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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2021/10/25APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting October 25, 2021 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112 6:30 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, October 25, 2021, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Bergeron. To Approve the Monday, October 25, 2021, agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of Minutes: October 11, 2021. B. Just and Correct Claims. C. Resolution 9478, Approving the 2022 SCORE Recycling Grant Request to Ramsey County. MOTION/SECOND: Bergeron/Meehlhause. To Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Connie Bernardy – Active Living Ramsey Communities Coordinator. Connie Bernardy provided the Council with a presentation and discussed her role as the Coordinator of the Active Living Ramsey Communities organization. She described how people use trails and sidewalks throughout the community which included for biking and walking, to provide access across barriers, and to have separation from motor vehicle traffic. She discussed Mounds View City Council October 25, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 2 the policies that were in place by the Ramsey County All-Abilities Transportation Network. She reviewed a pedestrian map for Ramsey County along with a vision for future connections throughout the Ramsey County network. A map of Mounds View’s pedestrian and bicycle system was also reviewed. She invited the Council to participate in the Biking and Walking Team noting this group meets bi-monthly or quarterly at the Roseville City Hall. She invited the Council to also be a part of the Active Living Ramsey Communities Coalition noting this group would meet next on Monday, December 13 at 2:30 p.m. Mayor Mueller thanked Ms. Bernardy for her presentation and for her efforts on behalf of the community. 7. PUBLIC COMMENT None. 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Public Hearing to Receive Public Input and Pass Upon Resolution 9479, Adopting a Special Assessment Levy for Delinquent Public Utility Accounts. Finance Director Beer requested the Council hold a public hearing and adopt a Special Assessment levy for delinquent public utility accounts. He reported the Council takes this action once a year for utility accounts that are at least two quarters delinquent. He indicated a $35 assessment fee would be passed along to these account holders. Mayor Mueller opened the public hearing at 6:50 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Mueller closed the public hearing at 6:50 p.m. Mayor Mueller asked what is the time period for which these charges were due. Finance Director Beer explained in order to meet the two delinquent quarters these properties had to be delinquent for two quarters through June 30. Mayor Mueller reported the delinquencies totaled over $90,000. She questioned if these properties were typically delinquent. Finance Director Beer stated there were a number of properties that regularly appear on the delinquency list. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9479, Adopting a Special Assessment Levy for Delinquent Public Utility Accounts. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Public Hearing to Receive Public Input and Pass Upon Resolution 9480, Adopting a Special Assessment Levy for Unpaid Administrative Offense Charges, Unpaid False Alarm Charges and Unpaid Diseased Tree Charges. Finance Director Beer requested the Council hold a public hearing and approve a Special Mounds View City Council October 25, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 3 Assessments Levy for unpaid administrative offense charges, unpaid false alarm charges and unpaid diseased tree charges. Mayor Mueller opened the public hearing at 6:54 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Mueller closed the public hearing at 6:55 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9480, Adopting a Special Assessment Levy for Unpaid Administrative Offense Charges, Unpaid False Alarm Charges and Unpaid Diseased Tree Charges. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 9483, 90% Design Plans for the 2022-2023 Street Project and Authorization to Send to MNDOT State Aid for Review. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council approve the 90% Design Plans for the 2022-2023 Street Project and authorize staff to send the plans to MNDOT State Aid for review. He noted the Council has reviewed these plans on several occasions and explained the November 8 meeting has been removed from the project timeline. Mayor Mueller asked if the people in the audience wished to share comments regarding the Minnesota State Aid dollar request. Marvin Eshelman, 7465 Spring Lake Road, asked if the State Aid request would approve the road shift and trail. Mayor Mueller explained the 60% plans were approved in September and included the road shift within the right-of-way. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson commented further on how the roadway would be shifted within the existing right-of-way. Mayor Mueller encouraged Mr. Eshelman to follow up with staff regarding the layout of the street. Mr. Eshelman explained he has been meeting with a number of his neighbors and noted none of his neighbors want the trail. He expressed concern with how the roadway was being shifted in order to make room for the trail and noted a large number of trees would be lost through this project. He reviewed a heat map and noted Spring Lake Road was a protected area that was cooler because of the existing trees that were in place. Mayor Mueller reported the trail was not being discussed this evening, but rather the Council was authorizing staff to send the 90% design plans to MNDOT State Aid for review. City Administrator Zikmund explained the roadway shift was negligible with respect to tree removal. Gary Rundle, 7445 Spring Lake Road, indicated he supported the sidewalk but questioned why the sidewalk trail was being placed on the west side of the street versus the east side. He recommended the sidewalk be placed on the east side of the street because it was wide open. Mounds View City Council October 25, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 4 Larry Myslicki, 8454 Spring Lake Road, questioned how the plans went from 60% to 90% and what changed within the plans. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained this was a lot of the details for the driveways and where the aprons are. Carol Eshelman, 7465 Spring Lake Road, explained the maps from staff don’t make sense to her with the “X’s” and stars. Mayor Mueller encouraged Ms. Eshelman to follow up with staff regarding this matter. Ms. Eshelman reported she emailed the Mayor and City Councilmembers requesting the City to make an alternative plan for the portion of Spring Lake Road from H2 to I because this was a different type of road. She did not believe this portion was served as an arterial road. Mayor Mueller stated staff provided Ms. Eshelman with a very detailed response to this email. She reiterated that the purpose of this meeting was to send plans to MNDOT State Aid for review. She asked what the dollar amount in funding would be requested from the State for this project. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson clarified Spring Lake Road was a State Aid funded roadway. Finance Director Beer reported the City would be requesting somewhere between $408,000 and $410,000 for this project. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9483, 90% Design Plans for the 2022-2023 Street Project and Authorization to Send to MNDOT State Aid for Review. Council Member Hull stated the Council was not working to negatively impact residents, but rather was working to do what was right by the City for both now and the future of the City. Council Member Bergeron commented he was opposed to the trail or sidewalk. He explained the shift had to be done. He reiterated that at this meeting the Council was addressing the State Aid funding. He noted the trail or sidewalk was not included in these plans. He indicated all neighborhoods have gone through a street improvement project so that the repair of the road was in place for all residents to use. He stated in the long run this saves the taxpayers money. He commented he appreciated the engagement from the public and encouraged the residents to stay involved. Council Member Meehlhause encouraged residents to keep in mind when projects are sent out for bid, the sidewalk would be bid separately. He stated this would allow the Council to make a decision regarding the sidewalk/trail at a future meeting. Council Member Cermak noted she has been approached via email, phone calls and Facebook regarding this matter. She explained she has not responded because she is trying to remain neutral for this project. Mounds View City Council October 25, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 5 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Staff provided the public with details on the upcoming meeting schedule and approval process for this project. D. Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 981, Regarding Business License Expiration Date. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council introduce an ordinance regarding business license expiration dates. He explained this issue came about due to a recent liquor license request and for this reason staff is recommending the liquor licenses run on the calendar year. Mayor Mueller questioned how staff will make the businesses aware of this change. City Administrator Zikmund reported staff had email and business addresses in order to get in contact with liquor license holders to notify them of the change. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Cermak. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 981, Regarding Business License Expiration Date. Council Member Meehlhause stated it made great sense to move to a calendar year for these licenses. Mayor Mueller agreed. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 982, Amending Title III, Chapter 37, Section 37.060(B) and Title IV, Chapter 92, Section 92.999(B). City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council introduce an ordinance amending Title III, Chapter 37 and IV, Chapter 92 of the Mounds View Municipal Code. He explained staff has been working with Kennedy & Graven on this housekeeping matter to bring the City into compliance with what it was already doing. MOTION/SECOND: Bergeron/Hull. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 982, Amending Title III, Chapter 37, Section 37.060(B) and Title IV, Chapter 92, Section 92.999(B). Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. F. Resolution 9481, Approving Insurance Contribution and Insurance Opt-Out- Payment amounts for 2022. Human Resources Coordinator Ewald requested the Council approve an insurance contribution and insurance opt-out payment amounts for 2022. She reviewed the details within the Resolution which included a 3% cost of living increase along with an employee contribution of $1,170 towards employee benefits for next year, plus a $200 per month contribution to a health savings account. Mounds View City Council October 25, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 6 She noted an insurance broker went out for bids for next year and the City was receiving an overall deduction of 4.8%. She commented further on how employees that opt out of the coverage would be impacted and noted the HR Committee recommends approval of the Resolution. MOTION/SECOND: Bergeron/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9481, Approving Insurance Contribution and Insurance Opt-Out-Payment amounts for 2022. Council Member Meehlhause stated he was pleased to hear the insurance rates would not be going up for 2022. He commented further on how good health insurance helps the City retain good employees. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. G. Resolution 9482, Authorizing Joint Powers Agreement for Group Employee Benefits. Human Resources Coordinator Ewald requested the Council authorize a Joint Powers Agreement for group employee benefits. She explained the City’s insurance broker went out for bids for 2022 and they came back with six bids. She noted the new group coverage requires a JPA to be signed. Finance Director Beer reported the City was already associated with Source Well and has had positive experiences with this organization. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9481, Authorizing Joint Powers Agreement for Group Employee Benefits. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Hull reported he would like the Council to hold a retreat in order to discuss goals for 2022. City Administrator Zikmund explained the three year strategic plan would be discussed at the November 1 work session meeting. Council Member Bergeron commented he appreciated Ms. Bernardy’s comments earlier regarding bikes and trails. He believed the City was lacking public transportation options. He indicated he would like to have a representative from the Met Council, MTC and Ramsey County at a future meeting to discuss this growing concern with the Council. Council Member Meehlhause reviewed his upcoming meeting schedule with the Council noting he would be attending an NYFS Board meeting on Thursday. Council Member Meehlhause reported the Mounds View Lions would be judging Halloween displays on Thursday night and the winner would be receiving $100. He thanked Dorianne McCreary Jarchow for organizing this contest. Mounds View City Council October 25, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 7 Mayor Mueller stated in the first week of November she would be attending the Minnesota Mayors Association Executive Board meeting. Mayor Mueller noted the Ramsey County League of Local Government met last week. She explained this group would be meeting again in November via Zoom where mental health issues would be discussed. Mayor Mueller commented on November 19 the Minnesota Women in Local Government would be celebrating 100 years of women’s suffrage. B. Reports of Staff. • City Code Chapter 111.020-111.027, Amusement Devices and Centers City Administrator Zikmund asked if the Council wanted to amend City Code to address amusement devices. He reported the State regulates amusement devices and arcade games. He noted most cities were getting out of regulating this type of business. Mayor Mueller questioned if the City inspects these types of machines. City Administrator Zikmund reported there was nothing for the City to inspect. The consensus of Council was for the City to stop regulating these devices. City Administrator Zikmund provided the Council with an update on a Charter amendment. He noted staff received the amendment today which started a clock ticking. Staff would now schedule a public hearing for the next two to five weeks for discussion and a vote. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson provided the Council with an update on Water Treatment Plant 2. • Public Works – Parks and Recreation – Civic Plus Software Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained the Parks and Recreation Department was looking to purchase a new software program called Civic Plus. He reported the current software would not allow staff to make a schedule change and does not synch with the City’s website. He indicated staff would like to make it easier for families to sign up for programming. He commented further on the price for the new software and noted Brian Scott had a presentation for the Council. Parks and Recreation Supervisor Andy Thomas provided background information on the current software called Active Net. He explained that as the City offers more and more programming staff is finding limitations within this software which led staff to reach out to Civic Plus for further information. Brian Scott (attending via Zoom), Civic Plus representative, discussed who he was and how his company served local governments. He then provided the Council with a presentation on how the Mounds View City Council October 25, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 8 Civic Rec software could benefit the Mounds View Parks and Recreation Department. He reported Civic Rec offers tremendous support to its customers. The financial impact and other advantages of the program was further discussed with the Council. Mayor Mueller asked if the 18 hours of training was for one person or multiple staff members. Mr. Scott noted this was for multiple employees over Zoom. Council Member Meehlhause stated based on staff’s report there was a need for a new software program for the Parks and Recreation team. He supported the City purchasing the program that they recommend. He questioned if Andy had spoken to the Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Fink at New Brighton regarding Civic Plus. Parks and Recreation Supervisor Andy Thomas stated he had not spoken to Ms. Fink, but had spoken to Maria, one of the coordinators at New Brighton along with other staff members throughout the metro area. Mayor Mueller inquired if this program would allow for cancellations messages to be sent. Parks and Recreation Supervisor Andy Thomas explained this program had a better system for communication. He noted the current system would require staff to copy and paste email addresses or to make personal phone calls. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported the reason he was bringing this item forward was to have the purchase included in the 2022 budget. He explained he would like to have a proposal signed with Civic Plus in order to allow them to begin building a software program that is ready in January with the understanding the City would not be billed until 2022. Finance Director Beer asked if there would be a 5% increase each year for the Civic Plus contract. Mr. Scott stated this was the case. Finance Director Beer questioned if there would be a 3% charge per transaction for credit card purchases. Mr. Scott indicated this would be integrated into the programming. Finance Director Beer inquired if this fee could be charged back to the customer. Mr. Scott reported this could be done. Parks and Recreation Supervisor Andy Thomas discussed the amount of money that would be saved in the long run for migrating to the new software program. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull. To Direct Staff to Move Forward with the Purchase of the Civic Plus Civic Rec Software Program with Payment Due in January 2022. Council Member Bergeron stated he supported the purchase of this new program because it would help the City provide better customer service for its residents. Mayor Mueller thanked Andy for looking into the needs of the Community Center and for finding a way to make his team more efficient. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council October 25, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 9 C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 10. Next Council Work Session: Monday, November 1, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, November 8, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:29 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial