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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2004/04/26• • PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW `~~~~ RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA ~ Regular Mee ing April 26, 2004 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:00 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGL~NCE 3. ROLL CALL: Linke, Quick, Marty, Stigney, and Gunn 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, Apri126, 2004 City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Quick. To Approve the Monday, April 26, 2004 Agenda as Presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT None. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Resolution of Commendation for the Joint Efforts of the Mounds View PD, New Brighton PD, and the Spring Lake Park Fire Department in Response to a Fire at 5045 Sunnyside Road in Mounds View. • MOTION/SECOND: Linke/Quick. To Approve the Resolution of Commendation for the Joint Efforts of the Mounds View PD, New Brighton PD, and the Spring Lake Park Fire Department in Response to a Fire at 6045 Sunnyside Road in Mounds View. City Administrator Ulrich read the Resolution. Mayor Linke thanked all the employees of the City for the job they do for residents everyday and then said it is an honor and a privilege to recognize these employees for their life saving efforts. Mounds View City Council April 26, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 2 B. Presentation by Bullard (manufacturer of life saving device) that assisted the • Spring Lake Fire Department with the fire located at 5045 Sunnyside Road. A representative from Bullard addressed Council and indicated that the firefighters would be joining the Save a Life Club which is a reward and recognition program through Bullard recognizing those that save a life using their equipment. He then said that Spring Lake Park is the 43rd department in the country and the first in Minnesota to join. The firefighters were given a patch for their uniform and a certificate from Bullard to display as well as a plaque with a medal. The representative from Bullard recognized that the life saving efforts were as a result of teamwork and then presented an award to the team that was present at the rescue. Fire Chief Zikmund presented the awards to the first two and then to the team. The representative from Bullard presented a plaque to Chief Zikmund on behalf of the department for its heroic efforts. He then thanked the entire department and the Mounds View Council for the time on the Agenda. Fire Chief Zikmund thanked Council for its time and support of the department and Bullard for thanking and recognizing them. Council Member Marty commented that it was good to have Tony at the meeting and thanked all that were involved. 7. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS A. Just and Correct Claims Council Member Marty asked for clarification of Check Number 113150. Public Works Director Lee explained that there is a delivery fee included with the first Biff's delivered for the year. Council Member Marty asked whether Check Number 113247 to Short Elliot Henderson concerning the water tank rehabilitation would be the final bill. Public Works Director Lee said there may be one more with a minimal amount of time. Council Member Marty asked whether the planning cases listed could be removed if the bills have been billed out and paid. • Community Development Director Ericson indicated he did not think there would be any more costs associated with those files. Mounds View City Council Apri126, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 3 • • MOTION/SECOND: Marry/Gunn. To Approve Just and Correct Claims as Presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA A. Licenses for Approval B. Set a Public Hearing for Monday, May 10, 2004 at 7:20 p.m. to Consider Ordinance 736, an Ordinance Amending the Mounds View City Charter C. Set a Public Hearing for Monday, May 10, 2004 at 7:25 p.m. to Consider the "Hidden Hollow" Preliminary Plat D. Resolution 6229 Appointing Robin Marion to the Part Time Position of Public Service Officer E. Resolution 6233 Authorizing the Expenditure of Park Dedication Funds for the Lakeside Lions Park Fishing Pier F. Cancel Public Hearing for 7:05 p.m. for Introduction of Ordinance 733, an Ordinance Amending the Zoning Code Relating to Outdoor Temporary Sales at 7:05 P.M. and Reschedule the Public Hearing for 7:05 p.m. on Monday, May 10, 2004. G. Cancel Public Hearing at 7:10 p.m., to Consider Resolution 6225, Approving the Off Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Sid's Discount Liquors Located at 2577 West Highway 10 and Reschedule the Public Hearing for 7:10 p.m. on May 10, 2004. H. Cancel Public Hearing at 7:15 p.m., for Introduction of Ordinance 735, an Ordinance Amending the Zoning Code Relating to Temporary Tents and Membrane Structures in CommerciaVlndustrial Districts and Reschedule the Public Hearing for May 10, 2004 at 7:15 p.m. Council Member Many requested that Items D and E be removed for discussion. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Stigney. To Approve Consent Agenda Items A, B, C, F, G, and H as Presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 6229 Appointing Robin Marion to the Part Time Position of Public Service Officer. • Council Member Marty asked whether points were considered and if Robin Marion had the highest points. Chief Sommer indicated that there were others that had moved on that were no longer viable candidates for the position. Mounds View City Council April 26, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 4 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Quick. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6229, a • Resolution Appointing Robin Marion to the Part Time Position of Public Service Officer. Council Member Stigney indicated the Resolution did not reflect the salary only Step 1 for the position. Chief Sommer indicated that the salary amount is determined based upon the AFSCME contract. Council Member Stigney asked Chief Sommer to add the figure to the Resolution. Chief Sommer indicated he could add the 2003 amount. The Motioner and seconder accepted the friendly amendment to include salary. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 6233 Authorizing the Expenditure of Park Dedication Funds for the Lakeside Lions Park Fishing Pier. Council Member Marry indicated the Staff report reflects that the Spring Lake Park Lions and Fridley Lions are contributing. He then asked whether Fridley is contributing. Public Works Director Lee clarified that it is the Fridley VFW that is contributing. Council Member Marty asked whether the amount had been reduced to $900.00 from $6,000. Public Works Director Lee indicated that due to additional fund raising efforts it was determined that the City needed only $900.00 to cover the shortage rather than the originally projected $6,000. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6233, a Resolution Authorizing the Expenditure of Park Dedication Funds for Lakeside Lions Park Fishing Pier. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 9. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. First Reading and Introduction of Ordinance 733, an Ordinance Amending the Zoning Code Relating to Outdoor Temporary Sales. Planner Prososki indicated there is an inconsistency in the code relating to outdoor temporary sales and this proposed change would eliminate the inconsistency. She then explained the proposed changes. Mounds View City Council Apri126, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 5 • Planner Prososki indicated that she looked into a state rule that allows farmers to sell without a permit and it is Article 13, Section 7 in the constitution that allows farmers to sell without a permit. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Mariy. To Waive the Reading, Introduce the First Reading and Approve Ordinance 733, an Ordinance Amending the Zoning Code Relating to Outdoor Temporary Sales. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. B. First Reading and Introduction of Ordinance 735, an Ordinance Amending the Zoning Code Relating to Temporary Tents and Membrane Structures in CommerciaUIndustrial Districts. • Community Development Director Ericson indicated that this amendment would address temporary tents and membrane structures as the Code currently does not. He then said the Planning Commission met on this matter multiple times and has recommended that they be regulated by Interim Use Permit to allow the City to place a time restriction on the structures. Director Ericson indicated the Planning Commission feels there is justification to amend the Code to allow them in the commercial/industrial zoning districts with a number of requirements by interim use permit. Director Ericson reviewed the issues raised at the Council work session. He then explained how the Code was amended to cover all of the sections and reviewed the exceptions. Mayor Linke thanked the Commission for its time and efforts on this matter. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Gunn. To Waive the Reading, Introduce the First Reading and Approve Ordinance 735, an Ordinance Amending the Zoning Code Relating to Temporary Tents and Membrane Structures in Commercial/Industrial Districts. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 6227 Approving a Planned Unit Development Amendment to Add "Religious Institution" to the Permitted Uses for Building N. • Community Development Director Ericson reviewed the proposal of Bethlehem Lutheran to Amend the PUD to add religious institution to the permitted uses for Building N. Director Ericson commented that the City's Comprehensive Plan supersedes the Zoning Code but they should be consistent. He then indicated this is a question of whether this use would be consistent with what was planned for the site and not a change to the zoning. Mounds View City Council Apri126, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 6 Director Ericson indicated the financial implications were discussed and the church has put together information included in the staff report and they have adopted a resolution approving a Mounds View service project fund at an initial rate of $25,000 to be increased 2% annually. Director Ericson indicated the church has also indicated a willingness to provide the City with an economic development donation to work on developing businesses in town in the amount of $5,000 increasing annually by 2% until the year 2014. Director Ericson indicated the City receives $30,000 in tax revenue and if the parcel goes tax exempt the City would lose that and, if it was not in TIF, the City would get $27,000. He then reminded Council that at the last meeting there were many people who spoke to the intangible benefits that the church can bring to the community. Director Ericson indicated the issue is whether the Council feels this PUD amendment would be appropriate or whether Council feels the original zoning and original intent of the zoning district is appropriate. Mayor Linke thanked Staff for the reports with all of the information pros and cons and said for him it is a very difficult decision. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6227, a Resolution Approving a Planned Unit Development Amendment to Add "Religious Institution" • to the Permitted Uses for Building N. Council Member Marty outlined some of his concerns with the proposal including the time the City spent on the Comprehensive Plan and it supersedes the zoning code. He then said the biggest issue for him is that the church will not bring jobs to the community and, if left vacant, there is the potential that another business could come in and bring jobs to the City. Council Member Marry indicated it concerns him that the City would be doing away with jobs that could be had here. He then said that the church has said they will be running the core of this church from Minneapolis and the staff will be out of the downtown office when originally it was said that about 60 people would be employed and that is down to a staff of six. Council Member Marty indicated he contacted some of the businesses today and Bethlehem said they would bring people into the area but the primary days would be Sundays and most businesses are closed on Sunday except for the drug stores and gas stations and restaurants. Council Member Marty commented that some of the restaurants in town would benefit but he does not see this as bringing in a lot of revenues in sales to the City. Council Member Marty expressed concern that the comparisons for tax base lost are in 2004 dollars and that amount will grow over the years. • Mounds View City Council Apri126, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 7 Council Member Marty commented that the church has reserved the right to make adjustments in the amounts given to the City if community or church circumstances change significantly so the amounts are not guaranteed. Council Member Marry indicated he struggled with his decision but does not feel he could approve this amendment. Council Member Gunn indicated she is for this amendment because of the good that the church can do for the community. She then said that the building is going to be empty and the church has offered some monetary compensation to the City in addition to the services they can bring to the community. Council Member Stigney said that he would like to say that Bethlehem Baptist may be desirable for the City to have but he disagrees with the location picked for this. He then said this is a TIF district for the purpose of economic development and the reason the building was built was to create jobs and improve the tax base. He further indicated that Mounds View is struggling with taxes dollar wise and he thinks this is a perpetual thing and the dollars are locked in and grow at 2% but his taxes went up to 30% this year. Council Member Stigney indicated that his major objection is the dollar amounts because they do not add up as to what he thinks they should and he feels approval of this amendment would be a long term detriment to the taxpayers of this City and he feels that would be irresponsible. Council Member Stigney indicated the County and school distnct would also be excluded from taxes and that impacts all other residents. He then said he feels it is wrong to do it in this location but he would welcome the church to come in another location. Mayor Linke indicated that he is concerned with the financials but the church has offered to partially compensate for the amounts the City would lose and the intangibles that the church can provide would be a benefit for the City. Mayor Linke commented that he does have concerns about the finances for the City but, on the other hand, the intangibles that the church would bring to the community are a great benefit. He then said that this was a very difficult decision for him but he will vote in favor of this because of the intangibles that are invaluable as a benefit to the community. He further commented that he has put a lot of time, effort, and consideration into his decision. Council Member Stigney commented that there is a Highway 10 corridor development going through the area and he thinks the whole area will benefit from keeping it industrial for jobs and rental or leasing. He then said his other point is that he thinks this property could be built out more than what it is right now. He further commented that he thinks this is the wrong location in the City for the church. Mayor Linke indicated the property is built out due to the parking requirements. Mounds View City Council Apri126, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 8 Council Member Marty indicated that this was hard for him to decide but he feels this is his best . decision on behalf of the taxpayers in the City. He then said that the taxes in Mounds View right now are higher than surrounding communities and he feels it is his responsibility to look out for the residents and do what he canto keep taxes in line. He further commented that losing this property as a taxable parcel for the City means that the residents and the people that live here will have to pay more as local property taxes will go up. Mayor Linke indicated that Finance Director Hansen provided a memo that will be discussed later and he then provided information from the memo concerning the property tax analysis that was done. Ayes - 3 Nays - 2(Mariy/Stigney) Motion carried. D. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 734, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 513 Pertaining to Adult Oriented Businesses. • Community Development Director Ericson indicated this is the second reading of Ordinance 734 amending Chapter 513 and indicated the only change from the last meeting was inputting the $5,000 license fee as discussed at the last meeting and a summary page added to the Ordinance because the City Charter provides Staff with the ability to publish a summary of the Ordinance. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Stigney. To Approve the Second Reading, Waive the Reading and Adopt Ordinance 734, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 513 Pertaining to Adult Oriented Businesses. ROLL CALL: Linke/Quick/Marty/Stigney/Gunn. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 6232 Setting an Assessment Hearing Date of May 24, 2004, Authorizing Advertisement for the Hearing, Declaring Cost to~ be Assessed, and Ordering the Preparation of Proposed Assessment for the 2003 Street Improvement Project. • Council Member Marry asked whether the Silver Lake Woods Condominiums could still be included in the project. Public Works Director Lee indicated they could be included but it would need to be as a change order. He then noted the Homeowners' Association was aware of the deadlines and the reason an agreement could not be reached is because there are issues with who owns the streets. City Attorney Riggs indicated he has been in discussions with the attorney for the Homeowners' Association and it was discovered by the Silver Lake Woods folks that there was a transfer of the street so everyone of the unit owners would have to execute the petition. Mounds View City Council Apri126, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 9 Council Member Stigney asked if a majority of the votes were in favor of doing the streets. i Public Works Director Lee indicated he was not sure of the vote but was told there were a majority in favor. Council Member Quick asked where the City is with Rice Creek Watershed District. Public Works Director Lee indicated there has been no official approval but Staff has submitted to them an application and does not anticipate any issues obtaining the permit. Council Member Quick indicated he would like a Legal binding document of some sort agreeing to the conditions of the permit and stating that no changes will be made once the project has begun. He then asked for information on the storm scepters. Public Works Director Lee indicated that there were three locations but now there are two storm scepters and one storm sewer sump at the end of Gloria Circle. Council Member Quick expressed concern that Rice Creek did not want anything to do with storm scepters when the City redid Spring Lake Road but they are requiring them on this project. He then asked where the water is coming from that is being handled by these storm scepters. Public Works Director Lee indicated that half of the water is from within this project. Council Member Quick asked if Rice Creek is paying for half of it. Public Works Director Lee indicated that the estimated cost is $20,000 for each at 100% City cost and the city will have to maintain them. Council Member Quick asked if there were any other alternatives other than storm scepters. Public Works Director Lee indicated they were trying to do infiltration ponds and that won't work so storm scepters is the only option. Council Member Gunn commented that the City has gone all these years without them and asked why they are suddenly necessary. Mayor Linke indicated they want to clean up the lake even more even though it is the cleanest in the area. Council Member Quick commented that this is another non-elected body spending taxpayer dollars without representation. Council Member Gunn asked if the benefit justifies the cost. ~~ Mounds View City Council Apri126, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 10 Public Works Director Lee indicated he has not done a cost benefit analysis but does feel there will be some benefit. Council Member Quick asked if it would be better to condemn that one house in the long run and put in a pond. Public Works Director Lee indicated he has not discussed this with the DNR but there may be a grant available to help with the installation costs. Council Member Stigney asked if there is an opportunity to have Spring Lake Park share in the costs. Public Works Director Lee indicated that the bulk of the drainage is coming from Mounds View. Mayor Linke asked that these comments be brought up at the public hearing for the benefit of residents. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Linke. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6232, a Resolution Setting an Assessment Hearing Date of May 24, 2004, Authorizing the Advertisement for the Hearing, Declaring Cost to be Assessed, and Ordering the Preparation of Proposed Assessment for the 2003 Street Improvement Project. F. Resolution 6231 Step Increase for David Parker Mayor Linke read Resolution 6231. Council Member Stigney asked that the Resolution be revised to reflect that there is only one employee and to correct the hiring dates. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Many. To Postpone to the Next Council Meeting. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. G. Resolution 6230 Amending the 2003 Budgets for the General Fund and Police Special Revenue Funds. Council Member Many asked what the police forfeiture special revenue fund is for. Finance Director Hansen indicated the police grants' special revenue fund is used to account for state and federal grants including the juvenile accountability incentive block grant. He then said that some officers time was incorrectly coded to the general fund rather than the grant fund. Finance Director Hansen indicated that each year when there is a grant fund and forfeiture the City puts in a nominal amount of spending that the City expects to have and then Staff comes to Council for specific purchases or grants. In this case, there were items that ended up exceeding Mounds View City Council Apri126, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 11 the nominal amount and Staff is now coming to Council for approval to increase the budget to reflect what happened. MOTION/SECOND: Marry/Quick. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6230, a Resolution Amending the 2003 Budgets for the General Fund and Police Special Revenue Funds. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. H. First Reading and Introduction of Ordinance 736, Ordinance Amending the City Charter Section 4.02, Filing for Office. MOTION/SECOND: Quick /Many. To Waive the Reading, Introduce the First Reading and Approve Ordinance 736, an Ordinance Amending the City Charter Section 4.02, Filing for Office. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. I. Community Survey City Administrator Ulrich asked Council to discuss whether Members would like to move forward with a community survey at this time or table it for future consideration. i Council Member Stigney indicated that he would like to wait until it is determined what questions should be asked rather than asking questions that do not assist the City. Council Member Gunn said she would like to table this until the Council and Staff work together to formulate questions. Council Member Marty indicated that even though the survey could provide important information he does not feel that this is the time to expend funds to do so. Council Member Quick said he does not want to do a survey because he feels it is too late in this cycle for this Council to benefit from a survey. Mayor Linke said he feels that if this Council does the survey the new Council would benefit from it and it would save them time. He then said that some of the questions from the 1992 survey could be used for this survey in order to allow for comparison between the two surveys. Council Member Stigney agreed with the premise but said the questions are not there that the City is trying to get answers to. He then said that he does not see the benefit of a general survey and he would like to formulate the survey questions based on specific questions with regard to issues within the City. Council Member Stigney indicated he did not say never bring it back but he does not want to conduct it at this time until Council determines the questions that are to be asked. Mounds View City Council Apri126, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 12 Council Member Gunn said she does not feel that the City is ready to do this but she does not want to completely forego it either. She then said that looking at the old questions would be a start but she feels that there are new questions to be presented. Mayor Linke indicated he would like to look at it this year so that the answers are back for the new Council to use during planning. Council Member Quick said he votes for no survey at all. Mayor Linke indicated he would like to do one later this fall. Council Member Stigney indicated he does not want to do a survey until the Council knows what it is doing with some of these things and he feels it would be premature at this time. He then suggested soliciting resident input for questions they would like asked on the survey. Council Member Stigney indicated he would like to postpone until there is direction on the golf course, community center and economic development as well as long range strategies to accommodate shortfalls and Highway 10 redevelopment. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Quick. To Postpone Action on Conducting a Survey Until Such • Time as a Majority of Council Feels it Should Proceed. Ayes - 2 Nays - 3 (Lmke/Guiui/Mariy) Motion failed. MOTION/SECOND: Linke/Marty. To Start Developing Questions Having to Do with Issues Within the City to Move Toward Possibly Putting out a Survey out Later this Fall. Council Member Stigney indicated that he does not think the City will have the questions out there that really need to get answered. Council Member Gunn commented that this is not a definite that by fall the City would be doing a survey but a move toward formulating questions for a survey. Council Member Stigney asked the Mayor to restate his motion. Mayor Linke indicated his motion was to have Council and Staff begin formulating questions for a survey later this fall. He then offered to amend his motion to possibly later this fall. Ayes - 4 Nays - 1(Quick) Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. City Council Minutes Apri112, 2004 Mounds View City Council April 26, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 13 Council Member Marty requested the following change: On Page 7, Line 9 change the 250,000 visits to the downtown facility to last year not last week. Director Ericson indicated that the spelling of Grano should be corrected. Council Member Gunn requested the following change: On Page 13, Line 27 "and because he is vice president of this company" then there is a conflict with him being mayor. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Stigney. To Approve the City Council Minutes for April 12, 2004 as Amended. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Marty indicated that the Festival in the Park golf tournament is scheduled for August 14, 2004. Council Member Gunn indicated that the Festival in the Park is August 22, 2004 all day with a fun run sponsored by the YMCA, a pancake breakfast, and the usual entertainment and games • food, crafters, flea market and fireworks. Council Member Marty asked for an update on Silver Lake Road and whether the City would be getting any assistance with the path or trailway. Public Works Director Lee indicated he met with Ramsey County on Apri15, 2004 and was informed that the project is going forward with a full depth mill in late summer. He then said that the County has indicated two locations where the street will be torn up and crushed, recycled tires will be put in wrapped in filter fabric to act like a big pillow to deal with the low areas and get the road to float on the soils. Council Member Marty indicated that when he spoke to Ramsey County there was an offer of a small amount of assistance on the trailway financially. He also asked Staff to look into any possible grants. Council Member Marry asked whether the area north of Woodcrest and South of H2 is going to work with the wetlands. Public Works Director Lee indicated that Staff is looking into wetland delineation and looking at the west side for considering costs. Public Works Director Lee indicated that public works is working on providing an update report i and will provide it to Council every two weeks for review. Mounds View City Council April 26, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 14 Council Member Quick asked for a status update on the Sunnyside School semaphore. Mayor Linke indicated the school was to do a survey of walkers and it is not a semaphore but a light for crossing. Public Works Director Lee indicated the school district did a survey and submitted it to Staff to be compiled. He then said that Ramsey County has been contacted but has not yet done anything. Council Member Quick clarified that he was talking about a semaphore not just a blinking light. B. Staff 1. Review Calendar of Future Meetings City Administrator Ulrich discussed the proposed Wednesday night meeting with the cities of Blaine and Spring Lake Park regarding the fire department on June 2, 2004 or June 9, 2004. He then indicated that meeting time change would be on the agenda for discussion at the May 3, 2004 work session and it would require an ordinance amendment. Council Member Quick indicated there was a grant for sidewalks by Silverview along Silver Lake Road and asked whether that could be considered part of the pathway system if the i sidewalk were to be 10 feet wide and hooked into the park system. Public Works Director Lee indicated he would look into it. Mayor Linke asked if having a meeting on September 20, 2004 would allow enough time to approve the preliminary budget and property tax levy. Finance Director Hansen indicated that the preliminary general fund budget and preliminary tax levy have to be approved by September 15, 2004 and the September 20, 2004 meeting is to discuss funds other than the general fund. City Administrator Ulrich indicated the City's Charter requires that the City adopt a budget calendar by June 1, 2004 so this matter will be back on the agenda at the next meeting. 2. Finance Department Quarterly Report Finance Director Hansen indicated that his quarterly report includes the usual listing of all revenues and expenses for the operating funds. He then said that this spring he received information from Ramsey County and the State Auditor regarding property taxes and City spending. He further summarized that Mounds View as a City, spends less for each citizen than most surrounding cities and less than the average for all cities in the State of Minnesota but has a higher than average property tax rate and the reason for that is because it is spread across the taxable property within the City and the City has less taxable property than most cities. Mounds View City Council Apri126, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 15 • • • Finance Director Hansen indicated that the finance department is now working on the audit for 2003 and writing the annual financial report. He then reminded Council that this is the year to implement the new financial reporting format and Staff may need to utilize the budgeted funds for extra help from the auditor rather than continue to fall behind schedule. Finance Director Hansen indicated that the department is continuing to work on a long range financial plan and sent out utility bills for the first quarter of the year. He then said that the second quarter will be sent out in three months and the variable sewer rate will be implemented based on winter consumption. Finance Director Hansen indicated that Staff is working on insurance policies for the year and asked whether Council would again like to consider dropping the policy on the van because it costs $6,000 per year to insure, maintain and add money into the budget for replacement of the van. The insurance policy alone rose to $2,700 for last year. He then suggested it maybe more economical for the City to rent a van for the limited number of times per year that the van is used. Finance Director Hansen indicated that during the last two years the van was driven 300 miles per year. He then said that he has to provide information on the policies to the insurance company within the next few weeks and the policy is for 12 months so the time to decide whether to insure the van is now, not in the fall. Council Member Quick asked for what and when the van is used. Finance Director Hansen indicated that Staff has been logging usage and will provide the information to Council. Council Member Marty asked when the insurance policy is renewed. Finance Director Hansen indicated that the policy is dated July 1, 2004 but Staff has to submit information by June 1, 2004. Council asked that this matter be discussed at the next work session. Finance Director Hansen indicated the City was recently notified that for the annual financial report 2002 the City has received a certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting which is the highest award that can be received in government and it reflects well on the City and he would like to thank the employees and the auditors who helped. Mayor Linke thanked Finance Director Hansen and the Staff and auditors on behalf of the Council for the efforts Mounds View City Council April 26, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 16 • 3. Police Department Quarterly Report Police Chief Sommer reviewed his quarterly report with Council. Council Member Quick asked if Council could be introduced to the new officers at a Council meeting. Chief Sommer indicated he would bring them in. Council Member Quick asked whether the City was full staffed with officers. Chief Sommer indicated that all positions are filled but there is one officer out on an injury. Mayor Linke commented that the new MDT's are a huge improvement over the old ones and the amount of information and the speed at which it can be accessed is impressive. 4. Ramsey County League of Local Governments Seminar in "Finance 101" • City Administrator Ulrich indicated there is a Ramsey County League of local government seminar given at the Mounds View Community Center on Apri129, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. and encouraged anyone interested to attend. Mayor Linke asked Staff to post the meeting in the event a quorum of Council attends. C. City Attorney • No report. Director Ericson indicated the City was awarded a grant through the CDBG process for the second access at the Mounds View Mobile Home Park in the amount of $30,000. Council Member Stigney asked whether the owners or managers of the park were not in agreement. Public Works Director Lee indicated this matter would be before Council on May 3, 2004 to see how to divide up the grant and Staff will draft letters to the managers of the park. Council Member Quick commented that his hostility is not directed at Staff, but Rice Creek Watershed District. He then asked Staff to obtain and provide to Council information on how neighboring communities take care of fire protection and how residents are charged for it. 12. Nezt Council Work Session: Monday, May 3, 2004 Nezt Council Meeting: Monday, May 10, 2004 Mounds View City Council Apri126, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 17 13. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Linke adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m. Transcribed and recorded by: Joan Lenzmeier Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. • •