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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2024/03/11APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting March 11, 2024 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: Cermak 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, March 11, 2024, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Approve the Monday, March 11, 2024, agenda as presented. Ayes – 3 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Lindstrom asked to remove Items E and F. A. Approval of Minutes: February 26, 2024 B. Just and Correct Claims C. Resolution 9883, Approving Increase for Auditing Services for 2023-2025 D. Resolution 9884, Authorizing Internal Recruitment Process for Police Sergeant E. Resolution 9885, Approving the Hire of Police Officer Isabel Torres F. Resolution 9886, Approving the Promotion of Chris Atkinson to Position of Public Works Foreman G. Resolution 9887, Authorizing Internal Recruitment Process for Public Works Parks Lead Worker Position H. Resolution 9888, Approving a Memorandum of Understanding Between the City and LELS 204 Regarding Neighborhood Resource officer Specialty Pay Mounds View City Council March 11, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 2 I. Resolution 9889, Approving a Memorandum of Understanding Between the City and LELS 204 Regarding Holiday Pay MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ayes – 3 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 9885, Approving the Hire of Police Officer Isabel Torres Mayor Lindstrom welcomed Officer Torres to the Mounds View Police Department. He expressed that he looks forward to having her as a member of the Police Departments and wished her well at the City of Mounds View. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9885, Approving the Hire of Police Officer Isabel Torres. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried F. Resolution 9886, Approving the Promotion of Chris Atkinson to Position of Public Works Foreman Mayor Lindstrom congratulated Mr. Atkinson on his promotion to Public Works Foreman and wished him well in his new position. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9886, Approving the Promotion of Chris Atkinson to Position of Public Works Foreman. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Lynette Harris – Care #4All Youth Haven. Lynette Harris, Care #4All Youth Haven representative, thanked the Council for their time. She provided the Council with further information on the services and transitional housing that was provided by her organization to the youth in the community. Mayor Lindstrom asked if the kids served were typically not in school. Ms. Harris reported this was the case, noting many of the kids have to be redirected back to school or other employment training. She commented further on the work she does with the Bush Foundation. Mayor Lindstrom thanked Ms. Harris for her presentation and for the great work she was doing on behalf of the community. B. Public Informational Meeting – Silver View Storm Water Pond. Mounds View City Council March 11, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 3 Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson provided the Council with information on the Silver View storm water pond. He explained this this was the second meeting regarding this topic, noting the first was held at the park last September. He reviewed aerial photography of the pond, noting this pond was originally an agricultural ditch. He discussed how the City has been working with Stantec to study and analyze this pond. He reported staff recently met with the watershed district to discuss potential grant opportunities. Dan Edgerton, Engineer with Stantec, commented on the modeling that was completed for the proposed pond improvements. He reported two linear bioretention ponds were being recommended for the runoff from the parking lot. He explained the existing infiltration basins would be rehabilitated and spot dredging would be completed. Sarah Harding, Landscape Architect with Stantec, discussed the vegetation management plans for the Silver View storm water pond and described how the plans would help keep soil in place. She stated the vegetation improvements would also assist in protecting the old growth oak trees. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained costs estimates are being finalized with Stantec. He provided further comment on the infiltration improvements that would be made to the pond and asked for comments or questions from the Council. Council Member Meehlhause asked what parts would not be mowed in the future. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson described the area that would not be mowed in the future, noting this would be the area from the trail to the pond, not on the house side of the trail. Council Member Meehlhause questioned if the box elder trees were considered invasive and would these trees be removed. Ms. Harding reported the box elder trees were considered native flood plain trees and there would be selective removal of these trees. She discussed how the pond bank would have to be stabilized if any trees were removed. Mayor Lindstrom requested further information on how alum would be used in the pond. Mr. Edgerton described how alum assisted with address the phosphorous levels within the pond. Council Member Gunn asked if the native plantings would be pollinator friendly. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported this was the plan. Council Member Gunn inquired how long this project would take to complete. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported the proposed improvements were long-term in nature and estimated the plans would take two or three years to complete. Karen Arciero, 7417 Parkview Drive, explained she lived right on the pond. She stated once the vegetation was removed, she wondered how the wildlife would be impacted. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported the work would be done in late fall or during the winter. She indicated no work would be done during the nesting season so as not to impact the water fowl or turtles. Mounds View City Council March 11, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 4 Shawn Dorameco, 2628 Lake Court Drive, questioned if the wood on the east side of the pond would be replaced and if this was replaced, would this impact the level of the water in the pond. Mr. Edgerton explained the concrete wall controls the water level and noted the wooden wear acts as a skimmer. He explained the wooden wear does not control the water level. He understood the wooden wear wall was decaying and would be removed and replaced with a concrete wear wall. Gayle Rock, 7413 Park View Drive, stated she lived on the southwest end of the pond. She questioned how the path near her home would be impacted. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson indicated he does not have this information at this time. Randy Miller, 7409 Park View Drive, explained he has lived in his home for the past 39 years. He applauded the City’s efforts to improve the storm pond and noted he supported the City moving the path. He recommended the deadfall be removed from the pond as well. He discussed how the aerators that were installed in the pond were noisy, noting they work 24 hours per day. Ms. Arciero asked if the sledding hill was part of this conversation. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated the sledding hill was not part of this project. He recommended the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission look at putting the sledding hill back to natural prairie. Ms. Arciero explained she would appreciate the sledding hill remaining in place for the children in the neighborhood. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported the next phase of this project would be to finalize the plans and for the City to apply for grants. Council Member Meehlhause indicated he has lived in the Park View neighborhood for the past 40 years and he appreciated the City’s efforts to address the quality of the storm water pond. City Administrator Zikmund thanked Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson for his efforts to address the storm water quality in the City of Mounds View. 7. PUBLIC COMMENT Cheryl Hagstrom, property owner in Mounds View, expressed concern with the fact property owners within the community were not being notified of issues that were effecting their properties. 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. PUBLIC HEARING: Second Reading, Resolution 9880 Private Property Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) Grant Program. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council hold the second reading and adopt a Resolution regarding the City’s private property inflow and infiltration (I&I) grant program. Mayor Lindstrom opened the public hearing at 6:59 p.m. Mounds View City Council March 11, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 5 Hearing no public input, Mayor Lindstrom closed the public hearing at 6:59 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9880, Private Property Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) Grant Program. Mayor Lindstrom stated he supported this program moving forward and appreciated the assistance it would provide to Mounds View residents. Ayes – 3 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 9891, Approving the Proposal from WSB for a Park System Master Plan. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council approve a proposal from WSB for a Park System Master Plan. He stated the City maintains 11 parks with numerous park amenities on over 123 acres of grounds. He discussed how a park system master plan would assist the City with addressing needs analysis and community engagement. It was noted staff recommends the community center be part of this project. The cost proposal for this project was further reviewed and staff recommends approval of the proposal from WSB. Mayor Lindstrom questioned if a task force committee would be created for this project. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported WSB was recommending a steering committee be created for this project. Mayor Lindstrom asked when work would begin on this project. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson noted work would begin in April or May and would be wrapped up by the end of the year. Council Member Meehlhause inquired how the steering committee would be formed. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson anticipated user groups and volunteers would be asked to serve on the steering committee, along with members from the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9891, Approving the Proposal from WSB for a Park System Master Plan. Council Member Meehlhause stated he fully supported the City moving forward with the creation of a Park System Master Plan. Ayes – 3 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 9890, Organized Trash Hauling Negotiations. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council adopt a resolution regarding organized trash hauling negotiations. He explained the Council addressed this matter in a workshop last Mounds View City Council March 11, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 6 Wednesday. He stated it was staff’s recommendation to terminate negotiations at this time and to restart the options committee. Mayor Lindstrom discussed the history of organized collection in Mounds View. He stated the Council first approached this topic in 2015 and at that time Haulers for Choice asked residents to oppose the negotiations. He explained in subsequent weeks, the Council directed staff to stop looking into the issue. Since that time, a previous Council wanted to bring back this topic for further discussion. He stated in March of 2023, this Council directed staff to research and plan for an organized collection system and the City notified its intention to organize collection in April of 2023. Surveys were sent to residents and in June of 2023 a meeting was held with haulers. He indicated the City and haulers met on January 4, 2024 and haulers were to provide a final and best proposal by January 11, 2024. It became clear that the haulers were not prepared to make a proposal by January 11 and therefore the City notified them that it would establish an organized collection option committee. Mayor Lindstrom reported this committee would look at the issue of organized collection and if the City’s collections services should go out for RFP. He commented on January 8, 2024 the Council established an organized collection option committee and this group met on January 17, 24 and 31, 2024. He noted the City met with the haulers on January 8 to negotiate and the haulers asked for more time. The City extended the deadline with the haulers until January 31. Mayor Lindstrom explained on January 19, 2024 the City was served with a lawsuit by Ace and Walters. He indicated on January 29, subsequent to the January 31 deadline, the City was served with a temporary restraining order. After a hearing on the restraining order, the judge denied four out of the five claims and issued an order on the remaining item to continue to negotiate in good faith. The City continued to negotiate on February 5, 8, 12, 19, 26, 27 and March 5, 2024. All in all, the City produced 18 drafts of the residential solid waste contract with all parties coming to an agreement on the written contract on February 26, 2024. Only then would the haulers provide a price. The haulers said the City had to wait for a price until all of the details were worked out. Mayor Lindstrom stated when the pricing was provided, the City asked if this was the best and final proposal. Even though the haulers waited until all of the details were agreed to before providing a price, but then said they could do better. The City told the haulers that a proposal would be brought to the Council on March 5, 2024 and explained the City was looking for a best and final offer. He noted the haulers offered no amended prices. He indicated the March 5 City Council meeting had to be rescheduled to March 6 because the Council could not meet on an election day. Mayor Lindstrom reported notice was sent to all haulers encouraging them to attend the March 6 meeting and explained this would be an opportunity to address the City Council directly. He stated on March 6 the Council held a work session to discuss the contract to which only one hauler showed up. He noted the City did not hear from any other haulers. When asked, the hauler in attendance stated the City had acted in good faith. The Council reviewed a spreadsheet created by City staff that listed rates being paid by current Mounds View residents along with a spreadsheet of rates being paid by other organized cities in Ramsey County. Mounds View City Council March 11, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 7 Mayor Lindstrom indicated the haulers had access to both of these documents prior to the meeting. Due to the pricing being significantly higher than the averages being paid in nearby cities, the Council directed staff to reconvene the options committee so they could issue a report regarding their findings. The Council did not believe further negotiations were worth the investment in staff and attorney time for several reasons, including the large gap between the hauler proposal rates and other organized cities, and the fact the haulers did not submit a new proposal, even though they stated it was not their best price and that only one of the five haulers appeared the address the Council. Mayor Lindstrom stated Council told staff that the City Council was ready to move on from the contract negotiation. He indicated the Council’s efforts paint a very clear picture through 19 meetings with the haulers, 18 draft contracts and the Council has been discussing this matter for over a year. He noted the City has held every meeting requested by the haulers, even holding a meeting on a federal holiday and has repeatedly offered to accommodate their needs in any way. Mayor Lindstrom reported the haulers have provided the City with a proposal that they admitted should be better. He explained the City had negotiated in good faith. He commented on the companies that have chosen to align themselves with Haulers for Choice. According to Haulers for Choice’s website, Ace and Walter’s were participating haulers. Ace and Walters have aligned themselves with a group that has been involved in local politics and were party to intimidating potential candidates if they do not toe the hauler line. In addition, they were encouraging recruitment of anti-organization candidates to run against incumbents, send mailers to residents stating residents were being stripped of their rights and were directly involved in petitions to stop organized collection. He questioned how this was negotiating in good faith and how was the Council to believe these haulers care about the community. Mayor Lindstrom stated haulers have every right to express their opinion about the election, but their actions were showing they were not negotiating in good faith by giving Mounds View the best price. The haulers very publicly don’t want the negotiations to be successful and were not giving the City the best price. He indicated the City had to ask why this was occurring. He stated to quote their attorney, are they trying to just protect their book of business. He questioned if it was because the haulers care so deeply about the community they serve. That is what they were telling the City or were they protecting their profits. Mayor Lindstrom commented on the bill analysis that was conducted by the City stating one hauler charges one resident $40 per month for service and another $30 for the same service. He reported Ace charges one customer $46.92 and another customer $25.94. He indicated Republic charges one customer $58.75 and another customer $20.83, while Walters charges one customer $69.69 and another $42. He encouraged residents to keep in mind this was for the same tote service. Mayor Lindstrom reported St. Anthony just received a fresh contract in 2023 was paying $18.34 for a 65 gallon tote through organized collection. He stated these prices were the lowest when compared to any prices provided by Mounds View residents for the same 65 gallon tote. He asked Mounds View residents what this was about. He asked if it was about providing a service for a good price or for profits. He questioned residents were supportive of the haulers making maximum profits from Mounds View residents or did residents want to come together in order to be treated Mounds View City Council March 11, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 8 fairly. He commented on the profits that were generated by Republic, Waste Management and Ace in 2023. He understood Ace and Walters were circulating a letter to residents telling them the Council was trying to take away their rights. He indicated Ace and Walters was sending out anti- organized propaganda in the community which was not acting in good faith. Mayor Lindstrom believed Ace and Walters had zero desire to act in good faith which was why a better offer was not provided to the City. Furthermore, saying the Council doesn’t support residents right to choose was erroneous. He explained the Council has unanimously supported every part of the Charter initiative. He discussed how the City has published information in the Mounds View Matters in order to keep the public informed on this topic. To say the City feared the question and was restricting rights was an egregious misrepresentation of the truth. He believed haulers feared putting forth a competitive price would make residents see how badly haulers have been gouging them on price for years. He stated if haulers valued the relationships they have in the community so much, a competitive price should be provided to the City. Mayor Lindstrom explained the Council has stated since the beginning that they wanted to see this through to the end and that a price should be provided to allow for a broader conversation with constituents. He indicated the Council was ready to reject the proposed price because it was not good for Mounds View residents. He asked how the haulers have acted in good faith throughout these negotiations when not all parties were acting in good faith. He stated it was the City’s sincerest desire to have a clean and fair process for everyone. Mayor Lindstrom stated for the companies that aligned themselves with Haulers for Choice he hoped the value of this relationship was fully evaluated and that these haulers would consider if they truly acted in good faith with their municipal partners. That being said, he made it crystal clear that the City would like to seek a price from these haulers. He wanted to consider the best and final price from the haulers. He requested the Council table action on this item to terminate negotiations until 12:00 p.m. on March 25 to deliver a final and best offer. He indicated the offer presented to the City should be in line with other organized communities. He encouraged the haulers to look at the rates being offered to Blaine and St. Anthony. He hoped the haulers would bring back a good price for its residents, given the fact Mounds View has the lowest median income in the area. He stated it was the City Council’s responsibility to take care of its people. He asked the haulers to be thoughtful about the community and the final price they present. Mayor Lindstrom asked for comments from the public. There were none at this time. Council Member Gunn thanked the Mayor for his comments. Council Member Meehlhause thanked the Mayor for his comments as well MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Table Action on this item to Monday, March 25, 2024 City Council meeting requesting haulers to submit a revised proposal to the City with a final and best offer by Thursday, March 21, 2024. Ayes – 3 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council March 11, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 9 Council Member Meehlhause recommended the Mayors statement be included in the minutes verbatim, instead in a summary format. City Attorney Riggs stated this direction could be provided to staff and the minutes could be amended to include this statement in verbatim form. Council consensus was to support this recommendation. 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Mayor Lindstrom reported there would be an Easter egg hunt at Silver View Park on Saturday, March 30 at 10:00 a.m. Council Member Gunn stated the Tribute Park Committee would be meeting on Tuesday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Council Member Meehlhause reviewed a list of recent meetings he attended in the Mayor’s absence. Council Member Meehlhause explained Abiding Savior Lutheran Church has asked the Mounds View Lions to host a waffle dinner on Wednesday, March 13 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for an in kind donation. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf. Council Member Meehlhause commented on Thursday, March 14 he would be attending a Mounds View Business Council meeting. Council Member Meehlhause stated he would be attending the 3 on 3 basketball tournament at the Mounds View Community Center on Thursday, March 14. Council Member Meehlhause indicated he would be participating in a board member interview process with NYFS on Thursday, March 14. Council Member Meehlhause reported on Sunday, March 17 the Community Center would be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and the Mounds View Lions would be serving corned beef, cabbage and carrots. The cost for the event is $10 per adult and $5 for children under the age of 10. Council Member Meehlhause stated the Twin Cities Gateway board would be meeting next on Tuesday, March 19. Council Member Meehlhause explained on Wednesday, March 20 he would be attending an NYFS finance committee meeting with City Administrator Zikmund. Council Member Meehlhause reported a City Council Candidate Forum would be held on Thursday, March 21 at 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. for the two candidates running for City Council. Mounds View City Council March 11, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 10 Council Member Meehlhause commented on the dead trees that had been removed from within Silver View Park. He thanked the Public Works Department for their efforts. Mayor Lindstrom stated on Wednesday, March 13 he would be having a conversation with the City Administrator and Commissioner Frethem to discuss the City’s library. Mayor Lindstrom explained the options committee would be meeting on Wednesday, March 20. Mayor Lindstrom reported he would be attending the Met Council’s regional conference on Friday, March 22. B. Reports of Staff. Finance Director Bauman stated the $21 million conduit debt issuance that began last year would be moving ahead in the next few months. Finance Director Bauman reported work continues on the 2023 audit. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson discussed the meter change out project that would begin in the coming weeks. He encouraged residents to test out their shut off valves and to clear the area surrounding their water meters. City Administrator Zikmund stated the City would be posting information regarding sewer line insurance, noting the City has no association with these organizations. City Administrator Zikmund reported the Council tried to attend the legislative day on the hill for the League of Minnesota Hills where a letter was presented to Representative Muller and Senator Marty on the missing in the middle bill. He commented this bill would allow property owners to put up to 10 houses on a Mounds View lot and prohibits any public comment. He indicated this was a far reaching bill and noted Representative Muller would be opposing this bill. City Administrator Zikmund explained the water efficiency grant was submitted by City staff. City Administrator Zikmund discussed the police and fire training that would be conducted at the two houses owned by the City. 10. Next Council Work Session: Monday, April 1, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, March 25, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. Mounds View City Council March 11, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 11 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:36 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial