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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2012/08/13PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting August 13, 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, August 13, 2012, City Council Agenda. Mayor Flaherty requested an item be added to the agenda under Special Order of Business reading a Letter of Recognition to the Mounds View Police Department. ` MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Monday, August 13, 2012, agenda as amended. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT None. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS Letter of Recognition for the Mounds View Police Department. Mayor Flaherty read aloud for the record, a letter of recognition commending the Mounds View Police Department on addressing a recent burglary spree. He thanked the Police Department for their diligence in reaching a successful outcome on behalf of the Mounds View residents. Police Chief Kinney was proud of his officers and the teamwork demonstrated in solving this case. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 873, an Ordinance Implementing a Franchise Fee on Xcel Energy Electric and Natural Gas Operations within the City of Mounds View. Finance Director Beer stated this was the first of two readings of an Ordinance implementing a franchise fee on Xcel Energy Electric and Natural Gas operations that take place in the City. He explained the public hearing for the Ordinance would take place on August 27, 2012. He noted this Ordinance would continue the 4% franchise fee and discussions continued on the renewal. Staff recommended the Council hold the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 873. Council Member Hull questioned how long the new contract would be after negotiations were settled. Finance Director Beer stated the contract would be for 20 years. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 873, an Ordinance Implementing a Franchise Fee on Xcel Energy Electric and Natural Gas Operations within the City of Mounds View. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 874, an Ordinance Implementing a Franchise Fee on Center Point Energy Natural Gas Operations within the City of Mounds View. Finance Director Beer stated this was the first of two readings of an Ordinance implementing a franchise fee on Center Point Energy Natural Gas operations that take place in the City. At this time, Center Point Energy only had one customer in the City of Mounds View. He explained the public hearing for the Ordinance would take place on August 27, 2012. He noted this Ordinance would continue the 4% franchise fee and discussions continued on the renewal. Staff recommended the Council hold the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 874. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 874, an Ordinance Implementing a Franchise Fee on Center Point Energy Natural Gas Operations within the City of Mounds View. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Resolution 7976, Adopting the Ramsey County All Hazard Mitigation Plan. Police Chief Kinney explained Ramsey County had an All Hazard Mitigation Plan before the Council this evening for approval. This plan was a Federal requirement in order for the City to be eligible for future grants and Federal funding. The plan itself addressed hazards throughout the County while providing risk assessment. Police Chief Kinney indicated the plan was lengthy but thorough and public input was provided in the plan. Staff recommended approval of the all hazards mitigation plan. Council Member Mueller thanked Police Chief Kinney and the many volunteers for taking part in the thorough risk analysis as the City would be better prepared with this mitigation plan in place. She suggested the gas line running through the community be added to the plan in the future. She then requested the spelling of Holman Field be corrected in the document on Page 14. Karma Kumlin-Diers, Ramsey County Emergency Management and Department of Homeland Security, stated she would make a note of the misspelling and added that she would look into the pipeline. She noted she would pass the thanks along to her co-workers. Mayor Flaherty stated the thought and preparation provided in this plan would serve the community well. He also thanked Karma Kumlin-Diers, all volunteers and Police Chief Kinney for their work on this document. He was pleased that the County and City had plans in place. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7976, Adopting the Ramsey County All Hazard Mitigation Plan. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Resolution 7981, Zoning Review of a Proposed Use in a B-1, Neighborhood Business District at Sam’s Market, 2408 County Road I. Planning Associate Heller stated Sam’s Market, located at 2408 County Road I, was requesting to expand their business to provide a deli area complete with 64 square feet of cooking facilities, consisting of an oven and fryer. This would allow Sam’s Market to provide hot take-out food for their clientele. Staff explained the Planning Commission reviewed this issue and recommended approval of the proposed use in the B-1 Neighborhood Business District. Council Member Mueller understood the site was leased and asked if the property owner approved of the expanded use. Ahmad Muqbil, Sam’s Market, indicated he had discussed this with the property owner and had their full support. Mayor Flaherty thanked Mr. Muqbil for working through the concerns with the fire marshal. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7981, Approving up to 64 Square Feet of Cooking Area in Sam’s Market, 2408 County Road I. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Resolution 7975, Approving a One-Year Extension for a Variance on the Longview Estates Vacant Property at Silver Lake Road & County Road H2. Planning Associate Heller indicated in August of 2010 the Council passed an appeal for a variance from Harstad Companies for a property at Silver Lake Road and County Road H2. This property has been undeveloped for years. Due to the lack of demand for housing at this time, the site has still not been developed, but the property owner was hopeful the site could be platted in 2013, which would complete the variance. Staff recommended approval of the one-year extension to the variance. Mayor Flaherty requested further information on why the Planning Commission denied the variance, while the Council approved. Planning Associate Heller explained the Planning Commission did not find a hardship with this case. The Council approved the variance with only 10 lots, which would preserve more wetland. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7975, Approving a One-Year Extension for a Variance on the Longview Estates Vacant Property at Silver Lake Road & County Road H2. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Resolution 7979, Approving Grading and Irrigation Improvements at Lambert Park. Public Works Director DeBar stated that recently Lambert Park has had a number of improvements. The City rebuilt the park shelter and adjusted the on-street parking. City Staff and the Park Commission have been working on how to better utilize the space. A goal for the park would be to irrigate the park, which would greatly improve the health of the turf surface. Public Works Director DeBar commented that Public Works solicited quotes from several irrigation contractors and the low bid was provided by True North Landscaping out of Ham Lake, Minnesota, in an amount of $19,970. True North Landscaping also provided staff a quote to grade, topsoil and sod 1,500 square yards in and around the park shelter for $4,120. Staff and the Parks Commission recommended moving forward with this work. Mayor Flaherty reviewed the work that would be completed stating the total for this year would be $24,000, plus the expense of a new fence for the ball field. He indicated the Council has made the City parks a priority and he was in favor of irrigating Lambert Park. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7979, Approving Grading and Irrigation Improvements at Lambert Park. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Resolution 7980, Approving Playground Equipment Replacement at Lambert Park. Public Works Director DeBar stated that the improvements being made to Lambert Park also included replacement of the playground equipment. This year’s budget included $100,000 to replace the equipment at Silver View Park. However, with work being completed at Lambert Park and the age of the current structure, Staff and the Parks Commission recommend proceeding with the equipment replacement at Lambert Park. Public Works Director DeBar explained he solicited bids on the playground equipment layout prepared by Minnesota/Wisconsin Playground of Golden Valley, Minnesota. The recommended layout would cost $72,744.67, which includes furnishing and installing three playground units, a concrete border, and engineered wood fiber media. The proposed layout was discussed in detail with the Council. Public Works Director DeBar indicated that Minnesota/Wisconsin Playground was on the national cooperative venture (similar to state cooperative venture) and has furnished and installed previous playground equipment in Mounds View in a satisfactory manner. Staff and the Parks Commission recommended the Council approve the playground equipment replacement at Lambert Park. Council Member Mueller questioned the color scheme of the playground equipment. Public Works Director DeBar stated Staff was recommending a green and brown color scheme. These colors seemed to resist fading in the long-run and would blend in well with the nearby park shelter. Council Member Stigney requested the location of the concrete border. Public Works Director DeBar reviewed the location with the Council. Mayor Flaherty was pleased with the proposed design of the playground equipment. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7980, Approving Playground Equipment Replacement at Lambert Park. Council Member Mueller asked if the quoted price included installation of the playground equipment. Public Works Director DeBar stated the installation was included in the quoted price and the concrete sidewalk around the equipment. Public Works Director DeBar asked which colors the Council wanted to proceed with on the playground equipment. The Council recommended the brown and green color scheme. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA Resolution 7974, Accepting and Approving the Allocation of the Twin Cities Gateway 2012 Community Festivals and Events Grant. Set a Public Hearing for Monday, August 27, 2012 at 7:15 p.m. to Consider a Conditional Use Permit for a Tire and Auto Repair Business at 2832 County Road 10. Resolution 7978, Renewal of Training Contract with Century College. Resolution 7982, Calling for a Public Hearing by the City Council on the Proposed Modification to the Project Plan for the Mounds View Economic Development Project and the Proposed Modification of Tax Increment Financing Districts Nos. 1, 2 and 3. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. 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 noted the Primary Election date was August 14, 2012 and residents could vote at the Mounds View Community Center. She then discussed an upcoming Minnesota Women in Local Government Meeting that she would be attending on Wednesday, August 15th. Then on Thursday, August 16, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. she invited the public to participate in Music in the Park, which would feature the Teddy Bear Band. Council Member Mueller indicated on Friday, August 17th, volunteers are needed to set up for the Car Show at 5:00 p.m. All those interested in volunteering should contact City Hall. She invited all to attend Festival in the Park this Saturday, August 18th and then reviewed the list of events scheduled for the Festival in the Park noting a fun run would take place at 8:00 a.m. along with the Car Show with the parade starting at 10:00 a.m. It was noted there would be a K-9 demonstration put on by the police department at the Festival this year. Council Member Mueller thanked Heidi Steinmetz and the Vanessa VanAlstine for promoting Festival in the Park on the City’s website and the local cable channel. Mayor Flaherty stated DJ Chuck would be providing prizes at the Car Show. He commented Jonah and the Whales would be providing music this year. Mayor Flaherty explained the water tower was currently being refurbished. Public Works Director DeBar discussed the work being completed on the water tower in detail noting all antennas were removed and would be replaced. B. Reports of Staff. Finance Quarterly Report Finance Director Beer discussed the Finance Departments 2nd Quarter Report through June 30 of 2012. He explained tax revenues have yet to be received, but would change in the 3rd quarter. He noted building permits and fees were ahead of schedule, while interest revenues were down. The expenditures in the General Fund were discussed. He commented all departments were expending wisely and were on or below budget. Finance Director Beer indicated the Community Center Banquet Room had higher revenues than anticipated. The City continues to see cost savings through the Street and Utility Improvement Program. For this reason, the City would be able to complete the last portion of the program in 2015. He further discussed the reduced investment interest rates, along with mortgage loan concerns and local foreclosures. Mayor Flaherty stated the Community Center chairs would be purchased with unobligated LGA funds available in this year’s budget. This would assure that the budget would not be increased for 2012. Finance Director Beer stated the City received $160,000 in LGA funds for the first portion of the year. Police Department Quarterly Report Police Chief Kinney reviewed the 2nd Quarter report for the Police Department. He highlighted several key events that took place over the last quarter noting adult arrest numbers were on the rise, along with citations. This was a reflection of the efforts of the police officers on patrol in the City of Mounds View. Mayor Flaherty asked if crime was on the rise or if the police officers were just more diligent in making arrests. Police Chief Kinney indicated the department was becoming more diligent in making traffic stops, handing out citations, and following up with warrants. In addition, the department had a number of new hires and this was assisting with the patrol stops. Police Chief Kinney discussed the activity at Edgewood Middle School by Officer Ben Nitter. He then discussed the DARE program and the alcohol compliance checks noting all businesses in Mounds View passed. He described the recent Towards Zero Deaths activities, which focused on safe and sober driving. Police Chief Kinney stated the biggest event that took place in the 2nd quarter was the graduation of Officer Ericson and K-9 Niko. The City has greatly benefited from the addition of a K-9 officer to its department. He commented the Back to the 50’s event hosted by The Mermaid was a successful event in the community. Police Chief Kinney indicated the Police Department recently launched a Facebook page with information on Niko and local crime alerts. A link was provided to the site from the City’s website. He indicated several officers and Niko participated in the recent Special Olympics Torch Run. Council Member Gunn requested further information on National Night Out. Police Chief Kinney stated the event was a huge success in the City with 35 events registered with the department. He enjoyed attending the various events and received a great deal of positive feedback from the residents. Council Member Mueller thanked Police Chief Kinney for the update on the event that took place over the past weekend. City Administrator Ericson announced he met with the vendor regarding the City Hall sign. He indicated the vendor was asked to make the repair at their expense. Staff was hoping the sign would work through the end of 2012. A replacement sign was being investigated that would allow three lines of text. City Administrator Ericson indicated he attended a Charter Commission meeting last week along with Finance Director Beer and Public Works Director DeBar. Staff provided answered questions and provided information to the Charter Commission. He noted the Charter Commission currently had four vacant seats and were seeking volunteers and applications were available at City Hall. City Administrator Ericson commented the Council has been discussing the County Road 10 corridor revitalization. Estimates were received for the painting the traffic signals with the first vendor estimating the expense to be $27,025. An additional bid was requested by staff and this bid came in at $27,700. If the Council would like to move forward with this work, staff would need direction on how to proceed. City Administrator Ericson indicated the corridor and median would be cleaned this week by the Shoreview Department of Corrections prior to Festival in the Park this weekend. In addition, the Public Works crew would be hanging banners this week. City Administrator Ericson noted he received feedback from Planning Associate Heller and Greg Johnson of Coventry Senior Living. The City was anticipating receiving plans from Coventry in the next week or so. Mayor Flaherty requested further information from Staff on how the traffic signals in the County Road 10 corridor would be refurbished. City Administrator Ericson indicated he could provide further specifications. He explained the poles would be sandblasted and repainted a light brown color. He noted the City would need to complete this work at some point in time, as the County would not cover this expense. Council Member Gunn asked if LGA funds could be used to cover this expense. Finance Director Beer stated this would be an option to the Council. City Administrator Ericson asked if the Council would like to have Staff bring forward a Resolution to consider the repainting of the signals on the County Road 10 corridor. The Council was in favor of this recommendation. Council Member Mueller questioned when Coventry would break ground. City Administrator Ericson was not certain of a ground breaking date. He noted he would have Planning Associate Heller contact Greg Johnson to coordinate a ground breaking ceremony. Public Works Director DeBar provided a brief update on the intersection of Silver Lake Road and County Road 10 stating the County would be completing this work in-house. Council Member Mueller thanked Mayor Flaherty and City Administrator Ericson for sending a letter to Tony Bennett explaining the City’s concerns with the expense of resigning the County Highway 10 corridor. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 12. Next Council Work Session: TUESDAY, September 4, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, August 27, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.