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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2021/01/25 APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting January 25, 2021 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112 6:41 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, Cermak, Hull, Meehlhause, Mueller NOT PRESENT: None. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, January 25, 2021, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Bergeron. To Approve the Monday, January 25, 2021, agenda as presented. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of Minutes: January 4, 2021 and January 11, 2021. B. Just and Correct Claims. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Bergeron. To Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. PUBLIC COMMENT None. Mounds View City Council January 25, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 2 7. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS None. 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Public Hearing: Resolution 9381, Approval of an Amendment to the PUD Narrative for the O’Neil Property at 2430 Mounds View Boulevard. Community Development Director Sevald requested the Council approve an amendment to the PUD narrative for the O’Neil property at 2430 Mounds View Boulevard. He discussed the proposed amendment noting the original PUD was approved in 1998 and called for a movie theater as well as a couple of restaurant pads. He explained the movie theater was built and the restaurant pads turned into Apple Dental and a small strip mall. He stated Anthony Properties has requested an amendment to the PUD to allow for the parking lot to have a drive-thru restaurant. If this is approved, the developer will request a development review and subdivision for a drive-thru coffee shop. He reported staff published a public hearing notice and has not heard any comments from the public. Council Member Meehlhause asked if the Council was simply addressing the PUD amendment at this meeting. Community Development Director Sevald reported this was the case. He explained if the PUD amendment was approved the developer would have to come back to the City and apply for a subdivision and a development review. Mayor Mueller questioned how the City defined a drive-thru restaurant. Community Development Director Sevald reported the City currently has the following drive-thru restaurants: McDonald’s, Burger King, Caribou Coffee, Taco Bell, and Popeye’s. Mayor Mueller inquired if the Planning Commission had reviewed this request. Community Development Director Sevald explained the Planning Commission had reviewed this request and recommended approval. Mayor Mueller opened the public hearing at 6:52 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Mueller closed the public hearing at 6:53 p.m. Mark Crogh, Java Companies in St. Paul, introduced himself to the Council. He explained he was proposing to construct 10 drive-thru coffee shops throughout the metro area. He noted the closest to Mounds View was located in Fridley. He stated he was really excited to be bringing this project forward in Mounds View. He thanked staff for working with him on this project. Justin Todd, Anthony Properties representative, explained he views the movie theater parking lot as underutilized. He believed it would be beneficial to everyone to allow the proposed business. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9381, Approval of an Amendment to the PUD Narrative for the O’Neil Property at 2430 Mounds View Mounds View City Council January 25, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 3 Boulevard. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 9383, Authorizing Severance for Police Officer Derek Wodnick. Human Resources Coordinator Ewald requested the Council authorize severance for Police Officer Derek Wodnick. She explained Police Officer Wodnick resigned from his position effective January 15, 2021 after three months of employment. She reported the proposed Resolution offers severance to Police Office Wodnick. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9383, Authorizing Severance for Police Officer Derek Wodnick. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 9384, Approving Job Description for the Group Fitness Instructor and Authorize Hiring for the Position. Human Resources Coordinator Ewald requested the Council approve the job description for the Group Fitness Instructor and authorize hiring for the position. She noted this position was not benefits eligible but would PERA eligible if employed for more than 180 days. It was noted staff was looking to fill three group fitness positions. Council Member Meehlhause asked if the 180 days was on a calendar year. Human Resources Coordinator Ewald reported this was the case. She explained if an employee worked 180 days in one calendar year this employee would continue to be PERA eligible going forward even if they did not work 180 days in the following year. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9384, Approving Job Description for the Group Fitness Instructor and Authorize Hiring for the Position. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 9385, Approving the Purchase of One (1) Replacement Dump Truck. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council approve the purchase of one replacement dump truck. He explained this new dump truck would be primarily used for snow removal and for hauling debris/street maintenance. He reported this truck was replacing a 17 Mounds View City Council January 25, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 4 year old dump truck. He indicated he was looking to purchase a 2021 Mack diesel unit. He discussed the cost to outfit this truck and recommended approval of the purchase. Council Member Meehlhause requested further comment on the Mack trucks in the City’s fleet. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson discussed the Mack trucks used by the Public Works Department in further detail with the Council. He explained that once this truck was put in order the City would not receive it until the end of 2021. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9385, Approving the Purchase of One (1) Replacement Dump Truck. Mayor Mueller thanked staff for bringing this item in under budget. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 9386, an Update on Snow and Ice Control Policy and 1st Reading on Updated Parking Ordinance Title 800 Chapter 802. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson provided the Council with an update on the Snow and Ice Control Policy while also introducing an Ordinance that would update the City’s Parking Ordinance, Title 800 and Chapter 802 of City Code. He explained the Council has been reviewing the Snow and Ice Control Policy. He reviewed the proposed changes within the updated policy in further detail with the Council. City Administrator Zikmund stated the City still has the year round parking issue. He explained the time was still a concern and suggested midnight to 6:00 a.m. be considered. He discussed the mass notification options available to the Council stating this would cost the City $4,000 per year. Mayor Mueller discussed the vehicle towing provisions and asked if illegally parked vehicles could be towed by the police department. City Administrator Zikmund stated this was correct, but noted the process takes two days. He reported hazardous vehicles can be towed immediately if there is an imminent threat to public safety. He noted abandoned vehicles can be towed through an accelerated process. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9386, an Update on Snow and Ice Control Policy and to Waive the First Reading and Introduce an Ordinance on the Updated Parking Ordinance Title 800 Chapter 802. City Administrator Zikmund reported this item would be back for the Second Reading before the City Council in one month. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council January 25, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 5 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Meehlhause stated he would be attending an NYFS Board meeting on Thursday, January 28, 2021. Mayor Mueller reported the Festival In the Park Committee met last week and discussed the 2021 event. She explained this event would be moving forward with the understanding things may have to be adjusted due to the virus. She encouraged those interested in volunteering to consider attending a future Festival In the Park Committee meeting. She noted Festival In the Park would be held on Friday, August 20 and Saturday, August 21, 2021. Mayor Mueller discussed the training she would be attending in the coming weeks. B. Reports of Staff. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson discussed the water treatment rehabilitation project with the Council. He commented on the disagreement between the contractor and the City, noting the City Attorney was now involved and a totaling agreement has been drafted. He explained this agreement would be reviewed and approved by the City Council. City Attorney Riggs described the totaling agreement in further detail with the Council. He explained this agreement would postpone further discussions on the dispute until the project is complete. He stated this was not an unusual way to approach disputes. He explained the idea was to move forward with the project. City Administrator Zikmund reported there were no disputes about the quality of the work being completed by the contractor. He indicated the main concern was completing the project in a timely fashion in order to move onto Phase II so the bond proceeds can be spent. He discussed the condensed project timeline and noted staff was concerned. Council Member Meehlhause asked if Phase II was for work on Water Treatment Plant No. 1. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported this was the case. Further discussion ensued regarding the progress the contractor had made on Phase I of the project. Mayor Mueller questioned if the City specified the timing for this project when it was originally bid. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated EE2S looked at this project and put the plans and specs together. He noted an 18 month timeframe was created from EE2S, a bid was submitted and the contractor agreed to these terms. He commented a little bit of a COVID delay has been recognized by the City. He further discussed the process that had to be followed for change orders. Mayor Mueller understood the project was running over time and inquired if this would lead to additional costs for the City. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated staff Mounds View City Council January 25, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 6 was working through this matter with the contractor. He anticipated there would be some give and take for both parties. Mayor Mueller questioned if the City bid Phase I and Phase II at the same time. Public Works/ Parks and Recreation Director Peterson discussed the phases of the project and noted Phase II was for the main water treatment plant. He indicated the Council bid Phase I of this project separate from Phase II. He stated Phase I was to be completed in June of 2020 and Phase II would begin in July of 2021. Mayor Mueller asked if the City would have to consider a bid from the current contractor. City Administrator Zikmund reported the City would be obligated to consider all bids. He noted this does not mean the City does not have to accept the bid from the current contractor. Mayor Mueller inquired if Phase I has to be fully completed prior to Phase II beginning. City Administrator Zikmund explained Phase I would have to be substantially completed. Mayor Mueller indicated she was concerned about the SCADA controls and wanted to assure there was no disruption in the City’s water supply throughout the completion of these projects. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson discussed how staff would be addressing this matter to ensure the contractor completes the project per the City’s specifications. Council Member Bergeron stated he had plenty of concerns and noted he would be watching this project closely. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported the Public Works Department was looking for feedback from the Council regarding snow and ice removal. He discussed the cost for salt and brine usage in Mounds View. City Administrator Zikmund explained he responded to two residents (from the same household) that had sent comments to staff and stated he drove the northern portion of the City from east to west. He described his observations from this trip with the Council and noted parked cars create a mess. He discussed how car traffic and sunlight improved street conditions. He believed that Mounds View streets were as well plowed as any he has seen. He explained that without adding more plow drivers and increasing the salt budget, the streets would not get better. Council Member Hull commented he fully supported the efforts of the Public Works Department and he believed they were doing a great job. Council Member Meehlhause agreed stating the City’s Public Works staff does a great job clearing City streets during snow events. He commented on how the recent snow event which had rain, snow and sleet that froze. He explained sunlight was needed to break up this ice. He indicated he appreciated efforts of the Mounds View Public Works staff and noted the City’s streets were better than other neighboring communities. Council Member Bergeron commented he lived on one of the Route 3 roadways. He understood there was ice in some spots, but he also understood this correlated to areas of high shade and low Mounds View City Council January 25, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 7 traffic. He explained he was completely and totally in support of the Public Works Department staff. Mayor Mueller reviewed the City’s ice and snow policy stating the City would attempt to clear streets, trails and sidewalks as thoroughly as possible, but they may not be cleared of all snow and ice to bare pavement. She understood walking was hazardous in the winter time and she urged residents to use caution. She maintained that the Public Works team did an excellent job on behalf of the community. She commented further on the City’s commitment to the GreenSteps environmental program. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson discussed how brine technology was improving and assisting with keeping streets free and clear in the winter months. City Administrator Zikmund explained he spoke with Marcie from the Rice Creek Watershed District and noted she would be attending a future meeting to provide the Council with an update. He commented further on the judges’ ruling from Anoka County for the appointment of board members. City Attorney Riggs stated on Friday the City asked to do the Amicus Brief. He explained he has had conversations with the Hugo and Circle Pines attorneys. He commented further on how the County had been granted a carte blanche type of appointment process. He stated this appeared to be problematic. City Administrator Zikmund discussed how the appointment process would lead to watershed boards being appointed by elected officials and the City would get no input, while the watershed district regulates and levies at the City levy. He commented it was a big deal for the City to have some level of input. City Administrator Zikmund updated the Council on the Dahl property. He noted the property has been appraised and the City has since learned that Mr. Dahl does not want to sell. He reported the City would have to move forward with imminent domain in order to move the project forward. He reported this has been discussed with Mr. Harstad. City Attorney Riggs explained the City would be willing to pay the appraisal amounts, which would be reasonable under the circumstances. He stated as soon as the project moved forward the Council would be asked to authorize the land purchase. City Administrator Zikmund asked the Council to set aside Monday, March 15, 2021 for a Special City Council work session meeting at 6:00 p.m. He explained Anoka County Commissioner Mandy Meisner would be speaking. City Administrator Zikmund reported the City has had three or four sustainability committee speakers step forward. He indicated staff was still working through a plan sustainability issues. He explained other communities have advocate groups or a non-profit in place to address sustainability matters. C. Reports of City Attorney. Mounds View City Council January 25, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 8 City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 10. Next Council Work Session: Monday, February 1, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, February 8, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial