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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2021/03/08APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting March 8, 2021 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:16 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, March 8, 2021, City Council Agenda. Mayor Mueller amended the agenda noting under Item 10, the next Special City Council Worksession meeting would be held on Monday, March 15, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull. To Approve the Monday, March 8, 2021, agenda as amended. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of Minutes: February 22, 2021. B. Just and Correct Claims. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull. To Approve the Consent Agenda as amended approving the February 22, 2021 City Council Minutes. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council March 8, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 2 6. PUBLIC COMMENT None. 7. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Marcie Weinandt – Rice Creek Watershed Commissioner. Rice Creek Watershed Commissioner Marcie Weinandt thanked the Council for their time. She explained she was a five year resident of Mounds View and noted she served on the Mounds View Comprehensive Plan Task Force. She discussed her work background and noted she retired several years ago from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. She commented on how she became interested in water management and explained it takes a lot of time to understand the ins and outs of the watershed district. She reported Mounds View had two residents that have influence on the Rice Creek Watershed District, herself and Michael Schroeder. She reviewed the mission and cities covered by the watershed district noting the RCWD was formed in 1972. She stated the RCWD has a good working relationship with the City of Mounds View and she noted she looks forward to continuing to serve the City in this capacity. Mayor Mueller thanked Commissioner Weinandt for her dedicated service to the City of Mounds View. Council Member Meehlhause asked if the LGU was the Commission’s decision. City Administrator Zikmund explained this was the City’s decision, but noted the City would have to continue to comply with all RCWD regulations. He commented further on the conversations staff has had with the RCWD. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported the Council would see ordinances coming forward in order for this change to be made. 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Public Hearing: Resolution 9403, Transfer of Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License from Vino & Stogies to Aldo J. Olivas at 2345 County Road H2. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council consider the transfer of the off-sale intoxicating liquor license from Vino & Stogies to Aldo Olivas at 2345 County Road H2. He explained this was before the Council because the property sold to a new owner and a transfer of the license was required. Aldo Olivas, Jr., son of the applicant, introduced himself to the Council. Aldo Olivas, the applicant, thanked the Council for considering his request. He stated he was looking forward to operating a business in the City of Mounds View. Mayor Mueller opened the public hearing at 7:40 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Mueller closed the public hearing at 7:41 p.m. Mounds View City Council March 8, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 3 Mayor Mueller asked if the license period should run through June 2021 or June 2022. Council Member Meehlhause stated he could support running the licensing period through June 30, 2022. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9403, Transfer of Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License from Vino & Stogies to Aldo J. Olivas, dba Savila Liquor Store at 2345 County Road H2 with the license expiring on June 30, 2022. Council Member Hull stated he would support extending the licensing period through June 30, 2022. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Public Hearing: Resolution 9405, Approval of the Preliminary Plat of Belden River View located at 3032 County Road I. Community Development Director Sevald stated Belden River Properties, LLC, requests Preliminary Plat approval for four single-family lots (one existing home), located at 3032 County Road I. This is the southeast intersection of County Road I and Pleasant View Drive. It was noted Preliminary Plats are reviewed by the Planning Commission, and approved by the City Council. Final Plats may be approved by the City Council (Planning Commission does not review, unless there are significant changes from the Preliminary Plat). Currently, the existing house (Lot 1) has Mounds View sewer, and a private well. Lots 2, 3, and 4 will have sewer/water through Fridley. At some point, the City will reconstruct County Road I and Pleasant View Drive. At that time, Lot 1 will need to connect to city water. Staff commented further on the project, noting the location of the stormwater pond and explained the Planning Commission recommended approval of the Preliminary Plat. Kelly Wilson, representative for the applicant, thanked the Council for their time and consideration. She explained she has been working closely with Barbara Haake on this project over the past three years. She indicated the existing residence is vacant and three additional lots were being proposed. She stated she was happy to be bringing new homes into this community. Council Member Meehlhause asked what the square footage would be of the new homes. Ms. Wilson estimated the homes would be 2,200 square feet on the main level and 3,000 square feet including the unfinished basement. Council Member Meehlhause inquired if trees would remain along the south side of Lot 4. Community Development Director Sevald reported trees would remain along this property line. Council Member Meehlhause questioned if all new development required City water and sewer. Community Development Director Sevald explained the City required projects to use City water and sewer if available. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reviewed the Mounds View City Council March 8, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 4 language within Ordinance 154.041 with the Council. He indicated the Council has the right to decide whether or not they make a developer put in water and sewer. He reported the developers had to bring water to Hidden Hollow South, Red Oak Estates and Long Lake Woods. However, this plat differed because Fridley can provide sewer and water to this development. Council Member Meehlhause asked if public water becomes available for Lot 1 would this be a requirement. Community Development Director Sevald stated this would be a condition for approval and a requirement within the Developer’s Agreement. Mayor Mueller questioned if there would be any water connection under County Road I. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated the watermain does not extend far enough down County Road I at this time. Council Member Meehlhause noted there were other homes along this stretch of Pleasant View Drive that received water and sewer from the City of Fridley. Mayor Mueller opened the public hearing at 8:03 p.m. Florence Lindahl, 7611 Pleasant View Drive, reported she sent an email to the City. She read this email in full for the record noting she has lived in her home for the past 22 years. She explained she has enjoyed the natural beauty of her neighborhood and discussed how the proposal would disrupt her neighborhood. She explained the proposed homes were much closer than the rest of the street. She recommended the Council not approve this request because it would adversely impact the neighbors, children, pets and wildlife. She stated if the development were to go forward, she requested a privacy fence be installed along the property line adjacent to the existing homes. Celena Monn, 2357 Sherwood Road, reported she serves on the Planning Commission. She stated it was exciting to have new single-family housing in Mounds View. She indicated her only concern was with the tree loss. She asked if any trees could be saved by the developer. She commented further on how stormwater ponds have become a huge responsibility for the City and were a breeding ground for mosquitos. She recommended the stormwater pond be well maintained for the neighbors. Janine Jellings, 7581 Pleasant View Drive, stated she was equally upset about this development. She believed too many homes were being proposed noting the surrounding homes have one acre lots. She suggested only two homes be pursued and not four. She stated she was extremely upset about the tree loss and the money that would be made through this subdivision. She encouraged the Council to reconsider the request. Hearing no further public input, Mayor Mueller closed the public hearing at 8:14 p.m. City Administrator Zikmund suggested Mr. Sevald speak to the authority the Council has to approve or disapprove this request. Council Member Bergeron commented he has read the emails received from the public and he resented the fact that the public was assuming he had already made up his mind regarding this Mounds View City Council March 8, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 5 development. He explained the City does not own this property and therefore cannot hold onto it. He reported the Council was responsible for reviewing this request in order to see if the request was sound and reasonable. Mayor Mueller stated all of the lots within this subdivision met the City’s lot size requirements. Community Development Director Sevald commented the project meets the minimum lot size standards. He reviewed the trees that would remain and discussed the grading that would occur on the site. He requested the developer speak further to the grading plan and what trees could be saved. Ms. Wilson indicated she shared the concerns regarding the trees. She explained the tree that had been removed from the site was marked for Emerald Ash Borer by the City. She indicated she wanted to maximize tree coverage for the neighbors and the future homeowners. She stated she would be keeping as many trees in the back as possible, but noted the stormwater pond had to be installed. Mayor Mueller questioned if trees could remain along the southern property line. Ms. Wilson indicated she would leave a line of trees along both the southern and northern property lines. Mayor Mueller requested comment from staff on what the Planning Commission’s recommendation was for this matter. Community Development Director Sevald reported the Planning Commission recommended approval on a 6-0 vote. Mayor Mueller asked how the water currently drained on this property. Barbara Haake, 3024 County Road J, stated she has lived here for over 30 years. She explained there has never been standing water in her yard or a mosquito concern. She anticipated the stormwater pond would not have standing water, but was a good idea for this subdivision. She noted for the record, the RCWD did not find any wetlands on the subject property. Council Member Bergeron inquired who would be responsible for maintaining the stormwater pond in the future. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained this would have to be worked out between the City and the developer. He stated if the City were to maintain the pond, an easement would have to be put in place to allow the City access. Community Development Director Sevald reviewed the location of an easement behind Lots 2 and 3 to provide access to the stormwater pond. City Administrator Zikmund anticipated the City would be responsible for maintaining the stormwater pond. He noted these properties would be assessed for the stormwater pond maintenance. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9405, Approval of the Preliminary Plat of Belden River View located at 3032 County Road I. Council Member Meehlhause commented this was private property and the property owner has the right to sell and/or subdivide. He noted this preliminary plat would bring new single-family Mounds View City Council March 8, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 6 homes into Mounds View, which was needed. He understood the neighbors would be impacted, but explained the City Council had to honor the rights of the property owner. Mayor Mueller stated she understood the neighbors were upset, but reported this request meets or exceeds the City’s zoning requirements. Council Member Hull asked if the applicant could sue the City if this request were denied. City Administrator Zikmund reported the City Council would open themselves up to litigation if this request were denied. He noted the Council does have the right to put conditions in place when approving this preliminary plat. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 9407, Approval of Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Mounds View and the Public Works Collective Bargaining Unit. Human Resources Coordinator Ewald requested the Council approve a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Mounds View and the Public Works collective bargaining unit. She explained this Resolution would remove the facilities maintenance position at the Community Center from the labor agreement. She reported Kennedy & Graven and the HR Committee has reviewed this MOU and recommends approval, along with the collective bargaining unit. Council Member Meehlhause asked who this position would report to with the proposed change. Human Resources Coordinator Ewald stated this position would report to the Parks and Recreation Superintendent. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9407, Approval of Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Mounds View and the Public Works Collective Bargaining Unit. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 9408, Approval of Revisions to the Facilities Custodian Job Description and Authorization to Post Position. Human Resources Coordinator Ewald requested the Council approve revisions to the facilities custodian job description and authorize posting the position. She discussed how the position had been slightly adjusted and would now report to the Parks and Recreation Superintendent. She explained the HR Committee has reviewed the job description and recommends approval. Mayor Mueller thanked Human Resources Coordinator Ewald for her outstanding efforts. Mounds View City Council March 8, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 7 MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9408, Approval of Revisions to Facilities Custodian Job Description and Authorization to Post Position. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 9404, Approving Proposal from All City Elevator for repairs as required by the State Inspector. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council approve a proposal from All City Elevator for repairs as required by the State Inspector. He discussed the new rules that were put into place by the State with respect to elevators and explained repairs were necessary. He discussed the two proposals he received for the work and recommended the Council approve the bid from All City Elevator. MOTION/SECOND: Bergeron/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9404, Approving Proposal from All City Elevator for repairs as required by the State Inspector. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. F. Resolution 9406, Approving the Purchase of an Intrusion Alarm System for the Community Center. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council approve the purchase of an intrusion alarm system for the Community Center. He explained the building currently has an alarm system in place but the panel is obsolete. It was recommended that the intrusion alarm system be replaced. He commented on the work that would be done and recommended approval of the purchase. Mayor Mueller questioned when the work would be done. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated the work would be installed sooner rather than later. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9406, Approving the Purchase of an Intrusion Alarm System for the Community Center. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Mounds View City Council March 8, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 8 Council Member Meehlhause reported the Mounds View Business Council would meet via Zoom on Wednesday, March 10, 2021. He noted the Convention Bureau would be meeting on Tuesday, March 16, 2021. He explained the preliminary 2020 financials would be presented at this meeting. He stated he would be attending an NYFS meeting on Friday, March 19, 2021. Council Member Bergeron commented he attended the first NineNorth Cable Commission meeting of the year where the group elected officers and reviewed finances. He reviewed the officers on the board and noted the Chair would remain the same. He noted he would be virtually attending a Community Conversation on Race in Shoreview on Thursday, March 11, 2021. Council Member Bergeron stated this was AmeriCorps Week. Council Member Cermak explained she finished her newly elected official’s classes with the League of Minnesota Cities. She thanked the City for allowing her to attend this training. Mayor Mueller stated the Ramsey County League of Local Government would be holding a meeting on Friday, March 12, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. She noted the Festival in the Park Committee would be meeting on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. She indicated the Minnesota Women in City Government would be meeting on Friday, March 19, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Mayor Mueller noted there was a group of Toastmasters that meet at Cross of Glory Church at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday mornings. She noted this group has been meeting virtually on Zoom. She noted anyone interested in attending should contact Jackie Flaherty and she would be happy to invite you to this meeting. Mayor Mueller stated she virtually attended a Five Cities meeting this afternoon and she received updates from each of the cities in attendance. B. Reports of Staff. Finance Director Beer stated the League of Minnesota Cities sent out an estimate on what the City would receive from the Congress and this was estimated to be $1.5 million. He noted this payment would be made in two installments. Assistant City Administrator Beeman reported the EDA would be meeting for one hour on March 22, 2021 and again on April 12, 2021. City Administrator Zikmund stated he had two more speakers, County Commissioner Mandy Meisner and Dana Healy from NineNorth, that would be attending the diversity event on May 15, 2021. City Administrator Zikmund explained the Sustainability Committee would be meeting next on April 7, 2021 and would be making recommendations to the Council. Mounds View City Council March 8, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 9 City Administrator Zikmund provided the Council with an update from Police Chief Harder on a recent drug arrest. He discussed the safety measures that were in place at City Hall to address any future civil unrest. He commented on the work that was being completed at Water Treatment Plant 1. He stated there still seems to be a disconnect and the City may end up spending money on legal fees in order to get this project fully completed. City Administrator Zikmund discussed the items that would be addressed at the April 5, 2021 worksession meeting. C. Reports of City Attorney. There was nothing to report. 10. Next Special Council Work Session: Monday, March 15, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, March 22, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. Next Council Work Session: Monday, April 5, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:14 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial