HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2011/05/22 • PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
Ilk D
RAMSEY COUNTY,MINNESOTA*PPR
Regular Meeting
May 23,2011
Mounds View City Hall
2401 Highway 10,Mounds View,MN 55112
7:03 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,May 23,2011, City Council Agenda.
• MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Monday, May 23, 2011, agenda as
presented.
Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried.
5. PUBLIC INPUT
Warren Johnson, 7710 Greenwood Drive, commented that the code enforcement sweep being
completed on June 1st should address dandelions. He stated the dandelions should be seen as a
weed and nuisance. He requested the City take action to address the concern of spreading weeds
throughout the community. City Administrator Ericson indicated dandelions were a nuisance if
they reach the eight inch height requirement.
6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
A. Presentation of the 2010 Annual Audit and Management Report by Aaron
Nielsen, Principal from Malloy, Montague, Karnowski, Radesevich & Co.,
P.A. (MMKR)
Aaron Nielsen, Malloy, Montague, Karnowski, Radesevich & Co. (MMKR). He reviewed the
2010 Annual Audit and Management report with the Council in detail. Mr. Nielsen indicated the
City was in great financial standing and asked for questions or comments from the Council.
• Mayor Flaherty noted property taxes make up 70% of the City's general fund. He questioned
Mounds View City Council May 23,2011
Regular Meeting Page 2 •
what the break down was between commercial and residential properties. Finance Director Beer
reviewed the information stating the break down of taxes depended on the tax capacity of
properties.
7. COUNCIL BUSINESS
A. Public Hearing at 7:05 p.m., Resolution 7784, a Resolution to Consider an
On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License Renewal for Moe's located at 2400
County Highway 10.
Assistant City Administrator Crane stated Moe's has not submitted any paperwork for their
liquor license renewal. A conversation was held between the property owner, Jeff Moritko, and
the City Administrator. Apparently, the owner was having some financial issues at this time.
Moe's continues to owe on back property taxes, totaling $72,596.74 which includes the first half
of 2011. In addition, Moe's was delinquent on their utility bill in the amount of $1,966.24.
Given the circumstances, Moe's was not eligible to renew their liquor license. She explained
that the Council could deny the renewal or continue the public hearing to the June 13th meeting.
Mayor Flaherty stated that Mr. Moritko did have a plan and would be willing to speak with the
Council at the June 13th meeting.
Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:29 p.m.
MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Mueller. To Postpone the On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License •
renewal for Moe's to the June 13th meeting.
Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried.
B. Public Hearing at 7:10 p.m., Resolution 7785, a Resolution to Consider an
On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License Renewal for Robert's Sports Bar and
Entertainment located at 2400 County Road H2.
Assistant City Administrator Crane stated Robert's has not submitted any paperwork for their
liquor license renewal. All correspondence from the City was sent certified mail to Robert's and
was signed for by the owner. Staff recommended the license renewal be postponed to the June
13th meeting.
Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:32 p.m.
Council Member Gunn questioned if Robert's was current on their property taxes and utility
bills. Assistant City Administrator Crane stated Robert's was current at this time.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To Postpone the On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License
renewal for Robert's Sports Bar to the June 13th meeting.
Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried. •
Mounds View City Council May 23,2011
• Regular Meeting Page 3
C. Public Hearing at 7:15 p.m., Resolution 7786, a Resolution to Consider an
On-Sale Wine and 3.2 Malt Liquor License Renewal for Taiko Sushi Bar
located at 2394 County Highway 10.
Assistant City Administrator Crane stated Taiko Sushi Bar passed their liquor compliance check
with the Mounds View Police Department but has outstanding property taxes in the amount of
$34,746.36 and a utility bill for $547.58. She had suggested the property owner be present to
speak to the Council this evening but the property owner declined stating he was unable to pay
his property taxes at this time. She explained that the Council could deny the renewal or
continue the public hearing to the June 13th meeting requesting that the property owner be present
to plead his case.
Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:35 p.m.
Council Member Mueller questioned if the owner had a payment plan in place. Assistant City
Administrator Crane indicated the property owner did not have a repayment plan in place. The
property owner expressed concern with similar businesses opening as this has strained his
business.
Council Member Mueller asked if an extension on this renewal would assist the property owner.
• Assistant City Administrator Crane did not feel this would assist the establishment.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To Postpone the On-Sale Wine and 3.2 Malt Liquor
License renewal for Taiko Sushi Bar to the June 13th meeting.
Mayor Flaherty stated the Council was trying to be understanding in these matters given the fact
the economy had slowed. He encouraged the property owner to be present at the June 13th
meeting to discuss this matter with the Council.
Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried.
D. Public Hearing at 7:20 p.m., Resolution 7787, a Resolution to Consider an
On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License Renewal for the Mermaid Acquisition
Group, Inc., (doing business as The Mermaid), located at 2200 County
Highway 10.
Assistant City Administrator Crane stated The Mermaid has all property taxes and utility bills
paid in full at this time. In addition, the fire department he e issued a satisfactory inspection. The
police department completed a satisfactory compliance check. Staff recommends the Council
approve the on-sale intoxicating liquor license renewal for The Mermaid.
Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:z 1 p.m.
• Hearing no public input,Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:41 p.m.
Mounds View City Council May 23,2011
Regular Meeting Page 4 •
Council Member Stigney questioned how much the Mermaid Acquisition Group paid for their
license in February. Assistant City Administrator Crane stated the group paid $10,000 for the
license.
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7787, a
Resolution to Consider an On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License Renewal for the Mermaid
Acquisition Group, Inc., (doing business as The Mermaid), located at 2200 County Highway 10.
Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried.
E. Public Hearing at 7:25 p.m., Resolution 7788, a Resolution to Consider an
Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License Renewal for ABC Liquor located at
2840 County Highway 10.
Assistant City Administrator Crane stated ABC Liquor was compliant with the police and fire
department at this time. All property taxes and utility bills have been paid in full. Staff
recommends approval of the off-sale intoxicating liquor license for ABC Liquor.
Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:43 p.m.
Hearing no public input,Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:43 p.m. •
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7788, a
Resolution to Consider an Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License Renewal for ABC Liquor located
at 2840 County Highway 10.
Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried.
F. Public Hearing at 7:30 p.m., Resolution 7789, a Resolution to Consider an
Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License Renewal for Vino & Stogies located at
2345 County Road H2.
Assistant City Administrator Crane stated Vino & Stogies was compliant with the police and fire
department at this time. All property taxes and utility bills have been paid in full. Staff
recommends approval of the off-sale intoxicating liquor license for Vino&Stogies.
Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:45 p.m.
Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:45 p.m.
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading .nd Adopt Resolution 7789, a
Resolution to Consider an Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License Renewal for Vino & Stogies
located at 2345 County Road H2.
•
Mounds View City Council May 23,2011
• Regular Meeting Page 5
Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried.
G. Public Hearing at 7:35 p.m., Resolution 7790, a Resolution to Consider an
Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License Renewal for Big Top Liquor located at
2577 County Highway 10.
Assistant City Administrator Crane stated Big Top Liquor was compliant with the police and fire
department at this time. All property taxes and utility bills have been paid in full. Staff
recommends approval of the off-sale intoxicating liquor license for Big Top Liquor.
Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:47 p.m.
Hearing no public input,Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:47 p.m.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7790, a
Resolution to Consider an Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License Renewal for Big Top Liquor
located at 2577 County Highway 10.
Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried.
H. Public Hearing at 7:40 p.m., Resolution 7791, a Resolution to Consider an
S Off-Sale 3.2 Malt Liquor License for Speedway SuperAmerica located at
2840 County Road I.
Assistant City Administrator Crane stated SuperAmerica was compliant with the police and fire
department at this time. All property taxes and utility bills have been paid in full. Staff
recommends approval of the 3.2 malt liquor license for Speedway SuperAmerica.
Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:48 p.m.
Hearing no public input,Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:48 p.m.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7791, a
Resolution to Consider an Off-Sale 3.2 Malt Liquor License for Speedway SuperAmerica located
at 2840 County Road I.
Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried.
I Resolution 7792, Autl_cr-izing an Oa Sale Intor is .-ir.ig Liquor License
Refund for:PvloundsVistn,Inc.,(formally icing busina's as The Mermaid.).
Assistant City Administrator Crane stated that on February 14th the Council approved a liquor
license transfer from MoundsVista, Inc. to the Mermaid Acquisition Group, Inc. This became
effective on February 15`h'. Recently, the City received a request from the former owner,
1111 MoundsVista, Dan Hall, requesting a refund for the prorated balance paid for the liquor license
Mounds View City Council May 23,2011
Regular Meeting Page 6
from February 15th to June 30th
110
Assistant City Administrator Crane reviewed City Code and found that no refunds of any fee
shall be permitted unless authorized under Minnesota State Statute 340A.408. She reviewed the
statute in detail noting the liquor fees "may"be refunded to the licensee if it does not carry on the
license for the business.
Assistant City Administrator Crane stated this refund was the first requested of the City. She
explained the Council had no obligation to approve the refund as State Statute indicates the City
"may" refund fees. The portion of the liquor fee that would be refunded, if approved, would be
$3,749.96. Staff had no recommendation on the item and cautioned the Council from setting
precedence on this issue and receiving additional requests in the future.
Council Member Stigney questioned if this was the common practice for other cities. Assistant
City Administrator Crane stated she was uncertain as this was the first request ever made to the
City of Mounds View.
Council Member Hull clarified that the City received duplicated fees for the liquor license at The
Mermaid from February 15th to June 30th. Assistant City Administrator Crane noted there was a
duplication of fees paid by two separate owners.
Council Member Gunn asked if the former owner was aware City Code states there would be no •
reimbursement of fees. Assistant City Administrator Crane noted this information was passed
along to Mr. Hall, and he still wished to make the reimbursement request to the City Council.
Mayor Flaherty expressed apprehension with setting precedence with all license fees if a
reimbursement were offered to Mr. Hall. City Administrator Ericson stated he wasn't too
concerned about setting precedence as this was the City's first request for a reimbursement. He
noted that change of ownerships are often completed with the license renewal process in June of
each year.
MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7792,
Authorizing an On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License Refund for MoundsVista, Inc., (formally
doing business as The Mermaid) directing Staff to bring City Code 502.06, subd 4 for further
review by Council.
Council Member Mueller commented the application provided to all business owners requesting
a liquor license refers to City Code noting there would be no refunds. Assistant City
Administrator Crane stated this was the case as City Code was sent to new liquor license
applicants or the information was passed along through conversation.
Council Member Mueller noted given the City's interpretation of State Statute this refund could
fall under item 4. Assistant City Administrator Crane stated this was the case.
Council Member Stigney stated no refunds were offered for other licenses. He suggested the •
Mounds View City Council May 23,2011
• Regular Meeting Page 7
loophole be closed. He noted that while he seconded the motion, he would not support the
refund.
Mayor Flaherty indicated the reference to State Statute could be removed from City Code to
eliminate the need for further discussion of future reimbursement issues.
Council Member Gunn explained it was the Council's discretion to review a license refund. She
felt this should remain the case going forward into the future and would like City Code to remain
as is.
City Administrator Ericson noted The Mermaid has been a vibrant business in the community for
over 30 years and has paid a great deal of license fees to the City of Mounds View.
Council Member Mueller questioned if the City should be considering the issue based on the past
history of the business or disallow all refunds. She noted she was unclear on the issue and felt
the Council should review the application language and City Code further before taking a vote on
the refund.
Ayes—2 Nays—3 (Stigney, Hull,Mueller) Motion failed.
• J. Resolution 7793, Approving the Hire of Adam Fogerty as Engineering/GIS
Intern in the Public Works Department.
Public Works Director DeBar stated the GIS Intern position was first developed in 2006 as a
seasonal maintenance worker. In March of 2011 the previous intern resigned and the position
was advertised. The City received 22 applications, created a short list and held interviews. It
was the consensus of the panel to recommend the Council hire Adam Fogerty as the
Engineering/GIS Intern in the Public Works Department. Staff recommended a tentative start
date of May 26, 2011.
Council Member Mueller questioned if the candidate had ties to the community. Public Works
Director DeBar stated he would be living locally,even though he attends college out of state.
Mayor Flaherty asked how important the GIS information was to the City. Public Works
Director DeBar indicated the position was extremely important to the engineering department to
assist the City with creating base-mapping. It would allow record drawings to become electronic.
He added that the intern provided the City with skilled labor at a fraction of the expense a
consultant would be.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7793,
Approving the Hire of Adam Fogerty as Engineering/GIS Intern in the Public Works Department.
Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried.
•
Mounds View City Council May 23,2011
Regular Meeting Page 8 •
K. Resolution 7794, Approving a Variance Extension for Longview Estates
(Eichi,Inc.).
City Administrator Ericson stated on August 9, 2010 the Council approved a variance for a
reduced lot width within the Longview Estates development. The site had not been developed to
date and the Resolution would expire shortly, as it had a one year deadline. Eichi, Inc. has
requested an extension from the City for the variance. Staff supports the extension given the fact
the economy has slowed along with the housing market.
Council Member Stigney questioned why the plat has not been completed. Paul Harstad,
developer, stated the economy and housing market have been tremendously slow at this time.
His company was "pinching all pennies" where possible and for that reason the plat has not been
completed.
Council Member Mueller asked if the Council were to take action and approve the extension,
would it hinder Eichi in any way. Mr. Harstad explained the extension would allow his company
to delay paying platting fees until the site is ready to be developed.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7794,
Approving a Variance Extension for Longview Estates (Eichi,Inc.).
Mayor Flaherty clarified that the variance extension would ensure that there was still no •
construction along Silver Lake Road. Mr. Harstad stated this was the case.
Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried.
Discussion ensured regarding the dirt pile near this development.
L. Public Hearing, Resolution 7795, Adopting a Five Year Financial Plan for
2012 through 2016.
Finance Director Beer stated the City's Charter requires that the Council annually prepare a five
year financial plan and hold a public hearing before approval. Future projections were discussed
within the general operating fund along with the timeline for the street improvement program.
He further reviewed the five year financial plan in detail and recommended the Council approve
the plan as presented.
Council Member Stigney questioned if the City would see a market value homestead credit in the
future. Finance Director Beer did not anticipate this credit to continue given discussions at the
last legislative session.
Mayor Flaherty noted the street and utility program acceleration for Are,., G, H and I would
allow the program to be completed two year.; earlier than projected. Finance Director Peer stated
this was the projection and would need to be approved by Council before finalized.
•
Mounds View City Council May 23,2011
• Regular Meeting Page 9
Finance Director Beer noted the Community Center would need to be reroofed in 2012, along
with other improvements to the parking lot. He suggested the Council consider how these
improvements should be funded.
Mayor Flaherty suggested the funds be left in the Special Revenue Fund. The Council was in
agreement.
Council Member Stigney questioned if it was a necessity to replace the roof in 2012. Public
Works Director DeBar stated the roof management plan recommended Community Center roof
replacement in 2012 as the membrane roof had only a 10 year warranty. He anticipated the
expense would be less than the projected$250,000.
Mayor Flaherty was in favor of following the roof management replacement plan as he did not
want to see additional projects completed in the same year.
Finance Director Beer reviewed the 2012 budget timeline, explaining that changes could still be
made to the financial plan. He then reviewed the projected cash flows for the capital
improvement funds.
Council Member Mueller asked what capital improvement projects would be bonded for in 2015.
Finance Director Beer indicated this would be for the demolition/facility design for the new
• public works building. He stated other funding sources may be available at that time.
Finance Director Beer then reviewed the projected water and sewer rates. He noted these rates
would be incrementally increasing due to the water tower rehabilitation this year. The slight
increases would stabilize the fund over time. Staff noted the use of infiltration basins has greatly
reduced the City's storm water expenses.
Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 9:21 p.m.
Hearing no public input,Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 9:21 p.m.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7795,
Adopting a Five Year Financial Plan for 2012 through 2016 with a summary posted in the
newspaper.
Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried.
M. Resolution 7796 Approving a Construction Contract with Muska Electric
Company for the 2011 Electrical Modifications for Wei No. 2 Motor_
Conversion Project.
Public Works Director DeBar stated Well No. 2 was originally constructed in 1962 with a natural
gas engine. This varies from the rest of the wells in the City and creates water spikes at times.
• Instead of replacing the well, Staff recommended converting the motor to an electric model. The
Mounds View City Council May 23,2011
Regular Meeting Page 10 •
well has been evaluated by Bolton &Menk and the proposed conversion would allow the well to
continue functioning properly.
Public Works Director DeBar explained the City requested quotes from five qualified electrical
vendors and received three estimates for the project. The low quote was submitted by Muska
Electric of Roseville for $55,400. He noted Bolton & Menk would assist the City with the
construction phase of the project which would be an additional$23,500 for the project. The City
budgeted $75,000 for the project and the estimate at this time was $73,900. He noted Xcel
Energy was offering rebates (estimated at $8,000) which would assist in reducing the overall
expense.
Public Works Director DeBar noted the work was scheduled to take place this summer, which
would keep Well No. 2 offline. He did not foresee this being a concern for the City. Staff
recommended the Council approve the construction contract with Muska and allow a 5%
contingency.
Mayor Flaherty questioned if the City would be strained with Well No. 2 offline. Public Works
Director DeBar stated Well No. 2 works in conjunction with Well No. 1 drawing water from the
same aquafer. Staff was confident the City's water supply would remain stable with Well No. 2
offline for several months this summer.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7796, •
Approving a Construction Contract with Muska Electric Company for the 2011 Electrical
Modifications for Well No. 2 Motor Conversion Project.
Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried.
N. Resolution 7797, Approving the Bidding Documents and Authorizing
Advertisement for Bids for the 2011 Partial Reroofing of City Hall and Full
Reroofing of Well House Nos.5 and 6 Project.
Public Works Director DeBar stated the City has received preliminary plans to partially reroof
City Hall along with reroofing Well Houses No. 5 and 6. He reviewed the areas of the City Hall
which would be reroofed in detail, along with the Well House locations. The new roofing
material would be an improved quality and was estimated to last 30 years. Portions of the current
roof were 13 years old with an expected life of 10 years.
Public Works Director DeBar explained the Council budgeted $240,000 to reroof City Hall and
$23,000 to reroof earl-_ of the well houses. Staff fools the original estimates were slightly high
and could come in lower than estimated. He noted the City would have to go through a
professional bidding process for this project. Staff recommends the Council approve the bidding
documents and authorize advertisement for bids for the reroofing project.
Council Member Mueller questioned if the $250,000 that was budgeted in 2011 for this project
would cover the entire expense to partially reroof City Hall and the two well houses. Public •
Mounds View City Council May 23,2011
• Regular Meeting Page 11
Works Director DeBar anticipated that quotes would come in lower than projected. He was not
looking for a 100 year roof, but the best value for the City. Staff noted the condition of the roof
above the community center kitchen was a concern but would be held off until 2012.
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7797,
Approving the Bidding Documents and Authorizing Advertisement for Bids for the 2011 Partial
Reroofing of City Hall and Full Reroofing of Well House Nos. 5 and 6 Project.
Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Resolution 7781, Approving a Revision to the Fee Schedule by Adding the
Consumption and Display Permit Fee.
B. Resolution 7783,Approving Bloodborne Pathogen Policy.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
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/Stigney. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented.
Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried.
10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. April 11,2011,Executive Session Minutes.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To Approve the April 11, 2011, Executive Session
meeting minutes as presented.
Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried.
B. April 11,2011, City Council Minutes.
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Stigney. To Approve the April 11, 2011, City Council meeting
minutes as presented.
Ayes—S Nays—0 Motion carried.
C. ApkfI 21i,201] , CfIj'Crn cfI iiir f'
•
Mounds View City Council May 23,2011
Regular Meeting Page 12
1111
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Approve the April 25, 2011, City Council meeting minutes
as presented.
Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried.
11. REPORTS
A. Reports of Mayor and Council.
Mayor Flaherty explained the City received a heavy storm this past weekend. He indicated the
City was spared from the tornadoes but the Council's thoughts and prayers were with the
residents of Fridley and North Minneapolis.
Mayor Flaherty noted last Monday he attended a Five Cities meeting with City Administrator
Ericson. He reviewed the items discussed at the meeting stating the major focus was the
potential location of the new Vikings Stadium on the TCAAP property. Arden Hills has passed a
Resolution of support.
Council Member Mueller reported that last Tuesday the Festival in the Park Committee met. She
indicated the Festival would include a parade and car show again this year. She encouraged all
those interested in participating in the parade or interested in being a vendor at the Festival to
contact City Hall for further information. She explained the committee was still seeking •
volunteers to assist with Festival in the Park.
Council Member Mueller indicated the Anoka County Aviation Days had challenging weather
over this past weekend but no injuries were reported.
Council Member Mueller stated the Police Department completes compliance checks through the
City to assure that proper State regulations are being followed. She indicated all 10 tobacco
license holders passed the compliance checks in May. The City thanks these businesses for
following the proper regulations to assure that under-aged youth are not purchasing tobacco
products.
B. Reports of Staff.
City Administrator Ericson noted a staff vehicle was involved in an accident. The vehicle was
not worth repairing given its age and poor fuel economy. A replacement vehicle was proposed
with$20,000 set aside within the budget. He indicated the City could purchase an Impala, Chevy
Malibu and Ford Fusion through the State cooperator.purchasing -ogram.
City Administrator Ericson explained the Malibu would meet the City's needs, had a flex-fuel
option and would cost $16,949. The damaged vehicle could be offered up for auction to assist
with the expense. It was staff's opinion that Council proceed wit's_the purchase of a new vehicle.
He noted the issue could be discussed in further detail at a work session meeting.
•
Mounds View City Council May 23,2011
• Regular Meeting Page 13
Council Member Gunn was in favor of moving forward with the vehicle purchase.
Council Member Mueller and Council Member Hull agreed.
Council Member Stigney questioned which vehicle was damaged. City Administrator Ericson
indicated the vehicle was a 2003 Crown Victoria. He did not anticipate the City would receive
an insurance settlement as both drivers claim to have had the right-of-way.
Council Member Stigney suggested the City move forward with an insurance claim before
purchasing a new vehicle. City Administrator Ericson stated Staff would pursue this further.
Council Member Stigney stated the City could use an outdated squad car versus purchasing a
new vehicle.
Mayor Flaherty noted the fuel economy was a concern to him. He requested staff follow up with
the insurance claim. He was in favor of a new vehicle purchase if the City were to receive LGA
funding.
The Council majority was in favor of proceeding with the new vehicle purchase.
City Administrator Ericson stated the public works department was proposing a change to the
• summer hour's schedule. The public works staff would be working four 10 hour days and
continue to be staffed Monday through Friday. The proposed schedule would have less overtime
and fewer call backs. He questioned what the Council thought of the proposed staffing change.
He noted the issue could be discussed further by the Human Resources Committee or at a future
work session meeting.
Council Member Stigney did not support the change.
Council Member Hull stated the change would improve customer service in the City. He was in
favor of going forward on a trial basis.
Council Member Mueller suggested a trial basis be pursued as well. She questioned if the
current union contract would be affected by this change. Public Works Director DeBar stated a
memorandum of understanding would have to be drafted if the Council were to approve the
change.
Council Member Gunn was in favor of trying the new staffing schedule. She requested a detailed
analysis of the staffing and cost savings to the City from Staff if this were to proceed.
Mayor Flaherty was not in favor of the proposed change. He indicated studies have shown that
effectiveness and efficiency of employees was lost after eight hours of working.
Council Member Stigney questioned how the breaks would be affected by the new schedule.
• Public Works Director DeBar stated staff would maintain the one-half hour lunch break from
Mounds View City Council May 23,2011
Regular Meeting Page 14
1111
11:00 to 11:30 a.m. He added that the proposed schedule change was brought about by the
employees and not by Staff.
Mayor Flaherty expressed concern about the employees not taking a morning or afternoon break.
City Administrator Ericson stated Staff was aware of this concern as well and would take this
into consideration.
Council Member Stigney asked if the public works department would be short staffed on
Mondays and Fridays. City Administrator Ericson explained that the department would be fully
staffed Tuesday through Thursday and would have 12 staff members on Monday and 13 staff
members on Friday. Public Works Director DeBar felt this was not an issue as the employees
within the public works department were cross trained and would be able to properly meet the
staffing needs.
Mayor Flaherty suggested the public works employees work from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. rather
than 6:30a.m. to 4:30p.m.
City Administrator Ericson indicated he would draft a memorandum of understanding to be
reviewed by the Council at the first meeting in June.
City Administrator Ericson stated the City had a pending grievance and the issue would be going
to arbitration. He questioned if the Council would like to discuss this item further in closed •
session.
Council Member Hull questioned the expense of arbitration. City Administrator Ericson
estimated this expense to be$1,000.
Council Member Hull recommended the City proceed with arbitration.
Council Member Mueller and Council Member Gunn felt it made sense to move forward with
arbitration.
Council Member Stigney expressed disappointment that a grievance had been filed but supported
moving forward with arbitration.
Mayor Flaherty agreed stating the entire situation was disappointing.
City Administrator Ericson stated there would be a Tri-City Meeting on Wednesday, May 25th at
7:00 p.m. at City Fall. He noted Blaine and Spring Lake Park City Councilmembers would be
attending to discuss local issues. Staff questioned if the fire chief should attend to take questions
and comments from the members present.
Mayor Flaherty suggested any comments or questions be forwarded to the chief after the meeting.
He recommended the cost sharing/joint purchasing program be discussed at the meeting.
•
Mounds View City Council May 23,2011
IPRegular Meeting Page 15
City Administrator Ericson reviewed the items planned for the June 6th work session meeting.
Mayor Flaherty congratulated Dave Olsen for being elected to the Hall of Fame for his work with
the Cable Commission.
Mayor Flaherty stated Council Member Carol Mueller was selected to serve on the nominating
committee to assist in selecting League of Minnesota Cities Officers and the Board of Directors.
Finance Director Beer indicated the Finance server crashed this past weekend due to the storm.
The City of Roseville has created a virtual server to keep the City operating. He thanked the City
of Roseville for assisting the City with their professional technical services.
C. Reports of City Attorney.
City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report.
12. Next Council Work Session: Monday,June 6,2011,at 7:00 p.m.
Next Council Meeting: Monday,June 13,2011,at 7:00 p.m.
13. ADJOURNMENT
IIIThe meeting was adjourned at 10:42 p.m.
Transcribed by:
Heidi Guenther
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
III