HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2011/04/25 •
1 PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL
2 CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
3 RAMSEY COUNTY,MINNESOTA BOV
4
5 Regular Meeting AP P
6 April 25,2011
7 Mounds View City Hall
8 2401 Highway 10,Mounds View,MN 55112
9 7:00 P.M.
10
11
12 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER
13
14 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
15
16 3. ROLL CALL: Flaherty, Stigney, Hull, Mueller, Gunn.
17
18 NOT PRESENT: None.
19
20 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
21 A. Monday,April 25,2011,City Council Agenda.
• 22
23 MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To Approve the Monday, April 25, 2011, agenda as
24 presented.
25
26 Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried.
27
28 5. PUBLIC INPUT
29
30 None.
31
32 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
33 A. National Public Works Week Proclamation.
34
35 Mayor Flaherty read a proclamation declaring May 15-21, 2011, to be National Public Works
36 Week in the City of Mounds View. He thanked the Public Works Department for their diligent
37 service to the community.
38
39 B. Building Safety Month Proclamation.
40
41 Mayor Flaherty read a proclamation declaring May to be Building Safety Month in the City of
42 Mounds View. He noted this was a worthwhile cause and stated building safety, codes and
43 compliance officers were of utmost importance to the City.
44
• 45 C. Arbor Day Proclamation
Mounds View City Council April 25,2011
Regular Meeting Page 2 •
1
2 Mayor Flaherty read a proclamation declaring Friday, April 29, 2011 to be Arbor Day in the City
3 of Mounds View. He encouraged all residents to plant a tree this year to promote the wellbeing
4 of the community.
5
6 Council Member Mueller indicated the Park and Recreation Commission has an initiative to
7 dedicate trees in City parks for residents that may be interested in this program.
8
9 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS
10 A. 7:05 Public Hearing, Resolution 7774, a Resolution to Approve a Temporary
11 On-Sale 3.2 Malt Liquor License for the Anoka/Blaine Jaycees to Sell 3.2
12 Malt Liquor during the Mounds View Festival in the Park.
13
14 Assistant City Administrator Crane stated City Code allows a temporary 3.2 Malt Liquor
15 Licenses may be issued by a club, charitable, religious or non-profit organization for not more
16 than two consecutive days. The Anoka/Blaine Jaycees are a non-profit organization that is
17 requesting to serve liquor during the Mounds View Festival in the Park on August 20, 2011. A
18 public hearing is required for all liquor licenses. Staff submitted a background check on the
19 member of the Anoka/Blaine Jaycees responsible for the liquor and management of the liquor
20 distribution. Staff has not received a background check from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal
21 Apprehension. This license is contingent on a satisfactory background check.
22 •23 Assistant City Administrator Crane recommended approval of a temporary On-Sale 3.2 Malt
24 Liquor License for the Anoka/Blaine Jaycees to serve liquor on August 20, 2011, during the
25 Mounds View Festival in the Park (located at Mounds View City Hall Park), contingent on a
26 satisfactory background check.
27
28 Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:15 p.m.
29
30 Hearing no public input,Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:15 p.m.
31
32 Mayor Flaherty questioned the hours of operation. Keith St. Marie noted the hours would be
33 from 12:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for the Festival. He indicated the Anoka/Blaine Jaycees would like
34 to have a larger beer garden this year to assist with covering expenses.
35
36 Mayor Flaherty suggested this request be directed to Staff and the Festival Committee.
37
38 Council Member Gunn noted in the past a beer garden was provided by The Mermaid. She
39 indicated she would support a larger beer garden with tables.
40
41 Council Member Mueller asked how the Jaycees ensured that minors would not be served at the
42 event. Keith St. Marie indicated all patrons are asked for an ID before being served. At that
43 time, if of age the patron would be given a wristband and could purchase a beverage. Those
44 members that do not have a valid Minnesota ID will be asked to leave the beer garden area.
45 •
Mounds View City Council April 25,2011
Regular Meeting Page 3
1 Council Member Mueller questioned why the Mounds View Jaycees did not operate the beer
2 garden. Keith St. Marie explained the City of Mounds View did not have any Jaycees and
3 encouraged the City to begin a new chapter. The community would need 20 interested members
4 age 18 and up.
5
6 MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7774, a
7 Resolution to Approve a Temporary On-Sale 3.2 Malt Liquor License for the Anoka/Blaine
8 Jaycees to Sell 3.2 Malt Liquor during the Mounds View Festival in the Park contingent to a
9 satisfactory background check.
10
11 Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried.
12
13 B. Resolution 7773, Approving a Contract for Janitorial Cleaning Services for
14 the City Hall Offices and Police Department and Weekend Cleaning for the
15 Mounds View Community Center.
16
17 Public Works Director DeBar explained the City Hall and Police Department do not have a staff
18 member that provides janitorial services. These services are contracted out and the contract is set
19 to expire at the end of April. He noted Staff solicited quotes and received a great response from
20 five qualified companies.
21
22 Public Works Director DeBar noted the low bid was received from CleanTech and Staff
23 recommended a three year contract with the vendor.
24
25 Council Member Mueller questioned if Staff has received any complaints or had any issues with
26 the current vendor. Public Works Director DeBar stated the vendor has been performing in a
27 satisfactory manner and very responsive to Staff comments.
28
29 MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7773,
30 Approving a Contract for Janitorial Cleaning Services to CleanTech with a three year contract for
31 the City Hall Offices and Police Department and Weekend Cleaning for the Mounds View
32 Community Center.
33
34 Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried.
35
36 8. CONSENT AGENDA
37
38 None.
39
40 9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS
41
42 Finance Director Beer answered the Council's questions related to claims.
43
44 MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented.
45
Mounds View City Council April 25,2011
Regular Meeting Page 4 •
1 Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried.
2
3 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4
5 None.
6
7 11. REPORTS
8 A. Reports of Mayor and Council.
9
10 Mayor Flaherty thanked all residents who attended the Town Hall meeting last Monday night.
11 He felt the discussion held was valuable.
12
13 Mayor Flaherty noted the Medtronic Foundation has provided 18 scholarships in the north
14 suburban area high schools. For 2011, Medtronic was offering two scholarships to north
15 suburban schools totaling $16,000 over four years. He noted Emma Larson and Dwayne Vang of
16 Irondale High School received scholarships from the Medtronic Foundation.
17
18 Council Member Gunn indicated prom was a huge success. She noted Mark Braun was recently
19 in the Star Tribune, focusing on his athletic abilities given the fact he is in a wheel chair. She
20 congratulated Mark for his determination.
21
22 Council Member Mueller noted she would be attending a workshop meeting on Wednesday,May 1111
23 11`h on how to apply for grants to support the City's natural areas and park projects. She noted
24 five different seminars would be offered at this event.
25
26 Council Member Mueller explained the Blaine Airport would be holding its Aviation Days on
27 May 21st and 22nd. She encouraged all to attend this family-friendly event.
28
29 B. Reports of Staff.
30 i. Public Works 2010 Annual Report
31
32 Public Works Director DeBar reviewed the 2010 Public Works Annual Report with the Council.
33 He highlighted the main issues addressed over the year,noting the Public Works Department had
34 15 full-time staff employees and nine part-time employees. The City was served well by the
35 longevity and experience of the department.
36
37 Public Works Director DeBar indicated the City was fortunate to be working with Rick Wriskey,
38 the City's contract forester. In addition, the Public Works Department was pleased to have a GIS
39 intern to assist with updating City maps. Mc further described the breakdown of the department
40 and how each portion was staffed.
41
42 Public Works Director DeBar noted Area A of the street and utility project was complete, along
43 with Areas B and C. Area D was in the planning process and would be completed in 2011. The
44 City currently had 43 miles of streets to maintain, sweep and inspect.
45 •
Mounds View City Council April 25,2011
• Regular Meeting Page 5
1 Public Works Director DeBar explained the City had maintained 11 parks being over 150 acres
2 with 130 acres fertilized and mowed on a weekly basis. He reviewed other amenities maintained
3 by the Public Works Department including park buildings, ball fields, etc. The City was
4 approached by Kay Wisser, a resident of New Brighton, if the City was interested in receiving
5 memorial funds for Greenfield Park. The City approved the purchase of an electronic scoreboard
6 and batting cage in memory of Mark Wisser.
