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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2024/06/24APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting June 24, 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 24, 2024, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Approve the Monday, June 24, 2024, agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Lindstrom asked to remove Item 5C. A. Approval of Minutes: June 10, 2024. B. Just and Correct Claims. C. Resolution 9942, Authorizing Separation Compensation for Accounts Payable Technician Agnes Quasabart. D. Resolution 9943, Approving Police Community Service Officer (CSO) Job Description and Authorizing Recruitment Process. E. Resolution 9945, Authorizing Revisions to Accountant Job Description. F. Resolution 9946, Authorizing a Revision to Utility Billing Technician Job Description. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Clark. To Approve the Consent Agenda as amended removing Item 5C. Mounds View City Council June 24, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 2 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 9942, Authorizing Separation Compensation for Accounts Payable Technician Agnes Quasabart. Mayor Lindstrom asked how long Ms. Quasabart worked for the City of Mounds View. Finance Director Bauman reported Ms. Quasabart worked for the City for 13 years. Mayor Lindstrom thanked Ms. Quasabart for her dedicated service to the City and wished her a long and healthy retirement. MOTION/SECOND: Lindstrom/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9942, Authorizing Separation Compensation for Accounts Payable Technician Agnes Quasabart. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Parks and Recreation Month Proclamation – JULY 2024. Mayor Lindstrom read a proclamation in full for the record declaring the month of July to be Parks and Recreation Month in the City of Mounds View. B. Jill Brown – North Metro Mayors Association Executive Director. Jill Brown, North Metro Mayors Association Executive Director, thanked the Council for their time. She discussed the coalition work that was conducted by the North Metro Mayors Association and thanked the City for their strong participation. Mayor Lindstrom asked what North Metro Mayors had heard about municipal cannabis. Ms. Brown stated conversations began after the legislative session ended and noted this was a great group to discuss this topic with. She explained several cities throughout the metro area have hired consultants to assist in pursuing this topic further. 7. PUBLIC COMMENT Vince Meyer, 8380 Spring Lake Road, thanked City staff for working on his road. He stated it was his hope the road would be completed this year, after three years of construction. He thanked the Mayor fo r working to clean up people’s yards. Sharon Kirscher, 8406 Red Oak Drive, stated last Saturday was a great event for the community. 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. PUBLIC HEARING: Resolution 9939, 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 2024 Festival in the Park. Mounds View City Council June 24, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 3 City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve an 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 2024 Festival in the Park. He explained this license was approved on a yearly basis. He noted the Festival Committee has all necessary permits, paperwork and fees in place. Staff commented further on the request and recommended approval. Mayor Lindstrom opened the public hearing at 6:14 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Lindstrom closed the public hearing at 6:14 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9939, 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 2024 Festival in the Park. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. PUBLIC HEARING: Resolution 9940, a Temporary On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Arving Smith to Sell and Serve Alcoholic Beverages at the Community Center for a Class Reunion for Monrovia College Alumni Association in the Americas, Inc. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve a Temporary On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Arving Smith to sell and serve alcoholic beverages at the Community Center for a class reunion for Monrovia College Alumni Association in the Americas, Inc. He explained a liquor licenses can be issued to a non-profit. He reported the applicant has submitted all necessary documentation and insurance to the City. Staff commented further on the request, noting the applicant would be required to hire a Mounds View police officer for the event and recommended approval. Council Member Cermak stated she supported the permit and having more events like this at the Mounds View Community Center. Mayor Lindstrom opened the public hearing at 6:18 p.m. Arving Smith, 301 76th Avenue North in Brooklyn Park, explained he was a graduate of Monrovia College which is in Monrovia, Liberia. He discussed how his college hosts a class reunion on a yearly basis throughout the United States and this year the four day event will be in Minnesota. He described the events that were being planned and thanked the Council for considering his request. Council Member Gunn asked how many people would be attending this event. Mr. Smith estimated there would be 250 people at the event. Mayor Lindstrom questioned how long Monrovia College has been hosting these events. Mr. Smith stated the college has been hosting reunions for the past 20 years. Mounds View City Council June 24, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 4 Mayor Lindstrom asked if the Police Department had an officer in mind for this event. Police Chief Zender stated he did not have an officer in mind, but he did not anticipate having a problem filling the event with an off duty officer. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated his concern was if the event would have proper training and bar tending. He explained he would like to have a training or bar tending certificate in hand. Mayor Lindstrom asked if City staff would be interested in providing a bar tender for events at the community center. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated he was not interested in pursuing this. Mayor Lindstrom inquired if Mr. Smith had a bar tending certificate. Mr. Smith reported he has a bar tending certificate and noted he serves in a bar at Minnesota Twins games. Council Member Clark questioned if there would be other people at the event serving and what would the timeline be for the event. Mr. Smith indicated he would be the only individual serving and discussed the timeline on when alcohol would be served at the event. Hearing no further public input, Mayor Lindstrom closed the public hearing at 6:28 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Clark. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolut ion 9940, a Temporary On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Arving Smith to Sell and Serve Alcoholic Beverages at the Community Center for a Class Reunion for Monrovia College Alumni Association in the Americas, Inc. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 9941, Approving the Purchase of (2) M500 In-Car Camera Systems and (13) V700 Body Worn Cameras. Police Chief Zender requested the Council consider the purchase of 2 M500 In-Car Camera Systems and 13 V700 Body Worn Cameras. He reported the department needed to upgrade its camera systems and noted this matter had been discussed at length by the Council at a work session meeting. He commented further on the proposed camera purchases and recommended approval. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9941, Approving the Purchase of (2) M500 In-Car Camera Systems and (13) V700 Body Worn Cameras. Council Member Meehlhause asked if this would be enough cameras for the department if the three vacant patrol positions were filled. Police Chief Zender indicated the 13 cameras would be sufficient at this time and noted he had backup cameras for the department to use. He commented further on what a valuable tool body worn cameras were for the department and its officers. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council June 24, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 5 D. Resolution 9944, Approval of the Tribute Memorial Park Concept 5 Design. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council approve the Tribute Memorial Park Concept 5 Design. He explained in 2022, the City Council requested staff investigate a veteran’s memorial park and this concept grew into honoring EMS, police and fire. In addition, t he Council wanted to honor the local tragedies which included the 1965 tornado, the 1986 gas line explosion and the 2008 35W bridge collapse. He reported a Tribute Committee was formed and this group has been meeting over the past year and a half to discuss concept plans, costs and funding options. He indicated the committee has a final concept plan for the Council to consider. He reviewed the proposed plans in further detail, along with the proposed costs and recommended the Council approve the Concept 5 Design for the Tribute Memorial Park. Karen Mills, Tribute Committee member, reported the committee has so much passion for this project. She appreciated how unique this park would be as it would honor veterans, police, fire, EMS as well as recognizing the tragic events that occurred in the community. She believed it would be a beautiful thing to bring all of this together within a single park. She explained everyone in the committee can see the potential for this park as a place to honor those who have served and work to make this community safe. Judy Elstram, Tribute Committee member, stated she was honored to be a part of this project. She explained she has learned so much about the different branches of the service, along with the tragedies that occurred in the community. She appreciated the fact the City was considering a park that would honor Mounds View’s history, while also honoring those who serve and have served. She stated she looked forward to seeing this project completed. Council Member Gunn indicated she was the liaison to this committee. She reported a lot of residents have said that what they like about Mounds View was the small town feel. She stated most small towns have veterans’ memorials. While she understood some people found this project frivolous, she believed this would be an amenity that would bring the community together. She discussed how the park would provide a place for the gathering of people for a Memorial Day Celebration and Veteran’s Day Celebration. She explained her dad recently passed and noted she would be buying a paver for her dad who was a Korean War vet. Mayor Lindstrom asked how many pavers would be sold for the park. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson estimated the park would have 450 pavers, but noted the park could hold more than this. Council Member Gunn requested further information regarding the lighting. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained the plan is to have LED lighting that is controlled by a computer. He noted staff would be able to change the colors of the lighting, which would help to highlight different holidays throughout the year. Council Member Meehlhause asked if a non-profit wanted to make a bench contribution, how this could be done. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated the committee has proposed having two benches in the middle of the park. He explained if the committee received more funding, additional benches could be placed along the trail. He reported if an organization or Mounds View City Council June 24, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 6 business wanted to donate additional funding, a plaque could be placed in the park to recognize this organization. He anticipated the committee would have to discuss this matter further as the current focus has been on the concept plans. Council Member Clark stated she believed the proposed memorial park design was beautiful. She indicated her only concern was with the cost and project timeline. She hoped the committee would have great success with their fundraising for this park. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained the project timeline was an estimate only, but noted it was his hope the park would be complete and open for the public by Veterans Day of 2025. He discussed how the committee would be contacting local VFW’s and other organizations for donations. He reported the SBM Fire Department would be collecting and assisting with the fundraising efforts. Council Member Meehlhause asked how much the Special Projects Fund had budgeted for 2024. Finance Director Bauman stated there was $250,000 in the 2024 budget, but anticipated this funding would be pushed off to 2025. City Administrator Zikmund commented the action being asked of the Council tonight would be to approve the concept plans and noted fundraising could then begin. Council Member Clark reported all proceeds from the dunk tank at Festival in the Park would be donated to the Tribute Park. Vince Meyer, 8380 Spring Lake Road, asked what the additional costs per year were to maintain this park. He inquired if volunteers would be helping to take care of the park. Ms. Mills stated after completing a survey, the committee learned that there were many individuals in the community that were interested in helping to maintain the park. Sharon Kirscher, 8406 Red Oak Drive, reported she has lived in the community for each of the three tragedies that occurred in Mounds View. She believed it was rather impressive that the City was including these events within the Tribute Park. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9944, Approval of the Tribute Memorial Park Concept 5 Design. Council Member Meehlhause thanked the Tribute Committee and staff members for all of their time and effort on this project. Mayor Lindstrom thanked the staff and committee members for their efforts. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Organized Tra sh Collection – RFP Update – Review Committee Created. City Administrator Zikmund provided the Council with an update on organized trash collection. He reported the City received seven RFP’s for organized trash. He stated based on what the City Mounds View City Council June 24, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 7 received, several of the proposals may result in some residents receiving a 50% reduction in fees for trash collection. He indicated the City received an amended petition from Walter’s and Ace. He explained he would like the Council to establish a Review Committee, which can be done by motion. He indicated he would like the Review Committee to have a recommendation for the Council to review at the July 8 work session meeting. Mayor Lindstrom asked if there were Councilmembers willing to serve on the Review Committee. Council Member Gunn stated she would be willing to serve. Council Member Meehlhause indicated he was willing to serve. Council Member Clark explained she was willing to serve as well. Council Member Gunn supported Councilmember Meehlhause and Councilmember Clark serving on the Review Committee. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Cermak. To Appoint Councilmember Meehlhause and Councilmember Clark to the Review Committee. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Mot ion carried. F. By Motion – Support SBM Ordering Replacement Fire Truck - $10,000 deposit coming from SBM reserves. City Administrator Zikmund explained there was a three year back log when ordering fire trucks. For this reason, the SBM Fire Department was asking the City Council to support SBM ordering a replacement fire truck and offering a $10,000 deposit for the purchase. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Cermak. To Support SBM Ordering the Replacement Fire Truck and supporting the $10,000 deposit coming from SBM reserves. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Clark stated she attended the Juneteenth event this past Saturday and was honored to have been able to help organize this event. She indicated this was a fantastic community event and she thanked those in the community who were able to attend. She thanked Andre Coen and Shauna Bach for spearheading this event. She thanked Mounds View Police and SBM Fire for attending this event. She also thanked Manda Market for providing ice cream cones. Council Member Clark reported she attended the first park steering committee meeting as well as the Festival in the Park Committee meeting. She commented the Festival Committee was still seeking volunteers to assist with this year’s event. Mounds View City Council June 24, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 8 Council Member Cermak stated she was proud to announce that $1,180 was raised at the fundraiser at the Pink Flower for the Mounds View Police Foundation. She thanked the public for showing up and supporting the Mounds View Police Foundation. Council Member Cermak thanked everyone who worked to plan the Juneteenth event . She stated this event was very well done and she hopes it continues on into the future. Council Member Gunn reported she would be attending the League of Minnesota Cities Conference in Rochester later this week. Council Member Meehlhause stated the Juneteenth event was well put together. He thanked Shau na and Andre for their efforts to plan this event. Council Member Meehlhause reported at the last Council meeting former Mayor Al Hull was honored as Citizen of the Year. He read a text he received from Tasha Hull thanking the Council for the honor that was bestowed on Al. Council Member Meehlhause explained he attended a visitor’s bureau meeting last week and provided the Council with an update on revenues for this year. Council Member Meehlhause indicated he would be attending the League of Minnesota Cities Conference in Rochester this week as well. 1. Council Member Meehlhause/City Administrator – YMCA Youth in Government – Youth Advocate Cohort Council Member Meehlhause explained he received an email last week from Brittney Wilson. He stated Ms. Wilson used to run the YMCA Youth in Government program at the Mounds View Community Center. He commented on how a Youth Advocate Cohort was now being formed at the State level. He reported this cohort was seeking youth to serve on City boards and commissions. He asked if the Council would support youth serving on the City’s commissions. He stated this was a really good way for youth to be exposed to local government. City Administrator Zikmund stated the youth commissioners could serve in an advisory role and would not be a voting member. Council Member Gunn commented other cities have young people serving on their commissions. She stated she fully supported the City pursuing youth commissioners. Council Member Clark indicated she supported this endeavor. Consensus of the Council was to support the City pursuing youth commissioners. Mounds View City Council June 24, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 9 Mayor Lindstrom thanked all of the people who were involved in planning the Juneteenth event. He stated he was very impressed by all of the speakers that were selected for the event. He explained he appreciated all of the efforts of staff as well. Mayor Lindstrom commented on the racial covenants that were in place on 570 properties in Mounds View. He encouraged residents to have these covenants discharged. He discussed how the language within these covenants were not representative of this community. Mayor Lindstrom explained he had reached out to a fiberglass company to assist with renovating the Mermaid and noted it looks like there was a local company that would be able complete the work. He indicated it was his hope the Mermaid could be put back onto the Mermaid property at some point in the near future. Mayor Lindstrom stated he would be attending his first clemency process this week. Mayor Lindstrom reported he would be attending the League of Minnesota Cities Conference in Rochester later this week. Mayor Lindstrom explained the city of Anoka are experiencing the same organized trash lawsuit as Mounds View. He indicated he emailed a letter of support to Anoka. He read several paragraphs from this letter in full for the record. City Administrator Zikmund reported the City Council held a joint meeting with the Arden Hills City Council last week where organized trash, joint park services and a sports facility was discussed. B. Reports of Staff. Finance Director Bauman noted two conduit debt applications were received by the State today and were moving through the approval process. Finance Director Bauman indicated she was working with a software vendor on the next quarterly utility billing. She reported she was pushing this vendor really hard in hopes of getting the billing statements out on time. 1. Amended Resolution 9920, Regarding State Aid Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated on May 28 the City Council approved a variance for the street design for Pleasant View/Stinson. He reported staff submitted this variance to the State Aid Committee and it was sent back. He explained the committee wants language amended within Resolution 9920 regarding State Aid. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Clark. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Amended Resolution 9920, Regarding State Aid. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council June 24, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 10 Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported the Explore More Summer Camp was a great success this summer. He commented further on the events and park rentals that were booked for the month of June. He then encouraged the public to fill out the park survey, which would assist staff with learning more about the needs and wants of the public. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson commented on the large fiber optic plan that was being reviewed by staff. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson discussed how staff had found the problem at the splash pad and would have this issue remedied. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson invited the public to attend the next Parks, Recreation and Forestry meeting if interested in providing feedback on an off leash dog park. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson provided the Council with an update on the Spring Lake Road street project. Mayor Lindstrom asked if the contractor would have the road work done in six days. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated there would either be resolution or the City would keep the bond and retainage to hire another contractor to complete the work. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson commented on the stop sign survey that would be sent to residents along Groveland Road, Spring Lake Road and Red Oak Drive. Police Chief Zender provided the Council with an update from the Police Department. He explained the department was currently short three patrol officers. He stated the recent fundraiser was very well received and he thanked the community for their show of support. He discussed the Torch Run that the Mounds View Police Department participated in on Friday, June 21. He commented on the rock wall events that would be held in the coming weeks. He stated Night to Unite would be held on Tuesday, August 6. He encouraged residents to register their neighborhood party with the City. He thanked the volunteers and City Council for their show of support for the Tribute Park. He stated he also appreciated the Council’s support for the new CSO position. Further discussion ensued regarding the coat drive. City Administrator Zikmund commented on the Juneteenth video that would be posted to the City’s website. He explained the Juneteenth committee was interested in having an email address or other City contact. City Administrator Zikmund explained staff began working on the mailing for discharging of covenants and should be in the mail later this week. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs provided the Council with an update on the Greenwood Drive infield development. He anticipated this project would not be developed until next year. Mounds View City Council June 24, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 11 City Attorney Riggs discussed the topic of the Council working with a mortgage company and stated after speaking with his colleagues, he understood there was nothing illegal with this, but he would advise Council not move in this direction as it could be perceived that the City has a favored vendor. City Administrator Zikmund reported the Council would be discussing this topic in further detail at their next work session meeting. 10. Next Council Work Session: Monday, July 1, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, July 8, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:34 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial