Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2020/11/23APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting November 23, 2020 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112 6:44 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, November 23, 2020, City Council Agenda. Mayor Mueller requested the agenda be amended to have Item 8C indicate approving Resolution 9348. MOTION/SECOND: Bergeron/Meehlhause. To Approve the Monday, November 23, 2020, agenda as amended. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of Minutes: November 9, 2020. B. Just and Correct Claims. C. Resolution 9343, Approving a Lease Agreement Renewal with Dippin Chocolate, LLC, for Use of Kitchen Space in the Mounds View Community Center. D. Resolution 9346, Providing for the Sale of $6,140,000 General Obligation Water Revenue Bonds, Series 2020A. E. Resolution 9347, Authorizing the City to Enter Into a Credit Enhancement Program Agreement with the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority. Mounds View City Council November 23, 2020 Regular Meeting Page 2 F. Resolution 9349, Approving a Cost of Living Adjustment, Insurance Contribution, and Insurance Opt-Out Payment Amounts for 2021. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. PUBLIC COMMENT None. 7. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS None. 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Resolution 9344, Approving Various Appointments to the City of Mounds View’s Boards, Commissions and Committees. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve various appointments to the City of Mound View’s Boards, Commissions and Committees. He noted Commissioner Rundle recently resigned via email from the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Commission. He reviewed the appointments in further detail with the Council and recommended approval. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained the three applicants for the Park, Recreation and Forestry Commission were in attendance. He noted the Commission would recommend all three candidates. Community Development Director Sevald indicated the Planning Commission had three open seats at the end of 2020. He reported two members reapplied and a third member of the community applied. He noted staff received one additional application after the deadline. Mayor Mueller encouraged staff to reach out to the late applicant to reapply again next year. Community Development Director Sevald stated he would reach out to this individual. Council Member Meehlhause explained Park, Recreation and Forestry Commissioner Gary Rundle has one year left on his term. He asked if the Council had to decide who would fill this one year term. City Attorney Riggs reported this was the case and requested the Council designate one of the candidates for this specific seat. Kris Lillemo explained he would be willing to fill the one year term for the Park, Recreation and Forestry Commission. Mayor Mueller thanked Mr. Lillemo for stepping forward. Gerald Arel addressed the Council and thanked them for their consideration. He stated he began Mounds View City Council November 23, 2020 Regular Meeting Page 3 serving on the Park, Recreation and Forestry Commission in 2006. He explained he looked forward to continuing his service with this Commission. Laura Wake Wiesner stated she has lived in Mounds View for the past five years. She discussed the importance of parks and recreation to the community. She noted she worked for the City of St. Paul as the Senior Manager of Como Park and Conservatory. She stated she looked forward to serving the community. Kris Lillemo explained he has lived in Mounds View for 14 years and grew up in Mounds View. He noted he lives near Random Park. He stated he has used parks all his life and he looked forward to serving the City on the Parks Commission. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9344, Approving Various Appointments to the City of Mounds View’s Boards, Commissions and Committees as discussed. Council Member Meehlhause thanked Park Commissioner Gary Rundle for being willing to step down to allow a new member of the community to serve. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 973, Amending Chapter 1130 of the Mounds View Municipal Code Adopting Certain Rules of the Rice Creek Watershed District Regarding Stormwater Management. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council consider adopting an Ordinance that would amend Chapter 1130 of Mounds View City Code adopting certain rules of the Rice Creek Watershed District regarding stormwater management. He reported this item was reviewed in detail two weeks ago by the Council and explained the City was proposing to take over the permitting process for the watershed district. He explained the City has not received any feedback or objections from the public regarding this Ordinance. Staff recommended approval of the Ordinance. Mayor Mueller asked where the Ordinance summary would be published. City Administrator Zikmund stated this would occur in the Shoreview Press. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Gunn. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt 973, Amending Chapter 1130 of the Mounds View Municipal Code Adopting Certain Rules of the Rice Creek Watershed District Regarding Stormwater Management. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council November 23, 2020 Regular Meeting Page 4 C. Resolution 9348, Regarding the Administration of the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act. Community Development Director Sevald requested the Council adopt a Resolution regarding the administration of the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act. He explained this action was being taken as a direct result of Ordinance 973. He reported the City had to give notice to the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources of the City’s intent to take over as the LGU as of January 1, 2021. He then discussed the steps that would be taken to review each application related to administering the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9348, Regarding the Administration of the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 9345, Approving Automobile Sales License Request from Richard R. Herod, III, Rydell Auto Outlet and Garage, LLC (DBA The Bear Lot) at 2375 Mounds View Boulevard. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council consider approving an automobile sales license request from Richard R. Herod, III with Rydell Auto Outlet and Garage for the property at 2375 Mounds View Boulevard. He explained City Ordinance requires official Council action whenever the ownership changes for auto dealerships. He noted Mr. Herod was not new to the community but rather the dealership was moving from three owners to one. Staff commented further on the request and recommended approval. Richard Herod, III, Rydell Auto Outlet and Garage (The Bear Lot), introduced himself to the Council and discussed the long history he had with car sales. He noted he began working with the Saturn franchise and he has since worked for White Bear Lake Mitsubishi. He explained he was in need of additional space for his business to recondition and repair cars. He stated he looked forward to expanding his business into Mounds View and he welcomed feedback from the City. He reported his business transition would take place in mid-January. Council Member Meehlhause welcomed Mr. Herod back to the City of Mounds View. Council Member Bergeron welcomed Mr. Herod to Mounds View. Council Member Gunn thanked Mr. Herod for coming back to the City of Mounds View. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9345, Approving Automobile Sales License Request from Richard R. Herod, III, Rydell Auto Outlet and Garage, LLC (DBA The Bear Lot) at 2375 Mounds View Boulevard. A roll call vote was taken. Mounds View City Council November 23, 2020 Regular Meeting Page 5 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 9350, Approving Job Description for the Event Manager/ Program Coordinator and the Program Coordinator. Human Resources Coordinator Ewald requested the Council approve a job description for the Event Manager/Program Coordinator and the Program Coordinator. She explained staff was preparing the Park and Recreation Department for operations and job descriptions needed approval. She reported the Human Resources Committee reviewed the proposed descriptions and was recommending approval. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9350, Approving Job Description for the Event Manager/Program Coordinator and the Program Coordinator. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Mayor Mueller stated on November 12th the Council canvassed the results of the November 3rd election. She thanked all who ran for City offices this year. She congratulated Gary Meehlhause on his reelection and welcomed Teresa Cermak to the City Council. Mayor Mueller commented on November 18th she attended a North Metro Mayors meeting. She discussed the matters that were discussed by the 15 cities that were in attendance. She explained she appreciated all of the construction and growth that was occurring in spite of the virus. Mayor Mueller discussed the Governor’s new executive orders and noted Mounds View City Hall and the Community Center were now closed to the public. She reported City staff remained working and was available by phone or email and residents could find what they need on the website. She stated staff had contingency plans and mutual aid agreements in place to ensure City services remain in place through the pandemic. Mayor Mueller reported she would be attending a Ramsey County League of Local Governmental Mental Health Task Force meeting on Tuesday, November 24th. She encouraged residents to check in on their friends and neighbors. She stated she would be focusing on the things she was thankful this year instead of what she had been missing out on. She encouraged everyone to have a safe and thankful holiday. B. Reports of Staff. 1. COVID Related Issues a. City Hall Operation Mounds View City Council November 23, 2020 Regular Meeting Page 6 City Administrator Zikmund reported City Hall closed again today. He noted all staff continued to work, some remotely from home, and all City services would remain operational. He explained the Police Department window remained open and City staff would be available via email. b. Employee Impacts Human Resources Coordinator Ewald reported all City staff that have COVID signs or have been in close contact with a COVID positive individual were to self-quarantine for 14 days. She explained these employees were using 80 hours of time from the Family First Coronavirus Responsibilities Act (FFCRA). She indicated the employees that then test negative are sharing concern about future quarantine needs. She requested a Council extend the sick leave balance to employees needing additional sick leave for future COVID leave. City Administrator Zikmund stated staff was seeking ratification specific to public safety. He noted the legislature presumed that Police Officers and Fire Fighters are getting COVID-19 on the job. This allowed the City to put in a worker’s compensation claim and unemployment. He asked if the Council would also support staff bringing back a Resolution to support additional sick leave for public works employees. He indicated public works employees have been deemed essential. Council Member Bergeron commented on a story he saw on the news about an employee that was fired because he didn’t call in sick while being treated for COVID in the hospital. He stated the insensitivity displayed in this story was a shame. He indicated every entity that employs people should be aware of the fact they need to take care of its customers, residents and their employees. He stated he would support a Resolution that would extend and better cover public safety and public works employees. Council Member Hull and Council Member Meehlhause agreed. Council Member Gunn concurred stating the City’s employees were the backbone of the community. She believed it was the City’s responsibility to take care of these employees. Mayor Mueller agreed stating the public works employees were first responders as well. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson discussed the staffing changes that had been implemented in the Public Works Department. He explained training and cross training has been discontinued in order to protect employees. Council consensus was to direct staff to draft a Resolution supporting additional sick leave for public safety and public works employees. Mayor Mueller requested comment from the Finance Director regarding how the extra sick leave may impact the City. Finance Director Beer stated there would not be any financial impact. He explained employees would just be keeping their sick time. He noted the City would lose their productivity, but the City would not be losing any dollars. Mounds View City Council November 23, 2020 Regular Meeting Page 7 Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson updated the Council on the water treatment plant rehabilitation project. He noted this project was behind schedule and a letter was being drafted for the contractor. He discussed how COVID had been a factor in some, but not all of the delays. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported the snow and ice policy would be coming to the City Council for approval. He discussed the parking requirements and the authorization of towing vehicles that was now included in the policy. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained the T Mobile antenna lease on the water tower was last updated in 2015. He commented in that lease T Mobile was required to move their equipment outside. He noted plans were put in place to complete this work in 2017 and in 2018 antenna upgrades were completed. He reported additional upgrades were being requested from T Mobile and staff has told them these upgrades would not be approved until their equipment was moved outside of the water tower. He reported the T Mobile lease expires at the end of 2020. He requested direction from the Council on how to proceed. Mayo r Mueller asked if the ability to authorize towing cars left overnight on the street, or in violation of the snow removal policy extended to Mounds View Boulevard. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated Mounds View Boulevard was controlled by the County. Mayor Mueller questioned how much of a revenue source the T Mobile lease was for the City. Finance Director Beer stated the City made $32,000 each year from T Mobile. Mayor Mueller inquired if the equipment inside the base of the water tower was in the City’s way. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported the reason the City requested this equipment be moved outside the water tower was for the safety and security of the water tower. He explained staff did not want T Mobile staff to have access to the City’s water tower. He reported all other companies had their equipment outside the water tower. Mayor Mueller suggested the City require T Mobile to pay a premium of $5,000 per month to have the space inside the water tower. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson commented staff would really like the equipment out of the base of the water tower. City Administrator Zikmund explained the City had made this offer in the past and T Mobile rejected it. Mayor Mueller questioned when this equipment would become abandoned by T Mobile. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported T Mobile would not abandon this equipment because they have antennas on the tower. Mayor Mueller inquired when the landlord had the opportunity to force T Mobile to move the equipment or to take possession of the equipment. City Attorney Riggs reported under the lease, the City had the opportunity to force T Mobile to remove the equipment. He explained the City has been overly patient and the City was now taking the position that the equipment had to be moved because it was a safety violation within the water tower. He commented if the Council Mounds View City Council November 23, 2020 Regular Meeting Page 8 directed staff to begin enforcement actions, he would move forward with this. He indicated this was a safety issue. Mayor Mueller believed this was a safety issue as well. Council Member Bergeron commented T Mobile has played their game long enough and he wanted the T Mobile equipment removed. Staff received Council consensus to move forward with informing T Mobile to move the equipment outside. Finance Director Beer questioned if a 30 day or 60 day notice had been given to T Mobile. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained a 30 day notice was be required. Community Development Director Sevald reported the Comprehensive Plan was being reviewed by the Met Council on December 23rd. City Administrator Zikmund updated the Council on the quarterly CTV report. He discussed how City staff was preparing for the new Parks and Recreation Department. Assistant City Administrator Beeman wished the City Council a Happy Thanksgiving. Finance Director Beer reported the Truth In Taxation Hearing would be held on Monday, December 7th at 6:00 p.m. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to add to the written report he had submitted. 10. Truth In Taxation Hearing: Monday, December 7, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. Next Council Work Session: Monday, December 7, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, December 14, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial