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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2023/12/11APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting December 11, 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, December 11, 2023, City Council Agenda. City Administrator Zikmund reported the Council had amended language for Item 8I. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Cermak. To Approve the Monday, December 11, 2023, agenda as revised. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of Minutes: November 27, 2023 and December 4, 2023 TNT B. Just and Correct Claims. C. Resolution 9836, Approving the Recording Secretary Service Agreement with Minute Maker Secretarial D. Resolution 9835 Approving a Lease Agreement Renewal with Dippin Chocolate, LLC, for Use of Kitchen Space in the Mounds View Community Center E. Resolution 9847, Amend Resolution 9813 To Remove Stormwater Assistant and Add Custodian F. Resolution 9848, Approve Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) Policy G. Resolution 9845, Authorizing Revisions to Section 2.01 (Compensation Plan); Section 2.04 (Sick Leave); and Section 2.11 (Retirement Health Savings Plan) of the Personnel Manual H. Resolution 9842, Approving the Hire of Leon Wanna to Custodian Mounds View City Council December 11, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 2 MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS None. 7. PUBLIC COMMENT Vince Meyer, 8380 Spring Lake Road, asked the City Council to do an investigation on the $17,000 for the wrong wires that were installed on the trail. He questioned where the money came from to fix this problem. He asked who was responsible for this error and inquired why the blueprints were not followed. He commented on the high and low spots along Spring Lake Road stating this workmanship was not acceptable. He reported the patch that was put on the road was only one inch deep and this should be corrected. He described how there were wires hanging down along the trail and asked that the City address this safety concern. Brian Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, commented on the approved sick and safe time policy. He understood the City opted for the 80 hour option. He asked if the new policy language would impact the pay for part-time employees. He requested staff get back to him on how this new policy would impact the budget. City Administrator Zikmund reported he would be in touch with Mr. Amundsen. Valerie Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, questioned if the City’s request for information policy has changed. She noted she requested information regarding how much the City had spent on the Community Center exploration and she has not received a response from staff. She inquired what items required a data request and which do not. She questioned if the City had a formal policy in place. City Administrator Zikmund explained the City’s policy has not changed. He reported all requests have to be submitted on the data request form. Tony Preciado, 8217 Long Lake Road, commented he was interested in purchasing the lot behind his home. He indicated this property was currently owned by the City of Mounds View. City Administrator Zikmund stated the City will make a note of this and reported the City Council has had no discussion on selling this property. 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Resolution 9846, Accepting Mounds View Square concept plan’s findings and recommendations. Assistant City Administrator Beeman requested the Council accept the Mounds View Square Mounds View City Council December 11, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 3 concept plan’s findings and recommendations. He reported in September the Council contracted with HKGi to do a market study and concepts for the Mounds View Square redevelopment area, which also included the Sunrise Methodist Church property. He explained a market study was completed and the findings were reported to the Council in September of 2023. He stated in October there was an open house held where three different concepts were presented to the public. He explained in November the comments from the public were compiled and HKGi discussed these findings. He provided further information on the two preferred concept plans and requested the Council accept the findings and recommendations. Brian Hargess, Landscape Architect for HKGi, introduced himself to the Council and discussed the two preferred concept plans for the Mounds View Square redevelopment area. He explained this document describes the process that was followed and includes information from the public that was gathered along the way. He indicated the preferred concept had a focus to include pedestrian friendly amenities, as well as an entertainment component. He provided further information on the two preferred concepts and asked for comments or questions from the Council. Mayor Lindstrom thanked Mr. Hargess for bringing back the comments that were received from the public. He explained he liked the idea of the second concept versus the first concept. He stated he liked the idea of mixed use, keeping more businesses as well as the townhomes on County Road I. Council Member Meehlhause asked if the second component included a daycare. Mr. Hargess stated this component could remain in place. Council Member Gunn explained she supported the second concept as well. Vince Meyer, 8380 Spring Lake Road, asked if the church was planning to sell their property. He questioned how the City could make plans for this property when this property was now owned by the City. City Administrator Zikmund explained the City had a letter from the church stating they would participate in the study and were willing to sell the property. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9846, Accepting Mounds View Square concept plan’s findings and recommendations. Mayor Lindstrom thanked staff and Mr. Hargess for all of their efforts on this project. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 9837, Approving the 2024 City Council Meeting Dates. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve the City Council calendar for meeting dates for 2024. He explained the Council typically holds a budget retreat on the third Monday in May, which would have to be added to the meeting calendar. In addition, a community park and rec meeting was proposed for January 15. The Council supported these meetings dates. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9837, Mounds View City Council December 11, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 4 Approving the 2024 City Council Meeting Dates as discussed. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 9838, Approving the Renewal of Mounds View Business Licenses (Non-Liquor). City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve the renewal of the Mounds View Business Licenses (Non-Liquor). He explained all of the businesses have met City requirements and staff recommends approval. Council Member Meehlhause asked if the businesses with delinquent utilities would have their license issuance is contingent upon these fees being paid in full. City Administrator Zikmund reported this was the case. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9838, Approving the Renewal of Mounds View Business Licenses (Non-Liquor). Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 9839, Approving the Renewal of Mounds View Liquor Licenses. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve the renewal of Mounds View liquor licenses. He reported all businesses were current, except for Speedway. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9839, Approving the Renewal of Mounds View Liquor Licenses. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. PUBLIC HEARING: Resolution 9840, Approving an Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Juan M. Garibay-Rodriguez, Savilo Liquor Store, 2345 County Road H2 1) Resolution 9841, Approving a Cigarette/Tobacco License for Juan M. Garibay-Rodriguez, Savilo Liquor Store, 2345 County Road H2. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council consider an off-sale intoxicating liquor license and cigarette/tobacco license for Juan Garibay-Rodriguez at the Savilo Liquor Store at 2345 County Road H2. He stated there has been a transfer of ownership at this property which requires a public hearing and approval of the licenses. Juan Garibay-Rodriguez, 2345 County Road H2, thanked the City Council for considering his request. He explained he looked forward to working in Mounds View. He understood this liquor store was in good standing with the City and has been in place for 20+ years. Council Member Meehlhause asked if the tobacco compliance checks were prior to the change in Mounds View City Council December 11, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 5 ownership. City Administrator Zikmund reported this was the case. Mayor Lindstrom opened the public hearing at 6:40 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Lindstrom closed the public hearing at 6:40 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9840, Approving an Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Juan M. Garibay-Rodriguez, Savilo Liquor Store, 2345 County Road H2. Council Member Meehlhause and Mayor Lindstrom welcomed Mr. Garibay-Rodriguez to the community. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9841, Approving a Cigarette/Tobacco License for Juan M. Garibay-Rodriguez, Savilo Liquor Store, 2345 County Road H2. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. F. Resolution 9844, Approving 2023-2025 Public Works Collective Bargaining Agreement. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve the 2023 to 2025 Public Works Collective Bargaining Agreement. He discussed the changes that were made to the bargaining agreement and recommended approval. Mayor Lindstrom stated he was pleased this agreement was ready for approval and he thanked the Public Works Department for working in good faith throughout the negotiations. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9844, Approving 2023-2025 Public Works Collective Bargaining Agreement. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. G. PUBLIC HEARING: 2024 Tax Levy and Budgets for All Funds. 1. Resolution 9831, Adopting the 2024 Tax Levy. 2. Resolution 9832, Approving the 2024 EDA Tax Levy. 3. Resolution 9833, Adopting 2024 Municipal Budget. Finance Director Bauman discussed the 2024 tax levy, the 2024 EDA tax levy, and budgets for all funds. She explained the proposed tax levy was 6.25% and the City would levy $6,784,768. She commented on the EDA portion of the tax levy noting this would remain the same at $100,000. She then provided a summary of the municipal budget for all funds. Mounds View City Council December 11, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 6 Council Member Gunn recommended the levy percentage amount be included in the Resolution. City Administrator Zikmund reported this could be added to the Resolution by motion. Council Member Meehlhause asked when the EDA levy was implemented. Finance Director Bauman indicated this began in 2017 and totaled $60,000. She stated in 2018 the amount was increased to $100,000 and has remained this amount since 2018. Mayor Lindstrom opened the public hearing at 6:49 p.m. Brian Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, thanked the Council for approving a lower levy amount that was previously discussed. He explained after reviewing Resolution 9833, which was the budget for all funds, he was confused by the numbers. He commented on the actuals from previous budgets and stated he did not believe the actuals justified some of the numbers within the 2024 budget, due to significant increases. He asked why the budget was done against the budget versus being done against actuals. He questioned why there was an almost 40% increase at the Public Works Buildings and Grounds. He indicated it appears the City was spending nearly $250,000 on the EDA each year and was levying $100,000. He noted his biggest concern was that the summary page shows a fund balance with a negative $4.6 million. He inquired why the Council doesn’t have more information on their fund balances prior to approving a budget for the coming year. Valerie Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, questioned if the Council was given information regarding its fund balances. She indicated she was a fan of zero based budgeting. While she understood inflation was a factor, she also understood the City may not spend all of its dollars. She asked the Council to ask some tough questions. She discussed how someday, the funds from the Medtronic sale would dry up and the City would have to consider what to do. She asked the Council to buckle down and take a closer look at the numbers. Hearing no further public input, Mayor Lindstrom closed the public hearing at 6:57 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9831, Adopting the 2024 Tax Levy at 6.25%. City Administrator Zikmund explained the City Council receives budget updates versus actuals on a quarterly basis. He noted this information would be reviewed and approved by the City Council on a quarterly basis going forward. Council Member Gunn reported the Council reviewed the budget on a line by line basis so the Council understood what items were and were not included in the budget. Council Member Meehlhause discussed how previous staffing shortages impacted the budget. He indicated the police department was constantly working to get back up to 21 officers. He commented on how the proposed budget included wage increases of over $300,000. He stated these increases were being driven by salary increases, union contracts and inflation. He noted there were other contracts with increases that also impacted the budget such as Ramsey County Dispatch and the SBM Fire Department. He reported it was difficult to start with a zero based budget when the City was dealing with contracts with employees. He requested further information regarding Mounds View City Council December 11, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 7 the $4 million change to the fund balance. Finance Director Bauman provided the Council with further information regarding the City’s fund balances. She explained there were several fund balances that will need additional funding before projects were approved. She noted that these fund balances were looked at by staff and the City Council prior to moving forward with projects. Mayor Lindstrom explained the increase in public works funding was due to the hiring of a new employee and from the new wage scale. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9832, Approving the 2024 EDA Tax Levy. Council Member Meehlhause reported his question regarding the EDA levy was raised to make it clear to the public that prior to 2017 the City did not have an EDA levy. He discussed how three previous TIF districts use to fund economic development, but since these districts have expired, the City has put a levy in place. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9833, Adopting 2024 Municipal Budget. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. H. Resolution 9834, Accepting and Allocating American Rescue Plan Act Funding. Finance Director Bauman requested the Council accept and allocate American Rescue Plan Act funding. She reported the City received ARPA funds in 2021 and 2022. She discussed the ARPA allocations that were made in 2021 and 2022, noting this was the final allocation for these federal funds. She explained the funds were broken up into three separate years in order to avoid the Single Audit Act. She reported the final report would be filed with ARPA in April of 2024. Council Member Gunn asked where these funds would be allocated. Finance Director Bauman reported these funds would be placed in the General Fund. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9834, Accepting and Allocating American Rescue Plan Act Funding. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. I. Resolution 9843, Adopting Title and Ballot Language Pertaining to Proposed Amendment to the City of Mounds View Charter and Ordering Special Election. Mounds View City Council December 11, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 8 City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council adopt title and ballot language pertaining to the proposed amendment to the City of Mounds View Charter and that the Council order a Special Election. He explained this item was specific to the Charter petition. Mayor Lindstrom read the two ballot questions in full for the record. City Administrator Zikmund reported if the voters pass this at the special election, it will appear again in November in the State general election. City Attorney Riggs explained there were two steps in this process, the first was to amend City Charter and the second would be to hold the actual vote at the general election. Brian Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, asked if the November election would approve the adoption of collected waste management. City Attorney Riggs reported this was the case. He reiterated that this matter would only move forward to November, if the voters offered their support. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9843, Adopting Title and Ballot Language Pertaining to Proposed Amendment to the City of Mounds View Charter and Ordering Special Election. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. J. Resolution 9824, Approving Appointments to the Mounds View Planning Commission and Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission for 2024. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve appointments to the Mounds View Planning Commission and Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission for 2024. He explained action was tabled on this item at the Council’s last meeting in order to allow for further discussion at a worksession meeting. He explained the direction from the Council would be to have the HR Committee interview candidates going forward and that a more robust application be completed for each candidate. He noted he has reached out to four adjacent communities in order to review their applications. Mayor Lindstrom thanked staff for their work on this. He stated he looked forward to making sure applicants get a fair review going forward. He indicated he would be recusing himself from voting on this item. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To remove this item from the table. Ayes – 3 Nays – 0 Motion carried. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Cermak. To Adopt Resolution 9824, Approving Appointments to the Mounds View Planning Commission and Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission for 2024. Mounds View City Council December 11, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 9 Ayes – 3 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Meehlhause stated he would be attending a Twin Cities Gateway board meeting this week where the 2024 budget would be considered. Council Member Meehlhause indicated he would be attending an NYFS finance committee meeting on Wednesday, December 20. Council Member Meehlhause reported on Wednesday, December 13 the Mounds View Lions would be traveling the City of Mounds View looking at holiday light displays and the four best displays would be receiving a $50 prize. Council Member Cermak explained the Mounds View Police Foundation would be meeting on Tuesday, December 12 at 5:30 at Hodges Park where the group will be making final plans for the Heros and Helpers program at City Hall on Tuesday, December 19. She noted the foundation would then begin planning for the Daddy Daughter Dance which would be held on February 10, 2024. Council Member Gunn thanked SBM Fire for the wonderful Santa Parade. She thanked the community for donating over 13,000 pounds of food during the Santa Parade. Council Member Gunn indicated she attended a Cable Commission meeting noting this organization was struggling with staffing at this time. Council Member Cermak thanked Mounds View residents for bringing in the most coats for the Justin Morneau Coat Drive. Council Member Gunn reported the Community Center was in great need of toys for Operation Joy. She encouraged those willing to make a donation to stop by the Community Center to make a donation. She noted the deadline to make a donation was Thursday, December 14. Mayor Lindstrom indicated he attended the Festival in the Park meeting on November 28. Mayor Lindstrom wished everyone a safe and Happy Holidays. B. Reports of Staff. Finance Director Bauman explained she would be working to get the budget documents online, while also getting documentation to the County and State. She then provided the Council with an update on the water meter project. City Administrator Zikmund stated Police Chief Zender, Fire Chief Retka and himself attended a public safety summit with 24 other cities and their chiefs. He explained he never attended an event Mounds View City Council December 11, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 10 like this before in his career. He stated this event was moderated by an ICMA individual who used to be a fire chief, police officer and city manager. He reported one of the main topics that was discussed was the status of staffing. City Administrator Zikmund explained the Council would be holding a closed session meeting on Monday, December 18 at 1:00 p.m. where the litigation for the water treatment plant will be discussed. City Administrator Zikmund reported the Council would not need to hold a special meeting in December. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 10. Next Council Work Session: Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. Next Special Council Meeting: Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, January 8, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:38 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial