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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2012/06/11PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting June 11, 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, June 11, 2012, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Monday, June 11, 2012, agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT None. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Presentation by Don Cunningham, CenterPoint Energy to Present the City with a Grant Check. Assistant City Administrator Crane commented the City applied for a grant with CenterPoint Energy and received a grant check in the amount of $1,500 to assist with purchasing safety equipment. The City will purchase a carbon monoxide detector and a confined space harness for the Fire Department with the grant funds. Don Cunningham, CenterPoint Energy, presented the Mayor and Council with a check for $1,500. B. Proclamation – MSRA’s 39th Annual Back to the 50’s. Assistant City Administrator Crane stated the Minnesota Street Rod Association (MSRA) would be holding its 39th Annual Back to the 50’s registration event at The Mermaid. The group was requesting a proclamation recognizing their upcoming event scheduled for June 22nd through June 24th. She questioned if a member of the Council would be available to make a presentation on June 22nd. Mayor Flaherty noted he would be available on June 22nd and then read a proclamation regarding the MSRA’s 39th Annual Back to the 50’s event noting the registration would be held at The Mermaid in Mounds View, Minnesota. He commented that 12,000 vehicles would be coming through the City for the event and he encouraged the public to take advantage of the registration event scheduled at The Mermaid. Council Member Mueller thanked Heidi Steinmetz for creating a handout regarding the City and its businesses, which would be handed out to all vehicles registering for the Back to the 50’s event. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS 7:05 p.m. Public Hearing, Resolution 7958, A Resolution to Consider an Outdoor Consumption Endorsement for El Loro Mexican Restaurant. Assistant City Administrator Crane stated El Loro would like to construct an outdoor patio area in front of their building to allow for outdoor dining. This would require an outdoor consumption endorsement. She reviewed the proposed plans and recommended the Council approve the outdoor liquor endorsement for El Loro. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:12 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:12 p.m. Mayor Flaherty was pleased with the expansion of the business. He asked if the outdoor dining area would be covered. Reuben Arellano, El Loro stated the seating areas would have umbrellas. Council Member Mueller asked how many additional patrons could be seated outdoors. Mr. Arellano estimated that 36 people could be seated in the outdoor patio area. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7958, A Resolution to Consider an Outdoor Consumption Endorsement for El Loro Mexican Restaurant. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Resolution 7959, a Resolution to Consider a Cigarette and Tobacco Business License for ABC Liquor located at 2840 Highway 10. Assistant City Administrator Crane stated that ABC Liquor was requesting a Cigarette and Tobacco license. She indicated that ABC Liquor had a tobacco license in the past, however was cited by the Minnesota Department of Revenue for violating the Minnesota Tax Code. Due to the violation, ABC Liquor voluntarily surrendered their license. In accordance with City Code, Staff recommends denying the request at this time based on the previous violation and a failed compliance check in 2006. Ge Xiong, owner of ABC Liquor, approached the Council and described further the failed compliance check. Mayor Flaherty questioned if the establishment was in the habit of carding. Mr. Xiong explained that he now had a card reading machine to assist with carding patrons. The card reader machine was purchased in 2009. Mayor Flaherty was pleased that Mr. Xiong had taken the necessary steps to assure that there would not be any future concerns with sales to minors. He supported the approval of the tobacco license. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7959, a Resolution to Consider a Cigarette and Tobacco Business License for ABC Liquor located at 2840 Highway 10. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Resolution 7957, SUIP Driveway Appeal to Allow a Second Curb Cut at 5101 Brighton Lane. Planning Associate Heller commented the Council was being requested to consider a driveway appeal in Area E of the Street and Utility Improvement Project. The homeowners, Michael and Melinda Collins at 5101 Brighton Lane were requesting a second curb cut as it was a corner lot with a garage and driveway accessing Brighton Lane. However, the Collins have occasionally been driving into their backyard from Woodcrest Drive to access a shed in their rear yard. Planning Associate Heller explained that City records show a permit to install concrete was applied for in 1986. The permit allowed for the installation of concrete between the house and a shed, and a strip leading to the south property line. The Collins would like to continue to be able to drive into the backyard after the new curbs are installed. Planning Associate Heller noted the second curb cut does not meet all requirements as the access point did not exist prior to January of 2000 and has not been permitted by the City through an approved variance or other acceptable means. In addition, the access in question does not have an improved surface in compliance with City Code requirements. It was Staff’s opinion that a second curb cut would not be consistent with the standards and conditions set in the City Code and those in Resolution 7338. Michael Collins, 5101 Brighton Lane, thought it was clear the area in his rear yard was a driveway to the shed and not a patio area. He commented that he had an adult daughter moving home and would be in need of additional parking available in his rear yard. Mr. Collins discussed the history of his property and requested the Council consider his appeal approving the second curb cut. Council Member Mueller questioned if there would be any infiltration basins on this property. Planning Associate Heller stated there were no basins planned for this property. Council Member Hull asked if the driveway were extended to the street, if Item 1B would be satisfied. Planning Associate Heller indicated this was the case. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7957, Approving a Request for a Second Curb Cut at 5101 Brighton Lane. Council Member Mueller commented she drove by the property and agreed that a second curb cut was warranted for this property to allow for use of the parking surface in the rear yard. Council Member Stigney believed that City Code should be followed on this matter to create consistency in the City’s neighborhoods. He did not support the second access as it did not access a garage or accessory structure. Council Member Hull questioned if the City was making a mistake by recommending approval of the second curb cut. Planning Associate Heller stated the Public Works Department did not see any safety issues. Mayor Flaherty noted he drove by the property as well and did not see the second access point as a driveway. He questioned how often this area was used. Mr. Collins stated the second access area was used on occasion. Mayor Flaherty asked if the previous owner had intended the concrete in the rear yard to be used as a driveway. Planning Associate Heller stated the concrete work was not originally intended to be a driveway and was therefore approved by City Staff. Mayor Flaherty questioned if the driveway could be construed to be a driveway. Planning Associate Heller commented the concrete work could be used as a driveway or patio area. However, the driveway did not go all the way to the street and the property already had a primary driveway. Council Member Gunn inquired when the extension of the rear concrete would be extended. Mr. Collins stated this could not be completed until after Phase III of the SUIP. He indicated the work would be completed yet this summer. Mayor Flaherty commented the second curb cut would have to be paid for by the homeowner. Mr. Collins understood this and had made payment with the City. Council Member Mueller did not feel it would be reasonable for the second driveway to be connected to the first/primary driveway. The concrete in the rear yard was onsite prior to the current homeowners’ ownership of the property. For this reason, she approved of the second curb cut. Council Member Stigney questioned if a variance had been applied for by the homeowner to allow for the rear yard to be used as a driveway. Mr. Collins explained he was unaware that this was necessary as the concrete work was completed prior to him purchasing the home. He expressed concern with the term non-conforming curb cut as he did not create this situation. Mayor Flaherty stated ordinarily he would not go against Staff’s recommendation. However, with the concrete driveway in the rear yard preexisting, he could then support the second curb cut. He suggested that a time period specified to ensure that a connection would be made between the concrete and the curb cut. Planning Associate Heller commented the homeowner would have one year to complete the work. Mr. Collins stated he was planning to complete the work as soon as the new apron was complete. Council Member Stigney objected to the second curb cut as he had to follow City Code on this issue. Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Stigney) Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA Resolution 7960, a Resolution Approving Business Licenses for the Period of July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013. Council Member Mueller stated the former PAC building has a new tenant. She questioned if this new tenant required a business license. Assistant City Administrator Crane indicated the new business did not require a business license. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/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/Hull. 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 reported Nick Erickson and K-9 Officer Niko began regular patrol duties last Monday. She noted they were successful in assisting with a missing vulnerable adult. She thanked both officers for their assistance in the community. Council Member Mueller explained the Festival in the Park Committee would be meeting on Tuesday, June 12th at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall in the conference room. She encouraged all those interested in volunteering to attend. Council Member Mueller stated next weekend was the League of Minnesota Cities Conference which would be held in Duluth, Minnesota. Mayor Flaherty questioned the need for volunteers for this year’s Festival in the Park. Assistant City Administrator Crane stated there was a desperate need for volunteers. Mayor Flaherty recommended the faith based community be contacted for volunteers. Council Member Gunn commented Ziggy Norberg, an Irondale Student, who went to Poland has been nominated as a delegate for the State of Minnesota Convention. Mayor Flaherty reported Irondale High School had their graduation last Tuesday. He encouraged the public to drive safely and be aware that all students were now out of school. Mayor Flaherty noted the first Concert in the Park would be held on Thursday, June 21st at 6:30 p.m. and would feature the North Suburban Concert Band. B. Reports of Staff. Business License/Dog License Module (Permit Works) Assistant City Administrator Crane noted the City has a database program called Permit Works. This program assists with tracking permits for Staff. However, Staff needed greater efficiencies when dealing with dog licenses and liquor licenses. Additional modules can be purchased for the Permit Works program to assist with gathering, sharing and centralizing this information. She explained the item was budgeted and requested the Council discuss the item and provide feedback to Staff. Council Member Mueller recommended Staff bring this item back for approval on the Council’s next Consent Agenda. Council Member Gunn agreed stating this would add greater efficiencies to the City and its Staff. Council Member Stigney indicated the cost was approximately $4,000 with a discount of $1,000. He asked if this expense was a one-time expense or yearly expense. Assistant City Administrator Crane commented this was a one-time expense for the module and there would be an additional yearly expense of $800 for the Permit Works program. Mayor Flaherty directed Staff to bring this item back to the Council for approval on the June 25th Consent Agenda. Administrator’s Report City Administrator Ericson explained he attended a YMCA Advisory meeting this morning. An update was provided by the YMCA. It appears all summer parks programs were meeting and exceeding last year’s numbers. He commented the event center facility was getting a lot of use, which the City was pleased to see. City Administrator Ericson questioned if the Council would be in favor of enhancing the home improvement loans. He explained that after speaking with the Public Works Department, Staff was suggesting a home loan be created to assist with blacktopping driveways. This new loan would encourage homeowners to improve those surfaces while reducing the sediment making its way into the storm sewer system. Council Member Stigney agreed with this recommendation. He questioned if the Federal Government had any additional funds or grants for this type of assistance. City Administrator Ericson was not aware of any grant dollars. Mayor Flaherty and the entire Council was in support of modifying the home improvement loans program to include a loan that would provide assistance for blacktopping driveways. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Gunn. To Direct Staff to Modify the Home Improvement Loan Program to include a loan that would provide Assistance for Improving Driveway Surfaces. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Council Member Stigney commented that procedurally, the Council should not be making motions or taking action on items that were not on the agenda. City Administrator Ericson explained the City was awarded a grant to assist with the demolition of a home that would then be turned over to Habitat for Humanity. It was noted the City did have additional funds available for scattered site acquisition. Additional acquisitions would assist with blighted neighborhoods and securing property values. He requested feedback on how the Council wanted to proceed on the issue. Mayor Flaherty asked if the issue had been discussed by the EDC. City Administrator Ericson stated at this point, Staff was seeking direction from the Council before bringing it to the EDC. Council Member Mueller suggested the City pursue a program similar to the City of Coon Rapids which allowed for blighted properties to be purchased, refurbished and sold. City Administrator Ericson stated there were properties that were good candidates for this program however staffing the program may be a concern. Mayor Flaherty commented the refurbishing program would need a dedicated staff person to drive its success. He suggested the City provide incentives for the homeowner to demolish their own home and sell the property. City Administrator Ericson explained that by the time the City learns of blighted properties the homes are vacant and bank owned. Mayor Flaherty understood the value of improving the City’s housing stock. He recommended the Council review this issue further, the options available to the City and have the EDC involved. City Administrator Ericson noted the County Road 10 bridges have been removed. He explained that MnDOT was hoping to have the new bridges completed by November of this year. City Administrator Ericson indicated he met with individuals at Ramsey County last week. The County has received funding to attend a FEMA course in Maryland next year. The County is encouraging each municipality to have several staff members also attend the event. City Administrator Ericson stated the Urban Land Institute would be holding a work session on Thursday, June 14th at 6:00 p.m. with the Council. He was anticipating the meeting would assist the City in navigating the new normal while providing insight on the economic times. City Administrator Ericson noted the City received 40 applications for the Building Official position. Interviews were being held and he hoped to have a recommendation before the Council at the second meeting in June. Mayor Flaherty commented 2012 was an election year with the Mayor and one Council seat open for reelection. He reported the filing dates for City office were July 31, 2012 through August 13, 2012. He encouraged those interested to contact City Hall for further information. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, July 2, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, June 25, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:36 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.