7
8 Public Works Director DeBar indicated the City would remain proactive to the Emerald Ash
9 Borer issues. He noted the City had 340 large Ash trees in parks and rights-of-way. Those
10 damaged and beyond help would be removed. He explained the heavy rainfalls last summer
11 assisted the Oaks and pine tree in fighting off other pests.
12
13 Public Works Director DeBar reported the Public Works Department came in under budget for
14 2010 by approximately$61,000. He stated he was honored to manage and be working with great
15 employees in the Public Works Department.
16
17 Mayor Flaherty requested staff highlight how water is brought from the City to each home in
18 Mounds View. Public Works Director DeBar described how the City pumps and pressurizes the
19 water system throughout the City to provide homeowners with safe, treated drinking water. The
20 City has 47 miles of water mains to oversee and maintain. In addition the City had three
21 treatment plants and five wells to keep operational while working in conjunction with the booster
1111 22 pump.
23
24 Council Member Mueller thanked Staff for the detailed report. She questioned if the diseased
25 tree removal information could be posted on the City's website to keep the public informed as to
26 the signs and symptoms. Public Works Director DeBar indicated a great deal of information was
27 available on the City's website and residents can call the City's forestry hotline with any
28 questions about diseased trees.
29
30 Council Member Mueller reported several potholes in the City last week and thanked Staff for
31 addressing her concerns. Public Works Director DeBar advised of the number that residents
32 should call with pothole concerns, which would be passed along to public works.
33
34 Mayor Flaherty thanked the Public Works Department for all the work completed on behalf of
35 the City to keep the City operational.
36
37 ii. Finance First Quarter Report
38
39 Finance Director Beer reviewed a finance report with the Council for the first quarter of 2011.
40 He noted the first quarter had relatively low revenues with respect to the entire year. Property
41 taxes are not collected until June/July and November/December. The City needed to maintain
42 proper fund balances to account for this.
43
44 Finance Director Beer noted the City had collected 4% of revenues for the year and expended
45 22% of budgeted expenses in the first quarter. He noted the banquet center was slightly lower in
Mounds View City Council April 25,2011
Regular Meeting Page 6
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1 the first quarter and would pick up in the second and third quarters. It was reported the three of
2 the four TIF district funds were doing well.
3
4 Finance Director Beer indicated Area D and the water tower rehabilitation were major projects
5 the City would fund in 2011. He noted that the economy was still slow and investments were
6 earning an extremely low rate at this time. The State's unemployment rate is at 6.6% at this time
7 which indicated the State was struggling and having a hard time recovering from the downturn.
8
9 Finance Director Beer stated the City was waiting to hear from the State on the market value
10 homestead credits and LGA. At this time, the City has been told to not anticipate more than
11 received in 2010. He indicated the City just completed its annual audit and it will be reviewed in
12 detail at a meeting in May. The information was available on the City's website.
13
14 Council Member Hull questioned the level of the community center fund transfer. Finance
15 Director Beer stated the fund transfer would be replaced with revenues as the year progressed.
16 He reported that the community center had a deficit of only$20,000 in 2010.
17
18 Council Member Mueller asked if the City would be increasing the number of antennas on the
19 City's water tower. Finance Director Beer stated AT&T was looking to locate at this site along
20 with a wireless provider.
21
22 Council Member Mueller inquired if the water tower had additional space for new vendors.
1111
23 Finance Director Beer indicated the water tower railing would be expanded through the
24 renovations this summer and all MetroComm antennas were going to removed, which would free
25 up space.
26
27 Mayor Flaherty questioned the balance of the park dedication funds. Finance Director Beer
28 explained the City had a cash balance of$915,000 in park dedication funds.
29
30 iii. Administrator's Report
31
32 City Administrator Ericson reported on an opportunity to add signage to the community center
33 building to help distinguish between city hall and the community center. He reviewed the
34 renderings and quotes with the Council. JDI Signs submitted a low bid for the 24" sign at
35 $1,860. He requested feedback from the Council on this issue noting it would be paid for by
36 funds undesignated, donated from Bethlehem Baptist church.
37
38 Council Member Gunn agreed with the recommendation of Staff and suggested Council proceed
39 with the sign.
40
41 Council Member Mueller also agreed, stating this would assist with visually labeling the building
42 in the community.
43
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Mounds View City Council April 25,2011
• Regular Meeting Page 7
1 Council Member Hull supported the signage as well, and asked if the City's logo could be
2 incorporated into the signages. City Administrator Ericson stated this would customize the sign
3 and increase the expense.
4
5 Council Member Stigney questioned the location of the signage and if it could be seen from the
6 highway. He did not feel enough options were explored to approve the expenditure at this time.
7
8 Mayor Flaherty asked if the sign would be illuminated. City Administrator Ericson noted Staff
9 was not proposing to light the sign. He felt it would be visible through surrounding lights. He
10 indicated staff could come back to Council with additional options for the Bethlehem Baptist
11 Church undesignated funds.
12
13 Mayor Flaherty indicated he would support the sign as it would assist the general public in
14 identifying and accessing the community center.
15
16 Council Member Stigney expressed concern about the placement of the sign. Mayor Flaherty
17 suggested the placement be determined at a later date.
18
19 Mayor Flaherty suggested Staff draft a Resolution and present this to Council in two weeks.
20
21 City Administrator Ericson again discussed the Town Hall meeting stating he received a great
S 22 deal of positive feedback from the public. He proposed next year's meeting begin at 7:00 p.m.
23 and those interested in arriving early could speak with Staff. This would reduce confusion on the
24 start time. The Council was in favor with this recommendation.
25
26 City Administrator Ericson reviewed the process of getting items on the agenda. The Council
27 felt there was no need to change the current policy.
28
29 City Administrator Ericson presented the May work session agenda.
30
31 Mayor Flaherty requested the Mounds View Lions be invited to the June work session meeting.
32
33 Council Member Mueller questioned if the joint meeting between Mounds View, Spring Lake
34 Park and Blaine had been scheduled. City Administrator Ericson indicated the joint meeting
35 would be held on May 25th
36
37 City Administrator Ericson noted Police Chief Kinney presented the Council with information on
38 the Cops Grant to assist with community oriented policing. He noted this grant process was
39 highly competitive and would cover the expense of a new officer for three years, with the City
40 paying for the fourth year. Direction from Council on the opportunity was needed at this time.
41
42 Council Member Hull was not in favor of the grant opportunity. He proposed this grant be
43 sought when the City was facing a potential retirement.
44
411 45 Council Member Stigney agreed.
Mounds View City Council April 25,2011
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11111
1
2 Council Member Mueller encouraged Staff to apply for the grant as it would provide the City
3 with a great community oriented policing opportunity. The funds could possibly be used for a K-
4 9 unit.
5
6 Council Member Gunn did not feel the grant opportunity was a priority at this time.
7
8 Mayor Flaherty commented that the Police Department was fully staffed and without a pending
9 retirement, the City could not support an additional officer.
10
11 City Administrator Ericson noted the City's Spring Clean Up day was scheduled for Saturday,
12 May 7th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the public works building. It was noted that computers,
13 monitors and hard drives could be dropped off free of charge.
14
15 City Administrator Ericson explained he met with the owner from Creative Kids Academy and
16 passed along the Council's offer, regarding a two year lease extension. The owner was agreeable
17 to the lease extension and this would come before the Council on May 9th
18
19 Mayor Flaherty commented on Mary Tatarek's retirement party noting it was very well attended
20 by past and present City officials. He thanked Mary for her 31 years of service to the City of
21 Mounds View and noted she would be greatly missed by all.
22 III
23 C. Reports of City Attorney.
24
25 City Attorney Riggs noted Sexual Harassment Prevention training would take place at City Hall
26 on Wednesday, April 27th for City Staff.
27
28 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday,May 2,2011,at 7:00 p.m.
29 Next Council Meeting: Monday,May 9,2011,at 7:00 p.m.
30
31 13. ADJOURNMENT
32
33 The meeting was adjourned at 9:02 p.m.
34
35 Transcribed by:
36
37 Heidi Guenther
38 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
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