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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2012/01/09 • PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY,MINNESOTA ilk OV Regular Meeting January 9,2012 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, Mueller, Gunn. NOT PRESENT: None. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday,January 9,2012, City Council Agenda. IIIMOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Approve the Monday, January 9, 2012, agenda as presented. Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT None. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS None. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Resolution 7879, Approving Appointments of Dave Long to the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission, Dale Aukee, as Chairperson of the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission, and Tony Hoffman of the Streets and Utilities Commission. Assistant City Administrator Crane stated on December 12th, the Council approved appointments to various Commissions and Committees. After that meeting, Dave Long and Tony Hoffman IIreconsidered their positions and were seeking reappointment at this time. Mounds View City Council January 9, 2012 Regular Meeting Page 2 • Council Member Mueller thanked the citizens for stepping forward and being willing to serve the community. Mayor Flaherty agreed, thanking these residents as well. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7879, Approving Appointments of Dave Long to the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission, Dale Aukee, as Chairperson of the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission, Tony Hoffman of the Streets and Utilities Commission. Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 7880, Authorizing a Step and Wage Increase for City Administrator James Ericson. Assistant City Administrator Crane explained that City Administrator Jim Ericson was appointed the City's Administrator on February 11, 2008. The Council reviewed Mr. Ericson's performance at an Executive Session in December and found that he was either meeting or exceeding stated expectations. Staff recommends the Council authorize a step wage increase for Mr. Ericson effective January 1, 2012. . Council Member Mueller asked when the last step increase was approved for City Administrator Ericson. Assistant City Administrator Crane indicated a step increase had been approved last year. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7880, Authorizing a Step and Wage Increase for City Administrator James Ericson. Mayor Flaherty commented two years ago City Administrator Ericson chose to forego a step increase given the City's economic climate. He thanked him for doing that and felt the increase was warranted, at this time. Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 7881, Authorizing Step and Wage Increases for Officer Kirsten Lafean and Officer Greggory Neumann. Assistant City Administrator Crane indicated Officer Lafean and Officer Neumann were both employed with the Mounds View Police Department. She indicated both have performed satisfactorily in their positions and a step and wage increase was recommended as stated within the Police union contract. The wage increase for Officer Lafean would move from Step 3 to Step 4 with an effective date of June 1, 2011. The increase for Officer Neumann would move him from Step 3 to Step 4 with an effective date of February 1, 2012. Staff recommends approval of • both increases. Mounds View City Council January 9,2012 Regular Meeting Page 3 • Council Member Mueller questioned why the step increase was missed for Officer Lafean. Assistant City Administrator Crane was uncertain why the step increase was missed, but Officer Lafean was notified at the end of the year when records were reviewed and would be corrected. She indicated her supervisor and the union were also notified. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7881, Authorizing Step and Wage Increases for Officer Kirsten Lafean and Officer Greggory Neumann. Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 7882, Selection of the City Newspaper, Acting Mayor, Treasurer, and Official Depositories for 2012. Assistant City Administrator Crane stated this was a housekeeping item handled by the Council at the beginning of each year. She explained that the Sun Focus Newspaper was slightly more expensive but had a larger audience of distribution than the Bulletin. Staff selected the Sun Focus in past years due to the coverage provided for the City of Mounds View. Staff recommended the Council also select an Acting Mayor, Treasurer and Official Depositories for 2012 as well. The Council was in favor of proceeding with the Sun Focus as the City's official newspaper. Council Member Mueller encouraged the Sun Focus to have a presence at the City's Council meetings. The Council selected Council Member Mueller to be the Acting Mayor. The Council agreed with the Treasurer recommendations made by Staff. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7882, Selection of the City Newspaper, Acting Mayor, Treasurer, and Official Depositories for 2012. Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 7883, Appointing City Council Members and City Staff as Representatives for City Commissions and Other Organizations. Assistant City Administrator Crane stated this was another housekeeping item and recommended the Council proceed with the appointments of City Council members and City Staff as representatives for City Commissions and other organizations. Mayor Flaherty asked who was willing to serve on the Ramsey County League of Local • Government. Council Member Mueller requested to continue with this position. Council Member Stigney was willing to continue as the representative for the Spring Lake Mounds View City Council January 9, 2012 Regular Meeting Page 4 • Park/Blaine/Mounds View Fireman's Relief Association. Mayor Flaherty questioned who would like to serve on the Human Resources Committee for 2012. Council Member Gunn and Council Member Stigney volunteered for this committee. Council Member Hull agreed to continue to serve as the representative for the YMCA Advisory Committee. Council Member Gunn would serve as the alternate. Council Member Hull wished to continue to serve as the representative for Northwest Youth and Family Services. Mayor Flaherty would serve as the alternate. Council Member Mueller asked if the Council should have a designated representative to the Mounds View Business Council. She indicated she has been attending these meetings. City Administrator Ericson explained this could be added to the list. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7883, Appointing City Council Members and City Staff as Representatives for City Commissions and Other Organizations as noted above. Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried. III F. Resolution 7884,Authorizing Reconstruction of a Picnic Structure and Other Damaged Equipment. Finance Director Beer stated that back in May, straight line winds damaged a picnic structure at Lakeside Park. This park is jointly operated by the City of Mounds View and Spring Lake Park. He explained the damage was submitted for an insurance claim and before the Council this evening for approval. He noted the total cost of the replacement equipment and shelter was $87,000 of which the City would only have to cover the deductible. Spring Lake Park would be covering the labor expenses. Council Member Mueller asked what City fund would cover the deductible. Finance Director Beer stated the Lakeside Park Fund would cover this expense. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7884, Authorizing Reconstruction of a Picnic Structure and Other Damaged Equipment. Mayor Flaherty was pleased the issues with the City and the League of Minnesota Cities were finally resolved. This would assure the park could be used in 2012. Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried. 1111 G. Resolution 7885, Considering Stormwater Infiltration Program Appeals in Area E of the Street and Utility Improvement Project. Mounds View City Council January 9,2012 Regular Meeting Page 5 • Public Works Director DeBar stated the Stormwater Infiltration Program (SIP) was the City's approach to meeting the stormwater management rules and regulations associated with the Street and Utility Improvement program. The infiltration program constructs stormwater basins in the City-owned right-of-way. The City established a process for homeowners to appeal the location of these infiltration basins proposed for their property. A specific set of physical and hardship parameters must be met for the City to consider the appeal. Public Works Director DeBar noted the City was planning for Area E to be constructed in the summer of 2012. He reviewed each of the opportunities the homeowners have been provided to become aware of the City's intent to construct infiltration basins in Area E. The preliminary design identified 94 locations on 92 properties. After further review, 13 basins have been eliminated due to design issues. The City received 11 appeal forms, with four of the appeals part of the 13 that were eliminated, leaving seven appeals for the Council to consider. Public Works Director DeBar explained the Street and Utility Committee reviewed the appeals in December and had a recommendation for the Council for each property. He then discussed the first appeal from Paul Thompson for the property at 5155 Eastwood Road. Mr. Thompson was concerned about aesthetics, water in his basement and how the basin would affect the large maple tree he has in the boulevard. Public Works Director DeBar stated there was no evidence that the basin would lead to a change in the groundwater elevation. The proposed basin was shortened to not impact the maple tree. City Staff, along with the Streets and Utility Committee • recommend denying this appeal. Staff has spoken with Mr. Thompson about his concerns and he understands the planned basin. Public Works Director DeBar indicated the second appeal was from Terrance Pajerski for the property at 5140 Brighton Lane. Mr. Pajerski was worried about water in the basement from both surface runoff and ground water, in addition to how the basin would affect the oak tree near the property line. There was no evidence that infiltration into the ground from the basin storage would cause a change in groundwater elevation. He explained the proposed basin would be shortened to 48 feet in length to avoid impacting the oak tree. City Staff, along with the Streets and Utility Committee recommend denying this appeal. Staff has spoken with Mr. Pajerski regarding his concerns. Public Works Director DeBar indicated the third appeal was from Keith and Louise Fester for the property at 5141 Brighton Lane. Mr. and Mrs. Fester are worried about water in the basement, in addition to insufficient stormwater runoff to basin A5, and how to properly access their storage shed. He stated there was no evidence that infiltration into the ground from the basin storage would cause a change in groundwater elevation. He explained the total drainage area to the proposed basin was .33 acres which would provide a sufficient amount of runoff to basin A5. Public Works Director DeBar noted a proposed second driveway curb cut was not allowed per City Code and driving over vertical curbing was discouraged. City Staff, along with the Streets and Utility Committee recommend denying this appeal. Staff has spoken with Mr. and Mrs. • Fester onsite to hear their concerns and the basin length would be reduced to accommodate access to the outbuilding. Mounds View City Council January 9, 2012 Regular Meeting Page 6 • Council Member Mueller questioned if the road currently had water damage. Public Works Director DeBar stated road has cracked over the years from inadequate drainage. Public Works Director DeBar indicated the fourth appeal was from Jodi Daines for the property at 2626 Clearview Avenue. Ms. Daines was worried about water in the basement, tree concerns, safety and maintenance concerns, in addition to damage that may be caused to her underground sprinkler system. There was no evidence that infiltration into the ground from the basin storage would cause a change in groundwater elevation. He explained the portion of the sprinkler system in the City boulevard would have to be removed at the property owner's expense, whether or not the basin is constructed. Ms. Daines estimated the expense for a new system to be $2,936.85. Staff explained the sprinkler system was private property and the City was not responsible for private property in City right-of-way. Public Works Director DeBar indicated the length of the basin would be reduced to remain outside of the tree dripline, whereby significantly reducing the risk of any negative impact on the adjacent trees. However, the primary concern for the appeal was for safety and maintenance of the basin. Public Works Director DeBar indicated all basins were designed and constructed to be very manageable from a maintenance standpoint with a 4:1 side slope and would be only six inches deep from the curb cut. The proposed basin should not be any more difficult to mow than the property's rear yard. City Staff, along with the Streets and Utility Committee recommend denying this appeal. • Mayor Flaherty commented that the sprinkler system would have to be removed from the City right-of-way whether or not the property was selected for an infiltration basin due to the fact the street was being reconstructed. Public Works Director DeBar indicated this was the case. Mayor Flaherty indicated the selection of the basin sites was completed by the City's consulting engineer and each was designed to assist the City in reducing water runoff. Finance Director Beer added that the use of the infiltration basins would save the City a tremendous amount of money in the long run, upwards of $4 million, due to the reduction in stormwater runoff expenses. Public Works Director DeBar indicated the fifth appeal was from James Flynn for the property at 2653 Clearview Avenue. Mr. Flynn is worried about water in the basement, and the minimum distance or location of the basin. Staff explained there was no evidence that infiltration into the ground from the basin storage would cause a change in groundwater elevation. He stated the property owner thought the basin would be located along Sunnyside Road and not along Clearview, as this was a corner lot. Staff from Stantec met with Mr. Flynn to discuss the matter further and the basin could proceed as planned. City Staff, along with the Streets and Utility Committee recommend denying this appeal. Public Works Director DeBar indicated the sixth appeal was from Barbara Kosiak for the • property at 5173 Red Oak Drive. Ms. Kosiak is worried about the large maple tree near the boulevard. He stated the tree is located near the middle of the turf boulevard area and the property owner would like to have the tree protected. After further investigation of the site, the Mounds View City Council January 9,2012 Regular Meeting Page 7 IIIlength of the basin will be shortened and located north of the tree and outside the tree dripline to reduce the risk of any negative impact on the adjacent tree. City Staff, along with the Streets and Utility Committee recommend denying this appeal. Public Works Director DeBar indicated he spoke with Ms. Kosiak further regarding the basin and the proposed reduction in size. She supported the basin as planned. Mrs. Olson, 5091 Brighton Lane, expressed concern with the infiltration basin proposed for her lot given the fact there would be a grade change near the basin. Public Works Director DeBar explained basin#16 has been eliminated from the Area E plan. Public Works Director DeBar indicated the seventh appeal was from Amy Hermanek for the property at 2760 Woodale Drive. Ms. Hermanek had safety concerns along with how the basin would limit the use of her front yard. He explained the property owner uses a wheelchair full- time and is concerned with safety while in the vicinity of the proposed basin. Design engineers are investigating the possibility of constructing the basin on the west side of the driveway, but a curb would be placed along the front of the property, regardless. City Staff, along with the Streets and Utility Committee recommend denying this appeal. Public Works Director DeBar indicated he spoke with Ms. Hermanek about her concerns and the possibility of constructing the basin on the west side of her driveway. Soil borings will determine if this alternative location would be acceptable. • Mayor Flaherty indicated Ms. Hermanek requested Staff make every effort to move the basin to the west side of the driveway. This would allow Ms. Hermanek to continue to use her front yard with her pets. Public Works Director DeBar recommended the Council consider adopting the proposed Resolution that would deny the seven Stormwater Infiltration Program appeals received for Area E of the Street and Utility Improvement Program. Mayor Flaherty thanked Staff, Stantec and the Street and Utility Committee for the information provided to the Council this evening and for the recommendations made on these appeals. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7885, Considering Stormwater Infiltration Program Appeals in Area E of the Street and Utility Improvement Project. Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA None. • 9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS Finance Director Beer answered the Council's questions related to claims. Mounds View City Council January 9, 2012 Regular Meeting Page 8 • MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Stigney. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented. Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. December 5,2011, Truth in Taxation Meeting Minutes. Council Member Mueller requested a correction on Page 2, Line 13, it should read Mayor Flaherty noted the estimated tax forms were delivered from the County. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Approve the December 5, 2011, Truth in Taxation meeting minutes as corrected. Ayes—5 Nays—0 Motion carried. B. December 12,2011, City Council Meeting Minutes. Council Member Mueller requested a correction on Page 5, Line 45, needed the word daughter corrected. • MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the December 12, 2011, City Council meeting minutes as corrected. Ayes—5 Nays —0 Motion carried. 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Mueller reported the Ramsey County League of Local Government meeting would be held on January 26th at 6:30 p.m. This meeting would take place at the League of Minnesota Cities at 145 University Avenue West. She explained all Ramsey County representatives have been invited to provide information on the legislature. Council Member Mueller indicated the Council would be touring Zero Gravity, a new business in Mounds View on Wednesday, January 11th at 4:00 p.m. Council Member Mueller noted the Festival in the Park Committee was meeting Tuesday, January 17th at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. She invited all those interested in the committee to attend as there were openings on the committee. Council Member Mueller stated this Saturday, January 14th, she would be attending a Board meeting for Minnesota Women in Local Government. The group would be planning next the coming year's activities. Mounds View City Council January 9, 2012 Regular Meeting Page 9 IIIMayor Flaherty commented he would try to attend the Ramsey County League of Local Government meeting and found this to be a highly information event. He encouraged the other Council members to attend. Mayor Flaherty indicated on Wednesday, January 11th at 7:30 a.m., the Mounds View Business Community was meeting at the Community Center. He would be the guest speaker this month. Council Member Mueller commented the December issue of the City County publication the Minnesota Department of Transportation received an award for the Trunk Highway 58 bridge. B. Reports of Staff. City Administrator Ericson indicated on Wednesday, January 11th at 3:30 p.m. there would be a meeting at the City of Blaine regarding the I-35W corridor. An update from MnDOT would be provided. City Administrator Ericson encouraged the Council to begin thinking about home and garden projects as the 14th Annual Home and Garden Show would take place at the Schwan Center on February 25th. This was a free event. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothin g additional at this time. 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday,February 6,2012, at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday,January 23,2012, at 7:00 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. •