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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2023/06/12APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting June 12, 2023 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112 6:00 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Cermak, Gunn, Lindstrom, and Meehlhause NOT PRESENT: None. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, June 12, 2023, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Lindstrom/Cermak. To Approve the Monday, June 12, 2023, agenda as revised adding Item 5G on the Consent Agenda and 8J under Council Business Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA Council Member Gunn asked to remove Item 5G. A. Approval of Minutes: May 22, 2023. B. Just and Correct Claims. C. Resolution 9760, Authorizing Separation Compensation for Agnes Quasabart. D. Resolution 9755, Approving a Lease Extension with Creative Kids Academy Operating at the Mounds View Community Center. E. Resolution 9759, Approving the Hire of Police Officer Jayson Eyberg. F. Resolution 9764, Waving City of Mounds View Purchasing Policy, Section 2.3; Intermediate Purchases, related to Ramsey County Critical Corridors grant(s). G. Resolution 9769, Authorize a Recruitment Process for the Recreation Coordinator Position. Mounds View City Council June 12, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 2 MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Lindstrom. To Approve the Consent Agenda as amended removing Item 5G. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. G. Resolution 9769, Authorize a Recruitment Process for the Recreation Coordinator Position. Council Member Gunn read the Resolution in full for the record and stated she supported the City recruiting for the Recreation Coordinator Position as soon as possible. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Lindstrom. To Adopt Resolution 9769, Authorize a Recruitment Process for the Recreation Coordinator Position. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Community Survey – Peter Leatherman. Peter Leatherman reviewed the results from the Community Survey with the Council regarding the proposed local sales tax. He explained 400 random residents were contacted via telephone and were interviewed between May 17 and May 25. He reported the average interview time was eight minutes. He reviewed the demographic information that was gathered from the 400 residents that were surveyed. He commented on how financial insecurity was impacting Mounds View residents. He discussed the value of City services based on the survey results, along with the perception of property taxes. He reported residents feel favorably towards park and recreation facilities and trails. He then commented on the percentage of park usage for those surveyed. He noted for the most part residents are not following the discussions regarding the Community Center. He indicated national trends and showing that after the pandemic, the older community members are following national news and not local governmental matters. The proposed amenities within the Community Center were rated and it was noted 51% think improvements to the Community Center were a good idea and 38% feel it is a bad idea. He reported there was a statistical tie when it came to the proposed 1.5% sales tax increase. He commented further on the survey results regarding how the respondents felt about a property tax increase versus a sales tax increase and noted how residents were getting information from the city. Council Member Lindstrom questioned what the average age was for the Community Center survey respondents. Mr. Leatherman stated he could provide the Council with this information. Council Member Lindstrom summarized the results that residents felt there was a lack of information out there regarding the Community Center expansion. Mr. Leatherman reported this was the case. He noted residents were not following this issue, nor did they have a strong feeling about the matter, which meant they did not have enough information regarding this matter. Mounds View City Council June 12, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 3 Acting Mayor Meehlhause asked if the residents who felt unsure would move one way or another if they had more information. Mr. Leatherman believed this would be the case. He commented further on how more communication with the public would benefit the project, noting people were not strongly opposing the project, but rather did not know enough. He reported the biggest concern from residents was with their property taxes. He urged the Council to continue to inform the public about this project before proceeding because residents do not have enough information. Acting Mayor Meehlhause thanked Mr. Leatherman for his detailed presentation. B. Annual Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) Presentation. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported the City was required to hold a SWPPP meeting annually by the MPCA in order to educate residents and allow for public comment in order to comply with permit requirements. He provided the Council with a history on how storm water was managed in order to improve the overall health of the metro areas streams, rivers and lakes. He reviewed the weather and precipitation from 2022, noting there was little rainfall in September or October of last year. He commented on what less precipitation means for Mounds View residents. He reviewed the MS4 do’s and don’ts and encouraged residents to pick up their leaves, grass clippings, litter and pet waste in order to keep this from going down into the storm sewer system. He noted the storm sewer system was only for rainwater and snow melt. He commented on the benefits of the HOPP, water presentation program. He reported in 2020 the City of Mounds View became the Local Governing Unit (LGU). The rules from the Rice Creek Watershed District were reviewed in further detail, along with the City’s best management practices. He further discussed the MS4 permit requirements and asked for comments or questions from the Council. Council Member Lindstrom asked if there was a measurement for how much salt Mounds View was putting into the creek. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated he did not have specific measurements for that. Council Member Lindstrom inquired if the lack of rain this spring led the City to the Tier 2 watering bans. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported this was the case. Acting Mayor Meehlhause opened the meeting for public comments. Crystal Hoon, 2501 Sherwood Road, requested staff provide the public with further information on what type of water softeners were best for the community. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained he could provide Ms. Hoon this information. Ben Gillespie, 7980 Fairchild Avenue, stated he would be interested in having more information regarding the City’s ponds. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reviewed the two ponds that were up for dredging, which were part of Ardan Park. Acting Mayor Meehlhause close the meeting for public comments. Mounds View City Council June 12, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 4 Acting Mayor Meehlhause thanked Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson for his detailed presentation on the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program. 7. PUBLIC COMMENT Vince Meyer, 8380 Spring Lake Park Road, stated on May 19 he visited the Public Works facility. He reported he has some problems with the area in front of his yard. He commented the soil put in his yard was full of rocks. He explained the City has since hydroseeded over this soil. He believed grass would not grow in this rock filled soil. He discussed how the poor soil that was used was also impacting the driveways and trail. He reported the City has also hydroseeded over stumps and concrete chunks. He stated he would be having the University of Minnesota on his property to test his soil. He questioned if the City would be paying to replace this soil once the test results came back. He requested the City Council look further into his concerns because these issues had to be fixed. Rene Johnson, 7385 Pleasant View Drive, asked where ideas for the Community Center expansion came from. She questioned if this was from a group of residents, a Commission, staff members or the City Council. She has not heard of any basketball leagues who have committed to coming to Mounds View. She believed government needed vision in order to sustain itself. She feared the vision was short-sided at this time. She feared the proposed improvements at the Community Center would not thrive if not promoted. She indicated the Council needed community buy in, and the Council did not have this. She discussed how Arden Hills will be developing the TCAAP site in the near future. She suggested Mounds View preserve its small bedroom community feel that welcomes visitors to its parks and tree lined streets. She did not support filling all open areas with apartment buildings without checking current occupancy rates. She challenged the Council to rethink how to draw people into the community and the Community Center. CR Barragan, 7765 Spring Lake Road, stated he was pleased being a Vietnam Veteran that the meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. However, he has learned that sometimes when things are often repeated the meaning has been lost. He then read the Pledge of Allegiance and discussed the promises that were made when the pledge was recited. He suggested if this was the City’s motto that these core values be adhered to, otherwise the City Council should stop saying the Pledge of Allegiance. Valerie Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, noted she has lived in the City of Mounds View for the past 44 years. She commented on the Community Center survey and explained she would like to see a list of the questions that were asked. She stated she would like the community to be able to make comments at the Council work session meetings. Acting Mayor Meehlhause reported there was only one meeting where public comment was not taken, and this was a mistake in hindsight. Ms. Amundsen thanked Acting Mayor Meehlhause for the clarification and reminded the Council that the City Charter gives the residents of Mounds View certain rights and hearing public comments was one of the rights that was very clearly articulated. She understood it has not been Mounds View City Council June 12, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 5 the City’s practice to have record keeping at the work session meetings but she knew other cities were using having this work done. She urged the Council to consider moving in this direction. Sharon Kirscher, 8406 Red Oak Drive, stated she was unable to get the garbage survey to work. She requested the City fix the problem in order to allow people rank the haulers. Bob King, 7408 Silver Lake Road, explained he would like all of the information on the garbage survey thrown out. He recommended the City redo the garbage survey given the trouble residents have had with ranking the haulers. Julie Clark, 8005 Woodlawn Drive, addressed the concerns she has with the Ardan proposal. She stated this project would only have $100,000 to the general fund, but the City would lose the most desirable piece of land left in Mounds View. She questioned what the Council deemed most desirable when it came to land. She discussed the goals of the Park and Recreation Committee for this land, noting they were quite different from the Council’s vision for this site. She stated the 2040 Comprehensive Plan was only three years old and the City has almost met the population goals of 13,700 people from the Met Council. She noted the 2020 Comprehensive Plan has the Ardan land marked as park reserve and green space and was not labeled for a high density development. She supported the City using this land for a unique destination park or nature preserve with trails that connect to the north end of the City. She reported Pulte Homes was known for constructing subpar homes and the removal of trees and nature. She asked that the City Council hear the voices of the residents and requested the Council preserve this hidden gem in the City and to make this land accessible to the residents. Crystal Hoon, 2501 Sherwood Road, stated she lives at the end of Woodlawn next to the proposed development. She discussed how the proposed development would impact both her and her neighbors. She explained she chose to live in Mounds View because of the large yards, trees and natural space. She considered herself blessed to have such a quality of life. She stated based on the survey that was just conducted many residents in Mounds View share these sentiments. She reported the woods south of Ardan Park contribute greatly to this quality of life. She indicated this patch of woods she lived next to was an extremely valuable asset as it provided a sound barrier from the highway, provides shelter for the deer and other wildlife, provides oxygen and feeds her soul. She anticipated the proposed construction would remove all wildlife and they would have no safe place to live. She discussed how the development would decrease the air, soil and resources in the community if the Ardan project were to proceed. She had further concerns with how the unstable ground would create unstable homes. She stated if this development loses quality and value, there would be ripple effects to the surrounding neighbors. She was concerned with how traffic in her neighborhood would increase. She explained each person she has spoken with in her neighborhood has opposed or strongly opposed this project. She presented the Council with survey results noting over 200 people participated and 98% do not want the current proposal to move forward. Rather, the participants would like to see Ardan Park expanded with the land permanently protected. Heather Schuchard, 7984 Woodlawn Drive, stated she and her husband moved to Mounds View nine years ago with their three children. She reported she was drawn to the community due to the big lots. She explained they purchased a tear down home and she was able to build her dream Mounds View City Council June 12, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 6 home. She indicated the first night she moved in she saw a large buck walking down Woodlawn Drive. She stated she feels so blessed to live in this community, because of the greenspace and large lots. She commented on a letter she received from the City and noted she was offended by the letter because she was not interested in splitting her lot. She discussed how valuable her greenspace was to her and her children. She asked the Council to remember the reasons why the people in northern Mounds View live there. She explained the density and the design for the proposed project does not fit with the neighborhood. She added that the schools were already overflowing and did not have enough help to aid those kids that were struggling. She urged the Council to protect this greenspace because the neighbors love this space and the wildlife. Kayla Roste, 8400 Long Lake Road, stated she has been a teacher for the past 10 years and she was licensed to teach special education and ELL, English language learners. She reported she has been chasing the elusive position in the Mounds View School District and was passed by for someone with more experience. She indicated she now works in the Coon Rapids School District. She indicated she would continue to chase this position because Mounds View was one of the most decorated school districts in the State of Minnesota. As a teacher, it is general knowledge that teachers never leave this district. She argued that if the Ardan proposal goes through, this would have an adverse impact on the Mounds View schools. She noted classrooms would become crowded, even more than they already are. She anticipated more students would slip between the cracks and would become lost in the system. She indicated this would impact the existing residents of Mounds View’s children and grandchildren, especially if they require special services. She stated by adding more children to a particular school, there would be a significant burden on school staff. She asked the Council to reconsider the Ardan proposal and suggested a nature center be further considered for this land. Pam Star, 7778 Woodlawn Drive, expressed opposition to the Ardan development. She opposed because it would increase traffic, there would be a tremendous loss of greenspace, and this was not the right fit for the neighborhood. She understood why the City needed development, but suggested only single family houses be considered. She suggested the City focus its efforts on fixing blighted properties in the community versus building new developments. David Wood, 2501 Sherwood Road, stated he has reviewed the 2040 Comp Plan in order to understand the plans for Ardan Park. He understood Ardan Park was a City park north of the compost site. However, under Recreation and Preserve included the lower part of the property now proposed for development. He reported there were two types of wetlands on this property. He expressed concern with how houses on this property would impact the surrounding storm water management. Tony Preciado, 8217 Long Lake Road, stated he was hearing a lot of questions, but no answers. He questioned why the residents received no answers. Acting Mayor Meehlhause explained it was policy not to respond to Public Comment because the comments that are made are not related to items on the agenda. He reported this was policy for every city in Minnesota when it comes to Public Comment. Mr. Preciado reported Pulte Homes or any other developer was not welcome in his backyard. Mounds View City Council June 12, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 7 Dan Mueller, 8243 Groveland Road, stated it has been an interesting five and a half months in Mounds View. He indicated there has been several hot button items that have been before the City. He wished that the Council emails were working because this would provide residents with another way to communicate with residents. He wished the Council could have open ears for hearing what the residents had to say. He feared the Council’s opinions were coming from staff employees and not the residents. He stated the residents did not want to keep showing up to these meetings begging to be heard. He indicated the actions of the Council were creating hostility in the community that he has not seen in the past 45 years. He stated this was not doing the Council or the City any good. He encouraged the Council to think about what they were doing to the City. Noel Barragan, 7765 Spring Lake Road, stated a few days ago she lost all the trees on the east side of the lake. She noted she was a 51 year resident of Mounds View. She feared how the wildlife would be impacted because of the loss of trees. She explained that because the line of sight has changed, people are driving too fast along the lake. She requested the City increase patrols on this roadway due to the speed of traffic. She ended her comment by thanking Councilmember Lindstrom for listening to residents. Kathy Lee, 7719 Woodlawn Drive, expressed concern with how the loss of trees in her neighborhood would impact her. She urged the Council to hear the voices of the residents. She questioned why there was no negotiating. She questioned why the City had to remove Ms. Barragan’s tree stating this was a memorial tree that was planted for her son. She stated it was frustrating to have to keep repeating herself in order to be heard. She questioned why it was so hard to protect healthy and desirable healthy and green conditions in Mounds View. Gary Schalock, 2450 Sherwood Road, stated he has lived in Mounds View for the past 20 years in two different homes. He noted he fell in love with Mounds View right after National Night Out. He explained when he grew up, he went to 12 different schools. He vowed to keep his kids in one school. He reported former Mayor Al Hull was so loved because he listened and he was a dear friend. He urged the Council to hear that the community does not want the Ardan development. 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Public Hearing: Resolution 9756, Approving a Chicken-Keeping License for Sarah Curtis, 7660 Spring Lake Road. Assistant City Administrator Beeman stated Sarah Curtis has requested a chicken-keeping license for her property at 7660 Spring Lake Road. He explained all requirements were being met for the application and staff recommended approval. Council Member Gunn clarified the City now allowed for the keeping of 12 chickens or ducks. Acting Mayor Meehlhause opened the public hearing at 7:50 p.m. Marcus Curtis, 7660 Spring Lake Road, thanked the Council for considering his request. He explained he and his wife would like to keep chickens, noting they have experience doing this in the past. He stated he has two small boys and he would like to teach them about chickens. He Mounds View City Council June 12, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 8 reported his intention would be to have four or six hens. Council Member Lindstrom stated he believed it was great that Mr. Curtis wanted to bring a little bit of the country into the City for his kids. Carol Mueller, 8343 Groveland Road, reported since the City adopted the opportunity to have chickens, there has only been 10 to 12 families that have made the request. She commented on how important it was for the Council to hear from the public when it comes to their yards, their garbage, the environment, their quality of life and the ability to grow or raise their own food. Barbara Haake, 3024 County Road I, explained she supported the Curtis families request. Hearing no further public input, Acting Mayor Meehlhause closed the public hearing at 7:54 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Lindstrom/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9756, Approving a Chicken-Keeping License for Sarah Curtis, 7660 Spring Lake Road as amended. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 9757, Approving Driveway Variances for Area K, 2023 Street Construction Projects. Community Development Director Sevald requested the Council approve driveway variances for Area K within the 2023 Street Construction projects. He explained City Ordinance requires driveways to be replaced as conforming as possible. He reported all aprons are replaced with concrete and have to be set back five feet from the property line. He commented there were seven properties that had non-conforming driveways within Area K. He stated variances would be required for these seven driveways. He reviewed the seven variance requests in further detail with the Council and recommended approval of each request. Council Member Lindstrom expressed concern with the fact the property at 7735 was not sent a letter and therefore was not able to request a variance. Community Development Director Sevald reported a non-conforming notice would be sent to this property and the property owner would be able to request a variance. Acting Mayor Meehlhause asked if there were any questions for the property at 7775. Council Member Gunn questioned if only the area in red would be removed. Community Development Director Sevald reported this would be the case if the variance were not approved. Consensus of the Council was to support the variance request at 7775 because of the bus access that was required. Acting Mayor Meehlhause asked if there were any questions for the property at 7785. Community Development Director Sevald explained the current driveway was approximately 41 Mounds View City Council June 12, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 9 feet wide and the property owner has requested the driveway remain as is or that it be 30 feet wide. Finance Director Beer reported any driveway width over 24 feet would have to be paid for by the property owner. Council Member Lindstrom asked why the driveway was constructed this way. Community Development Director Sevald stated the driveway was installed without a permit. Acting Mayor Meehlhause indicated he could support the driveway being reduced to 30 feet. The Council was in agreement. Acting Mayor Meehlhause asked if there were any questions for the property at 7830. Dan Dryer, 7830 Spring Lake Road, discussed how unusual his property was and noted his driveway was installed back in 1975. He commented on how the trail would reduce the length of his driveway and he could now only store two cars in his driveway. He reported he was not allowed to park cars on the roadway in front of his home. He asked that his driveway be reconstructed to include a parking pad in order to allow him ample parking space on his property. He explained the parking pad would be permeable and grass would be able to grow through it. Council Member Gunn stated she supported the choice of the material being used for the proposed parking pad. Acting Mayor Meehlhause noted this plan would require a variance for a second curb cut. Mr. Dryer reported this was the case. Council consensus was to support the second curb cut and parking pad for the property at 7830. Acting Mayor Meehlhause asked if there were any questions for the property at 7850. Community Development Director Sevald explained the driveway on this property would have to shift five feet away from the property line, which would push the driveway into the house. For this reason, staff was recommending a variance to allow the existing driveway to remain as is. Council consensus was to support the driveway remaining as is for the property at 7850. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9757, Approving Driveway Variances for Area K, 2023 Street Construction Projects as discussed. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Public Hearing: Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 1003, Amending Mounds View City Code Chapter 160.198; B-3 Highway Business District, Conditional Uses. ROLL CALL VOTE Community Development Director Sevald requested the Council adopt an Ordinance amending Mounds View City Council June 12, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 10 Mounds View City Code Chapter 160.198 regarding the B-3 Highway Business District, Conditional Uses. He explained Big Dipper Creamery would like to move their facility from North Oaks to Mounds View to a property zoned B-3. He reported the zoning for the subject would have to be rezoned, or City Code would have to be amended to allow for manufacturing. Staff commented further on the proposed request and reported the Planning Commission recommended approval of the Ordinance. Acting Mayor Meehlhause opened the public hearing at 8:24 p.m. Hearing no public input, Acting Mayor Meehlhause closed the public hearing at 8:24 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Lindstrom/Cermak. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 1003, Amending Mounds View City Code Chapter 160.198; B-3 Highway Business District, Conditional Uses. ROLL CALL: Cermak/Gunn/Lindstrom/Meehlhause. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Public Hearing: Resolution 9768, Approving a Conditional Use Permit for manufacturing, compounding, processing, packaging or treatment of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and food products and the rendering or refining of fats and oils; Big Dipper Creamery, 2222 Mounds View Boulevard. Community Development Director Sevald requested the Council approve a Conditional Use Permit for the manufacturing, compounding, processing, packaging or treatment of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and food products and the rendering or refining of fats and oils for Big Dipper Creamery at 2222 Mounds View Boulevard. He noted Betterly Tools would be moving out of this center and Big Dipper Creamery would be moving in. He stated staff was not concerned about parking on the site but staff was recommending the parking lot be restriped. He commented further on the history of this property and reported the Planning Commission recommended approval of the request. Acting Mayor Meehlhause opened the public hearing at 8:30 p.m. Tyler Guss, owner of Big Dipper Creamery, thanked the Council for considering his request. Council Member Lindstrom asked if the owner supported the staff recommendation to restripe the parking lot. Mr. Guss stated he did not own the building, but he would be willing to pay for the restriping of the parking lot. Council Member Gunn asked when Big Dipper would be operational in Mounds View. Mr. Guss anticipated his business would be open by October of this year. Council Member Lindstrom stated he was excited to see this business expanding into Mounds View. Mounds View City Council June 12, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 11 Crystal Hoon, 2501 Sherwood Road, asked what ice cream flavors were made by Big Dipper Creamery and if they offered non-dairy options. She encouraged Mr. Guss to consider retail sales at this location. Mr. Guss reviewed the flavors of ice cream they would be manufacturing and stated he did have non-dairy options. Dan Dryer, 7830 Spring Lake Road, asked if the manufacturing was for distribution purposes. Mr. Guss explained the manufacturing was for wholesale sales. Hearing no further public input, Acting Mayor Meehlhause closed the public hearing at 8:33 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Lindstrom. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9768, Approving a Conditional Use Permit for manufacturing, compounding, processing, packaging or treatment of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and food products and the rendering or refining of fats and oils; Big Dipper Creamery, 2222 Mounds View Boulevard. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 9765, A Resolution 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 (Joseph’s Point at Upper Landing Project). Finance Director Beer requested the Council consider a Resolution relating to the issuance of Conduit Revenue Bonds to finance the costs of a Multifamily Rental Housing Facility and taking certain other actions with respect thereto for Joseph’s Point at Upper Landing Project. He explained conduit debt allowed the City to issue tax exempt debt for a non-profit entity. He reported this project would be completed in St. Paul. He noted the City of Mounds View would receive a 1% fee for this bond issuance. Acting Mayor Meehlhause reported the City would be receiving a fee of $130,000 for this conduit bond issuance. He commented further on the conduit bond issuances the Council has approved in the past. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Lindstrom. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9765, A Resolution 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 (Joseph’s Point at Upper Landing Project). Mounds View City Council June 12, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 12 Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. F. Resolution 9761, Acknowledging the Passing of Mayor Al Hull, Declaring a Vacancy to Exist on the Mounds View City Council, and Providing Notice that the Vacancy will be filled at an Upcoming Special Election. City Attorney Riggs requested the Council acknowledge the passing of Mayor Al Hull declaring a vacancy on the Mounds View City Council and provide notice that the vacancy will be filled at an upcoming Special Election. He explained this Resolution would start the process and would allow the City to meet the special election date of November 7. He reported staff would have filing dates and timelines for the Council to review at a future meeting. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9761, Acknowledging the Passing of Mayor Al Hull, Declaring a Vacancy to Exist on the Mounds View City Council, and Providing Notice that the Vacancy will be filled at an Upcoming Special Election. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. G. Resolution 9762, Approving Public Information/Community Engagement Contract with Rapp and Associates. Assistant City Administrator Beeman requested the Council approve Public Information/ Community Engagement Contract with Rapp Strategies, Inc. He explained this contract would explore expansion options at the Community Center. He reported at the June 5 Council Work session there was a presentation from Todd Stone with Rapp Strategies. He reviewed all of the consultants the City has used to assist with the Community Center expansion community engagement project. He reported Rapp Strategies, Inc. specializes in communication. He commented further on the proposed project timeline and recommended approval of the contract. Rene Johnson, 7385 Pleasant View Drive, commented on the survey results for the Community Center expansion. She reported the survey sampled a small portion of the Mounds View population. She appreciated the fact that the Council was looking to find more ways to communicate with the public regarding this project. She believed any survey that was conducted among residents should have the residents reviewing the questions. Lastly, she urged the Council to redo the survey that was conducted regarding the garbage haulers. Valerie Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, expressed concern with the price for this contract. She questioned if the City should be spending this much money when City staff could work to disseminate information. She believed the City’s responsibility was to provide information to the residents and the residents were then able to decide whether or not they wanted to support a Community Center expansion and local sales tax. She feared the Council was spending too much money on this project and the City did not even know if it was going to move forward. Tony Preciado, 8217 Long Lake Road, reported he has offered to purchase the land behind his Mounds View City Council June 12, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 13 house for since 2007. He explained Mounds View or the County has the property valued at $700. He stated he was prepared to give Mounds View $50,000 for the land behind his house. Acting Mayor Meehlhause stated he did not believe the City owned the land behind Mr. Preciado’s home. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9762, Approving Public Information/Community Engagement Contract with Rapp Strategies, Inc. Council Member Lindstrom understood the City had a lot of money invested in this project and noted the City would be spending another $60,000 for lobbyists. He stated he was concerned with the fact the rate for services was increased $1,000 per month. He anticipated spending $30,000 to $50,000 on a digital campaign would not be worth it, given the fact the survey results show that 67% of Mounds View residents get their information through newsletters or word of mouth. He was of the opinion the City could transmit this information through the venues Ms. Amundsen suggested. He did not support spending $50,000 for someone else to print and mail letters. Council Member Cermak agreed stating she believed this contract was a lot of money. She indicated she liked having reading materials in hand and did not like having to read digital material. She indicated a lot of money would be spent on this contract if all the City wants is print media and not digital content. However, she also understood the City needed to reach all generations of residents. Council Member Gunn understood this was a great deal of money but after the City were to draft and send mailings numerous mailings, this would begin to add up as well. She questioned how much the City spent to mail the newsletter. Finance Director Beer stated this cost the City $4,200 per mailing. Council Member Lindstrom questioned if the Council would be willing to suspend the relationship with the lobbyists to cover the cost of this contract. Council Member Gunn and Council Member Cermak did not support this action. Acting Mayor Meehlhause stated the Morris Leatherman survey is showing that even with the communication efforts the City has made, which included two special mailings, information in the quarterly newsletter, plus the City Administrator holding six special meetings at the Community Center the City was still not getting the word out. He reported Rapp Strategies has a 100% success rate when working with cities that are looking for local sales tax authorization from their voters, including Maple Grove. He was of the opinion sometimes money had to be invested in order to determine if more money should be invested. He stated he supported the proposed expenditure noting the Special Projects Fund had enough dollars to cover this expenditure. Ayes – 3 Nay – 1 (Lindstrom) Motion carried. H. Resolution 9766, Approval of the Sanitary Sewer Line Rehabilitation - CIPP (Cured-in-Place-Pipe) Project. Mounds View City Council June 12, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 14 Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council approve the sanitary sewer line rehabilitation (CIPP) project. He commented on a service collapse that occurred in 2022, noting the bidding process that was followed for this project and recommended approval of the 2023 CIPP project. Council Member Gunn asked how this project would be funded. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported this project would be funded through the Sanitary Sewer Fund. He reported no sewer lining occurred in 2022 due to high prices. MOTION/SECOND: Lindstrom/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9766, Approval of the Sanitary Sewer Line Rehabilitation - CIPP (Cured-in-Place-Pipe) Project. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. I. Resolution 9767, Approval of a City Wide Water Meter Replacement Project. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council approve a City wide water meter replacement project. He explained providing clean drinking water was one of the City’s core functions. He discussed how important it was to measure proper water flow in the community. He noted the City’s current meters were not accurately measuring water usage because they were nearly 40 years old. He commented further on the proposed water meter replacement project and recommended approval. It was noted going forward the meters will be owned by the City. Council Member Lindstrom asked if there was any way to flag water usage from bad water softeners for property owners. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained staff does have that capability and staff does speak to property owners if they have a dramatic change in their water usage. Acting Mayor Meehlhause questioned why the City only received on bid. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated this may have had to do with the technology the City was requiring within the meters. Acting Mayor Meehlhause requested further information regarding how irrigation meters will be managed. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported meters will have to be purchased separately for properties that use a separate meter for irrigating their yard. He stated this was more common for commercial properties than for residential homes. Acting Mayor Meehlhause asked when work would begin on this project. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson indicated commercial properties would receive new meters first. He anticipated this work would begin in September or October of this year. He reported the project would be substantially complete by May of 2024. Acting Mayor Meehlhause questioned what the City would do if property owners refused to allow the contractor onto their property to have their meter replaced. Finance Director Beer stated a $150 Mounds View City Council June 12, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 15 fee would be charged every quarter that the property owner did not allow access. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Lindstrom. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9767, Approval of a City Wide Water Meter Replacement Project. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. J. Resolution 9770, Authorizing Mayoral Pay to Acting Mayor Gary Meehlhause through October 31, 2023. Acting Mayor Meehlhause recused himself from discussing or voting on this item. Council Member Gunn read the Resolution in full for the record and requested the Council authorize mayoral pay to Acting Mayor Gary Meehlhause through October 31, 2023. Finance Director Beer explained this action was consistent with actions that were taken for City staff members. Council Member Cermak stated she had no problems with the proposed mayoral pay for Acting Mayor Meehlhause. MOTION/SECOND: Cermak/Lindstrom. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9770, Authorizing Mayoral Pay to Acting Mayor Gary Meehlhause through October 31, 2023. Ayes – 3 Nays – 0 Abstain – 1 (Meehlhause) Motion carried. 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Gunn reported the Mounds View Business Council would be meeting on Wednesday, June 14 at the Community Center. Council Member Gunn stated an Equity meeting would be held on Tuesday, June 20 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall in the conference chambers. Council Member Gunn noted the Tribute Committee met last week and a preliminary sketch was drafted for the park. She reviewed this sketch in further detail with the Council. She stated the park would have benches among the trees for people to sit and reflect. Council Member Cermak reported on Wednesday, June 7 a fundraiser and bake sale was held at Manitou Bar and Kitchen in White Bear Lake for the Mounds View Police Foundation. She thanked all of the Mounds View residents that made this a great community event. Council Member Cermak explained the Torch Run for Special Olympics would be held on Friday, June 23 at 10:30 a.m. Mounds View City Council June 12, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 16 Council Member Lindstrom stated the Festival in the Park Committee would be meeting on Tuesday, June 20 at the Public Works Facility at 7:00 p.m. He reported this group was still looking for volunteers to assist with this event. Council Member Lindstrom noted he attended the service for Mayor Al Hall on Friday, June 9. He thanked staff and the first responders who put this event together. Council Member Lindstrom thanked the residents who spoke this evening during the Public Comment portion of this meeting. Council Member Gunn thanked all of the volunteers and organizations that participated in the memorial service for Mayor Al Hull. Acting Mayor Meehlhause stated he would be attending a Twin Cities Gateway meeting on Tuesday, June 20. He was pleased to report that hospitality tax revenue was up 24% in 2023 compared to 2022. He explained the convention bureau would be discussing their fund balance policy at their upcoming meeting. Acting Mayor Meehlhause reported he would be attending an NYFS Board meeting on Thursday, June 22, which will be his last board meeting with that organization. Acting Mayor Meehlhause commented on Wednesday, June 21 through Friday, June 23 he will be attending the League of Minnesota Cities Conference in Duluth, Minnesota. B. Reports of Staff. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated streets would be sealed and cracks would begin being filled next week. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported staff met with Ramsey County to discuss the replacement of the signals along Mounds View Boulevard. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs thanked the City for holding a great event in memory of Mayor Al Hull. 10. Next Council Work Session: Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, June 26, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. There were individuals in attendance at the meeting that wished to address the Council. Chris Lillemo, 5132 Long Lake Road, explained this was his first time attending a City Council meeting as a homeowner. He reported he has been involved in the community in the past through conversations with the Council. He expressed frustration with the fact the Council does not know how to communicate with the public. He stated it cost $4,200 for the City to mail out a six page edition of the Mounds View Matters. He believed Mayor Hull knew how to speak to people because Mounds View City Council June 12, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 17 he listened to the people. He encouraged the Council to listen to the people. He was of the opinion the trash survey was a joke with leading questions. He asked that the Council not cram more townhomes and yard homes onto the last remaining greenspace in the community. He urged the Council to begin hearing and listening to the voices of the public. Maria Slabiak, 8135 Long Lake Road, explained she has lived in Mounds View for the past 25 years in two different homes in the same neighborhood. She reported she loves her neighborhood and large lot. She was of the opinion higher density does not make sense for her neighborhood and would adversely impact the traffic in her area. She stated homes were never built on this greenspace because it was within a floodplain and wetland. She explained in 2020 Ardan Park was shown as a park and wetland that was being considered for park and single family homes. She recommended this land remain as is given the difficult soils and previous vision for this area. She encouraged the Council to limit the harm they were going to do to this area of Mounds View. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial