Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2021/02/08APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting February 8, 2021 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, Cermak, Hull, Meehlhause, Mueller NOT PRESENT: None. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, February 8, 2021, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull. To Approve the Monday, February 8, 2021, agenda as revised adding Item 8H. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA Council Member Meehlhause asked to remove Item 5C. A. Approval of Minutes: January 25, 2021. B. Just and Correct Claims. C. Resolution 9392, Appointing Chair for the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission for the Calendar Year of 2021. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Bergeron. To Approve the Consent Agenda as amended removing Item 5C. A roll call vote was taken. Mounds View City Council February 8, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 2 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 9392, Appointing Chair for the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission for the Calendar Year of 2021. Council Member Meehlhause thanked Parks Commissioner Gerald Arel for being willing to continue to serve as the Chair of the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9392, Appointing Chair for the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission for the Calendar Year of 2021. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. PUBLIC COMMENT None. 7. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. John Connelly - Chamber. John Connelly, TCNCC President, thanked the Council for their time. He thanked the City of Mounds View for providing relief and assisting local businesses over the past year through the pandemic. He reviewed the vision of the Chamber of Commerce and described how he works with the local business community. He explained he always enjoyed attending grand openings and ground breaking ceremonies. He invited the public to take in the weekly Chamber Check In that was hosted on Facebook Live and Nine North. He indicated he works to visit local businesses in a safe manner each week and noted he speaks with DEED on a weekly basis to learn about grant opportunities. He discussed the events hosted by the Chamber each year and noted these events have been put on hold or are being held virtually due to COVID. He commented further on the challenge’s businesses faced in 2020 because of the pandemic and explained even though there was hardship he was really proud of how the business community was adapting. Mayor Mueller asked when the Bear Lot would be holding a Grand Opening. Mr. Connelly anticipated the Bear Lot would be holding a Grand Opening in April when the weather is nicer. Council Member Meehlhause questioned how the Chamber learns about new businesses in the community. Mr. Connelly reported he learns from City staff or from visiting local businesses. Mayor Mueller inquired how business owners could learn about the grants and funding available from DEED. Mr. Connelly encouraged business owners to contact him and he would put them in touch with the right person. Mounds View City Council February 8, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 3 Mayor Mueller thanked Mr. Connelly for attending this meeting and for his dedicated service to the business community. B. 4th Quarter/2020 MVPD Annual Report – Chief Harder Verbal Overview. Police Chief Harder provided the Council with a presentation on the 4th Quarter of 2020 along with the Mounds View Police Department Annual Report. He commented on the great success the VCET unit has had with drug arrests in Ramsey County. He discussed the grant he received for a full-time DUI officer and noted the great work Officer Aase was doing on behalf of the community. He indicated the new radar sign was assisting in slowing traffic in Mounds View. He stated he was proud of the great work his officers completed in 2020, noting this was a difficult year. Police Chief Harder described how the department got creative in order to conduct community outreach with the public during the pandemic. He discussed the quick reaction forces that have been created to address future civil unrest. He was pleased to report mental health calls for the City were down which meant people were getting the assistance and resources they needed. He commended NYFS for their assistance in the mental health calls. He thanked the SRO officers for making the best of a difficult situation and for organizing the department’s Christmas event. He success of the K-9 unit was discussed at length. He reviewed the number of calls for service and number of arrests noting calls for service were down in 2020. He noted there was an increase in motor vehicle thefts and the thefts of catalytic converters. He thanked his officers for working so diligently on behalf of the community shorthanded throughout the pandemic. Council Member Meehlhause thanked Police Chief Harder for his outstanding leadership and thanked all of the Mounds View officers for their outstanding service to the community. He stated he was glad to hear the representatives at NYFS were serving the community well. Council Member Cermak questioned if the City received any reimbursement for providing K-9 mutual aid to the City of New Brighton. Police Chief Harder explained both cities provided mutual aid to each other and no compensation is offered by either department. Council Member Bergeron commended the entire department on their tremendous efforts during the pandemic. He thanked all of the officers and Police Chief Harder for their dedicated service to the community. Mayor Mueller thanked Police Chief Harder for his outstanding report. She appreciated the fact that Police Chief Harder came in under budget, especially knowing that the department was shorthanded in 2020. She expressed frustration with the fact the department was doing great police work, getting criminals off the street, but these individuals were being released back into the public quickly and were then able to recommit crimes. Police Chief Harder explained the Minnesota Freedom Fund was bonding people out of jail for offenses that don’t hurt people. He discussed how frustrating this was to the individuals that have had their cars stolen and damaged. He stated he was against revictimizing people but explained the justice system was in a perfect storm at this time and the courts were backed up. He encouraged the City Council to be patient as these cases make their way through the court system. Mounds View City Council February 8, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 4 Mayor Mueller questioned if the Police Department could order additional portable radar signs. Police Chief Harder commented he would be happy to order more signs if the Council would support the purchase. He noted each sign costs approximately $2,500. He discussed how these signs were more effective than the speed trailers. He indicated these signs can be solar or battery powered. Mayor Mueller requested the Police Chief report back to the Council with further information on the purchase of additional portable radar signs. Mayor Mueller questioned what the public can do to avoid having their cars stolen or hijacked. Police Chief Harder recommended the public not leave their cars running empty with the keys in the ignition, especially with children in the car. He encouraged the public to not make themselves a target and to not allow people to walk up to them at an intersection. He encouraged the public have good situational awareness. 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Resolution 9387, Approving 2021 Public Works Seasonal Positions. Human Resources Coordinator Ewald requested the Council approve the 2021 Public Works seasonal positions. She explained these individuals would assist the Public Works Department during the spring, summer and early fall. She noted returning employees would receive $15 per hour and new hires would receive $14 per hour. MOTION/SECOND: Bergeron/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9387, Approving 2021 Public Works Seasonal Positions. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 9388, Approving the Hire of Wesley Vert to the Position of Police Officer. Human Resources Coordinator Ewald requested the Council approve the hire of Wesley Vert to the position of Police Officer. She explained the City had an experienced officer submit a letter of resignation last fall. After holding interviews and necessary background requirements, staff was recommending this vacancy be filled by Wesley Vert. It was noted Officer Vert would begin his service with the Mounds View Police Department on February 21, 2021. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9388, Approving the Hire of Wesley Vert to the Position of Police Officer. Mayor Mueller welcomed Officer Vert to the Mounds View Police Department. A roll call vote was taken. Mounds View City Council February 8, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 5 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 9389, Approving the Hire of Nathan Boscardin to the Position of Police Officer. Human Resources Coordinator Ewald requested the Council approve the hire of Nathan Boscardin to the position of Police Officer. She explained the City had an experienced officer submit a letter of resignation in January. After holding interviews and necessary background requirements, staff was recommending this vacancy be filled by Nathan Boscardin. It was noted Officer Boscardin would begin his service with the Mounds View Police Department on February 21, 2021. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9389, Approving the Hire of Nathan Boscardin to the Position of Police Officer. Mayor Mueller welcomed Officer Boscardin to the Mounds View Police Department. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 9391, Approving Transfers Between Funds for 2020. Finance Director Beer requested the Council approve transfers between funds for 2020. He reviewed the transfers that were required due to CARES Act dollars and an overall surplus in the General Fund. He explained the $475,000 transfer to the Special Projects Fund would cover the expense for the HVAC improvements at the Community Center, City Hall and Public Works building. Council Member Meehlhause commented on the deficit in the vehicle fund and explained this was due to the City not having the budget to make transfers. Finance Director Beer agreed this was the case and clarified this fund did not have a deficit but rather was under funded. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9391, Approving Transfers Between Funds for 2020. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 9390, Approving Nate Ostlund as Public Works Maintenance Worker – Street Division. Human Resources Coordinator Ewald requested the Council approve Nate Ostlund as Public Works Maintenance Worker for the Streets Division. She noted the Public Works Department had a retirement in the Streets Division last fall which required an internal recruitment process in Mounds View City Council February 8, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 6 January of 2021. She noted two candidates applied for the position and staff recommended Nate Ostland be hired for the position at Level A. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9390, Approving Nate Ostlund as Public Works Maintenance Worker – Street Division. Council Member Meehlhause congratulated Nate Ostlund on his new position and wished him all the best. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. F. Resolution 9393, Approval for the Replacement of the Furnace at Hillview Park Shelter Building. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council approve the replacement of the furnace at the Hillview Park Shelter building. He noted this shelter was constructed in 2002 and the furnace at this location was original. He reported staff was having trouble with the furnace late in 2020, which led staff to request the replacement. Staff reviewed quotes for the furnace replacement and recommended proceeding with the York unit. Council Member Meehlhause understood this was an unbudgeted item. He questioned if a budget adjustment should be made at this time or if the City should wait to see if any of the other budgeted projects did not take place this year. Finance Director Beer commented that would make sense. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained he would make this adjustment if this was the desire of the Council. Council Member Hull questioned if the previous furnace was a York. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated this was not the case. Mayor Mueller suggested the expense be covered by the Special Projects Fund. Finance Director Beer reported this could be done or the Park Dedication Fund could be used. Mayor Mueller supported the expense being covered by the Special Projects Fund. Council Member Bergeron supported the expense coming out of the Park Dedication Fund and not making a budget adjustment at this time. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9393, Approval for the Replacement of the Furnace at Hillview Park Shelter Building as amended removing Item 1. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council February 8, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 7 G. Resolution 9394, Authorizing Participation with the Minnesota Public Works Joint Powers Mutual Aid Agreement. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council authorize participation with the Minnesota Public Works Joint Powers Mutual Aid Agreement. He explained this agreement came about to provide mutual aid to cities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff recommended approval of the JPA. MOTION/SECOND: Bergeron/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9394, Authorizing Participation with the Minnesota Public Works Joint Powers Mutual Aid Agreement. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. H. Resolution 9395, Authorizing Tolling Agreement with Shank Construction for Municipal Water System upgrades project. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council authorizing a Tolling Agreement with Shank Construction for a municipal water system upgrades project. He explained Shank Construction was currently rehabilitating Water Plants 2, 3 and the Booster Station. He noted this project started in early 2020 and would be finalized in June 2021. He commented on the concerns the City had with the finalization date. He reported the Shank Construction attorney recommended a Tolling Agreement be put in place to allow both parties to focus on completion of the project. He stated City Attorney Riggs had reviewed this agreement and recommended approval. City Administrator Zikmund explained progress was being made on the project and there would be no issues with respect to the quality of the workmanship. He noted the only concern was with the schedule for the project. He commented the City was working to bid Phase II, but could not do this until Phase I was complete. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9395, Authorizing Tolling Agreement with Shank Construction for Municipal Water System upgrades project. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Mounds View City Council February 8, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 8 Council Member Meehlhause stated the Mounds View Police Foundation would be meeting on Tuesday, February 9th. He explained he would be attending three different NYFS meetings next week. Council Member Meehlhause complimented Jenny Nelson for doing a tremendous job on updating the City’s website. Council Member Meehlhause discussed the HOP program and noted he recently had his sewer line inspected by a Paul Bunyan. He encouraged other Mounds View residents to be proactive and go through this process to better understand the condition of their sewer line. Mayor Mueller stated she attended two different LMC trainings last week and would be attending a third session this week. Mayor Mueller commented she would be attending a Ramsey County League of Local Government meeting on Friday, February 12th and would be attending the Minnesota Women in City Government on Friday, February 19th. B. Reports of Staff. Assistant City Administrator Beeman explained he has been in contact with a broker that is looking for an auto parts retail store. He indicated a list of potential sites was provided to the broker and he was waiting to hear back. Assistant City Administrator Beeman commented he was in contact with MWF today and they have reviewed the draft preliminary development agreement. He stated on February 22nd this preliminary agreement would be considered by the EDA. He reported a closed meeting may be rescheduled in the near future to consider the BioClean property purchase. Mayor Mueller suggested the Closed Session Meeting be held after the February 22nd City Council meeting. Assistant City Administrator Beeman commented he would speak with staff and Nine North to work out the details. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson commented on the HOP program and noted staff has been creating a map to note the homes that are in critical need of having their lines rehabilitated. He explained the homes built from 1955 to 1956 need the most work done in the clay sections of the pipe near the street. He reported staff was working on a direct mail for homes built in that timeframe to inform them of the sewer line concerns. City Administrator Zikmund stated the City would be able to trickle these letters out 20 at a time to ensure staff was not overwhelmed. He indicated all of three of the mobile home parks were working on plans to address inflow issues as well. City Administrator Zikmund asked if the Council supported former Mayor Joe Flaherty serving as the City’s representative to the Fire Board. The Council supported this recommendation. Mounds View City Council February 8, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 9 City Administrator Zikmund reported the Council would be holding a Closed Session Security Briefing on Monday, February 15th at 6:30 p.m. Council Member Bergeron stated he doesn’t work on Monday and could meet at any time that day. City Administrator Zikmund explained he would work with the Police Chief and would send out meeting details to the Council for the Closed Meeting. City Administrator Zikmund provided the Council with an update on the Fire PERA legislation. 10. Closed Session: Security Briefing: Monday, February 15, 2021, (time to be determined) Next Council Work Session: Monday, March 1, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, February 22, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:27 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial