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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 1992/09/14• CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL _ SEPTEMBER 14, 1992 7:00 P.M. AGENDA The City Council is provided background anfarmation for agenda items i.n advance by staff and appointed commissions, committees and boards. Decisions are based on this information, as well as City policy and practices, input from constituents and a Councilmember's personal judgement. If you have comments, questions or information regarding an item on the agenda, please step forward to be recognized by the Mayor during the "Residents Requests and Comments From the Floor" item on the agenda. Please state your name and address for the record. A11 comments are appreciated. A copy of all printed materials relating to the agenda item is available for public inspection at the Recording Secretary's Table. 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL - Linke Blanchard Rickaby Wuori Quick 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: August 24, 1992 Regular Meeting COUNCIL ACTION: A T D September 2, 1992 Special Meeting COUNCIL ACTION: A T D • AGENDA PAGE TWO SEPTEMBER 14, 1992 5. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: No special order of business scheduled for this meeting. 6. RESIDENTS REQUESTS AND COMMENTS FROM THE FLOOR Citizens' comments are encouraged to allow individual citizens to address the Council, as a whole, on a matter of interest or concern to the citizens. The preservation of the Citizens' Comments item on the agenda is important zn order to encourage and maintain this information flow. To preserve and protect this valuable communications Zink, a speaker is limited to three (3) minutes. ------------------------------------------------------------- CITIZENS: BEFORE SPEAKING PLEASE GIVE YOUR FULL NAME A1~jD ADDRESS FOR THE MINUTES ------------------------------------------------------------- 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: No public hearings scheduled for this meeting. 8. CONSENT AGENDA: A. Adopt Resolution No. 4279 Approving Just and Correct Claims Against City Funds B. Adopt Resolution No. 4276 Appointing 1992 Water Meter Readers Staff Report No. 92-368C C. Approval of Street Light Installation at South 7452 Knollwood Staff Report No. 92-369C D. Approval of Step Adjustment for Planning Technician Staff Report No. 92-3?OC E. Banking Services Proposals Staff Report No. 92-371C F. Consideration of Authorization for Execution of the Transfer of Funds and Purchase or Sale of Securities Staff Report No. 92-372C G. Consideration of Authorization for the Use of Fund Balance for Lambert Park Improvements Staff Report No. 92-373C • • H. Licenses for Approval AGENDA . PAGE THREE 4 SEPTEMBER 14, 1992 General - Commercial Specialty Systems, Inc - New Sidinct ABC Seamless - New HVAC Jake's Services, Inc. - Renewal Sewer & Water Doug Olsen Plumbing, Inc. -Renewal COUNCIL ACTION: A T D Comments• • 9. COUNCIL BUSINESS: A. Environmental Quality Task Force Presentation Regarding Findings from Garbage and Recycling Study Staff Report No. 92-374C COUNCIL ACTION: A T D Comments• B. Consideration of Adoption of Ordinance No. 516 Amending Chapter 104 of the Municipal Code entitled, "Garbage and Rubbish", Staff Report No. 92-375C COUNCIL ACTION: A T D Linke Blanchard Quick Wuori Rickaby Comments• AGENDA PAGE FOUR SEPTEMBER 14, 1992 C. Consideration of Bid Award for Water Tower Demolition Staff Report No. 92-376C COUNCIL ACTION: A T D Comments• D. Consideration Resolution No. 4284 Adopting 1993 Proposed Tax Levy and the Setting of a Date for the 1993 Budget Hearing Staff Report No. 92-377C COUNCIL ACTION: A T D Comments• • E. Consideration of Adopting Ordinance No. 517 Approving an Electrical Energy Franchise Agreement with Northern States Power Staff Report No. 92-378C . COUNCIL ACTION: A T D Comments• F. Consideration of Adopting Ordinance No. 518 Approving a Gas Energy Franchise Agreement with Northern States Power Staff Report No. 92-379C COUNCIL ACTION: A T D Comments: G. Consideration of Adopting Ordinance No. 519 Approving a Franchise Fee on Gas and Electric Utilities Staff Report No. 92-380C COUNCIL ACTION: A T D Comments• AGENDA PAGE FIVE SEPTEMBER 14, 1992 H. Approval of Legal Services for the Charter Commission at a Total Expenditure not to Exceed $4,500 Staff Report No. 92-381C 10. REPORTS' 1. Report of Councilmembers: Blanchard, Wuori, Rickaby, Quick 2. Report of Mayor Linke 3. Report of Administrator 4. Report of Staff 5. Report of Attorney 11. ADJOURNMENT' NEST COIINCIL AORR SESSION: OCTOBER 5, 1992 NEXT COIINCIL MEETING: SEPTEMBER 28, 1992 • • PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting September 14, 1992 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Hwy. 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 CALL TO ORDER The Mounds._.View City Council was called to order by Mayor Linke at 7:00 p.m. Monday, September 14, 1992. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was said. ROLL CALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Councilmembers Rickaby, Blanchard, Quick, Wuori and Mayor Linke. MEMBERS ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: Samantha Orduno, City Administrator, Paul Harrington, City Planner, Don Brager, Finance Director, Ric Minetor, Director of Public Works and City Engineer, Carla Asleson, Recycling Coordinator APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MOTIONLSECOND: Rickaby/Blanchard to approve August 24, 1992 minutes as presented. VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried • Mounds View City Council ~gular Meeting Page Two September 14, 1992 MOTION/SECOND: Wuori/Quick to approve September 2, 1992 Special Meeting minutes VOT 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: There was no special order of business. RESIDENTS REQUESTS AND COMMENTS FROM THE FLOOR: There were no requests or comments from the residents. PUBLIC HEARINGS No public hearings had been scheduled. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Linke introduced the Consent Agenda. Samantha Orduno, City Administrator,.. read the Consent Agenda. MOTIONlSECOND: Quick/Wuori to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. COUNCIL BUSINESS: Mayor Linke polled the Councilmembers for objectives to dealing with Item 9.C on the Agenda first as there were representatives from H and H Watertower in attendance and the items scheduled before this item could be .lengthy. All members of the Council were in concurrence in handling Item C. first . C. Ric Minetor, Director of Public Works/City Engineer, reviewed Staff Report No. 92-376C Regarding the Bid Award for Demolition of Water Towers, City Project No. 92-2. Minetor stated that bids for demolition of the 2 existing water towers were opened on Wednesday, September 9, 1992 at 11:00 p.m. The low bidder was H and H Watertower in the amount of $9,000 with a $1,000 contingency. This bid includes the removal of the towers and footings. Minetor introduced Mr. David Webb, H and H Watertower, Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, to the Council. Mr. Webb stated that his company plans on salvaging the towers and offering them for resale. MOTION/SECOND: Wuori/Rickaby to approve bid award of $10,000 • to H and H Watertower of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, for Water Tower Demolition to be charged to account number 680-4121-705. Mounds View City Council ~gular Meeting Page Three September 14, 1992 VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried A. Richard Oman, member of the Environmental Quality Task Force gave a presentation on the recommendation made by the Environmental Quality Task Force regarding findings from a garbage and recycling study. Oman stated that the recommendation was to have an open hauling system set up in a one zone system with a single recycling hauler. • Oman stated that two things have to be considered. One, would be that the Ramsey County Solid Waste Master Plan requires that the cost of recycling be shown as a separate billing. Further stated was the fact that recycling needs to be in a position of importance. The goal of the Ramsey County Master Plan is to have recycling to 50$ by 1996 and to have recycling stand on its own merits and its own costs. Oman stated that the Environmental Quality Task Force was instructed to study certain objectives set by the City Council. Oman stated that the City has to promote public education on recycling, promote composting of yard waste and organic food waste. Recycling of waste through the use of single haulers would be preferably paid for on a per ton basis. Everyone should be able to recycle and that there are ways that the mobile home and apartment dwellers could be brought into the system. Oman stated that the benefit of an open hauling system is the competition among the haulers. It is possible for a person who does a lot of recycling to go down to a bag rate for $2.50 per bag. By keeping an open hauling system, the bag rate is a low cost way of complying with all requirements of the mandate. The Task Force agrees that it would be desirable to keep the lowest cost methods of dealing with waste. Oman also stated that the open hauling system gives the residents the freedom of choice where a single hauler system does not. Oman commented that placing the city in a zone system would mean that all solid waste and recycling would be collected on the same day. It is an easy .process for the residents. The open hauling system was deemed the best option by the EQTF. The haulers had no objections to this program. Other cities effectively use this type of collection with a separate hauler for recycling. It is important, however, to keep recycling at the top of the list. Oman stated that it is beneficial to keep garbage hauling in the private sector and billing by the hauler. The cost for recycling can be determined by the number of tons collected. The current level on a percent basis is a cost Less than $12 per year. The cost could increase to $15 per year if the City can improve its level of recycling. Mounds View City Council Page Four ~gular Meeting September 14, 1992 Oman reported that the County has a Joint Powers Agreement for funding which would place the recycling charges on the property tax roles. The City needs to work on a budget for recycling. For example, a charge could be $1.25 per month or $15 per year. The average cost is $18 per year. The Environmental Quality Task Force urged the Council to take action. The two options for funding would be the Ramsey County Property Tax Fund or a City Utility. There would be no added expense to the City if billing were done on the property tax roles. It is important that the City continue to work on funding for educating the residents on the importance of recycling. Councilmember Rickaby asked if the best way to do recycling is per ton. Oman stated that recycling could be done weekly or twice monthly. It costs approximately $85 per ton for recycling collected based upon tonnages collected over the past and calculated out. If recycling were done twice a month it would reduce the cost to $81 per ton. The system recommended by the EQTF would reduce truck traffic and street wear. Oman also stated that participation in the • recycling program is higher when picked up twice per month. Collection of recyclables on a weekly basis is done primarily for convenience to the residents. Councilmember Rickaby stated that at one of the meetings the haulers talked about charges per household rather than per ton. Oman stated that charges would be based on the number of estimated stops made. Oman stated that it would be a fixed amount for all pick ups for the entire year. This does not give incentive to the haulers to increase materials being picked up. Increased. recycling would reduce the amount of waste hauled out of the City and the goal of recycling is to reduce waste hauled to the landfills. Councilmember Rickaby asked how the recyclables could be increased when the haulers can only pick up what is put out unless there is an education program conducted. The residents, in her opinion, have the feeling that the less they put out, the less they pay. Oman explained that the bulk of waste is in the paper collected because of its weight. Residents who have concerns about costs could continue to give the paper waste to the Boy Scouts or their church or whomever and this would decrease the amount paid to the recycler. The City must choose what recyclables would be collected. For example, plastic is very costly to recycle. The more items that • can be recycled, the more that is taken out of the general waste stream. Mounds View City Council Page Five ~gular Meeting September 14, 1992 Councilmember Rickaby stated that the staff report lists three options: leave as currently exists, separate garbage and recycling systems and continue with the state mandate for organized collection system. Councilmember Rickaby asked for further explanation of the State mandate. Carla Asleson, Recycling Coordinator, stated that the mandate for organized collection specifically states solid waste. Recycling can be collected separately at this point. All haulers in the City could still operate in the City. As far as organized collection, there are still 90 days left of the 180 day planning period if organized collection is to still be considered. Councilmember Rickaby stated that the haulers must get together and decide on a certain day for collection. Oman stated that a meeting needs to be organized between the Environmental Quality Task Force and the residential haulers who would be affected and negotiate a day or two of the week that all of the haulers could agree upon their schedule. The purpose of the open hauling system with the zone system is to coordinate solid waste pick up and recycling which will reduce truck traffic to one day per week. A separate recycler would reduce the number of trucks • in the City. There is three more months in the planning process aMd if funding is agreed upon the program could be up and running in three months. Councilmember Rickaby stated that she had received a letter from an elderly, widowed lady who does not want to change haulers because her hauler also helps her in her home to do heavy chores. Mr. Oman stated that many of the haulers provide services such as bag rate and walk up services which are services the residents would loose under the single hauler system. Mayor Linke thanked Mr. Oman for the presentation. Linke recapped what Mr. Oman had said in that the recommendation of the Environmental Quality Task Force was to leave the haulers as they are now and go to a zone system with a single recycler. Fees would be either collected through property taxes or through the City utility process. Mr. Oman stated that the City could set a fee through a Joint Powers Agreement which would charge each resident $.12 per parcel per year. Funds are received with property tax fees. Score grant money would be received in February to pay recycling and the second half Score grant money would pay for the system. Ramsey County was the first choice of the Environmental Quality Task Force as the City would not have to become a bill collector. The recycling program would then live on its own merits and would not Mounds View City Council Page Six ~gular Meeting September 14, 1992 • involve the City in any other way. Mayor Linke stated that each resident would be charged approximately $18 in additional taxes for recycling collection. Mr. Oman stated that depending on the amount collected, the City could figure out a cost of the whole system. All monies collected by the County would be given to the City. Mayor Linke stated that he recollected that the recycling collected was 6.91 pounds per person. The County averages 10 pounds per person and 140 tons were collected last quarter. On an annual basis the City of Mounds View is very near the bottom of the list for partici- pation. Mayor Linke again thanked the members of the Environmental Quality Task Force for the time that was spent on this project. Councilmember Quick asked why the Council had to make a decision on which way to go this evening. Carla Asleson, Recycling Coordinator, responded that in order to get the amounts on the tax rolls it had to be forwarded to the County within the next two weeks. Asle'son stated the City is not bound to staying with the County system. The reason the decision would have to be made tonight, if the recycling costs were to go on the property tax roles, is that the paperwork must be started by Ramsey County to place the amounts on the property tax roles. Councilmember Rickaby stated that is why she put this item on the September 2, Special Meeting Agenda, is the Council could have set an informational meeting earlier. MOTION/SECOND: Rickaby/Linke to move recommendation of the Environmental Quality,Task Force with an open hauling system and a zoning system with recycling fees being collecting through the County's property tax system. Councilmember Rickaby stated that she is against putting the collection on the City utility system as she had heard enough about the costs of putting things on the utility bills because it would cost a considerable amount of money and staff time to do this. Mayor Linke stated that he seconded this motion for the purpose of discussion. Mayor Linke stated that when the tonnages collected are based on a per person ratio it is misleading because in the City of Mounds View 45~ of our population are in apartment buildings and/ or trailer courts. If the recycling amounts were based on single families, the tonnages would be up. Mounds View City Council ~gular Meeting Page Seven September 14, 1992 Councilmember Quick asked Asleson to define Score grant monies. Asleson replied that Score grant monies are monies received by the County through the 6 1/2 cent sales tax and given to the City to offset recycling costs. The $25,000 Score grant monies would be given to the City whether or not the billing was done through Ramsey County Property Taxation. Councilmember Quick stated that his preference would be to keep the collection of the recycling funds in house. Councilmember Rickaby would accept that amendment to the motion previously before the Council. Councilmember Blanchard stated that she is bothered by putting something on tax roles without more input from the general public. Mr. Oman stated that with hidden costs there would be resistance. The recycling amount would show up on either the garbage hauler's bill, the property tax or City utility funds. Councilmember Quick added that by paying through the City the residents could pay this bill in four installments. Councilmember Wuori asked if the County could increase the rate of $.12. Wuori felt that figure could be increased because as the pay scale increases, so do costs of accomplishing these tasks. Asleson stated those costs have increased in the past. Walt Witzke, resident of New Brighton, stated that he helped to set up New Brighton's hauling system and shared some examples of New Brighton's recycling fund. Councilmember Rickaby stated that she is concerned about not having an informational meeting. There was a presentation by the Environmental Quality Task Force to the Council at their Work Session last week and this would have afforded plenty of time to set an informational meeting for tonight. Mayor Linke stated that there would not have been enough time for posting of a public hearing. Councilmember Rickaby stated that she had checked with the County and a public hearing was not required on this issue, an informational meeting would have sufficed. Last week would have been ample time to notify residents of an informational meeting. Samantha Orduno, City Administrator, explained the process of . notification when setting a formal public hearing. There has. to be 10 days notice. Mounds View City Council Page Eight ~gular Meeting September 14, 1992 Mayor Linke stated that setting the hearing date on the 8th would not have given ample time. Mayor Linke stated that he would not have felt comfortable putting something on the tax roles without public input and then setting the dollar amount later which could be from one cent to one hundred dollars. Councilmember Rickaby stated this cost would not be put on the tax roles without an informational meeting. The City has found ways to post these notices in the past and Councilmember Rickaby stated that in her opinion it could've been done. Orduno stated that the notice has to be posted and published 10 days before the public hearing is held. Councilmember Rickaby stated again that is why she brought this item to the Council's attention on September 2. There would not have been a timeline problem and there was plenty of time to set up an informational meeting. This item did not need a public hearing. Mayor Linke stated that if they would have set up an informational meeting on the 2nd the Council :would not have heard the presentation by the EQTF because it was not 'presented until September 8. In order to set a public hearing the Council would have had to call to order on] September 2. Councilmember Rickaby stated that she brought it up on the 2nd so that the Council would know by the 8th to schedule an informational meeting. A formal public hearing is not necessary. Mayor Linke stated that, in his opinion, the people of the community deserve the right to be heard at a public hearing. Richard Oman stated that the Environmental Quality Task Force held a meeting on September 1. The Task Force was ready to do the presentation on the 2nd. There is no pressure on the Council or the. residents to make a decision immediately. There would be no problem. with waiting two to three weeks. VOTE: 1 aye 4 nays Motion Failed Councilmember Rickaby moved the same motion stand except collect the fees through the City's utility billing process. This motion was seconded by Mayor Linke. Councilmember Quick asked if this item were tabled, was the only dead- line the negotiations with a single hauler. • Asleson reaffirmed that this was true. Mounds View City Council ~gular Meeting Page Nine September 14, 1992 MOTION Councilmember Quick moved to table this item. Motion failed due to lack of a second. Councilmember Quick asked if there is any other mechanism that could be used to fund recycling. Oman stated that perhaps through licensing fees, but that the Environmental Quality Task Force couldn't find any other good way. Councilmember Quick expounded on this subject by stating that there were seven residential haulers in the City. Quick also stated that not all of these haulers are large businesses. Quick suggested that perhaps .by increasing the licensing fees to the haulers, recycling costs could be offset. Kent Harrell, Waste Management of Blaine, stated they would like to stay with the open hauling system and would like to continue providing recycling services to the residents. The residents' costs would be reflected in their bill. Harrell further stated recycling diverts collection, but it keeps the tipping fee has just added mixed mail to their list Mayor Linke stated that single recycling tonnage, but the City has to educate the VOTE: 1 aye LINKEjOUICK: to continue with garbage and recycling but make education with garbage haulers amount of recyclables. materials from waste lower. Harrell's company ~f recyclables collected. collection would increase people on how to recycle. 4 nays Motion Fails existing system on a more conscientious effort on helping the City to increase the Councilmember Blanchard questioned if all the work that was done by the EQTF was for nothing. Mayor Linke stated the without the information given by the EQTF he would have not been able to make his decision. The Environmental Quality Task Force did a very good job and should be commended. Richard Oman stated recycling is very important to him and that is why he is willing to pay for it and the residents should be willing to also. VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried B. Carla Asleson, Recycling Coordinator, reviewed Staff Report No. 92-357C regarding the adoption of Ordinance No. 516 Amending Chapter 104 of the Municipal code entitled, "Garbage and Rubbish". Asleson Mounds View City Council ~gular Meeting Page Ten September 14, 1992 stated that State Law requires that all cities of 5,000 or more persons ensure that all businesses and residential households either have solid waste collection or are using an "environmentally sound alternative°. In order to comply with the law, cities may organize solid waste collection, provide the collection or require by ordinance that every household and business has a contract for collection and service Ordinance No. 516 provides that all residential homes, apartment buildings, mobile homes and commercial businesses contract with a licensed hauler for collection services. Asleson further stated that Ordinance No. 516 contains a provision for exemptions in the event that a household or business can prove the satisfaction of the city than environmentally sound alternative to hauler collection will be used. D. VOTE: Linke yes Rickaby es Quick yes Blanchard es Wuori des Motion Carried Don Brager, Finance Director, reviewed Staff Report No. 92-377C regarding the 1993 Proposed Tax Levy and the Setting of a Date for the 1993 Budget Hearing. Brager stated that pursuant to the' Truth in Taxation Law a proposed 1993 Property Tax Levy must be certified to Ramsey County and the City must set a date for the public hearing on the 1993 Budget and the Final 1993 Budget Tax Levy at this meeting. Brager introduced Resolution No. 4284 which adopts the proposed 1993 budget at $3,180,361 and certifies to the County of Ramsey Mounds View's proposed 1993 property tax levy of $1,781,539. Resolution No. 4284 sets the public hearing on the Proposed 1993 Budget and the Proposed 1993 Property Tax Levy for 6:00 p.m. on December 9, 1992 and should a continuance be necessary at a later date it could be reconvened at 6:00 p.m. on December 16, 1992. Councilmember Rickaby stated that she would like to see the amount less than $154,000 because we have always talked "pie in the sky". The time to make cuts is not after the proposed budget is set but before. Rickaby is happy that it is high enough to eliminate the franchise fee which she is opposed to. Mayor Linke stated that cuts have been made to the budget and Councilmember Rickaby should have been at last meeting if she had ideas to share and ways to reduce the budget. Mayor Linke asked if Councilmember Rickaby had any ideas to bring forth as she did not attend the Budget Workshop but chose to attend the Environmental Quality Task Force Meeting. Councilmember Rickaby stated that the budget session was scheduled for a night that she had no conflicts and then the meeting was Mounds View City Council ~gular Meeting Page Eleven September 14, 1992 changed because Mayor Linke had conflicts with that night. Therefore,. because she had already made a commitment to attend the Environmental Quality Task Force Meeting she was unable to attend the budget workshop. Councilmember Quick asked Councilmember Rickaby to define "pie in the sky". Councilmember Rickaby stated that this is just a quote of wording made in the past by the staff and the Council. Mayor Linke stated that the Council has had several budget meetings where reductions were made. Councilmember Rickaby stated that she did attend the meeting for a half hour and the only thing that happened in that timeframe was it was suggested that the Councilmember's salary be raised. Rickaby stated that she went along with it as long as this was still the "pie in the sky" budget. It was noted by Mayor Linke that during that meeting Councilmember ,Rickaby made a comment that the Councilmember's salaries should be more •at the median of Councils in the surrounding area. Councilmember Quick stated that it was suggested by Councilmember Rickaby that Councilmembers be paid for extra meetings. Councilmember Rickaby stated that all of the Councilmembers knew she had a conflict with the two meetings. Councilmember Rickaby stated that what she says at the Work Sessions has no impact on decisions made anyway. Rickaby stated that at the Environmental Quality Task Force Meetings what she says does have some impact. Councilmember Rickaby further stated that she has no reason to believe that any different decision wpu,ld have been made with her in attendance. Mayor Linke stated whether Councilmember Rickaby feels her input at the meetings is important or not, her place, as an elected official, is to be at the budget meetings giving that input. Councilmember Quick stated that it is a Councilmember's responsibility to attend scheduled meetings of the Council, particularly during the budget cycle. The Council has always used the technique of introducing a "first" budget and then cutting it. Councilmember Quick stated that he was called and told that someone had a conflict with the scheduled meeting and it would have to be rescheduled for the next night. Quick stated it was okay with him and because the meting was held, he assumed it had•been okay with everyone. Mounds View City Council ~gular Meeting Mayor Linke stated that because of a conflict with he was unable to make the first scheduled meeting. commented that Councilmember Rickaby made a choice Meeting instead of the budget work session. Linke when one is not in attendance at budget meetings t] heard. Councilpersons are elected to give input to behalf of the residents they represent. Page Twelve September 14, 1992 family and children Mayor Linke to attend the EQTF further stated that Zeir voice is not the Council on MOTIONLSECOND: Quick/Blanchard to adopt Resolution No. 4284 which sets the public hearing on the Proposed 1993 Budget and the Proposed 1993 Property Tax Levy for 6:00 p.m. on December 9, 1992 and should a continuance be necessary at a later date it could be reconvened at 6:00 p.m. on December 16, 1992. VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried E., F., G. Samantha Orduno, City Administrator reviewed Staff Reports 92-378C, 92-379C and 92-380C regarding an Electrical Energy Franchise, a Gas Energy Franchise and the Implementa- tion of a Franchise Fee on Gas and Electric Utilities. Orduno stated that information and concerns expressed by representatives from the business community and residents initiated additional discussions regarding the rate structure of the franchise fee. Due to continued discussions on these • issues (which are a part of the franchise agreement) it was staff's recommendation that further consideration of the ordinances approving an electric energy franchise, a gas energy franchise and, implementation of a franchise fee on gas and electric utilities by tabled to the September 28, 1992 Council Meeting. MOTIONLSECOND: Linke/Quick to table Ordinance Nos. 517 • Approving an Electric Energy Franchise, 518 Approving a Gas Energy Franchise and 519 Approving a Franchise Fee on Gas .and Electric Utilities to September 28, 1992 VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried H. Samantha Orduno, City Administrator, reviewed Staff Report No. 92- 381C regarding the approval of legal services for the Charter Commission at a Total Expenditure Not to Exceed $4,500. Orduno explained that the Charter Commission is scheduled to meet on September 23, 1992 at 7:30 p.m. to consider updating the City Charter to bring it into compliance with State Law. Due to the complexity of the project, the Charter Commission Chair has requested that the City Council approve the services of an attorney to review the Charter and advise the Commission on revisions. Orduno stated that David Kennedy, of the Iaw firm of Holmes and Graven (the law firm of the City Attorney) has been recommended as one of the top Charter legal consultants in the metro area. His per hour fee is $110. It is estimated that the total project time will be 30-40 hours. Mounds View City Council Page Thirteen ~qular Meeting September 14, 1992 MOTION~SECOND: Blanchard/Wuori to approve the Legal Services for the Charter Commission at a Total Expenditure not to exceed $4,500 VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried REPORTS• Report of Councilmembers• Councilmember Blanchard - No report but would like all residents to vote tomorrow. Councilmember Wuori - No report. Councilmember Ouick - Requested that the City Administrator give a brief report on the "Issue Summary" for the public. Reaardina the new Police Department Building Referendum - public support for a referendum to build a $2 million police facilities was just-not there. Citv Contracted Hauling - 54 percent for and 49 percent strongly opposed ~e City negotiating a contract with one hauler to serve the entire mmunity. Like the current private choice system. . Wetland Presbrvation - 55 percent favored the City purchasing all privately- . owned wetlands to provide surface water storage and preserve wildlife habitats and vegetation. However, when informed of the cost-.and property tax implications, opinions drastically switched. In fact, 82 percent favred the continuation of the current approach, negotiating with developers to turn over property at no cost to the City for storm water retention and habitat and vegetation preservation. Nuisance Ordinances - 58 percent would favor the~City strenthening its Nuisance Ordinance and increasing enforcement of code violations. Of those in support of a change, 68 percent were still favorable even if it would require the hiring of an additional staff person. Information Sources - The preferred way for the City to communicate with its residents was a mailed newsletter, mentioned by forty-five percent. Newspapers were cited next at 16%. Telephone calls from City Staff and City Councilmembers were suggested by seven percent, while more meetings were key for four percent. Like most suburban communities, a mailed newsletter has the greatest potential for impacting residents. City Surveys - 89 percent supported the use of statistically valid random sample telephone surveys to seek out opinions and views on key issues. conclusion residents were wary of expenditures leading to moderate operty tax increases. 25~ were undecided with regards to a police facility. Mounds View City Council ~gular Meeting Page Fourteen September 14, 1992 Councilmember Quick stated that 89$ favored random sampling telephone surveys and he believes the City should continue using them. The surveys are a very easy and fair way to find out what the residents want from the City Council. Councilmember Quick further commented that the newsletter was the prime source of information. Quick stated it is time for the City to send out another small newsletter. The residents don't have correct information on many items being considered by the Council. Councilmember Quick made a motion that staff put together another small newsletter similar to the last newsletter and complete it prior to the next work session for Council review. Councilmember Quick stated it will be up to staff discretion to pick the items that the residents should know about. Councilmember Blanchard asked if the cost would cut into the cost of the regularly published newsletters. Samantha Orduno, City Administrator, stated that a "mini" newsletter was sent out in August and the City spent far less on the "mini" newsletter than on the regularly published newsletter. With the mailing costs, another ewsletter could put it over budget. ~ouncilme e mb r Quick stated that the cost of the small newsletters is minimal and the contingency fund is in good shape.' Councilmember Rickaby stated that this is at odds with discussions before. Council was talking about reducing the number of newsletters from 6 to 4. According to the survey the residents accepted the cut. Mayor Linke stated that when the cost of the special newsletter and the suggested topics are brought to the Council for review, the Council can decide if the-items contained in it need to be issues for the residents. This means the Council can say no before the newsletter goes to press. Councilmember Rickaby stated that Councilmember Quick brought up the survey and this reminded her that she would like to see more summaries of previous surveys. Rickaby would like to know what had been said in the past. Councilmember Rickaby asked that a summary be put together of questions that have already been asked. Councilmember Wuori stated that that would be very helpful as the community does change its mind about issues. Councilmember Quick stated that surveys are only good on a certain section that time and as attitudes change it looses its flavor. Mounds View City Council ~gular Meeting Page Fifteen September 14, 1992 REPORT OF MAYOR: Mayor Linke reminded everyone that September 15 is Primary Election Day. The state is predicting 10 percent of the registered voters in the cities. Mounds View is normally above the predictions. REFORT OF ADMINISTRATOR: Water meter reading is beginning. Councilmember Wuori inquired as to the identification carried by the readers. A City I.D. badge and if there are questions about the readers the residents can call City Hall between 7:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. State Primary Election is September 15, 1992. Polls open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. Polling place is the Bel-Rae Ballroom. Those who aren't registered can register at the polls. • Orduno mentioned that all residents of the City are now in precinct 1 and when one goes to vote one just looks for the letter of their last name. Recently a petition was circulated. A lot of work was done to receive all the signatures. Many residents thought they were registered but had not voted in four years. If a person does not vote in a four year period their name becomes inactive and they have to reregister. The General Election is November 3. Persons can register at City Hall from September 16 through October 13. To receive an absentee ballot application residents can call the Ramsey County Hotline at 266-2188 and request one be sent to them. Golf Course Task Force Meeting to be held on the 17th at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Charter Commission to meet on September 23, 1992 at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. REPORT OF STAFF: Don Brager, Finance Director, stated that the City is being more aggressive d taking owners to concilliation court regarding utility bills. The wners have tested us and there is a hearing scheduled for Thursday, September 17. City Council needs to authorize the Utility Accountant to represent the City in Court. Mounds View City Council Page Sixteen ~gular Meeting September 14, 1992 MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Blanchard to authorize the Utility. Accountant to represent the City in Court VOTE: 5 ayes 0 nays Motion Carried Carla Asleson, Recycling Coordinator, stated that if residents have trouble with their recycling being picked up, they should contact their hauler. If it becomes a on-going problem, contact City Hall. Councilmember Rickaby suggested that the new rules for recycling be put out to the residents. There being no further business before the Council, Mayor Linke adjourned the meeting at 9:50 p.m. • Respectfully submitted, ~ ~~~~ ~Z.~x:~% Mi ele Severson Deputy Clerk •