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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2002/06/24PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL • CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting June 24, 2002 ~~~~~~,_ Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:00 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL: Sonterre (arrived at 7:22 p.m.), Quick, Marty, Stigney, and Thomas. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, June 24, 2002 City Council Agenda. • Acting Mayor Stigney welcomed Bob Vose who was sitting in for City Attorney Scott Riggs. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Thomas. To Approve the June 24, 2002, City Council Agenda as presented. Ayes - 4 4. PUBLIC INPUT None. 5. ~ UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Nays - 0 Motion carried. A. Just and Correct Claims B. Contractors Licenses for Approval C. Resolution 5787 Approving 2002 Business Licenses D. Set a Public Hearing for 7:05 p.m., July 8, 2002, to Consider the Martin Harstad Request to Rezone 66 Lots within the Red Oak Estates No. 3 Subdivision from R- 1, Single Family Residential, to R-3, Medium Density Residential. E. Resolution No. 5790 Approving Contract for Sewer Televising Camera Repair F. Resolution No. 5791 Approving Contract for Storm Sewer Repairs at 2940 Woodale Drive • • Mounds View City Council Regular Meeting June 24, 2002 G. Resolution 5792 Approving Reimbursement of Licensing Fee for Public Works Director H. Request for New Office Equipment -Pitney Bowes E595 Mailing System Council Member Marty requested that Items A, C, and E be removed for discussion. Council Member Quick requested that Items F and G be removed for discussion. Council Member Quick made a point of order that there needed to be a motion to discuss the item. MOTION/SECOND: Thomas/Quick. To Approve Consent Agenda Item 6A as Presented. Council Member Marty questioned why the credit card company had sent a bill charging a late payment fee as well as $1.31 in interest when Finance Director Hanson had indicated at the last meeting that the credit card bill for last month was sent with a $12.50 balance with a note that said no payment due. Finance Director Hanson indicated that he had no intention of paying the interest or late payment fee because the bill from last month did state that there was no balance due. He then indicated that he had sent a letter to the credit card company and is awaiting a response. Council Member Stigney commented that he did not feel the City should pay membership fees for its employees such as the PGA of America fee as listed on Page 10. Finance Director Hansen indicated that the purchasing policy approved by Council said that if a membership was approved in the budget and the membership fee was within that budgeted amount that fee would be paid without requiring further approval of Council. Council Member Stigney indicated he did not vote to approve membership fees for the budget and said he is opposed to the City paying membership fees. Ayes - 3 Nays - 1(Stigney) Motion carried. Council Member Marty indicated he had not received Resolution 5787 in his packet. Assistant City Administrator Reed indicated that the resolution included in packets had the wrong number and apologized for the inconvenience. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Quick. To Approve Consent Agenda Item 6C as Presented. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Council Member Marty asked whether the remaining seals on the camera were tested. Mounds View City Council June 24, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 3 • Public Works Director Lee indicated a thorough inspection of the camera was done to make sure all the other seals were in working order. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Thomas. To Approve Consent Agenda Item E as Presented. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Council Member Quick asked where the sewer was located. Public Works Director Lee indicated the storm sewer needing repair was located at 2940 Wooddale Drive at the rear of the property 300 feet back from the roadway. Council Member Quick asked if there was right-of--way available to be able to maintain it. Public Works Director Lee indicated there was a 20 foot right of way but said it is a 36 inch pipe so it is difficult to stay within the 20 foot space. He then said that he has been working with the property owner and obtained permission to access the outlet location through his property in order to do this work. He also noted that the property owner is upgrading and expanding his home which may make accessing the area more difficult in the future. Council Member Quick asked how it had been since the storm sewer had any maintenance done on it. . Public Works Director Lee indicated that no maintenance had been done in recent history. He then said that he is in the process of formulating a plan for inspection and maintenance of the City's inlets and outlets and will provide comments and recommendations to Council. Council Member Quick asked if the City knew the pipe was there. Public Works Director Lee indicated his staff knew the pipe was there but, since it had not been inspected, he is not aware of when the damage took place. Council Member Quick said he finds it difficult to understand that maintenance had not been done to a pipe of that size that has been there since 1964. He then asked how the inspection plan would work. Public Works Director Lee said the City would define what systems are to be inspected including all storm sewer piping and ponding areas and those would be inspected to ensure that the inlets and outlets are functioning properly. Council Member Quick asked where the fencing that is in the way was located. Public Works Director Lee indicated the fencing was located on property to the west of 2940. Council Member Quick asked whether the fence ran right down the middle of the easement. Mounds View City Council June 24, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 4 • • Public Works Director Lee indicated that it did. Council Member Quick commented that when he put his fence down the middle of the utility easement he was instructed that at any time he could be asked to remove it and he would be obligated to do so at his own expense. Council Member Quick asked if a permit was pulled on that fence. Public Works Director Lee explained that utilizing the easement would be problematic so Staff began working with the willing property owner to the west rather than exploring ways of using the easement. Council Member Quick asked if looked into the matter to see if the records for that piece of property show that a permit was pulled for the fence. Public Works Director Lee indicated that because of the willing property owner Staff did not delve into the matter any further. Council Member Quick commented that the City is looking at annual or semi annual inspections of sewer outlets. Public Works Director Lee indicated the pond inlets and outlets, catch basins and pipes would be inspected every two years. Council Member Quick asked how the City would keep track of whether or not the inspections were conducted. Public Works Director Lee indicated that the inspections would be done by City workers who would complete a form for each inspection. Council Member Marty said he was wondering if there is an estimate as to how many remote catch basins there are in the City. Public Works Director Lee indicated he did not know the exact number but said it is between 50 and 100. Mayor Sonterre arrived at 7:22 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Thomas. To Approve Consent Agenda Item F as Presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. • MOTION/SECOND: Thomas/Marty. To Approve Consent Agenda Item G as Presented. Mounds View City Council June 24, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 5 • • • City Administrator Miller indicated the reason the matter was before Council is because it is not in the budget as the past public works directors did not have an engineering license. She then indicated the City had elected to hire a public works director with an engineering license and commented that the City does pay for other licenses such as post licenses. She also commented that the engineers' licensure was part of the job description. Council Member Quick asked City Administrator Miller if this item was contained in the budget. Council Member Stigney asked if the post licenses are part of the contract. City Administrator Miller indicated she was not sure. Mayor Sonterre asked if the engineering degree and licensure was included in the job description for the public works director. Council Member Stigney said he did not feel that the City should pay for private licensure. Council Member Quick asked how the matter was handled during the hiring process. City Administrator Miller indicated the issue did not come up. Council Member Quick indicated the City used to have three engineers on Staff and said he would like to know how the situation was handled back then. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Stigney. To Table Approval of Consent Agenda Item G for Further Information From Staff. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Council Member Stigney asked Staff to verify whether the post licensing is part of the contract. MOTION/SECOND: Thomas/Marty. To Approve Consent Agenda Items B, D, and H as Presented. Community Development Director Ericson indicated that the public hearing set for the Martin Harstad rezone will be heard at the July 8, 2002 Council Meeting as Council does not meet on July 10, 2002. Assistant City Administrator Reed indicated that Resolution 5794 was placed on the dais in conjunction with Item H. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council June 24, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 6 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Public Hearing to Consider On-sale and Off-sale Intoxicating Liquor license Applications Approvals for The Mermaid, Jake's Sports Cafe, Robert's Sports Bar and Entertainment, Budget Liquor and Network Liquor on Ten. Mayor Sonterre opened the public hearing at 7:32 p.m. Assistant City Administrator Reed indicated that all fees and background information had been obtained and was in order for each of the applicants. Council Member Quick asked if there were any outstanding police issues with any of the establishments. Assistant City Administrator Reed indicated she had spoken to Deputy Chief Brennan and was told that there are no major concerns that would warrant denial of the licenses. Mayor Sonterre closed the public hearing at 7:35 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution , a Resolution Approving On-Sale and Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor Licenses for The Mermaid, Jake's Sports Cafe, Robert's Sports Bar and Entertainment, Budget Liquor and Network Liquor on Ten. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carved. B. Community Development Quarterly Report Community Development Director Ericson addressed Council to give an overview of his department for the first quarter of the year. Director Ericson indicated that the department's expenditures are right in line with the budget at 24%. Director Ericson indicated that there have been three major cost expenditures in the other professional services budget and they the I-35 Corridor costs, Ramsey County GIS User License Fee, and the annual software license and permit fee. He then indicated that all of those costs were budgeted for and represents 96% of the budget for that item. Director Ericson indicated that the first quarter was busier than in recent years with 125 permits this year up 30% from last year's 90 permits. He then indicated that revenue from those permits was $7,400 last year and this year is $23,554 which is 200% more than last year. Director Ericson indicated that there was good participation at the County Road 10 Redevelopment meeting last week and noted a recap of the discussions would be provided at the August work session. Mounds View City Council June 24, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 7 • • Director Ericson indicated that the mill and overlay of County Road 10 would begin in early July. Public Works Director Lee indicated the project would be started on July 8, 2002. Director Ericson indicated there would be a new driving surface, more visible crosswalks and new striping. He also noted that Public Works Director Lee has been working with Ramsey County on the efficiency of the crossings. Director Ericson briefly reviewed the flooding issue with the trailway by Walgreen's and indicated that the problem is the trail is located in the floodplain. He then indicated the City has the option of leaving it alone and letting the water drain away or elevating the trail by two feet to get it above flood stage and putting a culvert under it. Director Ericson briefly reviewed the issues with the Mermaid trailway and indicated the property owner in Boston had been contacted for permission to move the trail onto their property. He then commented that, for now, the trail dead ends at a large pine tree. Council Member Marty asked whether the City could go around the tree or if it was coming out. Director Ericson indicated the tree is in an area that would hinder development efforts on that parcel and would need to come out. Director Ericson indicated Council would need to consider in August or September whether to survey all of the corridor right of way to be sure of all the obstructions, impediments and grading that would need to be done for the trailway to be connected. Council Member Thomas asked whether T21 dollars were applicable. Director Ericson indicated he thought they would be. Council Member Marty commented that the City is supposed to have a trailway along the north side of H2 and said he saw in the Public Works report the possibility of coming up Silver Lake Road and then asked whether that had been looked into. Director Ericson said he has not and yes. Council Member Quick asked what would flood first Walgreen's parking lot, the street or the Community Center pond. Director Ericson indicated it is not likely that flooding would reach the Walgreen's parking lot. He then said if it goes to the Community Center parking lot it is graded to flow to the storm sewer. Mounds View City Council June 24, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 8 Council Member Quick asked if the catch basins were plugged at the Community Center if the Walgreen's parking lot would flood. Director Ericson indicated that the system was designed to function so that there would be no risk to Walgreen's or the Community Center as there is a holding pond that the Walgreen's parking lot flows to and the community center has one as well. Council Member Quick expressed concern for water from City property flowing onto another's property and causing damage that the City could be liable for. Director Ericson indicated the system was designed so it would not impact the Walgreen's parking lot. Council Member Quick said it would not take much if the water spilled over the bank on the west side to fill up the pond. Director Ericson indicated that Staff shares that concern. Director Ericson indicated the Planning Commission has had a quiet first quarter. He then reviewed the activity of the Commission thus far. Director Ericson reviewed the activities and accomplishments of Jeremiah Anderson on housing code violations. Director Ericson indicated the nuisance code had been revised and an Staff would be coming to Council with suggested revisions to make it more enforceable. Director Ericson updated the Council on the activities of Kathy Osmonson and indicated that a safety camp had been scheduled for August 12 and 13, 2002. Director Ericson reviewed the City's rental properties with Council and indicated that the property at 7861 had its renter leave and a lot of personal possessions were left behind. He then said the City is holding those possessions for 60 days as required by law and, when that time is expired, will look at ways of getting rid of the items left behind. He also indicated Staff is looking into either moving or demolishing the house. Director Ericson indicated that Staff has sent a letter to the renter at 3016 County Road H2 indicating she needs to get current with her rent or face eviction proceedings. He also indicated that Staff is looking into the options for that house such as a controlled burn by the fire department, selling, or demolishing the house. He then indicated that Staff recommends subdividing the lot and selling the house as the front piece was never part of the redevelopment picture. Council Member Quick asked whether the yard on Groveland has been maintained. Mounds View City Council June 24, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 9 . Director Ericson indicated that he had received a call from the neighbor and had gotten City employees over there to mow the lawn. He then indicated he had received a thank you via e-mail from the next-door neighbor. Director Ericson provided recent census information and statistics to Council. Director Ericson commented that there has been a significant decrease in children under five years of age as well as those in the 20 to 34 age category. He then indicated the I-35 Corridor Committee has been looking at ways to keep the population of the corridor cities balanced. Director Ericson indicated that the SAC fees for Gas `N Splash had been paid. Director Ericson indicated that Mr. Backman would be giving a presentation concerning the EDC and said he would let him discuss the CDBG funds and manufactured home park revitalization project. Director Ericson reviewed the departmental goals with Council. Council Member Stigney thanked Mr. Ericson for his report and then asked how much of the $356,401 budget was TIF funds. Director Ericson indicated that none of the budget comes from TIF funds. Council Member Stigney asked how much came from the franchise fee. Director Ericson indicated that none came from the franchise fee and commented that ail of it would be covered by permit revenue. Council Member Thomas asked if there would be wetland mitigation issues if the trail is moved up. Director Ericson indicated the trail is located outside of the delineated wetland and it was felt at the time that there would not be an issue with flooding. He then said that if the City were to elevate the trail there maybe mitigation required. Council Member Marty asked whether the budget increase of $20,000 for salaries is a reflection of having an inspector on Staff now. Director Ericson indicated it also reflects that there is a full Staff and noted the planner did not start until later in 2001. Council Member Marty asked if there has been overtime this year. Director Ericson said yes but not much. Mounds View City Council June 24, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 10 Mayor Sonterre said that Mr. Ericson is an absolute picture of public service and thanked him for the information. Mayor Sonterre commented that there is a catch basin that is at an elevation that would take a fantastic flood and asked if there was a necessity to revisit that and lower it so it would be of value. And, where would the water lead to and what is the impact of that water being distributed someplace else. Director Ericson indicated that all the options are being looked at. He then said Public Works is looking at whether the outlet was put in too high and where water would go if it was lowered enough to be utilized. Mayor Sonterre asked if there should be a barricade or flasher to keep someone from running into the tree at the end of the trailway. Public Works Director Lee indicated that Staff would install a barricade. Mayor Sonterre asked for the numbers of citations that Jeremiah has handed out and whether the situations had been remedied. Director Ericson indicated he did not have that information in front of him but could provide it. He then said that the issue with giving out citations is that when it gets to that level it usually means the resident is not willing to cooperate and the process is slow. Mayor Sonterre asked for the number of identified violations and those that have not been remedied. Mayor Sonterre asked if any audience members had questions for Mr. Ericson. C. Public Works Department Quarterly Report Public Works Director Lee gave an overview of his quarterly report. Director Lee gave an overview of the projects pending within the City. Director Lee indicated the H2 schedule had changed and the contract will be awarded on July 22, 2002 with construction to begin in early to mid-August. Director Lee indicated he has been working on obtaining two permanent easements for a trailway on the far east end from Jake's Sports Cafe and the property to the west of that. Director Lee indicated that parking could be added to the H2 project with 10 parallel spaces at a cost of $6,000. He then said Council had decided to prohibit parking and asked for direction on the matter. Mounds View City Council June 24, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 11 Director Lee indicated that assessments needed to be discussed as well as the interest rate and repayment time period. Director Lee explained that Well Number 4 has higher than expected radium alpha and beta particles. He then indicated that tests will be conducted to see whether running the water through the treatment plant brings the numbers down to acceptable levels and also indicated the water from Well Number 4 could be combined with water from the other wells to bring the numbers down. Director Lee indicated he had met with the County Engineer to discuss signal issues along the corridor and it turns out that there are issues that cannot be solved easily by changing signals. He then indicated that he would continue to work with the County on the issues and noted that, while the County does have the funds to replace traffic signals, the City would be expected to fund the intersections under City jurisdiction. Director Lee indicated that the speed limit would be reduced to 35 mph on County Highway 10 during the mill and overlay project which is expected to be completed at the end of August. Council Member Thomas asked whether the County has done a study or investigation into why the rutting happened in the first place. Director Lee indicated it was a materials issue and no study had been done. He then said he could check with the County for further information. Council Member Thomas indicated that taking out four inches in several sections would barely cover the ruts. She then said she does not think it is a compression issue because it did not start out that thick. She further said that she would be interested in knowing the cause and having that addressed so it does not happen again. Director Lee indicated that MNDOT has revised its position on the noise wall to indicate that any proposal must include noise protection for Arden Park. He then indicated that Staff would be bringing the matter to Council for discussion. Director Lee indicated that Staff has been working with the school district on a revised transportation policy to ensure that safety issues are addressed. He then indicated that Edgewood Middle School is recommending looking into a pathway from Old County H to Edgewood on the south side. He further indicated the matter would be brought to a work session for discussion. Council Member Quick asked what the point of the pathway would be. Director Lee indicated there are a lot of students in the manufactured home park that are currently being bused that would now be charged a fee to ride the bus. Council Member Quick asked which side of the road. Mounds View City Council June 24, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 12 Director Lee indicated it would be on the south side. Director Lee indicated that Pinewood Elementary is looking into signing at Quincy and County Road I which will be brought to the work session for discussion. Director Lee indicated the schools would be restriping all of the pavement crossings. Council Member Stigney asked if the critical crossings had been identified not just at the school. Director Lee indicated that it was his recommendation that the School develop a plan for getting pedestrians to school and MNDOT recommends that schools develop a crossing plan to show where those students would cross. He then said the school is working on the plan to designate certain intersections for crossing. Director Lee indicated the Park and Recreation Committee would like to discuss a skate park within the City. Director Lee indicated the Hillview warming house grand opening was held on May 23, 2002. He then publicly thanked Tim Sandquist who chose this project as his project to earn his Eagle Scout badge. He also indicated that the air-conditioning at Hillview was designed to be on the outside of the building at ground level and Staff is looking at relocating that to avoid vandalism. Director Lee noted that the public works open house for the first through third grade was held on May 24, and May 31, 2002. Director Lee indicated public works has hired 10 seasonal employees which helps with the workload and can serve as an apprenticeship for those interested in a career with public works. Director Lee reviewed the department's goals for Council. Director Lee recognized several employees for earning class c water license and acknowledge Mr. Dazenski for the letter of thanks. Council Member Marty commented that he felt the City should stick to the no parking on H2 because with the traffic study of 4,400 cars per day it would be too dangerous to have cars parked and doors opening along that stretch of road. He then suggested contacting the theatre property owner to request that more parking be provided. Council Member Marty expressed concern with using the water from Well Number 4 and said he would not want that water in the drinking water system or mixed with water from the other wells. Director Lee indicated a report would be provided to Council spelling out various options for Well Number 4 when the testing is completed. He then said that the substance in question is naturally occurring in all ground water but in this well the level is too high to meet the Department of Health standards. Mounds View City Council June 24, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 13 Council Member Marty noted a report is expected by the end of year and asked if that meant December. Director Lee said he was being cautious with that estimate but said he suspected the report would be available in September or October and would come to a Council work session. Council Member Quick commented that he had thought the H2 parking issue had been voted on and the question of parking killed by that vote. Council agreed. Council Member Quick asked where the substance in the water had come from. Director Lee indicated it is coming from the aquifer and is naturally occurring. Council Member Quick asked whether the other wells have it. Director Lee said yes but in lower levels. Council Member Quick asked if the City would we be better off looking at another well. Director Lee indicated that a new well would be an option but said that a new well costs approximately $800,000. Council Member Quick asked whether the well was tested for trichlorylethylene. Director Lee indicated he was not sure but said that upwards of 200 chemicals were tested. Council Member Quick commented that it seems that the state expanded the expectations of the City with regard to the noise wall. Director Lee confirmed that MNDOT has said that any option must include noise abatement for Arden Park. Council Member Quick asked where the berm would be. Director Lee indicated the proposal is for MNDOT to install a berm through Arden Park in areas where it is feasible. Council Member Quick commented that this would be at a cost to the City. Director Lee said yes according to MNDOT that is the current proposal. • Mounds View City Council June 24, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 14 Council Member Quick said he is puzzled when he drives up 610 and sees humongous noise walls protecting open fields and he is wondering why the cities of Blaine, Spring Lake Park, Brooklyn Center, and Brooklyn Park got wonderful noise walls and Mounds View got nothing. Director Lee indicated that Staff had asked that question and was told that the new law requires that noise abatement be provided in areas where they are increasing the capacity of the system and they have not added additional lanes in this area since the law was passed. Council Member Quick asked when that law passed. Director Lee said he did not know. Mayor Sonterre indicated it was part of a federal program that there needed to be brand new never before laid roadway in order to qualify for federal funds for noise abatement. Council Member Quick said he finds it interesting that the neck of the funnel they feel does not warrant worrying about sound. Council Member Thomas commented that because Mounds View possesses the bottleneck and has no increased capacity they are not willing to provide noise abatement. She then said it is extremely frustrating talking to the engineers on this corridor because the numbers are at what was expected through 2015. Council Member Quick said he was sitting there when engineers told him there would be no problems and he feels betrayed when he sees what happened to the west of the City. Mayor Sonterre indicated the MNDOT issues would be discussed at the next work session. Council Member Quick asked what has been done with regard to the air handling units in the Council Chambers as directed by Council a number of weeks ago. Director Lee indicated that the HVAC system was checked out and was operating fine but two weeks ago the system began triggering the circuit breaker. He then indicated that there would be someone out tomorrow to look into the issue. Council Member Stigney asked whether the health meeting was about City related issues. Director Lee indicated it was a different type of insurance meeting. Assistant City Administrator Reed indicated that the meeting was an all staff meeting where the new rates for the 20-month period were discussed. She further clarified that the City is attempting to get on the calendar year and needed to do a 20-month contract to get in step with that system. . Council Member Stigney asked whether there was any discussion on percentages. Mounds View City Council June 24, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 15 Assistant City Administrator Reed indicated that is a contract issue that was not discussed. Mayor Sonterre asked whether it would be possible to include the kids from Sunnyside in the open house for public works in the future. He then commented that residents on that side of Highway 10 feel left out of the loop at times. David Jahnke of 8428 Eastwood Road asked if there were people appointed to commissions within the City that do not reside in the City. He then asked if there were applicants that have applied to the commissions that have not been appointed. Mayor Sonterre indicated that a past Council had granted an individual a special condition to sit on the Police Civil Service Commission because he worked with the school district but did not live in the City. He then indicated that the City Attorney has said that is not appropriate and someone will be appointed shortly. He also indicated that there are other circumstances where non-residents are on commissions but that is because they are business owners within the City. Mayor Sonterre indicated he has no applications for the vacant Planning Commission seat and noted there is one seat on the Airports Committee and the Police Civil Service Commission. He then noted he had three applications and had spoken to two of the candidates and will soon contact the third. 8. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS None. 9. REPORTS Economic Development Coordinator Backman handed out information to Council. Economic Development Coordinator Backman provided a brief overview of the events of the EDA for the last six months. Economic Development Coordinator Backman indicated he had met with 30 businesses consisting of 42 meetings. Economic Development Coordinator Backman indicated he had met with a New Brighton business that is interested in relocating along Highway 10. Economic Development Coordinator Backman indicated he had met with someone interested in putting in a Laundromat but said it is a Laundromat that is vastly different from a standard Laundromat as it includes a coffee shop and uses cards rather than coins. He also noted it would be a 4,000 square foot building and there would be at least 300,000 worth of contractor • improvements and the City has been contacted concerning permits. Mounds View City Council June 24, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 16 Economic Development Coordinator Backman indicated there has been strong interest from a brother and sister team to open a sit down restaurant that would be either their third or fourth location. Economic Development Coordinator Backman indicated he has been in ongoing meetings with developers as it is helpful to remain in contact with them. Economic Development Coordinator Backman indicated he had been involved in TIF meetings which is time-consuming but important to the City. Economic Development Coordinator Backman reviewed the issues related to the merger of the Mounds View New Brighton Chamber of Commerce with the Southern Anoka Chamber and indicated that the transition is to take effect in July. • Economic Development Coordinator Backman indicated that Tim Pawlenty was the speaker at the business of the year event on June 6, 2002. Economic Development Coordinator Backman indicated that the City received CDBG funds to revitalize the manufactured home park. He then indicated that there had been meetings with the different parties including Juran and Associates which is the property manager, Ramsey County, and the City. He further indicated that the next step is a public meeting scheduled for July 10, 2002 at the Community Center at 6:00 p.m. Economic Development Coordinator Backman indicated that Circle Pines had purchased a box of 85 plan books for a total of $850.00. He then indicated that he had been contacted by the City of Burnsville and that City expressed interest in buying 50 books. Council Member Thomas asked how the City would be affected if CDBG funds were discontinued. If CDBG grants were discontinued at the federal level as it currently being proposed in the federal budget. Economic Development Coordinator Backman indicated that the City would not be able to do these types of programs but the operations of his department would not be affected. He then said that the principal entity affected by that would be Ramsey County as they would need to reduce their budget. He further commented that CDBG funds have been on the chopping block numerous times and, while the amounts have been reduced in other years, they have never been completely eliminated. Mayor Sonterre asked whether the business prospects that had been sent information solicited that information or if it was mailed by the City unsolicited. Economic Development Coordinator Backman indicated the City primarily mails information based on request. He then said that he had a recent high tech manufacturing project wanting to be located in Mounds View but was unable to help them because they needed 25 acres. Mounds View City Council June 24, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 17 Council Member Quick asked if anything was going on over at Mounds View Square. Economic Development Coordinator Backman indicated the Hardees recently closed. He then commented that he has talked to the director of development who has informed him that he is actively seeking retailers for the property. Council Member Thomas asked whether the TIF district payment corrections were up to date. Economic Development Coordinator Backman indicated that the overpayment to CG Hill had been lowered after numerous discussions but there is still an overpayment. He then said that the developer had contacted him asking to rework the contract by letter which he would be bringing to a work session for discussion. Council Member Marty asked whether the process to hire a police chief had been started. Assistant City Administrator Reed indicated there is a need to fill a seat on the Police Civil Service Commission before beginning the process as the Commission determines the process for hiring. Council Member Stigney asked what was meant by the statement determining how to handle the process. Assistant City Administrator Reed indicated that the bylaws are being reviewed and the bylaws govern the process for hiring a chief. She then said the Commission has the option of hiring an external candidate or internally promoting a candidate but there is a need to solidify the process. Council Member Stigney said he did not think the process was convoluted last time. Assistant City Administrator Reed indicated the process for hiring the chief is governed by the bylaws and the bylaws are outdated and do not address issues. Council Member Stigney asked for information on what was wrong with the bylaws that needed changing. He then asked why the present Civil Service Commission could not handle updating them and moving on in the process. Assistant City Administrator Reed indicated the process was stalled because the individual that is serving on the Commission that is not a resident has declined to participate in Commission activity but holds the seat until someone else is appointed. Council Member Quick pointed out that administrator has had a very heavy calendar in the past few months. He then said it is not possible to get things done as fast as some Council Members want without more administrative help. He then asked whether it would be possible to advertise for the position to begin the process. • Mounds View City Council June 24, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 18 Council Member Stigney indicated the Mayor needed to make an appointment to the Commission so that the bylaws issue can be resolved and the process of hiring a chief completed. He then agreed that the City should advertise the position. City Administrator Miller indicated the bylaws have been amended and Staff is waiting for an appointment to the Commission. Assistant City Administrator Reed indicated there were a couple of different issues one is not having a full commission and the other is the need to review the bylaws. Council Member Quick said the other issue is that the Staff is swamped. City Administrator Miller commented that the possibility of hiring a head hunter to fill the vacant positions was discussed but Council elected to have the process handled in house. She then said that she had come across the calendar for hiring that was provided by the headhunter and most of the appointments have been made ahead of what was proposed by the headhunter. Council Member Marty indicated he asked the question of when the hiring of the police chief would take place last fall and was told the City needed a golf course manager first. He then said the golf course manager has been in his position since April. Council Member Quick asked Council Member Marty what had happened after the hiring of the golf course manager in April, the thing that Marty would not come to City Hall and pick up his packet because of. Council Member Quick commented that all it takes is time he has been here for 18 years and things do not happen overnight. He further commented that, if Council Members want things to happen overnight, they need to hire more help in administration. Council Member Marty commented that it seems the position could have been posted. Mayor Sonterre reported he had attended a seminar at the League of Minnesota Cities concerning the idea of combining and streamlining public safety. He then suggested contacting New Brighton to see if there is any interest in exploring a joint police force. MOTION/SECOND: Sonterre/Marty. To Direct the City Administrator to Send a Letter to the City Manager in New Brighton Requesting Feedback as to Whether there is any Interest in Examining the Potential of a Joint Powers Agreement Between the Two Cities for a Joint Police Force. Council Member Marty indicated the City has seen how well joint forces work with the fire department and forestry so he is interested in examining the option. Council Member Stigney said he thought the matter should go to a work session before contacting New Brighton. Mounds View City Council June 24, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 19 1 Mayor Sonterre indicated his motion was to find out if there was any interest in examining the possibilities. He then said he does not want to waste time discussing the matter if New Brighton is not interested. Council Member Stigney had said that he wanted the City to discuss its goals first and then proceed with contacting other cities. Council Member Thomas indicated the goal is protecting public safety and she does not want to spend time on the matter if New Brighton has no interest. Ayes - 4 Nays - 1(Stigney) Motion carried. • Council Member Thomas indicated the City of Mounds View had received significant recognition by having Assistant City Administrator Reed appointed to the Board of Directors. She then indicated there was an award ceremony and luncheon on Thursday to honor the appointees and then congratulated Ms. Reed on her appointment. Ms. Reed was appointed to the Board of Directors of the League of Minnesota Cities. City Administrator Miller indicated there were 22 applicants for the four positions and said Ms. Reed did an outstanding job. Council Member Marty thanked everyone that participated in the Festival in the Park festivities. He then said that the figures for the golf tournament were being tabulated and would be provided to the City. He also commented that the fireworks were very good this year. Council Member Thomas commented that the fireworks were the best since she has lived in the City. She then thanked Sheri Gunn for the selection of the band as it was very good. Mayor Sonterre reported he had attended the North Metro Mayor's Meeting and the United Way is interested in the City's manufactured home revitalization project. Mayor Sonterre reported he had attended the Northwest Youth and Family Services meeting that had started at 7:00, not 7:30. He then noted that the organization is putting on a fundraiser which is a 50's dance with an Elvis impersonator at Bandana Square. Mayor Sonterre indicated he serves on the Crime Prevention and Public Safety Committee and noted the Mayors of all Ramsey County cities are working together for a plan to handle homeland security issues. He then indicated he had met with Charlie Weaver who liked the idea and may turn the Ramsey County group into a model for other counties. Mayor Sonterre indicated he had attended the League of Minnesota Cities convention in Rochester and had brought back good information on skate parks. He then indicated he had won a drawing on behalf of the City for a contribution of $500.00 for the City's park and recreation department, but in the absence of any City run park an drecreation department he though the park