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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2011/02/28 • PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL vE 0 CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY,MINNESOTA AopRO Regular Meeting February 28,2011 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10,Mounds View,MN 55112 7:01 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Flaherty, Stigney, Hull,Mueller, Gunn. NOT PRESENT: None. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday,February 28,2011, City Council Agenda. 411 MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Monday, February 28, 2011, agenda as presented. Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT Mike Read, 2208 Lois Drive, commented on the amount of snow fall this year and commended the City employees for doing an outstanding job keeping the streets clear. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS None. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Resolution 7733, Approving Revisions to Section 1.27 of the Personnel Manual about"Sexual Harassment Prevention". City Administrator Ericson stated this item was before the Council as a result of the work session discussion in January. The Council has been reviewing the Personnel Manual over the past few months and this policy was in need of updates. Kennedy & Graven provided the City with necessary revisions. Staff recommends approval of the Resolution approving the revisions to the IIIPersonnel Manual regarding Sexual Harassment Prevention. Mounds View City Council February 28,2011 Regular Meeting Page 2 • Mayor Flaherty questioned how policies had changed with regard to sexual harassment. City Attorney Riggs commented circumstances arise over the years and new policies are adopted. He stated the revisions have simplified and modernized the manual. Council Member Mueller asked if the revisions were covered by the Kennedy & Graven waiver or if it was an additional fee. City Attorney Riggs stated the revisions made were billed separately to the City. Council Member Mueller inquired how all these revisions would be passed along to staff. City Attorney Riggs indicated the City Administrator would bring the changes to the employees and all new employees would receive this information in their Personnel Manual. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7733, Approving Revisions to Section 1.27 of the City of Mounds View Personnel Manual about "Sexual Harassment Prevention". Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried. B. Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 857, An Ordinance Adding Chapter 1013 to the City Code(Vacant Building Registration). Community Development Director Roberts stated City Staff was requesting the Council to • consider an Ordinance adding Chapter 1013 which would require vacant building registration. This issue was discussed in detail by Council in a work session meeting in both January and February. The program merits and concerns were discussed and the consensus was to direct Staff to draft an Ordinance for this program. The vacant building database would be managed under the same software as the other City licenses and building permits. This City would require a $500 fee to be paid with the permit to assist with monitoring and inspecting the vacant site. Staff recommends the Council proceed with the first reading and introduce the Ordinance this evening. Eric Myers, North Metro Realtors Association, appreciated the opportunity to address the vacant building issue this evening with the Council. He then reviewed a housing market update for the community noting the City has seen an increase in the mean value of homes, which was a very positive sign. Mr. Myers explained the City has also assisted new homeowners with City sponsored programs that have led to home ownership. He indicated the realtors association appreciated the City's efforts in this area. Mr. Myers then expressed concern on the vacant building registration fee stating it would be difficult to encumber a fee to a home being foreclosed. In addition, sales could be delayed as banks try and determine what party is responsible for the fee. He cautioned the City from creating an additional Ordinance to micromanage the housing stock, but rather encouraged the City to focus their efforts on programs or incentives that would promote home ownership. Mayor Flaherty thanked Mr. Myers for his comments and the information presented this evening. • Mounds View City Council February 28,2011 • Regular Meeting Page 3 He questioned how realtors searched for fees, liens or fines assessed to a property. Mr. Myers explained the process indicating all information was passed along to a potential buyer when the information was readily available. Mayor Flaherty asked what recourse a purchaser had if additional fees were outstanding and unknown to the realtor. Mr. Myers explained there was a limit to this scope as not all information was readily available. He noted that State databases were searched for recorded fees. John Periard, St. Paul Area Realtors, reviewed a brochure with the Council. He noted sales have been down in the City of Mounds View but home prices were up 2.9%. Mr. Periard stated this was a great reflection as to the things happening in this community. He then cautioned the Council on proceeding with this Ordinance and suggested the Council seek another way to address the vacant building concerns. In addition, the short-term vacancy language should be revisited to allow landlords more than 30 days to find new tenants. Mr. Periard recommended the Council address the problem properties while not hindering those in distress. Betty Johnson, Realtor, 7718 Groveland Road,indicated she has been a resident of Mounds View since 1972. Ms. Johnson noted there had been several foreclosures along Groveland Road that the City has managed well. Council Member Mueller questioned what percentage of properties became a nuisance to the • City in the last year. Community Development Director Roberts indicated he did not have the numbers in front of him, but noted a small portion (10-20%) of the properties created a large percentage of the work. Council Member Mueller expressed concern about the timing of the vacant building registration. She asked if it was reasonable for this registration to be completed within 30 days of the vacancy, especially for those homes going on the market for sale. Community Development Director Roberts indicated the City can set whatever timeline the Council feels is necessary. Council Member Mueller did not feel it was right for new owners to be forced into costly home repairs committed to by a previous owner. Community Development Director Roberts commented Section 1013.06 states that any proposed changes to the property will be brought to the City for further review. Council Member Mueller questioned if there would be a standard appeal process for the vacant building registration fees. While the intent of the registration was to address the problem properties, she did not want to see any other properties burdened. Mayor Flaherty indicated he would not support the vacant building registration Ordinance. He felt there were too many uncertainties within the process. He suggested the City speak further with the realtors in the area regarding the City's concerns to revise the Ordinance. In addition, the City had not budgeted the expenses to cover the software and license needed to run the vacant building program. • Mounds View City Council February 28,2011 Regular Meeting Page 4 Council Member Mueller questioned the benefit gained by the City through the $500 registration fee. She encouraged the City to enhance the code compliance area without adding a fee and a new City program. Mayor Flaherty asked if the Council had to take action on the item this evening. City Administrator Ericson stated the Council should make a recommendation or direct staff on the issue. He suggested the Council table or postpone action on the Ordinance this evening which would allow staff to complete further research on the issues raised this evening. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Mueller. To Postpone the First Reading and Introduction of Ordinance 857, An Ordinance adding Chapter 1013 to the City Code (Vacant Building Registration) until the first meeting in May, 2011. Council Member Mueller suggested the Council establish a task force to further investigate the vacant building registration process. Community Development Director Roberts indicated staff would speak with the realtors association first before creating a task force. Mayor Flaherty felt that property owners within the community had every right to keep their property vacant if well maintained. Council Member Stigney requested Staff speak with neighboring communities to see how they were addressing vacant buildings and blighted properties. • Council Member Hull felt the Ordinance would assist Staff in dealing with code enforcement issues and would be enhanced after speaking with further with the area realtors. Council Member Gunn supported the Ordinance and wanted to see the City become more consistent with code enforcement. Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 7745, Approving a Contract with Dick Gripentrog General Contracting for Interior Painting Improvements at the Community Center. Public Works Director DeBar stated last October the Council approved several improvements to the Community Center. The second phase was complete and the furniture has been reupholstered. The City has received a great deal of positive feedback from the improvements. Staff would now like to proceed with repainting the Community Center as the paint was original and through the painting improvements,the facility would be brought up to date. Public Works Director DeBar explained the YMCA Advisory Committee was onboard with the paint selections. He reviewed several other proposed improvements that would be made to the site. Staff recommended the Council approve the contract for improvements at the Community Center with Dick Gripentrog for an expense not to exceed $25,715. The work would be completed March 27`h through April 2nd. The contract would be funded through the YMCA • Mounds View City Council February 28,2011 • Regular Meeting Page 5 along with a surplus in the Special Projects Fund. Council Member Hull asked if the front counter would be replaced through these improvements. Public Works Director DeBar indicated the countertop could be re-laminated and the expense was not a part of these improvements. He noted he could have bids submitted for this work. Council Member Gunn was in favor of removing the two curved walls with the addition of a bench seat. Council Member Mueller questioned if the old ceiling tiles would be painted or replaced. Public Works Director DeBar explained the tiles would be repainted and placed back in the metal grids. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7745, Approving a Contract with Dick Gripentrog General Contracting for Interior Painting Improvements at the Community Center. Council Member Stigney stated the expenses for these improvements would impact the general fund. He thought the curved walls should remain,be repainted and reduce the overall expense of the improvements. Public Works Director DeBar indicated the wall removal was a minor expense within the project. • Ayes—4 Nays— 1 (Stigney) Motion carried. D. Resolution 7746, Approving the Purchase of a Used 80-kW Onan Emergency Generator for City Hall. Public Works Supervisor Peterson requested the Council consider approving the purchase of a used 80 kW emergency generator for use at the City Hall. City Hall was the designated Emergency Operating Center in case of a catastrophic event. The generator would assure continuous operations of City Hall and the Police Department. Public Works Supervisor Peterson indicated the generator has minimal hours and was a superior quality. All data on the generator has been reviewed by the Public Works staff with Onan. The City would need a fuel tank assembly, hood and several other components. In addition, the City would need a cement slab for the placement of the generator and weather enclosure. Staff recommended approval of the purchase of the emergency generator for City Hall for an expense not to exceed$25,000. Council Member Stigney questioned the estimated cost for the silencer kit. Public Works Supervisor Peterson indicated the silencer kit was the muffler. Mayor Flaherty asked how much concrete was required for the slab. Public Works Supervisor Peterson estimated the slab would require four yards of concrete. He noted the slab would have a fence to surround the unit. • Mounds View City Council February 28,2011 Regular Meeting Page 6 MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Readin g Adopt Ado t Resolution 7746, • Approving the Purchase of a Used 80-kW Onan Emergency Generator for City Hall. Council Member Hull thanked Staff for saving the taxpayers$40,000 on this generator unit. Council Member Stigney stated the City did have a portable generator and the need for this unit was uncertain. However, the price for this unit would greatly benefit the City and met a long- term goal. Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 7747, Approving Plans and Specifications and Authorizing Advertisement for Bids for the 2011 Street and Utility Improvement Project —Area D. Public Works Director DeBar stated the City was approaching the third construction cycle of the nine area plan created through the Street and Utility Improvement Plan. The program was created by a task force in response to petition to the 2007-08 street and utility improvement project. He indicated the City was working through the seven year plan and in 2011,Area D was slated for improvements. Public Works Director DeBar indicated Areas A-C have been completed $1.6 million under • estimated expenses. The City held a number of neighborhood meetings regarding the Area D improvements. Several appeals have been made regarding Area D and were denied. The executive summary from Bonestroo was reviewed and the total cost for the improvements were estimated to be $2.5 million for 2.4 linear miles of roadway. The City received preliminary approval from the Rice Creek Watershed District. Staff explained the expense for Area D was slightly higher than expected due to the increased price of oil. He reviewed the streets included in Area D that would be advertised for bid and recommended the Council approve the plans and specifications. Staff then reviewed the street improvement timeline with the Council. Council Member Gunn questioned why Quincy Street was not included within Area D. Public Works Director DeBar noted Quincy Street was a State Aid roadway. Mayor Flaherty noted the first two improvement projects received favorable bids. He then asked why the design fees through Bonestroo were increased $9,000. Joe Rhein, Bonestroo, commented the original design fees were approved last summer and after several non-standard issues were found and redesigned, additional funds were needed to resolve those issues. He felt the bidding environment for the improvement project was extremely healthy at this time. He anticipated the project would be ready for bid in four weeks. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7747, Approving Plans and Specifications and Authorizing Advertisement for Bids for the 2011 Street and Utility Improvement Project—Area D with a March 31st bid opening date. • Mounds View City Council February 28,2011 • Regular Meeting Page 7 Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried. F. Resolution 7750, Approving the Hire of Nathan Garland to the Position of Police Officer. Police Chief Kinney recommended the Council hire Nathan Garland to the position of Police Officer filling a vacancy in the agency. He provided a brief history stating the department has two vacancies at this time due to retirements. The Civil Service Commission met on February 23rd and approved an eligibility list. The top three candidates were recommended with the number one candidate being Nathan Garland. Mayor Flaherty questioned the work history of Nathan Garland. Police Chief Kinney indicated this would be Mr. Garland's first position as a police officer. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7750, Approving the Hire of Nathan Garland to the Position of Police Officer effective March 2nd Council Member Stigney recommended the Police and Fire Department further review cost savings measures for the City. Ayes—4 Nays— 1 (Stigney) Motion carried. • 8. CONSENT AGENDA Council Member Stigney requested that Item 8B be removed from the Consent Agenda for further discussion. Mayor Flaherty requested that Item 8A be removed from the Consent Agenda for further discussion. . . . . . . • • • . . • • • A. Resolution 7748, Approving Parking Restrictions on Jackson Drive Between County Road H2 and County Road I. Mayor Flaherty requested Staff further explain the parking restrictions along Jackson Drive. Public Works Director DeBar stated the City had to follow the State Aid design standards for Jackson Drive in order to be eligible for State Aid funding. The resolution was a formality. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7748, Approving Parking Restrictions on Jackson Drive Between County Road H2 and County Road I. 4110 Mounds View City Council February 28,2011 Regular Meeting Page 8 • Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 7749,Approving the Purchase of Supplies for Grouped Mailboxes for the 2011 Street and Utility Improvement Project—Area D. Council Member Stigney expressed concern about the address numbers and requested the size and shape be standardized. Public Works Director DeBar indicated the City did have a one inch standard size which was sent out to the homeowners within a flyer. Council Member Stigney stated he would like to see white numbers and letters used. Public Works Director DeBar explained the mailboxes were private property and the homeowners were allowed to select their own letters and numbers in any color. Council Member Gunn noted there was confusion with the last improvement project and additional information regarding the standardizing of the numbers would be beneficial. She did not want to see the issue taken on by City Staff. Council Member Hull agreed that the numbers should be standardized. Public Works Director DeBar stated the notification would explain the City favored one inch white letters with a sketch on the preferred placement. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7749, • Approving the Purchase of Supplies for Grouped Mailboxes for the 2011 Street and Utility Improvement Project—Area D. Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried. 9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS Finance Director Beer answered the Council's questions related to claims. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented. Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES None. 11. REL RTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Mueller noted she attended the League of Minnesota Cities conference this past weekend in Brooklyn Center. The information was provided by Lindsey Strand and an extra • Mounds View City Council February 28,2011 Regular Meeting Page 9 informational packet would be given to staff. She felt the training was well attended and well done. Mayor Flaherty indicated the Mounds View Business Community would be meeting again on Wednesday, March 9, 2011, at 7:30 a.m. at the Mounds View Motor Company site. He added that Mounds View Matters would arrive this week in mailboxes throughout the City. Council Member Stigney thanked City Administrator Ericson for providing an Executive Summary for the packet. He stated this would be a valuable tool for the Council Members and requested City Administrator Ericson provide his professional opinion for each item. This summary has been provided in the past. Council Member Gunn agreed. Council Member Mueller felt the synopsis was not necessary as this would use a great deal of additional Staff time. Mayor Flaherty agreed stating the Council could speak with the City Administrator on items to address concerns and the additional summary was not necessary. B. Reports of Staff. • Community Development Director Roberts stated last Saturday the Home and Garden Show took place in Blaine at Schwann's Arena. The event was well attended,but numbers were down given the snow and poor driving conditions on Saturday. City Administrator Ericson updated the Council on several items. He reviewed a summary of the recent Staff retreat. The Council thanked Staff for completing the summary and requested it be posted on the City's website. City Administrator Ericson indicated the Council could take formal action on the goals and priorities for 2011 by Resolution, if desired. Mayor Flaherty was in favor of this suggestion. The Council was in agreement. City Administrator Ericson indicated the Creative Kids lease would return to the Council at the March work session. Staff outlined the March work session discussion items. City Administrator Ericson suggested the Human Resources Task Force be addressed at the April work session. City Administrator Ericson explained a resident met with Senator Wolf regarding the sound wall. A future date meeting will be scheduled at the Community Center for the community to discuss this item in further detail with Senator Wolf. City Administrator Ericson noted Citizen of the Year nominations are due on March 4th and applications can be found on the City's website or at City Hall. 411 C. Reports of City Attorney. Mounds View City Council February 28,2011 Regular Meeting Page • 10 City Attorney Riggs provided the Council with a memorandum. 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday,March 7,2011,at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday,March 14,2011,at 7:00 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:41 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. • •