HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2000/11/27•
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA
w T
~ ~ ~~` Regular Meeting
'.
_ ~ ~,~ ~~ November 27, 2000
" ~ Mounds View City Hall
2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112
7:00 P.M.
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1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER
Mayor Coughlin asked City Administrator Miller to administer the oath of office to Barbara
Thomas, the new Council Member.
Mayor Coughlin acknowledged outgoing Council Member Thomason for her service to the City
and presented her with a plaque.
Ms. Thomason thanked the Council for the acknowledgement and plaque. She told the Council
it was a privilege of working with them and said she has really enjoyed her time on the Council.
2. ROLL CALL: Coughlin, Stigney, Marty, Quick, Thomas.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A. Monday, November 27, City Council Agenda.
Mayor Coughlin asked the Council if anyone would like to add items to the agenda.
City Administrator Miller requested that Resolution 5490, a Resolution approving the best use of
the property between Sysco and the existing golf course is an addition of nine additional holes of
golf be added under Council Business as Item 10E. Public Works Director Ulrich indicated he
had provided corrected documentation for Ordinance 673 and Resolution 5487. No further
additions or corrections were noted.
Council Member Stigney expressed concern with adding Resolution 5490 to the agenda.
MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Quick. To accept the November 27, 2000, City Council Agenda as
amended, dispensing with the reading of all ordinances and resolutions unless otherwise
requested.
Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried.
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Mounds View City Council
Regular Meeting
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
November 27, 2000
Page 2
A. Monday, November 13, 2000, City Council Minutes.
Council Member Marty requested Page 6 Item B have the phrase "as presented by Community
Development Director Parish" added to indicate who presented the staff information.
Council Member Stigney requested the following changes: Page 2, second paragraph from the
bottom change "Attorney" to "Council". On Page 4, the correct spelling of "Jenke" is "Jahnke".
Mayor Coughlin indicated his motion on Page 8 was two separate motions. One to reconsider
and one to remove from consideration. Same motion and second on both.
MOTION/SECOND: No Motion/Second made. To approve the November 13, 2000, City
Council Minutes with the noted changes.
Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Abstain - 1 Motion carried.
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Council Member Thomas abstained from voting as she was not present at the meeting.
5. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
None.
6. REPORTS
Council Member Marty reported the Cable Television Commission meeting was held earlier this
evening. The Commission has suggested in addition to the conversations with the Mayor they
would like to have discussions or interviews with other Council Members. The last interview
with the Mayor will be in December. All tapes and equipment at the City are now digital and, as
such, the quality should be better. There will also be a VHS backup available. Patrick Toth has
compiled an inventory of excess inventory and equipment to send to the Executive Director of
CTV. There is a plan in place to provide cable television access in all senior facilities to keep the
seniors informed and aware of activities in the community. The Lions Club is conducting a
holiday lights contest again this year. The judging will take place on December 17, 2000. Santa
will be at City Hall this year, however, the date and time are yet to be determined. The Lions
Club will be hosting a cable television program showcasing hearing dogs. The date and time of
the program is yet to be determined.
Mayor Coughlin reported he had attended the legislative issues forum hosted by the League of
Minnesota Cities with City Administrator Miller and Mayor-Elect Sonterre. Mayor Coughlin
indicated he has a significant packet of information available should any of the Council Members
wish to review it.
Mounds View City Council November 27, 2000
Regular Meeting Page 3
Mayor Coughlin reported there is a vacancy on the Planning and Zoning Commission and invited
interested residents to apply. The application is available at City Hall or on the website. The
deadline to apply is December 11, 2000.
City Administrator Miller reminded Council of the invitation from Ramsey County League of
Local Government to attend their holiday event. She encouraged anyone on the Council who
was interested to let her know as the deadline to respond is November 28, 2000.
City Attorney Long reported on the request from last Council Meeting concerning the Police
Civil Service Commission. City Attorney Long and Scott Riggs from his office have researched
and worked on the matter including reviewing transcripts from the meeting of the Police Civil
Service Commission meeting in July. The transcript was a little hard to understand, as some of
the tape was inaudible to the transcriptionist, but he was able to determine that there was some
miscommunication or differences of opinion on the role of the Police Civil Service Commission
in setting up the procedures for new hires. The Police Chief believed the Post Board, which is
the licensing board for police officers, governed the procedures for hiring. The Police Civil
Service Commission felt they had a role in deciding the procedures.
City Attorney Long has determined the Police Civil Service Commission does have the authority
to establish procedures for hiring. City Attorney Long has reviewed the current procedures being
used by the Police Chief and at the recent meeting of the Police Civil Service Commission these
procedures were unanimously approved. Concerning the Council's request for City Attorney
Long to draft those procedures he indicated he would prefer that the Police Civil Service
Commission work in conjunction with the City Administrator and make sure the procedures are
in writing. Once the procedures are written down and approved City Attorney Long will review
to make sure of the legality of the procedures. After giving his report City Attorney Long
indicated he could provide a written report if Council desired.
Council Member Marty indicated he would like to see the report in writing.
Council Member Quick indicated he would like to see the report in writing.
Mayor Coughlin inquired as to whether there was a recording secretary or tape recorder present
at the Police Civil Service Commission meeting to record the minutes.
City Administrator Miller indicated minutes were taken and would be presented at the next
meeting for approval.
City Attorney Long indicated he would do a written summary of his report for Council.
Council Member Quick indicated he would like to see an in depth report detailing the entire
investigation and result of the investigation.
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Mounds View City Council November 27, 2000
Regular Meeting Page 4
Mayor Coughlin indicated he would like to see a document outlining the procedures that could
be placed in a file somewhere to be used as a reference document rather than a document
outlining the investigation process.
Council Member Quick indicated he would still like to see a written report explaining the
investigation into the hiring procedures.
Council Member Stigney indicated he would be fine with receiving a summary of City Attorney
Longs report. He would like the summary report shown to the Police Civil Service
Commission, the Police Chief, and Council before determining that a full report is necessary.
Council Member Marty agreed with Council Member Stigney's comment.
City Attorney Long indicated he would provide a written summary.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approve Just and Correct Claims.
B. Licenses for Approval.
Mayor Coughlin asked the Council if anyone would like to remove items for discussion.
MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Marty. To Approve the Consent Agenda for Items A and B as
presented.
Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried.
S. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
9. RESIDENTS REQUESTS AND COMMENTS FROM THE FLOOR
Dan Lamb of 2305 Sherwood Road explained he had been at the last Council meeting where a
resident inquired about the contract negotiations for the golf course manager. He provided
information to Council concerning a pay study he had obtained from the golf course manager at
New Brighton.
Mayor Coughlin thanked him for the information.
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Mounds View City Council
Regular Meeting
November 27, 2000
Page 5
10. COUNCIL BUSINESS
A. u li in in sider Ordinance No. 673
P b c Hear g and Second Read g to Con ,
Amending Chapter 906.04, Subd. 4, Entitled "Liability for Repairs" of the
Municipal Code (Water Services).
Public Works Director Ulrich gave a brief overview of the proposed change to the ordinance.
The ordinance is being amended to provide that the City will make repairs to the water service
between the water main and the structure. These repairs will be funded by a utility fee of $4.00
per quarter to all residents.
Public Works Director Ulrich indicated he had received numerous telephone calls from residents
concerning the proposed ordinance change. Some of those calls were in support of and some
against the ordinance. One resident had requested participation in the program be voluntary.
Public Works Director Ulrich indicated the reason the City is proposing the change to the
ordinance is to provide assistance to residents who have expensive water service repairs. The
City will contract with several regular contractors who, as part of the contract, will be required to
repair the service within five days. In the past, residents who have attempted to contact
contractors to schedule repairs have had a less than timely response. It is the opinion of the City
that contracting with the City is more enticing to contractors and, as such, residents should
receive timely service.
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Public Works Director Ulrich read a letter written and submitted by Linda Hemenway of 5211
Sunnyside Road. The letter outlined the repairs she was required to pay for when her service
failed twice. Ms. Hemenway made two suggestions in her letter. The first suggestion was for the
City to allow those residents who have already had to pay for expensive repairs to their water
service to be allowed to participate in the program without having to pay the quarterly fee. Ms.
Hemenway indicated she felt asking residents to pay the quarterly fee unduly penalized those
residents who have already had to pay to repair their services. The second suggestion is to make
the change to the ordinance retroactive and reimburse those residents who have had to pay for
repairs. It is Ms. Hemenway's suggestion that the City seriously look at her first
recommendation.
Public Works Director Ulrich also outlined the contents of a letter received from a resident who
had a repair within the last two weeks. He showed Council and others present a section of the
pipe that was hand dug from the Fisher residence. The pipe had numerous pinholes and cracks.
Mayor Coughlin asked Public Works Director Ulrich to explain to those in attendance the
problems with the schedule of copper used.
Public Works Director Ulrich explained that there was a stamp on the copper pipe removed from
the Fisher residence that indicated the copper was schedule L. Current City Code requires that
schedule K copper be used. This indicates to him that there will be further problems with
Mounds View City Council November 27, 2000
Regular Meeting Page 6
services in the area that may be traced back to the time the houses were built and services
installed.
Public Works Direct Ulrich indicated it was Staff's recommendation that the public hearing be
continued to December 11, 2000 to allow for more resident input and Staff research into the
proposed ordinance change.
David Jahnke of 8428 Eastwood Road expressed his concern with allowing residents to opt out
of the program. He indicated he believed it would be a nightmare to administrate and keep track
of. Mr. Jahnke indicated to him it seemed like purchasing an insurance policy. He then inquired
as to how Staff had arrived at the $4.00 per quarter fee per resident.
Public Works Director Ulrich indicated there was an actuarial type formula used to determine
approximate amounts needed to support the program. The average number of repairs per year,
the cost of those repairs and the total number of services in the City were used in determining the
fee.
Mr. Jahnke expressed concern for having the funds used for other purposes if there were excess
funds in the program not used for service repairs. He indicated this has happened to other funds
within the City.
Steve Begge of 8261 Sunnyside Road indicated he had not had to endure water service problems
as others have but said the program seemed to make sense and have a cost benefit to residents.
He expressed an interest in having some sort of accommodation made for those that had already
made costly repairs. He inquired as to the affect of having some households opt out of the
program. Would that make costs go up for those involved in the program? He also asked what
would happen if the City determined at some point down the road that the program was too
costly to maintain.
Public Works Director Ulrich indicted that it is possible that the quarterly fee could be raised in
the future if service costs rise. He then indicated the City is trying to do something to relieve the
burden on residents for problems with water services. There is nothing a resident can do to
maintain the service pipes. They are at the mercy of the soil in the area. There is an area of the
City where piping and a valve were newly installed. The soil in the area ate the bolts within 7
years and the valve began to leak. When placing things in the ground there is an unknown. You
are not quite sure when it will fail but statistics show it will definitely fail. The City feels it
should do something to lessen the burden when services do fail. It may also shorten the duration
of the leaks making the repairs less costly and less dangerous to repair personnel if the City
controls the repair procedure.
Linda Hemenway of 5211 Sunnyside Road told the Council she left work early to attend this
meeting as she feels very strongly the City owes something to the residents who have already had
to repair their water services. Ms. Hemenway explained she had her service repaired and two
weeks later had to have the service inside her house repaired. It is her opinion that her repair was
Mounds View City Council November 27, 2000
Regular Meeting Page 7
so extensive that she should not need another repair for as long as she lives in the house. She
then referenced the incorrect schedule of copper being used and inquired as to whether there
would be some sort of habihty on the part of the contractor who installed the copper or perhaps
the City as the City should have inspected the work as part of the permit process.
Mayor Coughlin indicated he could not speak to potential liability on the part of the City or the
contractor involved in the installation of the pipe.
Ms. Hemenway indicated she feels let down by City because she had to pay for the costly repairs
and now other residents will not have to. Ms. Hemenway indicated she had other residents who
have had to make water service repairs sign the letter in support of her suggestion to have the
City provide for them in the program and allow them not to have to pay the fee for participation
in the program.
Ms. Fisher of 5901 Sunnyside Road indicated that the pipe shown earlier by Public Works
Director Ulrich was the pipe from her service. She indicated the pipe was hand dug when the
backhoe got closer to the pipe as there was another utility running next to the water pipe. Ms.
Fisher indicated this is a type of insurance policy for something you have no control over. For
instance, you can do preventive maintenance on other equipment in your home to avoid future
problems. There is no way to do preventive maintenance for your water service pipe. She is
glad the City is stepping in to help residents with these types of problems. When she and her
husband purchased the house in 1994 the seller indicated the pipe had been recently replaced and
should not need to be replaced again. It is obvious to her that since she has just replaced the pipe
rt will need to be done again in the future and she is glad the City will be there to pick up the
costs this time.
Russ Anderson of 5159 Edgewood Drive told Council he has lived in his residence for 35 years
and has been worrying about when his water service would need to be replaced. When he got the
letter indicating the change to the ordinance and explaining the quarterly fee he was "one happy
guy." He thanked the City for their willingness to assist residents.
David Jahnke of 8428 Eastwood Road indicated he did not see anybody protesting when the
ordinance was changed in 1986. He also indicated he is still concerned with how this program
will be administered. When does the program start? Is it retroactive to any resident currently
having a problem?
Marie Carlson of 5080 Eastwood Road indicated she has been at her residence without a water
service problem for 44 years and is very happy with the proposal by the City.
Rich Sontarre of 5060 Red Oak Drive inquired as to whether there would be apre-existing
condition clause for participation in the program. He also inquired as to whether the coverage
would be retroactive to cover the period between when the proposed change was first addressed
by Council and when the change is finally made.
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Mounds View City Council November 27, 2040
Regular Meeting Page 8
Public Works Director Ulrich indicated he does not believe there are currently any leaking water
services within the City. He then said that after the adoption of the ordinance and publication the
ordinance takes affect. He is expecting it will be sometime in January before the program is
started. If there is a leak between now and then it will be up to the discretion of the Council as to
whether the leak is covered under the program or not.
David Carlstrom of 5297 Edgewood Drive inquired as to whether there were other cities with
this type of program.
Public Works Director Ulrich indicated he was not aware of any cities with a similar program.
New Brighton has been paying for the first $800.00 of the repair but has recently experienced
some costly issues. He assumes the City of New Brighton is not taking funds for repair out of
the water fund but said he was unsure of the way it was being handled.
Mr. Carlstrom indicated he opposed the change in the ordinance as it requires those that have not
had any problems to pay for those that do. Mr. Carlstrom said that he is aware he may have a
break in the future but indicated the expense to repair that break should be his as it is the
responsibility of homeownership.
Barrett Fisher of 5901 Sunnyside Road indicated that part of being a member of a community is
paying taxes even if you don't receive a direct benefit from the services those taxes pay for. He
is not concerned with subsidizing his neighbors as some residents have expressed. His children
are home schooled, yet he pays taxes for the school district. He indicated he did not feel $16.00
per year was much to pay to ensure that when his service fails again the City will pay to repair it.
Public Works Director Ulrich expressed a desire to continue the public hearing to December 11,
2000.
Consent was reached by Council to continue the public hearing to December 11, 2000.
Council Member Stigney indicated that he understood the ordinance change before Council to
allow for the program to be voluntary if desired by residents.
Public Works Director Ulrich indicated he had made that addition to the ordinance after speaking
with Ms. Hemenway but said after discussions with Staff believes the program needs to be
mandatory in order for it to work.
Council Member Stigney indicated it would be his preference to allow for participation in the
program to be voluntary. He then inquired if adjacent cities pay for service to the house or to the
curb stop.
Public Works Director Ulrich indicated he was not aware of any city that pays for service up to
the house. He also indicated he is not aware of which cities pay for services to the curb stop.
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Mounds View City Council November 27, 2000
Regular Meeting Page 9
Council Member Stigney expressed concern with charging residents for participation in the
program citing the four percent franchise fee, water meter fee, streetlight fee, and the fact that
taxes are as high this year as he ever remembers them to be m the Crty. He indicated he would
like to discuss these issues at the work session.
Council Member Thomas requested a written copy of the actuarial formulas used to determine
the fee to be charged.
B. Public Hearing and Second Reading to Consider Ordinance No. 675, an
Ordinance to Rezone the Mermaid Parcels from B-3 Highway Business to
PUD Planned Unit Development.
Mayor Coughlin opened the public hearing at 8:29 p.m.
Community Development Director Ericson welcomed Council Member Thomas and indicated to
Council this is an Ordinance to rezone the Mermaid Parcels from B-3 Highway Business to PUD
Planned Unit Development. Staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommend
approval of the ordinance.
Mayor Coughlin closed the public hearing at 8:30 p.m.
MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Thomas. To Waive the Reading and Approve Ordinance No. 675,
an Ordinance to Rezone the Mermaid Parcels from B-3 Highway Business to PUD Planned Unit
Development.
Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried.
ROLL CALL: Quick, Marty, Stigney, Thomas, and Coughlin.
B. Consideration of Resolution No. 5487, Creating a Water Service Repair
Account and Adopting a Fee Schedule.
It was the consent of Council to table this matter to the December 11, 2000 City Council
Meeting.
C. Consideration of Evaluation of Community Development Director Position.
Assistant to the Administrator Reed addressed Council and indicated Staff had been directed to
conduct an evaluation of the Community Development Director's position to bring the salary and
points in line. She presented information to Council concerning three options for the salary of
Community Development Director Ericson. They are as follows:
1. Set the maximum annual salary at $63,600. Start Mr. Ericson at step 2 ($54,060),
advance him to step 3 after a satisfactory six-month performance evaluation, and
Mounds View City Council
Regular Meeting
November 27, 2000
Page 10
step 4 one year after the start date. The appropriate step and cost of living
increases would occur annually thereafter.
2. Set the maximum annual salary for the position at $65,822. Start Mr. Ericson at
step 1 ($52,657.60), advance him to step 2 after a satisfactory six-month
performance evaluation, and step 3 one year after the start date. The appropriate
step and cost of living increases would occur annually thereafter.
3. Set the maximum annual salary for the position at $68,045.40. Start Mr. Ericson
at step 1 ($54,436.32), advance him to step 2 after a satisfactory six-month
performance evaluation, and step 3 one year after the probationary period ends.
The appropriate step and cost of living increases would occur annually thereafter.
Council Member Marty indicated he would like to go with the recommendation of Labor
Relations Associates, Inc. which is the first option presented by Ms. Reed.
Council Member Thomas inquired as to how Option 1 figured into the budget for next year.
Assistant to the Administrator Reed indicated that the currently approved salary for the
Community Development Director is Option 3 setting the maximum annual salary at $68,045.40,
which is included in the budget for next year. So, all three of the options are in line with the
budget for next year.
Mayor Coughlin noted Community Development Director Encson will be filling the vacancy m
the Planner's office until that vacancy is filled.
City Administrator Miller indicated that after the study conducted by Labor Relations Associates,
Inc., and research within the City it was determined that to put the salary for the Community
Development Director in line with the points would put that position at a lower salary than other
department heads due to manipulating of the points system that has previously occurred for other
positions.
MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Marty. To approve Option 3 as presented by Staff approving the
maximum annual salary of $68,045.40, as the salary for the Community Development Director
Position.
Council Member Marty inquired as to how the salaries for the positions could be so far out of
alignment since it has only been a few years since the City went through the Hay Study. It was
his understanding that the purpose of the Hay Study was to provide fairness and pay people for
what they were doing.
Assistant to the Administrator Reed indicated the Hay Study was done in 1997 and Community
Development Director Jopke was hired in 1998. It is her understanding his salary was raised to
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Mounds View City Council November 27, 2000
Regular Meeting Page 11
recognize his economic development experience. Changing the points to bring them in line with
the salary has been discussed since Mr. Jopke was hired.
Council Member Marty inquired as to whether the other department heads salaries were higher
due to their length of service with the City.
Assistant to the Administrator Reed indicated that all but one of the department heads is at the
top of the pay scale.
City Administrator Miller indicated that the points need to be raised to match the salary for the
position. There is a disparity in the points assigned for the Community Development Director
position as compared to the other positions. Short of authorizing a study for all positions City
Administrator Miller recommended approval of Option 3 setting the maximum annual salary at
$68,045.40.
Council Member Stigney referred to the memo from Staff indicating that Option 1 $63,600.00
was the recommendation of Labor Relations Associates, Inc., and more in line with the internal
pay scale. Council Member Stigney indicated Council had authorized a study by Labor
Relations Associates, Inc., and he feels Council should approve their recommendation.
Council Member Thomas indicated she is uncomfortable with perpetuating a recognized
problem. If there has been manipulation with the points why perpetuate that by manipulating the
salary despite the points recommended by Labor Relations Associates, Inc.
City Administrator Miller indicated the concerns of Council Members Stigney and Thomas are
legitimate as Staff did request a study by Labor Relations Associates, Inc., but said it is
problematic to look at one position independently of the others. It would bring one salary in line
with the points but leave the others out of line with the points. Approval of Option 3 would
perpetuate the problem but this is the only fair option outside of approval of a complete study on
all positions.
Mayor Coughlin inquired as to whether the additional duties of Mr. Ericson were considered
during the study.
Assistant to the Administrator Reed indicated Mr. Ericson's other duties were not included. She
sent the job description used for hiring Mr. Jopke to Labor Relations Associates, Inc. and that is
what was used to determine the points.
Council Member Marty indicated those duties are not in Mr. Ericson's job description now but
he has stepped up and taken on those additional tasks. He also made the point that at the time of
the Hay Study it was determined that Mr. Ericson was the most underpaid employee at the City.
Council Member Quick indicated the City has been paying Mr. Jopke $68,045.40 to do the same
job that will be expected of Mr. Ericson. In fact, Mr. Ericson has additional duties he is
Mounds View City Council November 27, 2000
Regular Meeting Page 12
responsible for. He will also be expected to perform the City Planner's duties until that vacancy
is filled. It is the opinion of Council Member Quick that any study deteriorates over time and the
Crty should be able to make changes to the study as rt sees fit. Council Member Quick indicated
he wholeheartedly supports Option 3 setting the maximum annual salary at $68,045.40.
Council Member Thomas indicated the reason for authorizing the study for the Community
Development Director position was to bring the points in line with the salary.
Council Member Quick indicated that the salary for a position is usually reviewed when someone
new is hired.
Mayor Coughlin indicated the Hay Study is a guideline for cities to follow. Not all salaries need
to fall exactly on the line just near the line. Mayor Coughlin indicated he did not put a lot of
stock in the Hay Study as it sets an arbitrary line for salaries based on averages not taking into
account individual situations.
Council Member Stigney indicated the purpose behind the study was to assign points to various
positions and the salary is based on those points assigned. Labor Relations Associates, Inc., has
recommended 588 points be assigned to the Community Development Director position and
Council Member Stigney believes the salary should be based on those points. He then said Mr.
Ericson is under a probationary period and the salary could be evaluated at the end of the
probationary period if Council desired.
Mayor Coughlin indicated he respected the professional judgment of City Administrator Miller
when it comes to pay for City employees.
Council Member Marty inquired as to whether this issue could be tabled to have a study
conducted by Labor Relations Associates, Inc., which would include the additional duties of Mr.
Ericson to see if the points total would be higher.
Mayor Coughlin suggested a vote on the motion to see where Council stood on the issue.
Vote on the Motion to Accept Option 3 setting the maximum annual salary at $68,045.40.
Ayes - 2 (Coughlin/Quick) Nays - 3 (Marty/Stigney/Thomas) Motion failed.
MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Thomas: To Authorize Labor Relations Associates, Inc., to
Conduct a new Study on the Points for the Community Development Director Position to Include
the Additional duties of Mr. Ericson.
Council Member Quick inquired as to whether this was an entire study for all positions or just for
the position of Community Development Director adding the additional responsibilities.
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Mounds View City Council November 27, 2000
Regular Meeting Page 13
Council Member Marty indicated he wanted to have Labor Relations Associates, Inc., re-evaluate
the points for the position taking into consideration the additional duties of Mr. Ericson.
Council Member Quick inquired if this study would be done in house or by Labor Relations
Associates, Inc.
City Administrator Miller indicated the study would be done by Labor Relations Associates, Inc.
Mayor Coughlin noted that there would still be a disparity in points for this position in relation to
the other positions.
City Administrator Miller indicated that the points may change but the disparity to the other
positions would not.
Council Member Thomas indicated adding additional duties to the job description at this point
would not be in the best interest of the City as Mr. Ericson could leave and the next Community
Development Director may not have the ability to take on these additional duties.
Council Member Quick inquired as to whether Thomas, as the seconder of the motion on the
floor, was now speaking against the motion.
Council Member Thomas indicated she was not speaking against the motion but said her position
was that it was Council's discretion to add points to the Hay Study point recommendation to
reflect additional duties rather than change the job description to raise the points.
Council Member Quick inquired as to whether Council had the discretion to add points to the
Hay Study recommendation to reflect additional duties.
City Attorney Long indicated he had not been presented with this issue before but said the
biggest concern with going outside the Hay Study recommendation could open the City up to a
legal challenge.
Council Member Thomas inquired as to which of the three options presented to Council was in
line with the Hay Study.
City Attorney indicated that both sides of the issue were right to a point. Council does have the
discretion to recognize the particular job and could pay at a higher level but if the City does
evaluate a job within the system and the City does not follow the Hay Study process when the
City evaluates it that is where the issue arises. The City does have the discretion to say the salary
is higher than the points but for certain reasons the City is going to pay it.
Mayor Coughlin indicated the City has a contractual obligation with the unions to keep the
salaries in line. Not every individual salary needs to be directly on the line but the target is the
line.
Mounds View City Council November 27, 2000
Regular Meeting Page 14
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Council Member Marty requested he be allowed to withdraw his motion. Consent to allow the
motion to be withdrawn. Council Member Thomas withdrew her second.
MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Quick. To Reconsider the Motion to Approve Option 3 as
Presented by Staff Approving a maximum annual salary of $68,045.40, as the Salary for the
Community Development Director Position.
Ayes - 3 (Coughlin/Marty/Quick) Nays - 2 (Stigney/Thomas). Motion carried.
Council Member Quick moved the question.
Ayes - 3 Nays - 2 (Stigney/Thomas) Motion carried.
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Council Member Stigney recommended tabling the matter for further discussion.
Mayor Coughlin indicated a motion for approval had passed and a recommendation to table was
not in order.
E. Consideration of Resolution 5490, a Resolution Approving the Best Use of the
Property Between Sysco and the Existing Golf Course, is an Addition of Nine
Additional Holes of Golf.
City Administrator Miller presented Resolution 5490 to Council and indicated the Resolution
had been amended to reflect the addition of a step requiring that an independent examination of
the project feasibility be conducted, to verify the numbers presented by the golf course staff;
should this analysis fail to support staff's findings the following steps will become null and void.
Council Member Stigney took exception to the paragraph of the Resolution stating that Staff had
conducted a cost benefit analysis of adding nine additional golf holes, a clubhouse bar and
restaurant, an expanded range, and lighting the course at night and had determined that the
addition of the above would provide positive cash flow for the golf course.
MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Marty. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 5490, a
Resolution Approving the Best Use of the Property Between Sysco and the Existing Golf Course,
is an Addition of Nine Additional Holes of Golf.
Council Member Marty thanked Staff for drafting the Resolution.
Council Member Thomas noted she was present at the work session where this item was
discussed in an observatory role and inquired as to whether the Resolution was a matter of
expediency or if not, perhaps it would be more appropriate to act on step 2 of the Resolution
before actually adopting the Resolution.
Mounds View City Council November 27, 2000
Regular Meeting Page 15
Mayor Coughlin explained that the Resolution is a requirement of applying for funding through
an organization called First Tee which is providing funding at a reduced interest rate to cities
building golf courses. The organization will fund 250 golf courses so the City needs to get in
line for funding. The purpose behind the addition of step 2 in the Resolution is to provide an out
for the City should it be determined expanding the golf course is not in the best interest of the
City.
Council Member Marty indicated that the City had fallen way down on the list to receive funding
due to delays. Council needs to pass Resolution 5490 in order to declare intent to expand the
golf course and be eligible to apply for funding.
Council Member Thomas inquired as to what a letter of intent would require and asked if there
were any guidelines in place.
John Hammerschmidt, Golf Course Manager, indicated there is an application process that needs
to be followed. The First Tee organization has said it will fund 250 golf courses but there is no
guarantee of that number. If the City is interested in receiving funding from First Tee it needs to
declare intent and begin the application process.
Council Member Thomas inquired as to whether the positive cash flow from the feasibility study
included the additional nine holes or the entire course including the existing nine holes.
John Hammerschmidt, Golf Course Manager, indicated that the feasibility study showed that the
expanded nine holes will help to provide positive cash flow for the entire facility as there will be
less overhead to run those holes since the City is currently operating nine holes. Mr.
Hammerschmidt indicated expanding the golf course was necessary to provide positive cash flow
at the golf course.
Council Member Stigney inquired as to whether it had been stated in the past that if the
billboards were allowed there would not be a debt problem.
Mr. Hammerschmidt indicated that he believed Council Member Stigney's statement to be
accurate.
Council Member Stigney inquired as to why the City needed to proceed now rather than waiting
until the billboard issue is resolved.
Mr. Hammerschmidt indicated that passing of the Resolution does not necessarily mean that
expansion will take place. It is an expression of intent to research the possibility of expansion of
the golf course.
Council Member Stigney inquired as to what type of notification First Tee required if the City
wished to look to them for funding of an expansion.
u
Mounds View City Council November 27, 2000
Regular Meeting Page 16
•
Mr. Hammerschmidt clarified that the City would need to be approved for funding by First Tee
and said there are requirements for the granting of funds. First Tee has said it will fund 250
courses and when they reach that number there will not be any more funds available. If the City
is interested it needs to begin the application process.
Council Member Stigney stated that as there is no specific deadline for application he would like
to move to table the Resolution until the billboard issue is resolved.
MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Thomas. To Table Resolution 5490, a Resolution Approving the
Best Use of the Property Between Sysco and the Existing Golf Course, is an Addition of Nine
Additional Holes of Golf until the Golf Course billboard issue is Resolved.
Ayes - 2 (Stigney/Thomas) Nays - 3 (Coughlin/Marty/Quick) Motion failed.
•
Council Member Stigney indicated he would like to make a motion to breakdown each of the
steps into individual steps that could be voted on.
Mayor Coughlin indicated that request would need to be a reconsideration of the motion. The
motion is to accept with stipulations as stated in the staff document of all the steps that must be
gone through before any possible consideration to move forward.
City Attorney Long indicated there is a motion on the floor and an amendment would need to be
worded to propose either some of the conditions or all but not to separate them out individually.
Council Member Marty moved the question.
Vote: Ayes - 3 (Coughlin/Marty/Quick) Nays - 2 (Stigney/Thomas) Motion carried.
MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Marty. To Approve Resolution 5490, a Resolution Approving the
Best Use of the Property Between Sysco and the Existing Golf Course, is an Addition of Nine
Additional Holes of Golf.
Ayes - 3 (Coughlin/Marty/Quick) Nays - 2 (Stigney/Thomas) Motion carried.
•
11. Next Council Work Session:
Next Public Hearing:
Truth in Taxation Budget Hearing
Next Council Meeting:
Monday, December 4, 2000 - 6:00 P.M.
Monday, December 4, 2000
Monday, December 11, 2000 - 7:00 P.M.
Mounds View City Council
Regular Meeting
November 27, 2000
Page 17
• 12. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Coughlin adjourned the meeting at 9:29 p.m.
Transcribed and recorded by:
Joan Lenzmeier
Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
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