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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2012/12/10PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting December 10, 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, December 10, 2012, City Council Agenda. Mayor Flaherty requested the agenda be amended to add Item 6A to Special Order of Business. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Monday, December 10, 2012, agenda as amended. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT Gary Meehlhause, 7400 Parkview Drive, thanked Council Member Stigney for his years of dedicated service to the City of Mounds View. He also thanked Council Member Stigney for his honesty and integrity. He explained that Council Member Stigney’s 16 years on the Council and eight years on the Charter Commission exemplified his commitment to the community. He wished Council Member Stigney continued good health. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. RECOGNITION OF ROGER STIGNEY Mayor Flaherty presented Council Member Roger Stigney with a plaque for his outstanding years of service to the City of Mounds View. A round of applause was offered to Council Member Stigney. Council Member Stigney indicated he was glad to serve the community and thanked the residents for their support. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing – 2013 Tax Levy and Budgets for All Funds. Resolution 8029 Adopting the 2013 Tax Levy. Resolution 8030 Adopting the 2013 Budgets for All Funds. Finance Director Beer explained the budget process began in June of this year. After developing priorities, a preliminary budget was approved by the Council in September with no levy increase. He commended the Council for working to achieve another budget with no levy increase. Staff recommended approval of the 2013 tax levy and budgets for all funds. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:08 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:08 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8029 Adopting the 2013 Tax Levy. Council Member Mueller asked if the tax levy information would be posted on the City’s website. Finance Director Beer commented the information was already on the website and available to the residents. Mayor Flaherty thanked staff and Council for coming together to work diligently on this year’s budget. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Finance Director Beer commented the Council discussed the 2013 budget for all funds at a previous work session. He explained the water utility budget would have two items carry over from 2012 to 2013. He noted a trailer mounted generator would also be carried over to the Waste Water Budget. He indicated funds were available to cover these expenses. Staff recommended approval of the 2013 budgets for all funds. Mayor Flaherty questioned if $5,000 was needed to complete the microfiche scanning. City Administrator Ericson recommended the Council set aside $5,000 in 2013 to allow staff to finish this task. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8030 Adopting the 2013 Budgets for All Funds. Council Member Stigney stated Mounds View had a $5.6 million budget for 2013. He thanked Mayor Flaherty for overseeing the budget process and for assisting with curtailing expenses. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing to Consider Ordinance 875 First Reading and Introduction of a Franchise Agreement with Xcel Energy for Natural Gas Operations in Mounds View. Finance Director Beer indicated a final agreement has not been reached with Xcel Energy for natural gas operations with the City of Mounds View. He recommended the Council open the public hearing and that it be continued to a future meeting. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:18 p.m. Mayor Flaherty questioned what had changed in the agreement that led to the delay. City Attorney Riggs explained Xcel did not agree with some regulatory ruling language. He indicated Xcel concurred to extend the present agreement for three months to allow for the language to be revised. He recommended the Council continue the public hearing to the January 28, 2013 meeting. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Mueller. To continue the Public Hearing for the Xcel Energy Franchise Agreement for Natural Gas Operations in Mounds View to January 28, 2013. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing to Consider Ordinance 876 First Reading and Introduction of a Franchise Agreement with Xcel Energy for Electric Operations in Mounds View. Finance Director Beer indicated a final agreement has not been reached with Xcel Energy for electric operations with the City of Mounds View. He recommended the Council open the public hearing and that it be continued to a future meeting. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:21 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Stigney. To continue the Public Hearing for the Xcel Energy Franchise Agreement for Electric Operations in Mounds View to January 28, 2013. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Resolution 8033, Authorizing a Step Wage Adjustment for Sergeant Benjamin Zender, Mounds View Police Department. Assistant City Administrator Crane indicated Sergeant Ben Zender was employed by the Mounds View Police Department and his supervisor Deputy Chief Steven Menard has reviewed his performance and determined it to be satisfactory. Therefore, to remain in alignment with the LELS labor agreement a step wage adjustment was necessary and would be effective December 14, 2012. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8033, Authorizing a Step Wage Adjustment for Sergeant Benjamin Zender, Mounds View Police Department. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Resolution 8034, Approving Severance for Officer Greggory Neumann, Mounds View Police Department. Assistant City Administrator Crane indicated Officer Neumann submitted a letter of resignation with the Mounds View Police Department. His last day of employment was November 22, 2012. She recommended the Council authorize severance to Officer Neumann in accordance with the LELS labor agreement. She noted this would be a payout of $1,025 to his retirement health savings plan and $4,839.99 for his vacation time. Council Member Mueller questioned how many years Officer Neumann has been employed with the City of Mounds View. Assistant City Administrator Crane stated Officer Neumann has been with the City since 2010. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8034, Approving Severance for Officer Greggory Neumann, Mounds View Police Department. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Resolution 8035, Setting the 2013 City Council Meeting Dates, Staff Retreat and the 2013 Town Hall Meeting. Assistant City Administrator Crane requested the Council approve the 2013 City Council meeting dates, staff retreat and the 2013 town hall meeting. She reviewed the holidays, which conflicted with future Council meetings noting these meetings would be moved from Monday to Tuesday. She recommended the Council discuss a meeting date for the Staff Retreat and select a location. She noted the Oath of Offices would be administered on January 7, 2013. Council Member Mueller was in favor of holding the Staff Retreat on February 5th at the Community Center. Council Member Gunn suggested the Staff Retreat instead be held at Lambert Park. The Council agreed to hold the Staff Retreat on Tuesday February 5th at Lambert Park. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8035, Setting the 2013 City Council Meeting Dates, Staff Retreat, and the 2013 Town Hall Meeting. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Resolution 8036, Approving Various Appointments to City Commissions and Committees. Assistant City Administrator Crane explained the City had term seats expiring on December 31, 2012 for various commissions and committees. Staff sent out applications to present members along with advertising these vacancies on the City’s website. For the Parks and Recreation Commission, staff received two reappointment applications and one new application. Staff recommended reappointing John Kroeger and Darren Peterson to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Assistant City Administrator Crane indicated for the Planning Commission, staff received two reappointment applications and two new applications. The Planning Commission recommended the appointment of Paul Schiltgen, Holly Smith, John Elofson, and Cindy Carvelli-Yu to serve as Planning Commissioner’s in 2013, with Holly Smith filling the two year term vacated by Gary Meehlhause. Assistant City Administrator Crane indicated Robin Marion resigned his position on the Police Civil Service Commission. She explained the City received two new volunteer applications and neither were recommended for this position. Staff recommended the Council appoint a member to this position. Assistant City Administrator Crane indicated the Streets and Utilities Committee received one application and the group has two vacancies. Paul Schiltgen was interested in serving on this Committee and the appointment would have to be made by the Council. Staff recommends approval of Resolution 8036 approving the various appointments. Council Member Mueller noted there were several new applications submitted for positions that were filled by incumbents. She questioned how these members could serve the community. Assistant City Administrator Crane indicated she could make these applicants aware of the openings on other committees. Council Member Hull asked what the Police Civil Service Commission oversees. City Administrator Ericson explained the Commission oversaw the operation of the police department and made recommendations for eligibility lists. He indicated this group meets as needed, such as review applications for new hires. Mayor Flaherty suggested the second candidate be interviewed by the Police Civil Service Commission and a recommendation be made prior to making an appointment. Assistant City Administrator Crane indicated the Council had the right to make the appointment without a recommendation. She explained the Police Department would begin the hiring process and needed another member. Council Member Stigney recommended the appointment hold off until an interview was completed. Council Member Hull did not want to delay the hiring process for the Police Department and suggested the appointment be made. Council Member Mueller stated the other applicant was well known to the community and worked for the department. She was confident the Council should move forward with the appointment. Council Member Gunn supported the appointment of Mr. Broos to assure there were no delays in the hiring process. Mayor Flaherty understood the importance of this committee. He stated he was simply trying to protect the position and valued recommendations from the various committees and commissions. He stated after reviewing the application submitted by Steven Katovich, he was in favor of appointing this gentleman to the Park and Recreation Commission. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Hull. To appoint Steven Katovich to the Park and Recreation Commission and direct staff to increase the Park and Recreation Commission size to nine members. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8036, Approving Various Appointments to City Commissions and Committees as amended. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Resolution 8031, Approving Building Automation System Improvements at the Community Center. Public Works Director DeBar stated the Community Center has had issues with its HVAC system. These issues relate back to when the building was originally constructed. He stated public works has met with mechanical contractors over the past few years and each has mentioned the need for a new building automation system (BAS). He explained how the building automation system would improve the operation of the HVAC unit at the Community Center. Staff recommended approval of the BAS improvements for an expense of $21,605 plus taxes. Council Member Mueller asked if the existing equipment would be replaced. Public Works Director DeBar stated this was the case. The new equipment was a huge upgrade and would control the heating and cooling at the Community Center. He stated the Trane system had cutting edge technology and was more user friendly. Council Member Gunn asked if the City would be locked into Trane mechanical equipment with this purchase. Public Works Director DeBar explained this was not the case as the City did not want to be locked into one manufacturer. He noted the unit was also expandable. Mayor Flaherty was pleased that the one server would be able to tie in the services for both City Hall and the Community Center. He indicated this control system would improve the air quality for both buildings. Finance Director Beer questioned when the work would be completed. Public Works Director DeBar anticipated the work would be completed in 2012 but would be billed in 2013. Finance Director Beer indicated if the work was not billed until 2013, a budget amendment may be required. It would depend on when the work was substantially complete. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8031, Approving Building Automation System Improvements at the Community Center. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Resolution 8032, Authorizing Additional Expenditures for Repairs and Improvements to the Gymnasium Floor at the Community Center. Public Works Director DeBar explained recently one of the drinking fountains in the gymnasium leaked onto the gymnasium floor overnight at the Community Center. At the November 26th meeting the Council approved repairs to the floor for an amount not to exceed $12,000. After the contractor began work on December 3rd, more water was discovered under the flooring along with curled boards. This meant one-half to one-third of the gymnasium floor would have to be replaced. He explained with the new damage and added expense for the repairs, an insurance claim was started, and a restoration specialist was contacted for the floor. Public Works Director DeBar stated the restoration specialist has been working to dry out the area. He explained a new quote was provided by the flooring contractor to cover the scope of the damaged floor. He indicated only the flooring that was damaged would be removed and replaced. Council Member Mueller stated the original estimate was to replace a 20’ x 30’ area of flooring. She questioned the size of the area that was now torn up. Public Works Director DeBar estimated the size to be double or triple the original estimate. He stated the gym was 9,000 square feet in size and only about 2,000 square feet have been affected. Mayor Flaherty was pleased that the League of Minnesota Cities was contacted and that a restoration specialist was contacted. He questioned if the restoration efforts failed, if the expenditure would count towards the City’s deductible. Public Works Director DeBar stated this was the case. Council Member Mueller thanked staff for contacting the insurance provider to assist the City with this entire unforeseen situation. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8032, Authorizing Additional Expenditures for Repairs and Improvements to the Gymnasium Floor at the Community Center. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA Resolution 8037, Approving the Recording Secretary Service Agreement with TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Resolution 8038, Approving a Contract with Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation (GMHC) for Housing Resource Center (HRC) Services. Set a Public Hearing for January 14, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. to Consider the Revocation of a Conditional Use Permit Issued to Tires and More located at 2832 County Road 10. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Flaherty. 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 November 13, 2012, City Council Meeting Minutes. Council Member Mueller requested a correction on Page 2, Lines 8, 10, 29, and 30 removing Mayor Flaherty from the minutes and replacing it with Acting Mayor Mueller. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the November 13, 2012, City Council meeting minutes as corrected. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 11. REPORTS Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Mueller explained the Mounds View Business Council would be meeting on Wednesday December 12, 2012 at 7:30 a.m. at the Mounds View Community Center. Council Member Mueller reported on January 13, 2013 the City would be holding a community Tupperware Party fundraiser to assist in offsetting expenses for the City’s K-9 unit. The event would be held at the Community Center from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Those interested in assisting with this event should contact City Hall. Council Member Mueller stated the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf needed support through the holidays. Donations could be dropped off at the food shelf, fire department, and local places of worship. Council Member Mueller commented she received several complaints regarding the route for this year’s Santa parade. She apologized for the confusion but noted the changes were made to reduce expenses for the fire department. Council Member Mueller noted she received an anonymous letter from a member in the community challenging her to take action. She was discouraged that the letter was not signed and would not be able to respond to the concerns. She expressed great frustration with the letter and the threats directed towards her as this was not done in the spirit of partnership. She encouraged all residents with concerns, or a desire to speak with City staff, to bring their concerns to City Hall or the Police Department. She encouraged the member of the community to come forward, speak with her directly, and cease the anonymous letters. Council Member Mueller stated this letter would be turned over to Police Chief Kinney. Mayor Flaherty stated there was a significant snow event this past weekend. He thanked the public works department for clearing the streets in such an efficient manner. He encouraged the residents to keep the fire hydrants and mailboxes clear. Mayor Flaherty thanked Staff, the Council and the residents of Mounds View for the last year. He thanked Council Member Stigney again for his fine service to the community. B. Reports of Staff. Motion to Consider Cancelation of the December 26, 2012, City Council. City Administrator Ericson recommended the Council cancel the December 26, 2012 City Council meeting as there were no issues pending and the second meeting would not be required. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To cancel the December 26, 2012 City Council meeting. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. City Administrator Ericson commented the City has a company interested in renting two offices or 330 square feet at the Community Center. He noted the company worked with handicap accessibility and questioned if the Council was in favor of moving forward with a new lease. The Council supported moving forward with the lease. City Administrator Ericson stated the Housing Inspector/Code Enforcement/Fire Marshal position has been reviewed with Jeremiah Anderson and all was going well at this time. Staff recommended that Mr. Anderson continue at this position with the extra responsibilities and make a determination regarding appropriate compensation for the added duties. This item would be further discussed by the Council at the January work session. City Administrator Ericson thanked Council Member Stigney for his clear direction and service to the City of Mounds View over the past 16 years. Council Member Stigney wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Mayor Flaherty also wished everyone a safe and Happy Holidays. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs thanked the Council for a great year. He too thanked Council Member Stigney for his service to the community. 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, January 7, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting (Special): Monday, January 7, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:49 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.