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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2002/11/25PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Pp~~~~3~~a„~` Regular Meeting November 25, 2002 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:03 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL: Sonterre, Quick, Marty (arrived at 7:06 p.m.), Stigney, and Thomas. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA City Administrator Miller indicated that there would be a closed session. She then asked that a personnel matter be added under reports. City Attorney Riggs asked that Mounds View versus Gridley be added under reports. A. Monday, November 25, 2002 City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Thomas. To Approve the November 25, 2002, City Council Agenda as amended. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 4. PUBLIC INPUT David Jahnke of 8428 Eastwood Road congratulated Mr. Linke, Ms. Gunn and Mr. Marty for winning the election to Council. He then said he is concerned that the people of Mounds View do not really know what is going on so he took an informal survey of 20 houses and not one of the residents was aware that the golf course had three loans against it. Mr. Jahnke indicated he is concerned that the new Council maintain accountability for what is going on in the City. He then said that he has heard talk that the experts think that adding another 9 holes at the golf course would help make money. He then said that the experts also thought the course would make money as it is so you cannot always trust the experts. Mr. Jahnke commented that he had read in the paper that the New Brighton course did not make money last year. He then said he hopes the future government pays attention and takes time for slow solid decisions. Mounds View City Council November 25, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 2 City Administrator Miller handed out a letter submitted by Michelle Sandback of 2356 Sherwood Road and indicated the request was for Council to pass a Resolution stating that the City Council meeting agendas and minutes will be available at the Ramsey County Library. Council Member Marty indicated he had gone to the library earlier in the year to see whether the minutes were available and found that there were minutes and agendas for 2000 but not for this year. He then suggested Staff check with the library to see if citizens could use the computer and download the minutes from the City's website. The minutes were available and found that the minutes and agenda for 2001, but not for this year, however, now all of the minutes through 2002 are current or close to it and suggested staff check with the library. Mayor Sonterre asked Staff to check with the library to see if the library could accommodate that request. 5. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS Council Member Marty commented that he had gotten some of his questions answered prior to the meeting but did not have a chance to contact Mr. Lee about Check Number 109716 in the amount of $8,147 for root control. Public Works Director Lee indicated that the check was for doing annual root control on the City's sanitary sewer system. Council Member Marty asked why there were two charges for election meals, one for $372 and one for $350.00. Finance Director Hansen indicated that only one check was being paid out to Elegant Thymes for the meals but two checks are used in order to create an audit trail for accounting purposes. The first check is made out as an expenditure in the elections account and the second is recorded into the Community Center budget as revenue. Council Member Marty asked why the checks were for two different amounts. Finance Director Hansen indicated the difference is sales tax paid to the state. Council Member Marty asked for clarification on Check Number109775 to Sysco for tissue. Finance Director Hansen indicated the charge was for 15 cartons of toilet tissue for the Community Center. Council Member Stigney asked if the coffee services fee for $72.98 was for employees' coffee. Finance Director Hansen indicated it was. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Thomas. To Approve Just and Correct Claims as Presented. Mounds View City Council November 25, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 3 Council Member Marty indicated he would like to discuss doing away with the Visa cards at a work session as it seems to be costing a lot in staff time. Mayor Sonterre indicated a Resolution would be needed and it would be more appropriately discussed at a work session. Ayes - S Nays - 0 Motion carried. 6. CONSENT AGENDA A. Licenses for Approval B. Resolution 5887 Approving a Flexible Spending Contract with SBS C. Resolution 5881 Approving a Contract with Springsted, Inc. for Continuing Disclosure Services During the Year 2003 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Stigney. To Approve the Consent Agenda as Presented. Ayes - S Nays - 0 Motion carried. Mayor Sonterre noted for the record that SBS stands for Secure Benefits Systems. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Resolution 5886 Closing the Citizen Donation Fund and the Employee Pop Fund Finance Director Hansen indicated that as part of his review to assist the City in complying with the new government accounting standards he has found that the citizen donation fund and the employee pop fund are lumped into the agency funds and that is not an appropriate location for them. He then recommended splitting the donation fund by placing the funds to assist citizens in emergency situations to the police budget and the remainder going to park and recreation. Finance Director Hansen indicated the employee pop fund receives commissions off of the pop machine in City Hall and was used for employee appreciation events. He then recommended that the amounts be rolled in to the general funds in order to clean up the balance sheet. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Sonterre. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 5886, a Resolution Closing the Citizen Donation Fund and the Employee Pop Fund. Ayes - S Nays - 0 Motion carried. • Mounds View City Council November 25, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 4 • 8. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Resolution 5882 Approving a Step Increase for Charlie Hansen MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Marty. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 5882, a Resolution Approving a Step Increase for Charlie Hansen. Council Member Stigney asked to have the Resolution read. The Motioner removed the waiving of the reading. Mayor Sonterre read Resolution 5882. Ayes - S Nays - 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 5883 Approving a Step Increase for Jim Ericson MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Thomas. To Approve Resolution 5883, a Resolution Approving a Step Increase for Jim Ericson. Council Member Marty asked to have Resolution 5883 read. Mayor Sonterre read Resolution 5883. Ayes - S Nays - 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 5884 Approving a Step Increase for Tim Brennan MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Quick. To Approve Resolution 5884, a Resolution Approving a Step Increase for Tim Brennan. Mayor Sonterre read Resolution 5884. Ayes - S Nays - 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution S88S Approving a Step Increase for Greg Lee Council Member Thomas indicated the Resolution listed deputy chief not public works director. The resolution listed should have deputy chief removed from the title of public works director. MOTION/SECOND: Thomas/Stigney. To Approve Resolution S88S, a Resolution Approving a Step Increase for Greg Lee as Amended. Mayor Sonterre read Resolution S88S. • Mounds View City Council November 25, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 5 Council Member Marty asked if he would be going from Step 1 to Step 2 and whether this was a six-month increase as Mr. Lee has been with the City for 10 months. City Administrator Miller indicated the date was correct. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 58$8 Approving a Wage Adjustment for David Olsen MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Marty. To Approve Resolution 5888, a Resolution Approving a Wage Adjustment for David Olsen as Amended. Council Member Stigney pointed out that Mr. Olsen is not a regular full time employee as the Resolution states. Assistant City Administrator Reed indicated the Resolution should state casual employee. Mayor Sonterre read Resolution 5888. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. • LJ F. Discuss Robert Halva P.A. Dismissal of Claims Letter Dated November 14, 2002 (Innovative Images) City Attorney Riggs indicated packets contained three pieces of correspondence, two from Mr. Halva and one from him. He then indicated he was seeking direction from Council as to how to proceed. City Attorney Riggs indicated he had responded with the dollar amount directed by Council and received correspondence from Mr. Halva restating their previous position. Mayor Sonterre asked if the City Attorney's recommendation has changed. City Attorney Riggs indicated that in discussions with Mr. Ha1va and Mr. Linke there are no outstanding claims and, until he is made aware of what is to be compromised, there is nothing to his knowledge being compromised. Jerry Linke of 2319 Knoll Drive indicated that his last comments were misconstrued so he will let his attorney do the talking. Council Member Quick asked that the letters be read for those at home. Mayor Sonterre read the letter from Mr. Halva dated October 8, 2002. Mayor Sonterre read the letter of November 4, 2002 from City Attorney Riggs. Mounds View City Council November 25, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 6 U Mayor Sonterre read the letter of November 14, 2002 from Mr. Halva. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Quick. To Direct the City Attorney to Restate the City's Previous Position. Council Member Marty asked City Attorney Riggs if potential litigation would exceed the $7,500. City Attorney Riggs indicated it would depend on the type of claim and the issue of insurance with the League. He then said not knowing what the claim might be he is not sure. Council Member Stigney indicated he understood that there is no actual claim so the City cannot act on it. City Attorney Riggs indicated that nothing has been stated as a claim. Council Member Thomas indicated that nothing has changed between the last letter and this one. Mr. Linke asked for clarification of the City's position. He then asked if the City was looking for what type of claim he may file against the City. City Attorney Riggs said yes. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 9. REPORTS A. Economic Development Update Economic Development Coordinator Backman provided an update on Colonial Craft indicating that the employees would be starting work in the new facility in December. Economic Development Coordinator Backman indicated that redevelopment has begun at the former Perkins site and the developer anticipates footings being in the second week of December anticipating a June 1, 2003 opening. Economic Development Coordinator Backman indicated that Sysco is moving forward with its expansion this fall adding 18,300 square feet of freezer and 18,000 square feet of dry storage area. Economic Development Coordinator Backman indicated the Jakes parking lot addition is moving along and the striping and lights are completed. Mounds View City Council November 25, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 7 Council Member Marty asked if Staff had any idea when the fencing would be going in at Jakes and whether the plantings would be done in the spring. Community Development Director Ericson indicated he had spoken with Rob Jacob earlier and they are planning on getting the eight-foot fence up within a week but the wrought iron fence is on order and they are not expecting to install that until next spring along with the landscaping. Council Member Marty commented that Jakes had lost a lot of parking with the reconstruction of H2. Council Member Marty asked if there was a plan for snow removal at the site in order to avoid the types of issues the theatre has had. Community Development Director Ericson indicated that off the western edge of the new parking there is an open area left un-landscaped for snow storage. He then said that in heavy snow years they would have to remove snow from the site, if necessary. Council Member Stigney asked if the brickwork would be completed on the billboard this year. Community Development Director Ericson indicated it was his understanding that the brickwork would not be completed this year. He then indicated that Staff is working with Mr. McCarver to finalize the design for the base. Council Member Stigney asked if anything was in the works for the Hardee's site. He then said that a resident had suggested to him that it would be a good location for a Long John Silvers. Economic Development Coordinator Backman indicated he had contacted Ken Henks who is the Director of Development for Paster Enterprises concerning the site as the Mayor had given him information on a potential restaurant. He then explained that the lease amount Mr. Henks wishes to get scared the potential restaurant away but they stand by their numbers. He also indicated that Hardee's is still paying a lease payment so there is not a huge incentive to lease the site. Mayor Sonterre asked whether there was any hope that the developers would consider using the name Highway 10 Business Center. Economic Development Coordinator Backman indicated he had discussed the name of the building with Mr. Carlson and does not feel that the name will be Highway 10 Business Center as he intends to use the Abbey Carpet name. B. Summary of 2003 Budget Changes and Overview Finance Director Hansen provided a summary of the 2003 budget changes and overview. The first change in reviewing capital outlay requests he found two items in snow and ice control as a division of the general fund that do not meet the definition so he is proposing to move them to a supply item. The second change is in the Cable T.V. budget. After some input from Staff in Mounds View City Council November 25, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 8 terms of things needed in the coming year he is seeking direction whether to include the plan for the equipment or leave it as a plan to be approved by Council. Council Member Marty asked if anyone knew what a nonlinear editing system was. Mayor Sonterre indicated it is digital. Finance Director Hansen indicated the third area is the banquet center operations. He then said he met with Mr. Bradley to discuss additional information and they were able to trim some of the expenditures in order to bring the banquet center into a balanced budget. Finance Director Hansen indicated he had attached a copy of the truth-in-taxation notices that will appear in the focus this week to publish the hearing. Council Member Thomas asked whether they took a dollar figure as a target number or if the figures for the Community Center were actually for planned reductions. Finance Director Hansen indicated the goal was getting into a balanced budget so they looked at items and said how much do we need in this line and, in the case of capital equipment, there was general quote information but they were able to secure more information and reduce the amounts. Council Member Thomas indicated she would like to leave the Cable T.V. with a plan for Council approval because Staff has brought to Council in the past a list of what items they would like but has never brought a list of items that the City already has. She further commented that it is time for an inventory so that Council is aware of the equipment already owned before purchasing new stuff. Finance Director Hansen indicated that Staff has begun work on an inventory of the cable equipment Assistant City Administrator Reed indicated that Ken has started working on an inventory list but it is not yet completed. She then indicated that he was concerned that he has not been with the City long enough to be aware of everything the City has. Council Member Thomas said she does not think he has been here long enough either. She then said that the request for equipment seems familiar but Council will need to approve a plan that takes into consideration equipment the City already owns. Finance Director Hansen indicated it could be left as a plan to be approved by Council. Council Member Stigney indicated he had concerns about projected costs on those items in the past year. He then said he would like to see it come back for specifics with who made the bid and why Staff is selecting that bid. Mounds View City Council November 25, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 9 • Council Member Marty commented that Patrick used to give an update on equipment as to what he needed and what the City could afford. He then said he would like to go with Mr. Hansen's recommendation of leaving it as a plan to be approved by Council. Council Member Marty asked whether the City had ever sold the old deck when it got the new deck. Council Member Stigney indicated that the equipment is all stashed in a room downstairs and said he would like to bid on some of the equipment when it is sold. Council Member Thomas said she disagreed with Council Member Marty that Patrick provided an inventory. She then said that he always told Council what he needed or wanted but did not say what was back there. She further commented that the City recently learned there is no backup on the technological equipment and that was learned during a brownout. Council Member Stigney commented that comments were made asking what the projected use of the new mixer system would be and it was said that nobody new but if the City needed it they would have it and he does not like that type of response. Finance Director Hansen recommended leaving it as a plan to be provided and approved by Council. Council Member Marty commented that he may have had information as to an inventory due to his position as liaison to the Cable Commission but he knows there was discussion of the equipment owned by the City. He then said that he had never seen a written inventory but Patrick was aware of what was back there. Mayor Sonterre said he had one request early on and that was to look at the fee schedule. Assistant City Administrator Reed indicated she had made a few changes and would bring it to the work session for discussion. Mayor Sonterre asked for the information in advance of the work session. Council Member Stigney indicated the last Mounds View Matters showed a proposed 2003 budget of $4,913,912 which was a projected change from 2002 of 7.9% and the notice in the packet projects a 2003 budget of $4,974,532 a change from 2002 of 9.2%. Finance Director Hansen indicated that most of the increase could be attributed to the police overtime detail at the metropolitan airports commission as the $47,250 figure was left out of the first budget. He then explained that the amounts needed to be shown on the revenue and expense side so the figure does increase the budget. . Council Member Stigney asked if the amount were subtracted out if it would go back to the 7.9% figure. Mounds View City Council November 25, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 10 • Finance Director Hansen indicated it would be fairly close C. Proposal fora 3% Reduction in a112003 General Fund Budgets Finance Director Hansen indicated Council had asked each department to consider a three percent budget reduction. He then said that all departments have done that and provided memorandums. He further explained that, in all cases, a three percent reduction would be cutting into Staff or something that directly affects the quality of service provided to the citizens and, with looking at federal mandates that will increase duties in the coming year and taking on new tasks would mean taking away from existing tasks that would mean a further reduction would produce a further decline in the quality of service. Council Member Stigney commented that since it seems the three percent would not work Staff should look at a one percent reduction. He then suggested that Staff travel, training and conferences could be reduced from $9,440. Council Member Thomas clarified that the figure is $6,700.00 not $9,440.00, which is a reduction from the previous budget. Mayor Sonterre noted Staff was asked to analyze a three percent reduction not two percent or one percent. Council Member Stigney commented that three percent would not work and he is suggesting looking at one percent. He also commented that he has a concern with the carryover money that the City always has but the money is not used to offset additional taxes it goes into the special project fund and he is concerned with that method of transferring money. Finance Director Hansen indicated the 2003 budget would not have a carryover. Council Member Stigney indicated he was talking about the carryover from 2002. Finance Director Hansen indicated the City would need that money to offset the promised state aid that may not be delivered as everything he has heard seems to say that the City will not get the promised aid. Council Member Stigney said he felt that Staff could do a little more to the budget such as cutting national conferences and other memberships. He then said he would behard-pressed to see that Staff could not trim one percent off the budget. D. Utility Rate Study Finance Director Hansen reviewed the proposed utility rate increase information indicating that the fee for a single resident using 6,000 gallons per quarter would increase 3.52% and the fee for Mounds View City Council November 25, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 11 a family using 26,000 gallons per quarter would increase 2.5%. He then said that the utilities have not had increases for a number of years. Council Member Stigney asked for figures for what an average household is using as he and his wife exceed the amount listed for a small family. Finance Director Hansen indicated that it would require a lot of manual work to provide an average. Council Member Thomas asked if Staff had any typical figures for businesses. Finance Director Hansen indicated it would be difficult to do so because it varies widely depending upon the usage. Council Member Thomas indicated she would like information on what Staff projects as a typical bill for business as Staff did for residential. Council Member Stigney commented that in the scheme of things the City always seems to overlook the fact that it is collecting a four percent franchising fee that brings in $400,000 over and above taxes. He then said he would like to emphasize that money is out there and he thinks the City needs to look at the fact that the City never used to have that fund and used to operate and he finds it hard to believe nothing can ever be cut. Mr. Linke asked if Council was discussing only water or sewer and water. He then said that during the campaign residents brought up the issue of a single resident paying the same as a family using much more water. He then said it maybe time for the City to look at charging based on use. Finance Director Hansen indicated residents pay a rate based on water consumption. Mr. Linke indicated there are elderly and single people in the City paying $8.00 or $9.00 for water and $47.00 for sewer and that seems out of whack. Council Member Stigney indicated that Council should discuss the sewer charge at a work session. Finance Director Hansen indicated he could bring the sewer charge to a work session for discussion but cautioned Council that for every resident that sees a reduction there will be a resident who sees an increase. Council Member Thomas indicated the other thought to consider is that everyone receives the same amount of pipe and there was significant discussion concerning the expense of running • sewer and water. Mounds View City Council November 25, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 12 Council Member Marty indicated he had been bringing this issue up for three years and he thinks it would be a more fair and equitable means of charging if the City based the charge on usage. Mayor Sonterre asked Staff to provide information on the averages as well as proposed increases and decreases. Council Member Marty indicated he had other comments. Mayor Sonterre indicated that the matter could be revisited later in the meeting. E. Contract with YMCA Finance Director Hansen indicated he had been asked to review the City's contract with the YMCA and, after doing so, it seems that there are some items the YMCA is not in compliance with and there are some items the City is not in compliance with. He then summarized by stating that he did not find any real issue of noncompliance that would justify any action by the City. He further commented that, if the City is not happy with the recreational programs being provided by the YMCA, it needs to give the YMCA notice to end the contract but he suggested making sure that giving notice is carefully timed so as not to coincide with the busy recreational season. Council Member Marty indicated he felt that the City should attempt to come into compliance with the contract as well as requesting that the YMCA come into compliance before taking any action. He then said that giving notice now would put the summer recreation programs in jeopardy. He further suggested reestablishing the committees as required by the contract so that the City and the YMCA can work together to make improvements. He also expressed concern that dropping the YMCA contract would mean that recreation activities would need to be paid 100% out of tax dollars whereas the YMCA is anon-profit and can solicit donations for funding. Council Member Quick said he does not feel the City is getting its money's worth. Mayor Sonterre provided information on the estimated gains to the City based on use versus internal department estimates. After giving the figures for 1991, 1999, 2000, and 2001 he stated that the estimate for 2002 would have the City seeing at least a $101,000 departure from the estimate. He then commented that, not only is the City not getting its money's worth, he truly believes the YMCA is not meeting its financial projections. In 1999, YMCA was short $4347. In 2000, YMCA was short $75,103, and in 2001 was short $68,078. Mayor Sonterre indicated he has been involved in programs in Roseville, Oakdale, and St. Cloud and this program does not come close to the other cities he has worked with. He then said he is wholly disappointed in the product produced and the dollar figures and does not care if 180 days takes into April he feels that the City can get a recreation program up and running for summer. He further commented that the City will be $100,000 plus departed from the estimates this year • and that is unacceptable. Mounds View City Council November 25, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 13 MOTION/SECOND: Sonterre/Quick. To Direct Staff to Give the YMCA its 180 Day Notice Effective Immediately and Direct Staff to Post for a Park and Recreation Director. Council Member Stigney indicated he did not have the figures the Mayor threw out and would need time to review and discuss them before making a decision. He then said that he did not think that a knee jerk reaction would serve the public well although it might serve specific agendas. He further commented that he felt it would be appropriate to re-establish the required committees and begin discussions to determine whether the programs can be turned around before looking at an alternative. Council Member Marty reiterated his previous comments stating he felt there was not enough information to act at this time and he would like to step back and re-establish the committees before acting. Council Member Thomas indicated she did not feel it would be possible to get a department up and running in 180 days as something of this magnitude requires a lot of planning. She then said that the amount of money be shoveled into the YMCA program is inappropriate but the City needs to research and that takes time. Mr. Linke agreed with Council Members Thomas, Marty and Stigney and said that it would be hasty to terminate the contract with the YMCA before looking into planning and costs associated with the City having its own Park and Recreation Department. He further commented that the City is setting is budget and there is no Park and Recreation Department in that budget. Mayor Sonterre stated that he feels that a department could be up and running within 180 days and operated under the existing budget. He then said he would be happy to restate the figures he had given earlier. He then summarized that the City has doubled its subsidy from $50,000 to $100,000. He further commented that the figures are staggering and the time to act is now regardless of whether it takes longer than 180 days to get the department up and running. He also commented that there was talk of reducing costs by one percent and this is ten fold that. Council Member Stigney indicated he had no problem in looking at the issue but it is too premature to take action on the issue. He then said he would like to have the figures to review and have a discussion at a work session to see why the projections are not being met and what, if anything, can be done prior to issuing them a 180 day notice. Council Member Marty commented he would like to see the committees re-established and the matter discussed at a work session when there is further information. City Administrator Miller commented that it would be very difficult to accomplish anything with the committee as set out meeting twice per year. She then indicated she has met with the YMCA on a regular basis usually in response to problems most notably the one dealing with security. She further suggested that, if Council is going to suggest that those meetings would be a way to correct the problems, she would suggest breaking that large group into smaller entities and that would mean more meetings. Mounds View City Council November 25, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 14 • Council Member Marty agreed that twice a year would not work but he thinks the City does need to start meeting. He then said you could not have awell-oiled machine if you only grease it periodically. He further commented that the City needed to work on this before doing anything hasty. Council Member Stigney commented that he had no problem with additional meetings over and above the contract requirements. Ayes - 2 Nays - 3(Stigney/Thomas/Marty) Motion failed. • Mayor Sonterre requested that Staff immediately begin discussions as to what would have to happen to meet the obligations by both parties as well as coming up with a relatively quick conclusion of how this has gotten so big. Council Member Thomas supported that request but asked for alternatives for how to correct the problem if that does not include the YMCA. Mr. Linke indicated he would like to see the numbers go to Park and Recreation for discussion. F. Personnel Items City Administrator Miller handed out information to Council. Mayor Sonterre indicated these two items added to the agenda are both letters of resignation and Staff is looking for Council approval. The first one is the letter of resignation from the Assistant City Administrator Reed effective December 30, 2002. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Thomas. To Accept the Letter of Resignation From Assistant City Administrator Reed. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Mayor Sonterre indicated the second letter of resignation is from City Administrator Miller effective December 31, 2002. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Thomas. To Accept the Letter of Resignation from City Administrator Miller. Mayor Sonterre read the letter of resignation from City Administrator Miller. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. • Mounds View City Council November 25, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 15 MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Marty. To Direct Mr. Hansen to Calculate any Payout the Assistant City Administrator and City Administrator are Owed and Bring the Matter to Council for Approval. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Mayor Sonterre indicated that previously when the City Administrator resigned the City appointed a Staff member to assume that role. MOTION/SECOND: Sonterre/Marty. To Appoint Jim Ericson as Interim City Administrator. Council Member Stigney asked if that would be the City Administrator's choice. City Administrator Miller indicated she approved of appointing Mr. Ericson. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. G. Mounds View versus Gridley City Attorney Riggs indicated an old case had surfaced where there is money on file with the courts and he is seeking direction from Council as to whether his office should make application • to obtain the funds. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Stigney. To Direct the City Attorney to Petition for the Funds on Deposit at the Court as Recommended. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Council Member Marty commented that he would like to submit for discussion going back to having an assistant to the city administrator rather than an assistant city administrator in an effort to save money. Council Member Marty asked if the City pays for building mailboxes. Public Works Director Lee indicated that after the last two-road reconstruction projects the City grouped the mailboxes together on posts. Council Member Marty asked for clarification on court ordered restitution. Public Works Director Lee indicated there is time spent in administering that. Council Member Marty asked about the weed treatment of Silverview Pond as it does not seem to be working. Public Works Director Lee indicated it is on the cut list as it was not done this year. Mounds View City Council November 25, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 16 • Council Member Marty thanked the departments for working diligently to cut their budgets and said he feels Staff is doing a phenomenal job of trying to come in under budget. He then said that the new deal with the officers working out at the airport generates overtime for the officers as well as revenue for the City. Council Member Thomas asked on what basis changing the assistant city administrator title back to assistant to the city administrator would reduce cost to the administration department. Council Member Marty commented that Ms. Reed was promoted. Council Member Thomas clarified that Ms. Reed was not promoted the title was changed after the position was re-pointed based on the duties. She then said that the title does not matter, it is the duties assigned and, unless the duties are changed, then the salary does not change. In order to lower the salary it would need to be less of a job. Council Member Marty suggested removing some duties. Council Member Thomas indicated Council could do so but cautioned that doing so would mean more work for the new city administrator. She then suggested leaving that discussion for after the new city administrator is hired. • Mayor Sonterre reported he had a chance to speak with Mr. Pathco from MNDOT after the I- 35W corridor meeting and was able to get him to agree to come to the work session at 6:00 p.m. He then explained that Mr. Pathco is only available at 6:00 p.m. because he has to be in another City at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Sonterre asked whether the City could hold the MNDOT sound wall discussion prior to the truth-in-taxation hearing. Finance Director Hansen indicated that because the City is not raising the tax levy the City is not required to hold atruth-in-taxation hearing but did so anyway. He then said that legally it would not pose a problem but practically all residents were notified that it would begin at 6:00 p.m. Mayor Sonterre indicated that, based upon past attendance, there may only be a few residents in attendance. Mayor Sonterre indicated the other thing that makes this meeting important is that Mr. Pathco gave some thought to the City paying for the sound wall and getting reimbursed which would mean the sound wall would come by 2004 or 2005 whereas, if the City waits for MNDOT to dedicate a lane to 35W, the soonest the sound wall would come would be 2010. Council Member Marty suggested looking into the numbers. Mayor Sonterre indicated it would cost approximately $1.5 to $1.8 million. Mounds View City Council November 25, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 17 • Jane Lamb of 2305 Sherwood Road asked if there would be a way to get an announcement in the local papers for this week. Mayor Sonterre indicated that the papers were already being printed. He then asked Staff to use all other means to notify residents such as the board out front, cable, and the website. Mayor Sonterre indicated he had been told by Mr. Lee that it may not be possible to pave the walking path before winter due to trouble getting asphalt but was pleasantly surprised to see that the path was paved. He then thanked Ramsey County and Mr. Lee for the efforts on behalf of the kids. Council Member Thomas asked if the City had gotten reimbursed from the County yet. Mr. Lee indicated it would be a while. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Minutes for November 6, 2002, Special City Council Minutes MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Stigney. To Approve the Minutes of the Special City Council • Meeting on November 6, 2002. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. B. Minutes for November 12, 2002 City Council Minutes Council Member Marty requested the following changes: On Page 1, paragraph 5, correct the spelling of Ikon. On Page 2, center of page state the dollar amount of $1,995.90. On Page 6 he did not feel it was necessary to add the comments of the Mayor concerning asking Council to contact Staff prior to the meeting for information on just and correct claims. Mayor Sonterre clarified that the statement was general and said Council not Council Member Marty. Council Member Marty stated for the record that he had to get up at 3:00 a.m., travel across seven states, and come to the meeting straight from the airport and did not have a chance to call. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Stigney. To Approve the Minutes of the City Council for November 12, 2002 as Amended. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Council recessed to closed session to discuss actual litigation at 9:30 p.m. In closed session a roll call vote was made where the City Council unanimously directed Staff to inform the • arbitrator that the City did not support the reinstatement of Mr. Hammerschmidt to employment at the Bridges. Mayor Sonterre indicated that the vote was due to the negotiation process with the arbitrator. Mounds View City Council November 25, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 18 • 11. Next Council Work Session: Next Council Meeting: Monday, December 2, 2002 December 2, 2002 6:00 p.m. (Special) • 12. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Sonterre adjourned the meeting at p.m. Transcribed and recorded by: Joan Lenzmeier Timesaver Off Site SecretaYial, Inc. c: