HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2024/08/12APPROVED
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA
Regular Meeting
August 12, 2024
Mounds View City Hall
2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112
6:02 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, August 12, 2024, City Council Agenda.
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Clark. To Approve the Monday, August 12, 2024, agenda as
presented.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Lindstrom asked to remove Item 5D.
A. Approval of Minutes: July 22, 2024.
B. Just and Correct Claims.
C. Resolution 9964, Authorizing Met Council Water Efficiency Grant
Acceptance Met Council.
D. Resolution 9966, Approving the Hire of Sophia Frey to CSO.
MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Approve the Consent Agenda as amended removing
Item 5D.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
D. Resolution 9966, Approving the Hire of Sophia Frey to CSO.
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Regular Meeting Page 2
Mayor Lindstrom welcomed Sophia Frey to the Mounds View Police Department and wished her
all the best in her service as the CSO.
MOTION/SECOND: Lindstrom/Clark. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9966,
Approving the Hire of Sophia Frey to CSO.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
A. 2024 MVPD Quarter 2 Report – Chief Zender.
Police Chief Zender reviewed the second quarter report from the Mounds View Police Department
with the City Council. He thanked the community for showing up and being involved in Night to
Unite. He explained the City had 35 block parties this year. He reviewed the stats from the second
quarter noting he was happy to report the department would now have two CSO’s and two interns.
He reported the department’s VCET officer was doing great work on behalf of the community. He
indicated Officer Ohlendorf was being considered for a DUI/MADD award. He stated officers
were still working a large number of TZD shifts. He commented on the senior wellness fair and
recent rock wall events. He reported he has been coordinating with NYFS as he was now a board
member. Lastly, he reviewed crime stats from the second quarter with the City Council noting
even short staffed, his officers were doing great work.
Council Member Meehlhause thanked Deputy Chief Hellpap and Police Chief Zender for their 20
years of service. He stated he greatly appreciated the strong leadership Police Chief Zender
provided to the community. He also thanked Officer Ohlendorf, and Hannah and Alexis for their
five years of dedicated service to the community. He explained he also appreciated the fact Police
Chief Zender was now serving on the NYFS board.
Mayor Lindstrom requested information on the meeting the police chief had with Pinewood
Elementary School. Police Chief Zender explained he had a very good meeting with the Pinewood
Elementary School principal. He stated Mayor Lindstrom and City Administrator Zikmund were
also in attendance at this meeting. He reported expectations were discussed along with the need
for open communication. He stated Officer Boscardin would be going into the school this fall.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Lindstrom encouraged the public to speak with kindness and respect when addressing the
City Council during Public Comment.
CR Barrigan, 7765 Spring Lake Road, thanked the City Administrator for stopping by his property.
He explained 2/3 of the silt fence has been removed from the project area, but not from his
property. He asked if he could remove a 50 inch section of the silt fence in order to allow him
access to the water. He stated he wanted to get down to the water yet this fall in order to enhance
the shoreline before winter.
City Administrator Zikmund stated he would follow up with Mr. Barrigan on this matter.
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Regular Meeting Page 3
Rene Johnson, 7385 Pleasant View Drive, thanked the City Council for participating in Night to
Unite. She stated she had 80 people at her block party and she appreciated the fact the City Council
could attend her event. She encouraged the City Council to continue to listen and hear the voices
of the public.
Sharon Kircher, 8406 Red Oak Drive, thanked the park crews for cleaning out the overgrown
shrubs by the billboard. She indicated there have been comments made about Oakwood Park and
parking on Quincy/Hillview. She suggested the vacant lot adjacent to the park be used for overflow
parking.
Matt Oquist, 8408 Groveland Road, thanked the Police Chief for sending officers to his Night to
Unite party. He stated he appreciated the fact Mayor Lindstrom and Council Member Clark had
also taken the time to attend.
8. COUNCIL BUSINESS
A. Amend the Mounds View City Code and Fee Schedule to Allow for Electrical
Permits and Inspections to be Administered by the City of Mounds View
instead of the State of Minnesota; and Review of an Electrical Inspection
Agreement with Nykanen Inspections.
Assistant City Administrator Beeman requested the City Council amend the fee schedule to allow
for electrical permits and inspections to be administered by the City of Mounds View instead of
the State of Minnesota; and Review of an Electrical Inspection Agreement with Tokle Inspections.
He explained currently, the State takes 100% of all inspection fees and if the City were to contract
for these services, the City would be receiving 20% of these fees. He commented on how the State
was having trouble finding inspectors and could only get to Mounds View two days a week. He
believed in order to improve customer service the City should contract with Nykanen Inspections.
He stated in order to move the City in this direction the City Council would have to amend
Ordinance 1015, would have to review an agreement with Nykanen Inspections and amend the
City’s fee schedule.
Council Member Meehlhause asked if Building Inspector Henley was spending time on electrical
matters at this time. Assistant City Administrator Beeman indicated he was still fielding calls and
spending time addressing complaints because the State was not able to respond in a timely manner.
Council Member Meehlhause appreciated how the new arrangement would offset a small portion
of the time City was spending to address electrical matters. He indicated Shoreview, Fridley, New
Brighton, St. Anthony and Arden Hills all use the same contractor.
Andrew Nykanen, Nykanen Inspections, introduced himself to the Council and discussed the
inspection services that he can provide to the City of Mounds View. He commented further on
how inspection services would be charged back to the City and stated he was available for
comments or questions.
Mayor Lindstrom asked if Nykanen Inspections charged the same amount as the State. Mr.
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Nykanen reported the State charges $35 per trip and noted two inspections were required. He noted
the State has not raised any inspection fees since 2005. He indicated he has increased his charges
incrementally since 2005 noting he charges $50 per trip. He explained he was a master electrician
and noted his inspections were professionally handled.
1. PUBLIC HEARING: Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 1015,
Amending Title XV Land Usage, Chapter 150.050 of the Mounds View
City Code entitled, Building Regulations; Construction; Permit
Requirements.
Assistant City Administrator Beeman requested the Council introduce Ordinance 1015, amending
Title XV Land Usage, Chapter 150.050 of the Mounds View City Code entitled, Building
Regulations; Construction; Permit Requirements.
Mayor Lindstrom opened the public hearing at 6:35 p.m.
Sharon Kircher, 8406 Red Oak Drive, asked if the inspectors were licensed through the State of
Minnesota. Mr. Nykanen reported all of his inspectors were licensed with the State of Minnesota.
Ms. Kircher questioned how Mr. Nykanen can guarantee same day inspections. Mr. Nykanen
explained he works with a handful of other inspectors that would be available for inspections in
Mounds View on a daily basis.
Hearing no further public input, Mayor Lindstrom closed the public hearing at 6:37 p.m.
MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Cermak. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance
1015, Amending Title XV Land Usage, Chapter 150.050 of the Mounds View City Code entitled,
Building Regulations; Construction; Permit Requirements.
Council Member Clark stated she was happy to see the City bringing this change forward.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
2. Resolution 9953, Review of a Consultant Services Agreement with
Nykanen Inspections LLC for City Electrical Inspections (consideration of
this resolution will take place after second reading and adoption of
Ordinance 1025).
Assistant City Administrator Beeman stated action on this item will be taken at the August 26,
2024 City Council meeting.
3. PUBLIC HEARING: Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 1016,
Amending the City of Mounds View 2024 Fee Ordinance Related to
Electrical Permits and Inspections.
Assistant City Administrator Beeman requested the City Council introduce Ordinance 1016
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Amending the City of Mounds View 2024 Fee Ordinance related to electrical permits and
inspections.
Mayor Lindstrom opened the public hearing at 6:38 p.m.
Hearing no public input, Mayor Lindstrom closed the public hearing at 6:38 p.m.
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Clark. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 1016,
Amending the City of Mounds View 2024 Fee Ordinance Related to Electrical Permits and
Inspections.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
B. Public Works – Groveland Stop Signs.
Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported in 2022 the Council authorized
public works to install stop signs along Groveland Road at Groveland Court and Sherwood Road.
He noted when the signs were installed it was with the understanding this would be a trial basis
and after one year the Council would review the traffic data collected by the Mounds View Police
Department. He commented on the traffic data that was collected and explained a separate meeting
was held with the neighbors in August of 2023. He indicated the traffic volume on Groveland Road
has decreased while the speed and volume of traffic has increased on Spring Lake Road.
Police Chief Zender provided further comment on the traffic data, clarifying that this was not a
speed study. He reviewed the volume of cars in 2022 and 2023 along with the number of violators.
He stated the 85% percentile speed went from 37 miles per hour in 2022 to 31 miles per hour in
2023. He indicated the percentage of vehicles speeding in 2022 was 33% and in 2023 it was 3%.
He commented further on how traffic volume and speed has shifted to Red Oak Drive and Spring
Lake Road. He discussed the number of calls for service the Mounds View Police Department
receives annually and noted the department makes approximately 3,200 traffic stops per year. He
explained the police department has two portable speed signs that can be placed around town to
assist with addressing speed concerns.
Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson indicated staff was directed to send out a
survey regarding the stop signs on Groveland Road. He explained residents were asked if the
flashing stop signs should remain in place, if the stop signs should be replaced with non-flashing
stop signs or if the stop signs should be removed. He indicated 277 residents were sent surveys
and Public Works received 115 surveys responses. He noted 46% of the residents voted to keep
the flashing stop signs in place, 24% voted to remove the stop signs and 30% voted to replace the
stop signs with non-flashing signs. He stated staff met with Stantec to discuss further traffic
calming measures and noted a representative from Stantec was in attendance to discuss this with
the Council.
Jeff Preston, Stantec, introduced himself to the Council and discussed how traffic calming
measures were instituted into the reconstruction of Spring Lake Road through the narrowing of the
roadway. He further described how the stop signs along Groveland Road have pushed traffic to
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Spring Lake Road. He stated the City now had to consider how to address the speed and volume
of traffic along Spring Lake Road. He reviewed several traffic calming measures the City could
consider which included education and community involvement, targeted speed enforcement,
enhanced speed limit signs, speed limit pavement markings and permanent drive feedback signs.
He indicated another option would be to consider bulb-out/curb extensions or shrub plantings. He
commented further on the potential improvement areas along Ardan Avenue and thanked the
Council for their time.
Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated Ramsey County was pursuing federal
dollars for j-turns along Mounds View Boulevard at Groveland and Spring Lake Road. He
indicated this could impact traffic along both of these roadways.
Mayor Lindstrom opened the meeting for public comment.
Julie Golias, 8377 Groveland Court, stated from her deck she had a clear view of the stop signs at
Groveland Court and it was astonishing how many cars blow through this intersection. She
indicated she would like to see more enforcement, but understood this wasn’t always possible. She
explained she was grateful that the stop signs have reduced the speed of traffic along Groveland
Road and she did not want to see the stop signs removed.
Matt Oquist, 8408 Groveland Road, indicated he supported the stop signs remaining in place, but
noted he would support the flashing lights being removed since the stop signs have been in place
for the past two years.
Mayor Lindstrom closed the meeting for public comment.
Council Member Clark asked if the speed reduction efforts on Long Lake Road has reduced traffic
speed and volume. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained he could speak
with the County regarding this matter, noting he does not have current traffic counts. He reiterated
that the traffic measures along Long Lake Road were pursued by the County.
Council Member Gunn inquired if there were two locations for stop signs to be installed along
Spring Lake Road.
Mayor Lindstrom stated stop signs could be installed at 84th and Ardan Avenue.
Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained it makes the most sense to install
a stop sign at Ardan Avenue.
Further discussion ensued regarding the traffic data that was collected.
Council Member Gunn stated she anticipated there was not enough room to install a mini
roundabout along Spring Lake Road.
Council Member Meehlhause supported a stop sign being installed at 84th and Ardan Avenue along
Spring Lake Road. In addition, he supported keeping the stop signs on Groveland Road.
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Council Member Clark suggested the flashing stop signs be placed along Spring Lake Road and
that the stop signs on Groveland Road be replaced with non-flashing stop signs. She indicated one
of the residents she spoke with that lives on Groveland Road appreciated the fact residents were
slowing down for the stop signs, even if they are not stopping completely.
Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained he could move two of the flashing
stop signs from Groveland Road and would have them installed at 84th and Ardan Avenue along
Spring Lake Road. He would then install non-flashing stop signs on Groveland Road. In addition,
a speed limit sign would be posted along Spring Lake Road half way between Ardan Avenue and
84th.
The Council supported this recommendation.
C. Resolution 9965, Approving Contract with LSR for Organized Solid Waste
Collection.
City Administrator Zikmund requested the City Council approve a contract with LSR for organized
solid waste collection. He explained after 15 months of exploring organized trash, the Council has
a contract to consider. He reported the City has followed all statutory requirements throughout the
past 15 months. He commented further on the proposed contract, and noted with the charter
amendment passing the voters in November would be deciding this matter. He discussed how the
City would be educating the public as to the benefits of organized collection and noted cart rollout
would not occur until April, 2025.
David Myer, General Manager for LSR, thanked the Council for their time. He discussed how the
cart rollout would be managed. He explained he understood how important it would be to have
customer service individuals well informed and located in Minnesota.
Mayor Lindstrom stated customer service would be extremely important to the residents of
Mounds View. Mr. Myer stated customer service was what differentiated LSR from other garbage
haulers. He explained he would have a team in place to answer phones with a full commitment to
respond if and when a problem was to occur.
Mayor Lindstrom asked if LSR would be charging an extra bag fee if cart lids were slightly ajar.
Mr. Myer stated this would not be the case. He reported if someone has four bags on top of their
cart four weeks in a row, he would then reach out to the resident to see if an adjustment should be
made to their cart size. He stated it was not his intention to nickel and dime customers.
Mayor Lindstrom stated LSR was not a known entity in this market and the City would be taking
a chance on this company. He urged LSR to make a great impression on this community because
other communities may follow with organized collection. Mr. Myer explained he understood the
importance of following through on this contract because a lot of people were watching. He stated
he was fully committed to the partnership he would be pursuing with the City of Mounds View.
Council Member Meehlhause requested further information on where LSR operates. Mr. Myer
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reported he operates in 10 different states and his field support office was in Chicago, Illinois. He
explained his biggest municipal contract was in Chicago and noted he had 130 municipal contracts
in the Chicago metropolitan area. He indicated he would be purchasing two brand new trucks and
all new carts for his contract with the City of Mounds View.
City Administrator Zikmund explained yard waste could be collected for residents for $125 per
season. He noted this would be a 7 year contract with a 3½% inflator, which was the lowest of all
of the contracts the City received. He commented further on how liquidated damages would be
addressed.
Mayor Lindstrom appreciated how LSR was addressing liquidated damages because this would
assist in protecting the City.
Rene Johnson, 8385 Pleasant View Drive, stated if residents accept this at the upcoming election
and a contract is reached with LSR. She asked if residents would be charged to have their garbage
carts picked up by their current haulers. City Attorney Riggs advised this was not part of the LSR
contract. City Administrator Zikmund indicated he could follow up with Ms. Johnson on this
matter.
Vince Meyer, 8380 Spring Lake Road, questioned if tote sharing would be allowed.
Mayor Lindstrom explained each address would be required to have a cart. City Administrator
Zikmund clarified that residents would be allowed to opt out in special circumstances. He noted a
bi-weekly 35 gallon option would be available to seniors.
Sharon Kircher, 8406 Red Oak Drive, asked if the law suits against the City would impact this
contract. City Attorney Riggs stated he can’t comment on the law suits, but noted the City Council
has followed the statutory process to move forward with organized trash collection. He indicated
the Council has not been told to stop or do anything different in how it has been proceeding through
this process.
Council Member Clark supported the City not sending out a number of mailers regarding this
matter, unless the flyer was factual. City Administrator Zikmund explained staff was experienced
in putting together mailers. He stated it would be his intent to share the mailer with the Council
and legal counsel prior to sending them out to Mounds View residents.
Council Member Meehlhause questioned if those running for reelection could share information
regarding the organized collection ballot question with residents. City Attorney Riggs reported this
would be allowed.
Joyce Jones Strait, 7728 Knollwood, suggested information regarding organized collection be
placed in an upcoming newsletter.
Mayor Lindstrom reported there would not be another City newsletter mailed between now and
the November election. He suggested the City provide information on this topic to the public
through the State of the City event.
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MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9965,
Approving Contract with LSR for Organized Solid Waste Collection.
Council Member Meehlhause explained he has been a proponent of organized collection as long
as he has been on City Council. He stated he has supported organized collection in order to protect
the City’s streets. He commented further on how many residents in Mounds View would see a
reduction in trash hauling costs through the LSR contract, if organized collection were approved
by the voters.
Mayor Lindstrom stated he was concerned about the price discrepancy that was occurring in
Mounds View for the same trash collection services from the same hauler. He appreciated how
organized trash collection through this new contract would provide reduced rates to many of the
Mounds View residents. He thanked Council Member Meehlhause and Council Member Clark for
all of the time they spent addressing this matter on behalf of the community.
Council Member Meehlhause thanked City Administrator Zikmund for all of his efforts on this
matter.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
D. August 26, 2024 Council Meeting – Start Time moved to 6:30 PM.
City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council change the meeting start time to 6:30 PM for
the August 26, 2024 City Council meeting.
Mayor Lindstrom explained the meeting time was being changed to allow the City Council to
attend a Arden Hills City Council work session meeting prior to the Mounds View City Council
meeting.
9. REPORTS
A. Reports of Mayor and Council.
Council Member Gunn reported Tuesday, August 13 was primary day in Mounds View.
Council Member Cermak stated the Mounds View Police Foundation would be holding a meeting
on Tuesday, August 13 at 5:30 p.m. at Hodges Park.
Council Member Clark encouraged residents to attend Festival in the Park on Friday, August 16
and Saturday, August 17. She reviewed the schedule of events that had been planned for Festival
in the Park.
Council Member Clark indicated she attended her second Park Steering Committee meeting last
week.
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Council Member Clark reported she was able to attend nine different Night to Unite block parties.
She thanked all of the residents in the community who hosted parties.
Council Member Meehlhause stated he enjoyed attending Night to Unite block parties as well. He
thanked Officer LeVoir for organizing this great event for the community.
Council Member Meehlhause explained he drove by Oakwood Park yesterday and noted all cars
were properly parked. He thanked staff for addressing this concern.
Council Member Meehlhause indicated Ramsey County has hired a new County Manager.
Council Member Meehlhause commented on the Community Support Center walk that was held
at Silver View Park.
Council Member Meehlhause stated he would be attending a CPY fundraising dinner on Tuesday,
August 13.
Council Member Meehlhause indicated he would be attending an NYFS finance committee
meeting on Wednesday, August 21.
Council Member Meehlhause provided the City Council with an update from the Twin Cities
Gateway Board.
Mayor Lindstrom reported the medallion hunt would begin on Wednesday, August 14.
Mayor Lindstrom indicated he attended a meeting with the new principal at Pinewood Elementary
School.
Mayor Lindstrom explained he believed he had found the right person to fix the mermaid statute.
He indicated the City has no stake in the mermaid, but the Council has a vested interest in having
her return to Mounds View.
Mayor Lindstrom requested staff place a water meter reminder on social media.
Mayor Lindstrom indicated he attended eight different Night to Unite parties this year with his
family.
B. Reports of Staff.
Finance Director Bauman explained month end reports were distributed to department heads for
the month of July.
Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson discussed the change order he received for
the water meter replacement project.
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City Attorney Riggs recommended the City Council make a motion to approve the change order
for the water meter replacement project.
Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson indicated he could draft a Resolution for
Council consideration at their next meeting.
Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson commented on how he was working to
address concerns and correct parking behaviors at Oakwood Park.
City Administrator Zikmund stated the Mounds View Matters was recently mailed to Mounds
View residents.
City Administrator Zikmund explained the filing period for City Council closes on Tuesday,
August 13.
City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council set a date for the State of the City event. The
Council supported holding this event on Monday, September 16 or Monday, October 21.
City Administrator Zikmund provided the City Council with further information on the water
efficiency grant the City recently received, noting the City received $27,000 in funding.
C. Reports of City Attorney.
City Attorney Riggs provided the Council with an update on his conversations regarding putting
questions on the ballot and how the Council needed to begin to address the zoning for cannabis
sales.
10. Next Council Work Session: Monday, September 3, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
Next Council Meeting: Monday, August 26, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.
11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Transcribed by:
Heidi Guenther
Minute Maker Secretarial