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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2004/03/22• PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting March 22, 2004 Mounds View City HaI1 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:15 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Linke, Quick (absent), Marty (absent), Stigney, and Gunn 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, March 22, 2004 City Council Agenda. City Administrator Ulrich requested that items B, C, G, and K be removed from the Agenda • since two members of Council are absent this evening. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Gunn. To Approve the Monday, March 22, 2004 Agenda as Amended. Ayes - 3 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Mayor Linke explained that the City's Charter requires a unanimous vote of the three members when operating under a quorum and that is why some of the items were removed from the Agenda. 5. PUBLIC INPUT David Jahnke of 8428 Eastwood Road said he saw another loan for the golf course on the Agenda and asked whether the City is giving the golf course more money to operate this year. Mayor Linke indicated it is the same thing discussed at budget time and the items on the agenda would rearrange the financing as recommended by the Finance Director. Mr. Jahnke asked if they want more money. Mayor Linke indicated that the fund transfer is for $300,000 to maintain the cash on hand • required by the bond. Mounds View City Council March 22, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 2 • Mr. Jahnke asked if anyone has looked into getting the City out of the golf course. He then said that this has been going on for years and no other business that he has ever heard of continues to lose this much money year after year. He further commented that the City of Mounds View got into the golf business and it continues to cost residents more and more each year. Mayor Linke indicated that Council has not looked into it or discussed it. He then said that the billboards are still in process and that should help. Mr. Jahnke commented that the City Administrator has said that even with the billboards it may not be possible to make money. Mayor Linke commented that the City needed to look into it. He then said that the current golf course manager is doing a good job of watching expenses and managing the course. Mr. Jahnke said that he is concerned that the City continues to throw money at the course without so much as a plan to get the course out of debt. He further commented that even when a business files for bankruptcy there is a plan for getting out of debt. Mr. Jahnke asked if it was true that the City is going to help build a fire station. Mayor Linke explained that it was a proposal at this time. • Mr. Jahnke asked Council to look into the debt at the golf course and a plan to get out of debt, if it is possible. He then said there is going to bean 18-hole course in the backyard and he does not think the citizens of Mounds View should be paying to run a golf course. Council Member Stigney asked consent to give direction to the City Administrator to look into the situation at the golf course and see what type of alternate plans there could be for the golf course. There was Council consent to do so. Dan Mueller of 8343 Groveland Road thanked Council and the Chief for the work on the traffic issues on Groveland. He further commented that it made a big difference and the neighborhood is appreciative. Fire Chief Zikmund appeared before Council and read a press release released by the Fire Department concerning a duplex fire where two firefighters had to enter the structure with the thermal imaging camera to locate a juvenile boy. The boy was located and resuscitated on site and is expected to make a full recovery. Fire Chief Zikmund indicated that without that camera the boy would not have made it and • thanked Council for its contribution toward the purchase of the camera. He then noted that over Mounds View City Council March 22, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 3 • the Department's 60 years of existence they have not pulled a person out of a fire and had them live. Fire Chief Zikmund commended the police officers and fire fighters for their efforts at the scene indicating that the two fire fighters chose to enter a working structure fire without a hose line in order to save the boy who was within a couple of minutes of death. He finished his comments by saying that there was no fire death today due to the efforts of the fire fighters at the scene. Mayor Linke asked for more information on the officials on scene so that the City could present them with an award for their heroism and life saving efforts. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Resolution 6218, Commitment to Resolving Human Rights and Terrorism Issues in the Community • City Administrator Ulrich indicated this Resolution came out of a joint meeting with the School District concerning vandalism at Mounds View High and Irondale that appears to be racially motivated and threatening in nature. City Administrator Ulrich read Resolution 6218, a Resolution of Commitment to Resolving Human Rights and Terrorism Issues in the Community. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Stigney. To Approve Resolution 6218, a Resolution of Commitment to Resolving Human Rights and Terrorism Issues in the Community. Ayes - 3 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 7. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS A. Just and Correct Claims Council Member Stigney asked for clarification of the payment to the North Suburban Cable Commission. Finance Director Hansen explained that it is the payment that the City makes to the cable television commission in exchange for the programming and support that they provide to the City's cable television department. He further noted that the money comes out of the franchise fees. Council Member Stigney asked whether the City retains some franchise fees or if it all goes out. Finance Director Hansen indicated the amount in the fund is $75,000 to $80,000 and this is only $19,888. Mounds View City Council March 22, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 4 • MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Gunn. To Approve Just and Correct Claims as Presented. Ayes - 3 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA A. Licenses for Approval B. Resolution 6201, a Resolution Approving Plans and Specifications, Authorizing to Advertise for Bids, Setting a Bid Date, Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Spring Lake Park, Authorizing the Acquisition of Easements (if necessary) for the 2003 Street Improvement Project C. Set a Public Hearing for 7:05 p.m., Monday, Apri112, 2004 for a PUD Amendment Request to add Religious Institution as a Permitted Use on the Building N Parcel D. Resolution 6208 Authorizing Staff to Submit a Grant Application to Ramsey County for CDBG Funding on the Mounds View Manufactured Home Park Second Access Project E. Resolution 6210, Purchasing a Bobcat Skidsteer for the Golf Course F. Resolution 6211 Agreement for Professional Services with PGA Professional Jim Manthis • G. Resolution 6212 Authorizing the Preparation of a Feasibility Report and Consultant Selection for the Silver Lake Road Sidewalk Project H. Resolution 6213 Approving the Contract Award for the 2004 Tree Removal Program I. Resolution 6214 Approval for Police Department to Hire Replacement PSO J. Resolution 6209 Approval for a Sprayer for the Golf Course K. Set a Public Hearing for 7:10 p.m., Monday, Apri112, 2004 to Consider an Ordinance Approving a Transfer of Properties from the City of Mounds View to the Mounds View Economic Development Authority Council Member Stigney requested that Item E be removed for discussion. Mayor Linke requested that Item I be removed for discussion. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Stigney. To Approve Consent Agenda Items A, B, C, D, F, G, H, J and K as Presented. Ayes - 3 Nays - 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 6210 Purchasing a Bobcat Skidsteer for the Golf Course Council Member Stigney asked whether it was really necessary to purchase equipment for the • golf course in light of the financial situation of the course. Mounds View City Council March 22, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 5 • Golf Course Manager Burg indicated that her justification for purchasing the bobcat is that it would be a labor saving device and would save the course in paying people to do the jobs that this machine could do. She then said that the course has two tractors and only needs one that she would like to sell to recoup some of the cost of the purchase of the bobcat. Council Member Stigney asked why the course has two tractors if one is not needed. Golf Course Manager Burg indicated the two tractors were before her time and she is not sure why it is needed. She then said that the one tractor was purchased to attach to the machine that breaks up compacted soil. Council Member Stigney commented that he feels the sprayer is the more needed piece of equipment and he would like to hold off on the bobcat purchase. Golf Course Manager Burg indicated the bobcat is a labor saving device but they could continue to operate the way they are. She then said that the golf course's biggest expense is the cost of labor and recommended the purchase as a labor saving measure. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Linke. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6210, a Resolution Approving the Purchase of a Bobcat Skidsteer for the Golf Course. Council Member Stigney said he feels that the City needs to look at the type of expenditures out • at the course and he feels that going with the essential equipment, the sprayer, is sufficient at this time. He then said he does not support the purchase of the bobcat at this time. Mayor Linke indicated he supports it because labor is a big cost for the City and this equipment would save the City money in the long run. Ayes - 2 Nays - 1(Stigney) Motion failed. I. Resolution 6214 Approval for Police Department to Hire Replacement PSO Mayor Linke asked whether there would be an exit interview. Deputy Chief Brennan explained that the person leaving is in school to be a police officer and he has the opportunity to increase the hours he commits to that and he has part time j ob somewhere else as well as a family. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6214, a Resolution of Approval for Police Department to Hire Replacement PSO. Ayes - 3 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council March 22, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 6 . 9. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 731, an Ordinance Adopting the International Property Maintenance Code and Establishing a New Registration Fee Structure. Mr. Anderson recommended that Council review the base fees toward the end of the year at the time of the consideration of the adoption of the 2005 fee schedule. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Gunn. To Waive the Reading, Approve the Second Reading, and Adopt Ordinance 731, an Ordinance Adopting the International Property Maintenance Code and Establishing a New Registration Fee Structure. Mayor Linke asked Staff to provide only one full copy of the documents and then replacement pages if changes are made in an attempt to save time and paper. Community Development Director Ericson pointed out that this is the first opportunity the City has had to implement a new charter revision adopted last year whereby the City is no longer obligated to publish the entirety of the ordinance in the newspaper. He then said that a summary would be published and the Ordinance will be available on the website. ROLL CALL: Linke/Stigney/Gunn. • Ayes - 3 Na s - 0 Motion carried. Y B. Resolution 6215, a Resolution Approving Transfers Between Funds for the Year 2003. This item was removed from the Agenda. C. Resolution 6216 Approving Inter-Fund Loans for the Year 2003 and Setting an Interest Rate on Inter-Fund Loans for the Year 2004. This item was removed from the Agenda. D. Resolution 6179 Approving a Minor Subdivision for Duane Waldoch, 2935 County Road 10, Planning Case MI03-005. Community Development Director Ericson indicated that Duane Waldoch purchased a small sliver of tax forfeited property and now has a through lot with frontage on Highway 10 and Sherwood Place. He then indicated that Mr. Waldoch has requested approval of a minor subdivision to create a new lot fronting Sherwood Place. . Director Ericson indicated that the park dedication fee was recalculated to be $1,536 rather than the originally quoted $768.00. Mounds View City Council March 22, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 7 • Mayor Linke questioned the market value of $15,000 given by Ramsey County. Director Ericson indicated it has been the City's past practice to use the Ramsey County assessed valuation for determining the park dedication fee rather than requiring an appraisal for every subdivision. Mayor Linke suggested 10% of the sale price because lots are worth than $15,000. Director Ericson offered to discuss the park dedication fees with the City Attorney as for how to handle future subdivisions. Mayor Linke indicated the City used to look at more than the assessed value and he would like to review this because the Ordinance does not state how the value is determined. Council Member Gunn indicated she would have a problem with changing the practice during Mr. Waldoch's application because he had been told $768.00 and that was moved to $1,536 and now there are discussions on charging him even more. She then said that she would be fine with reviewing the policy and practice for the next subdivision but not for this one. Mr. Waldoch asked Council to consider his application under the current rules and review the rules for future subdivisions. • Director Ericson indicated that for the past seven years the City has used this process and he would not like to see a change midstream in the process of this application because Mr. Waldoch and the person purchasing the newly created lot have been told that the park dedication fee would be charged based on the assessed value. He then offered to look into the City's process for future subdivisions and asked that Council approve as recommended. Mayor Linke agreed to approve this based on seven years of past practice but asked that Staff look into this for future subdivisions. Council Member Stigney agreed that it would be unfair to penalize Mr. Waldoch but said he would like to have the process reviewed for future applications for subdivision. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6179, a Resolution Approving a Minor Subdivision for Duane Waldoch, 2935 County Road 10. Ayes - 3 Nays - 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 6206 Approving Step Increases for Officer Kasey Keckeisen, Officer Kirk Leitch, Officer Darrell Meyer (longevity step increase from 3% to 5%), and Desaree Crane. r ~ Mounds View City Council March 22, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 8 • MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Gunn. To Approve Resolution 6206, Approving Step Increases for Officer Kasey Keckeisen, Officer Kirk Leitch, Officer Darrell Meyer (longevity step increase from 3% to 5%), and Desaree Crane as Amended. City Administrator Ulrich read Resolution 6206. Council Member Stigney pointed out an error for Mr. Leitch under Step 4 as it has the same figure as the Step 5 figure. City Administrator Ulrich indicated the Step 4 figure should be five percent less. Ayes - 3 Nays - 0 Motion carried. F. Consideration of Charter Commission Recommendation to Amend Section 4.02 Filing for Office. Mayor Linke indicated the Charter Commission has asked that the Charter be amended as to filing fees for affidavits for candidacy because the City's fee schedule establishes a fee of $20.00 and the Charter recommended referencing state statute. He then said that the fee was raised to cover the time and paperwork involved in processing the affidavits and he does not feel that $5.00 would cover the costs. • Mayor Linke suggested setting the fee by Ordinance and then the City would be in compliance with the Charter. City Administrator Ulrich indicated that he would review the matter with the City Attorney and report back for discussion. MOTION/SECOND: Linke/Stigney. To Postpone this Matter to April 12, 2004. Ayes - 3 Nays - 0 Motion carried. G. Consideration of Request from Innovative Images Marketing & Management LLC for a Settlement Conference. This item was removed from the Agenda. H. Resolution 6207 Approving the Appointment of Timothy Wolf and Keith Demarest to the Positions of Police Officer. Mayor Linke noted Council has received information on the other names before Council. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Stigney. To Approve Resolution 6207, Approving the Appointment • of Timothy Wolf and Keith Demarest to the Positions of Police Officer. Mounds View City Council March 22, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 9 • Council Member Stigney asked that Resolution 6207 be read. Deputy Chief Brennan read Resolution 6207. Ayes - 3 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Deputy Chief Brennan introduced Officer Demarest. Mayor Linke asked that procedures for the Commission be reviewed. I. First Reading and Introduction of Ordinance 732, an Ordinance Authorizing the Transfer of Real Property from the City of Mounds View to the Mounds View Economic Development Authority. Community Development Director Ericson indicated that the City Attorney has recommended that the EDA hold all the parcels under its ownership and this Ordinance authorizes the sale to the EDA. MOTION/SECOND: StigneylGunn. To Waive the Reading, Introduce the First Reading and Approve Ordinance 732, an Ordinance Authorizing the Transfer of Real Property from the City of Mounds View to the Mounds View Economic Development Authority. • Ayes - 3 Nays - 0 Motion carried. J. Resolution No. 6217 Adopting a Policy for Unclaimed and Surplus Property. City Administrator Ulrich indicated this is a policy presented for Council adoption this evening and it sets a policy for disposing of or selling surplus or unclaimed property. He then suggested the Resolution be amended to read that Council will determine that property is surplus rather than the City Administrator. Mayor Linke asked that the first whereas read that from time to time the City of Mounds View has the need to dispose of unclaimed or unused property. Council Member Stigney agreed to change to the Council determining. Council Member Stigney commented that sometimes City equipment is replaced but the City does not get rid of the old piece by trading in. Mayor Linke indicated that this Resolution would cover items that are not traded in but are replaced and are no longer being used. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6217, A • Resolution Adopting a Policy for Unclaimed and Surplus Property. Mounds View City Council March 22, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 10 Ayes - 3 Nays - 0 Motion carried. K. Community Survey This item was removed from the Agenda. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. City Council Minutes March 8, 2004 MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Stigney. To Approve the City Council Minutes for March 8, 2004 as Presented. Ayes - 3 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. • Council Member Gunn reported that the proposed date for the festival is August 22, 2004. She then said that this will be a one-day event with the parade and the YMCA is looking into sponsoring a fun run through the City. Council Member Stigney asked whether the festival is going to have the auction. Council Member Gunn told residents to save things they wish to sell and bring a table and put it up out at the ballpark. Mayor Linke reported that the Mounds View Community Theatre's upcoming production is scheduled for July 16 through August 1, 2004. He then asked that Council consider purchasing an ad and asked that the item be added to the work session agenda. B. Staff 1. Draft of Documents from Leadership Retreat This item was for informational purposes. 2. Review Future Meeting Schedule Mayor Linke asked that review for setting future dates wait until after the March 29, 2004 meeting. Mounds View City Council March 22, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 11 • 3. Review LMCIT Response City Administrator Ulrich indicated the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust was looking at a performance bond payment on a previous employee but there are more questions than answers at this time and the amount of the claim which could be recovered potentially does not justify the costs incurred to recover it. He then said that Staff recommends not pursuing this further due to the potential costs involved. Mayor Linke indicated he would prefer not to spend dollars to research whether it is possible to collect because the costs to do so outweigh the claim. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Gunn. To Approve the Recommendation of Staff to Not Proceed. C. r ~ U No attorney. Ayes - 3 Nays - 0 Motion carried. City Attorney City Administrator Ulrich indicated the City Attorney had provided an update on the landfill case. City Administrator Ulrich indicated that the attorneys are trying to get the cities dismissed out of the suit. 12. Next Council Work Session: Next Council Meeting: 13. ADJOURNMENT Monday, Apri15, 2004 Monday, March 29, 2004 (Special) Mayor Linke adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m. Transcribed and recorded by: Joan Lenzmeier Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. •