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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2001/07/23PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting '' ~~ h~ ~V "' '~ ,~ ~ July 23, 2001 4 "~'~ ~:, t ~ '~ '' Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:02 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL: Sonterre, Quick, Marty, Stigney, and Thomas. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, July 23, 2001 City Council Agenda. ~_~ City Administrator Miller suggested the Council go into closed session to discuss the audit investigation. Public Works Director, Michael Ulrich, requested item J. Resolution 5595, Approving a Public Hearing for Mounds View Drive Resurfacing Project be added to the Council Business. Mayor Sonterre requested that Council Business Item 7F be moved to 7A and the other items be renumbered. MOTION/SECOND: Thomas/Stigney. To Approve the Agenda as Amended. Ayes - 5 4. PUBLIC INPUT Nays - 0 Motion carried. Bill Werner, 2765 Sherwood Road, read an open letter to Kathleen Miller. He requested a copy be included in the minutes, which is below. Date: 07-23-01 To: Kathleen Miller, MV Clerk-Administrator From: William Werner 2765 Sherwood Rd. Subject: Charter Requirements • The Mounds View city constitution, in the form of a charter, requires department heads to report in person to the public once each quarter at a regularly scheduled council meeting. Mounds View City Council July 23, 2001 Regular Meeting Page 2 This requirement for presenting the public with information on the workings of the city staff has been largely ignored. I believe this disregard has been detrimental to the proper operation of the city, leading to many surprises that have befallen Mounds View in recent weeks. As an original member of the Mounds View Charter Commission at the time the charter was written, I want to offer my recollection of the spirit of this requirement when it was written and as it was practiced initially after the charter was voted in. The objective of this quarterly report is to continually inform the public of the status, progress and plans on all projects in the city. This includes budget status and projected expenditures on all funding, including monies from other agencies. The finance director is expected to arrange his accounting procedure to make transparent to the public all financial activities and plans. The city administrator should set an example by encouraging full disclosure in order to enhance accountability at the department level. This kind of expression of accountability to the citizens of Mounds View would, in my opinion, enhance the well being of Mounds View. • « To quote one of the nation s founding fathers: Any nation that expects to be ignorant and free, expects what never was and never will be." Signed, William Werner Mayor Sonterre added that the Council requested the Charter Commission look into this and give an opinion. No opinion was specifically rendered. This is something that had to be interpreted by the Council He requested that City Administrator Miller add this item to the agenda for the Council's next work session. Naza Werner, 2765 Sherwood Road, stated she is a longtime resident. She stated that people are thoroughly disgusted with the city government. She felt that the Council should be more open with information beforehand instead of disclosing bits and pieces just before it was time to vote. She added that if a citizen wants information, they must file a written request. Then they must wait along time for a response. She said as she watches Council meetings, she gets the impression that some Council Members lack sufficient information to make wise decisions. She felt some decisions seem to be rubber stamped. Ms. Werner commented this is detrimental to the city and its reputation. Dana Mandosa, 2633 Clearview Avenue, stated he was told at the last Council meeting that if he . wanted information, he would need to formally request it. On July 17, he said he made that request. He asked when he should expect that information to come back. Mounds View City Council July 23, 2001 Regular Meeting Page 3 • Mayor Sonterre pointed out the public disclosure process is one in which they take requests in order. Mayor Sonterre remarked he could not speak with regard to where this request is. He asked that Mr. Mandosa have patience. City Administrator Miller confirmed Mayor Sonterre's explanation of how requests are handled. She stated she has reviewed the requests with the City Attorney's office. She has recently finalized some requests regarding Mr. Hammerschmidt and Mr. Kessel. She mentioned she discussed with City Attorney Riggs the number of requests the City has received. Mr. Mandosa's requests would be received in the next few weeks. Mr. Mandosa asked how many requests the City has. City Attorney Riggs stated there are ten to fifteen, and some of those requests are multiple requests. City Attorney Riggs stated that Mr. Mandosa's request included three separate items, and he thought the request could be handled in about a week. Michelle Sandback, 2356 Sherwood Road stated she spoke with Frank Pafkow of MN/DOT recently regarding the noise wall. Mr. Pafkow sent a letter to the City, and Ms. Sandback requested a copy of the letter. She reported she watched a replay of the April 8 public forum meeting with Representative Evans, the Senator, Mr. Patkow, and Mayor Sonterre. At the beginning of the meeting, Mayor Sonterre stated the list of questions would be forwarded to MN/DOT. Mr. Pafkow informed Ms. Sandback that he has not received that letter. Mayor • Sonterre offered to send a video tape to Mr. Pafkow. Mayor Sonterre added that he spoke with the Senator's office and scheduled a follow up meeting for August 1 with MN/DOT. Council Member Marty thanked Ms. Sandback for forwarding the information she discovered to the City Council. Jane Stolelamp, 2305 Sherwood Road, stated she presented a petition on behalf of the Residents for Greenfield Pond at the last Council meeting. She reported she has since received information from the Environmental Quality Board. They determined the petition was valid and that the Rice Creek Watershed is the responsible governmental unit. The Environmental Quality Board has given direction to the Watershed for what to do next. Ms. Stolelamp provided a copy of this letter to City Administrator Miller. David Jahnke, 8428 Eastwood Road, publicly thanked Sheri Gunn for all the work she did in Festival in the Park. He also thanked the Lions Club for all their work. Mr. Jahnke stated that TIF funding is one of his pet peeves and he had a question regarding this. He stated that the Council reported they were being checked for TIF funding by the state some time ago. Mr. Jahnke requested a report if the Council received one. Aaron Parrish, Economic Development Coordinator, responded the City did receive a preliminary letter. He stated he was planning to present this report in the EDA Reports. i Mounds View City Council July 23, 2001 Regular Meeting Page 4 . Mr. Jahnke questioned if this report is available. City Attorney Riggs responded it is not public data until the city provides a report. The City has 60 days to prepare a report. Mr. Jahnke questioned whether he could receive a copy of the audit on the golf course. City Administrator Miller replied that report is not available as of yet. Dan Lamb, 2305 Sherwood Road, stated he had been attempting to contact Council Member Marty the prior week. He asked if Council Member Marty had a number for the Rice Creek Watershed. Mayor Sonterre responded there has been no response from the Rice Creek Watershed. Council Member Thomas place a phone call to that agency and did not receive an answer as of yet. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 6. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approve Just and Correct Claims B. Licenses for Approval C. Building G Parking Lot Expansion, Resolution 5589 D. Approval of Resolution 5585 Authorizing Application for an Opportunity Grant . Through the Livable Communities Demonstration Program for the Highway 10 Reconstruction and Revitalization Study E. Approval of Resolution 5586 Authorizing Application for an Opportunity Grant Through the Livable Communities Demonstration Program for the Laport Meadows Housing Development. F. Resolution 5590 Approving a Tobacco License for Walgreens #06447 (2387 Highway 10) Council Member Marty questioned whether Council Member Stigney received answers for his questions at the last meeting on Just and Correct Claims. Council Member Stigney stated he received partial answers. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Thomas. To Approve Consent Agenda Items A through F as Presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Update Report Regarding Charitable Gambling License for Lake Region Hockey at Robert's Off 10. • Mounds View City Council July 23, 2001 Regular Meeting Page 5 Assistant to the City Administrator Reed reported that at the July 9 City Council meeting, there was a resolution requesting approval for gambling at Robert's Off 10. A representative from the Lion's Club questioned the action and the item was tabled. Assistant to the City Administrator Reed stated she spoke with representatives of Lake Region Hockey and the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division as well as with Mr. Waste. Mr. Waste indicated he did intend to terminate his lease agreement with the Lions. Mr. Waste stated that he since had decided to lay this issue over until the end of the year. Assistant to the City Administrator Reed stated Mr. Waste could terminate his agreement with the Lions, but would have to do so in writing. Assistant to the City Administrator Reed stated that Mr. Waste advised her that since the Council meeting of July 9 he would like to continue his relationship with the Lions. She stated that City Attorney Riggs recommended Mr. Waste submit a letter to the City to this effect. City Attorney Riggs stated that he did speak with Lake Region Hockey on this issue and they were agreeable. Assistant to the City Administrator Reed stated that Staff did not have a copy of the application that was approved by the Lions. However, this issue was before the City Council and a resolution was approved in 1999. She reported that she checked with the State and the Lions do hold a valid license. Jerry Lmke, 2319 Knollwood Drtve, stated he appreciated the time that Staff put mto this issue. He mentioned that at the last meeting, questions were raised on how the Lions spend their money. He listed the expenditures for the past 12 months which includes emergency housing for those in a fire or domestic problem, basic needs for families in crisis of which 41.5% of the money was spent, scholarships for Edgewood and Pineview schools, a new engine in the van, Festival in the Park, the community Easter egg party, the bike safety program and Scouts. He handed out a list of these expenditures. Mayor Sonterre pointed out that the spending wasn't the issue that was challenged. Mr. Linke responded he understood that, but wished to give this information to the Council since their license is up for renewal in a few months. B. Approval of Resolution 5584, a Resolution Adopting the Updated Mounds View Comprehensive Plan Director of Community Development Jim Ericson presented the revised Comprehensive Plan. This document has been worked on since 1997. The Planning Commission worked on this for almost two years before they forwarded it to the Metropolitan Council. The Metropolitan Council approved it and it is now before the City Council for adoption. The current Comprehensive Plan builds heavily on the previous plan. • Mounds View City Council July 23, 2001 Regular Meeting Page 6 Director Ericson stated that one of the stipulations to this resolution is that it should be approved subject to an outside consultant looking at the data. He added that a few items from the census are not included and should be. The resolution should be approved subject to statistics. Director Ericson stated that the Comprehensive Plan is not on the Internet yet as it is waiting for approval, however the summary is on the Internet as well as some of the maps. He explained that it will be put on CD and it will be available at the library and at the City Hall to be checked out. Council Member Thomas pointed out that the Comprehensive Plan is considered to be a living document and finer detail may need to be revisited from time to time. MOTION/SECOND: Thomas/Marty. To Approve Resolution 5584, A Resolution Approving the Revised and Updated Mounds View Comprehensive Plan. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. C. Consider Approval of Resolution 5587, A Resolution Approving and Awarding Construction Bid for City Project 01-06, Edgewood Middle School Regional Pond. Economic Development Coordinator Aaron Parrish stated a proposal is presented to construct a regional pond off of County Road H at Edgewood Middle School. The low bidder was Vitin Company. The bid was evaluated by the City Consultant and it was determined this company i does have the capacity to complete this project. Coordinator Parrish advised there is a change the City contribution. The City's contribution will be $90,000 rather than $150,000. Property owners that would benefit from this project have been solicited. Coordinator Parrish reported that the engineering construction expenses will now be included. He further stated that there m be an opportunity to realize savings if Staff can go to the site and supervise the work, dependin on staffing levels with the City. Council Member Stigney questioned if TIF funds are used, would that be in compliance with state regulations. Coordinator Parrish confirmed it would be. in ay g Council Member Thomas thanked the staff for their hard work and stated she understood that Staff was put in a hard spot by approaching the property owners. Council Member Marty questioned if this would be completed in the allotted timeframe. Coordinator Parrish stated it would be. It will need to be done in time for the school open house. Coordinator Parrish explained the way the document reads is that the deadline to move the trail is in August. The project deadline is November 30. Due to the paving being completed in conjunction with Ramsey County and working around their timeline, the paving cannot be completed in November. The contract will be left open until next year for renovation issues. November 30 is the substantial completion date. • Mounds View City Council July 23, 2001 Regular Meeting Page 7 • MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Marty. To Approve Resolution 5587, A Resolution Approving and Awarding Construction Bid for City Project 01-06, Edgewood Middle School Regional Pond. Council Member Stigney commented it would have been nice if the Mermaid could have been involved. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. D. Consideration of Resolution No. 5588, Establishing Parking Restriction on Quincy Street, between County Road I and Bronson Drive Mike Ulrich, Director of Public Works, stated that Staff met with the committee that was established to evaluate the parking and safety issues on Quincy Street in regard to the expansion of Pinewood Elementary School. A survey was sent to 19 property owners. The City received 15 responses to this survey with 13 of those responses being positive toward restrictive parking between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. He added that school hours will go unti14:30 p.m. this year. There will be restrictions in parking between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. school days. Mayor Sonterre suggested there be a distinction between staff school day and student school day. Due to after school and weekend activities, it could be a perception that school is in session when it is not. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Thomas. To Approve Resolution 5588 and Waive the Reading. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. E. Consideration of City Hall Boiler Systems Quotes Director of Public Works Ulrich explained the Staff requested quotes from contractors for the replacement and updating of the City Hall boiler system. One boiler stopped working last year due to a broken heat exchanger and was tagged by the inspector. Mr. Ulrich stated that three quotes were received. Some quotes did not comply with the request and Staff requested additional information from the service providers. Some bidders adjusted their quotes, and they are listed in the Staff Report. Mr. Ulrich added that there will need to be abatement of asbestos insulation from the heating pipes in the project area, which will add approximately $1,000 to the low quote. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Quick. To Approve the Quote from Lakes Air Heating and Cooling to replace the City Hall boiler system. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. F. Consideration of City Hall, Community Center Parking Lot Sealcoating Quotes. Mounds View City Council July 23, 2001 Regular Meeting Page 8 . Public Works Director Ulrich stated two quotes were requested to sealcoat the parking lots of the Community Center and City Hall. A different material from what was used in the past will be" used for these parking lots. Mr. Ulrich explained there is a great concern with the Community Center if small rock is trailed into the building. The new material has a better texture and Road Surfacing Technologies applies this with less overlap. They will also apply the sealcoating thicker. Council Member Thomas questioned how long this will add to the wearability of the surface. Mr. Ulrich explained this is a scheduled project about every three to five years. The drive lanes may wear more, but this particular material should last between five and seven years. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Quick. To Award the sealcoat Project of City Hall and Community Center Parking Lots to Road Surfacing Technologies for a Sum of $18,213 to be Funded From the Pavement Management Program Budget, 100-4470-7050. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. G. Compensation for Seasonal Golf Course Instructor Assistant to the City Administrator Reed explained the City Council gave direction to negotiate an independent contract at the last City Council meeting. Also, there has been discussion concerning whether there is a need for four positions to offer private lessons. Assistant to the City Administrator Reed stated she spoke with the Clubhouse Manager, who advised that the Seasonal Golf Instructor position is needed. This position would be a Master Pro that would bring in clientele that would otherwise not have exposure to the Golf Course. Due to new information, the recommendation for compensating the instructor under an independent contract has changed. Assistant to the City Administrator Reed explained that City Attorney Riggs advised that a private individual cannot run private business without compensation to the City for wear and tear. The independent contractor must compensate the City for use of the course rather than abiding by the original plan, which allowed the instructor to keep 100% of the fees generated from lessons, less the cost of range balls. Also, the independent contractor will receive $5.00 per student per lesson at the end of the eight-week program for Junior Golf Lessons. The golfers would pay the City directly for their lessons. Assistant to the City Administrator Reed suggested the effective date be July 23. Also backpay for lessons given after June 15 is recommended. City Attorney Riggs explained the Council can designate June 15 as a start date for back pay. Council Member Marty commented that this individual is filling a need at the golf course. This individual would add an amenity to the city, yet does not receive city pay. He questioned whether the City should charge for the use of the driving range, parking lot, restrooms, and golf balls. • Mounds View City Council July 23, 2001 Regular Meeting Page 9 City Attorney Riggs explained the City is a public entity and cannot give gifts away. He further explained that a private individual running a business on city or public property could use it without having to pay anything for the use of it. With 70/30 split there is a component that takes into account the use of the golf course. Therefore, the individual has a right to be on the golf course. Council Member Marty stated he had not had a chance to call around to see what fee the pros get at other courses. Assistant to the City Administrator Reed stated she did check with some other cities, and their responses are what prompted her to ask these questions of the Council. She stated she then received direction from City Attorney Riggs. She stated that some other cities have the pros pay for range balls, and some did not. • Council Member Thomas questioned if this solution now satisfies the requirements with the State Auditor's office that caused this problem in first place. City Attorney Riggs replied it does. The issues the State Auditor's Office raised concerned the 100% compensation which would not be approved by the State Auditor. MOTION/SECOND: Thomas/Quick. To Amend the Compensation Structure and Set the Effective Date for Back Pay as June 15, 2001. Council Member Marty questioned the fact of the 70/30 split. He explained that as the City Attorney suggested, the City should be compensated for the use of the course. He stated his concern was that if other golf courses are paying 100% the City should not take the chance that this individual would take a position at a City that pays 100%. Council Member Marty questioned if the split should be modified to 95/5. Assistant to the City Administrator Reed stated she has spoken with individual that would be the pro and they were agreeable with the current terms. Council Member Quick inquired how long the contract would be enforced. Assistant to the City Administrator Reed replied it would be enforced until October 15, and then it would be terminated. Next year, the same discussion will need to take place, but there will be something in place. Ayes - 4 Nays - 1 (Marty) Motion carried. H. Consideration of Resolution No. 5591, Approving a Feasibility Study for Mounds View Drive Mill and Overlay Project • Public Works Director Michael Ulrich stated the need to overlay Mounds View Drive and to conduct a feasibility study to determine cost estimates has become apparent. Staff anticipates that based on the consulting engineers' study, the estimated cost of $55,500.00 will suffice. Mr. Mounds View City Council July 23, 2001 Regular Meeting Page 10 • Ulrich pointed out the original quote was only for the overlay. The City is working with the county and their contract, and anticipate the project cost could raise as much as $8,000. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Thomas. To Approve Resolution 5591, A Resolution Authorizing a Feasibility Study for the Mill and Overlay of Mounds View Drive. Council Member Marty clarified that the estimated cost is $55,500 and will raise approximately $8,000 to $10,000. He questioned whether the estimated cost should read $65,000. Mr. Ulrich said that is the total estimated cost. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Mr. Ulrich stated the possibility is high that the study could be completed this year. I. Consideration of Resolution No. 5592, Setting a Public Hearing for County Road H2 Reconstruction Project • Public Works Director Ulrich stated there have been concerns regarding street parking during reconstruction of County Road H2. At a recent meeting, people were asked to take a response card, fill it out and return it to the City. There was no deadline on the card so it is difficult to determine when the responses will come back. Mr. Ulrich said he expected some cards will be returned at the public hearing. There has been mostly positive response so far of the comments made. Council Member Marty brought up the assessment policy. Director Ulrich stated the residents are assessed by the foot. Mayor Sonterre stated some residents felt that because apartments had a higher population, they should be charged more per foot. Director Ulrich responded there is a section in the assessment policy that specifically addresses that situation. Council Member Marty questioned whether this will this include a sidewalk or pathway. Director Ulrich responded there is an eight-foot bituminous trail proposed. Preliminary plans will be presented at the September 4 work session. The public hearing will take into account public comments. He further explained there is a 60-day waiting period in which any resident can solicit signatures. Mayor Sonterre commented this is a resolution that would set a public hearing for September 10 at 7:05 at City Hall. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Marty. To Approve Resolution 5592 and Waive the Reading. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. • Mounds View City Council July 23, 2001 Regular Meeting Page 11 J. Consideration of Resolution No. 5595, Approving a Public Hearing for Mounds View Drive Resurfacing Project Public Works Director Michael Ulrich stated mailings would be sent to all affected property owners in the resurfacing project of Mounds View Drive. A public hearing will be set August 27 and this item will go to the City Council the second week in November. Director Ulrich stated that paving cannot be done past the first part of November and therefore, it maybe beneficial to extend the guidelines and not pave until the first part of Spring. However, one consideration to paving in the spring is the freeze and thaw cycle and how that affects the roads. Also, the cost could rise two to three times higher in the spring. City Attorney Riggs pointed out there is a 60-day waiting period after the public hearing, and this could hold the action up. Director Ulrich stated that all property owners on the east would be assessed. He suggested it maybe possible to have the property owners provide some type of document that they agree to pay the assessments and work could begin sooner. He suggested the Charter Commission consider this request. The 60-day waiting period is a long period and possibly 30-45 days could be more appropriate. This timeframe would help in cases such as this one, and in larger cases. Council Member Marty reiterated that if the paving isn't completed until next year, the cost will rise. He suggested that if the City is approached by parties that will be assessed, if the City gives them the facts, possibly the residents would work with the City to get the project started sooner. Director Ulrich pointed out that there is a 60-day waiting period for anyone in the city; not just those being assessed. Council Member Marty reiterated the possibility of asking the Charter Commission to review this. Council Member Quick stated it is not the Charter Commission's decision. The Council has the responsibility to interpret the Code and suffer the consequences of its interpretation. Council Member Stigney stated the Resolution should be corrected from County Road HZ to Mounds View Drive. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Marty. To Approve Resolution 5595 as amended, A Resolution to Set the Date for a Public Hearing as August 27, 2001. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Assistant to City Administrator Reed stated she needed to present two items that maybe more appropriate listed under Council Business. • Mounds View City Council July 23, 2001 Regular Meeting Page 12 MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Stigney. To add items K. Consideration of Resolution 5593, Authorizing Severance Pay for Larry Decheine and L. Consideration of Resolution 5394, Authorizing Severance Pay for Michael Ulrich to the Agenda under Council Business. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. K. Consideration of Resolution 5593, Approving Severance Pay for Larry Decheine Assistant to the City Administrator Reed stated she learned earlier that day that one of the Public Works employees would be retiring after 31 years of service. This is the last Council meeting prior to the employee's final date of working for the City. His last day will be July 31. Assistant to the City Administrator Reed summarized that Mr. Decheine is entitled to 100% of accrued vacation time, estimated at 98.94 hours. This translates to $1,838.51. There were two options available to Mr. Decheine which are: Option 1 -lump sum payment of 50% of accrued sick leave, or Option 2 - 65% of sick leave accrued for use toward the retiree's group health, dental and/or life insurance premiums for as long as the funds are available up to the retiree's 65th birthday. If Option 2 is elected, these funds maybe used only for the retiree's health, dental and/or life insurance premiums and at no time may they be taken for cash or for any other purpose. Mr. Decheine has chosen Option 2, which estimates his total package at $24,513.96. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Thomas. To Approve Resolution 5593, a Resolution Approving Severance Pay for Larry Decheine. Ayes -5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. L. Consideration of Resolution 5394, Approving Severance Pay for Michael Ulrich Assistant to the City Administrator Reed stated Mike Ulrich has been with the City 14 years and his last day with the City is August 3. Mr. Ulrich is entitled to 398.49 hours of vacation time. This translates to $14,357.59. Mr. Ulrich is entitled to the same options as listed above for Mr. Decheine. Mr. Ulrich has chosen Option 1 which estimates his total package at $31,651.99. Council Member Marty questioned whether there is a difference between retirement or leaving as far as benefits. City Attorney Riggs explained that Mr. Duschein will receive 65% of the benefits while Mr. Ulrich will receive 50%. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Marty. To Approve Resolution 5394, Approving Severance Pay for Michael Ulrich. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 8. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS Mounds View City Council July 23, 2001 Regular Meeting Page 13 Mayor Sonterre presented a plaque to Mr. Ulrich in appreciation for his hard work for the City of Mounds View. Mayor Sonterre wished Mr. Ulrich continued success. He expressed appreciation in working with Mr. Ulrich both on the City Council and the Park and Recreation Commission. 9. REPORTS A. Discuss City Council/Charter Commission joint meeting Council Member Thomas stated that she and Charter Commissioner Chair Jonathon Thomas set a joint meeting for Thursday, August 23 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss civil rights. The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers. Jonathon Thomas, 8040 Groveland Road, stated one of the Charter Commission Members motioned to have a meeting regarding human rights. This meeting was set for August 23. There are items that are of special importance and it became apparent that they should be discussed at a joint meeting of the City Council and Charter Commission. Mayor Sonterre stated he is in agreement to have a joint meeting, however his concern was it may not be necessary to invite the Council to this meeting. The Council is always invited to the Charter Commission's meetings and this particular meeting could be a fairly lengthy presentation. Mayor Sonterre continued that if the joint meeting was held after the Charter Commission meeting, there may not be sufficient time nor the necessary environment for discussion. He suggested an invitation be issued and a separate time set up for discussion. Charter Commission Chair Thomas stated he did discuss that possibility with the Commission though the feeling was that this was an important issue and it would be best to present it to the public as a joint meeting with the City Council and Charter Commission. Mayor Sonterre stated he appreciated the invitation, though thought it could be beneficial to discuss items in addition to the human rights issue at another time. He suggested this issue be discussed at a work session. Council Member Stigney stated he agreed with Mayor Sonterre that it should be a separate issue. Mr. Werner, 2765 Sherwood Road, made a public comment, stating he thought it was important to separate these issues. Council Member Thomas stated a joint meeting was requested to present the information jointly to the public. The agenda could state whether there would be a separate meeting afterward. Council Member Quick stated he would appreciate the invitation. Council Member Marty stated he would try to attend the meeting. Council Member Thomas stated she felt it helps for public notification to publicize this as a Council Meeting jointly with the Charter Commission to present this information. f L..__~ Mounds View City Council Regular Meeting July 23, 2001 Page 14 MOTION/SECOND: Thomas/Marty. To Accept the Invitation to a Joint Meeting with the Charter Commission on Thursday, August 23. Ayes - 4 Nays - 1 (Stigney) Motion carried. Council Member Marty reported that Bill Clark, Chief of Police, is turning in his official notice of resignation. The effective date will be 30 days from today's date. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Quick. To Accept the Resignation of Bill Clark, Chief of Police, effective 30 days from July 23, 2001. Council Member Marty expressed concern that within the last six months, six people have left the City. Mayor Sonterre asked if Mr. Clark had accepted another position. City Administrator Miller stated she had no indication that he had; and the Deputy Chief was not aware that the Chief of Police had accepted another position. City Administrator Miller stated she left a message for Mr. Clark. Ayes - 5 Nays -0 Motion carried. • Council Member Marty stated he asked at the last Council meeting for an accounting of the City Attorney's fees to date. City Administrator Miller responded she was prepared to provide information. City Administrator Miller provided the year to date expenditures of the City Attorney's fees as well as a summary of what was spent last year. Council Member Marty questioned if the golf course litigation was included last year. City Administrator Miller stated it was. City Administrator Miller stated the interim Finance Director provided her with two reports. She handed out the reports and stated that $256,000 was spent last year, and $23,000 this year thus far on City Attorney's fees. Jerry Linke stated that the City Administrator and City Attorney violated public policy practices by not providing copies of these reports for the public. City Administrator Miller stated the copies would be provided to the public prior to the end of the meeting. Public Works Director, Michael Ulrich, thanked the Mayor, Council and Staff for their work with the City. He also thanked the Lions club and commented the Lions staff is considerate of their jobs. Mounds View City Council July 23, 2001 Regular Meeting Page 15 • ~~ Council Member Quick questioned City Administrator Miller on how the former Chief of Police was being paid out in severance pay. He asked if the interim Finance Director could look at that issue. Council Member Marty pointed out that taxes are different depending on which option for payout is chosen. Assistant to the City Administrator Reed stated both Council Members Marty and Quick are correct. She explained that to alleviate the potential for a problem, the employees now sign a document stating they realize they have a choice and confirm their election, thereby being furnished with the appropriate tax forms. Council Member Quick stated he was more concerned if the City has settled the severance pay issue with a former employee and requested that the Interim Finance Director research that issue. Council Member Quick stated the Mounds View Matters print media of May/June states that Coffee with the Mayor will be held the fourth Wednesday of the month. Mayor Sonterre confirmed this and stated the next meeting will be in Mounds View Square at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, and the guest speaker will be the outgoing Chief of Police. The discussion will be the changeover from traditional policing style to community policing method. Council Member Quick stated that since this is a current issue, he believes staff should be directed to have that videotaped and put on cable. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Marty. To videotape the next "Coffee with the Mayor" meeting on Wednesday, July26 at 9:30 a.m. dependent on the availability of Staff. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. City Administrator Miller stated that as Council Member Marty had mentioned, the Chief of Police has submitted his resignation. She asked that the Deputy Chief is appointed as Interim Director. She requested Council authorization for this action. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Sonterre. To Direct Staff to Take the Appropriate Steps to Form a Resolution to Make the Deputy Chief the Interim Director. Council Member Marty questioned if this would be done three weeks from now. City Administrator Miller explained the resolution would be ready for the next Council meeting, which then makes the resolution ready three weeks from now. Ayes - 4 Nays -1 (Marty) Motion carried. • Mounds View City Council July 23, 2001 Regular Meeting Page 16 • City Administrator Miller stated she had a request for leave from the Police Chief to use 32 hours of flex time the week of August 2. She explained that personnel policy limits hours of flex time to 16 during any pay period. She stated she is looking for direction on this issue. Council Member Quick asked if City Administrator Miller sees a problem in deviating from policy. City Administrator Miller said this would set a precedent. Council Member Marty stated he thought the Chief of Police should spread the flex hours out as per policy. Mayor Sonterre concurred. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. June 25, 2001 Meeting Minutes B. June 4, 2001 Meeting Minutes C. June 6, 2001 Meeting Minutes Council Member Thomas requested to table the June 25 minutes in order to return them to the secretarial staff for corrections. Council Member Marty requested that item B, June 4 meeting minutes be tabled. City Attorney Riggs stated that June 4 and June 6 were essentially one meeting, and therefore both items B and C would be tabled. MOTION/SECOND: Thomas/Marty. To Table Item 10 in its entirety for corrections. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. MOTION/SECOND: Thomas/Marty. To Recess at 8:56 p.m. Until the end of the EDA Meeting, then Rejourn to Closed Session. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Return to Council Meeting from recess to the EDA meeting at 9:17 p.m. Mayor Sonterre adjourned the Council meeting to closed session at 9:18 p.m. Return from closed session. Mayor Sonterre stated there is one item the Council needs to take action on. City Administrator Miller asked the Council to authorize City Staff to enter into terms of engagement that was incorporated in the letter provided to herby MMKR for conducting the Golf Course fund audit and the Community Center fund audit. :7 Mounds View City Council July 23, 2001 Regular Meeting Page 17 • • ~__.~ MOTION/SECOND: Thomas/Marty. To Enter Into Terms of Engagement as Per the Letter from MMKR. Ayes - 5 11. Next Council Work Session: Next Council Meeting Nays - 0 Motion carried. August 6, 2001 August 13, 2001 12. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Sonterre adjourned the meeting. Transcribed and recorded by: Christine Moksnes Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL MEETING Jul 23 2001 Y Please sign in NAME ADDRESS C:Admin.resolution.sign-in sheet