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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2020/12/14APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting December 14, 2020 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112 6:31 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, December 14, 2020, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Bergeron/Hull. To Approve the Monday, December 14, 2020, agenda as presented. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of Minutes: November 23, 2020 and December 7, 2020 Truth in Taxation Hearing. B. Just and Correct Claims. C. Resolution 9355, Approving a Therapeutic Massage License Renewal for Eric Rautio, Eric Roy Massage at 8373 Groveland Court. D. Resolution 9356, Approving the Recording Secretary Service Agreement with Minute Maker Secretarial. E. Resolution 9351, Electing to Retain the Statutory Tort Limit on Liability for the 2021 Insurance Policies. F. Resolution 9357, Approving Amendment to 2021 Fee Schedule. G. Resolution 9363, Authorizing Payoff and a Budget Adjustment to Facilitate Retirement of the Energy Savings Program Capital Lease. Mounds View City Council December 14, 2020 Regular Meeting Page 2 H. Resolution 9368, Authorize Partnership Agreement with NYFS for 2021 Calendar Year. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull. 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. Public Hearing: 2021 Tax Levy and Budgets for All Funds: 1. Resolution 9359, Adopting the 2021 Tax Levy. Finance Director Beer requested the Council adopt a Resolution approving the 2021 Tax Levy. He reported the Council held a Truth In Taxation Hearing on Monday, December 7, 2020. He discussed the proposed tax levy noting the increase was slated to be 3.3%, which was consistent with the Charter. He commented on how the proposed levy would impact the median value homeowner and recommended approval of the 2021 tax levy. Mayor Mueller opened the public hearing at 6:40 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Mueller closed the public hearing at 6:41 p.m. Mayor Mueller asked if the $75,000 CIP expense for City Hall renovations were reduced by $50,000 if this would reduce the tax levy by 1%. Finance Director Beer explained this would not have an impact on the tax levy because this fund was not supported by property taxes. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9359, Adopting the 2021 Tax Levy. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 2. Resolution 9360, Approving the 2021 EDA Tax Levy. Finance Director Beer requested the Council approve the 2021 EDA Tax Levy. He discussed the proposed levy with the Council noting this would maintain the levy that was created three years Mounds View City Council December 14, 2020 Regular Meeting Page 3 ago. It was noted the EDA levy would remain at $100,000 and an increase would not be pursued in 2021. Mayor Mueller asked if the EDA levy was reduced from $100,000 to $50,000 would this reduce the tax levy by 1%. Finance Director Beer explained this was equivalent to 1% within the levy and would equate to approximately $2 per resident in Mounds View. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9360, Approving the 2021 EDA Tax Levy. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 4 Nay – 1 (Mueller) Motion carried. 3. Resolution 9361, Adopting 2021 Municipal Budget. Finance Director Beer requested the Council adopt the 2021 Municipal Budget. He discussed the number of opportunities the Council has had to review the budget. He noted staff received one comment to reduce the renovations at City Hall, otherwise the budget remained the same as last Monday. Staff commented further on the budget and recommended approval. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9361, Adopting 2021 Municipal Budget. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 9358, Approving the 2021 City Council Meeting, Council/Staff Retreats, and the Town Hall Meeting Dates. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve the 2021 City Council meeting, Council/Staff Retreats and the Town Hall meeting dates. He reviewed the calendar in further detail with the Council and recommended approval. Mayor Mueller explained there were three occasions where the Council would be meeting on a Tuesday in 2021. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9358, Approving the 2021 City Council Meeting, Council/Staff Retreats, and the Town Hall Meeting Dates. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council December 14, 2020 Regular Meeting Page 4 C. Resolution 9364, Providing for the Sale of $5,830,000 General Obligation Water Revenue Bonds, 2020A. Finance Director Beer requested the Council adopt a Resolution providing for the sale of $5,830,000 in General Obligation Water Revenue Bonds, Series 2020A. He reported Kennedy & Graven provided staff with the final results from the bond sale. He indicated the bond sale was reduced from $6,140,000 to $5,830,000 due to the favorable interest rate. It was noted the favorable bid was received from Robert W. Baird in Wisconsin. Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers & Associates, discussed the bond sale and noted this was a great time to be in the market. She reported the City received an AA bond rating due to the City’s strong financial standing. She noted the bond sale received six bids and the low bid was received from Robert W. Baird with an interest rate of .92%. Mayor Mueller commended City staff and the Council for the favorable bond interest rate that was received for this bond sale noting this allowed the City to reduce the overall amount of bonds needed. MOTION/SECOND: Bergeron/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9364, Providing for the Sale of $5,830,000 General Obligation Water Revenue Bonds, 2020A. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 9354, Authorizing Severance for Public Works Maintenance Worker Timothy Fredberg. Human Resources Coordinator Ewald requested the Council approve a Resolution that would authorize severance for Public Works Maintenance Worker Timothy Fredberg. She explained Mr. Fredberg retired from the Public Works Department on November 30th after serving the City for 26 years. She noted Mr. Fredberg would be greatly missed by the City of Mounds View and staff wished Mr. Fredberg all the best in his retirement. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9354, Authorizing Severance for Public Works Maintenance Worker Timothy Fredberg. Council Member Gunn thanked Mr. Fredberg for his service to the community and wished him all the best in his retirement. Mayor Mueller thanked Mr. Fredberg for all his contributions to the City of Mounds View. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council December 14, 2020 Regular Meeting Page 5 E. Resolution 9352, Authorizing Severance for Police Officer Kirsten Heineman. Human Resources Coordinator Ewald requested the Council approve a Resolution that would authorize severance for Police Officer Kirsten Heineman. She reported Officer Heineman resigned from the Police Department on December 3rd after serving in Mounds View for 11 years. She noted Officer Heineman would be dearly missed and the City wished her all the best in her move to the east coast. Council Member Gunn stated it was an honor to have had Officer Heineman serving the City of Mounds View. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9352, Authorizing Severance for Police Officer Kirsten Heineman. Council Member Bergeron stated the City and its neighborhoods would greatly miss Officer Heineman. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. F. Resolution 9353, Authorizing the Extension of Sick Leave Balances for Public Works Bargaining Unit for COVID Related Absences. Human Resources Coordinator Ewald requested the Council authorize the extension of sick leave balances for the Public Works Bargaining Unit for COVID related absences. She reported at the November 23rd Council meeting, the Council was made aware of a concern that had been raised by staff, as some employees are exhausting the use of the Families First Coronavirus Responsibility Act Time. She explained Council directed staff to draft a Resolution allowing for additional sick time for Public Works and First Responders for COVID related absences. She commented further on the proposed Resolution and recommended approval. Mayor Mueller thanked staff for getting this Resolution to the Council so promptly. MOTION/SECOND: Bergeron/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9353, Authorizing the Extension of Sick Leave Balances for Public Works Bargaining Unit for COVID Related Absences. Council Member Bergeron commented on the importance of employers looking out for and taking care of its employees during these challenging times. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. G. Resolution 9362, Approving a Joint Powers Agreement for the Mounds View City Council December 14, 2020 Regular Meeting Page 6 Establishment of the North East Metropolitan Area Municipal Internetworking Collaborative, to be known as “Metro-Inet”. Finance Director Beer requested the Council approve a Joint Powers Agreement for the establishment of the North East Metropolitan Area Municipal Internetworking Collaborative to be known as “Metro-Inet”. He explained for many years the City has worked with the city of Roseville on information technology issues. He reported a JPA has been created to solidify the collaboration between Mounds View, along with other cities and the city of Roseville. He stated the city of Roseville had already approved the JPA. He estimated Mounds View would be paying 8% of the Metro-Inet budget. He noted the JPA had been reviewed by the League of Minnesota Cities. He commented further on the proposed JPA and recommended approval. Council Member Gunn asked what action the Council had to take with Resolution 7633. Finance Director Beer reported the Council had to rescind this Resolution. He explained by approving Resolution 9362 the Council would be rescinding Resolution 7633. Mayor Mueller questioned how many cities would be participating in this JPA. Finance Director Beer estimated 23 or 24 cities and 40 entities total would be participating in this JPA. Mayor Mueller stated the City Administrator would be the board delegate for this organization. Finance Director Beer commented this was the case and noted he would be willing to serve as the alternate. MOTION/SECOND: Bergeron/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9362, Approving a Joint Powers Agreement for the Establishment of the North East Metropolitan Area Municipal Internetworking Collaborative, to be known as “Metro-Inet”. Council Member Bergeron thanked Finance Director Beer for his work on this initiative. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. H. Resolution 9365, Authorizing the Hire of Darryl Thibodeaux to Recreation Coordinator. Human Resources Coordinator Ewald requested the Council authorize the hire of Darryl Thibodeaux to the position of Recreation Coordinator. She reported as staff works to create a Parks and Recreation Department staff had negotiations with Darryl Thibodeaux for the position of Recreation Coordinator. She commented further on the position and staff recommended approval noting Mr. Thibodeaux would begin his new position on January 4, 2021. Mayor Mueller thanked staff for working efficiently with the HR Committee to fill these positions. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9365, Authorizing the Hire of Darryl Thibodeaux to Recreation Coordinator. Mounds View City Council December 14, 2020 Regular Meeting Page 7 A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. I. Resolution 9366, Authorizing the Hire of Leah Vandecar to Event Manager/Recreation Coordinator. Human Resources Coordinator Ewald requested the Council authorize the hire of Leah Vandecar to the position of Event Manager/Recreation Coordinator. She reported staff has completed negotiations with Leah Vandecar for the position of Event Manager/Recreation Coordinator. She stated this position was original called Event Manager/Program Coordinator when first presented to the Council in November. She explained the HR Committee supported the proposed pay plan and vacation days. She noted Ms. Vandecar would begin working for the City of Mounds View on Monday, January 4, 2021. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9366, Authorizing the Hire of Leah Vandecar to Event Manager/Recreation Coordinator. Council Member Bergeron stated this was the final piece of the team and he indicated this was a fantastic step forward for the City of Mounds View. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Hull reported the City was losing three valuable employees. He stated the City was losing Mr. Fredberg, Officer Heineman and Council Member Sherry Gunn. He explained he has known Council Member Gunn for the past 20 years and he appreciated her service to the community, as well as her friendship. Council Member Meehlhause wished his fellow Council Members and all Mounds View residents Happy Holidays. Council Member Meehlhause thanked Council Member Gunn for her 17 years of dedicated service on the Mounds View City Council. He stated it had been an absolute pleasure to serve with her for the past eight years. He discussed the numerous ways she has served the community and wished her all the best in the future. Council Member Bergeron reported he attended the virtual Cable Commission meeting last week where the group passed the 2021 budget and meeting schedule. He commented on the settlement that had been reached with Comcast. Mounds View City Council December 14, 2020 Regular Meeting Page 8 Council Member Bergeron wished all of the residents of Mounds View Happy Holidays and Happy New Year. Council Member Bergeron thanked Council Member Gunn for her service on the Mounds View City Council and for the mentorship she provided him as a Council member. Mayor Mueller wished everyone in the community Happy Holidays. She explained she was sincerely looking forward to 2021, the New Year and all it had to bring. Mayor Mueller stated she had served with Council Member Gunn for the past 12 years. She thanked Council Member Gunn for being a tremendous member of the team and for her dedicated service to the community. She explained Council Member Gunn was the longest serving Councilwoman on the City Council. She wished Council Member Gunn continued success in her future. 1. HR Committee – Administrator Review. Council Member Meehlhause stated on behalf of the HR Committee he was pleased to report the committee has completed the City Administrator’s review process. He summarized the process that was followed and the feedback that was received. He reported the Council was very appreciative of the City Administrator’s efforts and job performance. B. Reports of Staff. 1. Re-Opening of Community Center. City Administrator Zikmund stated staff was recommending the City Council not reopen the Community Center, even if the governor lifts restrictions as of December 18, 2020. Staff recommended the Community Center remain closed through January 1, 2021. Mayor Mueller questioned if ice rinks would be provided this winter. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported ice rinks would be provided this winter, but not warming houses. He explained benches or picnic benches would be placed outside the rinks for visitors. He noted portable restrooms had also been placed at the parks for residents to use. Mayor Mueller requested staff provided an update on the ice rinks on the City’s website. 2. Parking Restriction Discussion. City Administrator Zikmund commented on the City’s snow and ice policy. He questioned if the Council wanted to further discuss parking restrictions in the City at a future worksession meeting. Council Member Hull supported the Council discussing this matter further. Council Member Bergeron and Mayor Mueller agreed. Mounds View City Council December 14, 2020 Regular Meeting Page 9 Mayor Mueller questioned how long it would take the Public Works Department to respond to a slippery intersection if called by the Police Department. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated this could happen in a matter of minutes. 3. Officially Cancel December 28, 2020 City Council Meeting. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council cancel the December 28, 2020 City Council meeting. He noted Council Member Gunn would be officially recognized when the City Council could gather in person. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull. To Officially Cancel the December 28, 2020 City Council Meeting. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. City Administrator Zikmund reported the City would be interviewing 20 police officer candidates on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. Assistant City Administrator Beeman wished the City Council Happy Holidays and thanked Council Member Gunn for her service to the City of Mounds View. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson updated the Council on the Water Treatment Rehabilitation Project. He noted Well 6 for Treatment Plant 3 was up and running. He explained staff met with the contractor and discussed work on Treatment Plant 2. He was hopeful the project could get back on schedule in order to be completed by June. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported the ground has approximately 5” of frost and public works staff would begin flooding ice rinks. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained Phase II of the ash tree removal would begin in the coming weeks in City parks. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson indicated he and Andy had met with the cities of New Brighton, Spring Lake Park, Irondale Baseball League and the Quincy House to discuss partnerships. He stated each of these were good meetings and staff was weighing options for the future Parks and Recreation Department programs. He discussed the options that were available with the Quincy House. Council Member Bergeron requested further information regarding room rentals at the Community Center. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson commented on the rooms that were rented for weddings and meeting space at the Community Center. He explained a smaller room could be corded off for the Quincy House to use. Mounds View City Council December 14, 2020 Regular Meeting Page 10 Council Member Bergeron stated he supported the Quincy House using space at the Community Center. Council Member Gunn indicated she was so happy to see the City would be partnering with the Quincy House as this would provide a valuable resource to teens in the community. Council Member Meehlhause agreed and thanked Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson for his efforts. Mayor Mueller and Council Member Hull supported the partnership with the Quincy House as well. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson updated on the Council on the spring programming that was being planned. C. Reports of City Attorney. There was nothing additional to report. Council Member Gunn stated it has been an honor to serve with each member of the City Council and staff. She indicated she was proud to have served with this team. She explained she started her service with the City on the Park Commission, moved to the Planning Commission and then was elected to the City Council. She stated she was very proud of all the city has accomplished over the past 16 years. She indicated City Administrator Zikmund has been a tremendous addition to the City, along with Police Chief Harder. She thanked Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson and Finance Director Beer for their contributions to the community. She thanked the residents for allowing her to be on the City Council and for allowing her to serve the community. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance. Mayor Mueller thanked Kenny Ronnan and Maureen Anderson with CTV for their dedicated service to the City of Mounds View throughout the pandemic in 2020. 10. Next Council Work Session: Monday, January 4, 2021, Immediately Following Special Council Meeting Next Council Meeting: Monday, January 4, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial