Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2003/09/08 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Regular Meeting September 8, 2003 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:00 P.M. 11 12 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 13 14 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 15 16 3. ROLL CALL: Linke, Quick (absent), Marty, Stigney, and Gunn 17 18 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 19 20 A. Monday, September 8, 2003 City Council Agenda. 21 2 Community Development Director Ericson requested that item 9H be removed from the agenda. 3 24 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Stigney. To Approve the Monday, September 8, 2003 Agenda as 25 Presented. 26 27 Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 28 29 5. PUBLIC INPUT 30 31 William Werner of 2765 Sherwood Road addressed Council and asked whether Members had 32 read the article he had given them last time on the wisdom of living more efficiently. 33 34 Mayor Linke indicated he found it interesting. 35 36 Mr. Werner indicated he would look for a frame to put it in and hang up. He then gave a copy of 37 the article to Finance Director Hansen since the budget is on the agenda for discussion. 38 39 Richard Wollins addressed Council and indicated that he owns 2661 and 2663 County Road I 4o and reviewed the history of his dealings with the City. In April of 1990 he came to the City and 41 asked to build the building and did not request TIF at that time they had the engineering stamp of 42 approval and signed a development agreement. On August 22, 1991 and April 1, 1990 there was 43 fire sprinkler approval and they met the terms of the City. On Apri123, 1994 the building was `4 re-inspected and found more than adequate. 45 PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Mounds View City Council September 8, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 2 1 Mr. Wollins indicated there was an issue because Burger King had been built without fire 2 protection so he worked out an agreement with the City that he would put in a six inch watermain 3 and a fireplug to assist with any fires at Burger King. He then said that the City of Mounds View 4 has been nothing but gracious and kind with helping him and he thanked but said he now needs 5 help. 7 Mr. Wollins indicated that he is selling the business to his manager over a five year time period 8 so the business requested a fire inspection on December 4, 2000 and on December 14, 2000 it 9 was found that the system had not been tested for 18 months, there was toilet paper in the utility l0 room, an extension cord in the building and a bike too close to the electrical box. On December 11 24, 2000 all requests were complied with. After that Summit Fire Protection was hired to do an 12 inspection and test of the sprinkler and he was told that additional sprinklers were needed within 13 the building. 14 15 Mr. Wollins indicated that it is ridiculous to think that his building needs more sprinklers 16 because if there is no one at that building within 7 minutes the building turns into an aquarium so 1~ he said he would not do it. The fire marshal indicated that either the job be given to Summit Fire 18 Protection or he would prosecute for the violations and that was done. He then said he paid 19 $140.00 in fines and $1,097 to update the sprinkler systems. 20 21 Mr. Wollins indicated that as a former councilman it seems strange that a City Attorney would ~2 prosecute for so few violations. He then said the reason he is here now is they want to come in 23 and inspect the building again and it is too much. His renters are saying they want to move out 24 of Mounds View because this is too much harassment. He further indicated that he wants to 25 follow the rules and regulations of the City and be a good businessman but the City is driving 26 him out. He also indicated that his business is dropping off and his taxes are going up and asked 27 Council to help him stay in Mounds View. 28 29 David Jahnke of 8428 Eastwood Road indicated he and the Mayor had spoken briefly prior to the 3o meeting concerning the Community Center and he does not understand the subsidy. 31 32 Mayor Linke indicated he is looking into the matter and could provide further information at a 33 later time. 34 35 Mr. Jahnke indicated he is getting concerned about what is going on with the building inspector 36 and he feels there is a vendetta and things are being taken to the extreme. He then said that there 37 have been cases other than this one and he is beginning to wonder about the qualifications of this 38 person that is doing this. He further commented that there is a concern and enough trouble with 39 the businesses on Highway 10 and he thinks someone should look into the qualifications of this 4o person. 41 42 Mr. Jahnke indicated he is also concerned about the budget. 3 4 Mayor Linke asked Mr. Ulrich to follow up on the concerns raised. 45 Mounds View City Council September 8, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 3 1 David Vinkstra of 8000 County Road H2 asked when the landscaping and paving of H2 was 2 going to be done. 3 4 Public Works Director Lee indicated that the work is underway right now and they are restoring 5 the boulevards and grading for the pathway. 6 7 Mr. Vinkstra asked what was going to be done with the mosquito pond next door to him and 8 whether it would be landscaped in any way or just remain a weed center. 9 10 Public Works Director Lee indicated that it would be restored as part of the H2 project he then 11 said there is a good probability that it will go away if the Woods of Mounds View proceeds. 12 13 Mr. Vinkstra asked if the City was aware that there are wetlands back there and they are 14 protected areas that cannot be disturbed. 15 16 Mayor Linke indicated the City is aware of that. 17 18 Mr. Vinkstra indicated they have come before Council previously with their opposition to this 19 project and said that every neighbor is adamantly against that development as it destroys the 20 environment. He then said that if anyone goes near the wetland the neighbors intend to pool their ~1 money and get an injunction against the City. 2 23 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 24 25 None. 26 27 7. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS 28 29 A. Just and Correct Claims 30 31 Council Member Many asked whether Check Number 111641 for roof repair in the amount of 32 $196.00 is covered by insurance. 33 34 Finance Director Hansen indicated he is waiting to make sure all the invoices related to that 35 claim have been received and they will all be submitted at the same time. 36 37 Council Member Marty asked for clarification of Check Number 111668. 38 39 Finance Director Hansen explained that the City did soil borings and Mr. Fyksen paid 1/3 of the 4o cost but the developer has now reimbursed the City for those costs and the City is reimbursing 41 Mr. Fyksen. 42 ~3 Council Member Marty commented that Check Number111695 4 seems out of line for tires. 4 45 Public Works Director Lee indicated the tires were for aone-ton truck. Mounds View City Council September 8, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 4 ~1 2 Council Member Marty asked whether Check Number 111704 to repair the sprinkler damage due 3 to lightening would be included in the insurance claim. 4 5 Finance Director Hansen indicated that everything related to the lightening strike will be 6 submitted. 7 8 Council Member Gunn asked what Check Number 111674 for grouting was for. 9 1o Public Works Director Lee indicated that was for the grouting of an eight inch pipe and six joints 11 on Sunnyside Road and nine joints on Bono Road to fill cracks. 12 13 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Gunn. To Approve Just and Correct Claims as Presented. 14 15 Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 16 17 8. CONSENT AGENDA 18 19 A. Licenses for Approval 20 B. Resolution No. 6084, Approving the Contract Award for Corrective Work on the 21 HVAC System at the Community Center ~2 C. Resolution No. 6085, Approving the Purchase of Replacement Asphalt Roller 23 D. Resolution No. 6086, Authorization to Install Stop Signs at the Intersection of 24 Quincy Street and Woodale Drive 25 E. Resolution No. 6089, Approving the Contract for Golf Course Security System 26 F. Resolution No. 6093, Appointing Bruce Meehan to a Vacant Position in the 27 Streets Division of Public Works 28 G. Set a Public Hearing for Monday, September 22, 2003 at 7:05 p.m. to Consider 29 the Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 720, an Ordinance to 3o Comprehensively Rezone Parcels Zoned PF 31 H. Set a Public Hearing for Monday, September 22, 2003 at 7:10 p.m. to Consider 32 the Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 721, an Ordinance Amending 33 Chapter 1116 Regarding Permitted Uses Within the I-1, Industrial Zoning District 34 I. Postpone a Public Hearing to Receive Public Input and Pass Upon a Special 35 Assessment Levy for Delinquent Public Utility Accounts from 7:05 p.m. on 36 Monday September 22, 2003 to 7:05 Monday, October 13, 2003 37 J. Postpone a Public Hearing to Receive Public Input and Pass Upon a Special 38 Assessment Levy for County Road H2 Street Improvement Project from 7:10 pm 39 on Monday, September 22, 2003 to 7:10 p.m. on Monday, October 13, 2003 4o K. Postpone a Public Hearing to Receive Public Input and Pass Upon a Special 41 Assessment Levy for Diseased Tree Removals from 7:10 p.m. on Monday, 42 September 22, 2003 to 7:15 p.m. on Monday, October 13, 2003 ~3 L. Resolution No. 6099, Purchase of a Power Point Projector for the Police 4 Department Mounds View City Council September 8, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 5 1 M. Establish an Executive Session Immediately after City Council Meeting to 2 Discuss Union Negotiations 3 4 Council Member Stigney requested that Items E and F be removed for discussion. 5 6 Council Member Marty requested that Item L be removed for discussion. 7 8 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Stigney. To Approve Consent Agenda Items A, B, C, D, G, H, I, J, 9 K and M as Presented. 10 11 Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 12 13 Council Member Stigney indicated he did not receive copies of the bid from Electro watchman. 14 15 Golf Course Manager Burg indicated she would make copies and provide them to Council. 16 17 Council Member Stigney requested that Resolution 6093 be read. 18 19 MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Many. To Approve Resolution 6093, Appointing Bruce Meehan 20 to a Vacant Position in the Streets Division of Public Works. 21 ~2 Mayor Linke read a portion of Resolution 6093 and indicated that Mr. Cardell worked for the 23 City for 27 years and he is retiring and will be sorely missed. 24 25 Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 26 27 Council Member Marty indicated that the Police Department had asked the Lions for assistance 28 with purchasing a power point projector and the Lions agreed to provide the $1,800 for the 29 projector. He then said he wanted to recognize the Lions for helping the City. 30 31 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Stigney. To Approve Resolution 6099, Authorizing the Purchase of 32 a Power Point Projector for the Police Department. 33 34 Council Member Stigney thanked the Lions. 35 36 Chief Sommer thanked the Lions for the support of the Police Department and said this 37 equipment would be very helpful for the City and shared among the other departments. 38 39 Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 40 41 Golf Course Manager Burg reviewed how she came to choose Electro watchman indicating that 42 they are reputable and she has used them in previous locations and they are willing to put the ~3 alarm system in at their expense and the price is less for monitoring annually. 4 Mounds View City Council September 8, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 6 1 Council Member M indicated he was concerned that the contract does not have an exit clause ~' 2 if it fails as the last one did and the City wants to terminate the contract. 4 Golf Course Manager Burg indicated she had asked about an exit clause and was told that it will 5 take the company five years to break even on installation costs but if there is an issue they are 6 willing to sit at the table and discuss it. 8 Council Member Many asked if there is any video monitoring. 9 1o Golf Course Manager Burg indicated that video monitoring is not included in this system. She 11 then said she had gone to ADT to view video monitoring systems but that is an entirely separate 12 system and would cost another $3,000 to $4,000 so she did not do any further research into the 13 matter. 14 15 Council Member Stigney asked what the difference in the two sheets was. 16 17 Golf Course Manager Burg indicated that the maintenance garage and club house have to be 18 separate systems because they are too far apart for low voltage wire to be on the same system. 19 20 Council Member Stigney commented that video cameras are inexpensive. 21 ~2 Golf Course Manager Burg indicated that none of the security systems have video. She then said 23 that the quality of the type of system from Sam's did not have enough resolution to recognize 24 people for identification and they cannot be seen at night when most incidents occur. 25 26 Council Member Stigney indicated that the system could activate video. 27 28 Mayor Linke indicated that the Lions have video at one establishment and for one camera and 29 cable to set it up it was $3,000 for high quality video. 30 31 Golf Course Manager Burg indicated that if it gets to the point that the City feels the budget can 32 handle video surveillance she would need to do a lot of shopping to determine the best system for 33 the best cost but she has not done so at this time. 34 35 .Council Member Stigney asked whether Staff was assured that this system will handle the needs 36 at the course given the fact that the current system recently failed. 37 38 Golf Course Manager Burg indicated that after the last problem the system is set up to call 39 Ramsey County Dispatch rather than the clubhouse. 40 41 Council Member Stigney asked how quickly the monitoring company would respond to a break 42 in. ~~ Mounds View City Council September 8, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 7 1 Golf Course Manager Burg indicated she had Electro watchman in New Brighton and they were 2 very responsive but she also explained that burglars are in and out quickly before the police can 3 respond to the area. 4 5 Council Member Stigney indicated he did not see anything in the contract concerning a 6 timeframe for responding to a break-in alarm. 7 8 Golf Course Manager Burg indicated that Ramsey County Dispatch is first on the list to be called 9 and they would send an officer to the location as quickly as possible. to 11 Council Member Stigney indicated that the company would have no liability and there is no 12 warranty or anything. 13 14 Golf Course Manager Burg indicated that they own the system and warranty it and will cover all 15 parts and workmanship. She then clarified that they do not cover damages or losses if there is a 16 break in and the alarm system works. 17 18 Council Member Stigney indicated the City is installing a brand new system based on the fact 19 that it will do something for the City but if it fails there is no exit clause for the City and he is 20 concerned with that. 21 ~2 Mayor Linke indicated there is a clause for liability for a limit of $250. 23 24 Council Member Stigney asked what happens in a power failure. 25 26 Golf Course Manager Burg indicated that there is battery back up in a power failure. 27 28 Golf Course Manager Burg indicated that after discussing what happened with other vendors she 29 said they feel the City would have a valid lawsuit but the amount of money to pursue it is not 3o worth what was lost. 31 32 City Administrator Ulrich indicated he would look into writing language into the contract to 33 provide an out for the City in the event of system failures. 34 35 MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Many. To Approve Resolution 6089 Approving the Contract for 36 the Golf Course Security System With the Condition that There is an Exit Clause Added. 37 3s Mayor Linke asked for clarification of the conditions of approval. 39 4o Council Member Stigney indicated he wanted an exit clause added to the contract to allow the 41 City the option of terminating the contract if the system proves to be inadequate for the City's 42 needs or fails for some reason. 3 4 Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 45 Mounds View City Council September 8, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 8 1 9. COUNCIL BUSINESS 2 3 A. Resolution No. 6088, Approving the Contract Award for the County Road H 4 Sidewalk Project. 5 6 Public Works Director Lee addressed Council and provided a brief overview of the project costs 7 giving Council four options for proceeding with the sidewalk project and asking for direction on 8 how to proceed. 9 l0 Council Member Marty commented that Option four leaving out the Spring Creek crossing does 11 not seem to make sense. He then suggested a sidewalk from Silver Lake Road to the western 12 City limits. 13 14 Public Works Director Lee asked if that suggestion would include crossing Spring Creek. 15 16 Council Member Marty indicated that it would. 17 18 Mayor Linke indicated that the engineer's estimate missed $40,000 worth of retaining walls that 19 they should have been aware of. He then said he is disappointed with the handling of this project 20 by the engineer as he does not feel the City received an accurate estimate of costs. 21 ~2 Council Member Marty indicated that SEH has worked with Rice Creek so they should be 23 familiar with requirements and this should not have taken them by surprise the way it did. 24 25 Council Member Stigney asked that based on the financial factors of the City and his engineering 26 expertise what the Staff recommendation would be. 27 28 Public Works Director Lee indicated that from an engineering standpoint he would recommend 29 Option Three and that is why he added Option Four as a cost saving measure. 30 31 Mayor Linke asked whether a bridge over the creek would be less expensive. 32 33 Public Works Director Lee indicated he would need to research the matter but said the City 34 would not be allowed to fill in any of the area going into Spring Creek and the soils will not 35 support a concrete wall as in the original proposal. 36 37 Public Works Director Lee suggested approval of Option Four as it allows for change orders. 38 39 Mayor Linke indicated that if this is done he would like to do it in its entirety but look at areas 4o where the City could save money, if possible. 41 42 Council Member Stigney indicated there have been issues with the bridge at the golf course and ~3 he does not want to have a similar type of situation here. 4 Mounds View City Council September 8, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 9 • 1 Council Member Gunn indicated she was torn between Options Three and Four and asked 2 whether doing it in two sections was an issue or whether they would both be done at the same 3 time. 4 5 Public Works Director Lee indicated this company is known for efficiency and how quickly they 6 put in sidewalks. He then said he has contacted other cities that have worked with this contractor 7 and they are very efficient. 8 9 MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6088 to Approving the Contract Award for the County Road H Sidewalk Project with Option Four. 11 12 Council Member Marty indicated he would like further information and asked whether there was 13 an issue with timing on this project. 14 15 Public Works Director Lee indicated that there were time constraints as the contractor is 16 scheduled to begin work on September 22, 2003. 17 18 Council Member Many asked whether the amounts covered pole relocations. 19 20 Public Works Director Lee indicated that it did. 21 ~2 Council Member Marty indicated that he is against duplication of service because there is a 23 sidewalk/pathway on a good share of this section on the other side of the street and there are 24 areas that have no sidewalk on either side of the street. He then suggested Option Six which 25 would be from Silver Lake Road to the Western City Limits. 26 27 Mayor Linke indicated that does not solve the problem of getting kids to school safely by moving 28 the kids on the sidewalk closer to the school where crossing guards are available. 29 30 Council Member Stigney withdrew his motion. 31 32 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6088, 33 Approving the Contract Award for the County Road H Sidewalk Project from Silver Lake Road 34 to the Western City Limits Spanning the Creek Without Putting in all the Metal Sheeting if 35 Possible. 36 37 Public Works Director Lee indicated this would award the contract for the alternate bid and add 38 the rest as a change order. 39 40 Mayor Linke indicated he would be voting against this as he feels it is needed all the way 41 through. 42 ~3 Council Member Gunn indicated she would like the County to come out and talk to them about 4 redoing some of the crosswalks and explain why the City cannot have lights or stop signs to stop 45 traffic flow along there. Mounds View City Council September 8, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 10 ~1 2 Public Works Director Lee indicated that Staff is working with the County on that and 3 recommends flashing lights and allowing a crosswalk at Silver Lake Road. 4 5 Council Member Stigney asked whether anyone has looked at the grant that was available for 6 trails within the City and whether it was applied for. 7 8 Public Works Director Lee indicated he had not but said he has looked into DNR grants for 9 trailways and has not been successful. to 11 Mayor Linke asked Council Member Stigney to provide the information to Staff on the grant. 12 13 Ayes - 3 Nays - 1(Linke) Motion carried. 14 15 B. Resolution No. 6087 Approving a Seasonal Public Works Position in the 16 Sewer Division. 17 18 Public Works Director Lee reviewed his staff report with Council indicating that hiring a 19 seasonal employee for 11 to 12 weeks would save the City money and allow for more work to be 20 done on the City's sewer system. 21 ~L2 Public Works Director Lee indicated that the requirements of the NPDES permit is really 23 stretching the manpower of the City and they are behind in sewer cleaning since they are trying to 24 stretch manpower by taking on the whole new system looking at a storm sewer that has not been 25 looked at for 40 years. 26 27 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6087, 28 Approving a Seasonal Public Works Position in the Sewer Division. 29 3o Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 31 32 C. Public Hearing, First Reading and Consideration of Ordinance 718, 33 Implementing a Franchise Tax on Xcel Energy Electric and Natural Gas 34 Operations within the City of Mounds View for the Year 2004. 35 36 Mayor Linke opened the public hearing at 8:03 p.m. 37 38 Finance Director Hansen indicated the City has had a franchise fee on natural gas and electric 39 service since 1993 which is 4% and it has been the practice of the City to annually renew this 40 franchise fee and include a sunset provision to require renewal. 41 42 Finance Director Hansen estimated that this franchise tax would raise $384,000 in the coming ~3 year and is to be split 50% to the general fund and 50% to the street improvement fund. 44 45 Mayor Linke indicated he never agreed with the sunset clause and would like to remove that. Mounds View City Council September 8, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 11 ~1 2 Council Member Marty indicated he is comfortable with the sunset clause as years go by Council 3 members change and economics change and another Council may want to end the franchise fee. 4 5 Council Member Stigney indicated that he would like to leave the sunset clause in the ordinance 6 because he feels residents should be told each year where the money comes from and where it ~ goes and he would like the option of ending the franchise fee at some point if that is possible. He 8 then commented that he would also like to look at closing TIF districts or specific parcels within 9 TIF districts to bring them back onto the tax rolls. 10 11 Council Member Gunn indicated she would like to leave the sunset clause in the ordinance. 12 13 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Gunn. To Waive the Reading, Introduce the First Reading and 14 Approve Ordinance 718, an Ordinance Implementing a Franchise Tax on Xcel Energy Electric 15 and Natural Gas Operations within the City of Mounds View for the Year 2004. 16 17 Ayes - 3 Nays - 1(Linke) Motion carried. 18 19 Mayor Linke closed the public hearing at 8:12 p.m. 20 21 D. Public Hearing, First Reading and Consideration of Ordinance 719, ~2 Implementing a Franchise Tax on Reliant Energy Natural Gas Operations 23 Within the City of Mounds View for the Year 2004. 24 25 Mayor Linke opened the public hearing at 8:13 p.m. 26 27 Finance Director Hansen indicated this ordinance is the companion piece to the first one as there 28 are a handful of properties within the City of Mounds View that are provided with natural gas by 29 Reliant Energy. 30 31 Mayor Linke closed the public hearing at 8:14 p.m. 32 33 MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Stigney. To Waive the Reading, Introduce the First Reading and 34 Approve Ordinance 719, an Ordinance Implementing a Franchise Tax on Reliant Energy Natural 35 Gas Operations Within the City of Mounds View for the Year 2004. 36 37 Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 38 39 E. Resolution No. 6091, Authorizing Certification of a Proposed General Fund 4o Budget and Property Tax Levy for Fiscal Year 2004. 41 42 Finance Director Hansen indicated the City has a requirement under state law to pass a 3 preliminary budget and property tax levy by September 15, 2003. He then indicated that Staff ~4 and Council have been working on the budget throughout the summer and noted that the state cut 45 the City's LGA by $456,000 and imposed rather strict limits on property tax levy allowing Mounds View City Council September 8, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 12 1 nothing for inflation and only allowing the City to levy for 60% of the amount of lost LGA and a 2 few special levies. 4 Finance Director Hansen indicated that the budget as presented does assume that the City will 5 levy for lost LGA and a special levy to raise funds for two police officer positions for a total levy 6 increase of 12.75%. 8 Finance Director Hansen indicated he went through and eliminated certain activities detailed at 9 last week's work session the most prominent was seal coating for $110,000 because the streets 1 o do not benefit from seal coating at this time. 11 12 Finance Director Hansen indicated the Staff went through supply and contractual accounts 13 .throughout the budgets and cut out any un-used amounts and anything that was elective and that 14 is how Staff was able to bring the budget to Council as balanced. 15 16 Finance Director Hansen indicated the Resolution would certify a budget of $4,669,495 and a 17 property tax levy of $2,679,463. 18 19 Council Member Marty expressed concern with having a 1.7% cost of living in the budget 20 because he understood the cost of living increases were going to be greater than that figure. 21 ~2 Finance Director Hansen indicated he had used the 1.7% based on the consumer price index at 23 the time he began this budgeting process. He then said that there are some unknowns at this time 24 because there have been discussions of closing City Hall and wage freezes to save money and the 25 union negotiations are ongoing but he feels 1.7% is doable. 26 27 Council Member Marry commented that the cost of health insurance is going up increasing the 28 City's contribution by 10% and he hopes the City can work out the contracts with all of its 29 employees and not have to lay anyone off. 30 31 Mayor Linke read a list of some of the items in the budget that have been reduced and 32 eliminated. 33 34 Council Member Marty indicated he thought that there were installment payments for the voting 35 equipment. 36 37 Finance Director Hansen indicated that Staff contacted Ramsey County to discuss a payoff 38 amount because there is money available in 2003 to pay it off that will not be available in 2004. 39 4o Council Member Marty commented that previous administrations relied heavily on labor 41 relations and he feels this administration should be able to keep the amount under the budgeted 42 $10,000. 3 4 Council Member Marty asked whether the school district could be asked to pay for a portion of 45 the school resource officer's cellular telephone. Mounds View City Council September 8, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 13 ~1 2 Finance Director Hansen indicated the school district reimburses the City for the vast majority of 3 the school resource officer's salary. 4 5 Council Member Marty commented that two figures for diesel fuel had been used and he 6 suggested using the price of $1.70 per gallon in both line items. 7 8 Council Member Many suggested that looking into the street signs that are not needed and 9 removing them to eliminate some maintenance and upkeep. 10 11 Public Works Director Lee indicated he looked into it and sign maintenance represents a small 12 fraction of the overall budget and would not have a very large impact. 13 14 Council Member Stigney indicated he read in the paper where market values of properties 15 increase 10 to 10.5% and asked what this would do to the 12.75% increase in the City's levy. 16 17 Finance Director Hansen indicated the two are related but separate issues. He then said that 18 under the current tax system the City specifies the levy in terms of dollars that are spread across 19 the property in the City so market values has an impact of how much each property pays but the 20 levy is fixed. 21 ~2 Council Member Stigney asked what the median value of home is and how much of a dollar 23 increase this will be for residents. 24 25 Finance Director Hansen indicated that he had not prepared an actual dollar amount assessment 26 for this meeting but said that the average home will see more than a 12% increase and then 27 offered to research the matter and provide information to Council. 28 29 Council Member Stigney asked for information at the next meeting because when residents hear 30 the percent all they want to know is how much more it will cost them. 31 32 Council Member Stigney commented that he understands that approving this preliminary levy it 33 can be reduced but it cannot be increased but that does not mean the City cannot look at trying to 34 reduce it so he will approve it based on the condition that this will be reviewed for further 35 reductions. 36 37 Council Member Marty one of his concerns is in the last few years the state keeps dropping 38 commercial taxes to give business a break and his concern is whether the TIF districts will have 39 enough to pay back in a timely fashion. He then asked if this is still the trend that commercial 40 taxes are going in a different direction than homeowners. 41 42 Finance Director Hansen indicated that the last four or five years there have been changes in the ~3 tax system to shift more of the tax burden to homes and the other thing is that the annual increase 44 in value of businesses is single digits and homes have been increasing in double digits. He then •, 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 2 ~1 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Mounds View City Council September 8, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 14 commented that the City is now in a situation where changes the state passed two or three years ago have taken affect and there are no other changes on the books waiting to take effect. City Administrator Ulrich handed out information from Spring Lake Park accounting for the money savings by shutting down for one week over the fourth of July. He then said they saved a little over $20,000. He further commented that the City would make every effort to inform residents of how the increase will affect them. MOTION/SECOND: Many/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6091, Authorizing Certification of a Proposed General Fund Budget and Property Tax Levy for Fiscal Year 2004. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. F. Resolution No. 6092, Establishing Public Hearing Dates for the Proposed General Fund Budget and Property Tax Levy for Fiscal Year 2004. Finance Director Hansen indicated the City Council needs to establish dates for the truth-in- taxation public hearings and he recommends December 1, 2003 with the continuation hearing being set for December 8, 2003 to coincide with the regular Council meeting. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Marty. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6092, Establishing Public Hearing Dates for the Proposed General Fund Budget and Property Tax Levy for Fiscal Year 2004. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. G. Resolution No. 6072, Authorizing the Purchase of a Sprinkler Monitor for Mounds View City Hall. 31 Community Development Director Ericson indicated this item was before Council at the last 32 meeting and Staff was asked to research whether the automatic dialer system could be utilized to 33 contact Ramsey County Dispatch of a water event at City Hall. He then indicated Staff 34 researched the matter and Ramsey County Dispatch requires a call from a person so that 35 necessitates the approval of a monitoring company. 36 37 Director Ericson indicated that there is a shortage of telephone lines so Staff will be working 38 with the monitoring company to determine whether an underutilized line could be used for the 39 monitoring system. 40 41 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6072, a 42 Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of a Sprinkler Monitor for Mounds View City Hall. 3 44 Council Member Marty thanked Staff for the report. 45 Mounds View City Council September 8, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 15 1 Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 2 3 H. Resolution No. 6096, Authorizing a Special Election to Consider an 4 Additional Property Tax Levy. 5 6 City Administrator Ulrich indicated this matter is before Council to determine whether to 7 authorize a special election to consider an additional property tax levy for $143,317 for an 8 additional levy to support two police officers. 9 to City Administrator Ulrich read the question to be on the ballot concerning the additional property 11 tax levy for two officers. He then pointed out that this is a maximum if approved by the voters 12 but Council can go less than that but no more than that if the voters approve it. 13 14 City Administrator Ulrich indicated this matter is time sensitive because he needs to notify 15 Ramsey County tomorrow so that preparation of the ballots can begin. He then noted that the 16 City and the School District would be sharing the costs of the special election. 17 18 Council Member Stigney indicated he has a problem with the question as it establishes this tax 19 levy and it looks like it is here forever nothing makes it stop unless it is repealed by the voters. 20 21 City Administrator Ulrich indicated that it would be part of the base levy and established that ~2 way until Council took action to eliminate it. 23 24 Council Member Stigney asked what the actual costs were for the election. 25 26 Finance Director Hansen estimated the costs to be $12,000 to $14,000 but those costs will be 27 shared with the School District who has more of the ballot space. 28 29 Council Member Stigney commented that he thinks putting in a forever tax levy until repealed is 3o a problem. He then said if this is something that the City really needs Council should work to get 31 the money into the general fund and not ask for a special levy to do it. He then said that asked 32 where the money that comes from putting in projects like Walgreen's and the theatre project goes 33 and what the City would gain by closing out TIF parcels. He also commented that the amount 34 going into street maintenance should be added to the general fund and used to fund the officers 35 and the City can bond for street repair. 36 37 Council Member Gunn indicated this is not the first year that the franchise fee has been put into 38 the street fund. 39 4o Council Member Stigney indicated he did not say it was but said if the money is needed 41 elsewhere it should be put in the general fund and the City can bond for streets. 42 3 Council Member Marty indicated that the City started collecting funds because there was nothing ~4 in the street fund and the revenue from the franchise fee can be used to improve infrastructure 45 that is important to businesses and residents. Mounds View City Council September 8, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 16 ~1 2 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6096 3 Authorizing a Special Election to Consider an Additional Property Tax Levy. 4 5 Ayes - 3 Nays - 1(Stigney) Motion carried. 6 7 I. Resolution No. 6098, Requiring a Performance Bond and other Compliance 8 Submittals for the Elegant Thymes Catering Contract. 1o City Administrator Ulrich indicated that Elegant Thymes has been managing the Banquet and I 1 Community Center since 2001 and based on concerns voiced at the work session Staff reviewed 12 the contract and performance issues and is recommending approval of the attached resolution. 13 14 City Administrator Ulrich indicated that the City of Mounds View lost $37,133 in the banquet 15 operation for all of 2002 and the City lost another $16,373 in banquet operations for the first half 16 of 2003 and using the revenue decline of 30% the City stands to lose more money in 2003 than it 17 did in 2002 and that concerns the City. He then commented that the deficit between revenues 18 and expenses has grown from 15.5% to 24% for the first half of 2003. 19 20 City Administrator Ulrich indicated that Elegant Thymes has agreed to show a modest profit and 21 those goals have not been met. He then said that the contract requires commercial liability ~2 insurance in amounts higher than are currently held by Elegant Thymes, a performance bond for 23 damages due to non-performance, an annual budget and a marketing plan. He further indicated 24 that Staff has written the Resolution to require immediate resolution of the issues and evidence of 25 a performance bond of $30,000 not later than five business days following approval of the 26 resolution. 27 28 MOTION/SECOND: Marry/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6098, 29 Requiring a Performance Bond and other Compliance Submittals for the Elegant Thymes 30 Catering Contract. 31 32 Council Member Marty thanked Staff for bringing this forward as he did not know that the City 33 was losing so much and that they were out of compliance. 34 35 Council Member Gunn asked what happens if they do not comply. 36 37 City Administrator Ulrich indicated they would have 30 days to respond and if they do not they 38 would be in default of the contract and it could be terminated at that point. 39 4o Council Member Stigney asked if the marketing plan has to show how they plan on getting out of 41 debt and break even. 42 3 City Administrator Ulrich indicated there are two parts to that one is marketing the other is ~4 budget. The budget demonstrates profit and loss and the marketing plan is not spelled out so that Mounds View City Council September 8, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 17 ~, 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 2 ~1 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 will be up to Staff to determine whether it is a good marketing plan. He then commented that Staff received cone-page marketing plan today and deemed that to be insufficient. Mayor Linke indicated that earlier he had discussed this matter with Staff and there were some figures that were discussed. He then asked if Council could have the information. City Administrator Ulrich handed out the statistic information from three years ago and indicated that weddings are holding even but anniversaries and banquets and nonprofit and school district are way down along with corporate bookings. He then said that the slide in corporate bookings is a concern because that would fill the space during the week. City Administrator Ulrich indicated he had included a proposal by the catering contractor for a buyout of the current contract for information. Council Member Stigney asked what would happen to the down payment money on future weddings that had not happened. City Administrator Ulrich indicated the City has that money and, if the contractor is bought out, it is the full intention to carryout all bookings and the City would assume the responsibility for a substitute caterer. Council Member Marty asked whether Staff has discussed these issues with Elegant Thymes. City Administrator Ulrich indicated he spoke to the proprietor this afternoon and discussed the issues with him other than the insurance issue. He then said that he will be made specifically aware by a copy of the Resolution. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. City Council Minutes August 25, 2003 Council Member Gunn requested the following change: On Page l 1, line 1 change even to 35 event. 36 37 Council Member Marty requested the following change: On Page 10, Line 42 indicate that this 38 was the first time that the City Administrator had ever participated in the golf tournament 39 associated with Festival in the Park. 40 41 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Gunn. To Approve the City Council Minutes for August 25, 2003 42 as Amended. 3 4 Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 45 ~, 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 to 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 2 ~1 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 ~44 Mounds View City Council September 8, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 18 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council Mayor Linke indicated he had missed last week as he was on vacation. B. Reports of Staff Public Works Director Lee announced that the park and recreation committee has a vacancy and any interested individuals are encouraged to apply by filling out applications at City Hall. The deadline to do so is September 22, 2003 at 4:30 p.m. Community Development Director Ericson handed out a report for consideration concerning a request by a properly owner for consent to install a parking pad. Director Ericson asked for direction to either execute an agreement that the property owner would submit and submit to the City something that says the City is okay with the parking pad or to bring a Resolution of approval to Council for consideration. Director Ericson indicated that this is something the property owner can install to within 5 feet of the side lot line but he would like to go to one foot. There was consent of Council to direct Staff to bring a Resolution for approval. City Administrator Ulrich handed out the administrator's digest and commented that Finance Director Hansen had become a grandfather and congratulated him. C. Reports of City Attorney No attorney present. 12. Next Council Work Session: Next Council Meeting: 13. ADJOURNMENT Monday, October 6, 2003 Monday, September 22, 2003 Mayor Linke adjourned the meeting to a closed session at 9:10 p.m. Transcribed and recorded by: Joan Lenzmeier Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.