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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2000/06/26PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting ,~,~„ ,r, June 26, 2000 ~~~„~ ~" ~ Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:00 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL: Coughlin, Quick, Stigney and Thomason. Council Member Marty joined the meeting at 7:03 p.m. NOT PRESENT: None. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, June 26, 2000, City Council Agenda. Mayor Coughlin asked the Council if anyone would like to add items to the agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Thomason/Stigney. To accept the June 26, 2000, City Council Agenda as presented. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Council Member Marty was not present for this vote. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Monday, June 12, 2000, City Council Minutes. Mayor Coughlin stated the minutes were just received this afternoon and requested consideration be postponed until the next meeting. The Council agreed. 5. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS • None. Mounds View City Council June 26, 2000 Regular Meeting Page 2 6. REPORTS Mayor Coughlin announced the second workshop of the North Metro I-35 Corridor Coalition Subregional Growth Study which is scheduled for this Wednesday, June 28, 2000, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. He noted they would like a Councilmember, the Mayor, the Community Development Director, and a Planning Commissioner to be in attendance. Mayor Coughlin offered an invitation to any interested Councilmember to join him. He indicated if no one is interested, he will attempt to recruit another commission member. He advised their discussion will center around smart growth and address where growth will happen to coordinate transportation, infrastructure, and technology to reflect anticipated growth. Council Member Marty arrived at 7:03 p.m. Council Member Marty reported on the recent Planning Commission workshop and discussion held on garages and sheds. He advised that this topic was referred to staff for summarization and preliminary report. Council Member Marty noted the Festival in the Park is coming up in several weeks, July 7-9, 2000. He stated some information on this event has been advertised in local newspapers and he wanted, as the Co-Chair, to announce the golf tournament with registration being open until the June 30, 2000. He advised interested participants they can sign up for this event at the golf course. Council Member Marty commented that many good prizes will be awarded at the raffles and tournament which will be held July 8, 2000. Council Member Marty stated he attended the Cable Commission meeting where a report was received by Cor Wilson. He advised that two franchise applications are being considered, one from WideOpenWest (WOW) and the other from Everest Cable. If it goes through, it would offer the consumer additional choice in the marketplace beyond the current single offering of Media One. Council Member Marty commented that in the past multiple suppliers have proven to lower cable prices to subscribers since it is no longer a monopoly. Council Member Marty advised of the positions open for video production, a municipal access coordinator, and the numerous volunteer positions. Community Development Director Jopke reminded all of the community meeting scheduled on July 11, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss Highway 10. He encouraged residents to attend to provide comment on this issue. Mayor Coughlin asked interested residents who are unable to attend to call City Hall and advise Mr. Jopke of their comments and suggestions which can then be forwarded to the Steering Committee. He commented that it is essential to get as many comments on this key and comprehensive issue as possible. City Attorney Long advised that the Metropolitan Council has established an aviation task force. He noted that even though the airport issue is resolved, the task force was established to look at the future of regional airport locations. Task force membership includes cities that have Mounds View City Council June 26, 2000 Regular Meeting Page 3 traditionally been on the positive side with MAC. City Attorney Long advised that the cities of Blaine, Bloomington, and Eagan have representation on the task force. However, Mounds View and Richfield were not contacted. He suggested that City staff may want to monitor this group or, perhaps, the Mayor should contact the City's Metropolitan Council representative to see if there can be a more diverse membership on this task force. He stated he does not know the mission of this task force and learned of its existence via the Internet. Mayor Coughlin stated that he will contact the Metropolitan Council representation if there is no objection by the Council. No objection was voiced. Mayor Coughlin stated he will report back at a future meeting. No further reports were considered. 7. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approve Just and Correct Claims. B. Licenses for Approval. C. Set Public Hearing for Monday, July 10, 2000 at 7:05 p.m. to consider Ordinance 660 Implementing Franchise Fee on Reliant Energy Minnegasco Natural Gas Operations within the City of Mounds View. Mayor Coughlin asked the Council if anyone would like to remove Items for discussion. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Thomason. To approve the Consent Agenda for Items A, B, and C as presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Mayor Coughlin commented that it is nice to have Council Member Thomason back at the meeting tonight. 8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 9. RESIDENTS REQUESTS AND COMMENTS FROM THE FLOOR Sherry Gunne,-8120 Red Oak Court, Co-Chair of Festival in the Park, extended an invitation to residents to the upcoming weekend extravaganza. She read a list of activities which would start on Friday, July 7th, with the Senior dance to the Paul Hepron Band. The $2 tickets are available at Senior Dining or the Community Center. In addition, the 500 tournament will be held on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. with a registration deadline on July 6, 2000. Ms. Gunne read a schedule of • events which included an all-day golf tournament, parade at 5:30 p.m. taking the usual route, bingo at the Community Center, a community dance with the Bordertown Band ($2 ticket), youth activities, child care sponsored by the teen program at the YMCA, a classic car show, all- Mounds View City Council June 26, 2000 Regular Meeting Page 4 • • • day arts and crafts displays, and anon-denominational church service. She announced that the weekend of events will cumulate with fireworks. Mayor Coughlin thanked Ms. Gunne for the update and advised that the schedule of events is available via a flyer and was published in the Mound Matters. Ms. Gunne advised of their need for volunteers along the parade route, concession stand; and bingo event. Brad Jahnke, 8408 East River Road, stated he viewed last week's meeting tape and was confused at the mention of a retreat. Mayor Coughlin explained that as the tradition of the Council, there are times when the Council as a whole plus the City Administrator and a variety of department heads get together to discuss communication in an effort to improve communication and facilitate dialogue. Mr. Jahnke asked if residents are invited. Mayor Coughlin stated it is a posted and published meeting and residents do attend from time to time. He stated the retreats have been held in Mounds View or at a retreat center that has been selected. Mr. Jahnke asked if it is televised. Mayor Coughlin stated it is typically not televised. Mr. Jahnke stated comments have been made about the Charter Commission meetings being televised and discussion held on the importance of that. There were no further requests or comments from the floor. 10. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. 1. Public Hearing to Consider Approval of Intoxicating Liquor Licenses. Mayor Coughlin opened the Public Hearing at 7:20 p.m. Assistant to the City Administrator Reed explained that pursuant to Chapter 502.08 (Intoxicating Liquor) of the Mounds View Municipal Code, "Renewals of existing licenses issued under this Chapter...may be granted by the Council after a public hearing without the requirement of a prior published notice." She advised that the intoxicating liquor licenses for the following establishments will expire on June 30, 2000. Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor Licenses Network Liquors Budget Liquor On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor Licenses Donatelle's Robert's Off 10 Mounds View City Council June 26, 2000 Regular Meeting Page 5 ABC Liquor Mermaid, Inc. Each applicant for an intoxicating liquor license has submitted their application, fee, and proof of insurance. She advised that the following investigations and inspections have been conducted to determine whether there are any implications for issuing the above-mentioned licenses: Health Inspections (St. Paul-Ramsey County Department of Public Health) -The Department of Public Health conducts annual inspections of all businesses that sell food. Staff has requested health inspection reports for each of the above-mentioned establishments that sell food. While there were health violations, none would prevent the City from renewing the business licenses. Police Investigation (Mounds View Police Department) -The Mounds View Police Department has reported that none of this year's business applicants have committed any violations that would preclude the City from approving their license applications. Utility Billing Investigation (City of Mounds View) -The Utility Billing Division has indicated that all utilities are paid for the above-mentioned applicants. Fire Inspection (City of Mounds view Fire Marshall) - In the past the City has conducted fire inspection for on-sale intoxicating liquor establishments (The Mermaid, Robert's and Donatelle's). The Fire Marshall has reported that while there were violations, none would • prevent the City from renewing the business licenses. Department of Revenue Tax Clearance -The City regularly requests tax clearance information from business license applicants and in past years, the tax clearance forms have been kept on file but were not forwarded to the Minnesota Department of Revenue (DOR). Under the recommendation of the DOR, most cities submit to the DOR tax clearance forms for liquor license applicants (intoxicating and 3.2% Malt Liquor) because the penalties for violations by liquor licensees are so severe. Staff has submitted tax clearance forms for this year's liquor license applicants to the DOR, and has been informed that based on its records, the DOR has no objection to the City awarding license renewals to this year's liquor license applicants. Property Tax Status -Ramsey County Property Records and Revenue Department has informed staff that none of this year's business license applicants owe delinquent property taxes. Assistant to the City Administrator Reed stated staff recommends that the above-mentioned intoxicating liquor licenses be approved. Should an issue arise with regard to the health or fire inspections, staff will bring the issue back to the Council for reconsideration. There was no further public input. Mayor Coughlin closed the Public Hearing at 7:24 p.m. • MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Stigney. To approve the licenses as indicated above and recommended by staff. Mounds View City Council June 26, 2000 Regular Meeting Page 6 • Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 2. Consideration of Business License Renewals for 2000-2001. Assistant to the City Administrator Reed stated in mid-May, staff mailed letters to all City of Mounds View businesses indicating that their business license would expire June 30, 2000. Staff asked that the appropriate applications, tax clearance forms, worker's compensation forms, fees, and proof of insurance be submitted by June 16, 2000 in order that the staff report could be completed by the June 26, 2000 Council meeting. Assistant to the City Administrator Reed stated staff has received the required information from the business license applicants listed in Exhibit A of the staff report. She advised that Wynnsong 15 and Superior Services have now submitted the appropriate license applications for renewal so she would ask that they be included in the Council's consideration for approval. Assistant to the City Administrator Reed reported that utility reports and police reports indicate that there are no violations that would prohibit the approval of any license renewal. Pursuant to the Municipal Code, Section 509.05, Subd. 5, staff has requested the Fire Marshall investigate each of the gasoline stations in the City. Assistant to the City Administrator Reed stated staff recommends Council approval of the • business license applications for the applicants listed in Exhibit A with the addition of Wynnsong 15 and Superior Services contingent upon satisfactory reports from the Fire Marshall. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Marty. To approve the licenses as listed in Exhibit A of the staff report with the addition of Wynnsong 15 and Superior Services as recommended by staff. Council Member Stigney asked if there is any way, during license consideration, to strengthen the requirement for increased security at certain businesses. City Attorney Long stated the City has the authority to impose conditions on licenses if there is concurrence with the business owner. So if that is the desire of the Council, the City would want to give notice to the applicant so they can talk about it as part of the public hearing process. He stated that would be difficult to accomplish at this time but, in the future, that policy could be established. Council Member Stigney stated he does not want to consider it at this time but, perhaps, in the future. Mayor Coughlin suggested the Police Chief, based on his records, be asked to advise the Council if that is warranted in the next licensing period. He stated he will talk to the Police Chief about that issue and request such a report. • Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council June 26, 2000 Regular Meeting Page 7 B. Consider Renewal of Insurance Policies for the Period from July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2001. Chuck Clysdale, Maguire Agency, stated they have already presented the insurance renewals to City staff. He noted his son Matthew is in attendance tonight and is now the owner and president of the Maguire Agency. Mr. Clysdale stated he plans to continue his work with the Maguire Agency with his son as the owner. Mr. Clysdale reviewed that the City's insurance program and workers compensation which is placed through the League of Minnesota Cites, as it has been placed for many years. The overall total cost this coming year has remained the same, as it was approximately two years ago, in spite of the fact that the exposures have increased. He noted the City property values insured about $13.8 million and now that has increased to over $20 million in property values yet the overall total insurance costs have remained the same. The payroll and expenses have also increased, yet the insurance costs have remained which is a result of the competitive program offered by the League. Mr. Clysdale stated rates and all lines have remained the same or gone down nominally 2% to 3%. He advised that the City workers compensation premiums have increased, not because of a change in rates but because the experience modification went from 1.17 to 1.25 which is a debit of 25% to the workers compensation premiums. He advised this is a result of one serious workers compensation loss that occurred in 1996. Mr. Clysdale explained that every community is experienced rated by the Workers Compensation Rating Bureau considering the premiums paid and losses paid. A year from now, that loss will go out of the experience modification calculations and the City will get reduced modifications, eventually to a credit since during that time there was one year with no loses whatsoever. He advised that the League is now offering broadened limits and coverages to fit the needs of municipalities, which he has reviewed with City staff. He reviewed the areas which have been broadened without a specific cost increase to the City of Mounds View. Mr. Clysdale stated the City received dividends on its package insurance of over $18,000 and on its workers compensation package of over $8,000. That, combined with competitive premiums, makes this program very attractive for a growing municipality with good experience. The City also writes its coverage based on a $5,000 deductible for all losses (property and liability) which is a great risk management tool since the City manages its losses. This year's savings for having this moderate deductible was $31,000 and has consistently saved premiums in excess of $30,000 annually since that program has been put into place. Mr. Clysdale stated in general Mounds View has again experienced a successful year of low losses and stable premiums which is a credit to the City's interest in loss control and safety. He noted the City receives credits on the experience side of the program because of low losses. He • stated they will bind coverage July 1st and deliver the policy subsequently. Mounds View City Council June 26, 2000 Regular Meeting Page 8 • Council Member Stigney asked why ,the City is carrying Y2K coverage for next year. Mr. Clysdale explained it is a continuing on-going coverage since problems can still occur and remains a concern during Year 2000. Council Member Marty asked how long the City should keep that coverage. Mr. Clysdale recommended two to three years, noting it is a policy specifically written for municipalities by the League and he is relying on them as to how long it will be necessary since it is an unknown factor. Mr. Clysdale commented on a Y2K claim he is currently working on for one of his clients and his belief that it will be years before it is known how that will develop. He explained that claim is dealing with the huge amount of money spent to deal with Y2K issues and it is being litigated nationally. He noted there is no guarantee that claim will be paid but if paid by the litigation of large firms, it will open the issue for municipalities and private corporations to bring claims. Thus, it is an evolving process. Mayor Coughlin stated a few of his friends are in large corporations and it is true there is some exposure not only due to computer errors but also to other preparations. He explained that there maybe areas of concerns that are not yet known related to Y2K. Mr. Clysdale stated his firm will continue to analyze and review this issue. City Attorney Long noted the municipality liability information and listing of three joint powers agreements. He stated the City has a contract with the YMCA to do work at the Community Center and asked if that relationship needs to be listed separately as the others are listed. Mr. Clysdale stated the YMCA contract does not need to be listed since it is not a joint powers agreement and an entirely different type of business contract. He stated the joint powers agreements are renewed each year and these three are the only ones the insurance company considers to be joint powers agreements so they are specifically covered. City Attorney Long noted the deductible is indicated to be $10,000 and asked if there is a $5,000 deductible for some claims and a $10,000 deductible for other types of claims. Mr. Clysdale corrected that the City's deductible is $10,000. He stated he misspoke earlier and stated it is $10,000 per loss and a $50,000 annual aggregate is the most the City can pay. Council Member Marty asked if $50,000 is the most the City can pay or the most the insurance company can pay. Mr. Clysdale stated that $50,000 is the most the City can pay for all deductibles in one year. Council Member Marty asked what the difference in premium would be between a $5,000 deductible and a $10,000 deductible. Mr. Clysdale stated he did not obtain a quote on that but could do so. He stated there are various options available and he can obtain an alternate . consideration and provide that information to staff. Mounds View City Council June 26, 2000 Regular Meeting Page 9 C~ • • Mayor Coughlin stated that was looked at previously and it was found that the cost would be significantly higher. Since the City has had a very good track record, it has saved the City a significant amount of money over time. Mr. Clysdale noted that in 1994-1995 there was a $5,000 deductible and the credit was $20,000. The following year, the deductible was increased to $10,000 and the credit was $36,000, or a $16,000 "swing" to assume another $5,000 of exposure. City Attorney Long commented on two other potential joint powers agreements for GIS data with Ramsey County for land use planning and another with the Blaine National Sports Center Super Rink for financing. Mr. Clysdale stated he will check with staff about those two issues to verify the status. He stated there would be no problem or additional cost to include them, if appropriate. Community Development Director Jopke stated another joint powers agreement is with the North Metro I-35W Coalition. Mr. Clysdale stated he will talk with staff about that agreement and add it, if appropriate. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Quick. To approve the renewal of insurance policies for the period from July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2001, as presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 11. Next Council Work Session: Monday, July 17, 2000 - 6:00 P.M. Next Council Meeting: Monday, July 10, 2000 - 7:00 P.M. Mayor Coughlin recessed the meeting at 7:45 p.m. to a closed session to discuss pending litigation. 12. Closed Session: Update on Harstad Lawsuit 13. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Coughlin adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m. to a closed session. Transcribed and recorded by: Carla Wirth Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Mounds View City Council Regular Meeting City Attorney Long commented on two other potential joint powers agreements for GIS data with Ramsey County, for land use planning and another with the Blaine National Sports Center Super Rink for financing. Mayor Coughlin stated that was looked at previously and. it was found that the cost would be significantly higher. Since the City has had a very good track record, it has saved the City a significant amount of money over time. Mr. Clysdale noted that in 1994-1995 there was a $5,000 deductible and the credit was $20,000. The following year, the deductible was increased to $10,000 and the credit was $36,000, or a $16,000 "swing" to assume another $5,000 of exposure. r~ t Mr. Clysdale stated he will check with staff about those two issues to verify the status. He stated there would be no problem or additional cost to include them, if appropriate. Community Development Director Jopke stated another joint powers agreement is with the North Metro I-35W Coalition. Mr. Clysdale stated he will talk with staff about that agreement and add it, if appropriate. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Quick. To approve the renewal of insurance policies for the period from July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2001, as presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 11. Next Council Work Session: Monday, July 17, 2000 - 6:00 P.M. Next Council Meeting: Monday, July 10, 2000 - 7:00 P.M. Mayor Coughlin recessed the meeting at 7:45 p.m. to a closed session to discuss pending litigation. 12. Closed Session: Update on Harstad Lawsuit, 13. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Coughlin adjourned the meeting at ~ ~ p.m. to a closed session. . ,,~ (Joan, please fill in the time of d ourn nt) Transcribed and recorded by: Carla Wirth Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. June 26, 2000 Page 9 J~ ~'. ~. ,~ r°w~ - ~-~c~~Lrz c~- -wok- .