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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2022/11/14APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting November 14, 2022 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: Cermak, Hull, Meehlhause, Mueller NOT PRESENT: Bergeron 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, November 14, 2022, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull. To Approve the Monday, November 14, 2022, agenda as presented. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of Minutes: October 24, 2022. B. Just and Correct Claims. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull. To Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. PUBLIC COMMENT Sherry Nelson, 7555 Groveland Road, stated in preparation for this meeting she reviewed the Council’s three year strategic plan. She reviewed the City’s mission statement and explained she appreciated the fact Mounds View was a thriving community. She questioned how the proposed development at Woodale Drive would impact the local schools and encouraged the Council to reconsider what is desirable for the community. Mounds View City Council November 14, 2022 Regular Meeting Page 2 Tiffany Alexander-Susens, 5209 O’Connell, explained she learned about the Wooddale Drive proposal in August. Since that time, she has spoken to many neighbors and none supported the proposed development. She commented on the number of apartment buildings in her neighborhood and questioned if the City needed another multi-family development. She feared how her neighborhood would be impacted by an additional 600 residents on a small three acre lot. She believed her quality of life would be adversely impacted by the proposed four-story building. She encouraged the Council to protect her neighborhood and not approve the proposed project at Woodale Drive. Ron Bakke, 5250 Jeffrey, stated he has been a resident of Mounds View for the past 23 years. He reported he did not see any benefit from the proposed apartment complex. He encouraged the Council to consider how this monstrous building would impact the adjacent neighbors. He indicated the traffic would be horrendous for the neighbors living along Woodale Drive. Teresa Lexcen, 5229 Jeffery Drive, noted she was a 41 year resident of Mounds View. She discussed how the proposed density on this corner lot was too much for the area. She indicated the corner lot would have two large apartment buildings. She did not believe the proposed development was appropriate given the fact this lot was at the entrance to the City of Mounds View. She recommended a traffic study be completed for this project and asked why the Council was willing to bend the rules for Reuter Walton Development. She questioned why the developer has not held any neighborhood meetings. She believed the Council was not being transparent regarding this project because there was two buildings proposed and not one. Doug Donley, 5210 O’Connell, stated he had a large picture window on the back of his house and he has enjoyed the view for years. He indicated he would lose the view from his home if the apartment complex were approved. He explained he was not against development, but questioned if this was the right place for the proposed density. He reported he was concerned about traffic and wondered if the schools would be able to take a large number of new students. He stated the subject property was currently zoned single family and he wanted to make sure that the City considered how this project would impact the single family homeowners surrounding this site. He expressed frustration with how the City has kept this project quiet and did not involve the neighbors in the discussions with the developer. Brian Kaden, 7675 Spring Lake Road, commented on the safety concerns he had regarding the intersection of Spring Lake Road and County Road I. He explained his son was almost hit by a car this morning. He requested the Council reconsider the stop signs at this intersection for safety purposes and asked that “Bus Stop Ahead” signs also be installed. Mayor Mueller stated she would follow up with Mr. Kaden after this meeting to address his concerns. James Range, 5200 Greenfield Avenue, reported he served in Vietnam and noted all he got out of it was being looked down on. He understood the school just finished up a large addition and explained the site did not have enough parking. He commented on how student parking was impacting his neighborhood. He encouraged the Council to consider how this project would adversely impact the neighborhood and to not offer their support. Mounds View City Council November 14, 2022 Regular Meeting Page 3 Teresa Leary, 5250 O’Connell Drive, explained her neighbor told her about the public hearing. She understood the request before the Council was to amend the official zoning map through a rezoning of the property at Woodale Drive. She reported she has lived in her home for the past 37 years. She commented on how her neighbors would be impacted by the proposed rezoning and apartment complex. She commented on the numerous apartment buildings located along the Mounds View Boulevard corridor and requested the Council not support the proposed apartment structure that would be located in her backyard. She discussed the amount of traffic that uses Woodale Drive and noted she believed the new development would adversely impact local businesses and existing homeowners. She invited the Council to visit her house in order to see the traffic in her neighborhood. Cynthia Camarillo, 5299 Greenfield Avenue, stated she was concerned with the fact there was no daycare in Mounds View to support the proposed additional apartment units. She reported Mounds View does not have a big job base and she believed the City could not support additional residents. She explained there was poor public transportation which would be needed for the proposed low income housing units. She noted Gray Stone Flats was not full. She believed the City did not need additional multi-family housing, but suggested if the project were to move forward that another site be considered, such as the movie theater property or Mermaid site. Kim Donley, 5210 O’Connell Drive, pointed out that her property value would go down because she would now have a five story building in her backyard. She explained she was a property tax payer in the community and she wanted her property value protected. She suggested the developer pursue townhomes on the proposed property. Grant Bilski, 5219 O’Connell Drive, explained he was concerned with the speed at which this project was moving forward. He questioned why this project was being rushed through by the Council. He discussed how this project would impact the City if TIF were offered. Pat Leary, 5250 O’Connell Drive, encouraged the City to not approve yet another large apartment complex, especially at the entrance to the community. He commented on how difficult traffic in his neighborhood would be if another apartment complex were approved. He stated the schools were maxed out and the police department could not handle the additional work load. He was of the opinion the proposed development was a mistake for Mounds View. Alison Bagwill, 5260 Jeffery Drive, stated she has lived in this neighborhood for the past 20 years. She explained she has a son that attends Irondale High School and this school was full to capacity. She questioned how the school would handle additional students. She questioned what the City Council was trying to achieve and suggested this land be maintained for greenspace and that trees be preserved. She suggested the City consider another location for this project. Mark Dieter, 5219 Jeffery Drive, stated he has lived in his home since 2011. He explained his neighborhood has been ideal for raising his family. He explained he was a teacher at Mounds View High School and commented on how things were changing, not for the better. He recognized that low income housing was a good thing for the community, but he feared how the proposed development would impact the traffic in his neighborhood. He suggested another location be Mounds View City Council November 14, 2022 Regular Meeting Page 4 considered for this apartment complex in order to preserve the trees on this lot as it was the entrance point to Mound View. 7. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Resolution 9652, Canvassing Election Results of the 2022 Election. Human Resources Director Ewald requested the Council canvass the election results from the 2022 election. She reviewed the results in detail with the Council and recommended approval. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9652, Canvassing Election Results of the 2022 Election. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Marcie Wienandt – Rice Creek Watershed District Update. Marcie Wienandt, Rice Creek Watershed District representative, provided the Council with an update from the Rice Creek Watershed District. She thanked the City for hosting the Rice Creek Watershed meetings this past summer. She discussed the recent activity of the watershed district which included carp removal, as well as miles of ditch repair and maintenance. Council Member Meehlhause thanked Ms. Wienandt for her service on the Rice Creek Watershed Board for the past three years. City Administrator Zikmund stated he had been communicating with City Attorney Riggs, given the fact Council Member Bergeron was not in attendance and reported City Attorney Riggs recommended Item 8D be rescheduled, and that Items 8E, 8F and 8G be tabled to the November 28 City Council meeting. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Cermak. To Table Action on Items 8D, 8E, 8F and 8G to the November 28, 2022 City Council meeting. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Water Service Update Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson provided the Council with an update on the City’s water service. He explained a precautionary boil alert was put in place on October 31. He discussed what happened with the City’s water noting a well failed and there was a low pressure alert received by staff. He stated staff responded quickly to the well failure and a new well was up and running within seven or eight minutes. He reported a precautionary boil alert was put in place per recommendations from the Department of Health. He indicated staff was confident residual chlorine protected the City’s water system, but noted samples were taken and driven to the State lab. He discussed how the City notified the public through the notify me option on the City’s website. Mounds View City Council November 14, 2022 Regular Meeting Page 5 City Administrator Zikmund reported a little over 1,000 residents signed up for alerts from the City after this event occurred. He commented on why the schools were notified first and noted a report would be completed on this event from the City in the coming weeks. He noted this was the first motor failure within a well in the City’s history. Mayor Mueller thanked Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson and his team for all of their efforts to address he water failure. 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 993, an Ordinance Adopting the 2023 Fee Schedule. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council adopt an Ordinance approving the 2023 fee schedule. He reviewed the proposed changes for the food truck fees and recommended approval. Council Member Meehlhause supported residents being charged half the fee for their food trucks. He indicated his only concern was that a precedent could be sent for business fees, but noted he would be willing to try the reduced rate for one year. Council Member Hull agreed. Mayor Mueller questioned how staff would research the address for the food truck vendors. Finance Director Beer reported staff would have to investigate the address used for their license as registered with the Secretary of State. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 993, an Ordinance Adopting the 2023 Fee Schedule, as discussed. ROLL CALL: Cermak/Hull/Meehlhause/Mueller. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Public Hearing: Resolution 9646, Approving the Preliminary/Final Plat of Stellmaker Addition. Community Development Director Sevald requested the Council hold a public hearing and approve the preliminary and final plat for the Stellmaker Addition. He stated the Stellmaker’s purchased the neighboring home with the intention of subdividing their backyard, in order to make it larger. He commented further on the process that must be followed for the subdivision and recommended approval. Mayor Mueller opened the public hearing at 8:00 p.m. Fola Ogundipe, 7260 Hidden Hollow Court, explained he lives two buildings from the subdivision. He explained he was confused with what would happen when there were two property owners for this lot. Community Development Director Sevald discussed the layout of the lot and reported the Mounds View City Council November 14, 2022 Regular Meeting Page 6 two existing houses would remain as is. Hearing no further public input, Mayor Mueller closed the public hearing at 8:02 p.m. Council Member Meehlhause asked if the H2 lot still met the City’s minimum lot requirements. Community Development Director Sevald reported this was the case. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9646, Approving the Preliminary/Final Plat of Stellmaker Addition. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Public Hearing: Resolution 9647, Approving a Conditional Use Permit for Abiding Savior at 8211 Red Oak Drive. Community Development Director Sevald requested the Council hold a public hearing and approve a conditional use permit for Abiding Savior for their dynamic display sign at 8211 Red Oak Drive. He commented further on the dimensions of the proposed dynamic display sign and recommended approval. Mayor Mueller opened the public hearing at 8:07 p.m. Steve Hidean, 8255 Red Oak Drive, explained he was a pastors kid and he grew up in the church. He understood the need for signage. He reported he was concerned about the sign that was proposed by the contractor. He believed none of the proposed signs were appropriate for residential areas. He understood the City was implementing light standards for the sign. He noted he did not support the sign, but noted he could be in favor if light standards were put in place. Gary Paul Engen, 8151 Red Oak Court, noted he lived close to the church and was a representative for the church. He thanked the Council for considering his request and noted the sign would automatically dim based on ambient light, which meant the sign would be dialed back at night. He stated he looked forward to better communicating with the community through the new sign. Hearing no further public input, Mayor Mueller closed the public hearing at 8:12 p.m. Council Member Meehlhause asked if the sign would be located on Red Oak Drive. Community Development Director Sevald reported this was the case. Council Member Meehlhause questioned if City Code required dynamic display signs to be turned off at a certain time. Community Development Director Sevald explained the church was agreeable to turn the sign off at 10:00 p.m. each night so as not to disturb the neighborhood. Council Member Meehlhause inquired if the Messiah Lutheran Church sign has had any complaints since being installed. Community Development Director Sevald stated he has not received any complaints. Mounds View City Council November 14, 2022 Regular Meeting Page 7 Council Member Cermak thanked the church for being a good neighbor. She indicated she was looking forward to the church having a new sign for its congregation. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9647, Approving a Conditional Use Permit for Abiding Savior at 8211 Red Oak Drive. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. First Reading and Introduction of Ordinance No. 998, Amending the Official Zoning Map for 2310 Woodale Drive, from R-1 Single Family Residential to PUD Planned Unit Development. This item was tabled to the November 28, 2022 City Council meeting. E. Public Hearing: Ordinance 994, Amending the City Charter Pertaining to Filing for Office of Charter Commission. ROLL CALL VOTE This item was tabled to the November 28, 2022 City Council meeting. F. Public Hearing: Ordinance 995, Amending the City Charter Pertaining to Vacancies in Elected Office. ROLL CALL VOTE This item was tabled to the November 28, 2022 City Council meeting. G. Public Hearing: Ordinance 996, Amending the City Charter Pertaining to Vacancies in Elected Office. ROLL CALL VOTE This item was tabled to the November 28, 2022 City Council meeting. H. Resolution 9651, Relating to the Issuance of Conduit Revenue Bonds to Finance the Costs of a Multifamily Rental Housing Facility and Under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 462C, as Amended; Granting Preliminary Approval Thereto; Calling for a Public Hearing; Establishing Compliance with Certain Reimbursement Regulations Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as Amended; and Taking Certain Other Actions with Respect Thereto (Sherman Forbes Project). Finance Director Beer requested the Council adopt a Resolution relating to the issuance of Conduit Revenue Bonds to finance the costs of a multifamily rental housing facility for the Sherman Forbes Project. He reported the City would not be responsible for these bonds, but rather the developer would be the responsible party. He explained developers pursued this type of financing in order to have tax-exempt bonds, which assists with providing affordable housing units. Mayor Mueller reported the City was able to capture a 1% revenue stream when administering these types of conduit revenue bonds. Mounds View City Council November 14, 2022 Regular Meeting Page 8 MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9651, Relating to the Issuance of Conduit Revenue Bonds to Finance the Costs of a Multifamily Rental Housing Facility and Under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 462C, as Amended; Granting Preliminary Approval Thereto; Calling for a Public Hearing; Establishing Compliance with Certain Reimbursement Regulations Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as Amended; and Taking Certain Other Actions with Respect Thereto (Sherman Forbes Project). Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. I. Resolution 9648, Cooperative Agreement for Construction and Maintenance of a new Trail along Mounds View Boulevard. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council approve a cooperative agreement for the construction and maintenance of a new trail along Mounds View Boulevard. He explained T.A. Schifsky would be completing this work. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9648, Cooperative Agreement for Construction and Maintenance of a new Trail along Mounds View Boulevard. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. J. Resolution 9645, Authorization for Storm Sewer Maintenance at Woodcrest Park. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council authorize for storm sewer maintenance at Woodcrest Park. He commented further on the work to be completed by Perkins Contracting and recommended approval. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9645, Authorization for Storm Sewer Maintenance at Woodcrest Park. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. K. Resolution 9649, Renaming Random Park to Hodges Park. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council rename Random Park to Hodges Park. He explained this request came from the Mounds View Lions in order to honor Don and Amy Hodges, who were both Citizens of the Year and have many years of service to the community and was recommended for approval from the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission. Mike Hodges, 11815 Tulip Street in Coon Rapids, thanked the Mayor and City Council for considering changing Random Park to Hodges Park. He stated this would honor both his father and mother and their many years of service to the community. He commented further on the many challenges his father faced while serving the City of Mounds View and discussed how his mother Mounds View City Council November 14, 2022 Regular Meeting Page 9 was also active in the community. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9649, Renaming Random Park to Hodges Park. Council Member Meehlhause reported Don and Amy Hodges would have been 95 and 94 this year, but passed away earlier this year. He thanked Don and Amy Hodges for their tremendous service to the community. He stated this was a great honor the City can do for these very well deserving individuals. Mayor Mueller commented on the numerous ways she interacted with Don and Amy Hodges over the years. She was honored and proud to say her great nephew who graduated from Totino Grace who received a certificate from Don Hodges for his Boy Scout achievements. She was thrilled that the City could honor Don and Amy Hodges in this manner. Ayes – 3 Nays – 1 (Cermak) Motion carried. L. Resolution 9650, Authorization for New Playground Equipment and Installation for Greenfield Park. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council authorize the purchase of new playground equipment and its installation at Greenfield Park. He reported the equipment at this park was 20 years old and the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission recommended the equipment be replaced. He commented further on the cost for the project and recommended the project move forward. Mayor Mueller asked what would happen with the old playground equipment. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported the equipment would be scrapped. He commented further on how it would be difficult to repurpose this equipment. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9650, Authorization for New Playground Equipment and Installation for Greenfield Park. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Meehlhause reported he would be attending a Twin Cities Gateway board meeting on Tuesday, November 15 where the 2023 budget would be discussed. He reviewed the projected revenues from 2022 in further detail with the Council. Mayor Mueller explained she would be attending the Ramsey County Dispatch Policy Committee meeting on Tuesday, November 15 where the budget, equipment and upcoming trends would be discussed. Mounds View City Council November 14, 2022 Regular Meeting Page 10 Mayor Mueller stated the Festival in the Park Committee would be meeting on Tuesday, November 15 at 7:00 p.m. at the Public Works Facility. Mayor Mueller reported she would be attending a North Metro Mayors meeting on Wednesday, November 16 with City Administrator Zikmund. Mayor Mueller then told a story about Alex Moore and his numerous accomplishments. B. Reports of Staff. Finance Director Beer reported staff was making progress on the ExecuTime software. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated winter was upon us and noted there was no parking on City streets. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson invited residents living on Stinson and Pleasant View to attend a neighborhood meeting on Tuesday, November 15 at City of Fridley City Hall. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson provided the Council with an update on Spring Lake Park Road. He noted the contractor would be completing patches on Thursday along Sherwood and Arden. He reported the final wear course would be installed next spring. Community Development Director Sevald discussed the permit numbers for 2022. City Administrator Zikmund reported the Council Elect candidates were engaged in the orientation process. City Administrator Zikmund commented on the hiring process that has been followed for the City Hall receptionist. City Administrator Zikmund asked if the Council wanted staff to investigate the installation of signs at County Road I and Spring Lake Road. Mayor Mueller requested the police department speak with the bus company regarding the concerns raised by the resident. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 10. Next Council Work Session: Monday, December 5, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, November 28, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. Mounds View City Council November 14, 2022 Regular Meeting Page 11 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:17 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial