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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2024/12/09APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting December 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, December 9, 2024, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Lindstrom/Gunn. To Approve the Monday, December 9, 2024, agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of Minutes: November 25, 2024 and December 2, 2024. B. Just and Correct Claims. C. Resolution 10013, Authorizing 2025 Pay Plan, City Insurance Contribution, and Insurance Opt-Out Payment. D. Resolution 10018, Approving the 2025 Recording Secretary Service Agreement with Minute Maker Secretarial. E. Resolution 10014, Approving Contract with NYFS and authorizing funds. F. Resolution 10023, Authorizing Internal Recruitment Process for Public Works Lead Streets & Stormwater Position and Approve Revised Job Description. G. Resolution 10027, Approving the Purchase of Flanged Spacers to Complete the Installation of the Commercial Water Meters. H. Resolution 10030, Approving Separation Compensation for Police Officer Isabel Torres. MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Meehlhause. To Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Mounds View City Council December 9, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 2 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Resolution 10025, Appreciation to Dennis (Denny) Erickson for his Dedicated Service on the Mounds View Charter Commission. Mayor Pro Tem Cermak read a Resolution of Appreciation for Denny Erickson and thanked him for his dedicated service to the City of Mounds View on the Charter Commission. She explained she had been friends with Denny for many years and she greatly appreciated his friendship and service to the City. Council Member Meehlhause indicated he has had the privilege of knowing Denny while serving as an elected official. He appreciated earning Denny’s respect over the years and understood Denny cares very deeply for this community. He thanked Denny for all of his contributions to the Mounds View Lions over the years and thanked Mr. Erickson for his years of service on the Charter Commission. Council Member Gunn stated she would miss seeing Mr. Erickson at the City Council meetings and wished him all the best in the future. Council Member Clark thanked Denny for his years of service to the City. Mayor Lindstrom indicated he spoke with Denny on Saturday and stated his spirits are good. He stated Denny cares a great deal about this City and he was talking about the Lions garage sale. He wished Denny all the best in the future and thanked him for his commitment and service to the City. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Clark. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10025, Appreciation to Dennis (Denny) Erickson for his Dedicated Service on the Mounds View Charter Commission. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 7. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Pro Tem Cermak encouraged the public to speak with kindness and respect when addressing the City Council during Public Comment. Vince Meyer 8380 Spring Lake Road, noted the manhole cover on his street was not fixed yet. He asked that the City address this concern. 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Resolution 10019, Approving Appointments to the Mounds View Planning and Zoning Commission and Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve appointments to the Mounds View Mounds View City Council December 9, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 3 Planning and Zoning Commission and Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission. He explained the Council would be discussing the future of the EDC at the January workshop meeting. He reviewed the proposed appointments in detail with the Council and recommended approval. MOTION/SECOND: Lindstrom/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10019, Approving Appointments to the Mounds View Planning and Zoning Commission and Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission. Council Member Meehlhause indicated the Park, Recreation and Forestry Chair was part of the new process and explained he supported the new process that was followed for the appointments. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 10020, Approving the 2025 City Council Meeting Dates. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve the 2025 City Council meeting dates. He explained staff would like to schedule a retreat for the new Council in February or March. It was recommended the joint Park, Recreation and Forestry meeting be held in February. He reviewed the proposed meeting schedule in further detail and recommended approval. Mayor Lindstrom suggested the joint meeting with the Park, Recreation and Forestry Commission be held on February 27. He recommended the joint meeting with the Charter Commission be held on March 18. The Council supported holding the Council retreat on February 11. Council Member Gunn noted City Council pictures would be taken on January 6. City Administrator Zikmund reported staff would work with the new Council to set a budget retreat in June. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Clark. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10020, Approving the 2025 City Council Meeting Dates. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Abstain – 1 (Cermak) Motion carried. C. 2025 Tax Levy and Budgets for All Funds: 1. Resolution 10015, Adopting the 2025 Tax Levy. 2. Resolution 10016, Approving the 2025 EDA Tax Levy. 3. Resolution 10017, Adopting 2025 Municipal Budget. Finance Director Bauman reported the Truth in Taxation Hearing was held on Monday, December 2 where the proposed budget and tax levy was reviewed. She explained the proposed levy increase would be 8.53%. Mayor Lindstrom asked what the Charter portion was for the levy. Finance Director Bauman Mounds View City Council December 9, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 4 indicated this was 5.83%. Mayor Lindstrom explained the items excluded from the Charter for the levy limit, were in fact meant to be excluded from the Charter. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10015, Adopting the 2025 Property Tax Levy. Council Member Meehlhause stated he was proud of the Council given the City’s levy situation. He reported the City would have a balanced budget that was not depending on some other fund to balance the budget in the end. He indicated this has been the Council’s goal, to not need Medtronic funding to balance the budget. Mayor Lindstrom stated he shared this sentiment. He appreciated the Council having the goal to leave the City better than they found it and financial solvency was a strong goal for this Council. He explained he was proud of the proposed levy noting most surrounding cities had a double digit level for the coming year. He thanked the Council and staff for their efforts on the budget and levy. Council Member Clark thanked staff for working with the Council to reduce the tax levy and work working to achieve a balanced budget. Council Member Gunn commented when the City first received the Medtronic money, the object was to use it to fill in gaps at the end of the year. She explained over time, she understood the Council could not continue to do this because the funding was going to run out and some future Council would be faced with a financial concern. She was proud the Council had a balanced budget that did not rely on this funding going forward. City Administrator Zikmund recognized Finance Director Bauman, Police Chief Zender and Public Works Director Peterson for all of their efforts on the budget. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Clark. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10016, Approving the 2025 EDA Tax Levy. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Lindstrom. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10017, Adopting 2025 Municipal Budget. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 10021, Approving the Purchase of Command Central to Enhance Video Evidence Library Capabilities. Police Chief Zender requested the Council approve the purchase of Command Central to enhance Mounds View City Council December 9, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 5 video evidence library capabilities. He explained Command Central would assist the department with storing all digital files in one spot, while improving the sharing ability of case files with the County. He reported Mounds View was the only department in Ramsey County that does not have a platform to easily share data. He commented further on the benefits of this platform, reviewed the costs for the first five years and recommended approval. Council Member Meehlhause asked if the County Attorney and City Attorney will have access to the cloud. Police Chief Zender explained front end staff would have to share data with the County or City Attorney. He commented further on how the new system would reduce staff time and improve the manner in which the department shares files. Council Member Gunn questioned if tech support was included in the price. Police Chief Zender stated he believed this was the case, noting the contract was for a five year subscription. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10021, Approving the Purchase of Command Central to Enhance Video Evidence Library Capabilities. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 10024, Authorizing Stantec to Complete the Design, and Prepare Plans and Specifications for the 2025 Street Project. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the City Council authorize Stantec to complete the design and prepare plans and specifications for the 2025 Street project. He reviewed the streets that were included in the project area. He noted the Council reviewed the concept designs for the project area in October. He indicated the plan was to get this project out early in 2025 for favorable bids. He commented further on the proposed improvements and recommended approval. Council Member Gunn asked if the corner by Tommy’s Car Wash would be improved or reinforced. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported he has discussed this corner with Stantec and noted a concrete structure may be icier. He indicated another option staff has considered would be to work with Tommy’s to extend the blower time in order to dry off the cars further before exiting the property. Council Member Clark stated she supported the sidewalk being extended south in order to provide safe passage to the crosswalk for those walking to the library or school. She questioned if the City had any grant funding available to assist with the trail. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained he could look into this further with the County. Council Member Clark suggested only one sidewalk be installed to the splash pad instead of two because the second sidewalk breaks up the greenspace. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson commented the second sidewalk was included for ADA purposes and to accommodate food trucks. He commented the second sidewalk could be removed at a future date if the Council did not offer support for the sidewalk and parking along Edgewood Drive. Mounds View City Council December 9, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 6 Mayor Lindstrom indicated he was not against the additional parking, but commented on how the access to the street was a problem for him. He explained he would continue to lobby for a fence around the splash pad for safety purposes. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson indicated a fence could be included as a bid alternate. The Council supported this recommendation. City Administrator Zikmund suggested this item be further discussed by the City Council at the February 27 joint Council/Park, Recreation and Forestry Commission meeting. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10024, Authorizing Stantec to Complete the Design, and Prepare Plans and Specifications for the 2025 Street Project. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. F. Solid Waste Standards and Solid Waste Standards – Resolution 10022 and Ordinance 1022 1. Resolution 10022, Updating Solid Waste Standards. 2. Second Reading/Adoption of Ordinance 1022, Solid Waste Licensing and summary publication ROLL CALL VOTE. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council adopt a Resolution updating the City’s solid waste standards. He explained specific language was adjusted to require maximum pricing be submitted to the City on a yearly basis. He reported the Ordinance mimics this language. He indicated staff has received no further comments from the public and recommends approval of the Resolution and Ordinance. Mayor Lindstrom asked what recourse the City would have if haulers were overcharging residents from the rates that were posted with the City. City Attorney Riggs indicated the City could revoke the trash hauler’s license. Mayor Lindstrom questioned if residents would be able to recoup overpayment if a trash hauler was charging more than the posted rates. City Attorney Riggs stated a resident could have a conversation with the trash hauler and make the request. Council Member Clark inquired if a fine could be charged if a trash hauler were to over-charge a resident. City Attorney Riggs recommended a fine not be charged, but rather that the City pursue a criminal violation for breaking City Ordinance. Council Member Meehlhause stated he understood other cities in Minnesota have made this same requirement from their licensed trash haulers. City Attorney Riggs reported this was the case, and noted this was not an unreasonable request for compliance with a City Ordinance. City Administrator Zikmund explained after having a conversation with a licensed hauler in Mounds View, the hauler shared they provide this information to other cities. Mayor Lindstrom stated it will be interesting to see how the trash haulers’ rates come to the City Mounds View City Council December 9, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 7 noting the rates were currently all over the place for residents in Mounds View. He appreciated how this Resolution and Ordinance would bring about transparency for trash rates. City Administrator Zikmund reported the Council had authorized staff to do a mailing to all residents to let them know this was coming. He questioned at point does the City not license a hauler if they are late in getting rate information to staff prior to January 1. City Attorney Riggs explained the Ordinance would be effective 30 days after being published. He discussed how the City was approving the standard now and the Council would have to decide when it wants to enforce the standard. He reported the Ordinance would be effective mid-January. He commented the idea of this new standard was to bring trash haulers into compliance and if a hauler refuses to do this, he would be bringing this matter back to the City Council for consideration. Mayor Lindstrom suggested the deadline for rate submission be February 1, 2025. City Administrator Zikmund stated staff would complete the mailing yet this year and would include a deadline of February 1, 2025. Mayor Lindstrom recommended the mailing to the Mounds View residents not be completed until the City has the rates, which would be after February 1, 2025. The Council was in agreement. Mayor Lindstrom asked if the February 1, 2025 date seemed reasonable. City Attorney Riggs reported he believed this date seemed reasonable and noted the Council could revisit this matter if staff were to receive feedback from the trash haulers. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Clark. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10022, Updating Solid Waste Standards. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. MOTION/SECOND: Lindstrom/Gunn. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 1022, Solid Waste Licensing and summary publication. ROLL CALL: Cermak/Clark/Gunn/Meehlhause/Lindstrom. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. G. Resolution 10028, Historic/Artifact Designation of Mermaid Statue (Handout at meeting). City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council adopt a Resolution designating the Mermaid statue a historic artifact. He explained this action was required in order to use public funds to refurbish the mermaid statue. Mayor Lindstrom reported this has been a project that was in the works for quite some time. He stated there were petitions in place to bring the Mermaid back and he understood community Mounds View City Council December 9, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 8 members wanted to bring her back. He explained he grew up in Litchfield which was adjacent to Darwin, which has the largest ball of twine that people visit. He commented on how bringing the Mermaid back to the community would bring a piece of history back to Mounds View. He reported he has been working with resident Dan Mueller on this task. He stated he and Dan Mueller went to the Mermaid restaurant last Friday and purchased the statue for $1. He indicated he looked forward to being able to restore the Mermaid statute in order to have her placed back in the community. He noted he has spoken with an individual who restored the Green Giant statute in New Ulm. He believed having this statue back in Mounds View would be a great thing for the community. City Attorney Riggs reported the Resolution before the Council acknowledges the purchase of the Mermaid statute and authorizes the rehabilitation, renovation and historical preservation of this statue. He stated this was the first step and noted the second step was to decide where the statue would be placed. He explained an agreement an easement would have to be put in place for the statue once refurbished. Council Member Gunn stated it would be great for the City to have historical pictures of the Mermaid statue hanging on the roof. Mayor Lindstrom agreed stating it would be great to have this as a part of the renovation campaign. Council Member Clark asked if a committee would be formed to assist with the restoration of the Mermaid statue. Mayor Lindstrom stated the CEC would be taking on this task. City Administrator Zikmund reported the Twin Cities Gateway has limited funding available for the reintroduction. Council Member Gunn suggested a resident consider starting a Go Fund Me page for the Mermaid. Mayor Lindstrom commented he believed this would be a great thing for the community that would drive traffic through the community. Council Member Meehlhause discussed how well known Mounds View was for the Mermaid and he looked forward to having the Mermaid statue refurbished. MOTION/SECOND: Cermak/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10028, Historic/Artifact Designation of Mermaid Statue. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Gunn reported she would be attending a Cable Commission meeting on Thursday, December 12. Mounds View City Council December 9, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 9 Council Member Gunn stated Shop with a Cop would be held on Thursday, December 12. Council Member Gunn invited the public to attend the Community Dinner at the Community Center on Wednesday, December 11 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Council Member Meehlhause noted he would be helping at the Community Dinner on December 11. Council Member Meehlhause reported he attended a Twin Cities Gateway Finance Committee meeting last week where he met with staff to review their budget proposal for 2025. He indicated Gateway Board would be meeting next on Tuesday, December 17. Council Member Meehlhause thanked Mayor Pro Tem Cermak for her years of dedicated service on the City Council. Council Member Meehlhause wished everyone Happy Holidays. Mayor Pro Tem Cermak reported the Police Foundation would be meeting next on Tuesday, December 10 at 5:30 p.m. where the Heroes and Helpers event scheduled for Thursday, December 12 will be discussed. She encouraged the Council to continue to support the police and fire departments going forward. She explained she would continue her service with the Mounds View Police Foundation in the new year, but would no longer be a member of the City Council. Council Member Gunn thanked the SBM Fire Department for the Santa Parade, which was a wonderful tradition for the community. Council Member Clark reported she attended the Santa Parade with her children and neighbors. She thanked the SBM Fire Department for providing this wonderful event for the community each year. Council Member Clark thanked staff for their efforts in planning the Cookies with Santa event. Council Member Clark explained she has been helping with the Community Engagement Committee and encouraged the public to consider attending the Community Dinner on Wednesday, December 11 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Mayor Lindstrom stated he attended the 3,000 Acts of Kindness event earlier today at the Minneapolis Convention Center where food, clothing, shoes a meal and haircut was offered to homeless individuals. Mayor Lindstrom reported he attended a Nine Cities meeting earlier today where levies were the main topic of discussion. Mayor Lindstrom stated he would be attending his coffee times and noted the Pardon Board would be meeting next on Friday, December 20. Mounds View City Council December 9, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 10 Mayor Lindstrom wished everyone Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah and a Happy New Year. He thanked the Public Works staff for all of their work on the lights. He thanked the police department for all of their efforts on behalf of the community and asked that the officers be safe throughout the holidays. Mayor Lindstrom read a Resolution of Appreciation for Theresa Cermak and thanked her for her dedicated service to the City of Mounds View on the City Council. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance. MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10026, a Resolution of Appreciation to Theresa Cermak for her Dedicated Service on the Mounds View City Council. Council Member Gunn asked for a roll call vote. ROLL CALL: Cermak/Clark/Gunn/Meehlhause/Lindstrom. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Abstain – 1 (Cermak) Motion carried. B. Reports of Staff. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson thanked his staff members that the Community Center for hosting the Cookies with Santa event. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported public works staff was flooding the two rinks. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson commented the Ardan Park stormwater project would begin real soon. Police Chief Zender thanked Council Member Cermak for all of efforts on behalf of the community and for her support of the Mounds View Police Department. Police Chief Zender stated he and City Administrator Zikmund had a great meeting with the Department of Public Safety Commissioner regarding the Tribute Park. Police Chief Zender indicated he would be meeting with local clergy on Wednesday morning where communication improvements would be discussed. Police Chief Zender explained he would be having a meeting with Representative Moller on Friday morning where issues for the upcoming legislative session with be discussed. Police Chief Zender reported the coat drive would be ending on Friday, December 20. Police Chief Zender commented the zip line and rock wall sold for $13,000. He explained this piece of equipment was retired for safety purposes. Mounds View City Council December 9, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 11 Police Chief Zender thanked his officers for their contributions to the Santa Parade and noted 45,000 pounds of food were donated at this event. Further discussion ensued regarding the speed signs in the community and how they were positively impacting the speed of traffic. Finance Director Bauman reported the Finance Department was getting things ready for year end. Finance Director Bauman explained she has enjoyed working with Council Member Cermak and stated she would be dearly missed. City Administrator Zikmund stated the City has received 37 water efficiency grants and the City has enough funding to do 74. City Administrator Zikmund commented a liquor license violation occurred and a hearing for this violation would be held on Monday, January 6. City Administrator Zikmund reported he was pleased to report 150 racial covenants have been discharged to date. City Administrator Zikmund stated the Bandit Intimidator wood chipper has been purchased and already been filled up twice. City Administrator Zikmund thanked Council Member Cermak for her dedicated service to the City of Mounds View. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 10. Next Council Work Session: Monday, January 6, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: CANCELLED - December 23, 2024 Next Special Council Meeting: Monday, January 6, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Next Regular Council Meeting: Monday, January 13, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:11 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial