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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2003/05/12PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting May 12, 2003 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:00 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Linke, Quick (7:17p.m.), Marty, Stigney, and Gunn 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, May 12, 2003 City Council Agenda. ~~ MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Gunn. To Approve the Monday, May 12, 2003 Agenda as Presented. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT David Jahnke of 8428 Eastwood Road indicated he has watched the tapes from the meetings he missed and is still very concerned that there have not been any cuts. Mr. Jahnke indicated he is concerned with the City taking over the YMCA because any time city employees run something it starts out small and then snowballs to where there are more and more employees and it costs residents more and more. He then said the same thing has happened with the golf course and he does not think the golf course will ever make money with City employees running it. He also expressed concern with the way employees are given step increases and asked that Council review the policies it has in place with regard to employee compensation. Mr. Jahnke said he does not see how the City can make money at the golf course and he feels the City should look at ways of getting rid of it. Mr. Jahnke suggested dividing the money spent on the golf course by the number of residents • within the City for a true picture of what the course costs each resident. He then said he has nothing against the new employees at the golf course but has never agreed with things that have Mounds View City Council May 12, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 2 gone on over there. He further commented that he had his wife tape this meeting so that when there is a problem at the Community Center if the City takes it over he can come back and say he told Council to be careful. Mr. Jahnke asked Council to use common sense and look into what the City really needs not what would be nice to have and make the cuts that are necessary. He then said he has not seen one thing that was looked into for sacrificing. Mayor Linke indicated Council is still analyzing budgets for last year and there are things that are being looked at but it is too early in the process to begin cutting. Council Member Stigney commented that many of the items of concern raised by Mr. Jahnke are on his list of concerns given to the City Administrator. Council Member Marty indicated he has been hearing similar concerns from other residents and has been asked to review step increases for employees and the personnel policy by them. Mayor Linke noted there were students from Irondale in the audience and welcomed them to the meeting. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS None. 7. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS A. Just and Correct Claims Council Member Marty indicated that Finance Director Hansen and City Attorney Riggs had answered most of his questions with the exception of the bill for the Diehl minor subdivision. Interim City Administrator Ericson indicated that case occurred before the City had a policy to tell applicants that any attorney's fees associated with the development needed to be paid for by the applicant. He then said that the applicant was not made aware that they would have this responsibility making it difficult for the City to seek payment. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Stigney. To Remove MU210-00811, Diehl Minor Subdivision from the Tracking and Reimbursement List and to Forego Further Billing for It. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Council Member Gunn expressed concern with the Qwest invoice for $1,000. • Finance Director Hansen indicated there are a large number of lines into various City buildings. Mounds View City Council May 12, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 3 Council Member Stigney asked why the one cell phone invoice was $259.93. Finance Director Hansen indicated that was all cell phone usage for the entire department not just one cell phone. Council Member Quick arrived at 7:17 p.m. MOTIONISECOND: Marty/Gunn. To Approve Just and Correct Claims as Presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. B. Authorization for Expenditures 1. League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust Finance Director Hansen indicated he needed to begin working on the application for renewing the City's insurance polices as they are renewing July 1, 2003. He then indicated he would like information as to whether Council wished to insure the Lion's bus or not and noted that he had misinformation at the previous Council meeting concerning the bus as the agent had quoted him features from a commercial policy. Finance Director Hansen indicated that he needed to know whether or not to include Lakeside Park beach in the insurance renewal or not and asked whether Council had made a determination on whether to keep it open or close it. Council Member Stigney asked when the information is needed. Finance Director Hansen indicated he needed to get the application put together as the agent wanted it several weeks ago to allow time for underwriting. Council Member Stigney asked whether the Mayor had contacted the Lions concerning the bus. Mayor Linke indicated he had brought the matter to the Lions but there was not time for discussion and consideration and the next meeting is Thursday, May 15, 2003. Council Member Stigney indicated he would like to wait and see what the Lions would like to do with regard to the bus and the park. Council Member Marty indicated he had talked to a few Lions and the Lions are interested but it just came up so they need to discuss it. He then said that it is a high likelihood that the Lions will be able to assist the City with the bus. He further commented that the Lions replaced the engine of the van a few years ago so it is in good condition based on its age. • Mounds View City Council May 12, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 4 Finance Director Hansen indicated he would hold off but informed Council that the delay would mean the City will have a binder rather than a policy and that means Council will not have policy information and numbers for the budget discussions in August. Council Member Quick suggested directing Staff to insure the bus and the beach in order to ensure that timeframes are met. Mayor Linke indicated he spoke with the Mayor of Spring Lake Park and he had information that only 30 people, on average, use the beach itself and they do not think that few people justifies the costs involved with keeping it open. He further commented that the City of Fridley has over 100 people per day at Moore Lake Beach and they are closing it as a cost saving measure. Council Member Quick asked how much it costs the City for the beach. Finance Director Hansen indicated that Spring Lake Park is proposing to cut $8,000 from their budget for Lakeside Park but some of that was for things like the Satellite so he estimates a savings of about $7,000 from the beach. Council Member Gunn commented that the beach is often closed due to Swimmer's Itch. Council Member Quick suggested dropping the beach and continuing coverage on the bus. Council Member Stigney asked that the bus be added on the bottom line and tell them it may fall off of the list depending upon the Lions. Finance Director Hansen indicated that the timing of the decision would determine whether it was too late to remove the bus from the policy. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Gunn. To Direct Staff to Drop the Insurance on the Beach and Inform Spring Lake Park that Mounds View Agrees to Close the Beach and to Direct Staff to Continue Insurance Coverage on the Bus. Council Member Stigney commented that he feels this is "cart before the horse." Council Member Marty indicated the City may need the bus if it decides to take over the Community Center due to ADA requirements. Ayes - 4 Nays -1(Stigney) Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA A. Licenses for Approval B. Resolution No. 6001 Approval of Golf Cart Lease Agreement C. Resolution No. 6008 Authorizing the Hiring of Nicholas Fleischhecker as a Sanitary Sewer Maintenance Employee Mounds View City Council May 12, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 5 D. Pathway Construction Project -Resolution No. 6009, Authorizing the Preparation of a Preliminary Feasibility Report, Preparation of Plans and Specifications and Approving the Execution of a Supplemental Letter of Agreement with Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. E. Resolution 5961 Approving a Supplemental Letter of Agreement with SEH for Work Associated with the Water Tower Rehabilitation Project F. Resolution 6015 Approving a Contract with Sprint for Long Distance Telephone Service G. Resolution 6012 Directing Staff to Advertise to Fill the Planning Associate Vacancy in the Community Development Department H. Resolution 6007 Authorizing Execution of a Memorandum of Understanding Concerning the Fire Protection Services Contract I. Resolution 5972, a Resolution Approving a Step Adjustment for David Parker, Grounds & Equipment Manager Council Member Marty requested that Item B be removed for discussion. Council Member Stigney requested that Items C, F, and I be removed for discussion. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Stigney. To Approve Consent Agenda Items A, D, E, G, and H as Presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carved. Council Member Marty asked about the warranty of the golf cart as it states that the two and three year warranty changed to four years. Golf Course Manager Berg indicated she had noticed that but did not discuss that with them. Council Member Marty indicated that he was a little concerned that staff would need to travel to Georgia for training but noticed the clause that indicates there would be local training and seminars. Golf Course Manager Berg indicated there would be training available in Bloomington but noted that Staff chose this type of cart as Staff is familiar with it and may not even need training. Council Member Marty commented that no one was interested in purchasing the existing carts on trade-in. Golf Course Manager Berg indicated she intended to sell the carts for around $1,750 whereas the wholesale price the City would get would be around $1,000. Council Member Stigney indicated he would like to know the difference between 2003 DS and G22AY and asked what the basic cost is. Mounds View City Council May 12, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 6 Golf Course Manager Berg explained that the two models are very similar but the model recommended by Staff is about $100.00 cheaper and is the model most like what Staff is used to working on. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Gunn. To Approve Resolution 6001, Approving the Golf Car Lease Agreement. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Council Member Stigney expressed concern that Staff had not contacted the next highest applicant by mail and had only attempted contact via telephone. Public Works Director Lee indicated Staff had attempted to contact him over the course of one week via telephone and had not received a response. Council Member Stigney indicated he felt it would be a good policy to contact applicants in writing. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Quick. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6008, a Resolution Hiring Nicholas Fleischhecker as a Sanitary Sewer Maintenance Employee. • Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Council Member Stigney asked that Resolution 6008 be read. Mayor Linke read Resolution 6008. Council Member Marty pointed out that Mr. Fleischhecker has a history with the City and has worked here seasonally before. He also holds the all time record for the most feet of sewer cleaned in one day. Council Member Stigney indicated he disagreed with the Staff report that MCI and Sprint are the only two providers of long distance. He then asked whether Staff had checked with AT&T and IDT. Finance Director Hansen indicated Ms. Toteric and Ms. Crane did all the calling and they have informed him that Sprint and MCI are the only carriers that can offer the comprehensive nationwide service that the City needs. Council Member Stigney indicated there are more carriers than listed. Council Member Marty indicated he had information from Excel telephone company that provides long distance for seven cents a minute and indicated he would provide that to Staff for review. Mounds View City Council May 12, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 7 • Council Member Stigney suggested Staff research providers on the Internet. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Stigney. To Table Approval of Resolution 6015 to the Next Council Meeting. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Council Member Stigney asked why the employee had not had asix-month review. Interim City Administrator Ericson indicated that Mr. Parker did have asix-month review and received a step increase in February but the issue is that it should have occurred months prior to that in November of 2002 so he is eligible for his next step increase. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Gunn. To Approve Resolution 5972, a Resolution Approving a Step Adjustment for David Parker, Grounds & Equipment Manager. Council Member Stigney asked that Resolution 5972 be read. Mayor Linke read Resolution 5972. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 9. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Continuation of Public Hearing and Consideration of Resolution 5997, a Resolution Amending the Planned Unit Development Provisions Associated with the Property Located at 2442 County Highway 10. Mayor Linke opened the public hearing at 7:45 p.m. Interim City Administrator Ericson indicated that the Planning Commission had made a unanimous recommendation of approval for the amendment of the PUD to allow for an office building. He then said that even though the City would prefer a restaurant as was guided by the PUD the developer has spent five years attempting to market the lot for restaurant use and that has not happened. Council Member Stigney indicated there is land in that location that is guided for office building and it is not this parcel. Mr. Tarpley indicated that Landcor acquired the lease rights to the retail parcel next door to the theatre and the other piece at the corner that is proposed for an office building. He then said that the other lot has been sold for parking. Mounds View City Council May 12, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 8 Interim city Administrator Ericson indicated that the property owner has been working with the theatre for purchase of additional land to solve the parking issues. Council Member Stigney indicated there is a site for an office building in the PUD and this site is for a sit down restaurant and he would like to stick with the original PUD. Council Member Marty indicated he had concerns and questions whether the City needs office space. He then said the City needs a sit down restaurant not more fast food, a gas station, or an office building. He further commented that the first office buildings built there sat vacant for two years. Council Member Gunn asked whether the tenants, as stated at the Planning Commission meeting, would be medical tenants. Mr. Tarpley indicated that he has had a lot of medical users inquire about the space and then explained that the market research they conducted indicates there is a lack of Class A office space in Mounds View. He then said that they are investing their money into this project and would not move forward unless they felt there was a need for the office space and it is in their best interest to ensure that the space is leased. Mr. Tarpley commented that an office use would be a much lesser impact on the surrounding area than a restaurant would be. He further commented that the fact that a restaurant user has not approached the City on the site speaks to the fact that it is not viable for that type of use. Mayor Linke commented that the types of businesses that locate in the business park versus this building are completely different. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 5997, a Resolution Amending the Planned Unit Development Provisions Associated with the Property Located at 2442 County Highway 10. Council Member Gunn asked whether the applicant would be able to add the additional parking spaces required or would be reducing the square footage of the building. Mr. Tarpley indicated they have proposed four cars per thousand and would cut down the square footage of the building to provide the additional parking spaces if necessary. He also noted that he is working with Staff on the setbacks to determine whether more parking can be added without having to reduce the square footage of the building. Council Member Gunn commented that she feels the City does need a medical office building that brings medical providers to the community. . Council Member Marty indicated he would like to be able to require that the building be used for medical uses. He then said that the City needs an urgent care. He further commented that all too often the proposal that comes before Council and what actually happens are two different things. Mounds View City Council May 12, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 9 • Mr. Tarpley indicated he does have one lease out to a medical practitioner but he is not comfortable releasing the name at this time. Council Member Stigney commented that this change would be a win win for the developer and not for the City and he would like to stick with the original PUD. Ayes - 3 Nays - 2(Stigney/Marty) Motion carried. Mayor Linke closed the public hearing at 7:55 p.m. B. Public Hearing, Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 711, an Ordinance Amending the Mounds View Zoning Code Pertaining to Pawnshops. Mayor Linke opened the public hearing at 7:55 p.m. Interim City Administrator Ericson indicated the City Council adopted an interim ordinance to allow time for the City to research and draft zoning and licensing regulations for pawnshops within the City of Mounds View. Interim City Administrator Ericson indicated the Planning Commission has researched and discussed at numerous meetings the various concerns and issues involved with pawnshops and has drafted two ordinances for Council consideration. Interim City Administrator Ericson indicated that the issue is of such concern to residents that he would recommend that Council discuss the ordinances at a work session prior to taking action on the ordinances. He then said that the major issue is where to locate the pawnshop. Council Member Marty indicated he has had a number of calls on the proposed pawnshop ordinances and he would like to continue the discussions at a work session after hearing public comments of those in attendance at this public hearing. David Jahnke of 8428 Eastwood Road asked what kind of revenue pawnshops would bring to the City and what kind of businesses would like to be located next to them. Interim City Administrator Ericson indicated that the tax base revenue is the same as any other commercial business but there is a question as to whether there would be a net loss to the City on fees charged for the additional policing and monitoring required by the pawnshop. Interim City Administrator Ericson indicated the other businesses within Mounds View Square have said that they are not happy about a proposed pawnshop. • Mr. Jahnke agreed that the matter should be tabled for further research and discussion. Mounds View City Council May 12, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 10 Mayor Linke asked for Chief Sommer's opinion on pawnshops. Chief Sommer indicated that there is extra police work involved when the community has a pawnshop but said that the ordinance requires the automated pawn system which is a database that each person pawning an item is entered into to make investigation easier. Chin Veck representing the frame shop in Mounds View Square indicated that they are very upset that a pawnshop would be locating next to his store. He then said that he was told a nice jewelry store would be locating next to him and was never told it was a pawnshop. Richard Sonterre of 5060 Red Oak Drive indicated he had made a lot of comments at the Planning Commission meeting and had submitted a letter to Council. He then said that he feels the possibility of an overlay zoning district needs further consideration and noted that Robbinsdale recently created a successful overlay district. Mr. Sonterre indicated that he would prefer the overlay district to be north of State Highway 10 to keep pawnshops away from schools, malls, churches and residential areas. He then said that he does not know if there is enough land to accomplish the pawnshop in that geographic location but he would like to see them limited to that area. • Mr. Sonterre commented that the City has spent a lot of money on planning for updating the corridor and a set of criteria was set forward for guiding redevelopment. The number one thing was improving safety but the next most important was to create a center of the City that was a place for residents to gather and he does not feel that adding a pawnshop to Mounds View Square is appropriate. He then asked that Council determine a geographic location for the pawnshop that does not have a negative impact on the center of the City. Mayor Linke expressed concerns with overlay district and indicated there are strict requirements that must be made. He then asked Staff to review the incident in Hopkins where the city ran into trouble with trying to create an overlay district. Mr. Sonterre indicated that Maplewood has successfully executed an overlay district. Council Member Marty indicated that NW Youth and Family Services has expressed concern with having a pawnshop located next to Penny Pinchers as that is a business that works with children on the edge in an attempt to reform them and having that type of business could provide a negative impact for those kids. Council Member Gunn asked whether the owner of the frame shop had contacted Paster Enterprises concerning the pawnshop. Mr. Veck indicated he was out of town and received the news through a cell phone call. He then • said he has talked to Commissioner Zwirn and given him his opinion. He then said that they just took over the business March 5, 2003 and are struggling and the pawnshop is very bad news for them. Mounds View City Council May 12, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 11 • Mr. Sonterre commented that two Planning Commission meetings ago there was a representative from Paster Enterprises that had said that all tenants were aware and no one had expressed negative opinions. The district manager for Petters then addressed the Commission and indicated that they were not aware and did have an issue with a pawnshop locating in the mall. He then said that he would be behind Council in any attempts to hold Paster Enterprises more accountable for what happens within that mall. Colleen Miller, the supervisor at Penny Pinchers indicated that at the last merchant's meeting they were told there were prospects for coming into the vacant spaces in the mall but they are never told who or what type of business. She then said that they are concerned that a pawnshop could bring a negative element to the mall and confirmed that they did not know a pawnshop was coming to the mall until today. Mayor Linke closed the public hearing at 8:24 p.m. Council Member Stigney indicated he would like to defer discussion on this matter for further research and discussion into a district for pawnshops and similar types of businesses. Council Member Quick asked how much time was left on the eight-month time frame. • Interim City Administrator Ericson indicated the eight months would expire sometime in September but the City can extend another year, if necessary. Mayor Linke indicated he thought that the City had instituted an overlay district for adult bookstores and asked Staff to research the matter. Interim City Administrator Ericson indicated that adult uses are listed in a specific zoning district but there is no overlay district. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Gunn. To Table Ordinance 712 and Ordinance 713 to the Work Session on June 2, 2003. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. C. Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 712, an Ordinance Amending Title 500 of the Mounds View Municipal Code by Adding a New Chapter 516 to Regulate the Operations of Pawnshops in the City of Mounds View. This item was tabled. D. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 713, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 603 of the Mounds View Municipal Code Pertaining to Garbage and Rubbish. Mounds View City Council May 12, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 12 Public Works Director Lee indicated that Staff made changes to the Ordinance to include biweekly collection being permissible provided that single sort and a container equal to or larger than the garbage container be provided. Council Member Stigney asked about collection for apartment buildings. Public Works Director Lee indicated that Staff would come back with further information on garbage concerning single day pick up and other issues at a later time. He then said to be consistent with the SCORE grant apartment buildings must recycle. Council Member Marty indicated he did not feel that it was necessary to take action for one hauler on one issue at this time. Council Member Stigney agreed. Council Member Quick asked if there would there be any adverse affects for making this alteration from the City's perspective. Public Works Director Lee indicated there would not be. • Council Member Marty commented that other haulers could drop back to bi-weekly collection if this is approved. Mayor Linke indicated that is why the change was made to require single sort recycling. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Gunn. To Waive the Reading, Approve the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 713, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 603 of the Mounds View Municipal Code Pertaining to Garbage and Rubbish. Council Member Stigney indicated he did not see a rush to approve this at this time. Interim City Administrator Ericson read Ordinance 713. Ayes - 2 Nays - 3(Stigney/Marty/Gunny Motion failed. ROLL CALL: Gunn/Stigney/Marty/Quick/Linke. E. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 714, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 405 of the Mounds View Municipal Code Pertaining to the Parks and Recreation Commission. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Marty. To Waive the Reading, Approve the Second Reading and • Adopt Ordinance 714, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 405 of the Mounds View Municipal Code Pertaining to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Mounds View City Council May 12, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 13 Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. ROLL CALL: Stigney/Marty/Quick/Gunn/Linke. F. First Reading and Introduction of Ordinance 715, an Ordinance Amending Title 1000 of the Mounds View Municipal Code Entitled Building and Development Regulations. • Interim City Administrator Ericson indicated that this was discussed at a work session and these are changes responding to state changes with the International Building Codes and other minor changes brought forward by the Fire Marshall. Council Member Marty asked what reserved stands for. Interim City Administrator Ericson indicated it allows the City to keep the same numbers rather than renumbering. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Stigney. To Waive the reading, Introduce the First Reading and Approve Ordinance 715, an Ordinance Amending Title 1000 of the Mounds View Municipal Code Entitled Building and Development Regulations. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. G. 2004 Street Improvement Project -Resolution No. 6010, Authorizing the Preparation of a Preliminary Feasibility Report and Consultant Selection. Public Works Director Lee indicated that the first step of the 2004 street improvement project is to approve the feasibility report and authorize BRAA. Council Member Marty asked whether it would be necessary to send out an RFP. Public Works Director Lee indicated that the City has a pool of consultants and previous work with BRAA indicates that they are competitive. Mayor Linke indicated that the bidding process would delay this project by six weeks. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6010, Authorizing the Preparation of a Preliminary Feasibility Report and Consultant Selection. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. H. Police Administrative Assistant, Senior Clerk Typist Positions 1. Resolution 6013, Appointing Linda Meyer to a Vacancy in the Police Department Mounds View City Council May 12, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 14 • MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Marty. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolutions 6013 and 6014, Appointing Linda Meyer to a Vacancy in the Police Department and Appointing Kathy Bednar to the Position of Police Senior Clerk Typist. Council Member Stigney indicated he has asked at a previous Council meeting and discussed this with the Attorney off the record whether the Police Civil Service Commission acted in accordance with state statute. City Attorney Riggs indicated that the purely legal answer is no. He then explained that there are steps required by the statute and one of those is competitive examinations. He then indicated that there are a number of other cities that do not entirely follow that process but that does not make it right for the City to do. He further commented that the purely legal answer is that the City needs to conduct competitive examinations for any appointment that happens. City Attorney Riggs indicated that, based on Attorney General opinions, competitive examinations are required. Mayor Linke asked how a competitive examination would be possible with this City. • City Attorney Riggs indicated the practical answer is that it does not work for a department of this size and so the City would then need to have the position open for anyone to apply. He further commented that the statute does not work for this department. City Attorney Riggs commented that the reality is that the City should have had an examination and roster done for a position that it did not know it was going to fill. He then said the level of staff time to assist the Civil Service Commission would be astronomical and beyond the benefits of doing that. Mayor Linke indicated that, if the City had no Police Civil Service Commission, the City could do hiring based on other positions within the City. City Attorney Riggs agreed. Council Member Stigney asked whether the policy states that the City will advertise and point the positions. Interim City Administrator Ericson indicated that the policy states that the City will fill from within whenever practical. City Attorney Riggs indicated there is no statutory requirement to post any position within the City but said it is a good idea in most cases. Council Member Stigney indicated the job should be posted somewhere. Mounds View City Council May 12, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 15 Interim City Administrator Ericson indicated that there is no one to post the job to other than those referenced in the resolution. Council Member Gunn asked whether they were both in positions temporarily and now Council is making them permanent. City Attorney Riggs indicated that the temporary positions could not last longer than 30 days. He then said that it is not practical for the way this department operates and the size of the department makes the statute extremely burdensome. Council Member Marty indicated he is concerned with the power the Commission has to incur expenses for which the City has to pay. Council Member Marty commented that he feels both individuals are excellent employees. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Council Member Stigney abstained from voting as he was not prepared to vote at this time. 2. Resolution 6014 Handled with previous item. I. Resolution 6011, Approval to Proceed with the Department of Justice Universal Hiring Grant Program for Two New Police Officers. Chief Sommer indicated the grant application was due by June 6, 2003 and noted that it required a 25% matching grant from the City. Mayor Linke thanked Chief Sommer for the report and indicated it answered his questions. Council Member Marty indicated that he wishes the City could afford to hire two new officers but, due to budget constraints, the City cannot incur the expense of more employees. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Gunn. To approve Resolution 6011, Approval to Proceed with the Department of Justice Universal Hiring Grant Program for Two New Police Officers. Council Member Stigney indicated the City does not know what funding it will have for this year or next year. He then indicated that the City would need to absorb the full cost of those employees after three years and he cannot support this until the funding issue is resolved. Council Member Gunn asked what happens if the City receives the grant and cannot fund the 25%. Mounds View City Council May 12, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 16 • Chief Sommer indicated he did not want to proceed unless there is a commitment by the Council to proceed as there is a lot of work involved with submitting the grant application. Mayor Linke read an excerpt from Chief Sommer's memo outlining that there is a two to four hour period every day that there is one officer on patrol and that number drops to zero if the officer has to transport someone to jail. He then said that having one officer on duty poses a significant safety threat as there are certain types of calls that protocol suggests a minimum number of two officers respond to. Mayor Linke indicated he understood the need for being fiscally prudent but said he feels the City needs to look at the health, safety, and welfare of its residents and he feels the police department is short staffed and is not doing the job for residents. Council Member Stigney indicated this would be an opportunity to restructure the police department so that does not have that problem. Council Member Marty indicated the issue had been raised by the previous Chief and Deputy Chief but the force is as lean as it can be. Council Member Quick asked if there would be any retirees within the three-year timeframe. i Chief Sommer indicated there is the potential for three retirements within this time. Ayes - 3 Nays - 2(Stigney/Marty) Motion carried. 10. REPORTS Council Member Quick asked whether there would be a discussion of priorities. Mayor Linke indicated that the discussions would occur at another meeting. Council Member Marty asked for an update on the soundwall issue. Interim City Administrator Ericson indicated that Public Works Director Lee is working on that issue with MNDOT and the League of Minnesota Cities for alternative funding sources. He then said that MNDOT pledged $30,000 of seed money but that is not nearly enough to build the wall. He further commented that Staff is looking at adding a berm north of LaPorte Meadows. Council Member Stigney indicated he was copied on a response from Senator Betzhold indicating there is no MNDOT funding. Council Member Marty asked for an update on the surveying of the County Highway 10 corridor • to determine whether there would be any other issues such as the tree in front of the Mermaid. Interim City Administrator Ericson indicated that item is on his list. Mounds View City Council May 12, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 17 Council Member Marty asked for an update on the billboards at the golf course. Interim City Administrator Ericson indicated that he checks the Supreme Court website and has seen nothing yet. Council Member Quick asked if it would be possible to send a letter to the Commissioner of Transportation and ask that the situation be pulled back from the Supreme Court and reviewed. City Attorney Riggs indicated that would be possible. Council Member Quick asked Staff to do so. Council Member Marty commented that he is concerned that the Police Civil Service Commission has the power that it does and the Commissioners are appointed not elected for multiple years. He further commented that he is concerned that the Commission has power over the entire police department that supersedes the City Council. Council Member Quick indicated the City Council does the hiring. . Council Member Stigney had no report. Council Member Gunn indicated that she and Mayor Linke attended the DARE graduation at Pinewood. Council Member Marty indicated the Mounds View Lions are having a golf tournament at The Bridges Saturday and there are still tee time available. Mayor Linke indicated there would be several contests with prizes and the cost is $56.00 for a pair of golfers including tee time, cart rental and meal. Council Member Quick asked if a date had been set to discuss the Council priorities. Mayor Linke indicated that it could be discussed at the special meeting. Mayor Linke indicated he would like to discuss the Police Civil Service Commission at the next work session. Mayor Linke indicated he has two applications for the open seat on the Commission but has not recommended an appointment as there are issues with the Commission. Council Member Quick indicated the purist definition of what Council is saying is that the Police • Civil Service Commission does not fit this type of government. He then said that the Commission recognizes that and agrees with Council. Mounds View City Council May 12, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 18 • Interim City Administrator Ericson indicated that there would be an all staff meeting Wednesday, May 14, 2003 to discuss long and short-term disability insurance. Interim City Administrator Ericson announced that Staff is working with the Fire Department to provide scenario training on two City-owned houses and noted that demolition costs are significantly lower if the site has been burned. Interim City Administrator Ericson indicated that the City cannot prohibit guns on its property but can create a policy for employees as well as provide regulations requiring that establishments with a liquor license issued by the City not allow guns. Interim City Administrator Ericson indicated he received a report from LELS and they want to begin negotiating on the 2003 contract. He then said that he does not have the experience or time to negotiate the labor contract and asked for authorization to bring in a labor relations firm. Mayor Linke agreed but said he would prefer to use someone other than Labor Relations. Interim City Administrator Ericson indicated he received a response from Labor Relations regarding the AFSCME letter council received. He then handed out a memo. • Council Member Stigney indicated that it seemed to him at a previous just and claims there was a billing for Stanton and in this one there was another billing. Council Member Many indicated he had asked Finance Director Hansen that question and was told that the City is required to supply reporting data for Stanton and did not have the time to do so. He then said that Labor Relations had all of the information necessary to complete the report and did so at a cost of $294.00. Interim City Administrator Ericson indicated the report is well over 100 pages. Mayor Linke indicated that Arden Hills sent a letter concerning the TCAAP property and does not want to see it utilized as a new location for the postal service. He then said that there is a meeting on May 21, 2003 at 5:30 at Arden Hills City Hall to discuss the matter and he will attempt to attend. 11. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. City Council Minutes Apri128, 2003 Council Member Marty requested the following changes: On Page 5, Line 8 insert the word "but". On Page 11, Line 5, add a space. On Page 12, Line 2 correct spelling of Fulton. • Council Member Gunn asked that the spelling of Gammell be corrected throughout the document. Mounds View City Council May 12, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 19 L~ MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Stigney. To Approve the City Council Minutes of Apri128, 2003, as Amended. Ayes - 5 12. Next Council Work Session: Next Special Council Meeting: Next Council Meeting: Nays - 0 Motion carried. Monday, June 2, 2003 Monday, May 19, 2003 Monday, May 12, 2003 13. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Linke adjourned the meeting at 9:27 p.m. Transcribed and recorded by: Joan Lenzmeier Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. •