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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2021/08/23APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting August 23, 2021 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112 6:50 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Bergeron, Cermak, Hull, Meehlhause, Mueller NOT PRESENT: None. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, August 23, 2021, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Cermak. To Approve the Monday, August 23, 2021, agenda as amended adding Item 8I - Resolution 9464, Approving the Final Plat of Anthony Properties Second Addition. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA Council Member Meehlhause asked to remove Item 5C. A. Approval of Minutes: August 9, 2021. B. Just and Correct Claims. C. Resolution 9450, Approving the Promotion of Michael Hanson to Police Sergeant. D. Resolution 9458, Approving Annual Polling Place Designations for 2021 and 2022. MOTION/SECOND: Bergeron/Hull. To Approve the Consent Agenda as amended removing Item 5C. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council August 23, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 2 C. Resolution 9450, Approving the Promotion of Michael Hanson to Police Sergeant. Council Member Meehlhause stated he fully supported the Police Department adding a fourth sergeant. He explained the department ran many shifts without sergeants and the addition would assist in providing more supervision to patrol officers on the street. He congratulated Officer Mike Hanson on his promotion to Sergeant. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9450, Approving the Promotion of Michael Hanson to Police Sergeant. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. PUBLIC COMMENT Marcus Curtis, 7660 Spring Lake Road, commented on the upcoming street improvement projects that will be completed on Spring Lake Road. He explained he opposed the staff recommendations. He noted he purchased his home in May of 2021 in hopes of improving the home over time and raising his family in a neighborhood that offers great schools, parks and outdoor recreation. He commented because his home has frontage on County Road I, he chose to compromise on the desire to be away from traffic because he fell in love with the area and the tranquility of Spring Lake Road. He explained the majority of the community do not oppose the project in its entirety, but rather oppose the trail system and the loss of heritage oak trees. He stated it would be shame to see such large trees lost from the cityscape. He commented about how some cities were pursuing green streets without concrete curb and gutter. He explained he supported the replacement of Spring Lake Road, but noted this was not an arterial roadway. He requested the City not pursue an MSA designation for Spring Lake Road and stated he had a petition to this effect with 35 signatures. Gretchen Crowder, corner of Spring Lake Road and Bronson Drive, stated she opposed the destruction of any oak trees along Spring Lake Road. She believed a sidewalk should not be installed along Spring Lake Road noting this would require the loss of more trees. Brandi Gapinski, 7313 Spring Lake Road, stated she purchased her home on this street because of the tree canopy. She reported one of her daughter’s favorite things to do was take pictures the landscape and she does this with every change of the season. She discussed how upsetting it would be to her daughter if all the trees along Spring Lake Road were removed. She explained she does not want her street widened, nor does she want a sidewalk or trail. She indicated her street was not meant for that. She requested the City allow Spring Lake Road to remain as is. Kathleen Smith, 7405 Spring Lake Road, explained she was before the City Council previously to request a beekeeping license. She stated she was now present to discuss the plans for Spring Lake Road. She thanked Marcus and Brandy for their efforts on the petition. She discussed the old growth trees along road right of way. She commented on the negative impacts of the proposed project and requested the City not pursue an MSA designation for Spring Lake Road. She did not believe it was in the City’s best interest to pursue additional pavement versus greenspace. Mounds View City Council August 23, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 3 Rachel Green, 7584 Spring Lake Road, stated she has lived in her home since 2016 and noted the street and trees drew her to the house. She explained she was disappointed with the street improvement plans and indicated she did not want to see the street expanded or having sidewalks added. She requested the street be allowed to remain as is. Dan Dryer, 7830 Spring Lake Road, commented one of the things he loves about his property was the park like feel. He explained people stop and take wedding photos on his property because it was truly scenic. He discussed how his property would be negatively impacted if the trees were removed. He discussed how bike lanes were sometimes unsafe noting his daughter was hit on County Road I. He indicated there was great value in a large tree canopy. He cautioned the City Council from further pursuing wider streets and additional sidewalks where they may not be needed. Peter Hawkins, 2008 County Road I, explained he has lived in his home for the past 49 years. He reported he has a deep seeded appreciation for his neighborhood and encouraged the City to protect the trees along Spring Lake Road. He did not believe a bike trail or sidewalk was necessary along this roadway. He discussed how deeply he respected the trees on his property and commented a number of trees may be lost due to the drought. He did not want to see further tree loss from the proposed street improvement project. Gerald Drysinger, 7555 Spring Lake Road, stated he has lived in his home since 1992. He explained he fell in love with his lot due to the trees and the tree canopy. He reported he was a widower but has opted to remain in his house because he loves his home and lot. He discussed how the proposed trail and sidewalks would negatively impact the neighborhood and requested the City not pursue this. Michelle Dryer, 7830 Spring Lake Road, commented she has lived in her home for the past 15 years. She questioned what would be happening to her property and asked how she could find out this information. She noted she was on the north side of the S curve and has lost her mailbox six times. She stated she would greatly support a speed reduction along Spring Lake Road. She feared that widening Spring Lake Road would only increase the speed and decrease safety along this roadway. Marv Eschalan, 7465 Spring Lake Road, explained he purchased his home in 1980 because the neighborhood was so beautiful. He indicated he did not want any changes to the street, nor did he want sidewalks or trails added. He recommended the street remain as is. Gene Dixon, 7538 Spring Lake Road, stated he has lived in his home since 1973. He explained he has lost oak trees over the years due to storms and he did not want to lose anymore. He reported this was a beautiful neighborhood and he wanted it to remain that way. Mayor Mueller thanked the residents for coming forward to share their comments and concerns with the Council. She discussed the history of the City’s street improvement program commenting on how the City had worked to create a 17-year program that would update all streets without assessments. She commented on how the sidewalks along her street (Groveland Road) has Mounds View City Council August 23, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 4 improved safety. She noted she has not reviewed the plans for Spring Lake Road but she encouraged all of the residents in attendance to attend the upcoming neighborhood meeting, which was scheduled for Wednesday, August 25, 2021. She reiterated that the common goal was for the City to update the infrastructure under the street, while also providing residents with new curb, gutters and streets. Council Member Bergeron commented until he knows what the plans are his vote will be up in the air. He noted he would be attending the neighborhood meeting on Wednesday night. 7. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. 2nd Quarter Police Report – Chief Harder. Police Chief Harder provided the Council with a presentation on the 2nd Quarter Report on behalf of the Mounds View Police Department. He stated he was very happy with the two officers that were hired during the second quarter. He explained two cold case suspects were arrested in the community and were awaiting trial. He noted traffic stats were back up along with community engagement and outreach. He reported the department received a DUI grant again this year, along with a grant for a use of force/de-escalation virtual reality simulator. He noted this simulator would be shared with other agencies. He reviewed the calls for service in 2021 and noted there has been an increase in violent crimes. He expressed frustration with the repeat crimes that were occurring in the community but noted his officers were doing great work to make arrests. Council Member Hull asked why repeat crimes are being committed. Police Chief Harder explained this was occurring because the offenders are being given probation on top of probation or are bonded out immediately by the Minnesota Freedom Fund. Council Member Bergeron commended the department for increasing the number of traffic stops in the community. He stated this was very encouraging to him. Police Chief Harder explained speeding became a huge concern during the pandemic. He reported the radar trailer has been deployed, along with signs in hopes of reducing speed. He indicated his officers were committed to addressing this concern and were conducting a lot of stops. Mayor Mueller requested further information regarding the sacrifices the team made during the civil unrest and throughout the pandemic. Police Chief Harder reported he had to cancel vacation time for about six months. He appreciated the fact his officers stepped up, even if they got sick. He indicated the call stats over the past year speak volumes as to the level of commitment his officers have to the department. He stated last year was not an easy year for any officer. Mayor Mueller commented she was incredibly proud of how the Mounds View Police Department has served the community and its people over the past year and a half. Council Member Meehlhause requested further information regarding the City’s traffic/DUI officer. Police Chief Harder explained the department’s full-time DUI/Traffic Officer Alex Aase was honored with the Minnesota Rookie of the Year Award along with the top DUI enforcer. He noted he has also been recognized by Minnesota Towards Zero Death on two different occasions. Mounds View City Council August 23, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 5 Council Member Meehlhause thanked Police Chief Harder for his tremendous leadership and commitment to the City stating his leadership had worked its way throughout the entire department. Mayor Mueller explained the Mounds View Police Foundation would be hosting the Mounds View Police Department in a softball game against the SBM Fire Department on Saturday, September 11 at City Hall Park. B. Resolution 9452, Approving the 2020 Citizen of the Year. Human Resources Coordinator Ewald reported annually the City recognizes a citizen who gives back to the community. She reported George Winnicke was selected as the 2020 Citizen of the Year. She noted a plaque would be created for Mr. Winnicke and this plaque would be presented at the September 20, 2021 Town Hall meeting at 6:00 p.m. at the Mounds View Community Center. Mayor Mueller reported the 2019 Citizen of the Year was Amy Hodges. She noted Amy would be presented with her plaque at the September 20th Town Hall meeting as well. Mayor Mueller read Resolution 9452 in full for the record. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Adopt Resolution 9452, Approving the 2020 Citizen of the Year. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 9453, Approving the 2019 Coach of the Year. Human Resources Coordinator Ewald reported annually the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission recognizes a coach who teaches sportsmanship and leadership skills to area youth. She reported Jessie Opine was selected as the 2019 Coach of the Year. She noted a plaque would be created for Mr. Opine and this plaque would be presented at the September 20, 2021 Town Hall meeting at 6:00 p.m. at the Mounds View Community Center. Council Member Meehlhause read Resolution 9453 in full for the record. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Cermak. To Adopt Resolution 9453, Approving the 2019 Coach of the Year. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 9454, Approving the 2020 Coach of the Year. Human Resources Coordinator Ewald reported annually the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission recognizes a coach who teaches sportsmanship and leadership skills to area youth. She reported Lexie Jorgenson was selected as the 2020 Coach of the Year. She noted a plaque Mounds View City Council August 23, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 6 would be created for Ms. Jorgenson and this plaque would be presented at the September 20, 2021 Town Hall meeting at 6:00 p.m. at the Mounds View Community Center. Council Member Hull read Resolution 9454 in full for the record. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Meehlhause. To Adopt Resolution 9454, Approving the 2020 Coach of the Year. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Public Hearing: Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 978, an Ordinance Continuing a Franchise Fee on Center Point Energy Natural Gas Operations within the City of Mounds View. Finance Director Beer requested the Council adopt an Ordinance continuing a franchise fee on Center Point Energy Natural Gas for operations in the City of Mounds View. It was noted Center Pointe Energy has one customer in Mounds View. He explained this franchise fee would sunset December 31, 2026. He reported the franchise fees collected are used for street maintenance and General Fund operations in the City. He requested the Council hold a public hearing and adopt the Ordinance. Mayor Mueller opened the public hearing at 7:57 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Mueller closed the public hearing at 7:57 p.m. Council Member Meehlhause asked what type of revenues were generated for the City each year through franchise fees. Finance Director Beer estimated this to be $610,000 per year. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Bergeron. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 978, an Ordinance Continuing a Franchise Fee on Center Point Energy Natural Gas Operations within the City of Mounds View and to direct staff to publish the Ordinance summary. ROLL CALL: Bergeron/Cermak/Hull/Meehlhause/Mueller. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Public Hearing: Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 979, an Ordinance Continuing a Franchise Fee on Xcel Energy Electric and Natural Gas Operations within the City of Mounds View. Finance Director Beer requested the Council adopt an Ordinance continuing a franchise fee on Xcel Energy Electric and Natural Gas for operations in the City of Mounds View. It was noted Xcel Energy was the primary provider of electric and natural gas services in Mounds View. He explained this franchise fee would sunset December 31, 2026. He reported the franchise fees collected are used for street maintenance and General Fund operations in the City. He requested Mounds View City Council August 23, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 7 the Council hold a public hearing and adopt the Ordinance. Mayor Mueller opened the public hearing at 8:02 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Mueller closed the public hearing at 8:02 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Cermak. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 979, an Ordinance Continuing a Franchise Fee on Xcel Energy Electric and Natural Gas Operations within the City of Mounds View and to direct staff to publish the Ordinance summary. ROLL CALL: Bergeron/Cermak/Hull/Meehlhause/Mueller. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Public Hearing: Resolution 9459, Approval of On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for American Multi-Cinema, Inc. at 2430 Mounds View Boulevard. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve an on-sale intoxicating liquor license for American Multi-Cinema, Inc. at 2430 Mounds View Boulevard. He reported the applicant has met all City requirements noting staff would be working with the applicant to resolve the insurance policy matter long term. Staff recommended the Council approve the on-sale liquor license through December 31, 2021. Mayor Mueller opened the public hearing at 8:06 p.m. Susan Navarro, AMC Theaters representative, thanked the Council for their time and consideration. She noted she was available for comments or questions. Christopher Lecher, General Manager of the Mounds View AMC, introduced himself to the Council. Hearing no public input, Mayor Mueller closed the public hearing at 8:09 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9459, Approval of On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for American Multi-Cinema, Inc. at 2430 Mounds View Boulevard. Council Member Meehlhause stated he supported extending the liquor license through December 31, 2021. He explained he was very pleased to see the movie theater open again. Mayor Mueller agreed stating she was happy to see the movie theater back in business noting this was an important entertainment option for the community. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 9460, Approval of a Class B Restaurant License for American Mounds View City Council August 23, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 8 Multi-Cinema, Inc. at 2430 Mounds View Boulevard. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve a Class B Restaurant License for American Multi-Cinema at 2430 Mounds View Boulevard. MOTION/SECOND: Bergeron/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9460, Approval of a Class B Restaurant License for American Multi-Cinema, Inc. at 2430 Mounds View Boulevard. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 9461, Approval of an Amusement Device License for Dean Superior Vending Co. at 2430 Mounds View Boulevard. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve an Amusement Device License for Dean Superior Vending for the AMC Theater at 2430 Mounds View Boulevard. MOTION/SECOND: Bergeron/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9461, Approval of an Amusement Device License for Dean Superior Vending Co. at 2430 Mounds View Boulevard. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. F. Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 980 Amending Title XI of the Mounds View City Code to Add a New Chapter Regulating Mobile Food Vehicles and Vendors. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council introduce an Ordinance that would Amend Title XI of the Mounds View City Code to add a new chapter that would regulate mobile food vehicles and vendors. He discussed the proposed changes noting vendors would now be allowed to have a 10 day license without having to pay for a full-year license. Council Member Bergeron stated one of the Night to Unite parties he attended had a food truck. He explained the neighbors appreciated the fact the City was allowing food trucks in the community to be a part of these types of events. MOTION/SECOND: Bergeron/Meehlhause. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 980 Amending Title XI of the Mounds View City Code to Add a New Chapter Regulating Mobile Food Vehicles and Vendors. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. G. Resolution 9462, Requesting a Variance from Street Design Standard for State Aid Road. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council request a variance Mounds View City Council August 23, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 9 from the street design standards for State Aid Road. He explained staff and consulting engineers were working on the 2022-2023 Street Improvement Project. He stated at the April 12, 2021 Council Meeting, the Council authorized Stantec to complete preliminary designs and surveys of the project area. Staff has since discovered an issue or challenge with Spring Lake Road around the lake. He reviewed the plans with the Council, noting a portion of Spring Lake Road was on private property. He reported Spring Lake Road was an MSA roadway and because of this, certain standards have to be met, including moving the road out of private property. He discussed how the roadway would be moved into public right-of-way in order to meet MSA requirements. At this time, a variance has to be approved because the curve was sharp and required 20 mile per hour signage. It was noted the City Attorney had reviewed the Resolution and recommends approval. Council Member Meehlhause clarified the Council was being asked to pass a Resolution supporting staff going to the State to get approval for a variance because of the curve in the roadway that requires a 20 mile per hour speed limit versus a 30 mile per hour speed limit. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported this was the case. Council Member Bergeron questioned if the movement of the road would impact the trees along the roadway. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained he would have to look at the plans to see if any trees would be impacted. He did not believe any trees would be impacted because the road would be centered. Council Member Bergeron commented this work would correct a mistake that was made in the past. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated this was the case. Council Member Meehlhause indicated the one side of the street does not have any residents once you get to Spring Lake. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported this was true, but noted the City still had to fit the road width design within the road right of way. He further discussed the variance that was being requested for the sharp curve and how this went against MSA design standards. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9462, Requesting a Variance from Street Design Standard for State Aid Road. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. H. Resolution 9463, Disposal of Surplus Property. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve the disposal of surplus property. He explained the City had a large amount of racking that could be sold. He noted the New Brighton/Mounds View Rotary Club had a need for this racking and was grateful to the City. Staff recommended the Council offer their approval for the disposal of this surplus property. MOTION/SECOND: Bergeron/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9463, Disposal of Surplus Property. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council August 23, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 10 I. Resolution 9464, Approving the Final Plat of Anthony Properties Second Addition. Community Development Director Sevald requested the Council approve the Final Plat for the Anthony Properties Second Addition. He reported this plat was for the movie theater parking lot and would subdivide one lot into three lots. He explained Lot 1 would be for Caribou Cabin, Lot 2 would be for the AMC Movie Theater and Lot 3 would provide additional parking for Moe’s. He indicated no significant changes have been made to the plat since the Preliminary Plat was approved, except for a minor change to the drainage plans. Staff recommended approval of the Final Plat with the addition of Condition 11 stating: The developer shall reimburse the City for consultant fees, including engineering and legal. Mark Krogh, Java Companies, thanked the Council for their consideration. He stated he was excited to get this project moving forward in Mounds View. Council Member Meehlhause asked what the difference was between this Caribou and the existing Caribou in Mounds View. Mr. Krogh explained the Caribou Cabin would be a drive-thru only with two to four workers. It was noted the Caribou Cabin would have outdoor seating. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9464, Approving the Final Plat of Anthony Properties Second Addition as amended. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Cermak stated the Cops against the Hoses softball game would be held on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at City Hall Park. She encouraged the public to come out and cheer on these great public servants. Council Member Meehlhause thanked all of the residents that attended the Festival in the Park events and parade this past weekend. Council Member Bergeron thanked the Festival in the Park Committee for planning and putting on a tremendous family friendly event for the community. Mayor Mueller thanked Council Member Cermak for her tremendous dedication in the past to the Festival in the Park. She thanked Catherine Smith for serving as the new Festival in the Park Committee President. She thanked everyone who worked on the committee and volunteered at the event. Mayor Mueller discussed the meetings she recently attended which included a Ramsey County Dispatch Policy Committee meeting, Minnesota Women in City Government meeting, the Mounds View City Council August 23, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 11 Minnesota Mayors Association meeting, and the Ramsey County League of Local Government Work Group meeting. Mayor Mueller stated she looked forward to attending the neighborhood meeting on Wednesday, August 25, 2021. B. Reports of Staff. Finance Director Beer reported the Council would be adopting a preliminary levy at the September 13, 2021 City Council meeting. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained street maintenance would begin this week. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported Water Treatment Plant 1 rehabilitation would begin this week. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated the splash pad would be closing on Labor Day. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson commented on the great success the City has had with its parks and recreation programming. He noted staff had begun planning for winter and spring programming. Council Member Meehlhause thanked Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson for all of the time he put into the Festival in the Park. Community Development Director Sevald reported permits were up for 2021. City Administrator Zikmund thanked the Mounds View Lions for their great work at the Festival in the Park. City Administrator Zikmund invited the public to attend the Town Hall Meeting, which was scheduled for Monday, September 20, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at the Community Center. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 10. Next Council Work Session: Monday, September 7, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, September 13, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. Town Hall Meeting: Monday, September 20, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. Mounds View City Council August 23, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 12 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:08 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial