HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2024/06/10APPROVED
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA
Regular Meeting
June 10, 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, Clark, Gunn, Lindstrom, and Meehlhause
NOT PRESENT: None.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A. Monday, June 10, 2024, City Council Agenda.
MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Cermak. To Approve the Monday, June 10, 2024, agenda as
presented.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Lindstrom asked to remove Item 5E.
Council Member Clark requested Item 5A be removed.
A. Approval of Minutes: May 28, 2024.
B. Just and Correct Claims.
C. Resolution 9932, Adopting and Reporting Performance Measures.
D. Resolution 9931, Authorizing Out of State Travel Expenses for Officer Aase
and Officer Kammerer to Attend a Ballistic Shield Training Course in
Altoona, Iowa.
E. Resolution 9938, Approving the Hire of Police Officer Whitney Tennison.
MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Approve the Consent Agenda as amended removing
Items 5A and 5E.
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Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
A. Approval of Minutes: May 28, 2024.
Council Member Clark requested a change to the minutes regarding the Pinewood PTA and Pike
Lake Community Garden PTA. She explained these were two separate PTA’s. She noted she spoke
with staff regarding her requested changes.
MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Meehlhause. To approve the minutes from May 28, 2024 as
amended.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
E. Resolution 9938, Approving the Hire of Police Officer Whitney Tennison.
Mayor Lindstrom welcomed Officer Whitney Tennison to the Mounds View Police Department.
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Clark. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9938, Approving
the Hire of Police Officer Whitney Tennison.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
A. Presentation of Citizen of the Year Award – Family of Al Hull.
Council Member Gunn read a proclamation in full for the record and presented the Citizen of the
Year Award to former Mayor Al Hull’s family. A round of applause was offered by all in
attendance.
Tasha Hull thanked the City for honoring her husband. She explained Al loved this City and loved
serving on the Mounds View City Council.
Council Member Meehlhause recognized former Citizen of the Year recipients that were in
attendance at the meeting, which included Theresa Cermak, Gary Stevenson, Kathie Anderson and
Virgil Beyer. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance.
Mayor Lindstrom stated he appreciated everyone’s dedication to the community.
B. Annual Storm Water Review (MS4 Permit).
Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson provided the Council with a presentation on
the City’s MS4 program. He explained the goal of this presentation was to inform the public and
to gain feedback. He reported this presentation was required by the MPCA on an annual basis. He
described how storm water improvements have helped to clean up the Mississippi River. He
outlined the City’s six best management practices (BMP). It was noted the City’s BMP activities
and program was posted in the City’s newsletter as well as on the City’s website. He provided a
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recap of the weather and precipitation from 2023 noting the year was dryer than normal. He
encouraged residents to report illicit discharges, to pick up grass clippings and pet waste, and to
recycle household chemicals and unused/expired medicines. He requested that residents do not
block their infiltration basin, to not blow leaves and grass clippings into the street, to not overuse
lawn maintenance fertilizers and chemicals on lawns, and to not dump piles of mulch or dirt in the
street. He reported the City removed 2.85 tons of waste through the fall cleanup day. He
commented further on the City’s HOPP program, which was put in place to assist with preserving
the City’s water. He then commented on the benefits of No Mow May. He further reviewed the
progress that was made on illicit discharge detection and elimination. The City’s pollution
prevention/good housekeeping measures were discussed and it was noted the number of plowing
events was down for 2023. He explained Stantec inspected 31 stormwater ponds in the community
and 27 ponds had sediment surveys completed. It was determined seven ponds need dredging in
the next five years. He shared a video which addressed the importance of cleaning up pet waste.
He concluded the presentation by discussing what was new within the City’s MS4 permit.
The Council thanked Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson for his detailed
presentation.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT
Vince Meyer thanked the City for calling and communicating with him.
8. COUNCIL BUSINESS
A. Approving Resolution 9933, A Resolution Granting Preliminary Approval to
the Issuance of Conduit Revenue Bonds to Finance the Costs of a Multifamily
Rental Housing Facility Under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 462C, as
Amended; 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
(Sibley Park/Sibley Court Project).
Finance Director Bauman requested the Council approve the issuance of conduit revenue bonds to
finance the costs of a multi-family rental housing facility, calling for a public hearing, establishing
compliance with certain reimbursement regulations and taking certain other actions for a housing
project in St. Paul. She indicated this was preliminary approval and explained the City would
receive a 1% issuance fee or $450,000 if this project moves forward.
Mayor Lindstrom questioned why the City would allow for conduit debt to be issued for another
community. Finance Director Bauman explained this process allows other communities to take
advantage of the City’s credit rating.
MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9933, A
Resolution Granting Preliminary Approval to the Issuance of Conduit Revenue Bonds to Finance
the Costs of a Multifamily Rental Housing Facility Under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 462C, as
Amended; Calling for a Public Hearing; Establishing Compliance with Certain Reimbursement
Regulations Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as Amended; and Taking Certain Other
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Actions with Respect Thereto (Sibley Park/Sibley Court Project).
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
B. Resolution 9934, A Resolution Approving the Final Mounds View Boulevard
Corridor Study.
Assistant City Administrator Beeman requested the Council approve the final Mounds View
Boulevard Corridor Study. He reported the City contracted with HKGI to complete a critical
corridor study for Mounds View Boulevard. He indicated Ramsey County was requiring that the
final plan be submitted by the end of the month, along with final invoices.
Bryan Harjes, HKGI, presented the Council with an overview on the Mounds View Boulevard
Corridor Study. He reported this project began in January of 2024 and would conclude at the end
of this month to fulfill the grant requirements from Ramsey County. He commented on the
community engagement process that was followed and noted what he heard from the public. He
explained there were three categories of improvements that were discussed for the corridor which
were aesthetic enhancements, connectivity improvements, and economic
development/reinvestment. He stated a community open house was held in coordination with this
study in March, and comments were collected from the public through social pin point. He
indicated a site analysis was completed in order to better understand existing conditions. He
described how public comments were utilized to help guide some of the recommendations for the
corridor. He reported further on the issues, opportunities and potential enhancements for the
corridor and noted the County had planned improvements the City would have to consider. He
described how the proposed J-turns would impact traffic flow and increase safety along the
corridor. He recommended a signage plan be considered for the corridor. He further discussed the
findings from the study and asked for comments or questions from the Council.
Mayor Lindstrom thanked Mr. Harjes for his great work on this plan. He appreciated how the
community was involved with the study.
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Clark. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9934, A
Resolution Approving the Final Mounds View Boulevard Corridor Study.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
C. Resolution 9935, Proclaiming and Advocating for “Election Day” in the United
States becomes a State/National Holiday.
City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council adopt a Resolution advocating for Election
Day in the United States to be a State/National holiday. He reported he had a revised Resolution
for the Council to consider. He explained the United States had a 62% voter turnout in the last
presidential election and there were other countries in the world that had a voter turnout over 90%.
He reported there were only five states in the nation that have made Election Day a paid holiday
and there were nine others which have made it a public holiday. He stated the proposed Resolution,
if approved, would prompt staff to draft a letter on behalf of the Council, signed by the Mayor to
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the City’s legislative contingent asking them to declare Election Day a state holiday and also to
advocate for a national holiday.
Mayor Lindstrom stated this was an aspirational Resolution. He explained he was frustrated by the
fact people did not have the day off to participate in local, state and federal elections. He
understood the State paid employees two hours to vote. He anticipated many young people were
not voting because there was not enough emphasis as to the importance of Election Day.
MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Clark. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9935,
Proclaiming and Advocating for “Election Day” in the United States becomes a State/National
Holiday as revised.
Council Member Meehlhause stated the statistics tell a story. He was surprised by the fact the
United States ranked 31st amongst democratic nations when it comes to voter turnout. He indicated
he would be supporting this Resolution.
Mayor Lindstrom reported 30+ countries give their citizens the day off to vote.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
D. Resolution 9936, Creation of Community Engagement Committee.
City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve the creation of the Community
Engagement Committee (CEC). He explained the Council has been deliberate in working to
address DEI matters in the community. He discussed how this CEC has evolved over time and
noted the group would be co-chaired by Shauna Bock Bach and Andre Koen. He stated the CEC’s
tagline was “Welcome. Home.” He noted this advisory committee shall be staffed by the City
Administrator and would report to the City Council as requested. The initial primary focus for this
committee would be to hold listening sessions to gain feedback from the public and to address
racial covenants. He reported the mission of the CEC was to bridge the gap between the City and
its residents by fostering open dialogue, encouraging active participation and ensuring diverse
representation. He explained there would be a kickoff event for the CEC on Saturday, June 22
from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Community Center where a meet and greet will be held. He
stated all non-profits and places of worship have been invited to attend this event.
Mayor Lindstrom commented on the number of racial covenants that could be in place in Mounds
View, noting there could be one every 37 feet. City Administrator Zikmund reported the racial
covenants date back to the early 1940’s when neighborhoods were platted. He indicated the
covenants were lawfully ineffective, but Just Deeds was working with communities to have them
removed.
MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9936, Creation
of Community Engagement Committee.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
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E. Resolution 9937, Adopting Juneteenth Proclamation.
City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council adopt the Juneteenth Proclamation.
MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9937,
Adopting Juneteenth Proclamation.
Mayor Lindstrom reported the keynote speaker at the City’s Juneteenth event on Saturday, June
22nd at the Community Center would be Attorney General Keith Ellison.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
9. REPORTS
A. Reports of Mayor and Council.
Council Member Cermak reported the Mounds View Police Foundation would meet next on
Tuesday, June 11 at 5:30 p.m. at Hodges Park. She indicated the group would be finalizing plans
for their fundraiser and bake sale at the Pink Flower which would be held on Wednesday, June 12
from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Council Member Clark explained the Festival in the Park Committee would be meeting next on
Tuesday, June 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Public Works Facility. She stated clothing donations were
being collected at City Hall in Conference Room A.
Council Member Meehlhause thanked the members of the Mounds View Lions Club for their
attendance this evening. He reported six members from the Mounds View Lions Club have been
recognized as Citizens of the Year.
Council Member Meehlhause indicated he would be attending two NYFS meetings over this week
and next week. He explained he would also be attending a Gateway Convention & Visitor Bureau
meeting on Tuesday, June 18.
Mayor Lindstrom stated on Thursday, June 13 he would be attending a Mayors and Managers
meeting with the school board.
Mayor Lindstrom explained he would be attending the Ramsey County League of Local
Government zoom call on Friday, June 14.
Mayor Lindstrom reported last week he had the opportunity to attend several pardon hearings for
the Pardon Commission. He indicated he would be attending pardon training later this month.
B. Reports of Staff.
Finance Director Bauman reported the audit was complete and she was continuing to work on the
2025 budget.
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Finance Director Bauman explained she was having trouble with the water meter software and
noted she would be working to address these concerns.
Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson updated the Council on the water meter
replacement program. He noted 1,300 meters have been replaced to date. He explained the
contractor would be working to reach out to the last portion of meters in the coming weeks.
Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated Spring Lake Road would be
dewatered and the sewer line would be dug up. He indicated staff continues to work with the
contractor on the punch list items.
Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained the cities in Ramsey County were
taken off from taking trees or brush to the disposal site. He reported this would increase costs for
the City as a contractor would have to be hired to remove this material from the Public Works
Facility.
Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated summer programs would begin
shortly and all programming was full.
Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson indicated the Parks, Recreation, and
Forestry Commission would be discussing community gardens at their next meeting.
Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated the Parks Master Plan steering
committee would hold its first meeting on Thursday, June 20.
Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported the bike symbols and yellow curb
would be painted onto Groveland Road by the end of the week.
City Administrator Zikmund stated organized trash RFP’s were due on Wednesday, June 12 at
noon.
City Administrator Zikmund explained on Thursday, June 13 he and the Mayor would be meeting
with Ryan Companies with Commissioner Frethem to discuss the 12 gym.
City Administrator Zikmund indicated staff would be discussing the Groveland Road stop sign
survey in the next two weeks. He reported the results from the survey would be brought back to
the Council at work future work session meeting.
City Administrator Zikmund stated he would be emailing the Council a link for the Pink Flower
fundraiser.
City Administrator Zikmund reported the contractor has until the end of this month to close out
the street project. He explained the City still has the bond and retainer in place and neither of these
would be released until the project was complete.
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Mayo r Lindstrom reported the Council would be holding a joint work session meeting with the
Arden Hills City Council to discuss joint parks and recreation services and organized trash.
10. Next Council Work Session: Monday, July 1, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
Joint Council Discussion with Arden Hills – Monday, June 17, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.
Next Council Meeting: Monday, June 24, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:39 p.m.
Transcribed by:
Heidi Guenther
Minute Maker Secretarial