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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2019/11/12PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting November 12, 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. Tuesday, November 12, 2019, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Approve the Tuesday, November 12, 2019, agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of Minutes: October 28, 2019 November 4, 2019 (Special Meeting) B. Just and Correct Claims. C. Resolution 9182, Approving the 2020 Score Recycling Grant Request to Ramsey County. D. Resolution 9184, Approving submittal of Application for Minnesota Pollution Control Agency 0% Loan Program Application. E. Resolution 9189, Amending the Floating Holiday provision of the Personnel Manual. F. Resolution 9190, Approving Severance for Andy Nelson, Parks/Forestry Maintenance Worker. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Bergeron. To Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. PUBLIC COMMENT Mounds View City Council November 12, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 2 Bill Morrie, 8141 Red Oak Court, explained he has been a resident of Mounds View for the past 45 years. He commented on a petition that was signed on August 5th to remove Brian Amundsen from the Charter Commission. He explained time did not permit him to discuss all of the rationale behind the City’s decision. He understood that the City believed the Charter Commission was not able to work effectively operate due to Brian’s actions and specifically his conduct at the May 21, 2019 meeting. He reported City Attorney Riggs represented the City at the court hearing and Brian defended himself. He was of the opinion that several City Council meetings and other City meetings defamed and dishonored Brian’s good reputation in Mounds View. He commented this was a great source of anguish for both Brian and his wife. He reviewed the findings from Judge Guthman noting the Judge found Brian Amundsen to be polite and courteous. He reported differing opinions and outlooks are generally desirable features for memberships in a public body. He explained the petition to remove Brian Amundsen was dismissed and the petition was denied. Kay Morrie, 8141 Red Oak Court, stated the petition to remove Brian Amundsen from the City of Mounds View Charter Commission was denied and the petition was dismissed. She explained Brian could retain his position with the Charter Commission. She indicated the allegations brought against Brian were a source of public dishonor to his reputation and harmed him personally. She hoped that by publicly reviewing the judge’s findings that Brian’s reputation in this community be restored to the high honor it deserved. She requested an apology from the City Council. She reported she has known Brian Amundsen for many years and she believed he was a man of integrity. Brian Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, stated throughout the summer he attended meetings where he was being attacked for his actions as well as on his character and service to the community. He explained he received the blessings of God’s wisdom, support from his wife Valerie, his children and friends, along with fortitude to withstand the false allegations and court hearing. He reported the request to remove him from the Charter Commission has been denied by the District Court Judge because the Judge found him to be both courteous and polite. He stated the court found the characterizations of his actions from May 21st were untrue and that he was not the cause of the Commission’s vacancies in the past or at present. He indicated the Charter Commission may conduct business when a quorum is present per the Commission’s bylaws. He explained the effectiveness of the Charter was not based on what the work is, or whether amendments were passed or not. He stated the court found the removal request did not meet a legal cause standard which was set back in 1893 by the Minnesota Supreme Court. He shared information with Mounds View residents stating Charter amendments require two of three groups (City Council, Charter Commission and Mounds View residents) to make an amendment. He reported one group could not make an amendment without the agreement of another group. He discussed how the City’s charter preserves government control and provides the ability to referendum, petition on Ordinances and to limit annual levies. He stated he would continue to be a custodian of the City’s Charter, to preserve the citizen’s rights contained within, and through God’s justice he enjoyed the love and support of his wife, family and friends. Mounds View City Council November 12, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 3 Valerie Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, stated she was married to Brian Amundsen. She indicated she was incredibly proud of her husband and how he has conducted himself in the face of horrendous personal attacks over the past summer. She explained she has also witnessed amazing grace and support from the community. She commented after three months of waiting she received news that the judge ruled in Brian’s favor and that he had not done anything wrong. She indicated Brian would not be removed from the Charter Commission as the Judge saw through the incredible bias of the City. She reported Brian could have quit this position, but he did not do anything wrong and there was injustice at hand. She commended her husband for remaining calm through this entire ordeal and stated she was extremely proud of him. She encouraged those interested in reading through the court documentation to contact City Hall. She reviewed the findings from Judge Guthman and expressed the importance of having a variety of opinions within public organizations. It was her hope the City Council would issue a public apology for all the City has put her husband and herself through. 7. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS None. 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Resolution 9187, Conduct a Hearing Denying a Rental Dwelling License, and Authorizing an Order to Vacate the Premises of 5067 Irondale Road due to Violation of Mounds View City Code Chapter 1012 (Rental Dwelling License). Community Development Director Sevald requested the Council hold a hearing and deny a rental dwelling license for the property at 5067 Irondale Road. He explained this property has been a rental since 2017. He commented on the numerous police calls that have been generated by this property. He reported staff would recommend this property not be occupied as a rental. He indicated notice of this meeting and the recommendation of staff was sent to the property owner. It was noted property owner’s intent would be to have the current tenants vacate the property and to sell the property. He stated the property owner could request another rental license in one year. City Administrator Zikmund explained he had a conversation with the property owner today regarding the multiple violations and the property owner was remorseful and contrite. He discussed the issues with the property owner and notification was sent to the tenants. He reported the property owner would like to renovate the space and reapply for a rental license sooner than one year. He indicated the City’s current policy was described to the property owner. Council Member Hull stated Mr. Sean Haller works for Coldwell Banker and was a realtor. He expressed concern that the property owner had not requested a rental license when he purchased the home in 2017. City Administrator Zikmund explained the property owner was very apologetic and knew he was supposed to have a rental license. He reported the property owner shared his intent was to sell the property originally and then his plans changed given the strong housing market. Mounds View City Council November 12, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 4 Council Member Bergeron asked if the property were to sell prior to one year if the new owner could request a rental license. Community Development Director Sevald stated the new owner could request a rental license and the property would be subject to an inspection. Council Member Hull reported there were six documented crimes tied to this property which included robbery, burglary, CSC, assault and shots fired. He questioned if the City of Mounds View would be better off without these residents living in the community. Police Chief Harder stated the data speaks for itself with respect to this property. Mayor Mueller indicated this property has had 32 police calls. Council Member Gunn explained these residents were not being kicked out because the property did not have a rental license, but rather because the property has had 32 police incidents. This was why the tenants were being evicted. City Administrator Zikmund thanked Neighborhood Resource Officer Heineman for working with the Code Enforcement Department. Police Chief Harder explained Officer Heineman recognized a problem and after partnering with City staff was able to take action against the property. Council Member Bergeron stated this was a tremendous show of appropriate action given the problems that have occurred at this property. He thanked Officer Heineman and Code Enforcement Official Martin for addressing this concern. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9187, Conduct a Hearing Denying a Rental Dwelling License, and Authorizing an Order to Vacate the Premises of 5067 Irondale Road due to Violation of Mounds View City Code Chapter 1012 (Rental Dwelling License). Council Member Meehlhause thanked Jacob Martin and Kirsten Heineman for their great work on this matter. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 9185, A Resolution Approving the City of Mounds View 2020 Fee Schedule. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve the City of Mounds View 2020 Fee Schedule. He noted the proposed fee schedule was reviewed by the Council at a recent worksession meeting. He explained the lateral sewer line fee was included in the fee schedule. Staff commented further on the proposed fee schedule and recommended approval. Council Member Gunn asked if fees were proposed for the splash pad pavilion. City Administrator Zikmund reviewed these fees with the Council. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9185, A Resolution Approving the City of Mounds View 2020 Fee Schedule. Mounds View City Council November 12, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 5 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 9188, Approving JPA with City of Spring Lake Park to provide Building Official Services. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve a joint powers agreement with the City of Spring Lake Park to provide building official services. He reported this JPA would be an opportunity for the City to continue its relationship with the City of Spring Lake Park. He described the services the City of Mounds View would provide to Spring Lake Park and recommended approval of the JPA. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9188, Approving JPA with City of Spring Lake Park to provide Building Official Services. Council Member Bergeron stated he appreciated the joint efforts between Mounds View and Spring Lake Park. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 9186, Approving the 2017 Municipal Inflow and Infiltration Grant Request to the Metropolitan Council. Public Works Director Peterson requested the Council approve the 2017 Municipal Inflow and Infiltration grant request to the Met Council. He discussed the Met Council grant program and noted the City had participated in this program since 2014. He commented further on the proposed grant program and recommended approval of the request. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9186, Approving the 2017 Municipal Inflow and Infiltration Grant Request to the Metropolitan Council. Mayor Mueller thanked staff for applying for this grant. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Gunn reported on Saturday, November 16th a waffle breakfast and bake sale would be held at the Community Center from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The event would help support the Mounds View Police Foundation. She commented the event would also have a coat drive. Mounds View City Council November 12, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 6 Council Member Meehlhause reviewed the meetings he would be attending over the next two weeks. He stated he would be attending a League of Minnesota Cities / Metro Cities meeting on Thursday, November 14th and on Tuesday, November 19th he would be attending a Convention Bureau Board meeting. He commented on Wednesday, November 20th he would be attending two NYFS meetings. Council Member Meehlhause reported he received a card in the mail from David Piskorski stating he and his wife are touring Europe and were nice enough to send him a card. Council Member Bergeron stated he was looking forward to attending the waffle breakfast on Saturday morning. Mayor Mueller reported on Thursday, November 21st she would be attending the Ramsey County League of Local Government annual meeting. Mayor Mueller commented Monday, November 11th was Veterans Day. She thanked all of the veterans in the community for their dedicated service. Mayor Mueller stated on Saturday, November 16th there would be a ceremony at St. John the Baptist for two Eagle Scouts. Mayor Mueller indicated the City sent notice to property owners that live near Crossroad Pointe regarding the Graystone Flats development. She reported the developer would be setting footings yet this fall and construction would begin next spring. She stated she was proud of the fact this property would be back on the tax rolls. B. Reports of Staff. City Administrator Zikmund stated the Council would be holding a Closed Session meeting on Monday, November 25th. He was pleased the City had six developers with proposals for the Skyline property. Finance Director Beer reported the Truth In Taxation meeting was scheduled for Monday, December 2nd. Mayor Mueller suggested the six presentations be split between November 25th and December 2nd. City Administrator Zikmund reviewed the items the Council would be addressing at the upcoming worksession meeting. City Administrator Zikmund stated Deputy Chief Steve Menard has submitted his paperwork for retirement and he believed his last day would be Wednesday, November 27th. Mounds View City Council November 12, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 7 The Council discussed whether to hold an EDA meeting on November 25th and it was the consensus to hold the EDA meeting at 6:00 p.m. and the Council meeting would start at 7:30 p.m. and then the “closed session” would follow the end of the Council meeting. Mayor Mueller wished Andy Nelson all the best in his new position and thanked him for his dedicated service to the City of Mounds View. C. Reports of City Attorney. There was nothing additional to report. 10. Next Council Work Session: Monday, December 2, 2019, at 6:30 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, November 25, 2019, at 6:30 p.m. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:46 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.