Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2025/01/13APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting January 13, 2025 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112 6:00 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Clark, Gunn, Lindstrom, Meehlhause and Smith NOT PRESENT: None. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, January 13, 2025, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Clark. To Approve the Monday, January 13, 2025, agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Lindstrom asked to remove Items 5C and 5D. A. Approval of Minutes: December 9, 2024 and January 6, 2025. B. Just and Correct Claims. C. Resolution 10036, Authorizing Separation Compensation for Public Works Lead Streets Worker, Bruce Meehan (as revised). D. Resolution 10037, Authorizing Separation Compensation for Firefighter/Fire Marshal/Code Inspector Isaiah Schoeman. E. Resolution 10038, Approve Revised Job Description and Authorize Recruitment Process for Housing/Code Enforcement Inspector. F. Resolution 10034, Accepting Miscellaneous Donations for 2024. G. Resolution 10035, Approving the 2024 Pay Equity Report. H. Resolution 10039, Authorizing Out of State Travel Expenses for Alexis Bostrom and Hanna Kenow to Attend the Central Square Conference in Orlando, Florida. Mounds View City Council January 13, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 2 MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Approve the Consent Agenda as amended removing items 5C and 5D for further discussion. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 10036, Authorizing Separation Compensation for Public Works Lead Streets Worker, Bruce Meehan (as revised). Mayor Lindstrom thanked Bruce Meehan for his 27 years of dedicated service to the City of Mounds View. MOTION/SECOND: Lindstrom/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10036, Authorizing Separation Compensation for Public Works Lead Streets Worker, Bruce Meehan (as revised). Council Member Gunn wished Bruce Meehan all the best in his retirement. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 10037, Authorizing Separation Compensation for Firefighter/Fire Marshal/Code Inspector Isaiah Schoeman. Mayor Lindstrom thanked Firefighter/Fire Marshal/Code Inspector Isaiah Schoeman for his dedicated service to the City of Mounds View. MOTION/SECOND: Lindstrom/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10037, Authorizing Separation Compensation for Firefighter/Fire Marshal/Code, Inspector Isaiah Schoeman. Council Member Meehlhause reported Mr. Schoeman would still be working for the City as the Fire Marshal for the SBM Fire Department. He wished him all the best in his new position. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Tribute Park – Don Peterson, Project Overview with Guest Speakers a. Mayor Carol Mueller (2018 to 2022) b. Don and Cindy Spano c. Bob Jacobson – MN Commissioner of Public Safety d. Sherry Gunn – Council Liaison e. Gary Meehlhause – Mounds View Lions Presentation f. SBM Fire Chief, Dan Retka g. Resolution 10040, Approving the Tribute Memorial Park Concept and Design Plans. Mounds View City Council January 13, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 3 Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated in 2022 the City Council requested staff look into installing a veterans memorial park. He indicated this concept grew to include honoring first responders, military veterans and those residents that lost their lives in local tragedies. He commented on the community input that has been gathered by the Tribute Park Committee. He reviewed the layout of the proposed Tribute Park adjacent to City Hall. He noted there were a number of speakers that would be addressing the City Council regarding the proposed park. Former Mayor Carol Mueller read prepared remarks regarding the Tribute Park. She noted she was a newlywed when she moved to Mounds View in 1979. She commented on the love, generosity and pride this community bestowed when building the playground structure at the Pinewood Elementary School. She appreciated how Mounds View had pulled together to support one another through this project, but she understood this community had done the same thing when two different tornadoes cut a deadly path through this community in 1965. She stated on July 8, 1986 the City was awoken by a loud explosion and huge fire on Long Lake Road. She noted over 200 people had to be evacuated from this event. Former Mayor Mueller noted on August 1, 2007, she was working a shift at the local liquor store when she learned the I-35W Bridge had collapsed. She discussed how devastating this event was for the community and the 111 vehicles that dropped 115 feet down to the river. She explained first responders and law enforcement responded within minutes to rescue and render aid. She reported local coach Patrick “Homer” Holmes was lost in this tragedy. She reported since 2008, an annual coach of the year was recognized in Homer’s memory. She stated Paul Egstad was a kind, reserved man who loved to go fishing. She indicated Paul was also lost during this tragic event when his semi-truck jack knifed in order to stop from going off the edge of the bridge, which prevented a school bus from going around him and also going off the bridge. She discussed how the Egstad family had donated a piece of the bridge to the City in Paul’s honor. She described how Kim, the bus driver was seriously injured but survived the bridge collapse, along with the 50 children on board. She explained Jeremy Hernandez, a 20 year old worker at the daycare, managed to get the rear door open and he carried the injured children and escorted all of the other children out of the bus to safety. She commented further on the number of people that were injured and lost that day. She reported on August 1, 2011, the City of Minneapolis dedicated an I-35W Bridge remembrance garden on West River Road for the 13 victims and 171 survivors of the bridge collapse. She read somewhere the garden project cost $900,000. Former Mayor Mueller explained during her last term as Mayor she asked the City Council to find dollars within the budget to honor the people who were lost during these three disasters. She stated after much discussion, the Council agreed to support such a project, if a veterans memorial were included. She thanked Council Member Bill Bergeron for shifting the concept to a Tribute Park, in order to honor the living as well. After further discussion the Council supported paying tribute to first responders, which included the Mounds View Police Department, SBM Fire and Allina Ambulance. She reported in December of 2022, she volunteered to serve on the Tribute Park Committee. She discussed how the park would now honor those lost to local tragedies, first responders and those who have served in the military. She indicated the Tribute Park Committee has worked really hard on this project for the past two years. She discussed how the major expenses would be for basic construction, lighting, and the engraved monuments. She commented on how Mounds View City Council January 13, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 4 the committee was seeking donations at this time by selling pavers. She hoped the construction bids came in as expected, noting the committee has already raised 12% of the expenses. She hoped the Tribute Park could be dedicated on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2025. City Administrator Zikmund introduced the next speakers, Cindy and Don Spano. Cindy Spano thanked the Council for allowing her to speak. She spoke to the Council about what a first responder means to her and what an impact they had on her family after the pipeline burst. She indicated she was not in Mounds View at the time, but she heard about it from her husband. She discussed how she had been contacted regarding the Mounds View Tribute Park and she appreciated the fact the City would be recognizing those lost in local tragedies, along with veterans and first responders. She explained after speaking with Commissioner Bob Jacobsen, she learned how tragic events can impact first responders as well. Ms. Spano stated on July 8, 1986 the Williams pipeline burst in Mounds View. She commented on how there were two critical victims that needed attention, which included both Bev (Don’s previous wife), and Don’s daughter, Jennifer. She noted fellow firefighters worked to put out flames amidst the hysteria. She indicated Commissioner Jacobsen went home a changed man after seeing the horror that occurred that day. She stated she was eternally grateful that Bev was not alone, in pain and waiting. She explained for first responders, these events are never ending. These first responders have to push through the events, go home and show up for work again the next day. She commented on how first responders provide hope and care loved ones so desperately need. She appreciated the fact the Tribute Park would include a beautiful space for reflection on those who have been lost, those who have suffered and those who have served this community. Don Spano thanked the Council for inviting him to speak. He felt honored when the City Administrator contacted him regarding this project. He noted he had a meeting at his home which included the City Administrator, Police Chief Zender, Fire Chief Dan Retka and Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobsen. He noted this was the first time he had met most of these individuals, but this was not the first time he had met Commissioner Jacobsen. He noted the first time he met Commissioner Jacobsen was on July 8, 1986 in the front of his Mounds View home. He stated Commissioner Jacobsen was the first responder he had contact with that day. He saw Commissioner Jacobsen as a heroic, helpful and dedicated person. He noted there were many EMT’s onsite that day, who assisted him and the entire Mounds View population. He commented on how the emergency responders acted like best friends that day to the citizens of Mounds View. He discussed how the emergency responders in Mounds View were loyal, trustworthy, supportive, honest and reliable. In addition, they exhibit traits of leadership, problem solving, compassion and teamwork, while performing whatever task they are assigned too. He believed first responders served an admirable purpose. He thanked the City for pursuing the Tribute Park and for honoring those who sacrifice their time, effort and lives, to make Mounds View a great place to live and work. He reported he no longer lives in Mounds View, as he moved out of the community in 1994. However, he noted he has fond memories of the City and the friendships he made and retained. He thanked the City again for thinking of him and for working to complete a Tribute Park. Police Chief Zender introduced Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobsen to the City Council. Mounds View City Council January 13, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 5 Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobsen thanked the Council for their time. He appreciated how the City Council was looking to recognize and honor the significant events, tragedies and many heroes in the community. He thanked the Spano’s for welcoming him back into their home and hearts. He explained Mr. Spano and the Spano family was a real tribute to the community. He commended the Spano family for moving on and for their resiliency. He appreciated the Spano’s kind words for first responders and discussed how it was his honor and calling to serve this community. He stated he would never forget the day he spent with Bev on the day of her passing. He explained he appreciated reconnecting with the Spano family noting out of bad things, there are often good things that come. He discussed how the Office of Pipeline Safety came out of the Mounds View tragedy and noted he now oversees this office. Council Member Gunn stated she has served as a Councilmember for a lot of years. She discussed the surveys that have been completed in the community over the years and one thing people really like about Mounds View is the small town feel. She explained the Council and staff have had discussions about what small towns have that Mounds View doesn’t have. She reported a veteran’s memorial was at the top of this list. She commented on how discussions continued and it was determined the City’s first responders should also be honored, along with those who were lost to the three tragedies in the community. She thanked former Council Member Bill Bergeron for his work to bring about the Tribute Park. She introduced the members of the Tribute Park Committee to the City Council and thanked them for all of their hard work in planning for the park. She discussed how the committee has been working to fundraise for the park with the assistance of a 501c3 through the fire department. She urged residents to consider purchasing a paver in memory of a loved one. She was pleased that people passing through the community would be able to see the Tribute Park from Mounds View Boulevard and perhaps these individuals would stop, reflect and remember. Council Member Meehlhause reported he had the privilege of representing the Mounds View Lions at this meeting. He explained 2025 represents the 61st year the Mounds View Lions have served and partnered with the City. He was proud to announce the contribution of $2,500 towards the Tribute Park construction. He noted the club also hopes to donate another $2,500 as the group will be applying for a grant with a charitable foundation that works to impower Minnesota Lions Club by boosting their ability to complete community projects with matching grants. He stated the club will also be purchasing a paver to honor the Lions Club members who have served in the United States military. He noted the Lions will also be purchasing a paver honoring Amanda Lee, who grew up in Mounds View, currently serves in the US Navy and is the first female F-15 fighter pilot. He reported a private individual has made a $1,500 contribution to the club and the club has agreed to donate this generous contribution to the Tribute Park. Fire Chief Retka stated it was an honor to be in attendance at this meeting. He explained as the Fire Chief of the SBM Fire Department, he understood that tragedies strike every community. He was very proud with how the City of Mounds View was stepping up and recognizing the tragedies the community has faced. He noted he had the privilege of meeting with the Spano family in Wisconsin and he appreciated how deeply touched Commissioner Jacobsen was. He appreciated going back and reading the stories from the police reports when the pipeline event occurred. He thanked the City for recognizing the first responders who serve this community and stated he Mounds View City Council January 13, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 6 looked forward to promoting the Tribute Park. He then introduced Chief Anthony Scavo to the City Council, noting he serves as the Fire Relief Association President. Chief Anthony Scavo introduced himself to the Council and thanked the City of Mounds View for honoring first responders within the proposed Tribute Park. He explained the Fire Relief Association would like to make a donation in the amount of $50,000 to the Tribute Park. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance. Mayor Lindstrom accepted the check on behalf of the City of Mounds View. Karen Mills, Tribute Park Committee member, stated she has been working with the committee for the past two years and she appreciated all of the efforts from the members. She appreciated how the proposed park was designed with a focus on heart, safety and service. She was thankful the park would be visible from Mounds View Boulevard and all who pass through the community would be able to see it. City Administrator Zikmund described the reform and safety measures that were now in place along the pipeline due to the Office of Pipeline Safety. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reviewed the costs for the park construction noting the Public Works Department would be serving as the general contractor. He explained staff reached out to a number of vendors to receive estimates. Staff estimated the total project costs would be $258,160. He noted staff was working with some of the contractors in order to have costs lowered. In addition, staff would be seeking grants to assist with offsetting costs. Council Member Clark asked if the project had gone to bid. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported the Resolution before the Council would approve and finalize the concept plans and allow staff to bid the project. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10040, Approving the Tribute Memorial Park Concept and Design Plans. Council Member Clark noted she had forwarded several grant ideas on to staff. She indicated she was excited about this project and hoped the City could find grants to assist with funding the project. Council Member Meehlhause thanked State Representative Kelly Moller and Ramsey County Commissioner Tara Jebens-Singh for attending this meeting. He noted he was a member of the 2022 City Council that approved moving forward with a Tribute Park. He explained this was a historic meeting for the Mounds View City Council. He commented on Council Member Bill Bergeron proposal naming this a Tribute Park because it would recognize members of the military, first responders and victims of the three tragedies in the community. He thanked the Spano family for being in attendance and for their comments. He thanked Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobsen for being in attendance at this meeting and for his dedicated service to the community. He thanked Committee members for their time and efforts. Lastly, he thanked Public Works Director Don Peterson for all efforts to make this park a reality. Mounds View City Council January 13, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 7 Council Member Smith thanked the Spano family and all who came forward to speak about the importance of the Tribute Park to this community. She thanked all of the committee members for bringing their visions forward and working to make this park a reality. Mayor Lindstrom thanked everyone who has participated in this meeting. He thanked Cindy and Don Spano for sharing their experience with the City Council. He thanked the committee members and Public Works Director Peterson for their efforts. He thanked the Fire Relief Association for their generous donation to the Tribute Park. He commented on the tragedies that happened in the community and noted on January 21, 2018 there was a tragedy that didn’t happen to him because of a paramedic. He stated he wanted to buy this person a paver for saving his life when he overdosed. He commented on how this project was meaningful to so many residents of Mounds View because people have been impacted in many, many ways. Council Member Gunn requested a roll call vote. ROLL CALL: Clark/Gunn/Meehlhause/Smith/Lindstrom. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mayor Lindstrom recessed the City Council meeting at 7:27 p.m. Mayor Lindstrom reconvened the City Council meeting at 7:45 p.m. B. Resolution 10032, Appreciation to Adriana Moe for her Service on the Economic Development Commission. Mayor Lindstrom read a Resolution of Appreciation in full for the record recognizing Adriana Moe for her service on the Economic Development Commission. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Clark. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10032, Appreciation to Adriana Moe for her Service on the Economic Development Commission. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 10033, Appreciation to Kris Lillemo for his Service on the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission. Mayor Lindstrom read a Resolution of Appreciation in full for the record recognizing Kris Lillemo for his four years of service on the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Smith. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10033, Appreciation to Kris Lillemo for his Service on the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council January 13, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 8 7. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Lindstrom encouraged the public to speak with kindness and respect when addressing the City Council during Public Comment. Murwo Mohamed, 2657 Mounds View Boulevard, requested the City Council invest in new workout equipment, including a smith machine and leg press for the Community Center. She recommended that the lighting along Mounds View Boulevard also be improved for pedestrian safety. She discussed how she takes the bus to work every day and noted she has almost been hit twice on Long Lake Road when walking home from the bus stop. She asked that the police department monitor the driver behavior in this area. She asked that a bus shelter be created at Long Lake Road for warmth during the winter months. Mayor Lindstrom indicated he would be speaking with the Met Council and explained he would discuss lighting and a bus shelter. Vince Meyer, 8380 Spring Lake Road, explained he submitted an information disclosure request to the City. He reported he heard back from the City that they do not have the information he was requesting. He understood staff had information on which driveways were installed incorrectly and he would like this information to be passed along to him. Joyce Jones Strait, 7728 Knollwood Drive, spoke to the Council regarding the Tribute Park. She indicated she was born in St. Paul and moved to Mounds View when she was in kindergarten. She explained she was now a school teacher and she lived through the pipeline explosion. She remembered the funerals for the Spano girls. She reported she stood in her parent’s living room when the 35W Bridge collapsed. She appreciated how bridge and pipeline safety has been improved since these events occurred. She noted she has multiple military members in her family. She was of the opinion the Tribute Park should be community funded and not City funded. Dr. Jean Strait, 7728 Knollwood Drive, stated she learned so much about the history of this community by attending this meeting. She explained she grew up in a small town named Johnstown where her father was the fire chief and her godfather was the police chief. She noted she almost lost her dad in the 1977 flood. She understood the fear of not knowing if your loved one will come home from. She stated she believed the Tribute Park was a wonderful idea that needs to move forward. However, she was confused with how the City could agree to spend $175,000 from the Special Projects Fund. She believed it was a conflict of interest that Council Member Meehlhause had voted to move this project forward when he was a Mounds View Lion. She feared the Council was getting sloppy with their actions. Sharon Kirscher, 8406 Red Oak Drive, explained she lived through each of the tragedies in Mounds View. She stated she liked the way this came together as a Tribute Park because this would honor military and all first responders. 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS None. Mounds View City Council January 13, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 9 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Gunn stated she would be attending Police Foundation and Tribute Park meetings tomorrow. In addition, she would be attending a Planning Commission meeting on Wednesday, January 15 and a Cable Commission meeting on Thursday, January 16. Council Member Meehlhause reported he would be attending an NYFS Finance Committee meeting on Wednesday, January 15. He noted he would also be attending the Planning Commission meeting on Wednesday. Council Member Meehlhause was pleased to report the Twin Cities Gateway Visitors Bureau now had 11 member cities with the addition of the City of Ramsey. Council Member Clark reported the Festival in the Park Committee would meet next on Tuesday, January 21 at the Public Works Facility at 6:30 p.m. Council Member Smith stated in December she went to the RCLLG Annual Dinner, which was the Ramsey County League of Local Government. She discussed the mission of this group and summarized the topics that were addressed by the guest speaker. Council Member Smith noted she would be attending a Cable Commission meeting on Thursday, January 16. Mayor Lindstrom thanked all of the residents that attending the community dinner in December, as well as the volunteers who made the event possible. Mayor Lindstrom discussed the work he has been doing with the Clemency Hearing Board. Mayor Lindstrom reported the mermaid has been picked up and driven to New Ulm in order to undergo restoration work. Mayor Lindstrom explained he had the opportunity to participate in several national level clemency calls. Mayor Lindstrom stated he attended a Regional Council of Mayors where the group heard from Greater MSP and discussed what the next 25 years will look like. Mayor Lindstrom noted he would be meeting with Representative Moller on Thursday. Mayor Lindstrom indicated he would be sharing his life story in the Stillwater prison on Thursday, which would be the first time he has done this. Mayor Lindstrom reported on January 22 he would be celebrating seven years of sobriety. Mounds View City Council January 13, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 10 Council Member Gunn stated on Thursday, January 16, the City would be sponsoring a fire and ice event at Lambert Park. B. Reports of Staff. Finance Director Bauman reported the Finance Department was working on yearend reports and W-2’s. She noted auditors would be coming in at the end of the week to do some preliminary work and the quarter four utility bills would be going out this week as well. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson provided the Council with an update on the water meter change out project. He noted there were 250 to 300 meters that have yet to be replaced. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained the Ardan Park pond dredging was moving along. He stated a change order may be brought forward. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson commented the signal lights on Mounds View Boulevard was originally estimated to cost the City $800,000, and the City’s portion has come in at $1,051,000. He reported he would be speaking with Ramsey County regarding this matter. Mayor Lindstrom asked if staff had an update on the wetland banking. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated this would be further discussed at the February workshop meeting. Police Chief Zender thanked the City Council for their support of the Tribute Park. He thanked the committee members and staff for all of their efforts as well. He explained the Daddy Daughter Dance would be held on February 8. He reported he was trying to get enough officers together to do a polar plunge for Special Olympics. He noted he was currently short four officers. He explained he held interviews last Friday and he would be moving forward with one of the candidates that comes with experience. He commented further on two incidents that occurred over the weekend and he thanked his officers for their tremendous professionalism. City Administrator Zikmund stated he was working with Minnesota Roots on the Simons property. City Administrator Zikmund explained he was waiting to hear from the Dahl attorney in order to close on this property. 10. Next Council Work Session: Monday, February 3, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, January 27, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Mounds View City Council January 13, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 11 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8: p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial