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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2023/06/26APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting June 26, 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 26, 2023, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Lindstrom/Cermak. To Approve the Monday, June 26, 2023, agenda as presented. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of Minutes: June 12, 2023. B. Just and Correct Claims. C. Resolution 9763, Adopting and Reporting Performance Measures. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Lindstrom. To Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Meet and Confer with Solid Waste Haulers: Organized Solid Waste Issues discussion with current providers. Including but not limited to: road deterioration, public safety, pricing mechanisms, and contractual consideration unique to organized collection. Acting Mayor Meehlhause welcomed the organized solid waste haulers that were in attendance at this meeting. He explained this meeting was required and would allow the City Council to have a Mounds View City Council June 26, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 2 discussion opening with the solid waste haulers. He asked that the haulers in attendance to introduce themselves at this time. Jeff Newsom stated he was the Vice President of Sales for Walters Recycling. Christopher Delaforest noted he was with Ace Solid Waste. Dave Wiggins explained he was with Ace Solid Waste. Acting Mayor Meehlhause reported there was no representation from Waste Management, Republic or Curbside. City Administrator Zikmund explained he received a call from Aspen noting they have no residential customers in Mounds View. Acting Mayor Meehlhause welcomed the haulers in attendance and asked them to make opening comments. Mr. Wiggins stated he was glad to be at this meeting and stated he was interested in working with the City on a city-wide contract for waste hauling. Mr. Delaforest explained he has a few years of experience with organized collection. He reported it was important for the City to identify what they wanted out of this, which could include saving tax payers money. He encouraged the City to consider who would be covered under the organized collection. Mr. Newsom indicated he would also like to better understand what concerns they have with their current haulers and also what the City’s strategy was going forward. He stated overall he was against organized collection because it limits competition and ties up one hauler for seven years. However, if the City were to move forward with an organized collector he would like to be selected. Council Member Lindstrom asked how Ace Solid Waste felt about organized collection. Mr. Wiggins agreed with Walters stating it was better for customers to be able to choose their hauler. He believed if haulers were not doing a good job, residents deserved to have the chance to change haulers. He stated he enjoyed having the opportunity to earn a residents business each week. He discussed how he has built his business by earning his customers based on this model. Bev Mathiasen, Republic Waste Services, arrived at the meeting and introduced herself to the City Council. She reported she manages a number of City contracts and noted she was neutral on this topic. She indicated she works to provide the City and its residents with whatever collection services they choose. Acting Mayor Meehlhause questioned what communities they were serving at this time as a single hauler or in a consortium. Mounds View City Council June 26, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 3 Mr. Newsom explained Walters serves as the single hauler for Osseo, Blaine and Columbia Heights. He noted he also served as the sole provider of recycling for Spring Lake Park. Mr. Wiggins indicated he serves as the single hauler for Ham Lake and Champlin, along with being the sole recycling provider for Anoka and Ramsey. Ms. Mathiasen stated across the seven county metro area she manages 20 to 30 municipal contracts. Council Member Lindstrom stated he understood Walters and Ace are the biggest providers in the community. He questioned how the market share has been for these two haulers in the past 10 years. Mr. Newsom explained over the past five years Walters has grown dramatically, which was due to lack of service from other providers. Council Member Lindstrom indicated there was a resident in Mounds View that was in a wheelchair that switched to Walters and the driver happened to notice he had trouble getting his garbage can down. He learned that Walters called him and asked to pick up the garbage at the door instead of at the street. He appreciated the high level of service Walters was providing. Mr. Delaforest commented pricing was also a main concern for clients. Acting Mayor Meehlhause explained Mounds View was pursuing organized collection for three reasons. He stated noise reduction, purchasing power and wear and tear on streets were the main concerns for the City. He reported the City has replaced all of its streets in the past decade and the City was looking to take care of its investments in its streets. Jennifer Parkos, Curbside Waste, arrived at the meeting and introduced herself to the Council. She explained Curbside was a smaller company that has little power compared to larger companies. She indicated she was not for organized collection because she appreciated there being competition. Mr. Delaforest explained he has not been able to discern any gains or savings from cities that have organized collection when it comes to streets. While he understood a great deal of money are spent on streets to properly maintain them, he has not found a study that shows organized collection saves streets. However, there was information available that there would be winners and losers when it comes to requiring residents to have organized trash collection. He anticipated some residents would lose their hauler and they would be paying more. Mr. Wiggins questioned what other ways the City was working to reduce weight on the road. He explained all of his trucks have four axles. He noted the pounds per square inch for school buses was more than the weight on the streets for garbage trucks. He asked if the City was looking into the weight of any other industries that were using City streets. City Administrator Zikmund reported the City was not looking into any other industries at this time. Mounds View City Council June 26, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 4 Council Member Gunn asked for the cities that have organized pickup, what are some of the services the residents wanted. Mr. Wiggins explained his two cities, Champlin and Ham Lake, have had organized collection since people have lived in the community. He noted he does not get complaints other than when the city forced Ace to collect payment. Jamie Pierce, General Manager for Republic Services, arrived at the meeting and introduced herself to the City Council. She noted she was not against organized collection noting she had a lot of contracts. She indicated the problem with consortiums was that all of the haulers were competitors. Council Member Gunn asked that the attorney speak to the difference between organized collection and a consortium. Assistant City Attorney Tierney stated they were somewhat the same thing. She noted organized collection is when the City hires a single hauler and the City controls the hauling. She reported a consortium would mean the haulers form an organization and they provide services to the City. She indicated after a contract is signed, the City would allow the haulers to divide the City on how it could best be served based on their current market share. Council Member Lindstrom stated he understood some of the haulers do not approve of organized trash collection. He asked if the haulers did see any benefits from the contracts they had in place. Ms. Pierce reported there was more efficiency, but contracts did not allow companies to grow. Mr. Delaforest commented on how a contract was only in place for seven years and there was no compensation after that time. He stated there was a tremendous amount of risk involved in contracts when it comes to equipment and employees. Acting Mayor Meehlhause thanked Mr. Delaforest for this comment and noted he was uncertain where the City would be in seven years with respect to trash hauling. He explained the City was collecting data from residents through a community survey. He encouraged residents to complete a survey if they have not done so already. He reported the Council would be discussing trash collection further at the July 5 work session meeting. Mr. Delaforest encouraged the City to contact Golden Valley to discuss how they altered their trash hauler licenses. Ms. Parkos commented on how a consortium would not work for her company. She hoped the Council would opt to maintain an open market for trash collection in Mounds View. Acting Mayor Meehlhause thanked the trash haulers for their attendance at this meeting. Acting Mayor Meehlhause recessed the City Council meeting at 6:47 p.m. Mounds View City Council June 26, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 5 Acting Mayor Meehlhause reconvened the City Council meeting at 6:55 p.m. 7. PUBLIC COMMENT Robert Jones, 5428 Erickson Road, explained he grew up in an enriched environment with woods and fields to play in and he appreciated nature. He did not believe he was more important than all of the different birds or butterflies that live in Ardan Park. He urged the City Council to protect the Ardan Park area and that it not be developed into townhomes and tiny homes. He was of the opinion the woodlands and wetlands were more valuable than the proposed additional housing units. Christian Abraham, resident of Arden Hills, noted he managed a group home on Fairchild. He explained the clients he cares for has a hard time integrating into the community and society. One of the ways they do integrate was to visit the parks and be in nature. He feared that removal of Ardan would be a detriment to people who are developmentally disabled. He reported his father was an environmental architect who did a lot of work for the State of Minnesota. He was taught by his father that removing wetlands was easy to do, but it was not easy to get them back. He commented on how the wildlife within the ecosystem would be removed and would no longer have a home if the wetlands were developed. He encouraged the Council to keep this in mind as they make decisions regarding the Ardan property. Rene Johnson, 7385 Pleasant View Drive, explained she served in the Air Force as a crew chief for C-130’s and she has an appreciation for following processes. She reported none of her aircrafts ever missed a flight as she followed protocols. She indicated she was trying to understand the processes for local government, which included the charter, the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and the code of ethics. She reviewed the Mounds View Statement of Values in further detail. She encouraged the City Council to review these statements and to show they care about the comments and values of the Mounds View residents. She commented on the plans for the community center, which had a rendering from an architect which then led to a State bonding request and after that the Leatherman survey was conducted. She questioned why the survey was not conducted first. Heather Schuchard, 7984 Woodlawn Drive, noted she had a degree in science along with an MBA. She noted she was concerned with the lack of competition and innovation that would occur in the City if Mounds View were to pursue organized trash collection. She reported she was also opposed to the Ardan development. She encouraged the Council to dig deeper into the school district numbers. She reported only 37% of the children at Pinewood Elementary were meeting the grade level reading requirements. She stated across the freeway at Turtle Elementary 73% were meeting grade level reading requirements. She indicated this was a huge difference. She commented on how the City needed a greater balance in the community when it came to its schools. She explained she was concerned with how the environment would be impacted by the proposed Ardan project. She reported there was no going back once the forest and wetlands were removed. She stated she moved to Mounds View for the larger lots and country feeling. Dennis From, 7840 Bona Road, discussed the waste hauling issue. He encouraged City Council to hear the comments made by the haulers themselves noting each of them were against organized Mounds View City Council June 26, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 6 collection. He noted the residents of Mounds View also want a free enterprise. He believed the City was overstepping by trying to control trash collection. Joel Copp, 8388 Long Lake Road, reported he did not support the Pulte project. He explained Mounds View was a community of single family homes on larger lots. He reminded the Council that they were elected by residents to protect their values and interests. He indicated the proposed Pulte development was not in keeping with the character, values or aesthetics of this community. He noted this project would negatively impact property values and will add 300+ vehicles to Long Lake Road, which already had poor traffic conditions. He stated this project will bring permanent quality of life impacts to established long term residents of Mounds View. He feared the City Council was offering Pulte Homes a sweetheart deal for this property that negates numerous City Charter and building codes at the expense of neighborhood residents. Rory Orr, 2655 Hillview Road, explained he wanted to speak about the Ardan development. He stated when the City has land and negotiates with developers, fair value is not given. He indicated Mounds View has very little open land and he recommended the Ardan wetlands be protected. He commented on how the proposed project would impact traffic in the area, which was a concern to him. He feared how the compost site would impact the proposed development, noting he did not want the City to lose its compost site. He recommended the City Council allow the residents to vote on this project because the Council was not hearing the voices of the public. He reminded the Council that they are to represent the City as a whole. David Wood, 2501 Sherwood Road, stated he was against the Ardan development. He explained the blue area was fresh water emergent wetlands and the brown area was forest. He noted he was not a surveyor but he estimated two-thirds of the wetland would have to be removed for the proposed development. He discussed how the edge of the development would be impacted if the wetlands were removed, which included the loss of all wildlife. He encouraged the City Council to protect the last remaining undeveloped land in the community so the desertification process does not begin. Kayla Roste, 8400 Long Lake Road, stated she had heard the quote if you build it, they will come. She argued that this should only be used for the Field of Dreams and nothing else. She indicated this should not be used for a community center expansion that is being rammed through by a marketing team on behalf of the City Council. She believed the community wants and needs more information regarding the proposed expansion and the proposed sales tax increase. She believed there was a need for more senior space in the community than for more basketball courts. She also recommended the same quote not be used for the Ardan proposal and the 75 townhomes and 12 tiny houses that would destroy the remaining undeveloped land in Mounds View. She reported M&I Homes recently constructed townhomes in Blaine and from her research a significant number of them remain empty. She explained she and her husband walked into the woods a couple of days ago and the noise from the freeway was significant. She anticipated this was why the townhomes in Blaine were not selling. She anticipated this would also be a concern for the proposed townhomes in Mounds View. She discussed how the removal of the trees would reduce the buffer for this area. She asked the Council to reconsider this proposal and not move it forward. Mounds View City Council June 26, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 7 Sharon Kirscher, 8406 Red Oak Drive, addressed the Council regarding the Ardan proposal. She commented on how important it was for the City to have a buffer system in place surrounding its wetlands. She stated this was an important part in the ecosystem and provides a balance. She noted she was opposed to organized trash collection and believed this was government over reach. She encouraged the Council to not consider what other communities are doing but rather to remain true to Mounds View. Chris Lillemo, 5132 Long Lake Road, asked if the trash survey has been fixed and do the questions make sense. He feared that this was not the case. He questioned why the City wanted to control trash hauling. He stated after hearing the comments from the haulers he was wondering why the City wanted to aid in getting rid of the little guy. He supported the trash haulers having proper competition in order to provide better service for their customers. He recommended the City focus on how to fix property taxes and that the Council consider how to spend wisely on behalf of its residents. Kathy Lee, 7719 Woodlawn Drive, requested the Council hear the voices of the public when it comes to the Ardan project. Even if this meant selling the land to local residents. Julie Clark, 8005 Woodlawn Drive, stated she moved to Mounds View seven years ago and the Ardan area was labeled as a park. She commented on the goals for the City’s parks. She encouraged the City to create a destination park with trail connections on the Ardan property. She reviewed the location of the potential redevelopment areas within the 2040 Comp Plan and noted the Ardan Park was not included, nor did the Strategic Plan align with the Comp Plan. She then reviewed photos of a nature center and trails stating this would be a better use of the forest and wetland area. Cindy Camarillo, 5299 Greenfield Avenue, explained her street was dead ended when the Greystone Flats were built. She indicated she had concerns with the Ardan development as the City had no infrastructure in place to support children and families. She stated the City did not have inner city transportation, clinics or daycares which meant the new residents would be using the same routes as existing residents. She feared the City did not have a cohesive plan in place but rather was putting projects into available pockets. She encouraged the Council to revisit how it wants to develop. She did not believe the City’s streets were taking a beating because of the trash haulers, but rather there can be defaults in the concrete or asphalt. Bob King, 7408 Silver Lake Road, asked what happened to voting in Mounds View. He was of the opinion Ardan should be voted on by the residents, along with organized trash collection. He did not appreciate living in a City that told its residents what to do. He recommended another Council vote be held in February so the residents do not have to wait until April to have another special election. Crystal Hoon, 2501 Sherwood Road, defined the term desertification and commented on how important it was to heal the land. She reported she lives on a nice sized lot in Mounds View and it would remain healthy and organic. She noted one-third of the planet was threatened by desertification. She noted the dust bowl was a human created desertification. She explained the residents of Mounds View have ideas for the Ardan property in order to keep it healthy and protected. Mounds View City Council June 26, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 8 Tiffany Alexander-Susens, 5209 O’Connell Drive, commented she was concerned about the Ardan proposal. She reported the loss of this space would be detrimental to the community. In addition, the loss of the wetland would make the draught situation worse. She recommended the Council not move forward with this proposal until there were five members on the City Council. She encouraged the Council to listen, respect and respond to the desires and wants of the Mounds View constituents. Cindy Palm, 2266 Terrace Drive, explained the Park, Recreation and Forestry Commission met with the Council and discussed a Sustainability Commission a couple of months ago. It was her understanding there were not enough residents willing to serve on a Sustainability Commission, so this work has been absorbed by the Park, Recreation and Forestry Commission. She asked that the City Council allow the Park, Recreation and Forestry Commission to look further into Ardan Park from a sustainability perspective and that the Council not rush into this development. In addition, she would like to see this Commission work with WSB to evaluate the City’s current parks. Dan Madsen, 8206 Long Lake Road, commented he was in favor of representative government and he appreciated the efforts of the City Council. However, with the project like Ardan or when it comes to organized trash collection, he would like to see a direct democracy be considered. Tony Preciado, 8217 Long Lake Road, explained he has been a Long Lake Road resident since June of 1970. He stated he grew up at 8030 and also lived at 7977 before moving to 8217. He reported a couple of years ago his mother was killed by a driver in front of his home. He noted his mother owned the 8030 house. He requested answers from the City as to what the purpose was for the Pulte proposal. He asked if the purpose was to generate revenue for Councilmember pockets. Acting Mayor Meehlhause stated this was an accusation and he was going to close the Public Comment period at this time. Council Member Cermak reported she has suffered tremendously since this proposal has come before the Council. She stated she has people showing up at her work and they are not there to buy food. Rather, they are there to pick at her. She indicated she did not go out for this seat to take anyone’s money. She explained she feels very threatened by the way people were talking on social media. She stated she has not said a word to anyone regarding this project. She commented on how her mental health was being impacted. She stated if people do not have anything productive to add to this meeting, or that has not already been said 32 times already she would like the comments to stop. Mr. Preciado tried to interrupt Council Member Cermak at this time. Acting Mayor Meehlhause requested Tony Preciado be removed from the Council Chambers. Acting Mayor Meehlhause recessed the City Council meeting at 7:42 p.m. Acting Mayor Meehlhause reconvened the City Council meeting at 7:46 p.m. Mounds View City Council June 26, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 9 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Public Hearing: Resolution 9773, Approving a Temporary On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Festival in the Park of Mounds View to allow Maxx Bar and Grill to Sell and Serve Alcoholic Beverages at the 2023 Festival in the Park. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve a Temporary On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Festival in the Park of Mounds View to allow Maxx Bar and Grill to sell and serve alcoholic beverages at the 2023 Festival in the Park. He reported Maxx Bar and Grill has provided this service in the past and State law requires the City to grant this temporary permit. Acting Mayor Meehlhause opened the public hearing at 7:48 p.m. Carol Mueller, 8343 Groveland Road, stated she was a representative of the Festival in the Park Committee. She requested the Council approve the temporary on-sale intoxicating liquor license. She commented further on the events being planned for this year’s festival, which would be held on Friday, August 18 and Saturday, August 19. Hearing no further public input, Acting Mayor Meehlhause closed the public hearing at 7:53 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Lindstrom/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9773, Approving a Temporary On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Festival in the Park of Mounds View to allow Maxx Bar and Grill to Sell and Serve Alcoholic Beverages at the 2023 Festival in the Park. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 9758, Approving Purchase of Cloud Storage for the Police Department Video Evidence Library. Police Chief Zender requested the Council approve the purchase of Cloud and Watch Guard storage for the Police Department Video Evidence Library. He explained this matter was discussed at the June 5 work session meeting noting the existing Cloud and Watch Guard system was out of warranty and needs to be replaced. He commented on how the storage needs to be upgraded before the department can purchase new body cameras. Council Member Lindstrom asked what the City pays for server technology at this time. Finance Director Beer reported the City pays about $8,500. He noted the Cloud and Watch Guard storage would be a better more reliable system. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Lindstrom. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9758, Approving Purchase of Cloud Storage for the Police Department Video Evidence Library. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council June 26, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 10 C. Public Hearing: Resolution 9771, Approving the Preliminary/Final Plat of Long Lake Cove, and Stormwater Management Permit, 7700 Long Lake Road. Community Development Director Sevald requested the Council approve the Preliminary/Final Plat of Long Lake Cove, and Stormwater Management Permit for the property at 7700 Long Lake Road. He stated the property has been sold and a developer was proposing to subdivide this property into three separate lots. He noted this project originally came to the Council in August of 2022 where six townhomes were proposed. He indicated this project has since been amended to include three single family homes. He reviewed the proposed plat in further detail with the Council and recommended approval of the request. Acting Mayor Meehlhause asked if the project would include two new homes and one existing home. Community Development Director Sevald reported this was the case. He commented further on the driveway that would be shared by two of the lots. Acting Mayor Meehlhause opened the public hearing at 8:05 p.m. Rene Johnson, 7385 Pleasant View Drive, reported at the end of Pleasant View Drive and County Road I there was a wooded area that was taken down and three homes were to be built. She noted one home has been built and the other two lots remain for sale. She questioned what reassurances the City had that the builder would follow through on the proposed plans once the trees have been removed from this property. Community Development Director Sevald explained the lots near Ms. Johnson’s home had interest, but the price was high. He stated that the City could not put any assurances in place that the lots will be built on by the applicant. Chris Lillemo, 5132 Long Lake Road, expressed frustration with the fact the City Council had to close the Public Comment portion of the meeting. Acting Mayor Meehlhause requested Mr. Lillemo keep his comments to the agenda item. Mr. Lillemo stated he was concerned with the fact Mounds View residents were not able to speak during the Public Comment portion of this meeting. He asked how residents were supposed to be heard. Hearing no further public input, Acting Mayor Meehlhause closed the public hearing at 8:09 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Lindstrom. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9771, Approving the Preliminary/Final Plat of Long Lake Cove, and Stormwater Management Permit, 7700 Long Lake Road. Council Member Lindstrom asked what the price point would be for the two new homes. Carson Schifsky, the applicant, anticipated the price point would be around $400,000 for the homes. He indicated the existing home would be renovated. He thanked the Council for working with him on this project. Mounds View City Council June 26, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 11 Council Member Gunn asked if the new homes would be single story. Mr. Schifsky commented the homes would be two-stories. He reported he did not intend to remove trees on the property until the lots were sold. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 9772, 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 (Torre De San Miguel, Westminster Place and Vista Village Projects). Finance Director Beer requested the Council adopt a Resolution that would approve the issuance of conduit revenue bonds to finance the costs of a multifamily rental housing facility. He explained the developer has requested to use the City’s bonding authority. It was noted this housing project would be constructed in 2024. This project would require $56 million in bonding and staff reiterated that the City would not be responsible for the repayment of these bonds. Council Member Gunn asked how the City earmarked the funds received from this type of bond issuance. Finance Director Beer reported the City was able to earmark the dollars wherever there was a need. MOTION/SECOND: Lindstrom/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9772, 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 (Torre De San Miguel, Westminster Place and Vista Village Projects). Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Public Hearing: First Reading and Introduction of Ordinance 999, Amending Mounds View City Code Chapter 161 regarding Signs and Billboards (Tabled May 22, 2023). Community Development Director Sevald requested the Council introduce an Ordinance that would amend City Code Chapter 161 regarding signs and billboards. He explained the proposed sign ordinance amendment would clean up a number of items. He noted the current ordinance allows up to 100 square feet for wall signs. He indicated the Planning Commission supported increasing this to 200 square feet or 40% of the wall area. He stated the Council supported going up to 200 square feet but then recommended the item be tabled. He explained the North Church in Mounds View was stuck in the middle of the tabling process as they have removed their wall sign and would now like to put up a new sign that was between 100 square feet and 200 square feet. He Mounds View City Council June 26, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 12 stated the church was hoping to put up a sign before November of 2023. Staff requested the Council hold the first reading of the Ordinance and take comments from the public. Council Member Lindstrom asked how long the North Church has been looking for a sign. Community Development Director Sevald stated the sign was removed in March. Council Member Lindstrom questioned how long the Bear Lot has been looking for a sign. Community Development Director Sevald commented the Bear Lot has been looking for a new sign since they purchased the property. Acting Mayor Meehlhause requested further comment on why this item was tabled. Community Development Director Sevald recalled that the item was tabled because the Bear Lot would like a 300 square foot wall sign, plus a large bear. He noted the Planning Commission was not opposed to the bear, but recommended the bear be treated separately. He explained the City can regulate the size and location of signs, but the City cannot regulate the sign content. He commented with the Bear Lot, they would like to put up a bear for advertising purposes. Council Member Lindstrom recalled that this item was tabled because it was a divided issue and a full Council was needed to address this matter. Acting Mayor Meehlhause stated staff was bringing back the 200 square feet for the Council to consider now. Acting Mayor Meehlhause opened the public hearing at 8:25 p.m. John Granno, Pastor for the North Church at 5151 Program Avenue, thanked staff for working with his property facilitator. He explained he was trying to work on new signage for his building but the tabling was leaving this process in limbo. He was hoping to move forward if the Council could agree on 200 square feet. Hearing no further public input, Acting Mayor Meehlhause closed the public hearing at 8:27 p.m. Community Development Director Sevald commented further on the minor amendments being proposed for the sign ordinance. Further discussion ensued regarding the sign request from the Bear Lot. Council Member Lindstrom stated in order to have the signs they would like the Bear Lot would need 400 square feet of wall signage, which would include the wall and bear sign. He noted the wall sign would be 285 square feet and the bear would be another 115 square feet. Community Development Director Sevald commented he could work on the language if the Council wanted to allow up to 300 square feet of wall signs. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Cermak. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 999, Amending Mounds View City Code Chapter 161 regarding Signs and Billboards as amended allowing up to 300 square feet of wall signage, plus an additional 100 square feet for sign art and Mounds View City Council June 26, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 13 removing the 40% language. Finance Director Beer asked how far above the roofline the Council would allow the bear to go. Community Development Director Sevald stated current ordinance language would allow signs to go 10 feet above the roofline. The Council supported this language as proposed. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Cermak reported last Friday she visited Silver View Park to send off the Mounds View Police Department as they participated in the Special Olympics Torch Run. She noted officers then passed the torch off to officers in New Brighton. Council Member Cermak explained the Mounds View Police Foundation raised $1,300 from the bake sale and fundraiser that were held at the Manitou Grill. Council Member Cermak stated on July 7, 8, and 9 a portion of concrete mixer sales from the Culver’s in St. Anthony will be donated to community programs for the Mounds View Police Foundation. Council Member Cermak reported the Mounds View Police Foundation would be meeting next on Tuesday, July 11 at 5:30 p.m. at Hodges Park. Council Member Lindstrom indicated he attended the Festival in the Park Committee meeting last Tuesday. He encouraged the public to attend the foam party which would be held on Friday, August 18. He was pleased to announce the committee had a new volunteer coordinator. He commented further on how the committee has decided to honor former Mayor Al Hull at this year’s Festival. Council Member Gunn reported the Mounds View Business Council met on Wednesday, June 14. Council member Gunn stated Coffee with a Cop was held at Colonial Village on Saturday, June 17. Council Member Gunn explained the Equity Task Force met on Tuesday, June 20. She noted this group was discussing what they want to be and what their goals were. B. Reports of Staff. Finance Director Beer reported the new time sheets were rolled out today. City Administrator Zikmund reviewed the items that would be discussed at the Wednesday, July 5 City Council work session meeting. Mounds View City Council June 26, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 14 City Administrator Zikmund reported he would be interviewing Finance Director candidates on Tuesday, June 27. He recommended the HR Committee be a part of the final interviews. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 10. Next Council Work Session: Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, July 10, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:54 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial