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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2021/09/27APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting September 27, 2021 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112 6:43 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, September 27, 2021, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull. To Approve the Monday, September 27, 2021, agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of Minutes: September 13, 2021. B. Just and Correct Claims. MOTION/SECOND: Bergeron/Meehlhause. To Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Proclamation for National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, October 15, 2021. Mayor Mueller read a proclamation in full for the record declaring October 15, 2021 to be National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day in the City of Mounds View. Mounds View City Council September 27, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 2 B. Swearing in Ceremony for Officers Vert, Boscardin, and Promotion of Sergeant Mike Hanson. Police Chief Harder introduced newly hired Police Officer Boscardin and Police Officer Vert to the City Council. He administered the Oath of Office to Officers Boscardin and Vert and badges were pinned on. He then discussed the promotion of Police Officer Mike Hanson and administered the Oath of Office to Sergeant Hanson. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance. C. Tara Jebens-Singh NYFS Executive Director. Tara Jebens-Singh, NYFS Executive Director, provided the Council with an update from NYFS. She explained NYFS was a community-based, trauma-informed, nonprofit mental health and human services agency that has served suburban Ramsey County for the past 45 years. She described the mental health counseling services that are provided at clinics, through telehealth services, school-based mental health, NETS day treatment and through REACH Academy. She explained the community-based human services include the diversion program, senior chore program, telephone reassurance calls with seniors and the community advocate program. She reported in 2020 the City of Mounds View provided NYFS with $22,779 in funding and was provided with $76,000 in services for its residents. The services provided in 2021 were further discussed. She thanked the City of Mounds View for providing NYFS with CARES Act funds. She explained these funds were used to assist with mortgage payments during a partial shutdown. She discussed the future plans for NYFS which included exploring expanded senior services, a greater return to in-person mental health counseling, growing Community Connections, expanding NYFS’s online presence and providing culturally responsive care. She thanked the Council for their time and noted she was available for comments or questions. Mayor Mueller requested further information regarding the social worker program that was connected to the Mounds View Police Department. Ms. Jebens-Singh explained Marley Yang was serving as a Community Advocate and was deeply connected in Ramsey County. She discussed how Ms. Yang was able to connect people in crisis with the services they need. Mayor Mueller thanked Ms. Jebens-Singh for her presentation and wished her all the best in her new position with NYFS. She congratulated NYFS on 45 years of service to our community. 7. PUBLIC COMMENT Carol Eshelman, 7465 Spring Lake Road, discussed the upcoming road projects. She explained the Council has heard from many residents regarding this project. She indicated this was an emotional and stressful issue for her due to her love for her neighborhood. She requested the Council break the project into three areas (Area J – north of Mounds View Boulevard, Area K – divided into two separate designs). She spoke on behalf of the residents that live on Spring Lake Road south of the lake. She noted she did not want the road widened or realigned for a trail or sidewalk. She encouraged the City to keep the tree canopy in place for this short two-block span. She discussed how mature trees positively affect property value, make for cooler streets, and absorb harmful pollution while creating oxygen. She feared how her neighborhood would be impacted if all of the trees were removed. She explained she moved to Mounds View because of Mounds View City Council September 27, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 3 its mature trees. She stated she was not anti-progress, but rather was pro-history and encouraged the City to consider keeping the trees along Spring Lake Road. She asked that the Council consider breaking this roadway improvement project into three separate areas. Gretchen Crowder, 3001 Bronson Drive, explained she lives at the corner of Spring Lake Road and Bronson Drive. She noted she has lived in her home for over 40 years. She stated she supported her neighbor who just spoke. She encouraged the City to save the trees and not pursue a sidewalk or trail along Spring Lake Road. Richard Oehlenschlager, 7545 Spring Lake Road, stated he has been a resident of Mounds View since 1978. He explained he believed the trail and sidewalk was a catastrophe that should not be pursued by the City. He indicated the trail and sidewalk were not wanted. He discussed how the trees benefited the community and encouraged the City to not move forward with the trail on Spring Lake Road. Gerald Geisinger, 7555 Spring Lake Road, reported he loved his street the way it was. He encouraged the Council to keep the roadway as is with more greenspace that protects the trees. He indicated he was most against the trail because this would lower the value of his property. Marvin Eshelman, 7465 Spring Lake Road, asked if there was a plan on the table that does not include shifting the road for the trail, just leaving the road as is. He stated this would be his preference. He feared that the new plans were a done deal and encouraged the Council to hear the comments and concerns from the residents. Michelle Dreier, 7830 Spring Lake Road, reported she did not speak at the last meeting due to time constraints. She also wanted to take an active role in listening to the plan as amended. She explained at the August 23, 2021 City Council meeting she asked about the plan and the construction in front of her house. She indicated she did not understand how the road, boulevard and trail would fit. Also at this meeting, her husband raised concerns about how their driveway would be impacted. She stated she was concerned with the fact people traveling on the trail from the north side would not be able to easily see cars backing out of their driveway and vice versa. She believed the placement of the trail was creating a double blind situation. She discussed a telephone pole and shrubbery that further screened views from her property. She commented on how the road would have to be moved to the east and how the new trail and boulevard would affect her property. She explained she has been encouraged by the conversations that have been held since the August 23 meeting, but still had concerns with the fact the 60% plan may move forward as is. She feared public safety would be at risk if the trail were pursued as proposed by the City. Mayor Mueller explained this project had been proposed to be completed in two areas, J and K. She reported to her knowledge, there has been no intent to break off a small portion of Spring Lake Road for a separate project. She noted the proposed plans were only 60% complete and the Council has been listening to the residents as they voice their concerns. She indicated the City Forester reevaluated the trees along Spring Lake Road and she was not sure how the plans would develop going forward. City Administrator Zikmund explained the Council authorized staff to proceed with 100% of the plans with the roadway shift. He commented the plans are specific to the road. He indicated staff can bid the trail and/or sidewalk in three sections noting this would be a bid Mounds View City Council September 27, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 4 alternate. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported the 100% plans would be coming back to the Council on October 25. Staff hoped to have these plans approved so they can be forwarded to State Aid for approval. He anticipated the project would be bid in early February or March 2022. He indicated the width of the road would not be widened; rather the City would be staying within the footprint of the road. He commented in some cases, the roadway would be narrowed which would help in addressing the speed of traffic. Council Member Bergeron exited the Council Chambers. 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Resolution 9474, Authorization for Mounds View Community Center Furniture Purchase. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council authorize a furniture purchase for the Mound View Community Center. He discussed the furniture that would be purchased noting the existing furniture was over 20 years old. He reported the existing furniture was in need of replacement and recommended approval of the furniture purchase. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9474, Authorization for Mounds View Community Center Furniture Purchase. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Request to Appeal Rental License Re-Inspection Fees for Properties located at 5661, 5671 and 5691 Quincy Street. Community Development Director Sevald explained the City has received a request to appeal the rental license reinspection fees for the properties located at 5661, 5671 and 5691 Quincy Street. He explained the City requires a rental license for all properties being rented. He noted a property owner on Quincy Street that owns three different properties and has had 16 different inspections since October of 2020 and June 2021. He commented a number of these inspections failed and a reinspection was required which comes with a fee of $63.25. He reported the property owner was asking that the reinspection fees totaling $506 not apply. Mayor Mueller asked if all of the public safety issues had been resolved. Community Development Director Sevald reported the first round of inspections began in October of 2020 and since that time new violations have occurred. He confirmed that our Code Inspector performed all inspections listed. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull. To Deny the Request to Appeal the Rental License Re- Inspection Fees for Properties located at 5661, 5671 and 5691 Quincy Street. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 9472, Authorizing a Recruitment Process for Ice Rink Attendants and Approving Revisions to the Job Description. Mounds View City Council September 27, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 5 Human Resources Coordinator Ewald requested the Council authorize a recruitment process for ice rink attendants and approve revisions to the job description. She discussed the small changes to the job description noting the wage for returning employees would be $13.00 per hour and recommended approval of the Resolution. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9472, Authorizing a Recruitment Process for Ice Rink Attendants and Approving Revisions to the Job Description. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 9473, Authorization for Storm Sewer Maintenance. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council authorize storm sewer maintenance. He stated back in August of 2020 staff approved a Resolution that would clean the storm water pipe that runs between the Arden ditch from Long Lake Road to Greenwood. He explained at that time some further maintenance costs were discovered for this section of pipe due to a four to five inch offset of the pipe. He reported the right way to address this concern was to replace 40 feet of pipe. Mayor Mueller asked how the City would know if dewatering is required. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported staff would learn more about this once the contractor begins digging. City Administrator Zikmund explained the pipe that was draining the entire northwest portion of the City and has been a problem due to the number of water claims in this area of the City. Mayor Mueller noted for the record that Council Member Bergeron returned to the Council Chambers at 7:46 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9473, Authorization for Storm Sewer Maintenance. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Bergeron explained he attended a Cable Commission meeting last Thursday where final approval was given to the NSCC 2022 budget. He commented further on the proposed revenues and expenses for the coming year. Council Member Cermak stated the Mounds View Foundation would meet next on Tuesday, October 12. She noted an officer appreciation dinner was being will be hosted by the foundation. Mounds View City Council September 27, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 6 Council Member Meehlhause reported he attended the Cops and Rodders Picnic on Sunday, September 26. He explained he had some nice conversations with the people who attended this event. Council Member Meehlhause stated he would be attending the Nine North Open House on Thursday, September 30. Council Member Meehlhause commented last Tuesday he attended a Twin Cities Gateway Board meeting. He discussed how revenues had been impacted by COVID and noted all hotels were beginning to show increases this year. He noted the two hotels in Mounds View were up 37%. He stated a new member would be joining the Gateway in January of 2022 noting this would be the City of Arden Hills. He commented further on the Member City Grant Program and noted this matter would be discussed at a future work session meeting. Mayor Mueller explained the next Festival in the Park Committee meeting would be held on Tuesday, October 19 at 7:00 p.m. at the Public Works Building. Mayor Mueller reported last week she attended meetings with the Minnesota Women in City Government and the League of Minnesota Cities. She indicated she also attended a Ramsey County Dispatch Policy Committee meeting last week. She discussed the importance of having different communities and counties able to speak to one another. She explained she was assured that in the future there would be a regional hub where County dispatchers will be able to do computer aided dispatches (CAD) as issues arise. She was pleased to report that after much discussion a pilot program would be explored between Anoka County, Washington County and Ramsey County. She commented this program would create better communication between these three counties given the fact crime knows no borders. B. Reports of Staff. i.) Interpretation of Permitted Uses in the B-2 District Community Development Director Sevald stated he receives inquiries of what types of uses are allowed in the B-2 District. He reported if a use is not listed as permitted it is considered prohibited. He explained he received an inquiry a couple weeks back from someone that would like to open a retail gun shop in the B-2 District in Mounds View. He asked the Council to consider if the retail sales of firearms was a permitted use in the City. Council Member Bergeron commented the current language stating a use was prohibited if not specified was definitive for him. He explained if this use were allowed in the B-2 District, it would also be allowed in the B-3 and B-4 Districts. He did not believe selling guns was the same as selling milk at Aldi’s or a site that provides haircuts. He indicated the sale of guns and vehicles requires special licensing. He stated he did not support the proposed request to allow the sale of guns in the B-2 District. Community Development Director Sevald explained auto sales were allowed as a conditional use within the B-3 District. Council Member Hull asked if the request was for the Simon’s ABC Liquor property. Community Development Director Sevald commented this was the property the individual was interested in Mounds View City Council September 27, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 7 purchasing to put in a gun shop. Further discussion ensued regarding the other development proposed for this property. Council Member Bergeron questioned if the individual was interested in purchasing the building as is. Community Development Director Sevald reported this was the case, noting the individual would be interested in remodeling the site. In addition, the individual would like to purchase the adjacent land from the EDA which would be used for parking. Council Member Bergeron inquired what the value of the Simon’s ABC property was. Community Development Director Sevald stated he was uncertain, but estimated the site was worth $400,000. Council Member Bergeron asked what the proposed value of the proposed dentist and residential apartments would be for this site. Community Development Director Sevald indicated he could not say at this time. Council Member Bergeron estimated the site would be worth well over $2 million. He supported the City waiting for this development given the fact it would blend into the neighborhood better. Council Member Meehlhause indicated he supported Council Member Bergeron’s comments. Council Member Cermak stated she was more supportive of the first proposal than the gun sales in this neighborhood. Council Member Hull questioned if there was a hang up with the dentist office and apartments. Community Development Director Sevald explained the developer was working on plans, but noted staff was uncertain when these plans would be submitted. Mayor Mueller explained when Simon’s was a viable retail establishment they sold milk, bread, minnows, wax worms, night crawlers and sporting goods which included equipment for hunters and fisherman. She noted residents used to be able to go to the Mounds View Police Department to get a permit to purchase and then could go to Simon’s to buy a gun and ammunition. She questioned what the hang up was over a retail site for this property. She indicated she did not have an issue with a highly regulated retail location of a gun shop where there used to be a gun shop for over 50 years. She reported she could support this being a conditional use if this was necessary. She understood the City heard from a 115 residents that were against a mixed-use development on this property. However, she noted the City did not hear from the over 800 residents that have a permit to purchase or carry, which is a five-year permit. She explained staff was asking if the Council would support a retail gun establishment in a property that used to be a retail gun establishment. She commented the City does not own this property and if a purchaser comes to the Simon’s owners the City could not legally stop this purchase. She indicated she would not stop this purchase. Council Member Bergeron questioned how long ago Simon’s closed. Community Development Director Sevald estimated the liquor store closed in 2015 or 2016. Mounds View City Council September 27, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 8 Council Member Bergeron indicated this was a different world today and explained retail gun sales was not an allowed use within City Code. Mayor Mueller asked if retail gun sales were an allowed use within the B-2 District. City Attorney Riggs clarified it was unclear that it was allowed under City Code because it was not mentioned. He stated City Code has a catchall that states if a use is not mentioned, it is a prohibited use. He believed the best course of action would be to have staff review this matter further and could report back to the City Council at a future meeting. Council Member Hull explained he tended to agree with the Mayor on this issue, but understood he was in the minority. Community Development Director Sevald reported he would study this issue further with the City Attorney and would report back to the Council at a future meeting. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported the Local Surface Water Plan and MOU was approved by the watershed district last week. He indicated the City was one step closer to becoming the local governing unit (LGU) for storm water. He noted the sealcoating was now completed for 2021. He explained the State approved the variance on Spring Lake Road last Thursday. He thanked Andy Thomas and his staff in the Parks Department for putting on a great Community Resource Fair on Saturday, September 18. He provided further comment on the work that was being done on Water Treatment Plant 2. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated the splash pad has closed for the season. He commented further on a sand filter that was required for the system and filter upgrades already completed. Council Member Meehlhause requested staff provide the Council with information regarding park and community center rentals at a future Council meetings. Finance Director Beer reported staff would be addressing the remaining fund budgets with the Council at the next Council worksession meeting. ii.) Cul-De-Sac’s City Administrator Zikmund stated the 2022-2023 street improvement projects have raised the idea of cul-de-sacing a road. He reported MSA roads cannot have cul-de-sacs. iii.) Watershed Appointment/Local Government Control City Administrator Zikmund stated the City has received a verbal request to continue to partner with the Anoka County cities, led by Circle Pines. City Attorney Riggs commented on the small expense to prepare a request to submit an amicus brief noting a lot of the work was done. He estimated the brief would cost the City $500 to $2,000, depending on the requests that are made by the other attorney. The consensus of the Council was to support staff moving forward on this matter. Mounds View City Council September 27, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 9 City Administrator Zikmund reported the citywide cleanup day would be held on Saturday, October 2 beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Public Works Building. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs reviewed his report with the City Council. 10. Next Council Work Session: Monday, October 4, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, October 11, 2021, immediately following a 6:30 p.m. EDA meeting (check website for updates) 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:51 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial