HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2011/09/26 • PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
RAMSEY COUNTY,MINNESOTA
APPROVED
Regular Meeting
September 26,2011
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,September 26,2011, City Council Agenda.
Council Member Mueller requested Item 11B1 (Continued Discussion Regarding the Potential
Addition of a Canine Unit with the Mounds View Police Department) be moved up on the
agenda and discussed under Public Input.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Monday, September 26, 2011, agenda as
amended.
Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried.
5. PUBLIC INPUT
Mike Reed, 2208 Lois Drive, explained he read the most recent New Brighton Bulletin, which
stated the Council supported the new Vikings Stadium. He did not feel additional business
would be brought into the community and he was disappointed by the Council's support as
Mounds View residents would be taxed at a higher rate.
Mayer Flaherty reiterated that he was not for the Vikings, but for the job creation that would be
brought to the northern suburbs. He felt this entertainment complex would promote job creation
• for the area. Mayor Flaherty indicated the Council did not support the .5% tax increase either.
Mounds View City Council September 26,2011
Regular Meeting Page 2
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Brian Amundsen, 3048 Wooddale Drive, explained he was also disappointed the Council
approved a Resolution of Support for the Vikings Stadium. He felt the Vikings Stadium should
not be a burden to the Ramsey County taxpayers. He encouraged the Council to send letters and
speak with County representatives regarding the stipulations within the City's Resolution to
assure there is a clear understanding as to the City's position regarding the stadium.
Gary Meehlhause, 7400 Parkview Drive, indicated he was encouraged that the Council passed a
Resolution of Support on behalf of the City and felt the City would see an economic boost
through jobs and business growth.
1. Continued Discussion Regarding the Potential Addition of a Canine
Unit within the Mounds View Police Department
Police Chief Kinney provided a verbal report to the Council. He explained a member of the
community was willing to serve on a private fundraising committee. This would greatly assist
the Police Department in securing the funds necessary to bring a canine unit to the City. Police
Chief Kinney introduced Robin Marion to the Council.
Robin Marion, resident of Mounds View, stated he was approached to head the private
fundraising efforts for the Police Department. He felt the canine unit would be a valuable asset
to assist the Police Officers. He encouraged the Council allow a committee to pursue funding, as •
$6,000 was already being offered by the St. Paul Police Foundation.
Council Member Mueller stated that for less than 70¢ per resident a canine unit could be added
to the City. She felt the $12,000 needed for the canine unit could be taken from the General
Fund. Additional fundraising could be completed to assist with the future expense of the canine
unit for the Police Department. She encouraged the Council to move forward to ensure the City
did not lose the grant.
Council Member Stigney declined to discuss the item.
Council Member Gunn stated the community and the Police Department would greatly benefit
from the canine unit. She thanked Mr. Marion for stepping forward and being willing to assist
with fundraising.
Cindy Palm, 2266 Terrace Drive, suggested funds from Bethlehem Baptist Church be used to
assist with the expense of the canine unit.
Council Member Dull asked for the deadline on the $6,000 grant. Police Chief Kinney explained
the grant has been designated to the City of Mounds View by the St. Paul Police Foundation, if
the City would like to proceed with a canine unit, it would have to be accepted by an early
October deadline. The next canine handling school was being held in the spring of 2012 and was
a 12 week school.
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Mounds View City Council September 26,2011
Regular Meeting Page 3
Mayor Flaherty questioned how often a canine unit was called in to the City of Mounds View for
assistance. Police Chief Kinney explained this happened several times each week to assist with
calls. In fact, a K9 unit was utilized earlier in the day for a B & E at a business in our industrial
park. He felt this need would only continue to increase in the future.
Mayor Flaherty indicated the 2012 budget had been established. He stated the City would have
to find the initial $12,000 elsewhere as City funds were not allocated for this expense. He was
not prepared to increase the budget but did see the need and benefit of having a canine unit
within the Police Department. He explained the canine unit would offer added safety for the
officers.
Mayor Flaherty requested comments from the Council on how to proceed.
Council Member Stigney did not offer any comments as this was not a regular agenda item.
Council Member Hull was in favor of moving forward with the canine unit.
Council Member Mueller agreed.
Council Member Gunn supported the canine unit as well.
• Mayor Flaherty requested Staff proceed with securing the grant from the St. Paul Police
Foundation. He suggested this item be further discussed at the October 3rd work session meeting.
6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
None.
7. COUNCIL BUSINESS
A. 7:05 p.m. Public Hearing to Consider Second Reading and Adoption of
Ordinance 860, Amending Title 1200 of the Mounds View City Code
Relating to the Review and Recordation of Plats and Minor Subdivisions and
Plat Dedication Requirements and Amending Appendix E, Minimum
Planning and Development Fees.
City Administrator Ericson stated that this was the second reading for Ordinance 860. The
Council introduced the Ordinance on September 12`h. The Council was amending the Ordinance
to extend the plat recording timeline to six months, while also placing a fee on minor and major
subdivisions. The City Attorney reviewed the Ordinance aM offered several language char_ges
regarding Park Dedication Fees. Staff recommended adoption of Ordinance 860.
Mayor Flahcrty opened the public hearing a':7:30 p.m.
Hearing no public input,Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:30 p.m.
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Mounds View City Council September 26,2011
Regular Meeting Page 4
Council Member Gunn requested Staff correct the fee schedule within the Ordinance summary
before publishing.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 860,
Amending Title 1200 of the Mounds View City Code Relating to the Review and Recordation of
Plats and Minor Subdivisions and Plat Dedication Requirements and Amending Appendix E,
Minimum Planning and Development Fees and publish the summary report.
Council Member Stigney was pleased that the ambiguity regarding Park Dedication Fees would
be clarified through this Ordinance.
Mayor Flaherty agreed stating the plat recording timeline was also extended to assist applicants
in meeting the City's deadline.
ROLL CALL: Hull/Stigney/Mueller/Gunn/Flaherty.
Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried.
B. Resolution 7830, Approving a Layout Configuration for On-Street Parking
at Lambert Park.
Public Works Director DeBar explained that Lambert Avenue was part of the Area D Street •
Improvement Project. Additional parking was needed along Lambert Avenue to serve Lambert
Park. Bump-out parking was being proposed along Lambert Avenue and several layout
configurations were then presented to the Council.
Public Works Director DeBar stated the Street Committee recommended 60 degree reverse angle
parking, which would allow for 19 parking spaces and one handicap space. The Park and Rec
Commission were in favor of 60 degree standard parking. Staff noted another option would be
90 degree angle parking, which allowed for 22 parking spaces plus one handicap space. This
option allowed for the most flexibility for traffic approaching the park. In addition, the public
was most familiar with 90 degree parking. Staff noted several members from the Street
Committee and Park and Rec Commission were present to take questions from the Council.
Council Member Mueller questioned why only one handicap space was recommended adjacent
to the park. Public Works Director DeBar explained one handicap space was required according
to ADA requirements. An additional handicap space would be needed if there were over 25
parking spaces adjacent to the park.
Council Member Hull asked the benefit of the reverse angle parking and questioned if the City
would be changing all of its on-street parking to this style. Public Works Director DeBar stated
it cor.11d be confusing if the reverse angle parking was used only at Lambert Par_. He indicated
an overall parking change would have to be determined by the Council.
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Mounds View City Council September 26,2011
• Regular Meeting Page 5
Council Member Gunn was in favor of the 90 degree parking layout configuration as this allowed
for the most parking spaces. She indicated it allowed cars to pull into the spaces from both
approaching lanes of traffic. In addition,residents could also back into the spaces.
Mayor Flaherty thanked the Commission and Committees for their recommendations to Council.
He felt the 60 degree reverse angle parking would limit the approach of traffic to the parking
spaces.
John Kroeger, a member of the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission, explained the Park
and Rec Commission walked through the park in May of this year. The Commission felt the
parking should be condensed to a smaller area with the 60 degree angle. He was not an engineer
and felt the final call should be made by City staff. Either way, the neighborhood would
appreciate the parking be placed in one area and not spread along the entire park.
Brian Amundsen, 3048 Wooddale Drive, indicated the 60 degree reverse angle parking was
recommended for safety reasons. It also allowed for the area to be more bicycle friendly. He
indicated backing out of the 90 degree spaces could be dangerous as traffic would be approaching
from both directions. The 60 degree reverse angle parking allowed the driver to see traffic
approaching from just the one side and increased overall safety. He encouraged the Council to
proceed with the standard 60 degree angle parking if the reverse angle was not favored. This
would keep the parking consistent with Hillview Park.
• Cindy Palm, a member of the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Commission, stated backing into
parking spaces was dangerous, especially when children were present.
MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7830,
Approving a Layout Configuration for On-Street Parking with 90 Degree Parking at Lambert
Park.
Council Member Hull was in favor of the reverse angle parking as this did increase safety.
However, with no long term parking plan in the City, he would support the 90 degree angle
parking.
Council Member Mueller typically supported angled parking, but felt the 90 degree parking
would service the park best.
Mayor Flaherty stated the 90 degree parking would ensure that people did not have to complete a
u-turn to enter a parking stall. He felt the neighboring homeowners would appreciate this
configuration. However, the 60 degree angled parking did offer the most safety.
Ayes—4 Nays— 1 (Flaherty) Motion carried.
fi
C. �'�Cv�2iaLG' :': FGLL.: F.�x�.,_��:'
Olson, Accountant Agnes Quasabart, and Public Service Officer Craig
• Swalchick.
Mounds View City Council September 26,2011
Regular Meeting Page 6 •
City Administrator Ericson stated Staff was recommending step increases for Police Officer
Andrew Olson, Accountant Agnes Quasabart and Public Service Officer Craig Swalchick. Staff
read Resolution 7829 in full to the Council and recommended approval.
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7829,
Authorizing Step Increases for Police Officer Andrew Olson, Accountant Agnes Quasabart, and
Public Service Officer Craig Swalchick.
Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried.
D. First Reading and Introduction of Ordinance 864, an Ordinance Revising
Chapter 1008 of the Mounds View City Code relating to Dynamic Display
Signs.
City Administrator Ericson stated this item was being brought before the Council for First
Reading and Introduction of Ordinance 864 which revised Mounds View City Code relating
Dynamic Display Signs. The hold time was causing public safety concerns and was addressed in
the Ordinance, reducing the hold time for off-premises signs from 15 seconds to eight seconds.
For on-premise signs, the hold time was being reduced from 10 seconds to three seconds.
Additional revisions were reviewed in detail with the Council.
City Administrator Ericson reviewed a change to Subdivision 9 and discussed the preferred •
language. In addition, Staff reviewed the sign face conversion requirements and recommended
the Council limit dynamic display signs to the 35W corridor. He explained the City Attorney
had reviewed the Ordinance and Staff recommended the Council approve the first reading of
Ordinance 864.
Council Member Mueller questioned Staff regarding the two faced sign that fronts 35W near
Program Avenue. She expressed concern that the north facing size would interfere with the
adjacent neighborhood if it became a dynamic sign. City Administrator Ericson stated a
minimum requirement could be added to the Ordinance to ensure there was a minimum
separation from the adjacent neighborhood.
Brian Amundsen, 3048 Wooddale Drive, suggested the dynamic signs not be allowed to carry
messages through on separate panels. This could be a public safety issue.
Tom McCarver, Clear Channel Outdoor, stated signs along 35W could have sequential
messaging and this language could be forwarded to City staff to be added to, the Ordie.eoce. He
added that he would be more than happy to measure the distance of the north facing billboard
close to the manufactured home park.
MVMO ION/SI COND: Mueller/bull. To Approve the First Reading and c i Ordinance 864, an
Ordinance Revising Chapter 1008 of the Mounds View City Code relating to Dynamic Display
Signs. •
Mounds View City Council September 26,2011
• Regular Meeting Page 7
Council Member Stigney requested several language changes on the Ordinance. In addition, he
suggested signs that malfunction be made to go dark. Mr. McCarver discussed with the Council
how the signs are controlled remotely and stated upon notification a sign could be made dark.
Council Member Stigney asked if the .3 foot candle requirement was being measured by the City
on all signs. He recommended this be made a part of the sign installation process.
Mayor Flaherty agreed.
Mr. McCarver stated the larger the sign the more ambient light that would be given off by the
sign. He indicated he would be more than willing to comply with suggested sign installation
process assuring that .3 foot candle requirements were being met.
Council Member Stigney recommended a two to one ratio be written into the code to ensure that
signs were not one foot in height and fifty feet in length. City Administrator Ericson did not feel
this had to be discussed within the Dynamic Display Code as it was addressed within the Sign
Ordinance. He suggested the sign ratio be addressed instead.
Council Member Stigney did not feel a dynamic display sign should front a neighborhood or
residential area. He expressed concern that the revisions to this code would lead to more
411 dynamic display signs within the City. He would rather see billboards within the community
decreased.
Council Member Stigney recommended the Ordinance be revised and reviewed by the Council
before the Second Reading.
Mayor Flaherty thanked Council Member Stigney for his research on this Ordinance. He
requested Staff discuss the revisions further with Council Member Stigney.
Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried.
E. Resolution 7831, Authorizing Stantec Consulting Services Inc. to Perform
Engineering Design Services and Prepare Bidding Documents for Area E of
the Street and Utility Improvement Program.
Public Works Director DeBar stated Area E of the Street Improvement Project is scheduled to be
constructed in 2012. The design work would need to be completed yet this winter. In August,
the Council authorized Bonestroo to complete the topographic survey for Area E. Staff has been
negotiating the scope of services and scheduled fee for this area for the past several months.
Public Works Director DeBar explained that Bonestroo merged with an international firm early
in September and was now named Stantec Consulting Services Inc. Several of the engineers
with experience working on City projects, including Joe Rhein, have left Stantec. For this
• reason, Staff felt it would be a good time to solicit fee proposals from Bolton &Menk as well as
Mounds View City Council September 26,2011
Regular Meeting Page 8 •
Stantec Consulting Services Inc., as both firms now had engineers that have experience with the
project.
Public Works Director DeBar reviewed the fee proposals described in the Staff report and
recommended the Council authorize Stantec Consulting Services Inc. to perform engineering
design services for Area, as their bid was lowest.
Brian Amundsen, 3048 Wooddale Drive, commented that the Street and Utility Committee was
not aware of the information presented by Staff this evening and had not reviewed Staff's
recommendation.
Mayor Flaherty asked Public Works Director DeBar if the Street and Utilities Committee
reviewed the engineering fees in the past.
Public Works Director DeBar indicated that the Committee has reviewed the overall Program
costs that include the engineering fees, but the Committee has never reviewed engineering fees
individually.
Mayor Flaherty questioned why Stantec's figures were$258,000 less than the original estimation.
Lee Mann, Stantec Consulting Services Inc. stated the original fee schedule was created by an
individual that was no longer with the firm. For this reason, the new numbers were reviewed
with Public Works Director DeBar and the new estimation streamlined several processes, •
creating greater efficiencies,reducing the expense to the City.
Public Works Director DeBar added that after completing several street improvement projects for
the City, the City was seeing some efficiencies in the process, which was reducing the overall
expense of the project. Public Works Director DeBar was not comfortable with Bonestroo's
preliminary fee estimate and was confident that the fee estimate could be reduced. Public Works
Director DeBar also credited the lower fee to City Staff talking on a larger portion of the
workload through each improvement project, which reduced the time spend by the engineering
consultant.
Mayor Flaherty asked when the Street and Utilities Committee would be typically informed of
the information presented by Staff this evening. Public Works Director DeBar indicated he
spoke with the Council earlier this year about continuing to use Bonestroo for Area E or allowing
other firms to submit fee proposals, at which time the Council directed Staff to proceed with
using Bonestroo. However, with the unique situation of a merger, Staff felt this was an
opportune time to review the situation and allow fee proposals to be solicited by two firms with
staff having experience with the City's street projects. In the end, the solicitation was good for
the residents, and taxpayers would win through the cost savings.
Mayor Flaherty asked Public Works Direct() DeBar whether the engineering costs associated
with last year's Area D project were brought to the Street Committee or their review.
Public Works Director DeBar reported they were not. •
Mounds View City Council September 26,2011
• Regular Meeting Page 9
Mayor Flaherty then stated, in response to Mr. Amundsen, that the City was not changing any of
its processes regarding the Committee and its review of such information. The Committee does
not typically receive this information.
Mr. Amundsen asked the Council what it would like the Streets and Utilities Committee to do.
He felt the Council has taken away the Committee's ability to make financial decisions.
Council Member Mueller clarified that part of the savings seen for Area E was due to the fact the
design standards were already complete. In addition, because this was the City's fourth street
improvement project, the City was using approximately 1/3 fewer consulting engineering hours
and more City Staff time.
Public Works Director DeBar stated this was the case, as the City has seen a reduction in the
consulting engineering hours over the past four years, since the projects began. Director DeBar
confirmed the City would manage Area E project with fewer consultant hours as bid.
MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7831,
Authorizing Stantec Consulting Services Inc. to Perform Engineering Design Services and
Prepare Bidding Documents for Area E of the Street and Utility Improvement Program.
• Council Member Hull noted he would support the Resolution but wanted to thanked Joe Rhein
and his excellent team for his work on the City's behalf. Public Works Director DeBar indicated
he would pass this along to Mr. Rhein.
Mayor Flaherty echoed these sentiments and also thanked Joe Rhein for his excellent service to
the City of Mounds View. He looked forward to continued great engineering service from
Stantec.
Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Set a Public Hearing for October 10, 2011 at 7:05 p.m. to Consider Special
Assessments for Delinquent Utility Charges.
B. Set a Public Hearing for October 10, 2011, at 7:10 p.m. to Consider Special
Assessments for Diseased Tree, Administrative Offense, False Alarm, and
Unpaid Abatement Charges.
C. Set;e.Public HeFTing fey O� c s , 10, 2011, at 7:15 p.r'- to Cc---wider a Spc rep
fc:°Unpaid VC/ cc°Service Rct u'..
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried.
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Mounds View City Council September 26,2011
Regular Meeting Page 10 •
9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS
Finance Director Beer answered the Council's questions related to claims.
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented.
Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried.
10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
None.
11. REPORTS
A. Reports of Mayor and Council.
Council Member Mueller reported last Saturday night, Irondale High School held their Music of
the Night Marching Band Competition. She indicated this was a great event and encouraged all
to attend an upcoming home football game to see the marching band in action.
Council Member Mueller stated last Tuesday evening the Festival in the Park Committee held a
meeting. The next meetings were scheduled for October 18th and November 15th both at 7:00 •
p.m. Anyone interested in volunteering were encouraged to attend an upcoming meeting to assist
in planning next year's event.
Council Member Mueller indicated she attended the Ramsey County Local League of
Government meeting last Thursday. The group discussed passing a resolution of support for the
Vikings Stadium proposal. There was some discussion regarding the additional sales tax. The
consensus was to wait to see the study due in October from Met Council first. The next meeting
of RCLLG is scheduled for October 20th
Council Member Mueller noted there was a Fall Harvest Meet and Greet scheduled for October
2nd from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at the Roseville Armory. The event was sponsored by the Suburban
Ramsey County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. She encouraged interested residents and Council
members to serve at the event.
B. Reports of Staff.
City Administrator Ericson reviewed with the Council the work session items that would be
discussed in ctober.
City Administrator Ericson_ stated Staff held arbitration last week with LELS #232 Sergeants
Group. The arbitrator will take action in the next 30 days on this item. The City had met with all
four bargaining groups for the 2012 contracts. Staff was waiting to hear how insurance rates
would be affected in 2012.
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Mounds View City Council September 26,2011
• Regular Meeting Page 11
City Administrator Ericson indicated the YMCA Advisory Committee was meeting next Monday
at 11:00 a.m. to discuss staffing at the Community Center. Interviews were being held this
Wednesday to fill Rick Spitzka's position. City Administrator Ericson would be sitting in on
those interviews with the YMCA.
City Administrator Ericson indicated he and Heidi Steinmetz were subpoenaed to testify in court
on a civil matter regarding the Pac Building on County Road 10. He hoped this matter would
finally be settled and action could be taken on the property.
C. Reports of City Attorney.
City Attorney Riggs reviewed his monthly status report with the Council.
Mayor Flaherty reported the Fire Department was holding an Open House this evening from
5:00-8:00 p.m. at Station #2. The next Open House would be held at Station #3 in Blaine on
October 8th from 1:00-4:00 p.m. The final Open House was for Station#1 in Spring Lake Park
and was scheduled for October 9`h from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
City Administrator Ericson added that the City of Blaine had proceeded with the equipment
bonds and the fire equipment purchases would be moving forward.
12. Next Council Work Session: Monday,October 3,2011,at 7:00 p.m.
Next Council Meeting: Monday,October 10,2011,at 7:00 p.m.
13. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:16 p.m.
Transcribed by:
Heidi Guenther
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
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