Charter Commission members were at the May 21st meeting. She reported the members were so uncomfortable that the Chair resigned and two other members contacted the City Administrator stating they would not stay on the Commission if the senior members remained. She offered an analogy regarding plants in a garden and discussed how the Council was working to assist the Charter Commission in order to allow the group to thrive. She explained the Council had given the Charter Commission direction regarding Special Elections and noted this group had struggled with how to address this issue. She stated it was difficult for her to watch the new Charter Commission Chair not be supported in her role by the senior members on the Charter Commission. She understood that both members would like to continue to serve. She reported the Council has next steps as to the senior Charter Commission members. She noted the Council would continue to debate this matter. She was sorry and apologized to the residents of the community for the action that was taken, but stated she believed it was necessary in order to allow the Charter Commission to thrive. She indicated this was a very difficult decision for the Council to make. She thanked all of the members of the community that came forward and voiced their concerns. Mayor Mueller recessed the City Council meeting at 7:22 p.m. Mayor Mueller reconvened the City Council meeting at 7:28 p.m. 7. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. SWPPP. Public Works Director Peterson reviewed the City’s Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program with the Council. He explained the City was required to provide this information to the public on a yearly basis to comply with permit requirements. He discussed how important it was for Mounds View City Council June 10, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 6 communities to manage stormwater runoff and explained how the Clean Water Act has improved the regions waterways. He reviewed the amount of water that fell in 2018 noting it was the wettest year on record. He discussed the stormwater do’s and don’ts. He encouraged homeowners to keep leaves and grass clippings out of the streets and away from storm drains. He provided further comment on the 2018 BMP activities and asked for comments or questions. Council Member Gunn asked if the City has had any further problems with flushable wipes. Public Works Director Peterson explained this continues to be a concern and encouraged residents to throw away wipes versus flushing them into the sanitary sewer system. Mayor Mueller requested further information regarding the high level of groundwater. Public Works Director Peterson explained the ground always had groundwater but noted the high levels of rain and snow in the last year, there was nowhere for the water to go. He reported there was supposed to be two feet of separation between groundwater and infiltration basins. He commented at this time, there may be only six inches. He commented the groundwater was quite high throughout the City and noted it would take time for the level of the groundwater to be reduced. Barbara Haake, Rice Creek Watershed District representative, thanked staff for the excellent report. She discussed how groundwater levels were high all over the metro area. B. Announcement from the City Administrator. City Administrator Zikmund read an email he received from the Minnesota Women in Government. He explained Council Member Gunn had been chosen by the Minnesota Women in Government Board as the winner for the Minnesota Women in City Government Leadership Award for an Elected Official. He explained this award would be presented to Council Member Gunn at the upcoming League of Minnesota Cities Conference in Duluth, Minnesota. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance. Mayor Mueller congratulated Council Member Gunn for her efforts on behalf of the community and the region. 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Public Hearing: Temporary Liquor Licenses to Allow Ole Piper Inn and Barley John’s Brew Pub to Sell and Distribute On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor at the Mounds View Festival in the Park. This item was removed from the agenda as no application was received. Mayor Mueller opened the public hearing at 7:46 p.m. Theresa Cermak, 2085 Hillview Road, Apartment #1, explained Ole Piper Inn was not interested in providing liquor service for Festival in the Park. She reported the Eagle’s in New Brighton were also not interested. She commented she would be speaking with Barley John’s about Mounds View City Council June 10, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 7 selling and distributing on-sale liquor at Festival in the Park. Hearing no further public input, Mayor Mueller closed the public hearing at 7:48 p.m. B. Resolution 9115, Approving the Renewal of Mounds View Liquor Licenses. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve the renewal of Mounds View liquor licenses. He explained staff had completed all necessary investigations for the six requested licenses and was recommended approval. He noted Moe’s had requested a payment plan and requested the Council direct staff on how to proceed with this matter. Council Member Gunn asked which bill Moe’s was requesting a payment plan for. Finance Director Beer reported this was for Moe’s water bill. He noted the City had not ever allowed for a payment plan in the past. Council Member Meehlhause stated he had concerns with the proposed payment plan and wondered if Moe’s would be able to pay their next quarterly water bill. He noted this was not this establishment’s first delinquency with its bills. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9115, Approving the Renewal of Mounds View Liquor Licenses. Council Member Hull stated either way the City would be made whole and for this reason, he supported the liquor licenses moving forward. Council Member Gunn explained she would be willing to move forward if Moe’s had a more detailed payment plan. Mayor Mueller stated she spent the last 20 years of her professional career in collections with a major retailer. She indicated payment plans were negotiated when appropriate. She explained she did not believe a payment plan was appropriate for this business. She feared it would lead to other establishments requesting payment plans. She reported the liquor license process was not a surprise to Moe’s owner as the liquor license was due at the same time each year. She requested the Resolution be amended to indicate approval of the licenses with conditions that all businesses have passed their fire inspections and that all businesses have fees paid to the City no later than June 30, 2019. AMENDMENT/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To require all businesses to have their fire inspections completed, and that all businesses have fees paid to the City no later than June 30, 2019. Ayes – 2 Nays – (Bergeron, Gunn & Hull) Amendment failed. AMENDMENT/SECOND: Gunn/Bergeron. To have all liquor license businesses be allowed to have one year of payment plans and after that time, must budget accordingly for all City bills and Mounds View City Council June 10, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 8 fees. Finance Director Beer asked if the City could make the liquor license conditioned on making payments per the payment plan. City Attorney Riggs reported this could be done. He advised the Council they had the discretion to deviate from City Ordinance to allow for a payment plan to be put in place. Council Member Bergeron offered a friendly amendment to the amendment stating this was a onetime deal for Moe’s. Council Member Gunn accepted this friendly amendment. Ayes – 1 Nays – 1 (Mueller) Amendment carried. Council Member Meehlhause commented in past years the City has had situations with fire inspections. He noted this was not the first time this Resolution has been before the Council where issues still had to be remedied by June 30th. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Amended Motion carried. C. Resolution 9116, Approving the Renewal of Mounds View Business Licenses (Non-Liquor). City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve the renewal of the Mounds View business licenses. He reviewed the businesses requesting renewals and noted there were several that had pending items that had to be resolved by June 30th. Council Member Gunn asked if Curbside had requested a business license. City Administrator Zikmund reported this business had not requested a renewal and noted he would reach out to this business. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9116, Approving the Renewal of Mounds View Business Licenses (Non-Liquor). Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 9123, Approving the Bid and Awarding a Contract to Dering Pearson Group for the City Hall/Police Remodel Project. Public Works Director Peterson requested the Council approve the bid and award a contract to Dering Pearson Group for the City Hall/Police remodeling project. He explained staff has been working on this project for some time and in May the Council authorized the project to be bid. He reported the low bid was submitted by Dering Pearson for a total of $259,691. He further discussed the improvements that would be completed at City Hall and at the Police Department including the alternates for this project. The project timeline was reviewed with the Council and Mounds View City Council June 10, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 9 staff recommended approval of the contract. Mayor Mueller asked why the City would have to pay SAC charges. Public Works Director Peterson stated this was because a new shower facility would be added. Council Member Meehlhause requested further information on the differences between the hard and soft interview areas. Public Works Director Peterson discussed the differences between the hard and soft interview rooms within the Police Department. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9123, Approving the Bid and Awarding a Contract to Dering Pearson Group for the City Hall/Police Remodel Project. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 9124, Approving the Replacement of Roof Top Unit #4 at City Hall. Public Works Director Peterson requested the Council approve the replacement of roof top unit #4 at City Hall. He explained the fan for this unit failed last week. He noted this unit was 21 years old and was in need of replacement. He indicated this expense was not budgeted for 2019 and noted a budget adjustment would be required to fund this rooftop unit expense. Staff provided further comment on the roof top unit replacement and recommended approval. Council Member Bergeron questioned what the life expectancy was for this roof top unit. Public Works Director Peterson reported these units typically last 15 to 20 years. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9124, Approving the Replacement of Roof Top Unit #4 at City Hall. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Gunn thanked everyone who showed up at Von Hansen’s last Saturday for the Mounds View Police Foundation fundraiser. She estimated the event raised just over $300. Council Member Gunn stated on Monday, June 17th there would be a bike safety rally sponsored by the Mounds View Police Department at the Library from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. She explained bike helmets would be available for $10 and a drawing would be held for a girl’s bike and a boy’s bike. Council Member Gunn reported the Festival in the Park Committee would meet next on Tuesday, June 18th at 7:00 p.m. at the Mounds View Community Center. Mounds View City Council June 10, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 10 Council Member Meehlhause stated the YMCA Advisory Committee met last Monday where it was noted a part-time senior programmer was hired. He noted summer programming at the YMCA began this week. He reviewed the field and event center usage for 2019 with the Council. Council Member Meehlhause reviewed his upcoming meeting schedule. He explained the Mounds View Business Council would be meeting on Wednesday, June 12th at the Mermaid at 7:30 a.m. He noted he would be attending an NYFS Executive Committee meeting on Thursday, June 13th and an NYFS HR Committee meeting on Wednesday, June 19th. Council Member Bergeron stated he attended a Cable Commission meeting last week. He noted CenturyLink had under paid on their franchise fees and would be making an adjustment. He cautioned people from signing contracts with cable companies as they may have language that includes the placement of wireless infrastructure on homes. He explained the National League of Cities was working with the FCC to address this concern. Council Member Bergeron requested staff be directed to compose a letter of condolences and support to the Council, staff and residents of Virginia Beach, Virginia for the recent events that occurred at their municipal facility. MOTION/SECOND: Bergeron/Gunn. To direct staff to compose a letter of condolences and support to the Council, staff and residents of Virginia Beach, Virginia for the recent events that occurred at their municipal facility. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mayor Mueller stated she had several conversations over the weekend regarding barking dogs. She encouraged residents with concerns to contact City Hall to make the Code Enforcement Officer aware of the matter. Mayor Mueller explained she was also contacted by residents concerning the high-water table and sump pumps that were running 24 hours a day. She indicated she was praying for a dry spell to allow the water in the City to dry up. Mayor Mueller reported the Ramsey County League of Local Government would be meeting on Thursday, June 13th in Shoreview at 5:00 p.m. Mayor Mueller commented Festival in the Park would be held at Silver View Park this year on Saturday, August 17th. Mayor Mueller indicated the splash pad at City Hall Park was nearing completion. She anticipated the splash pad would be open shortly after the 4th of July. Council Member Hull reported some landlords were not completing background checks and were not fixing buildings. He asked what the City could do to help these residents. City Mounds View City Council June 10, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 11 Administrator Zikmund stated he had forwarded these concerns to Community Development Director Sevald and Jacob Martin requesting they pull together a summary of how to address these matters. He suggested the Council discuss this matter further at an upcoming worksession meeting. Mayor Mueller encouraged residents to visit the corner of Groveland and Arden where Ernie and Janette Laport have two lending libraries. She noted Janette does a story time every other Tuesday beginning at 10:00 a.m. She noted story time would be held on Tuesday, June 11th, June 25th, July 9th, July 23rd, August 6th and August 20th at 10:00 a.m. B. Reports of Staff. Public Works Director Peterson stated an informational Open House would be held for the residents along Long Lake Road on Tuesday, June 11th to discuss the upcoming street improvements. He explained the Fire House pavement was done and the Silver View Park had the first lift of asphalt. He reported seal coating work would begin on Monday, June 17th. Public Works Director Peterson updated the Council on the splash pad and noted this amenity should be open for use by early July. Mayor Mueller recommended a ribbon cutting ceremony be held for the splash pad. City Administrator Zikmund reported the EDA would be meeting on Monday, June 24th at 5:30 p.m. City Administrator Zikmund explained he was continuing to visit Tires N’More to investigate that property and has not yet been able to make contact with a property owner. City Administrator Zikmund reported the new traffic car began service on June 10th and would be dedicated solely to traffic stops. 1. Charter Commission Membership City Administrator Zikmund discussed the concerns that were raised regarding the Charter Commission. He explained the Council was concerned with the functionality and high level of turnover on this Commission. He stated he has attended every Commission meeting since he began serving as the City Administrator. He noted he had recruited new members and a new Chair. He discussed the meetings he held with the new Chair to immerse her in the rules and procedures of this group. He reported the new Chair served at the March meeting and resigned shortly after the May meeting. He commented he received notice from two other Charter Commission members that they too would be resigning. He stated in his May 28th report to the Council he expressed concern with the functionality of this group along with the ability to find and retain members. The Council then directed staff to place this item on a worksession agenda. He explained the City Attorney has spoken to the importance of having a full compliment on the Charter Commission in order to be functional. He reported staff was directed by the Council to Mounds View City Council June 10, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 12 contact Mr. Amundsen and Mr. Thomas requesting each resign their position from the Charter Commission and that a letter be directed to the judge stressing the need for a functional group. He noted he reached out to Mr. Amundsen and Mr. Thomas last Tuesday. City Administrator Zikmund explained this group has gone from a full complement down to three members again. City Attorney Riggs thanked City Administrator Zikmund for his thorough report on this matter. He explained he had worked with Mr. Amundsen and Mr. Thomas for many years. He respected both gentlemen but explained something within this group had to change whether that was the removal of members or changing of members in order for this group to be functional. He commented he worked with three other Charter Commissions and none operate the way Mounds View does. He stated it was very important to have a full compliment in order to make recommendations and decisions. He indicated it has taken decades for the City to reach a full compliment and now the group was down three members again. He stated he did not know what the perfect solution was. He anticipated the Council would have to deal with the members that were on the group in order to make this group functional again. He explained the Council had the right to make recommendations to the judge in order to get a full compliment on the Charter Commission. Council Member Gunn suggested the Mayor, City Attorney, City Administrator, and one other Council Member sit down with Mr. Amundsen and Mr. Thomas to discuss the situation further, along with the the Charter members who would be resigning their positions. Council Member Meehlhause supported this recommendation stating this would be a good starting point. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To direct staff to hold a meeting between the Mayor, City Attorney Riggs, City Administrator Zikmund, and Council Member Bergeron with Brian Amundsen and Jonathan Thomas to discuss the situation further, along with the former Chair of the Charter Commission and the other members that would be resigning their positions. City Administrator Zikmund stated he tried to reach out to the members that want to resign their position and indicated these members may not want to attend a sit-down meeting to further discuss this situation. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mary Kay Walsh-Kaczmarik, 8345 Pleasant View Drive, suggested the Council clarify what the Charter Commission should be doing and what the goals are for this organization. Council Member Gunn stated she did not want this to be the discussion, but rather wanted an open meeting to be held to address the personality issues that needed to be resolved. Council Member Hull explained he did not want to be receiving any further emails or seeing any other comments being raised regarding the City Administrator. Mounds View City Council June 10, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 13 C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 10. Next Council Work Session: Monday, July 1, 2019, at 6:30 p.m. Next EDA Meeting: Monday, June 24, 2019, at 5:30 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, June 24, 2019, at 6:30 p.m. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:23 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.