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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2024/11/25APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting November 25, 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 (arrived at 6:26 p.m.), Lindstrom (excused from the meeting at 7:30 p.m.), and Meehlhause NOT PRESENT: None. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, November 25, 2024, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Cermak/Clark. To Approve the Monday, November 25, 2024, agenda as presented. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of Minutes: November 12, 2024 B. Just and Correct Claims. C. Resolution 10005 Approving a Lease Agreement Renewal with Dippin’ Chocolate, LLC, for Use of Kitchen Space at the Mounds View Community Center. MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Meehlhause. To Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS None. 7. PUBLIC COMMENT Mounds View City Council November 25, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 2 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, stated he has an issue on Spring Lake Road, noting the stormwater pond has not been maintained properly. He indicated the vegetation was so high, ducks cannot even land in the pond. Brian Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, stated he understood the Council has been working on the budget. He explained he had concerns regarding the legal status of separating out some expenditures when calculating the cap. He indicated under Other Financial Resources (EDA, Community Center, Vehicle Replacement, Special Project Funds), there was nothing programed there, however property taxes were being collected in these categories. He stated this was confusing to him. He reported the 2024 budget had budgeted transfers in of $1.38 million for Other Financial Resources. He commented further on the taxation for that area and requested clarification from staff on this matter. He indicated the cash balance in all of these funds was $11.4 million which appeared to be enough and suggested the Council consider lowering property taxes. He then reviewed how much more the City has collected in excess over revenues. He encouraged the Council to take this into consideration when setting the tax levy. Mayor Lindstrom stated he had to leave the meeting at 7:30 p.m. He requested at this time that Items 8I and 8J be discussed prior to Item 8A. 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS I. Resolution 10013, Amending Solid Waste Standards – Handout at Meeting. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council consider a Resolution that would amend solid waste standards for the City. The recommendations from the Options Committee were discussed and it was noted staff would be bringing those back to the Council for further consideration at a future workshop meeting. He reviewed the proposed solid waste standards in further detail with the Council and recommended approval. Brian Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, stated he was hearing the discussion of the Council and explained he appreciated what the City was trying to do for residents. He questioned if the new legislation would get in the way of residents negotiating with trash haulers. Mayor Lindstrom stated the haulers would be publishing price maximums and residents would still be able to call haulers and try to negotiate a better rate. Luke Edmond, 8407 Spring Lake Road, asked if there would be a loophole where the rates would only apply to new residents. City Attorney Riggs reported the intent was to have the maximum rates charged be for all residents and not only new residents. City Administrator Zikmund explained after having a brief discussion with the City Attorney, staff does not have a Resolution for the Council to approve, rather the motion should be to approve the Solid Waste Standards. Mounds View City Council November 25, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 3 Mayor Lindstrom commented he believed the action the City Council was taking would encourage capitalism and competition that the haulers say they love so much. Council Member Gunn asked how residents would know what the rates were. City Administrator Zikmund reported this information would be posted on the City’s website. Mayor Lindstrom recommended that once the rate information was known by the City that a mailer also be sent to residents with this information. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Approve the Solid Waste Standards and directing staff to communicate the price maximums to residents. Council Member Clark stated she was surprised to see this coming forward noting the Options Committee had twenty recommendations for the Solid Waste Standards. She supported these recommendations being taken into consideration before a mailer is sent out to residents. City Administrator Zikmund indicated the proposed mailer would have pricing information with directions on where to find the information on the City’s website. He indicated there would be time to further discuss the recommendations from the Options Committee in February. Council Member Clark supported the Council further discussing the recommendations from the Options Committee in February. Mayor Lindstrom commented for far too long the waste companies in Mounds View have been utilizing the subscription market to take advantage of residents by charging junk fees to impact their bottom line. He reported the Council sought to address this though organized collection by having long term contracts in place with fixed pricing. He stated his intent was to see this through the end while respecting how residents vote. He understood the residents have spoken loud and clear about wanting to retain the subscription market. He indicated it was not his intent to cast a vote in favor of organized collection, but wanted to be clear that other councilmembers feel the same way or may want to pursue organized collection at some future point. However, the City still has this problem of looming price transparency within the subscription market, which led the Council to pursue the proposed standards and license transparency ordinance. He believed the inequality in the current market was disturbing, noting bills ranged from $20 to $70 per month. He indicated residents were being taken advantage of and he wanted residents to be able to make educated decisions without rates being raised over and over again. He called attention to how haulers were not loyal to their customers and discussed how the “Vote No” campaign was impacting residents. He discussed how profitable it was for haulers to have an open market versus being locked into an organized contract. He was of the opinion price transparency was extremely important for residents and stated he was proud to say today would mark a new chapter for waste collection standards in Mounds View. He stated the City would not go another year with residents being exploited by subjective billing, but rather all trash hauler pricing would be published on the City’s website if haulers wanted to work in Mounds View. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council November 25, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 4 J. Ordinance 1022, First Reading License Transparency – Handout at Meeting. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council introduce an Ordinance that would provide license and pricing transparency for trash haulers in the community. City Attorney Riggs summarized the proposed Ordinance changes and discussed how trash hauler rates would now be posted for transparency purposes for the residents of Mounds View. He explained Mounds View was not the only City in Minnesota requiring trash haulers to provide this information for residents. Mayor Lindstrom asked if the City could reject a price increase if there is no fundamental basis for the price change. City Attorney Riggs reported the City Council would have the right to have this dialogue. Mayor Lindstrom stated he looked forward to the City having a mechanism in place to hold trash haulers to their prices. Council Member Clark questioned if pricing was proprietary information. City Attorney Riggs reported this was public information. Mayor Lindstrom explained the City had this information in the recently submitted contracts. He stated the ancillary fees were the secret. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Cermak. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 1022, License Transparency. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. A. PUBLIC HEARING: Resolution 10010 Recommending Approval of a Conditional Use Permit for Dynamic Display Sign at 7687 Long Lake Road. Phil Carlson, Stantec, requested the Council approve a conditional use permit for a dynamic display sign at 7687 Long Lake Road. He reported this church sign would be located within the R-1 zoning district and therefore required a conditional use permit. He explained the sign would be 11 square feet in size. He commented further on the request and recommended approval. Calvin Woods, Pastor of the Free Life Worship Center, explained he was trying to install a sign to bring in new members to the church. Mayor Lindstrom explained the City had two other churches with dynamic display signs. Council Member Gunn asked if the new sign would be added to the existing sign. Mr. Carlson reported the plans show the dynamic display would be installed along County Road I in order to avoid needing a variance. Mounds View City Council November 25, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 5 Mayor Lindstrom opened the public hearing at 6:44 p.m. Nathan Dornquast, 7149 Pleasant View Drive, asked if the sign would have flashing messages and inquired what the hours of operation would be for the sign. Mr. Carlson reported there was a list of requirements for dynamic display signs within City Code that would have to be followed and noted flashing messages were not allowed. He explained the City’s brightness and hours of operation would have to be followed. He commented further on the brightness requirements for day and night time hours. Hearing no further public input, Mayor Lindstrom closed the public hearing at 6:48 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Clark. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10010, Recommending Approval of a Conditional Use Permit for Dynamic Display Sign at 7687 Long Lake Road. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. PUBLIC HEARING: Resolution 10011 Recommending Approval Hidden Hollow Nook Preliminary and Final Plat. Phil Carlson, Stantec, requested the Council consider approving a preliminary and final plat for Hidden Hollow Nook. He reported this plat would adjust the lot lines between two properties and noted both lots would meet the City’s minimum lot size standards. He discussed the easements that were in place, noting one of the easements would be vacated. Staff commented further on the request and recommended approval. Mayor Lindstrom opened the public hearing at 6:51 p.m. Brian Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, stated Nathan has been a great neighbor to him. He explained he thought the easement at the back of his property had been vacated. Council Member Gunn stated perhaps the easement on his property had been skipped and recommended the Council follow staff’s recommendation. Nathan Dornquast, 7149 Pleasant View Drive, thanked the Council for considering his request. He explained he built on his lot in 2015 and commented on how he was working to preserve the nature on his lot. Hearing no further public input, Mayor Lindstrom closed the public hearing at 6:54 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10011, Recommending Approval Hidden Hollow Nook Preliminary and Final Plat. Council Member Meehlhause reported this request was reviewed by the Planning Commission and was recommended unanimously for approval. Mounds View City Council November 25, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 6 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. PUBLIC HEARING: Resolution 10012, Recommending Approval of a Conditional Use Permit for an Oversized Accessory Building at 6951 Knollwood Drive. Phil Carlson, Stantec, requested the Council consider a conditional use permit for an oversized accessory building at 6951 Knollwood Drive. He explained the applicant would like to put an addition on his garage which requires a conditional use permit. He reported the addition would replace a smaller shed on the back of the garage and would not be visible from the street. He commented further on the request and recommended approval. Council Member Meehlhause asked what it means that the exterior would have an attached stairway with handrails that were code compliant. Mr. Carlson deferred this question to the applicant. Mayor Lindstrom opened the public hearing at 6:58 p.m. Wayne Spearing, 6951 Knollwood Drive, discussed the addition he was proposing for his garage, noting the stairway would be on the outside of the garage and would provide him access to the second story of the garage. Hearing no further public input, Mayor Lindstrom closed the public hearing at 7:00 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10012, Recommending Approval of a Conditional Use Permit for an Oversized Accessory Building at 6951 Knollwood Drive. Council Member Meehlhause reported this matter came before the Planning Commission and they unanimously recommended approval to the City Council. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. PUBLIC HEARING: Resolution 10009, Authorizing the Issuance, Sale and Delivery of Its Conduit Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds for the Sibley Park/Sibley Court Project. Finance Director Bauman requested the Council authorize the issuance, sale and delivery of conduit multifamily housing revenue bonds for the Sibley Park/Sibley Court project. She explained the Council granted preliminary approval for this bond issuance earlier this year. She indicated these bonds would be used for two affordable housing projects in St. Paul. She reported the City would have no obligation to these bonds, but noted the City would be receiving an administrative fee for the bond issuance. Council Member Gunn questioned what fund the administrative fee would be placed in. Finance Mounds View City Council November 25, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 7 Director Bauman reported the funds would initially be placed in the general fund. Mayor Lindstrom indicated the City would be receiving $450,000 in funding for the administrative fee. Mayor Lindstrom opened the public hearing at 7:04 p.m. Brian Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, suggested the Council designate these funds for future park improvements. Hearing no public input, Mayor Lindstrom closed the public hearing at 7:05 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Clark. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10009, Authorizing the Issuance, Sale and Delivery of Its Conduit Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds for the Sibley Park/Sibley Court Project. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. PUBLIC HEARING: Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 1021 Amending the 2025 Fee Schedule Regarding Water Rates. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council hold the second reading and adopt an Ordinance amending the 2025 fee schedule regarding water rates. Mayor Lindstrom opened the public hearing at 7:07 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Lindstrom closed the public hearing at 7:07 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 1021, Amending the 2025 Fee Schedule Regarding Water Rates and directing staff to publish an Ordinance summary. ROLL CALL: Cermak/Clark/Gunn/Meehlhause/Lindstrom. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. F. Resolution 10006, Approving the Renewal of Mounds View Business Licenses (Non-Liquor). City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council adopt a resolution renewing Mounds View’s business licenses for 2025 contingent upon any outstanding issues and additional conditions added by the City Council. Council Member Gunn asked what would happen if a business with a tobacco license were to fail a compliance check. City Attorney Riggs reported administrative and criminal citations were issued. Mounds View City Council November 25, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 8 MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Clark. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10006, Approving the Renewal of Mounds View Business Licenses (Non-Liquor). Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. G. Resolution 10007, Approving the Renewal of Mounds View Liquor Licenses. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council adopt a resolution renewing Mounds View’s liquor licenses for 2025 for all businesses that are compliant with City Code. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Clark. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10007, Approving the Renewal of Mounds View Liquor Licenses for all businesses that are compliant with City Code. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. H. Second Reading and Approval of Ordinance 1020, Amending Chapter 33 of the Mounds View City Code Regarding Economic Development Bylaws. Assistant City Administrator Beeman requested the Council hold the second hearing and adopt an Ordinance amending Chapter 33 of the Mounds View City Code regarding economic development bylaws. He reported the proposed amendments would make it more flexible for the Economic Development Commission on what month the bylaws are reviewed. Brian Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, commented he believed it was important for commissions to review the bylaws when new commissioners are appointed. MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Meehlhause. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 1020, Amending Chapter 33 of the Mounds View City Code Regarding Economic Development Bylaws . ROLL CALL: Cermak/Clark/Gunn/Meehlhause/Lindstrom. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. K. Resolution 10008, Approving the Purchase of a 2024 Bandit 12XP Intimidator Wood Chipper. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council approve the purchase of a 2024 Bandit 12XP Intimidator wood chipper. He explained staff has been looking at a wood chipper for several years and discussed how this piece of equipment would be utilized by the Public Works Department. He commented this purchase was a budgeted expense for 2025 and staff requested approval of this purchase. Vince Meyer, 8380 Spring Lake Road, questioned what was wrong with the City’s current wood Mounds View City Council November 25, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 9 chipper and asked how much the City spent on subcontractors for wood chipping. Mayor Lindstrom explained the City does not currently have a wood chipper. He reported this piece of equipment was being purchased because the City would no longer be able to bring its trees and branches to the Arden Hills drop off site. Mr. Meyer inquired if the City would have to have a special insurance policy to run this piece of equipment. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson indicated he did not believe this was necessary, but noted he would speak with the League of Minnesota Cities regarding this matter. City Administrator Zikmund explained this wood chipper would be used significantly throughout the Ardan and Silver View Park projects. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Clark. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10008, Approving the Purchase of a 2024 Bandit 12XP Intimidator Wood Chipper. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Mayor Lindstrom explained a City Council member would like to have the City Hall campus grounds spruced up for the holidays. He stated he visited Fleet Farm today and understood they had LED lights for $15. MOTION/SECOND: Lindstrom/Gunn. To name Council Member Gunn as the official City Hall exterior decorator and authorize the expenditure of $1,000 for holiday lights. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained a month ago there was a fatality at County Road H and Edgewood. He reported he reached out to the County and the City of New Brighton to see if an enhanced crossing could be installed at this intersection. He indicated the County has approved installing a rapid flashing beacon and noted the City would be responsible for one-quarter of the cost, along with the power. Mayor Lindstrom excused himself from the meeting at 7:30 p.m. Council Member Clark reported the Festival in the Park Committee would not be meeting in December. She thanked everyone who attended the recent Crisp N Green fundraiser. Council Member Clark encouraged the public to attend the Community Meal on Wednesday, December 11 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. She asked that residents visit Event Bright in order to get their free tickets. Mounds View City Council November 25, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 10 Council Member Cermak reported the library has free fax and notary services. Council Member Cermak stated the Santa Parade would be held on Tuesday, December 3. She noted Heroes and Helpers would be held on Thursday, December 12. She indicated volunteers were still needed for this event. Council Member Cermak explained the Mounds View Police Foundation will be meeting on Tuesday, December 19 at City Hall at 5:30 p.m. Council Member Gunn reported on Tuesday, November 26, there would be a 3 on 3 basketball tournament at the Community Center. Council Member Meehlhause explained he would be assisting with the scoring at the 3 on 3 basketball tournament. Council Member Meehlhause commented on the finance report he received for the Twin Cities Gateway Visitors Bureau. He stated revenues were up 1.4% for 2024 through the month of October. B. Reports of Staff. Finance Director Bauman explained the proposed property tax statements were sent out by Ramsey County in the last two weeks and the City would be holding its Truth in Taxation hearing on Monday, December 2. City Administrator Zikmund discussed how the property with excessive water usage had been addressed by the City. He commented further on how the City was working with the property owner to address the challenges with this property. He stated this property has been foreclosed on and asked if the Council wanted staff to continue to address this matter. Council consensus was to authorize staff to continue to address the concerns facing this property. City Administrator Zikmund explained the Community Engagement Committee has requested a $2,000 stipend through the end of the year. He indicated this funding would be used for the Community Meal. Council Member Meehlhause asked how the funding would be managed for this group. City Administrator Zikmund commented requests would come to the City for approval prior to funds being expended. MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Gunn. To allocate $2,000 in funding for the Community Engagement Committee to assist with community engagement events. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. City Administrator Zikmund reviewed a two year agreement from Kennedy & Graven. He explained this entity was proposing a 7% increase for 2025. He stated the proposed rates were far Mounds View City Council November 25, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 11 lower than the rates he paid when he was with the fire department. He reported the Council was being asked to review and make a recommendation on the two year agreement. Council Member Clark stated she was curious to see what the rates would be if the City put this contract out for an RFP. Council Member Gunn supported the City sticking with a known entity, such as Kennedy & Graven because the City has a good working relationship with this entity and they have tremendous knowledge of the City. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Cermak. To accept the two year agreement from Kennedy & Graven with the proposed rate increase. Council Member Meehlhause indicated he concurred with Council Member Gunn’s comments noting Kennedy & Graven had a host of staff members that were experts in their field. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 10. Truth in Taxation Meeting: Monday, December 2, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. Next Council Work Session: Monday, December 2, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, December 9, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial