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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2011/08/08 • PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY,MINNESOTA AP PRO VED Regular Meeting August 8,2011 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10,Mounds View,MN 55112 7:00 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Flaherty, Stigney, Hull,Gunn. NOT PRESENT: Mueller. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday,August 8,2011,City Council Agenda. • MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Approve the Monday, August 8, 2011, agenda as presented. Ayes—4 Nays—0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT None. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Dialogue with Senator Pam Wolf Senator Pam Wolf stated she has completed her first year as senator and updated the Council on the past session. She explained LGA would remain at the 2010 level and that market value credits were being changed to market value exclusions. Senator Wolf indicated she put together a bill for the Mounds View sound wall, which was not approved and would be resubmitted in 2012. She explained variance language was discussed arr.- recommendations were passed along to municipalities. Mayor Flaherty thanked the Senator for prole Iag a bill fog the sound wall in Mounds Vice,'. He indicated this ' 1C'' b,,or.L e necesse_•y if tO Ie l.:o qtr) on the rL < _`- preperty. He was pleased that the cities were again able to handle variance requests after review by the • State. Mounds View City Council August 8,2011 Regular Meeting Page 2 • Council Member Stigney questioned if any further information was available regarding the Vikings Stadium. Senator Wolf stated a special session may be called and if this was the case she would notify the City of Mounds View immediately. She indicated a Town Hall meeting could be held as well to gain addition input to bring to the State regarding this issue. Finance Director Beer asked if there were any changes made to pension reform. Senator Wolf noted she would report back to the Council with these details. Mayor Flaherty thanked Senator Wolf for her being present this evening. Senator Wolf encouraged the Council to contact her with any further comments or concerns. B. Conduit Debt Discussion,Ben Johnson,Kennedy & Graven Ben Johnson, Kennedy&Graven, stated his firm was the City's debt and finance attorney for the City. He noted Presbyterian Homes in Arden Hills was redeveloping their site and was requesting to finance it through conduit revenue bonds. Neighboring communities are being asked to assist with the financing of this redevelopment as Presbyterian Homes draws a portion of its residents from the City of Mounds View. The debt would be repaid by the non-profit borrower and of no responsibility to the City. Mayor Flaherty thanked Mr. Johnson for his letter to the City regarding the conduit bonds. He • indicated this letter provided a great deal of information to the Council regarding the tax exempt bonds. Mr. Johnson stated over the past 10 years senior care has shifted from nursing homes to independent senior living/assisted living. Presbyterian Homes was proposing renovations to their site to fit the changing needs of their clientele. He further explained how the draw down loans would assist Presbyterian Homes with the construction and redevelopment of the property. Mr. Johnson indicated if the Council was interested in proceeding, a public hearing would be called for and a Resolution would be drafted. Approval would be subject to specific parameters. Council Member Gunn asked if this was a one-time request for $10 million or if the request would be made again next year. Mr. Johnson stated Presbyterian Homes was requesting $10 million this year from Mounds View and could again request $10 million next year, but this request would be made to the City of Arden Hills. He explained that additional cities were being approached for conduit financing. `_c 'ncil Memi3er questiol ..r' if the other cities would competing ^■: the 1% 1.0. competing 1pa:n—lent level. Iv; . ohnson aid this would be analyzed Ly ?resbyterian Ho: ues. He then reviewed a tentative timeline with the Council. re ayo_ Flaherty indicated the 1% issuance fee was fair felt the City should proceed. \Ifti,. tier conduit financing. The Council was in agreement. • Mounds View City Council August 8,2011 • Regular Meeting Page 3 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 862, an Ordinance Implementing a Franchise Fee on Xcel Energy Electric and Natural Gas Operation within the City of Mounds View. Finance Director Beer indicated the City must adopt an Ordinance authorizing the franchise fee on a yearly basis. This was part of the long term agreement with Xcel Energy. He explained the franchise percentage was 3.87% and no changes were being proposed. The annual revenues were discussed in detail with the Council and he explained the franchise fees were split evenly between the general fund and street improvement fund. The Second Reading and approval of this Ordinance would be held on August 22nd MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 862, an Ordinance Implementing a Franchise Fee on Xcel Energy Electric and Natural Gas Operation within the City of Mounds View. Council Member Stigney was surprised the rate was not being increased to 4%. He felt the residents would benefit from this minimal increase and requested Staff consider this increase with the Second Reading. Mayor Flaherty was in favor of keeping the rate as is. 1111 Council Member Gunn noted the residents were in favor of the franchise fee as it was a tax write off. Ayes—3 Nays— 1 (Stigney) Motion carried. B. Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 863, an Ordinance Implementing a Franchise Fee on Center Point Energy Natural Gas Operations within the City of Mounds View. Finance Director Beer indicated the City must adopt an Ordinance authorizing the franchise fee on a yearly basis. This was part of the long term agreement with Center Point Energy. He explained the franchise percentage was 3.87% and no changes were being proposed. This would allow the contract to remain consistent with Xcel's franchise fee. The Second Reading and approval of this Ordinance would be held on August 22nd MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Gunn. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 863, an O_di„-ncc Implem H.g a Fran-his'; Fee on Cep Point Energ,y T:-tu ral Gan C'-:,-,rations within tlr;City of Mo.i_::.c View. Council M ; _"1cr Stigney stated he would cr_upport a .87%franchise Tic Ayes—3 Nays— 1 (Stigney) Motion carried. • Mounds View City Council August 8,2011 Regular Meeting Page 4 • C. Resolution 7816, Approving a Contract for Election Services with Ramsey County. City Administrator Ericson stated that the City has had discussions with Ramsey County to assist with Election Services. He indicated management and oversight of an election was time- consuming and technical. Requirements are changing on a yearly basis, both at the State and Federal level. Training is required for Staff and election judges. The contract with Ramsey County would provide election services to assure there are no issues with precincts. The cost for the first year of the contract would be $36,500 which is slightly less than what the City had budgeted for 2012. However,the City would need an additional$5,000 to pay Staff. City Administrator Ericson noted the contract could be renewed for four years and would reduce the election expenses over time. He then reviewed the numerous benefits to the City and recommended the Council proceed with the Election Services contract. Council Member Stigney questioned if the four year contract could be changed by either party. City Administrator Ericson indicated the contract could be amended by either party with the other's consent. Ideally, the County would like to have all contract City's on the same four year contract cycle. Mayor Flaherty questioned why Year 1 of the contract was higher. City Administrator Ericson stated that 2012 was a presidential election year, which incurred greater expenses than other • years. City Administrator Ericson indicated the contract was reviewed by the City Attorney and the only issue discussed was the City's election equipment. If a contract were pursued, at this time and ended in the future, all election equipment would have to be returned to the City of Mounds View. Council Member Gunn asked if election records would still be retained for 22 months. City Administrator Ericson indicated the county would be responsible for retaining all records inaccordance with the Minnesota Records Retention schedule. All requirements within the retention schedule would be followed by the County. The records would no longer need to be stored onsite. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7816, Approving a Contract for Election Services with Ramsey County. ]\4ayor Stigz r;y inquired in ;ontro o:; ,l'' '-oome bete `?_e Conn,';J? p -:: to the fel' ar renewal. City /ciministraLc:,L;ricson stated thL .ias the case. Ayes-- 0 Motion car:: es':. D. Resolution 7817, Awarding a Construction Contract to Ebert Construction Company and Authorizing TKDA to Perform Architectural Services for the • Mounds View City Council August 8,2011 110 Regular Meeting Page 5 2011 Lambert Park Shelter Project. Public Works Director DeBar stated the Park Commission has been discussing Lambert Park since October of 2009. In May of this year the Council hired TKDA to prepare architectural plans for the project. The Park Commission met with TKDA to review the shelter design plans. Several modifications were made to reduce maintenance and operation costs, while increasing rental opportunities. Public Works Director DeBar explained the Lambert Park Shelter project was over$100,000 and had to go through the public bidding process. The bid alternates were discussed. He reviewed the base bid requirements stating the City received seven bids and Ebert Construction Company of Corcoran, Minnesota was the low bidder. Staff recommended the Council award the construction contract to Ebert Construction Company with bid alternates 1, 2 and 3 totaling $328,204. Work would be completed by December 19th TKDA would be available to assist with inspections and administrative services, and were estimated to cost$15,600. Staff recommended a 5%contingency be added to the project to cover a potential change order. Public Works Director DeBar noted the 2011 budget included$260,000 for the project from Park Dedication Funds. The balance of the Park Dedication Fund was over $800,000 at this time. • The Council would need to address the funding options if the item were approved this evening. He estimated $350,000 of the expenses would be due this year with the balance of the expenses due in 2012. Finance Director Beer recommended the item be approved with the budget adjustment outlined in Item 6 of the Resolution. Council Member Gunn questioned if the ballpark improvements were complete. Public Works Director DeBar stated this was an additional project that would be completed this fall. Mayor Flaherty was in favor of amending the budget as recommended by Staff. He wanted to be sure the ball field was completed this fall to make it ready for little league games next spring. Mayor Flaherty didn't feel it was fair to compare Silver View Park to Lambert Park. He then asked Staff why the pavilion expansion was necessary as described in Alternate 1. Public Works Director DeBar stated based on the popularity of the Silver View Park Pavilion, the expansion was recommended. It would provide another large picnic facility for family reunions or grad?, ion parties. .'O:n Kroeger, P s Commiss_ , _si, stated the icf: ration was s':; is ild on the papal?.:±Ly of Silvc • iew Park Pavili;,.. Count' l_r"ember Geer noted Fiillvie,r :,:rk was t..--ii but for smallci 7therings. The indicated the lo':L'. 0i_ c _tearhbert Fad-. would u.. this side of tow _ option iG: gathn i E;: or team picnics. She saw the building and pavilion as a revenue generator for the City. • Mounds View City Council August 8,2011 Regular Meeting Page 6 • Mr. Kroeger stated the layout of the park would be reviewed in the future to provide additional amenities in the future, while also updating the playground. Council Member Hull felt the pavilion was more useful with the overhang. He agreed with Council Member Gunn stating that the building would become a revenue generator for the City. Council Member Stigney indicated he was undecided on Alternate 1. Mayor Flaherty questioned how the Council would like to proceed with Alternate 2. Public Works Director DeBar stated the shingle upgrade had a lifetime warranty, while the standard shingle had a 30 year warranty. Council Member Stigney felt the bid did not compare "apples-to-apples" for the shingles. He questioned why the City would recommend a Certain Teed Shingle product as this company was currently in a class action suit for product defects. Council Member Stigney recommended the Council proceed with the 30 year shingle. Mayor Flaherty questioned if the City could use another shingle manufacturer. Public Works Director DeBar stated this could be done; however, the Certain Teed product or email was specified in the bid documents. Council Member Gunn was in favor of the premium shingle. • Council Member Hull was in favor of the premium shingle but requested Staff seek another shingle manufacturer. Mayor Flaherty asked if any of the other City parks had rubber flooring. Public Works Director DeBar explained the warming houses had rubber flooring, but not this specific product. The existing flooring proposed was difficult to maintain and did not hold up. He stated the recommended flooring was higher quality and easier to maintain. Mayor Flaherty was in favor of the rubber flooring upgrade if it addressed safety concerns. Council Member Stigney stated he agreed with the flooring upgrade. Council Member Hull and Council Member Gunn also agreed. The Council was in favor of Option 1 for the Lambert Park Shelter Project without the electrical enhancements. MOTTON/;'ECOND: ' �./Huli. To Wove the Read_.. o )1;i:iion 7817, ",...Larding a ConsuueLion Contrae Jo Ebert Construction Compo.__y and Anti-to-IL:, '?erform Architectural Services for the 2011 Lambert Park Shelter Project. Ayes—4 Nays—0 Motion o.,riicc_. E. Resolution 7818, Authorizing Bonestroo to Perform Topographic Surveying • Mounds View City Council August 8,2011 • Regular Meeting Page 7 for the Design Phase of the Street and Utility Improvement Project—Area E. Public Works Director DeBar stated the City has a Street and Utility Improvement Program in place. The City has completed three years of the nine year program thus far. The next area,Area E was set to begin, with work completed in 2012. The first step in this process was to complete the topographic surveying of the 4.0 miles of roadway within Area E. Public Works Director DeBar noted Bonestroo has been contacted to gain a fee estimate for the entire design phase. The complexity of this project was being reviewed as the Area was more dense than the previous Areas. He expected Staff would have additional design fee information available at the August 22nd meeting. Staff recommended the Council authorize Bonestroo to perform topographic surveying for the design phase of Area E. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7818, Authorizing Bonestroo to Perform Topographic Surveying for the Design Phase of the Street and Utility Improvement Project—Area E. Ayes—4 Nays—0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA A. Set a Public Hearing for Monday, August 22, 2011, at 7:05 p.m. for the • Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 861, Amending Titles 1000, 1100 and 1200 about Variances. B. Set a Public Hearing for Monday, September 12, 2011, at 7:05 p.m. to Consider an On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License and Restaurant License for El Loro Mexican Restaurant located at 2535 County Highway 10. C. Set a Public Hearing for Monday, August 22, 2011, at 7:10 p.m. for Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 862, an Ordinance Implementing a Franchise Fee on Xcel Energy Electric and Natural Gas Operations within the City of Mounds View. D. Set a Public Hearing for Monday, August 22, 2011, at 7:15 p.m. for Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 863, an Ordinance Implementing a Franchise Fee on Center Point Energy Natural Gas Operations within the City of Mounds View. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ayes—4 Nays—0 Motion carried. 9 JUG _":i_iD CORR C ':�AIMC Firs :cc Directs Beer answered r c::-:stions related tc MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Stigney. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented. • Mounds View City Council August 8,2011 Regular Meeting Page 8 • Ayes—4 Nays—0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. June 27,2011,City Council Meeting Minutes. Council Member Stigney requested a correction on Page 5, Line 27, stating the shingles were set for replacement and not the building at Hillview. Council Member Gunn requested a correction on Page 8,Line 40,noting the word"reasoning" should be changed to"reason." MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Hull. To Approve the June 27, 2011, City Council meeting minutes as corrected. Ayes—4 Nays—0 Motion carried. B. July 11,2011, City Council Meeting Minutes. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Gunn. To Approve the July 11, 2011, City Council meeting minutes as presented. Ayes—4 Nays—0 Motion carried. • 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Mayor Flaherty indicated the City had 30 parties registered for National Night Out. He thanked all for participating in the great event and for getting to know your neighbors. Mayor Flaherty stated Festival in the Park would be held on August 20`h. The parade would begin at 10:00 a.m. Entertainment would be provided at the event by Jonah and the Whales. He encouraged all to attend. Council Member Gunn stated she rode with the Police Chief on National Night Out. She had a great time meeting with the residents and to hear their concerns. B. Repots of Staff. 1. 1T naIie_c T Reperr■ Finance; }director Peer reviewed the second quarters report with the Council. The summary revenue expense c_atements were discussed. He fat an eccnomir,7,: ,✓ory_ a; been seen by the t_, .y -_.?,_1 left revenues lagging slightly behind budgacd arson._!._. Led re'd.._,.. 3 would increase at the Community Center July through September with increased rentals for weddings. • Mounds View City Council August 8,2011 • Regular Meeting Page 9 Finance Director Beer indicated the City has seen significant savings through the street improvement project. This will allow the City to finish the project one year earlier than expected. He felt the favorable bidding environment should continue for the next year or two. Finance Director Beer explained interest income was down $80,000 over last year. He indicated the rates are expected to decrease yet again which made it challenging for investments. However, the City's funds were extremely safe. Finance Director Beer noted the City's annual audit was complete and the five year financial plan was in the works. He stated the Finance Department was also working on the 2012 budget at this time. Council Member Hull asked what significant costs were anticipated at the Community Center. Finance Director Beer stated the HVAC units were aging and in need of replacement. He further reviewed the operating expenses of the Community Center with the Council. Mayor Flaherty indicated TIF District 1 would expire in 2013 and these dollars would have to be used in 12 months or it would be decertified and go back to the State. He encouraged Staff to keep on top of this. • City Administrator Ericson updated the Council that Rich Spiczka, program coordinator at the YMCA, had submitted his resignation and his last day with the City would be Friday. He encouraged the Council to wish him well. The HVAC unit at the community center was then discussed. A proposal from the mechanical contractor at the community center would assist the City in managing the humidity and temperature concerns. Staff would report back to the Council at a future meeting with further information. City Administrator Ericson indicated the Subdivision Ordinance would be reviewed by Council at a future meeting, along with the Tobacco Ordinance. The Sign Code Ordinance would be processed and brought forward as well. City Administrator Ericson explained Music in the Park was scheduled for August 18th at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall Park. He encouraged all to attend. City Administrator Ericson stated an Airport Meeting was scheduled for August 10th at 4:00 p.m. at the City of Blaine. Noise abatement issues would be discussed along with long term planning for the airport. City Adn ._:._gyrator Ericson 2t;-'-..c1 the No: Suburban Com, iication would Lc holding a meeting in September. Its stated if a 2ouncilmember via,; interested id attending he could s_ovide fur _ r information. C. Reports of City Attorney. 1110 Mounds View City Council August 8,2011 Regular Meeting Page 10 • City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 12. Next Council Work Session: TUESDAY,September 6,2011,at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday,August 22,2011,at 7:00 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:21 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. • •