Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2000/06/05PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Special Meeting `- June 5 2000 ~~ ~~'' ~ ~ t, ~~ ~' ry, Mounds View City Hall ~"' 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 8:48 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL: Coughlin, Marty, Quick, and Stigney. NOT PRESENT: Thomason. Mayor Coughlin advised that Council Member Thomason had taken a medical leave. Council Member Quick stated that all hoped she would be back soon. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, June 6, 2000, City Council Agenda Mayor Coughlin asked the Council if anyone would hke to add items to the agenda. Mayor Coughlin requested the addition of Item 10-C, Review and Discussion of City Hall Custodial Services, Item 10-C-1, Consideration of Resolution 5448, and Item 10-C-2, Consideration of Resolution 5449. Mayor Coughlin requested the addition of Item 10-D, Resolution 5450, a resolution granting a medical leave of absence to Council Member Thomason for the month of June, and Item 10-E, discussion and appointment to departmental liaison positions, as per the Charter. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Marty. To Accept the June 5, 2000, Special City Council Agenda as Amended. Council Member Stigney stated he had some basic concerns with regard to holding ordinance readings and adoptions at Work Sessions, in terms of the basic principle of doing so. He indicated he had specific concerns regarding Item C, and would suggest the Council consider this matter in a Closed Session. Mayor Coughlin inquired if Council Member Stigney was requesting to remove these items from the Agenda. Council Member Stigney stated he would request the Council not consider Items 10-A and B, Ordinances 661 and 662, at the Work Session, and that if the Council was to consider Item 10-C, this be done in Closed Session. Mounds View City Council June 5, 2000 Special Meeting Page 2 Mayor Coughlin inquired if Council Member Stigney was requesting to amend the Motion. • Council Member Stigney stated yes. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/ To Amend the Motion to Accept the June 5, 2000 Special City Council Agenda, as Amended. Motion failed. Mayor stated before the Council was a Motion to approve the Agenda as originally amended. Ayes - 3 Nays - 1 (Stigney) Motion carried. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mayor Coughlin stated the meeting minutes would be provided to the Council for consideration at the next Council Meeting. 5. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS Mayor Coughlin stated a reception would be held for Senator Steve Novak, Representative Barbara Haake, and City Attorney Bob Long on May 8"', from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., at City Hall. He indicated that after the presentation and dialogue portion of this reception, which would be • televised, there would be an informal gathering and refreshments would be served. He explained that this reception was being held to provide the community the opportunity to interact with these individuals, and thank them for their considerable efforts in protecting the City of Mounds View with regard to the Airport issue. He stated citizens were welcome to attend, or view the event on television. 6. REPORTS Mayor Coughlin reported he attended an I-35W Corridor Buildout Study with other members of the Coalition, Community Development Directors and other invited guests. He indicated he would provide a summary of those discussions at the next Council meeting. No further reports were considered. 7. CONSENT AGENDA None. 8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Community Development Director Jopke stated the next meeting of the Highway 10 Steering Committee would be held on Tuesday, June 6"', at 7:00 p.m. He advised that this meeting would be televised. Mounds View City Council June 5, 2000 Special Meeting Page 3 Mayor Coughlin stated the Highway 10 safety and redevelopment issues are ongoing. He • extended an invitation to citizens to attend this meeting or view the proceedings on television. 9. RESIDENTS REQUESTS AND COMMENTS FROM THE FLOOR Bill Dody, 3049 Bronson Drive, stated the two ordinances currently before the Council represented a major issue for the City. He inquired if any individual had come to the City Council to specifically request the Council consider these matters at a Council Meeting or Work Session. Mayor Coughlin stated to his knowledge, this had not occurred in that forum. Mr. Dody inquired if there were a number of citizens who, under any circumstances, had come to the Mayor or other Council Members to request the Council consider a City Manager form of government. Mayor Coughlin stated yes. Mr. Dody inquired regarding the specific number of individuals who had made this request. Mayor Coughlin stated although he would not necessarily place a number on this, however, several individuals had expressed an interest, much of which stemmed from discussions directly related to the tragic death of the 13 year-old on Highway 10. Council Member Marty stated this was his experience as well. Mr. Dody inquired if these individuals had requested to have a City Manager because of this tragedy. Mayor Coughlin stated this was correct. Mr. Dody requested the names of these individuals. Mayor Coughlin stated he would not desire to use their names publicly until he has obtained permission to do so. Mr. Dody inquired if this was secret. Mayor Coughlin stated no. He pointed out that he must respect the privacy of these individuals who did not specifically indicate that they would desire to be discussed publicly. Mr. Dody inquired if these individuals did not desire their identities to be known. Council Member Marty stated he had not specifically questioned these individuals in this regard. Mr. Dody explained that he was simply attempting to obtain some background on this matter, as it represented a major change for the City. He advised that when the Charter was developed, many forms of government had come forward, however, no cities the size of Mounds View had adopted the City Manager form of government, and the City has not changed significantly since that time. He inquired if there was some urgency that required the Council to pass this ordinance • at this time, without significant community input or demand for this. Mounds View City Council June 5, 2000 Special Meeting Page 4 Mr. Dody indicated that in the past, one individual had indicated to him that he would consider • changing to the City Manager form of government, and this was former Mayor Duane McCarty. He inquired if former Mayor McCarty was one of the individuals who had .come to Mayor Coughlin in this regard. Mayor Coughlin stated former Mayor McCarty has indicated a variety of opinions on a variety of different subjects. Mr. Dody inquired if he was one of the individuals who had requested the City Manager form of government. Mayor Coughlin advised that he would not put former Mayor McCarty or any other resident on public display, as this was not a discussion that would dissolve into the realm of "he said, she said." Mr. Dody stated this was not his objective. He indicated he was attempting to determine whether or not there was a valid issue in this regard. Mayor Coughlin stated the ordinances before the Council for consideration would be forwarded on to the Charter Commission, and then to the citizens of the City. He explained that if the citizens deem the proposal to be worthy of consideration, they would vote in favor of it, and if not, they would vote against it. He stated he had full faith in the intelligence and information gathering ability of the good citizens of Mounds View to make such determinations. Mr. Dody indicated he did not oppose the citizens' ability to decide this matter, but rather, was - attempting to determine whether or not there was a large outcry for the City Manager from of government, which did not appear to be the case. Mayor Coughlin advised that there are numerous issues that the Council considers as a matter of course which have absolutely no outcry, however, it is the responsibility of the elected officials, who are entrusted by the citizens, to determine and pay attention to these types of issues. He indicated that two or three-dozen individuals he has spoken with have brought this issue forward. Council Member Quick suggested the time. Mayor Coughlin thanked Mr. Dody for his input. There were no further requests or comments from the floor. 10. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 661, Charter Amendments to Provide for a City Manager Form of Government. MOTIONISECOND: QuickJMarty. To Waive the Reading, and Approve the Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 661, Charter Amendments to Provide for a City Manager Form of Government. Mr. Dody requested the Reading of the Ordinance. Mayor Coughlin stated the Council has already held the Reading. Mounds View City Council Special Meeting June 5, 2000 Page 5 • Mr. Dody stated this was the Second Reading. Mayor Coughlin stated this was correct. Council Member Stigney stated many of the questions he had previously raised remain unanswered, and he did not feel he could not make a valid decision to support or reject this proposal, however, his initial feeling would be to reject it, because he sees no advantage in making a change. He indicated that although he could see no benefit derived for the citizens of the City, he would be willing to consider this proposal with an open mind, if reasons were brought forth to support this change to the Charter from the present Clerk Administrator form of government to a City Manager form of government. Council Member Stigney stated at the previous Council Meeting, staff was directed to provide a survey regarding the number of cities which utilize the City Manager form of government, the populations of those cities, and so forth, however, to date, he has not received this information. He advised that the amount of discussion on this matter has been very minimal, and he did not believe this issue has been adequately researched at this point. He indicated his questions have not been answered with regard to why the City should make a change, what benefit this would represent to the residents, what problems exist with the present Clerk Administrator position, and if there are problems, what could be done to correct them. He stated this issue has not been addressed to his satisfaction. Interim Administrator Ulrich stated he had received the survey information from the League of Minnesota Cities that date. He advised that of the 107 home-ruled charter cities within the State, there are 73 Mayoral/Council cities, 30 Council/Manager cities, and 4 Strong Mayor Council cities, the populations of which have been specified in the survey. He stated the Council would be provided copies of this information for review. Council Member Stigney stated this information would answer one of his questions, however, he had also inquired regarding what problems the City experiences with its current from of government, and if problems exist, how best to resolve them. He explained that these problems had not been identified at this point, and therefore, he felt very uncomfortable with holding the Second Reading at this time, at the Work Session, and proceeding with this matter with very minimal discussion to support the reasons for doing so. Council Member Quick advised that the fact that the Council would call to order at the Work Session was announced at the previous meeting, and concerned individuals could have attended at this time. ROLL CALL:. Marty, Stigney, Quick, Coughlin. Ayes - 3 Nays - 1 (Stigney) Motion carried. Mayor Coughlin advised that Ordinance No. 661 was adopted on a 3 to 1 vote. Mounds View City Council June 5, 2000 Special Meeting Page 6 B. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 662, Proposing an • Amendment to the Mounds View Charter by Amending Chapter 2, Section 2.03 of the Charter as to Council Composition and Election in the City. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Marty. To Waive the Reading, Approve the Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 662, Proposing an Amendment to the Mounds View Charter by Amending Chapter 2, Section 2.03 of the Charter as to Council Composition and Election in the City. Council Member Stigney stated this ordinance proposes to change the Mayor's term from two to four years. He advised that one of the checks and balances set forth in the Charter is that the Mayor is elected to a two-year term, to provide that if he does not do a good job, he must answer to the residents within atwo-year time-frame, rather than in four years. He stated a Mayor has the potential to do significant damage in two years, let alone, in four, and therefore, he believed they should continue to utilize atwo-year term of office, as set forth in the Charter. Council Member Stigney stated if the Council desires to proceed with this proposal, it should be submitted to the Charter Commission for review. He explained that as the item is proposed, it would go to the Charter Commission for review, and the Charter Commission could make recommendations, however, the Council was not required to listen to those recommendations, but could send the matter to the ballot on a vote of three individuals. He stated this might be a legally acceptable process, however, he believed it circumvents something, and therefore, he was • opposed to the measure. Mayor Coughlin stated the citizens have the opportunity at the ballot box to determine whether they approve or disapprove, and he believes that is where such decisions lie. Council Member Stigney stated he was also a citizen and would vote on the ballot, however, at this time, he would be voting as a Council Member as to the direction the Council was taking. He reiterated that he did not support this measure. Council Member Marty advised that the Mayor has no special powers in the City or the Charter. He explained that the Mayor's vote is just one vote out of five on the Council, and he was simply another Council Member who presides over the meetings. He indicated the Mayor was required to attend a significant number of additional meetings, however, he simply presides over the meetings and has no special powers. Mayor Coughlin noted there was an exception, in that the Mayor, through consultation with the Governor, was authorized to declare a state of emergency. Mayor Coughlin stated although it would probably not specifically pertain to him, he would request to abstain from the vote on this matter, in that it pertains to the position he presently holds. • Mounds View City Council June 5, 2000 Special Meeting Page 7 Council Member Stigney stated at the previous meeting, the City Attorney advised that the • Mayor's abstention would count with the affirmative vote in this situation, therefore, Mayor Coughlin would essentially be voting in the affirmative. Mayor Coughlin stated of the options for voting, this was really the only option available to him. Council Member Stigney stated Mayor Coughlin could vote yes or no. Mayor Coughlin stated this was correct, however, he would rather register his statement as abstention, and he would request the Council's consent in this regard. Council Member Stigney dissented. Mayor Coughlin advised that according to Robert's Rules of Order, there must be unanimous consent of the body to allow for an abstention for reasons other than a conflict of interest, in which case, he would be required to abstain. ROLL CALL: Stigney, Marty, Coughlin, Quick. Ayes - 3 Nays - 1 (Stigney) Motion carved. Mayor Coughlin stated Ordinance No. 662 was adopted on a 3 to 1 vote. C. Review and Discussion of City Hall Custodial Services. 1. Consideration of Resolution 544$. 2. Consideration of Resolution 5449. Interim Administrator Ulrich stated at a past Council Meeting, staff was given direction to seek an alternative method of providing for the custodial services for the City Hall building. In doing so, staff retrieved the July 1999 proposals, and contacted the three contractors who supplied quotes at that time. Staff has spoken with all three contractors to inquire if they would honor their bids, as one of the contractors had indicated they would honor that bid until June 1, 2000. The low bidder, Coverall's, has agreed to honor their bid, Town and Country and Tower Cleaning raised their bid, and Jani-King was a new bidder in the process. Interim Administrator Ulrich stated staff was directed to provide for a different means of cleaning the building, and staff believes this proposal serves the express needs of the building. He indicated the low bidder was Coverall's, which bid the City Hall contract at $1,120.00 per month, and the Community Center, twice a week, at $420 per month. He explained that if the Council desires to award the bid to Coverall's, they would abolish the current custodial position, and be required to provide two weeks notice, as set forth in the Personnel Manual. Staff recommends that two weeks pay be issued, and those services no longer be retained. • Interim Administrator Ulrich indicated that the Council has authorized the advertisement of a full-time maintenance position, and in light of this, a letter was sent to the contract employee at Mounds View City Council June 5, 2000 Special Meeting Page 8 • • the Community Center, indicating her final day would be June 16`h. Staff recommends that 11 days pay be issued to this employee, through June 16"', 2000. Interim Administrator Ulrich advised that based upon this proposal, the contract service would represent an additional cost of approximately $1,500 per year. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Marty. To Approve Resolution No. 5448, Recognition of the Abolition of a Part-time Custodial Contract Position within the City of Mounds View Community Center and the Authorization to Create aFull-time Position for the Community Center Due to a Change in the Needs of the City and the Community Center. Interim Administrator Ulrich stated Resolution 5448 awards the City Hall custodial service to a contract vendor, and eliminate the position. Council Member Stigney stated in his understanding, this was the hiring of a full-time maintenance position at the Community Center, and in addition, a contract position for weekends. Interim Administrator Ulrich stated this was correct. He added that both of these salaries combined would be less than the current salary for seasonal or part-time temporary maintenance and contractual custodial services. Council Member Stigney stated however, the overall custodial service costs would increase by $1,500 per year. He inquired why the City desired a contract, as opposed to the current manner in which they approach these custodial services. Interim Administrator Ulrich stated he believed this question pertained to the following resolution. City Attorney Long advised that the intent was to discuss the City Hall custodial service first, and therefore, the Motioner and Seconder may wish to withdraw their motion, for consideration of Resolution 5449. The Motioner and Seconder agreed. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Marty. To Approve Resolution No. 5449, Recognition of the Abolition of a Part-time Custodial Position within the City of Mounds View and the Authorization to Contract for Such Services Due to a Change in the City's Need's. Council Member Quick moved the question. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Marty. To Close Off the Debate. Ayes - 3 Nays - 1 (Stigney) Mayor Coughlin stated before the Council was Resolution 5449. Ayes - 3 Nays - 1 (Stigney) Motion carried. Motion carried. Mounds View City Council June 5, 2000 Special Meeting Page 9 • Mayor Coughlin stated before the Council was consideration of Resolution 5448. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Marty. To Approve Resolution No. 5448, Recognition of the Abolition of a Part-time Custodial Contract Position within the City of Mounds View Community Center and the Authorization to Create a Full-time Custodial and Maintenance Position for the Community Center Due to a Change in the Needs of the City and the Community Center. Council Member Quick moved the question. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Marty. To Close Off the Debate. Ayes - 3 Nays - 1 (Stigney) Motion carried. Mayor Coughlin stated at this time, the Council would move directly to consideration of the Motion to approve Resolution 5448. Ayes - 3 Nays - 1 (Stigney) Motion carried. D. Consideration of Resolution 5450, a Resolution Granting a Leave of Absence to Council Member Thomason. Mayor Coughlin stated Council Member Lynne Thomas has requested an official leave of absence due to medical reasons. He advised that Resolution 5450 approves this request. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Marty. To Approve Resolution 5450, a Resolution Granting a Leave of Absence to Council Member Thomason. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. E. Discussion and Appointment of Departmental Liaison Positions, as per Charter. Mayor Coughlin provided the Council with a memorandum he had prepared, and read as follows: "Upon further review of the charter, I have found that Section 3.02 of the charter has not been followed for a number of years. The section in question states: `Section 3.02. Liaison Function. Council members shall be assigned as liaison to City departments. Their assignments shall be rotated periodically and shall involve no administrative responsibility.' • In order to fulfill the requirement stated in the above-mentioned section, I would recommend the following assignments: Mounds View City Council June 5, 2000 Special Meeting Page 10 Rob Marty Community Development Gary Quick Public Works; Golf Course Lynne Thomason Finance Roger Stigney Police Dan Coughlin Administration Please keep in mind that only the full council can give direction to staff and so these liaison positions are simply to be viewed as another opportunity to promote communication between the council and the City staff. I would ask that if the above assignments are acceptable, that a motion be made to allow myself and the administrator to formally enact a resolution setting forth those said assignments for the remainder of the year 2000." MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Quick. To Allow The Mayor and the Administrator to Formally Enact a Resolution Setting Forth the Assignments as Specified in Mayor Dan Coughlin's Memorandum, for the Remainder of the Year 2000. Council Member Stigney stated he would prefer to serve as liaison to the Finance Department. Council Member Quick requested a definition of this position. Mayor Coughlin explained that these positions would function similarly to the liaison positions that have been set up between the Council and the boards and commissions of the City. Council Member Quick inquired if he was to act as some form of "watch dog" at the golf course, or if he was simply to be available for discussion. Mayor Coughlin stated particular questions or memorandums would be forwarded to the liaison as a courtesy, however, the liaison would have no official function, and this was primarily for the purpose of providing a contact person for these departments. He stated with regard to Council Member Stigney's request, prior to taking her leave, Council Member Thomason had expressed an interest in this particular position, in that she has 20 years in mortgage banking. He explained that he assigned the Finance Department position to Council Member Thomason as a courtesy, being aware that she would not be present at the meeting. Council Member Marty inquired regarding the term of the positions. Mayor Coughlin stated they would be rotated periodically, and the definition of this was open to the Council's discretion. He explained that there were six months remaining in the year and the current election cycle, and therefore, the assignments would probably stand for the remainder of the year. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 11. Next Council Work Session: Next Council Meeting: 12. ADJOURNMENT Motion carried. Monday, July 17, 2000 - 6:00 P.M. Monday, June 12, 2000 - 7:00 P.M. • • C~ Mounds View City Council Special Meeting June 5, 2000 Page I1 Mayor Coughlin adjourned the meeting at 9.24 p.m. Transcribed and recorded by: Trish Pearson Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.