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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2023/07/24APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting July 24, 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, July 24, 2023, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Lindstrom/Cermak. To Approve the Monday, July 24, 2023, agenda as presented. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA Council Member Lindstrom asked to remove Item 5E. A. Approval of Minutes: July 10, 2023. B. Just and Correct Claims. C. Resolution 9778, Approving Charitable Gambling Permit for the Mounds View Police Foundation to Conduct Excluded Bingo at the 2023 Mounds View Festival in the Park. D. Resolution 9780, Approving the 2023 Mounds View Festival in the Park Agreement. E. Resolution 9774, Approving the Hire of Finance Director Gayle Bauman. F. Resolution 9785, Approving the Hire of Recreation Coordinator Madeline Margo. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Lindstrom. To Approve the Consent Agenda as amended removing Item 5E. Mounds View City Council July 24, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 2 Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 9774, Approving the Hire of Finance Director Gayle Bauman. Council Member Lindstrom stated Finance Director Mark Beer has worked for the City for the past 18 years and his last day with the City would be September 14, 2023. He explained the new Finance Director worked for a neighboring city which meant she understood the area. He looked forward to Gayle Bauman starting with the City on August 21 and wished her all the best in her new position. MOTION/SECOND: Lindstrom/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9774, Approving the Hire of Finance Director Gayle Bauman. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS None. 7. PUBLIC COMMENT Robert King, 7408 Silver Lake Road, expressed concern with what was happening to the City. He stated he did not like the way the Councilmembers were going after each other. He indicated he did not like the comment about “letting them see us win”. He reported someone a Councilmember was at work and she was being threatened. He explained he wanted to see the City come together. Valerie Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, stated she listened to the Council work session from a few weeks ago and she was quite disturbed. She agreed the all members of the City should be treating everyone with respect. She acknowledged that there may have been some people that got out of hand, privately or possibly at a meeting, but for the most part, she was impressed with the number and the character of the people that spoke over those few meetings, and that they had done their homework. She added that they were respectful and were sharing their honest opinions about something that mattered, not only to the neighborhood, but to the whole City. She hoped this was what the City wanted its citizens to do and hoped it would continue going forward, and that the comments made at private meetings would be made publicly going forward. Andrew Oltmanns, 5373 Jackson Drive, explained he has lived in Mounds View for the past 11 years. He reported he has listened to the private meeting and he believed it was terrible what happened. He stated he was curious how the funds would be spent that were allocated for the proposed apartments. He suggested the City consider spending money on roadway safety and speeding traffic. He stated he would like to see residents respecting roadway regulations and other drivers because there were people in the community that still cared. Dan Mueller, 8343 Groveland Road, reported he listened to the infamous Council audio as well. He explained Acting Mayor Meehlhause mentioned being ticked off and that an officer had to be Mounds View City Council July 24, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 3 sitting in Council Chambers. He did not understand who the comment was directed at, but he also understand there were concerns about the safety of the Council. He indicated he was bothered by the fact the residents were not being referred to as residents, constituents, or voters, but rather was being referred to as “these people”. He commented he would rather be referred to as “these people” than a couple of you guys. He noted the Council brought this on themselves by trying to push their personal agenda down the throats of residents and voters. He feared the Council was receiving bad advice and things were not working. 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Public Hearing to Consider Resolution 9779, Authorizing the Issuance, Sale and Delivery of Educational Facilities Revenue Notes and Approving the Form of and Authorizing the Execution and Delivery of the Notes and Related Documents (High School for Recording Arts Project). Bond Counsel Libby Kantner requested the Council consider approval of the issuance, sale and delivery of educational facilities revenue notes and approving the form of and authorizing the execution and delivery of the notes for the High School for Recording Arts. She reported this was a charter school in the city of St. Paul and they were looking to refinance some of their outstanding debt. She explained the City of Mounds View would have no obligation to the debt but rather the bonds would be the responsibility of the High School for Recording Arts. Acting Mayor Meehlhause opened the public hearing at 6:18 p.m. Brian Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, asked if the City’s bond rating would be impacted by the amount of conduit debt that it was issuing. He also questioned how much the City would receive from this debt issuance. Hearing no further public input, Acting Mayor Meehlhause closed the public hearing at 6:20 p.m. Bond Counsel Libby Kantner explained the City would receiving a 1% issuance fee for this conduit debt. She reported $6.2 million would be issued which meant the City would receive $62,000. She stated the City’s bond rating would not be impacted by the number or amount of conduit debt projects it has issued. Acting Mayor Meehlhause asked if there was a limit to the amount of conduit bonds the City could issue on a yearly basis. Bond Counsel Libby Kantner reported the limit was $10 million per year. MOTION/SECOND: Lindstrom/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9779, Authorizing the Issuance, Sale and Delivery of Educational Facilities Revenue Notes and Approving the Form of and Authorizing the Execution and Delivery of the Notes and Related Documents (High School for Recording Arts Project). Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. First Reading and Introduction of Ordinance 1005 Amending Section 31.001 (B) of the Mounds View City Code Regarding the Composition of the Council Mounds View City Council July 24, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 4 and Establishing a Vice Acting Mayor. City Attorney Riggs requested the Council introduce an Ordinance that would amend Section 31.001(B) of the Mound View City Code regarding the composition of the City Council and establishing a Vice Acting Mayor. He explained this was an administration matter that would allow the Council to appoint a Vice Acting Mayor in the event the Acting Mayor was not available. He noted this language could be added to the City Charter as well, but he did not believe this was necessary. Council Member Lindstrom stated he would be interested in hearing from the Charter Commission to see if they were interested in making an amendment. Brian Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, explained the Charter states in Section 203 – Council Composition, that the Council shall be composed of a Mayor and four Councilmembers and that in the event of a Mayor vacancy that the Acting Mayor is the Mayor. While he believed this was a prudent thing to do, he believed taking action by Ordinance would be illegal or malfeasance. He stated there was no position of Vice Acting Mayor within the Charter. He recommended the City Council bring this item to the Charter Commission in the form of an Ordinance and that it be brought forward in that matter. Council Member Lindstrom asked how long it would take for the Charter Commission to take action on the proposed Ordinance. Mr. Amundsen discussed how Council initiated language changes had to be dealt with and stated this would become a ballot matter. He explained he did not object to the proposed position, however per City Charter it was not allowed. He recommended the Council approve a Vice Acting Mayor at a meeting, in the event Acting Mayor Meehlhause was not able to attend a meeting. Acting Mayor Meehlhause clarified for the record that staff did not bring this matter forward, rather it was him. City Attorney Riggs explained if Acting Mayor Meehlhause were incapacitated and not able to perform his duties, the City have signing and other Mayoral duties that have to occur outside of Council meetings.. He reported that was what this Ordinance was trying to address. He discussed how Roberts Rules do not carry over from one meeting to another. He understood why the Charter Commission would like to have this language included, however, he noted the Charter was silent on other matters that were covered by the City. Acting Mayor Meehlhause asked if the recommendation of staff was to move this item forward. City Attorney Riggs reported this was his recommendation. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Cermak. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 1005 Amending Section 31.001 (B) of the Mounds View City Code Regarding the Composition of the Council and Establishing a Vice Acting Mayor. Council Member Lindstrom stated this was a tough issue. He indicated he saw the need and the value of having someone in place in between meetings. However, he also understood the Mounds View City Council July 24, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 5 importance of the Charter and following specific processes. He stated he would be interested in looking at trying to get this matter on the ballot for the Special Election in November. Council Member Gunn indicated the concern would be, what would happen between now and November. Council Member Lindstrom stated he understood this was the concern. Council Member Gunn supported the Council approving the Ordinance and having the Charter Commission reviewing this matter. Council Member Lindstrom believed if the Ordinance were approved, the Charter Commission’s ability to take action on this item through their process would be taken away. City Administrator Zikmund explained the Charter Commission could still review this matter. Acting Mayor Meehlhause stated the City was in an unusual position that no one could have anticipated or planned for. He believed the Council had to address the situation it was in. He explained he supported the Charter Commission taking this matter up as part of the Charter to ensure the City has the proper language in place should this type of situation occur again in the future. He did not see this matter going to a ballot, because it was an administrative issue. Ayes – 3 Nays – 0 Abstain – 1 (Lindstrom) Motion carried. C. Resolution 9781, Approving the Final Report for the Storm Water Assessment from Stantec Engineering Services. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council approve the final report for the Storm Water Assessment from Stantec Engineering Services. He stated the City’s storm water system was first constructed in the 1970’s. He explained an RFP was put in place to assess the entire system and survey the ponds, while also providing for a maintenance plan. He reported the City has received a final report on the storm water assessment which has given staff an in depth look at the City’s maintenance needs. He requested the Council accept the final report. Council Member Lindstrom explained the City had completed this study in order to be proactive in how the City manages its storm water infrastructure and ponds. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported this was the case. He commented further on how the City’s maximum daily load of discharge was impacting water bodies downstream. He anticipated regional treatment centers would be needed in the future to treat for chlorides. He commented further on how important it was for the City to remove leaves from streets because this assisted in removing phosphorous from water ways. MOTION/SECOND: Lindstrom/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9781, Approving the Final Report for the Storm Water Assessment from Stantec Engineering Services. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council July 24, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 6 D. Resolution 9782, Approving Change Order #2 for the Area K Street Project regarding the Trail Lights on Mounds View Boulevard. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council approve Change Order #2 for the Area K Street Project regarding the Trail Lights on Mounds View Boulevard. He discussed the trails and lighting that were proposed as part of this project. He explained the wrong wiring was purchased for this project and the contractor was recommending the existing wire be pulled and that the correct wire be purchased and installed for the trail lights. He reported there was no impact to the 2023 Budget as this expense would come out of the 2023 Street Improvement Fund. Acting Mayor Meehlhause asked if this was an engineering design error. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson believed this to be the case. He stated the contractor installed the wire as per the designs, but once it was in the pole, the gauge wire could not bend within the smaller LED poles. Council Member Lindstrom recommended the wire that was pulled be sold for scrap in order to recover some of the lost cost for the wire. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated this would be done. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Lindstrom. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9782, Approving Change Order #2 for the Area K Street Project regarding the Trail Lights on Mounds View Boulevard. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 9783, Approving the Proposal for the Silver View Storm Water Pond Restoration. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council approve the proposal for the Silver View Storm Water Pond Restoration. He commented on the work that would be done to the Silver View storm water pond. He discussed the spot dredging, data collection, public engagement, water quality assessment, upland restoration and permit work that would be completed by Stantec. He estimated the project would cost $140,250 and noted the project would be funded by the Storm Water Fund. Council Member Lindstrom questioned when the restoration work would begin. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained staff would work to gather public comments prior to beginning any dredging or restoration work. He anticipated restoration work would not begin until 2024. City Administrator Zikmund reported the City has been building up a fund in preparation for the dredging work. He commented on how cutting back the vegetation surrounding the pond would assist with addressing the future sedimentation of the pond. Council Member Gunn asked if the dredging work would assist with addressing the lily pads. Mounds View City Council July 24, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 7 Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated the DNR would be working with the City on this project as well and he would know more about how to address the lily pads after speaking with them. Acting Mayor Meehlhause questioned what type of meetings the City would be holding to engage the public. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained staff would be holding public engagement meetings, separate from City Council meetings to speak with the neighbors surrounding the storm water pond. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Lindstrom. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9783, Approving the Proposal for the Silver View Storm Water Pond Restoration. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. F. Resolution 9784, Approving the Proposal for the Ardan Park Storm Water Pond Dredging Project. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council approve the proposal for the Ardan Park Storm Water Pond Dredging Project. He explained this project came from the Stantec report. He reported this maintenance item would assist in managing this storm water pond. He reviewed the proposal for this project from Stantec noting the cost was $84,000, which would be covered by the Storm Water Fund. Council Member Lindstrom commented on how the woods surrounding this pond was impacting the health of the storm water pond. He asked if all of the trees would be removed. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained the City Arborist has been analyzing and inventorying the trees. He reported a large number of black walnuts have been found and these would be saved where possible. Acting Mayor Meehlhause questioned if this project would involve the DNR. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated the DNR would be involved to a degree. Acting Mayor Meehlhause inquired if the $84,000 price point included the dredging. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported the price for the dredging was not included in this price. He explained the dredging work would be bid separately in 2024. Carol Mueller, 8343 Groveland Road, stated in the past there have been issues with flooding near Greenfield Park. She asked if the cleanup and dredging would assist with addressing this concern. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated this was a separate matter. He commented further on the ditch work that would have to be done on Judicial Ditch 1 which flowed through Greenfield Park. MOTION/SECOND: Lindstrom/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9784, Approving the Proposal for the Ardan Park Storm Water Pond Dredging Project. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council July 24, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 8 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Gunn stated the Cable (Nine North) Commission met on Tuesday and would be bringing forward a discussion matter concerning franchise fees. She anticipated franchise fees would look different going forward. Council Member Lindstrom explained he attended the Festival in the Park Committee meeting on July 18. He reported two separate raffles were being planned for this year’s event. He discussed the items that would be included in the raffle. He stated the Fire Department has agreed to raffle off a ride in the fire truck. He commented further on the events being planned for this year’s festival and invited the public to attend on Friday, August 18 and Saturday, August 19. Council Member Cermak encouraged residents to participate in Night to Unite on Tuesday, August 1. Council Member Cermak explained the Mounds View Police Foundation would meet next on Tuesday, August 15 at Hodges Park at 5:30 p.m. to finalize items before Festival in the Park. Acting Mayor Meehlhause stated a signed copy of the proclamation for former Mayor Al Hull had been placed within a plaque and would be hung in the Council Chambers. B. Reports of Staff. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated the Tribute Park Committee would meet next on Tuesday, August 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson provided the Council with an update on the water treatment plant. He reminded the public to adhere to the odd/even water ban to ensure the City can meet peak water requirements. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated he walked Street Project Area J with the contractor last week and noted a punch list was created. He stated Area K has its first lift of asphalt and curbing completed. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson discussed the storm clean-up work staff was completing after the severe storm that occurred last week. Council Member Lindstrom thanked staff for their fast response to remove trees from the right of way and streets after the severe storm. City Administrator Zikmund stated CSC would be holding their walk in the park on Sunday, July 30 at Silver View Park from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The Council supported CSC being able to hold this event. Mounds View City Council July 24, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 9 City Administrator Zikmund explained staff was working on a flyer that can be handed out during Night to Unite. City Administrator Zikmund reported staff received a visit from Rice Creek Watershed Commissioner Marcie Weinandt and noted she was not aware of any other city that was as engaged in its stormwater as the City of Mounds View. He also learned she would not be continuing her service after her term was up. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 10. Next Council Work Session: Monday, August 7, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, August 14, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:22 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial