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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2012/04/09PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting April 9, 2012 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, April 9, 2012, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Monday, April 9, 2012, agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT None. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS None. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 870, Amending the City Code Chapters 514 and 1106 to Allow Massage Therapy as a Home Occupation. Planning Associate Heller stated that this was the second reading and adoption of Ordinance 870 allowing Massage Therapy as a Home Occupation. She thanked the Council and Planning Commission for reviewing City Code and moving forward with the issue. Staff recommended adoption of the Ordinance as submitted. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 870, Amending the City Code Chapters 514 and 1106 to Allow Massage Therapy as a Home Occupation. Council Member Stigney recommended the massage therapy use remain in the B-2 zoning district and not in the residential zoning district. He felt businesses did not belong in the residential zoning district. He proposed amending the first page of the Ordinance, Subdivision 1, Item A, adding 9 stating written consent of the adjacent property owners be mandatory. AMENDMENT: Stigney/Hull. Amending Ordinance 870, Subdivision 1, Item A, adding 9 stating written consent of the adjacent property owners be mandatory. Council Member Stigney stated the adjacent property owners should be made aware of this use as clients would be coming to the home for massage therapy services and this would make them aware of the potential use. Council Member Hull questioned if neighboring properties were notified of home occupation licenses. City Administrator Ericson stated the City did not require notification to adjacent property owners through the home occupation licensure process. He stated a conditional use would require notification. Council Member Mueller requested further information as to the concerns Council Member Stigney had with this use in the R-1 zoning district. Council Member Stigney indicated the adjacent property owners had the right to know that a business was being operated out of their neighbors’ home because such uses generate traffic. Council Member Gunn stated a neighborly situation with issues could stop the use entirely. She did not want to see a home business stalled because of a neighborly dispute. Mayor Flaherty felt the code language addressed parking requirements and hours of operation, along with addressing the issues a neighboring property may have. AMENDMENT VOTE: Ayes – 1 Nays – 4 (Hull, Mueller, Gunn and Flaherty) Motion to amend failed. ORIGINAL MOTION VOTE: ROLL CALL: Hull/Stigney/Mueller/Gunn/Flaherty. Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Stigney) Motion carried. Resolution 7920, Approving the Allocation of the Twin Cities Gateway 2012 Community Festivals and Events Grant. City Administrator Ericson stated that this item is reviewed on an annual basis. The Twin Cities Gateway organization provides funding to market and draw in crowds for local festivals or events. Last year the City received $3,673, which was used for Festival in the Park. This year the City would like to split the allocation between Festival in the Park and the Back to the 50’s Hot Rod event. City Administrator Ericson indicated the Mounds View Community Theatre requested funding. However, after review by staff, this was not suggested as the Theatre did not rise to the same level as the other two events. The City was anticipating receiving $4,400 from Twin Cities Gateway, and staff recommended providing $2,200 for Festival in the Park and to the Minnesota Street Rod Back to the 50’s event at the Mermaid. Council Member Mueller questioned if the City had additional funds to cover the additional law enforcement expense for the Back to the 50’s event at The Mermaid. City Administrator Ericson stated this would be an overtime expense taken from the general fund. Council Member Mueller indicated the heaviest traffic through the City would be Wednesday evening through Thursday. She was pleased that the traffic would be running through Mounds View and felt it was a terrific opportunity to market the City. She supported staff’s recommendation. Mayor Flaherty requested further information on the Twin Cities Gateway fund requirements. City Administrator Ericson reviewed the language and described how the funds could be used by the City. Mayor Flaherty stated security at The Mermaid would need to be addressed for the Back to the 50’s event. The proposed funds could assist with this expense. He recommended the City contact The Mermaid regarding security to see if they were interested in hiring an overtime officer. City Administrator Ericson stated the staffing needs would be addressed. Mayor Flaherty commented he would like to see the Festival in the Park event remain top priority for the City and questioned if the $2,200 would be enough to advertise the event. City Administrator Ericson noted an additional $1,900 was available from last year’s allocation to assist with advertising Festival in the Park. He agreed this Festival should be the main focus. Council Member Gunn stated she would like to see promotion of Mounds View’s local businesses through the event at The Mermaid. Council Member Mueller agreed adding Festival in the Park information could also be included. City Administrator Ericson explained Heidi Steinmetz was looking to create a coupon book or guide to highlight the City’s amenities. He noted dollars may be available through the EDA to assist with this expense. Council Member Mueller indicated the Mounds View Business Council would be meeting this Wednesday at the Community Center. She stated discussion could be held on how to reach those coming through the City for the Back to the 50’s event. Planning Commissioner Gary Meehlhause stated in previous years the registration for the Back to the 50’s event was held at the Hampton Inn in Shoreview, MN. He stated the Ramsey County Sheriff’s office supported Shoreview with an additional presence. He suggested the Sheriff’s office be contacted to assist the City of Mounds View. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7920, Approving the Allocation of the Twin Cities Gateway 2012 Community Festivals and Events Grant. Council Member Stigney stated the funding donating to The Mermaid would support a for-profit event and he questioned if public funds should be allocated in this manner. He suggested the dollars used strictly promote the City. Mayor Flaherty agreed stated advertising would promote the City of Mounds View, this community, its businesses and not The Mermaid. He commented Festival in the Park would also be assisted through these funds. AMENDMENT: Mueller/Gunn. Amending the final paragraph to read: Now therefore be it resolved, that the Mounds View City Council does hereby accept and allocate the 2012 Twin Cities Gateway funds in the amount of $2,200 to the Economic Development Authority for the marketing and promotion of the Minnesota Street Rod Association’s Back to the 50’s registration event and $2,200 to the Festival in the Park Committee for the Mounds View Festival in the Park Celebration. Discussion ensued regarding the manner in which the funds could be spent. City Administrator Ericson suggested he review the funding requirements further and report back to the Council. He understood the funds had to be tied to an event or festival, while marketing and promotional efforts worked to increase attendance. The advertising had to go beyond the City’s library or local businesses, reaching the north suburban region through newspaper ads or local radio spots. Council Member Stigney was in favor of the EDA creating a flyer or coupon book to be included in the registration information for the Back to the 50’s event. City Administrator Ericson indicated the Twin Cities Gateway funds had to be used to increase attendance and a coupon book would not qualify, this would have to be EDA funds. Council Member Gunn stated the Twin Cities Gateway funds are allowed to promote large events in the City to assist with drawing people into the community. Council Member Mueller indicated the 12,000 vehicles that would register at The Mermaid could draw spectators and this may be the angle the City should choose to promote the event. City Administrator Ericson explained this was a good point. Council Member Gunn questioned if the EDA should regulate these funds. City Administrator Ericson felt the amendment language change worked. Mayor Flaherty explained “The Mermaid Convention Center” was stricken from the Resolution. Council Member Stigney questioned if the City should be promoting an event that is taking place at The Mermaid, a for-profit entity. Council Member Gunn stated these were grant funds and were being used to promote an event in the community and to increase attendance at the event. Mayor Flaherty indicated the grant had to be used in a specific manner and questioned if the Back to the 50’s event qualified as an event. City Administrator Ericson reiterated that the funds are to be used to promote or advertise the event. Council Member Gunn explained if the funds were not used in the proper manner, Twin Cities Gateway may reduce the funds allotted to the City. City Administrator Ericson stated 100% of the funding could be donated to Festival in the Park if the Council was apprehensive about allocating a portion to the Minnesota Street Rod Association’s event. Mayor Flaherty questioned what would happen with the funds if they were not expended. City Administrator Ericson was uncertain. Mayor Flaherty did not oppose assisting with the Street Rod Association event. He wanted to make the public and neighboring communities aware of the event. He requested the Council take a vote on the amendment. Council Member Stigney suggested the other local businesses be made aware of the opportunities to draw people into Mounds View on this evening so as not to only allow The Mermaid to benefit from the traffic. AMENDMENT VOTE: Ayes – 2 Nays – 3 (Stigney, Hull and Flaherty) Motion to amend failed. Council Member Mueller expressed concern about awarding grant funds to a private for-profit business with the Resolution as it was worded. She suggested the Resolution be amended to donate all the funds to Festival in the Park. She explained the Festival in the Park Committee was a non-profit organization and would follow the grant fund requirements. SECOND AMENDMENT: Mueller/Stigney. Amending the Resolution awarding 100% of the Twin Cities Gateway 2012 Grant to Festival in the Park. Council Member Hull stated there were carryover funds available for Festival in the Park, along with an additional $2,200. He questioned if the City could work with The Mermaid to ensure that $2,200 was used in the proper manner to meet the grant specifications. City Administrator Ericson stated staff could work with them on this issue, but recommended The Mermaid Convention Center be stricken from the Resolution. This would allow staff the flexibility to market the event and work with the local radio station on specific ads. Mayor Flaherty expressed concern with the City taking over the advertising. City Administrator Ericson indicated if staff were to control the funding, the funds would be used in an efficient manner while meeting the grant requirements. Council Member Gunn supported this recommendation as it would allow the City to promote the event in the most effective manner to draw spectators to the registration. Mayor Flaherty suggested the Council vote on the Second Friendly Amendment. Council Member Mueller WITHDREW THE SECOND AMENDMENT. Council Member Stigney agreed to withdraw his second to the amendment motion. Council Member Stigney suggested the words “funds to The Mermaid Event Center” and “registration event” be stricken from the Resolution and replacing registration event with activities in Mounds View. THIRD AMENDMENT: Stigney/Mueller. Amending the Resolution striking the words funds to The Mermaid Event Center and registration event, placing registration event with activities in Mounds View. Mayor Flaherty did not object to this amendment. THIRD AMENDMENT VOTE: Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mayor Flaherty explained that Council Member Gunn and Council Member Hull supported the original motion with the approved amendment. ORIGINAL MOTION VOTE: Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Resolution 7921, Awarding a Construction Contract to Northwest Asphalt, Inc. for 2012 Street and Utility Improvement Project – Area E. Public Works Director DeBar stated the Council considered plans and specs for Area E on February 27th. This project was advertised publically and bids were received on March 29th. Eight bid proposals were received from contractors and the low bidder was Northwest Asphalt out of Shakopee, Minnesota. He indicated the bidding environment was in the City’s favor at this time assisting the City in completing the 4+ miles of roadways in Area E. Public Works Director DeBar reviewed a letter of recommendation from Stantec regarding Northwest Asphalt. He stated the City has had great success with this company in Area’s B-C and D. He discussed the proposed engineering fees for Area E from Stantec. Staff recommended the Council award a construction contract to Northwest Asphalt for the 2012 Street and Utility Improvement Project for Area E. If adopted, a neighborhood meeting would be scheduled for April 25th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Mayor Flaherty explained he was pleased with the work completed by Northwest Asphalt in areas B-C and D. Public Works Director DeBar stated he has received a number of phone calls from residents thanking the contractor for being courteous throughout the reconstruction process. Council Member Mueller questioned if the punch list for the 2011 project was complete. Public Works Director DeBar indicated this was not yet complete, but would be addressed yet this spring. A final punch list would be handed over to Northwest Asphalt after Area D was reviewed for cracks. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7921, Awarding a Construction Contract to Northwest Asphalt, Inc. for 2012 Street and Utility Improvement Project – Area E. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. First Reading and Introduction of Ordinance 871, Amending Chapter 605 of the Municipal Code to Include Emerald Ash Borer as a Regulated Tree Pest. Public Works Director DeBar stated last Monday at a work session meeting, the Council discussed amending Chapter 605 of the City Code to include Emerald Ash Borer as a regulated tree pest. He stated the draft Emerald Ash Bore management plan was reviewed by the Council. The Council supported the plan and directed staff to make the necessary amendments for Council approval. Staff reviewed the language changes in detail and recommended the Council introduce Ordinance 871. Council Member Mueller questioned if the City Forester would be at the Town Hall meeting to address concerns regarding Emerald Ash Bore with the residents. Public Works Director DeBar stated Rick Risky would be in attendance. He stated he would have pamphlets with Ash Bore information available to the residents as well. Council Member Gunn asked if the language change could also be posted on the City’s website and within Mounds View Matters. Public Works Director DeBar explained he could have this done and stated he was looking into creating a document specifically addressing Ash Bore in Mounds View. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 871, Amending Chapter 605 of the Municipal Code to Include Emerald Ash Borer as a Regulated Tree Pest. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Resolution 7922, Approving Longevity Increases for Officer Keith Czarnecki and Officer Keith Demarest. City Administrator Ericson indicated Police Officers Keith Czarnecki and Keith Demarest were both due a longevity increase. He read Resolution 7922 in full and recommended the Council approve the longevity wage adjustments. Council Member Stigney questioned how high the longevity percentage went. City Administrator Ericson stated the longevity increases topped out at nine percent. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7922, Approving Longevity Increases for Officer Keith Czarnecki and Officer Keith Demarest. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Resolution 7925, Accepting Donation from Bethlehem Baptist Church. City Administrator Ericson stated Bethlehem Baptist Church has provided the City with a donation of $17,574. Staff received this donation earlier this year and has been working to find suitable programs or opportunities for these dollars. The recommended schedule was reviewed with the Council. Staff recommended the Council accept the donation from Bethlehem Baptist Church with the distribution of the funds as noted. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7925, Accepting Donation from Bethlehem Baptist Church in the amount of $17,574 with the distribution of the funds as noted. Council Member Stigney reminded the residents these funds were made to the City in lieu of taxes. He questioned several of the ways these funds were being allotted and indicated he would not support the recommendation. Mayor Flaherty was pleased Club Mid was being supported through the donation. He questioned if the flooring at Groveland Park was in need of replacement. City Administrator Ericson stated the flooring may be upgraded to flooring similar to Lambert Park. Public Works Director DeBar stated the majority of these funds would be used for furniture. Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Stigney) Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA Resolution 7923, Approving the Mounds View Employee Safety Manual MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. 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: Mueller/Stigney. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES None. 11. REPORTS Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Mueller stated on Wednesday, April 11th at 7:30 a.m. at the Community Center the Mounds View Business Counsel would be meeting. The speaker would be Kent Barnard from MnDOT and he would be discussing the County Highway 10 bridge replacement. B. Reports of Staff. Reminder: Town Hall Meeting – Monday, April 16, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. City Administrator Ericson reminded the Council and residents the Town Hall Meeting would be held on Monday, April 16th at 6:00 p.m. Administration Report City Administrator Ericson indicated a YMCA Advisory Committee meeting was held on April 2nd and great feedback was received from the staff regarding rentals and programs. Revenues were doing well and staff was pleased with the direction the YMCA was headed. City Administrator Ericson stated the City took possession of a portable dance floor. This amenity would allow for additional activities to be held in the Former Chamber space. He stated the audio system in the Event Center may be upgraded. Staff was looking into options while also replacing the speakers. He stated Bethlehem Baptist funds were available for these upgrades. City Administrator Ericson noted the Tri-City Task Force was proposing to meet on April 30th. However, Blaine could not meet on this day and was proposing to meet on May 15th at 7:00 p.m. at Fire Station #3 in Blaine. Blaine and Spring Lake Park could both meet on May 15th. The Council was in favor of the revised date. City Administrator Ericson explained the awards presentation to be made at the Town Hall meeting was being moved up on the agenda to assist the Skelly Family. City Administrator Ericson stated City Chapter 1008 regarding dynamic display signs was in need of amending. He explained the size of a dynamic sign allowed to be attached to a building would need to be determined. At this point, the code was silent and therefore staff was not allowing dynamic signs to be attached to buildings. Council Member Hull questioned why the local business was requesting a dynamic sign. City Administrator Ericson stated the business was restricted from having a monument sign and was seeking a dynamic sign instead. Council Member Mueller thanked staff for being proactive on this issue. She stated dynamic display signs were quite costly and suggested that flush mounted signs on a building be allowed, but limited in size. Council Member Hull agreed. Council Member Stigney stated these signs were not now allowed and recommended this remain. Council Member Gunn did not want to see any business limited or not allowed to have a sign if a monument sign was not feasible. Mayor Flaherty indicated if a business owner did not have space, he felt the City could consider dynamic display sign being mounted to a building. He suggested this issue be further reviewed. City Administrator Ericson questioned if the Council had any agenda items for the work session meeting. He stated there were no items at this time. Council Member Stigney suggested the meeting be canceled. City Administrator Ericson noted he would consider this option if no items arose between now and the Council’s next meeting. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 12. Town Hall Meeting: Monday, April 16, 2012, at 6:00 p.m. Next Council Work Session: Monday, May 7, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, April 23, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:06 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.