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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2021/12/13APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting December 13, 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, December 13, 2021, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Bergeron/Hull. To Approve the Monday, December 13, 2021, agenda as amended adding Item 8H. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA Council Member Meehlhause asked to remove Item 5J. A. Approval of Minutes: November 22, 2021 and December 6, 2021 Truth in Taxation B. Just and Correct Claims. C. Resolution 9505, Approving a Therapeutic Massage License Renewal for Eric Rautio, Eric Roy Massage at 8373 Groveland Court. D. Resolution 9506, Approving an Automobile Dealer License Renewal for “The Bear Lot” at 2375 Mounds View Boulevard. E. Resolution 9507, Approving the Recording Secretary Service Agreement with Minute Maker Secretarial. F. Resolution 9504, Approving a Lease Agreement Renewal with Dippin Chocolate, LLC, for Use of Kitchen Space in the Mounds View Community Center. Mounds View City Council December 13, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 2 G. Resolution 9516, Technical Correction to Resolution 9490, Authorizing Four (4) Hours Holiday Pay to Part-Time Employees as Recognition of Employee Dedication in 2021. H. Resolution 9517, Approving Master Joint Powers Agreement with City on Behalf of its City Attorney and Police Department including Court Amendment. I. Resolution 9518, Approving 2022 through 2024 Legal Services with Kennedy and Graven. J. Resolution 9519, Approving Berling Severance. MOTION/SECOND: Bergeron/Hull. To Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. J. Resolution 9519, Approving Berling Severance. Council Member Meehlhause thanked Investigator Peter Berling for his 16 years of dedicated service to the Mounds View Police Department and wished him all the best in his retirement. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9519, Approving Berling Severance. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. PUBLIC COMMENT Brandie Gapinski, 7313 Spring Lake Road, discussed an issue she has had since her family purchased their home. She reported her home was supposed to be her forever home, but noted this was now in question due to the manhole cover at the intersection of County H2 and Spring Lake Road that has issues. She commented on the loud noise that was created when semis drive over this manhole cover. She indicated she has called the City repeatedly complaining about the issue. She explained even after the street was replaced, the manhole cover concern remained. She noted she sent an email to Public Works Director Don Peterson in 2016 and has since stopped calling. She requested the Council address this concern because she was not having any luck with staff and the issue was creating a safety issue. Scott Hyser, 7340 Spring Lake Road, stated he has lived on Spring Lake Road for the past 35 years. He indicated the situation Ms. Gapinski described needs to be addressed. He requested staff and the Council get this manhole cover fixed. He also requested the City put the speed trailer along H2 in order to slow the speed of traffic. 7. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS None. 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS Mounds View City Council December 13, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 3 A. Public Hearing – 2022 Tax Levy and Budgets for All Funds. 1. Resolution 9513, Adopting the 2022 Tax Levy. 2. Resolution 9514, Approving the 2022 EDA Tax Levy. 3. Resolution 9515, Adopting 2022 Municipal Budget. Finance Director Beer discussed the 2022 Tax Levy and budgets for all funds. He requested the Council adopt three Resolutions which would adopt the 2022 Tax Levy, approve the 2022 EDA Tax Levy and adopt the 2022 municipal budget. He reported the preliminary levy was set in September of 5% for the General Fund, .94% for the police referendum and .04% for debt service. He indicated adjustments have been made to reduce the levy by .65% making the final levy 5.33%. Mayor Mueller opened the public hearing at 6:46 p.m. Brian Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, spoke to the Council regarding the City’s tax limit, noting this was to be limited to 5%. He noted the Charter language states that the ad valorem tax limit is 5% with some exceptions for fees and indebtedness. He indicated the EDA levy or other special levies should be included in the 5%. He expressed frustration that the Council was not adhering to the language and spirit of the Charter. Bob King, 7408 Silver Lake Road, expressed concern with what the Council considers a tax. He noted the residents voted for street improvements, which should not be considered a tax. In addition, the residents voted for the three police officers, which should not be considered a tax. He indicated a tax was expenditures the City made a decision on. He did not believe the referendum for the three police officers should be considered an extra tax. Hearing no further public input, Mayor Mueller closed the public hearing at 6:49 p.m. Council Member Hull asked if the City Council was in violation of the City Charter with the proposed tax levy. City Attorney Riggs reported the City Council was not in violation. Council Member Meehlhause noted the debt service for the new Public Works Facility and Fire Station No. 3 were not considered to be part of the levy either. City Attorney Riggs indicated this was the case. Council Member Meehlhause explained the Street Project was also considered debt service and were not part of the levy. City Attorney Riggs stated this was the case. Finance Director Beer commented any resident approved levies were exempt from the Charter language. Council Member Meehlhause questioned what was driving the employee expense increase. Finance Director Beer stated this was due to a 3% cost of living adjustment, along with step increases for employees. Council Member Meehlhause asked what could be done in order to reduce the levy expenses. Finance Director Beer indicated this would require the City to reduce the number of employees Mounds View City Council December 13, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 4 within the Police and Public Works Departments. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9513, Adopting the 2022 Tax Levy. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Finance Director Beer explained the EDA was requesting the Council levy $100,000 for 2022. He noted this was the same amount that was levied in 2019 through 2021. He reported this amount was being requested due to the decertification of three TIF Districts. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9514, Approving the 2022 EDA Tax Levy. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Finance Director Beer discussed the 2022 municipal budget, along with the process that is followed to draft and approve a budget. He noted the Council has reviewed the General Fund Budget on several different occasions. He reported a Truth in Taxation Hearing was held on Monday, December 6 and comments were taken from the public. Staff commented further on the 2022 budget and recommended approval. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9515, Adopting 2022 Municipal Budget. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 9512, Accept the Plans and Specifications for the 2022/2023 Street Project and Authorization to Advertise Bidding and Resolution 9520, Approving No Parking on Spring Lake Road as a State Aid Funding Requirement. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council accept the plans and specifications for the 2022/2023 Street Project and authorization to advertise bidding. He requested the Council also approving No Parking on Spring Lake Road as a State Aid Funding Requirement. He reviewed the plans from Stantec noting the State required “No Parking” along Spring Lake Road. He anticipated the project would be finalized in January and would be bid at the end of February or early March. He indicated the trail along Mounds View Boulevard was eligible for State Aid. He commented he met with representatives from the city of Spring Lake Park and they would be continuing the trail in Spring Lake Park to Knollwood. He explained Ramsey County would also be participating in the trail along Mounds View Boulevard. He commented further on the project and recommended approval of both Resolutions. Council Member Meehlhause asked if parking was currently allowed on Spring Lake Road. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported parking was not allowed on Spring Lake Road at this time. Mounds View City Council December 13, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 5 Council Member Bergeron questioned when the project would be finalized. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported this would occur when the bids were accepted. He noted the trail sections along Spring Lake Road were bid Alternates A, B and C. Brandie Gapinski, 7313 Spring Lake Road, expressed concern with the fact this project was moving forward and that there would be “No Parking” along Spring Lake Road. She indicated H2 was a terrible road in this community, especially for speeding. She understood Chief Harder was working to have his officers on H2 to address the speed of traffic, but anticipated an officer would have to be solely dedicated to traffic in order to fully address this concern. She understood there was other crime in the community that the officers were addressing. She noted her family walked along Spring Lake Road because it was quiet and safer than H2. She reported there was no safe way to cross H2 unless she were to walk all the way down to Silver Lake Road, which was out of the way when trying to reach the Rice Creek trails. She commented that “No Parking” along Spring Lake Road would greatly impact her family because they would now have to park along H2 and try to cross a dangerous street in order to walk to her home. In addition, she noted she would be losing a portion of her driveway to the street project, which would reduce her onsite parking. She indicated she purchased her home in the hopes of creating happy memories with her family and friends and she feared that the new street project was just taking away all of this happiness. Scott Hyser, 7340 Spring Lake Road, commented the “No Parking” proposal would create the same concerns as Pleasantville. He noted a valley would be created and the speed of traffic would only increase. He questioned where people are to park and noted the Council’s decision was not resident friendly. He suggested a parking lane be considered on one side of the street. He encouraged the Council to reconsider their plans for Spring Lake Road. He indicated the speeding along H2 and his roadway was excessive and requested the City address this concern. Mayor Mueller asked if the “No Parking” section would be for the entire stretch of Spring Lake Road. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported this was the case. Mayor Mueller questioned how much funding the City would receive in State Aid funding for this project. Finance Director Beer estimated the City would receive $500,000+ in 2022 in State Aid funds. Council Member Hull inquired if parking was currently allowed on Spring Lake Road. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated per City Ordinance, parking was currently not allowed. He indicated people were currently parking off to the side of the road on the shoulder. Council Member Meehlhause asked if the residents wanted to have the ability to park on the street and questioned how this would change the design of the street. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson indicated this would require the street to be widened. Mayor Mueller inquired if a crosswalk would be marked along County Road I. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported there were no provisions for enhanced crosswalks. He explained this would be a separate issue. Mounds View City Council December 13, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 6 Council Member Hull asked if this project could be completed without MSA funding. City Administrator Zikmund indicated this project could move forward without MSA funding, but this would require an additional levy. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained that in order to receive MSA funding, the project had to meet MSA design requirements. He understood the residents did not want the street widened which meant the pavement width would be held. He indicated if parking were added to one side or another, the street would have to be widened, which would impact the stormwater requirements. He reported the final roadway would actually be slightly more narrow, which may assist in slowing traffic. City Administrator Zikmund commented on the mini roundabout that was being considered at County Road I noting the hope would be that the roundabout would assist with slowing traffic. Mayor Mueller asked if the manhole could be made of a different material in order to reduce the noise that was being created. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated he was not aware of any other material that a manhole could be made of, but noted a rubber gasket could be installed to reduce the rattling. He reported he was working to address this concern. MOTION/SECOND: Bergeron/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9512, Accept the Plans and Specifications for the 2022/2023 Street Project and Authorization to Advertise Bidding. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9520, Approving No Parking on Spring Lake Road as a State Aid Funding Requirement. Council Member Bergeron explained the City has to follow the Minnesota State Aid requirements in order to use MSA funding for this project. He commented he would much prefer to see the local authority be in charge of this, but since the State would be providing $500,000 for the project, the City’s hands were tied. He noted he would be voting for this project with regret. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 9508, Approving the 2022 City Council Meeting, Council/Staff Retreats, and the Town Hall Meeting Dates. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve the City Council meeting, Council/Staff Retreats, and the Town Hall meeting dates for 2022. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9508, Approving the 2022 City Council Meeting, Council/Staff Retreats, and the Town Hall Meeting Dates. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council December 13, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 7 D. Resolution 9509, Approving the On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License Renewal (Including Sunday Sales) for American Multi-Cinema, Inc, (DBA AMC Mounds View 15) at 2430 Mounds View Boulevard. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve an On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License Renewal (Including Sunday Sales) for American Multi-Cinema, Inc, (DBA AMC Mounds View 15) at 2430 Mounds View Boulevard. He discussed the license renewal in further detail with the Council and recommended approval. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9509, Approving the On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License Renewal (Including Sunday Sales) for American Multi-Cinema, Inc, (DBA AMC Mounds View 15) at 2430 Mounds View Boulevard. Mayor Mueller stated she was happy that the City of Mounds View would continue having a movie theater in the community. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 9495, Denying a Conditional Use Permit for an Animal Boarding Facility at 5491 Adams Street. Community Development Director Sevald requested the Council deny a Conditional Use Permit for an Animal Boarding Facility at 5491 Adams Street. He reported the applicant, Paul Holt had applied for a conditional use permit and for a commercial kennel license for a boarding facility. These items were considered by the Council on November 22 and the Council denied the commercial kennel license and tabled the conditional use permit for the animal board facility. He reported concerns were raised from the neighbors regarding the size of the outdoor space and potential barking. He noted the property was located at 5491 Adams Street, the former Fedora’s Market. He commented further on the proposed property and noted the adjacent apartment building was approximately 20 feet from the proposed boarding facility. He indicated staff has received three additional emails opposing the requested conditional use permit since the November 22 City Council meeting. He discussed the 60-day rule and noted the Council would be required to take action on this item at this meeting. Paul Holt, 4315 Chatsworth Street North in Shoreview, stated he was frustrated and disappointed with the City’s process. He felt the concerns that were raised were not valid given how he operates his business. He believed there was a lack of understanding on how he runs his business. He indicated there would not be a concern with noise because he trains the dogs at a high level. He noted he has a degree in animal science and he was very good at what he does. He reported he provides a quality service that would have benefited the community. He explained there would not be a large number of dogs on the property. He stated there would be no more noise coming from his property as any other residential property that has one dog outside. He discussed how he could amend the fence area to address the concerns from the neighbors. He commented further on how his business would be a positive addition to the community and requested the Council please reconsider their recommendation for denial. Mounds View City Council December 13, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 8 Council Member Meehlhause asked what would happen if there was a change of heart and the Council were to support the conditional use permit. Community Development Director Sevald stated the Council would have to reconsider the commercial kennel license at its next meeting. Council Member Hull questioned if the City could limit the number of dogs on the property to seven (7). Community Development Director Sevald stated this could be done. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9495, Approving a Conditional Use Permit for an Animal Boarding Facility at 5491 Adams Street limiting the number of dogs to seven (7) and revising the fence area as discussed the applicant. Council Member Bergeron stated he had no problem with the applicant or the way he runs his business, rather he was concerned about the location of the proposed business not being a good fit for the neighborhood. Council Member Meehlhause commented he did not have an issue with the proposed kennel license. He noted he would be supporting the proposed motion to approve the conditional use permit. Mayor Mueller asked if the outdoor area would be used for potty purposes and exercise. Mr. Holt reported this was the case. He indicated he would be outside with the dogs at all times, noting only one dog would be taken out at a time and a privacy fence would be installed. Council Member Meehlhause questioned how the Planning Commission voted on this item. Community Development Director Sevald reported the Planning Commission recommended approval on a 6-0 vote. Ayes – 2 Nays – 3 (Bergeron, Cermak, and Mueller) Motion failed. MOTION/SECOND: Bergeron/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9495, Denying a Conditional Use Permit for an Animal Boarding Facility at 5491 Adams Street. Ayes – 3 Nays – 2 (Hull and Meehlhause) Motion carried. F. Public Hearing: Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 984, Charter Commission Amendment Regarding Chapter 7, Levy Limits. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council introduce an Ordinance that would amend Chapter 7 regarding Levy Limits. He explained out of the 785 cities in Minnesota, 102 have a charter, noting only two have a levy provision within the Charter. He indicated the City of Mounds View has the most restrictive Charter in the State of Minnesota. He commented in January of 2021, the Charter Commission began reviewing Chapter 7 and spent the majority of the year addressing this task. He noted in September, the Charter Commission made a recommendation of a Resolution that would amend Chapter 7 that eases the levy cap on a 6-3 vote. It was noted Mounds View was in the lower 10% when considering the per capita levy. He indicated the levy cap was suppressing the City’s ability to levy and hire additional staff. Mounds View City Council December 13, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 9 City Attorney Riggs then commented on the process that would have to be followed in order to amend the City Charter per State Statute. He indicated this provision allows the Council to adopt an Ordinance to amend the Charter noting a public hearing would have to be held. He reported the vote to approve the Ordinance would have to be unanimous (5-0). Russ Warren, 8044 Greenwood Drive, explained he was the Chair of the Charter Commission. He offered for collective consideration, the work product from the Charter Commission. He commented further on the joint conversations he had with the City Council regarding the levy cap noting he understood this was the most important issue. He discussed how the current levy limits were not keeping up with CPI and the City’s expenditures. He reviewed the proposed language change noting the City could now have a levy increase of up to 6.5%. He explained the Charter Commission recommends approval of this new language. Mayor Mueller opened the public hearing at 8:13 p.m. Valerie Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, discussed how the proposed language would impact Mounds View taxpayers. She encouraged the Council to let the residents vote on this issue. She commented on the taxes being paid by residents from Mounds View, North Oaks, Arden Hills, Shoreview and New Brighton for a $345,000 valued home. She noted Mounds View was paying the highest amount when compared to each City. She discussed how this amount would surge over the next five years if the language change were approved. She understood this was a complicated issue, but feared if the language amendment were approved, residents would not want to move into Mounds View due to high taxes. Brian Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, stated this Ordinance cannot and should not be acted on this evening. He reported the Ordinance cannot be acted on this evening because it was being introduced this evening. He explained the City’s Charter requires Ordinances to be introduced and then 14 days prior to action being taken. He indicated the Ordinance should not be acted on because it was a Council proposal and did not originate with the Charter Commission. Rather the matter originated from the Council and the Charter Commission Chair brought this matter to the Commission in January. He stated at a joint meeting in June the Council and Charter Commission rejected the three amendments suggested by the Charter Commission and instead supported Fridley’s charter language. He commented since July staff has worked with the Council to draft language and this language was presented to the Charter Commission by the City Attorney. He noted all of these proposals for this amendment were driven by the City Council. He discussed the Minnesota State Statute method for approving an Ordinance and reiterated that the point of origin for this Ordinance was the City Council. He directed the Council to the Statute staff included in the packet reporting this issue must go to the voters and should not be approved by Ordinance. He encouraged the Council to follow both the spirit and letter of the law and allow voters to vote on this matter in November of 2022. Bob King, 7408 Silver Lake Road, indicated the Charter was put in place before the existing residents of Mounds View ever lived in the community. He stated he could care less what happened in 1979. He reported levies like the one for the police department was not something that could be controlled by the City. Rather, these matters were voted on by the citizens stating Mounds View City Council December 13, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 10 what was needed. He commented on the size of the Mounds View Police’s Department and indicated crime was on the rise. He stated without more officers on the street, the increase in crime could not be addressed. Hearing no further public input, Mayor Mueller closed the public hearing at 8:22 p.m. Mayor Mueller requested comment from the City Attorney regarding the comments made by Mr. Amundsen. City Attorney Riggs reported he assisted with the drafting of the proposed Ordinance and explained the City was taking all the proper steps in order to change Chapter 7 of the charter. He indicated the Council could pause and take action on the Ordinance in 30 days, if this was the desire of the Council. However, he noted the Council could also opt to take action on the Ordinance at this meeting. Mayor Mueller questioned if the Charter Commission’s 6-3 vote on this Ordinance amendment should be considered contentious because it was not a unanimous recommendation. City Attorney Riggs advised the recommendation was fitting within Subdivision 7 of the Statute, noting a recommendation was made by the Charter Commission. Mayor Mueller commented on how the City Attorney had assisted the City with drafting charter language. City Attorney Riggs indicated he had worked to draft language per the Charter Commission and City staff. Mayor Mueller stated it was determined to be more efficient to have the City Attorney assist with drafting the language amendment. She asked if the City was acting in a nefarious manner by having the City Attorney assist with drafting the Ordinance amendment language. City Attorney Riggs reported City Attorney’s and staff often help in drafting charter language. City Administrator Zikmund recalled that the Charter Commission adopted a motion designating Kennedy & Graven as the attorney for the Commission. Charter Commission Chair Warren stated he did not recall the Charter Commission making a motion to designate Kennedy & Graven, but rather there was consensus to have the City Attorney assist with drafting the language. He commented further on the language that was reviewed by the Charter Commission members and put before the Charter Commission and individually voted on. This led to the 6-3 vote recommending the Ordinance amendment to the City Council. Council Member Meehlhause questioned if the Charter Commission discussed having this item determined on a ballot versus being voted on by the City Council. Charter Commission Chair Warren reported the Charter Commission recommended a determination be made by the City Council. Council Member Bergeron asked if Chair Warren, after discussing priorities, had determined the levy limit was the top priority for the Charter Commission to discuss. Charter Commission Chair Warrant reported this was the case. Council Member Bergeron inquired if the Council rejected three proposals from the Charter Mounds View City Council December 13, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 11 Commission. He explained that this was not the case, but rather three options were discussed at a worksession meeting and no decisions can be made by the Council at a worksession meeting. Charter Commission Chair Warren indicated this was the case, noting the Council took no vote, but rather discussed the options at a worksession meeting. Council Member Meehlhause discussed the differences between Mounds View and its neighboring communities with respect to taxes. He noted Mounds View had its own police department and did not have contracted services the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department. He commented further on how this expense impacted the City’s budget and tax levy. Further discussion ensued regarding the cuts that would have to come to staffing in order to reduce expenses for the City of Mounds View. Council Member Meehlhause stated the City Council had a fiduciary responsibility to the Mounds View residents and noted the current levy limitations would not allow the Council to provide the necessary services the residents are requesting. Mayor Mueller indicated she served on the Charter Commission from 2006 to 2008. She noted when she was first on the City Council the City had 49 full time employees. She explained the City now had employees wearing numerous hats and cuts would be difficult to make without disrupting essential services. She stated she is not in favor of removing the levy cap, but did support altering the cap in order to make the community thrive. She discussed the numbers before the Council noting there is a rising cost to hiring and retaining qualified employees. She commented she would be supporting the proposed Ordinance amendment. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Ordinance 984, Charter Commission Amendment Regarding Chapter 7, Levy Limits. Council Member Hull indicated the Police Department was currently shorthanded due to a retirement, COVID absences, and on the job injury. He believed it was absolutely critical for the City Council to approve this levy limit change in order to help the police department be properly staffed. Council Member Meehlhause noted he supported the Ordinance amendment. He reiterated that the City Council was not opting to eliminate the levy limit, but rather was altering the rate that was set 13 to 14 years ago. He commented on how costs have increased over the past 13 years. He stated he was 99% sure he voted for the levy limit originally but after learning more about City finances, he no longer supported the previously approved limit. He provided a brief history of the State’s recession and discussed how this impacted the City’s taxes in the early 2000’s. He stated he was extremely proud of the fact Mounds View had the best streets and was taking care of its infrastructure. He appreciated how the City Council was looking to the future in order to protect its financial position and bond rating. He reiterated that the City Council was not eliminating the levy limit, but rather was considering an adjustment. ROLL CALL: Bergeron/Cermak/Hull/Meehlhause/Mueller. Mounds View City Council December 13, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 12 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. G. Resolution 9510, Accepting and Allocating American Rescue Plan Act Funding. Finance Director Beer requested the Council accept and allocate the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. He explained the City received CARES Act funding in 2020 and the government was now providing ARPA funds that would be paid out over a two-year period. He reported the City had to formally accept this funding. He described how the ARPA funds could be used by the City and recommended $650,000 be provised for 2021 with the remainder being allotted for 2022. It was noted the City had until December of 2024 to spend the ARPA funds. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9510, Accepting and Allocating American Rescue Plan Act Funding. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. H. Resolution 9521, Approving an Opioid Settlement. City Attorney Riggs requested the Council approve a Resolution regarding an opioid settlement. He noted the City had registered to receive settlement monies from a nationwide settlement. He commented as of Thursday the Attorney General was also asking for an adopted Resolution regarding the opioid settlement in order to remain eligible to settlement dollars in the future. He estimated the City would receive $32,000. City Administrator Zikmund commented on the manners in which the funding could be used by the City to address the opioid crisis. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9521, Approving an Opioid Settlement. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Cermak reported last Thursday the Santa Parade was held. She thanked the SBM Fire Department for providing this event for the community and thanked all of the Mounds View residents that made food donations. Council Member Cermak explained the Mounds View Police Foundation would meet next on January 11, 2022. She noted this group was working on plans for the daddy daughter dance. She encouraged all dads, uncles and grandpas in the community to attend this event. Mounds View City Council December 13, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 13 Council Member Meehlhause reviewed his upcoming meeting schedule noting he would be attending two NYFS meetings this week. He indicated the NYFS Search Committee would be meeting for the second time. Council Member Meehlhause noted the Mounds View Lions would be judging the holidays lights contest on Wednesday, December 22. Council Member Meehlhause reported K-9 Officer Niko would be retiring on Wednesday, December 22 and a ceremony would be held at City Hall at 1:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. He thanked Officer Erickson for his great work with K-9 Officer Niko. Council Member Meehlhause wished everyone a very happy holidays. Council Member Hull stated he had a great time riding in the Santa Parade. He thanked the Fire Department for their tremendous effort to put on this event. Council Member Hull wished everyone happy holidays. Council Member Bergeron wished everyone happy holidays. He thanked all of the residents that donated to the recent food drive. Mayor Mueller thanked the Public Works Department for their outstanding efforts after the recent snow event. Mayor Mueller commented on the difficult situations that had occurred in the community in the past few weeks. She reported crime was on the rise throughout the State of Minnesota, which was tragic. She encouraged residents to be aware of what was going on in their neighborhood. She discussed how quickly officers in Mounds View are able to respond to serious incidents in the community and thanked them for their dedicated service. She then discussed a recent event that occurred at the grocery store and encouraged residents to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings, and to look out for their neighbors. Mayor Mueller thanked everyone in the community for their holiday light displays noting the lights in the community have lifted her spirits. Mayor Mueller commented on the Ramsey County League of Local Government Annual meeting she attended where Alan Page spoke about an education bill he was drafting to ensure every child in the State of Minnesota has a right to have a public education where they are taught and given the skills and abilities to be successful. She was hopeful the City would be able to pass a Resolution of support for this bill in the new year. Mayor Mueller indicated she would be attending the White Bear Lake City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 14 to honor Mayor Jo Emerson and Councilmember Doug Biehn. She thanked each of these long serving Councilmembers for their dedicated service to the community and wished them well in their retirement. Mounds View City Council December 13, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 14 Mayor Mueller wished everyone happy holidays. B. Reports of Staff. Community Development Director Sevald reported the Council would have two planning related items to review at the January worksession meeting. City Administrator Zikmund commented on a report from Police Chief Harder noting Sergeant Hanson was receiving the services he needs. He discussed several staffing changes that were made within the Mounds View Police Department. City Administrator Zikmund explained he would be reaching out to Ms. Gapinski tomorrow regarding the manhole cover concerns in her neighborhood. City Administrator Zikmund indicated he has heard from staff and they appreciated the four hours of vacation time that was approved for part-time employees on December 24. 1. Discuss Need for December 27, 2021 Meeting. City Administrator Zikmund stated there was no items for the Council to address on December 27, 2021. He requested the Council make a motion to cancel this meeting. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Mueller. To Cancel the December 27, 2021 City Council Meeting. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 10. Next Council Work Session: Monday, January 3, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, December 27, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial