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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2020/10/26APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting October 26, 2020 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112 6:30 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER Mayor Mueller stated due to the COVID-19 pandemic this meeting would be held virtually. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Bergeron, Gunn, Hull, Meehlhause, Mueller NOT PRESENT: None. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, October 26, 2020, City Council Agenda. City Administrator Zikmund reported Steve Markuson had a presentation for the Council that would be given under Special Order of Business. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Approve the Monday, October 26, 2020, agenda as amended. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of Minutes: October 12, 2020. B. Resolution 9325, Adoption of a Fair Housing Policy. C. Just and Correct Claims. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Bergeron. To Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. A roll call vote was taken. Mounds View City Council October 26, 2020 Regular Meeting Page 2 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. PUBLIC COMMENT Joe Sullivan, 7875 Woodlawn Drive, stated with the YMCA contract not being renewed there were questions about youth sports activities. He reported he represents the Irondale Youth Baseball board. He explained he had interest in helping with future youth baseball programs. He questioned who he should reach out to for future discussions. Mayor Mueller encouraged all questions to be directed to Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson. Michael Hanson, 2401 Mounds View Boulevard, stated he represented the Irondale Baseball Association. He explained his organization was interested in moving its youth teams over to the City’s parks and recreation program. He reported in the past three years his association has paid over $10,000 in field costs. He commented this was a concern to him given the condition of the fields. He stated there was some work that needed to be done to the City’s fields. 7. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Resolution 9322, Recognizing Twin City Gateway Executive Director Steve Markuson. Steve Markuson, Executive Director of Twin Cities Gateway, thanked the Council for their time. He provided the Council with a presentation on this most unusual year and discussed how the tourism industry has been impacted. He provided an overview on the impact tourism has on the State of Minnesota noting pre-COVID this was a $16 billion industry with 69% of Minnesota’s visitor spending occurring in the metro area. He described how economic development and jobs follow tourism. He discussed the new website that was constructed in the last year. He reviewed the print publication resources that were invested in for marketing purposes, noting there were a number of digital and online tactics in place. He stated one of his goals was to enhance non-peak period business, especially in the third and fourth quarter. He noted Al Stauffacher participated in a tourism and leadership course from the U of MN. Al Stauffecker discussed how the sports world had been impacted in 2020. He reported the majority of the events had been postponed versus being canceled. He commented on the US Figure Skating event that would be held at the Super Rink in November. He indicated he had been marketing events virtually due to COVID. He discussed the events that were being bid on and noted the 3M Open would be brought back to Blaine in 2021. Mr. Markuson thanked Council Member Meehlhause for representing Mounds View well at Twin Cities Gateway. Council Member Meehlhause requested an update on the Twin Cities Gateway staffing model going forward. Mr. Markuson reported he would be hanging up his hat on December 31, 2020. He explained this had been a tremendous career opportunity for him and he was looking forward to retirement. He indicated Al Stauffecker would be replacing him as the Executive Director Mounds View City Council October 26, 2020 Regular Meeting Page 3 effective January 1, 2021. He stated Natalie Conrad would be brought onboard on November 2, 2020 to assist with marketing and communication services. He thanked the City of Mounds View for their continued support and partnership over the years. Mayor Mueller thanked Mr. Markuson for his dedicated service to Twin City Gateway and to the City of Mounds View. Council Member Meehlhause read Resolution 9322 in full for the record recognizing Steve Markuson as the Executive Director of Twin City Gateway. He stated it had been a real pleasure to serve on the Twin City Gateway Board and to work with Mr. Markuson over the years. He wished Mr. Markuson all the best in his retirement. He congratulated Al Stauffecker on his new position with Twin City Gateway. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull. To Adopt Resolution 9322, Recognizing Twin City Gateway Executive Director Steve Markuson. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Public Hearing to Receive Public Input and Pass Upon Resolution 9329 Adopting a Special Assessment Levy for Delinquent Public Utility Accounts. Finance Director Beer requested the Council pass a Resolution adopting a special assessment levy for delinquent public utility accounts. He explained the Council took this action once a year to certify outstanding payments for collection with property taxes. He stated many residents have already paid and he anticipated several more would pay prior to the fees being sent to the County. He commented further on the process that would be followed by the City to certify these special assessments and recommended approval of the Resolution. Mayor Mueller opened the public hearing at 7:15 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Mueller closed the public hearing at 7:16 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9329, Adopting a Special Assessment Levy for Delinquent Public Utility Accounts. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Public Hearing to Receive Public Input and Pass Upon Resolution 9330 Adopting a Special Assessment Levy for Unpaid Abatement Charges and Unpaid Diseased Tree Charges. Mounds View City Council October 26, 2020 Regular Meeting Page 4 Finance Director Beer requested the Council adopt a special assessment levy for unpaid abatement charges and unpaid diseased tree charges. He explained the Council took this action once a year to certify outstanding payments for collection with property taxes. He stated many residents have paid and he anticipated several more would pay prior to the fees being sent to the County. He commented further on the process that would be followed by the City to certify the unpaid abatement charges and unpaid diseased tree charges and recommended approval of the Resolution. Mayor Mueller opened the public hearing at 7:18 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Mueller closed the public hearing at 7:19 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9330, Adopting a Special Assessment Levy for Unpaid Abatement Charges and Unpaid Diseased Tree Charges. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 9326, Approving a Job Description for Assistant City Administrator. Human Resources Coordinator Ewald requested the Council approve a job description for the Assistant City Administrator position. She reported Brian Beeman was appointed to this position on January 1, 2019 and the job description was inadvertently omitted from the approval process. Staff requested approval of Resolution 9326 in order to correct this matter. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9326, Approving a Job Description for Assistant City Administrator. Council Member Meehlhause thanked staff for drafting a thorough job description for this position. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 9327, Approving the Hire of Andrew Thomas to Position of Park and Recreation Superintendent. Human Resources Coordinator Ewald requested the Council approve the hire of Andrew Thomas to the position of Park and Recreation Superintendent. She reported the City would be taking over operations of the Park and Recreation Department. She noted staff has been in negotiations with Mr. Thomas for the position of Park and Recreation Superintendent starting at Step 2 and after a six month probationary period would move to Step 3. If approved, Mr. Thomas would become a City of Mounds View employee effective October 31st and benefits would begin on December 1st. Mounds View City Council October 26, 2020 Regular Meeting Page 5 City Administrator Zikmund reported Mr. Thomas was very excited to be working for the City of Mounds View. He noted the YMCA has been very accommodating as the City works through the transition. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9327, Approving the Hire of Andrew Thomas to Position of Park and Recreation Superintendent. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 9328, Authorizing Withdrawal from Superink Agreement. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council authorize withdrawal from the Superink Agreement. He explained this agreement predates him and many of the Council Members. He indicated when the Superink began they had to issue debt and the cities became the agents to issue this debt. He reported staff was recommending the City withdraw from the previous agreement in order to allow the Superink to work with local hockey associations going forward. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9328, Authorizing Withdrawal from Superink Agreement. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. F. Resolution 9331, Authorize Sanitary Sewer Line Repairs – CIPP (Cured-In- Place Pipe). Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council authorize sanitary sewer line repairs through a cured in place pipe (CIPP) process. He explained after televising several lines his crew found several lines that need repairs. He reviewed the bids staff received for these repairs and recommended Insituform complete this work. MOTION/SECOND: Bergeron/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9331, Authorize Sanitary Sewer Line Repairs – CIPP (Cured-In-Place Pipe). A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. G. Resolution 9332, Authorizing Recruitment Process for Police Officer. Human Resources Coordinator Ewald requested the Council authorize the recruitment process for a Police Officer. She reported Officer Kiersten Heineman has submitted her resignation effective December 3rd. Staff would like to begin the recruitment process now. She discussed how police Mounds View City Council October 26, 2020 Regular Meeting Page 6 recruitment was becoming increasingly difficult given the fact the number of students in these programs was declining. City Administrator Ewald reported the City of Mounds View has a difficult time competing with other agencies that were offering signing bonuses and higher pay. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9332, Authorizing Recruitment Process for Police Officer. Council Member Gunn stated she was moving to approve the Resolution with much gratitude to Officer Heineman. Council Member Meehlhause wished Officer Heineman all the best and thanked her for her dedicated service to the community. Council Member Bergeron commented it was with much sadness he would be supporting this Resolution. He indicated Officer Heineman has been a strong contributor to the City and the Mounds View Police Department. Mayor Mueller agreed stating Officer Heineman would be dearly missed by the community. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. H. Resolution 9333, Providing Advice to Court on Charter Commission Appointments. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council provide advice to the Court for the Charter Commission appointments. He explained this was not a new process as the Council has given advice to the court in the past. He reported the Charter Commission has five members that have terms that end in December. He discussed the process that was followed for Charter Commission seats and requested the Council adopt a Resolution providing advice on the appointments. Mayor Mueller opened the meeting to public comment. Dennis Erickson reported he had no comment. Jonathan Thomas stated he has been serving on the Charter Commission for the past 21 years. He explained it has been his experience that all existing members that were eligible were offered the opportunity to continue on the Commission. He reported he would not be seeking an officer position. Rebecca Scholl indicated she was not up for reconsideration but was observing the meeting. Mayor Mueller closed the meeting to public comment. Mounds View City Council October 26, 2020 Regular Meeting Page 7 Mayor Mueller asked if the Council had the opportunity to review the eight applications. The Council had reviewed the applications. Council Member Hull noted the five members he supported (AEFGH). Council Member Gunn, Council Member Bergeron and Council Member Meehlhause stated they supported the same five candidates as Council Member Hull. Mayor Mueller reviewed the members she would like to support by the Charter Commission appointments (HEFGA). MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9333, Providing Advice to Court on Charter Commission Appointments. Mayor Mueller thanked all who submitted an application to the Mounds View Charter Commission. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Gunn stated on behalf of the Mounds View Lions she wanted to thank all of the residents who attended the waffle breakfast on Saturday, October 24th. Council Member Meehlhause explained last Thursday he attended an NYFS Board of Director’s meeting noting CARES Act funding from other NYFS municipal partners was reviewed. He questioned if the Mounds View Council would want to contribute $5,000in CARES Act dollars to NYFS. Council Member Gunn supported this recommendation. City Administrator Zikmund suggested the Council discuss this further at the November 2nd worksession meeting. The Council supported this recommendation. Council Members Bergeron and Hull had no reports. Mayor Mueller thanked the Mounds View Police Department and Foundation for their participation in the pink patch project, which was a breast cancer fundraiser. Another order of pink patches has been placed. She commended Dorianne Jarchow for sharing and spreading her Halloween spirit in the community. Mounds View City Council October 26, 2020 Regular Meeting Page 8 Council Member Gunn reported the Mounds View Lions would be providing a $50 prize to the best decorated house in Mounds View. It was noted judging would occur on Wednesday, October 28th. Mayor Mueller stated she had the privilege of speaking for the Victory in Praise faith organization last Saturday. She noted this group has an athletic program called BallN4 Christ who held a 2nd annual All Star game and breast cancer fundraiser at the Mounds View Community Center. Mayor Mueller reported 614 more people have tested positive for COVID-19. She noted Governor Walz believes the next 6 to 12 weeks are critical. Mayor Mueller welcomed home the military members that were deployed on September 19, 2019. They will be returning over the next three weeks. Mayor Mueller thanked North Chamber of Commerce Director John Connelly for working with Clear Channel to provide PSA messages on the Clear Channel billboards in Mounds View and New Brighton along 35W. John designed and submitted the graphics and messages that are displayed to support local businesses. Mayor Mueller indicated the City Council was supposed to have held a Closed Session meeting on Tuesday, October 20th. She noted this meeting was not held because there were heating issues at City Hall. She reported this meeting would be rescheduled to November. Mayor Mueller stated the Ramsey County League of Local Government met on Monday, October 19th and focused its discussion on mental health. Mayor Mueller listed the informative training webinars produced by the League of Minnesota Cities for elected City officials and staff. She highlighted some upcoming topics covered in the November webinars. B. Reports of Staff. Finance Director Beer reported with the transition occurring at the Community Center the City would need to assume the lease on the photocopier or buy a new one. He reviewed the numbers noting there were 31 months left on the lease or $9,672. He explained a photocopier could be purchased for $5,412 from the State contract. He requested the Council make a motion to approve the purchase from the State contract MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Approve the Purchase of a Photocopier from the State Contract through Loeffler for an amount not to exceed $5,412. Mayor Mueller thanked Finance Director Beer for researching this matter on behalf of the City Council. A roll call vote was taken. Mounds View City Council October 26, 2020 Regular Meeting Page 9 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson commented on a sewer pipe on Silver Lake Road that needed repairs in the City. City Administrator Zikmund stated Ramsey County elections has asked for City to set aside time on Thursday, November 12th to canvas the election results. The Council supported staff setting a Special City Council meeting to canvas the election results on Thursday, November 12th at 4:00 p.m. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council select a date and time in order to reschedule the Closed Session meeting that was canceled in October. The Council supported meeting on Tuesday, November 10th at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Mueller encouraged all residents to get out and vote, if they have not already, on Tuesday, November 3rd. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 10. Next Council Work Session: Monday, November 2, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, November 9, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:19 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial