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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2023/04/10APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting April 10, 2023 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112 6:14 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Cermak, Gunn, Lindstrom, and Meehlhause NOT PRESENT: Hull 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, April 10, 2023, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Lindstrom/Gunn. To Approve the Monday, April 10, 2023, agenda as presented. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA Council Member Gunn asked to remove Items C and D. A. Approval of Minutes: March 27, 2023. B. Just and Correct Claims. C. Resolution 9735, Authorizing Separation Compensation for Police Chief Nate Harder. D. Resolution 9736, Approving the Promotion of Benjamin Zender to Chief of Police. E. Resolution 9731, Appointing Chair for the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission for the Calendar Year of 2023. MOTION/SECOND: Lindstrom/Cermak. To Approve the Consent Agenda as amended removing Items C and D. Mounds View City Council April 10, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 2 Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 9735, Authorizing Separation Compensation for Police Chief Nate Harder. Council Member Gunn read Resolution 9735 in full for the record and thanked Police Chief Nate Harder for his dedicated service to the City of Mounds View. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Cermak. To Adopt Resolution 9735, Authorizing Separation Compensation for Police Chief Nate Harder. Council Member Lindstrom wished Police Chief Harder all the best in the future. Acting Mayor Meehlhause believed one of the City’s best hires was hiring Nate Harder as Police Chief. He thanked Police Chief Harder for changing the culture within the Mounds View Police Department. In addition, he appreciated the mentorship Police Chief Harder provided to incoming Police Chief Zender. Council Member Gunn thanked Police Chief Harder for his dedicated service to the City of Mounds View and wished him well in his next venture. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 9736, Approving the Promotion of Benjamin Zender to Chief of Police. Council Member Gunn read Resolution 9736 in full for the record and commended Benjamin Zender on being named the Chief of Police for the Mounds View Police Department effective April 10, 2023. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Lindstrom. To Adopt Resolution 9736, Approving the Promotion of Benjamin Zender to Chief of Police. Council Member Lindstrom wished Police Chief Zender all the best in his new position and thanked him for his dedicated service to the community over the past 19 years. City Administrator Zikmund commented further on the interview process that was followed for the Chief of Police position. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. PUBLIC COMMENT Aaron Pratt, 2940 Springview Lane, stated he knew many of the Councilmembers. He reported things have been said lately that he did not believe were becoming of the City Council. He explained one was a quote that says there were times the Council had to make decisions regardless Mounds View City Council April 10, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 3 of the majority view. He indicated this quote was originally from Abraham Lincoln that referred to slavery and not the City-organized collection of garbage. He urged the City Council to hear the concerns of the residents and to remember they work for the people. He recommended the garbage issue be put on the ballot, along with the community center and that these issues not just be pushed through by the City Council. Rene Johnson, 7385 Pleasant View Drive, stated words can hurt and they have power. She noted she was an Air Force vet who has traveled all over the world and has chosen to live in Mounds View. She reported she has lived in this town for 40 years and her husband has lived in the community for over 60 years. She commented further on how long her neighbors have lived on this street. She stated last week she heard a Councilmember say, the people on Pleasant View are not going to like the trail, but they will not live there forever. She reiterated that words can hurt and words have power. She explained she has paid taxes in Mounds View for over 40 years, has voted in this community and has served as an election judge. She indicated her neighborhood has the largest Night to Unite party in Mounds View and not a single Councilmember attended last year. She discussed how welcoming and safe her neighborhood was. She reported 100% of her neighbors had petitioned against the proposed trail. She asked the Council to consider if any Mounds View resident has asked for this trail. She understood other agencies feel the trail was needed. She recommended the money for the proposed two block trail be invested in the Mounds View Police Department. Bob King, 7408 Silver Lake Road, stated he would like to see more information on how the residents of Mounds View would be impacted by City-organized trash collection and how his bill would be impacted. He encouraged the City to not chase away residents by increasing taxes. Jim Trane, 8145 Long Lake Road, explained the Arden Avenue project was ongoing. He reported he would like his neighbors to understand this development would extend Woodlawn north to Arden with housing on the east and west side of Woodlawn Drive. 7. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Resolution 9720, Appreciation to Jason French for his Service on the Mounds View Planning Commission. Acting Mayor Meehlhause read a Resolution of appreciation in full for the record recognizing Jason French for his dedicated service on the Mounds View Planning Commission. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance. Jason French stated it has been his pleasure to serve on the Planning Commission. MOTION/SECOND: Lindstrom/Gunn. To Adopt Resolution 9720, Appreciation to Jason French for his Service on the Mounds View Planning Commission. Acting Mayor Meehlhause thanked Mr. French for his service on the Planning Commission and wished him all the best in the future. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council April 10, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 4 B. SBM Quarterly Report – SBM Fire Chief Dan Retka. SBM Fire Chief Retka provided the Council with a quarterly report from the SBM Fire Department. He discussed a recent structure fire that occurred on Groveland Road and noted the number of structure fires was on the rise. He commented on how the fire department would be focusing heavily on fire prevention and noted they would be working with the business community and school districts. He provided further information on staffing within the fire department noting his staff has been cut in half. He explained calls for service were on the rise and his crews were overburdened. He commented on how the pay for firefighters was being reconsidered, along with transitioning to duty crews in 2024. He thanked the City of Mounds View for their continued support. Council Member Gunn thanked Fire Chief Retka for his presentation to the City Council. Council Member Lindstrom thanked the SBM Fire Department for their great work during the recent structure fire. C. Arbor Day Proclamation (Public Works). Acting Mayor Meehlhause read a proclamation in full for the record declaring Saturday, April 22 to be Earth Day and Friday, April 28 to be Arbor Day in the City of Mounds View. 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Public Hearing: Resolution 9728, Authorizing the Issuance, Sale and Delivery of its Conduit Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds for the Sherman Forbes Project; Adopting a Housing Program; Authorizing the Execution and Delivery of the Bonds and Related Documents; Providing for the Security, Rights and Remedies with Respect to the Bonds; and Granting Approval for Certain Other Actions with Respect Thereto. Finance Director Beer requested the Council authorize the issuance, sale and delivery of conduit multifamily housing revenue bonds for the Sherman Forbes Project, adopting a housing program, and authorizing the execution and delivery of the bonds. He explained preliminary approval for these bonds of up to $18 million were approved under Resolution 9651. He stated the conduit debt would generate a fee of 1% for the City. He reported the City would have no obligation to these bonds, but rather that would fall to the borrower. Staff commented further on the request and recommended the Council hold a public hearing and authorize the issuance of the bonds. Council Member Lindstrom asked what fee would be generated from the bonds for the City. Finance Director Beer reported the City would generate approximately $158,000. Acting Mayor Meehlhause opened the public hearing at 7:16 p.m. Hearing no public input, Acting Mayor Meehlhause closed the public hearing at 7:17 p.m. Mounds View City Council April 10, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 5 MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Lindstrom. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9728, Authorizing the Issuance, Sale and Delivery of its Conduit Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds for the Sherman Forbes Project; Adopting a Housing Program; Authorizing the Execution and Delivery of the Bonds and Related Documents; Providing for the Security, Rights and Remedies with Respect to the Bonds; and Granting Approval for Certain Other Actions with Respect Thereto. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 9730, Adopting a Calendar for the Preparation of the 2024 Budget. Finance Director Beer requested the Council adopt a calendar for the preparation of the 2024 budget. He reviewed the proposed budget calendar in detail with the Council and recommended approval. MOTION/SECOND: Lindstrom/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9730, Adopting a Calendar for the Preparation of the 2024 Budget. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 9729, Continue with No Mow May Initiative. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council adopt a Resolution that would allow the city to continue with the No Mow May initiative. He reported the Council supported No Mow May in 2022 and 65 residents participated. He explained staff received positive feedback from the program and recommended approval of the proposed Resolution. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9729, Continue with No Mow May Initiative. Council Member Lindstrom asked if the City would be providing signs to residents. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported the City would be printing signs again and the funds for this expense would be coming from the Storm Water Fund. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 9732, Authorizing the Purchase of Automated Lift for the Sanitary Sewer Inspection Camera. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council authorize the purchase of an automated lift for the Sanitary Sewer Inspection Camera. He discussed how the Public Works Department inspects the sewer lines with a camera and noted the automated lift would assist with performing these inspections. It was noted the lift would cost $12,400 and the purchase would come out of the Sanitary Sewer Fund. MOTION/SECOND: Lindstrom/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9732, Authorizing the Purchase of Automated Lift for the Sanitary Sewer Inspection Camera. Mounds View City Council April 10, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 6 Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 9733, Approving a Tree Removal Contract with Precision Landscape and Tree. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the council approve a tree removal contract with Precision Landscape and Tree. He discussed how the Public Works Department oversees the City’s forest. He reported a tree removal bid was put together by staff and noted Precision Landscape and Tree provided the low bid. Staff recommended the Council approve the three year contract with Precision Landscape and Tree. Finance Director Beer recommended the contract be approved contingent upon a satisfactory background check. Council Member Lindstrom questioned what other cities Precision Landscape and Tree has worked with. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported he was waiting to hear from the contractor regarding this matter. Acting Mayor Meehlhause questioned if the rates would be changing throughout the three year contract period. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained he did not believe there was rate inflation within this contract. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Lindstrom. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9733, Approving a Tree Removal Contract with Precision Landscape and Tree as amended requiring the contractor to complete a satisfactory background check. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. F. Resolution 9734, Approve a 2020 Municipal Inflow and Infiltration Grant Request to the Metropolitan Council. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council approve a 2020 Municipal Inflow and Infiltration Grant Request to the Metropolitan Council. He stated the Met Council grant was designed to assist member cities with inflow and infiltration, along with sealing or grouting sanitary sewer lines and manholes. He reported the City has participated in this grant in previous years. MOTION/SECOND: Lindstrom/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9734, Approve a 2020 Municipal Inflow and Infiltration Grant Request to the Metropolitan Council. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Mounds View City Council April 10, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 7 Council Member Gunn reported the memorial committee met and has a preliminary design in place for the park. Council Member Gunn explained she serves on the Nine North Cable Commission. She commented on Senate File 3039 which was introduced to the State Senate Tax Committee. The purpose of the bill was further discussed. Further discussion ensued regarding PEG and franchise fees. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Cermak. To direct staff to offer the City of Mounds View’s support for Senate File 3039. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Council Member Lindstrom stated last Wednesday he was featured in the Star Tribune for his testimony regarding leniency. He explained he was grateful for this opportunity. Council Member Cermak reported the Mounds View Police Foundation would be meeting on Tuesday, April 11 at 5:30 p.m. at Hodges Park. Council Member Cermak stated CPY would be holding their Annual Luncheon on Tuesday, April 18. Acting Mayor Meehlhause commented last week Councilmember Gunn, City Administrator Zikmund and himself testified at the capitol regarding the City’s sales tax bill. Acting Mayor Meehlhause reported on Thursday, April 20 the Community Support Center would be hosting a luncheon at Messiah Lutheran. Acting Mayor Meehlhause noted the Mounds View/New Brighton Rotary would be hosting their gold plate dinner on Friday, April 21 which would raise funds for NYFS. Acting Mayor Meehlhause stated last Tuesday he attended the Rotary Luncheon where Angela Lewis-Dmello, the executive director from NYFS was the guest speaker. B. Reports of Staff. Finance Director Beer noted he was working on budgets and five year plans. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported the Council would be holding a joint meeting with the Parks, Rec and Forestry Commission on April 27 at 6:30 p.m. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated mediation with the water treatment plant contractor would be held on Monday, April 24. He requested the Council make a motion to allow City Administrator Zikmund and himself to act on the City’s behalf at this mediation. City Administrator Zikmund reported a member of the City Council could also be in attendance. Mounds View City Council April 10, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 8 MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Cermak. To authorize staff to act on behalf of the City of Mounds View at the mediation with the water treatment plant contractor, which would be held on Monday, April 24, 2023. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. City Administrator Zikmund stated community meetings would begin Thursday, April 13 at 10:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center. He noted these community meetings would be held again on Tuesday, April 18. He commented further on the timing of the proposed sales tax bill. City Administrator Zikmund discussed the organized garbage collection issue. He stated an ordinance was introduced and the haulers have been invited to attend a future meeting. Jordan Erwin, Boy Scout Troop #417, introduced himself to the Council and noted he was attending the meeting in order to earn his Citizenship in the Community badge. The Council wished him well as he worked towards being an Eagle Scout. 10. Next Council Work Session: Monday, May 1, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, April 24, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial