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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2024/09/09APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting September 9, 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, September 9, 2024, City Council Agenda. Mayor Lindstrom reported the Council had received a revised agenda that was striking Consent Agenda Item 5C. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Clark. To Approve the Monday, September 9, 2024, agenda as amended. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of Minutes: August 26, 2024 and September 3, 2024. B. Just and Correct Claims. C. Resolution 9976, Approving Annual Polling Place Designation for 2025. D. Resolution 9977, Approving the Status Change of Barb Benesch from Part- Time (20-29 hours) to Regular Part-Time (30 hours with benefits) Effective October 1, 2024. E. Resolution 9978, Approving Revisions to Resolution 9886 Approving the Promotion of Chris Atkinson to the Position of Public Works Foreman. F. Resolution 9979, Approving a Memorandum of Understanding Between the City and LELS 204 for a Retention Bonus. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Clark. To Approve the Consent Agenda as amended removing Item 5C. Mounds View City Council September 9, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 2 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. 2nd Ardan Park Storm Water Pond Meeting. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained notices were sent to 31 properties regarding the Ardan Park Storm Water Ponding project. He noted this was the second meeting the City has hosted regarding this project. It was noted the first storm water pond meeting was held in September of 2023. He stated two individuals from Stantec were in attendance to discuss this project in further detail. Dan Edgerton, Stantec, discussed the Ardan Park Storm Water Pond restoration project with the Council. He reviewed the feedback he received from the public from the first storm water pond meeting. He commented further on the data collection and field survey that was conducted on the storm water pond. He described the amount of heavy pond sediment that has built up at the inlet over the years. He proposed going in and removing the sediment to the ponds natural condition, noting permitting was in the process. Larissa Motti, Stantec, discussed the upland vegetation within the storm water ponding area and discussed the park restoration work that could be completed. She stated the goal would be to expand the quality of the water control buffer in and surrounding the pond. She proposed removing some of the invasive trees and shrubs, in addition to removing dead and diseased trees. She described the proposed vegetation that would be replanted in the park noting the goal would be to enhance and improve the wildlife habitat within the park. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson asked for feedback, comments or questions from the Council or residents that were in attendance at this meeting. Council Member Clark asked if the grants being applied for would assist with the cost of a trail. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated the grants would not cover the cost of a trail. Mayor Lindstrom inquired if the grant funding could assist with buckthorn removal. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained the City would have to provide matching funds and manpower if the City were to receive a grant for the removal of invasive species. Mayor Lindstrom requested further information regarding why the City was looking to dredge and restore this storm water pond. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported the dredging was required due to the sediment within the pond which was impacting upstream waterways. He explained the pond would be dredged to its original capacity. He commented on how the removal of the invasive species would assist with restoring the wildlife habitats surrounding the pond. He indicated the oaks, walnuts and other high quality tree species would be preserved. Mounds View City Council September 9, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 3 Mayor Lindstrom discussed how poor the water quality was within the storm water pond and stated the pond would greatly benefit from being dredged. Council Member Gunn asked where the sediment from the pond would go. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson anticipated the material would go to a landfill or lined landfill. Council Member Clark stated when heavy rains occur her streets fill with water. She asked if the dredging would assist with removing the water from her street. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported the dredging should assist with this concern. Sharon Kirscher, 8406 Red Oak Drive, questioned what the timeline was for the grants. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated he would be coming back to the Council on September 23 to send this project out for bid. He reported the project would be bid on September 25 and the project would be approved in October. He explained this would be a winter project as the dredging and tree removal had to occur in the winter. He indicated the City should hear in mid-September regarding the BWSR grant. Dr. Jean Strait, 7728 Knollwood Drive, explained she spoke with a few friends today and she understood there were additional grants available to the City for outdoor recreational projects. She indicated she could forward an email to staff regarding these grant opportunities. Joel Kopp, 8388 Long Lake Road, asked if the proposal included the removal of the aggregate stockpiles at the stub end of Ardan. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson indicated this work was included in the proposal. Council Member Clark stated it would be nice to know if the City could pursue wetland banking through this improvement project, as this may impact the funding for the trail. Vince Meyer, 8380 Spring Lake Road, questioned why this park hasn’t been maintained prior to this. Mayor Lindstrom explained the main purpose of this project was to restore the pond. He indicated the park was walkable at this time. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson discussed how some cities put their pond dredging projects on hold after Eden Prairie had issues with the MPCA on how to manage the sediment that was removed from their storm water ponds. Council Member Meehlhause asked how many other cities have a stormwater management plan in place like the City of Mounds View. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson commented in the group he was in, he understood Mounds View was very far ahead of other communities when it came to stormwater pond management. City Administrator Zikmund indicated when he began with the City seven years ago, he was told by Public Works/Parks and Mounds View City Council September 9, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 4 Recreation Director Peterson that stormwater ponds would become an issue. He discussed how the City has been setting aside funds in anticipation of this project. He reported the City had a capital improvement plan in place to address both Ardan and Silver View Ponds. He commented further on the data that had to be collected in order for the City to apply for grants. Brian Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, recognized this project was about Ardan Park, but asked when neighborhood stormwater features would be addressed. He stated he recently saw public works working on the pond in his neighborhood. He suggested the City pursue additional grants in order to address these storm water ponds. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained the inlets were recently cleared by the City to ensure water can get into the infiltration features. He stated he had spoken with Rice Creek Watershed to see if there were other grants available for this work. Dr. Strait asked what the total cost of this project would be. She questioned how much grant funding the City had applied for. City Administrator Zikmund stated this would remain unknown until the bids come back to the City. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained the City had applied for a grant with BWSR in the amount of $230,000. Ms. Kirscher inquired how much the City would spend to dispose of the sediments. Council Member Gunn explained the City would not have this information until the dredging was complete. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported he has an engineer’s estimate for this work, but noted the final costs would not be known until the project was bid. Jim Wilson, 7025 Pleasant View Drive, stated the engineer could come up with an estimate and contractors could put in a bid, but noted the cost for the disposal of this material would not be known until the material is tested after the dredging is completed. 7. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Lindstrom encouraged the public to speak with kindness and respect when addressing the City Council during Public Comment. Vince Meyer, 8380 Spring Lake Road, explained there was a sign posted at 85th and Spring Lake Road shutting his road down. He indicated the school buses cannot get around this sign. He requested this sign be removed by the City. Cindy Clark, 8180 Spring Lake Road, stated signs were posted at County Road J and Highway 10 that says Spring Lake Road will be closed to through traffic. She questioned if additional work would be done on the roadway. Mounds View City Council September 9, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 5 City Administrator Zikmund commented this was not a City project, but rather was an Xcel Energy utility project. Brian Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, explained he received a notice that Silver Lake Road would be closed by Ramsey County. He understood this was being done to allow for work on the stormwater treatment at Woodcrest Drive. He expressed concern with the proposed detour and asked if Ramsey County had consulted with the City on this matter. Secondly, he noted there have been a number of individual running the stop sign at Knollwood and H2. He asked that the police department patrol this area in the afternoons. Lastly, he thanked the Council for considering the recommendations from the Charter Commission. He provided further information on the two recommendations that came forward from the Charter Commission. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson discussed the storm sewer work the County would be completing on Silver Lake Road noting work should begin mid-September and would be done by the early October. Dr. Jean Strait, 7728 Knollwood Drive, discussed where CR and Noelle live on Spring Lake Road. She explained the neighbors to the left were both blind and she was concerned with how traffic was zooming past this property. She was afraid someone was going to hit these residents. She asked that a sign be posted along this roadway requesting traffic to use caution. She indicated she was also concerned about the proposed levy and how residents of Mounds View would be impacted. Luke Edmond, 8407 Spring Lake Road, explained he has not been able to attend the past few meetings. He thanked everyone who was involved with Festival in the Park. He reported his wife was working to collect signatures for stop signs along Spring Lake Road. He questioned if this work should continue. He asked if the Mounds View Police Department had a plan in place to ensure all residents were comfortable voting during the upcoming election. City Administrator Zikmund reported the City did not need a petition for the stop signs because the City Council had provided staff with direction to post stop signs on Spring Lake Road. He indicated the Mounds View Police Department was trained and prepared. Mayor Lindstrom commented this topic was discussed at the Regional Council of Mayors meeting where the Secretary of State was present. He reported it was not legal to have a licensed police officer to be in a polling location. He stated he had high confidence that the election judges would be able to manage the election this fall. Mr. Edmond encouraged residents to ensure they are driving safely on City streets because children and buses were back on the roadways. Rebecca Scholl, 2467 Hillview Road, thanked the Council for considering the succession recommendation from the Charter Commission. She stated she appreciated the fact a change was going to be made to ensure the Council could find a replacement and would not have to have a long-term vacancy until an election could be held. She encouraged the residents in Mounds View Mounds View City Council September 9, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 6 that were on a fixed income or with an income under $96,000 but over the age of 65 years to look into the State property tax deferral program. 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Resolution 9982, Approve a Service Agreement with Trane Building Services for the facilities of City Hall and Community Center. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council approve a Service Agreement with Trane Building Services for the facilities of City Hall and Community Center. He explained the City owns 13 facilities with HVAC equipment that requires complex contractor assistance to ensure reliable operations. He noted public works conducts some routine maintenance, but public works staff was not trained to complete the annual inspections on the HVAC units. He commented further on the five year service agreement with Trane and recommended approval. Mayor Lindstrom reported this was not only a preventative maintenance agreement, but it was also a data subscription agreement because Trane monitors the City’s HVAC units. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Clark. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9982, Approve a Service Agreement with Trane Building Services for the facilities of City Hall and Community Center. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 9980 Approving the Preliminary Property Tax Levy for Fiscal Year 2025 and Setting the Public Hearing Date. Finance Director Bauman requested the Council approve the preliminary property tax levy for fiscal year 2025 and setting the public hearing date. She explained per State Statute the City Council had to set a preliminary levy by September 30. She discussed how 100% of the LGA funds would be placed in the budget and noted the Medtronic money helped the City get to 2033 when the TIF expires. She further reviewed the preliminary property tax levy in detail with the Council noting the final levy would be adopted in December. Council Member Clark stated she wanted to stay under 6.5% for the levy increase but she understood the Council was not involved in the day to day workings of City staff. She asked if another $70,000 could be cut from the budget to allow the levy increase to be reduced to 6.5%. She stated 9% was a big increase that would impact Mounds View residents. Finance Director Bauman explained she could provide the Council with information on where increases were occurring and noted the Council could then make decisions on how to proceed with the budget. City Administrator Zikmund reported this was the Council’s budget and reiterated that staff takes direction from the Council. He stated if direction was provided to make cuts, this could be done. Mayor Lindstrom anticipated the majority of the increases in the 2025 budget were coming from pay increases due to the new pay plan. Mounds View City Council September 9, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 7 Council Member Gunn explained at this time, the Council needs to approve or deny the preliminary tax levy. She indicated the Council could then further discuss the levy between now and December. Council Member Clark supported the Council further discussing the levy in order to make additional cuts. Council Member Gunn stated she understood further discussions could be held, but noted the City ran with a lean staff which made cuts difficult. Mayor Lindstrom reported the Council could approve a 6.5% levy increase by placing $70,000 in Medtronic money into the budget, but this would mean the City was deficit spending, or another source would have to be found to cover the deficit. Council Member Meehlhause commented there was an opportunity to cut into the built in deficit that has been in place since 2008, noting this would free up funding to meet the needs of the City. He stated the City was working on a parks master plan and there were streets that still needed to be completed. He believed he heard at the worksession meeting that the majority was willing to approve a levy that would lead to a balanced budget with no deficit spending plan and that this could be adjusted between now and December if there was a difference of opinion. Mayor Lindstrom commented the 9.13% proposed tax levy increase was inclusive of debt service, the street levy and the referendum levies. He discussed how the City could drop the street levy, but noted this would lead to assessments for property owners and he did not anticipate any homeowner wanted to write a check for $8,000 when their street was redone at some point in the future. Dr. Jean Strait, 7728 Knollwood Drive, stated it was not fair to threaten assessments when considering a tax levy. She questioned where the City got $400,000 to cover the expenses for the community center exploration and garbage collection work. She indicated the City had so many residents that were living on a fixed income and she believed taxes were too high. She stated Mounds View was not Bloomington or St. Paul. She explained she wanted Mounds View to remain a great community, but she feared the City Council was bleeding its residents dry by being fiscally irresponsible by spending money on the wrong things. She urged the City to get out of deficit spending and to begin making some tough decisions when it comes to the budget. She stated if the Council were to move forward with a 9.13% tax levy, she would be knocking on doors in the community to do everything she could to get residents to speak against this tax levy. She indicated she wanted to be supportive of the Council, but the proposed tax levy was ridiculous. Council Member Meehlhause discussed how the planned deficit spending was put in place to assist the City Council with managing its budget since 2008. Brian Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, reminded the Council that the Charter has limits. He noted the current limit is 9%, if four Councilmembers agree. He indicated if only three supported a 9% increase, then the levy increase would be reduced to 6.5%. He noted the Council could also get out of deficit spending by asking the voters to support a levy increase. He provided historical information on the Medtronic sale noting the amount set aside from Medtronic was to allow the Mounds View City Council September 9, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 8 City to continue to provide services that were going to be burdens on the City because of the Medtronic build, like well maintenance and waste management. He noted the funding was not set aside for special expenses. He indicated the Council has chosen to do deficit spending. He reported this was the Council’s budget and it should not be placed on staff to decide how much should be spent. He pointed out the EDA has no taxing authority and then reviewed Statute 469.107, noting the EDA can request a levy and stated this amount should be included in the percentage limit within the Charter. He indicated there was no special street levy that was approved by the voters for street improvements. He explained the proposed levy at 9.13% exceeded the Charter, which meant the levy would have to be placed on the ballot for a referendum vote. Council Member Meehlhause indicated the fire debt and GO debt would have to be reduced from this percentage. Mr. Amundsen indicated the Council was still trying to approve a levy that did not meet Charter standards. He stated last year the Council approved a levy increase of 6.5% and this year was proposing an increase of 9%. He encouraged the Council to begin cutting programs especially considering the fact the Council transferred $1.2 million to other funds in 2023. He suggested the Council take a closer look at how to use these funds. He stated he was frustrated by both the budget and tax levy. In addition, he encouraged the Council to support the Charter and the language within the Charter when it comes to levy increases. Valeria Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, explained when the Charter language was changed to allow for a higher levy limit, the Council vowed to only go to 9% in the event of an emergency. She indicated there was no emergency at this time. She recommended the Council reconsider the budget and tax levy in order to take into the real concerns of older taxpayers in Mounds View. She wanted to see the City Council acting modestly because this was the way the residents in Mounds View lived. Council Member Gunn noted if the fire debt and GO debt were removed from the 9.13% the tax levy would then be reduced to 7.83%. Rebecca Scholl, 2467 Hillview Road, indicated she owned two properties in Mounds View and taxes were a concern for her. She explained she broke down the taxes for one of her properties and noted the Mounds View portion was $1,200.72. She stated if she applied a factor of 9.14%, she would have an increase from the City of $109.74. She clarified that the proposed 9% increase was only on the City’s portion of taxes and not on residents overall tax bill. She commented further on the cost of cuts, noting this would impact the raises the Council just approved for the Police Department along with the employment status change for Barb Benesch. She discussed how the City had to find a way to balance capital improvements, special projects and the cost of operating a City. She noted the voters have approved levies for additional officers in the community. She understood $68,000 was a lot of money as was $109. She recommended the City provide the public with better information on the proposed levy increase to ensure the City Council was in compliance with the Charter. Mayor Lindstrom stated in order to remain in compliance with the Charter, the Council would have to approve a levy increase at 9% or less. Finance Director Bauman stated the Council could Mounds View City Council September 9, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 9 opt to do this and she would make adjustments to the street levy or use deficit spending to balance the budget. Council Member Meehlhause discussed which items were excluded from the 9.13% tax levy. Further discussion ensued regarding the Charter tax levy cap. Ms. Scholl suggested the tax levy be reported to the County at 9% with the understanding the residents will be looking for further information on the levy in the coming weeks. Council Member Meehlhause questioned if action on this item should be tabled to the September 23 City Council meeting. Council Member Gunn and Mayor Lindstrom did not support this action. Ms. Amundsen stated she would like the City Attorney to investigate and verify the legality of the EDA levy. Mr. Amundsen commented when looking at the General Fund summary page he noticed the Street Pavement Management was $265,000 in 2024 and would be $302,000 next year. He asked why that much money was being set aside on a yearly basis when the streets were built to last for 40 years. Mayor Lindstrom explained there were some streets that were eroding quicker than anticipated and the City needed to maintain these roadways. Jim Wilson, 7025 Pleasant View Drive, reported he has worked for MNDOT for a number of years. He explained the sealcoating on his roadway was blistering up because it was applied prior to the oil coming out of the street. He indicated he did not understand why the City was paying a contractor to sealcoat streets. He recommended the City allow the streets to erode longer and that the roadways then be milled and overlayed. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Cermak. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9980 Approving the Preliminary Property Tax Levy for Fiscal Year 2025 and Setting the Public Hearing Date. Ayes – 4 Nay – 1 (Clark) Motion carried. C. Resolution 9981, Approving the Preliminary EDA Property Tax Levy for Fiscal Year 2025. Finance Director Bauman requested the Council approve the preliminary EDA property tax levy for fiscal year 2025. She reported this levy needs to be certified with the County by September 30. She indicated the Council discussed the proposed EDA levy in August, which is in an amount not to exceed $160,000. Mounds View City Council September 9, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 10 MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 9981, Approving the Preliminary EDA Property Tax Levy for Fiscal Year 2025. Brian Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, explained under the EDA’s two pieces of information he noticed the fund balance increased by $30,000 between 2023 and 2024. He indicated this would go down by $10,000 or $15,000. In addition, he wanted to know more about the $350,000 expenditure that was placed in the EDA levy. Finance Director Bauman indicated this expenditure was a placeholder per the request of Assistant City Administrator Beeman, noting there were several properties the City had their eye on for future redevelopment. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Gunn reported the Tribute Park Committee would be meeting next on Tuesday, September 10 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Council Member Gunn noted the Resource and Family Fair would be held at the Community Center on Saturday, September 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Council Member Gunn indicated the SBM Fire Department would be having a live burn on Sunday, September 15. Council Member Meehlhause stated he attended the Mounds View Police Department versus the SBM Fire Department softball game on Saturday. He was pleased to report the Mounds View Police Department was victorious. Council Member Meehlhause commented he would be attending a Twin Cities Gateway Board meeting on Tuesday, September 17 and on Wednesday, September 18 he would be attending an NYFS meeting. Council Member Clark indicated she also attended the police versus fire softball game. Council Member Clark stated the Festival in the Park Committee would be meeting next on Tuesday, September 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Public Works building. Council Member Cermak explained the Mounds View Police Foundation would meet next on Tuesday, September 17 at City Hall at 5:30 p.m. Mayor Lindstrom commented on the interview he attended this morning in relation to the change of services with Allina. He reported he then attended a Regional Council of Mayors meeting in Minneapolis where the upcoming election was discussed by the Secretary of State. He explained Mounds View City Council September 9, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 11 he then attended the Nine Cities Mayors meeting where the group discussed cannabis zoning and levies. Mayor Lindstrom reported he would be hosting a coffee with Winona Ying at 8:30 a.m. at Caribou Coffee and at 5:00 p.m. he would be hosting May Lor Xiong at Dos Hermanos. B. Reports of Staff. Finance Director Bauman reported prep work was beginning for delinquent assessments for utilities and trees, and letters would be sent out in two weeks. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated over 300 trees have been marked by the City Forester for removal. He noted these were ash and oak trees on City property. City Administrator Zikmund stated candidate forums would be held at City Hall on October 9 and October 10 at 7:00 p.m. City Administrator Zikmund reported the Town Hall State of the City meeting would be held on October 21 at the Community Center from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. City Administrator Zikmund indicated the community dinner would be held on December 11. City Administrator Zikmund reported he and Councilmember Meehlhause would be in mediation on Tuesday, September 17 as part of the trash lawsuit that was levied against the City. C. Reports of City Attorney. There was nothing additional to report. 10. Next Council Work Session: Monday, October 7, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, September 23, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial