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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2004/05/24PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA c:~~,~ "f Regular Meeting May 24, 2004 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:18 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, May 24, 2004 City Council Agenda. r~ City Administrator Ulrich requested that Item 8B be removed for discussion. Mayor Linke indicated he would like to move 9B, C, and D before A to open up the assessment hearing and continue it to June 14, 2004 due to issues with Rice Creek Watershed District. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Stigney. To Approve the Monday, May 24, 2004 Agenda as Amended. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT David Jahnke indicated he was disappointed on the Church vote because it does not follow the Comprehensive Plan and he thinks this Council made a decision long term that will hurt the City. Mr. Jahnke reminded Council that he had asked the City to look at the golf course and some type of plan to solve the problems out there so that it does not keep going further into debt. Mayor Linke indicated the City has looked at several scenarios and asked for more information on several of them for discussion. City Administrator Ulrich indicated he would send the information to Mr. Jahnke. Mounds View City Council May 24, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 2 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS r None. 7. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS Council Member Marty asked whether the Kennedy and Graven fees for ProCraft Homes, Silver Lake Woods and Waldoch minor subdivision would be reimbursed by the developers. Community Development Director Ericson indicated that the Waldoch and Silver Lake Woods matters could be invoiced but it was the City's position to split the costs associated with the Hidden Hollow development.. Public Works Director Lee indicated Council gave direction to Staff that the City would be picking up the legal costs associated with the dedicating of the private streets to the City. Council Member Marty asked what the Aviation Policy Plan Task Force is. City Attorney Riggs indicated he would need to look into exactly what was done on the matter but it refers to the Anoka County Blaine Airport and an issue he was working on with City Administrator Ulrich. • Council Member Marty asked whether Bethlehem Baptist Church would be invoiced for costs. Director Ericson indicated that Bethlehem was invoiced relating to the PUD amendment. Council Member Marty asked why there was more paid than invoiced for the golf course billboard lease project. Finance Director Hansen explained that the City billed them for an item that was not chargeable to them and needed to issue a credit and, rather than send them a check, they asked that the amount be held by the City to be applied toward the next chargeable item. Council Member Marty noted that the City received an invoice for over $15,000 on the Highway 10 noise wall. Council Member Gunn asked what GCSAA stood for. Golf Course Manager Burg indicated it stood for Golf Course Superintendent's Association of America. Barbara Haake indicated that the invoice on aviation was something that had to do with checking up on the Metropolitan Council to ensure that they abide by the agreement with the minor airport requirements. • Mounds View City Council May 24, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 3 Mayor Linke commented that the Metropolitan Council is bound by the agreement that came out of the lawsuit. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Gunn. To Approve Just and Correct Claims as Presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA A. Licenses for Approval B. Resolution No. 6269 Approving the Preliminary Feasibility Report, Waiving the Public Improvement Hearing, Ordering the Project, and Authorizing the Preparation of Plans and Specifications for the Hidden Hollow Street and Utility Improvement Project C. Resolution 6259, Employee Appreciation Awards for the Employee Appreciation Lunch on June 9, 2004, with Rain Date of June 10, 2004 D. Resolution 6260 Certifying the Reapportionment of Assessments for Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2848 County Road H2 E. Set a Public Hearing for 7:05 p.m., Monday, June 14, 2004 to Consider the First Reading and Introduction of Ordinance 738, an Ordinance Assigning a Name to that Part of County Road 10 Passing Through Mounds View F. Set a Public Hearing for 7:10 p.m., Monday, June 14, 2004 for a Variance Appeal for the Width of a Garage and a Conditional Use Permit Request for an Oversized Garage at 2208 Lois Drive G. Resolution 6252 Approving Golf Course Voice Mail Service with Popp Telecom H. Resolution 6267 Approving a Tobacco License for Big Top Liquors Located at 2577 Highway 10 I. Resolution No. 6266 Authorizing the Preparation of a Preliminary Feasibility Report and Consultant Selection for the Construction of a Sedimentation Pond to be Located South of Woodale Drive J. Reschedule Public Hearing Originally Set for 7:05 p.m., Monday, June 21, 2004 to 7:05 p.m., Monday, June 28, 2004, to Consider the Proposed Modification to the Development Program for the Mounds View Economic Development Project K. Executive Session Immediately After this City Council Meeting City Administrator Ulrich requested that Item B be removed for discussion. Council Member Stigney requested that Item C be removed for discussion. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Gunn. To Approve Consent Agenda Items A, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, and K as Presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council May 24, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 4 B. Resolution 6269 Approving the Preliminary Feasibility Report, Waiving the Public Improvement Hearing, Ordering the Project, and Authorizing the Preparation of Plans and Specifications for the Hidden Hollow Street and Utility Improvement Project. Public Works Director Lee indicated that Staff is recommending that this be discussed by Council. He then discussed Page 6 of the feasibility study with Council where the project costs were laid out indicating that Staff recommends that the City bear the entire cost for relocating the northern trunk storm sewer and that the developer pay 100% cost of the southern portion. Public Works Director Lee indicated that Staff recommends the manhole area be cleared out by the developer and that class five be added to enable Staff to get back there to maintain it and that would be a utility cost to the City. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Marty. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6269, a Resolution Approving the Preliminary Feasibility Report, Waiving the Public Improvement Hearing, Ordering the Project, and Authorizing the Preparation of Plans and Specifications for the Hidden Hollow Street and Utility Improvement Project. Gary Nordness from ProCraft addressed Council and asked that the Resolution be amended to allow the project to move forward while the remaining issues are being worked out. He then assured Council that they intend to execute the development agreement as is required. Public Works Director Lee explained that everything would be on hold until the development agreement is executed and the appropriate security submitted to the City. City Attorney Riggs indicated that he saw no issue with moving forward while resolving the remaining issues. Council Member Quick. asked if it was a good idea. City Attorney Riggs indicated that, based on all discussions he has had, he does not see that this would cause great exposure to the City. He then said that the developer has invested a lot of money and they are close to a final agreement. City Attorney Riggs suggested an amendment of: "The City Council approves the report, orders the project and waives" be inserted into the document. MOTION/SECOND: Linke/Marty. To Amend Resolution 6269 as Recommended by the City Attorney. Ayes - 4 Nays -1(Quick) Motion carried. Ayes - 4 Nays -1(Quick) Motion carried. Mounds View City Council May 24, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 5 C. Resolution 6259 Employee Appreciation Awards for the Employee Appreciation Lunch on June 9, 2004, with a Rain Date of 3une 10, 2004. Council Member Stigney indicated he had pulled this item because it was his understanding that when this was approved by the Council that the certificates were to be obtained and used within the City of Mounds View. Ms. Crane indicated that she had reviewed the Minutes and that was discussed but it was recommended that the City not do that. Council Member Stigney indicated he has an issue with it. He then said that the Resolution that was passed in 2001 states that the employee appreciation events would be held at the Mounds View Banquet and Conference Center and now it is somewhere else. He further questioned the difference in price between the breakfast last year and the lunch proposed for this year. Ms. Crane explained that she and Ms. Burg go out and buy the food from Sam's Club for the cheapest dollar amount possible and Council prepares it so there is no labor. Council Member Stigney indicated he feels that the certificates should be purchased within Mounds View. S Mayor Linke indicated he saw no conflict with using either the Community Center or City Hall. Council Member Stigney indicated he was just pointing out that the proposal was different than what was approved and he is opposed to the twin city area for the certificates. Mayor Linke read Resolution 6259. MOTION/SECOND: Linke/Marty. To Approve Resolution 6259, a Resolution for Employee Appreciation Awards for the Employee Appreciation Lunch. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Marty. To Amend Resolution 6259 to Require that the Certificates be Chosen within the City of Mounds View. Council Member Stigney indicated that tax dollars are being spent and he would like to use those tax dollars to promote local businesses. Council Member Marty commented that the City is somewhat limited with what can be obtained for certificates. He then said that he feels it would be better to broaden the area. Council Member Stigney stated that as long as the City is giving taxpayer money to employees, it should be spent locally to improve the tax base. . Ayes -1(Stigney) Nays - 4 Motion failed. Mounds View City Council May 24, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 6 t Ayes - 4 Nays -1(Stigney) Motion carried. 9. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Public Hearing to Consider the "Velmeir CVS Addition" Redevelopment (1) Consideration of Resolution 6270 Approving the Preliminary Plat and Development Review • • Mayor Linke opened the public hearing. Planner Prososki reviewed the request by Velmeir for a CVS pharmacy at the former Amoco Station site. She noted that all the lots meet the size requirements in the code and a park dedication fee is applicable to all subdivisions and it is equal to 10% of market value of the land. Planner Prososki reviewed the development review with Council. She then indicated that the Fire Marshal reviewed the plan and requested a fire lane and there is to be one way traffic in that area. Planner Prososki reviewed the drainage plan with Council. She then noted that it is designed to handle back to back 100 year floods. Planner Prososki reviewed the building exterior requirements for the building. Planner Prososki indicated that a trail is designated on the site plan that runs parallel to both Highway 10 and Silver Lake Road. Planner Prososki indicated the proposed development would increase traffic in the area but not as heavily as the previous use which was a gas station. Planner Prososki indicated that there are two main things to be considered with the rezone and they are whether the use would be detrimental to the surrounding areas and whether the proposed use is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. She then said that this development brings commercial use and Staff does not feel it would be detrimental to the area since the prior use of the site was commercial. Planner Prososki explained that portions of the site need to be rezoned and pointed them out on the map. Planner Prososki indicated that, if the Council moves forward with the rezoning, the second reading would not occur until the plat is recorded. She then reviewed the public comments that were received with Council. Mounds View City Council May 24, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 7 Planner Prososki indicated that Staff recommends approval and the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval. Mayor Linke asked whether requiring a park dedication fee and trail installation at developer expense opens the City up to a potential lawsuit. City Attorney Riggs indicated that there were cases happening across the country concerning the build out of trails or other part and parcel park dedication ordinances. He then said he discussed this with Mr. Ericson briefly, and the Council can charge a park dedication fee and require a trail or enter into some other type of arrangement. Mayor Linke indicated he feels comfortable with the park dedication fee but it is requiring the trail and the park dedication fee that he is concerned with. Council Member Quick indicated that the City has required other properties to do it and the trail plan has been in place prior to the application being received. Community Development Director Ericson commented that the developer is not disputing the trail but is interested in deducting the cost of that trail from the proposed park dedication fee. He then said that it is possible to do so if Council is interested. Council Member Quick asked whether a portion of that property has already paid a dedication fee. Director Ericson indicated that Staff was unable to find any verification of that but the code does indicate if a park dedication fee has already been paid then it is to be backed out of the current park dedication fee. He then explained that the Amoco development created the two lots approved by Council in 1988 but, Staff could not find record of a park dedication fee. Brian Altman of 951 Grand Avenue, attorney for Velmeir, addressed Council and indicated that they are happy to be coming to Mounds View. He then provided a brief overview of CVS Pharmacy. Mr. Altman indicated he would like to see the park dedication fee reduced by the previously paid park dedication fee. He then said that they feel Staff's per square foot value is high as it is higher than what they paid for the property. He further commented that the trail is mostly in the right of way but there is a portion of it on their property and it seems a bit unfair to require them to construct a trail on their property and still pay a full dedication fee. Mr. Altman commented that they are using a fair portion of this property for open green space as ponding. He then said that the City has taken the position that this park dedication fee applies because this is a subdivision and yes, it is, but in reality it is more a realignment of lot lines the purpose of which is to create the ponding area. • Mounds View City Council May 24, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 8 • • Council Member Stigney asked whether there were any other plans for the building that did not make the colors like a caution sign and a stop sign. Mr. Altman indicated that the colors are not accurately depicted in the photographs provided and the actual colors would not be that bright. Council Member Marty asked whether the items in the Staff report have been resolved. Planner Prososki indicated that all requirements will be met as a condition of approval. She then indicated that the fencing requirement around the pond would need to be added as a condition of approval in the Resolution. There were no residents present to comment. Mayor Linke closed the public hearing. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Marty. To Approve Resolution 6270, a Resolution Approving the Preliminary Plat and Development Review as Amended to Include the Fencing Around the Pond. Council Member Stigney asked Ms. Prososki to read the language amendment. Planner Prososki did so. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. (2) First Reading and Introduction of Ordinance 739 Rezoning Parts of Lots 1 and 2, Block 1, Velmeir/CVS Addition MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Stigney. To Waive the Reading, Introduce the First Reading and Approve Ordinance 739, an Ordinance Rezoning Parts of Lots 1 and 2, Block 1, Velmeir/CVS Addition. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. B. 2003 Street Improvement Project Resolution 6265 Assessment Hearing and Adoption of a Special Assessment Levy. • Mayor Linke opened the public hearing and suggested it be continued to June 14, 2004 at 7:16 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Linke/Quick. To Continue the Hearing to June 14, 2004 at 7:16 p.m. Mayor Linke noted there are issues with Rice Creek Watershed District and that is the reason for continuation. Mounds View City Council May 24, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 9 ~~ ~J Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. C. 2003 Street Improvement Project Resolution 6268 Construction Contract Award. MOTION/SECOND: Linke/Quick. To Postpone Consideration of Resolution 6268 and Resolution 6261 to June 14, 2004. Council Member Stigney asked if Staff anticipates having the issues resolved by June 14, 2004. Mayor Linke indicated that Staff feels that the issues could be resolved by then. Council Member Marty asked if this would delay the project. Public Works Director Lee indicated that a delay to June 14, 2004 would not affect the schedule. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 6261 Providing for the Competitive Negotiated Sale of $2,045,000 General Obligation Improvement Bonds, Series 2004A. • Handled with the previous matter. E. First Reading and Introduction of Ordinance 737 to Amend Chapter 603, Garbage and Rubbish, Section 603.06, Subd. 2, Requirements and Restrictions. Mayor Linke indicated that there has been a recommendation to add Thursday to make it two days rather than one. Public Works Director Lee indicated that the reason for the two days is to accommodate the smaller haulers because switching days would cause them great hardship. Council Member Quick said he thinks the City should stick with one day and he agrees with Thursday. He then said that he would be open to granting aone-year time frame to come into compliance. Council Member Stigney indicated that he does not see an issue with allowing haulers on two days. He then said that he would like to accommodate the haulers and, if they have an issue with one of the days, allowing the second day would resolve the issue. He further commented that the City does not even know yet if this is a desirable thing to do. Council Member Marty indicated that he would like to stay with one day for haulers in an attempt to accommodate those that sleep during the day because the noise of the trucks would be disruptive only on one day. Mounds View City Council May 24, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 10 Council Member Marty then said that he would be open to the suggestion of allowing the smaller hauler to have a year to comply. Council Member Stigney indicated he would like to stay with Wednesday and Thursday and let the new Council change it if they see fit. Council Member Gunn indicated that she would like to allow haulers on Wednesday and Thursday to accommodate the haulers that provide service in the City. Mayor Linke indicated that he would like to have pick up on Thursdays to accommodate the smaller hauler. He then said he would support the one year to allow the smaller hauler to come into compliance. Council Member Quick commented that he feels Council should make a decision that is in the best interest of the residents of the City. He further commented that he does not feel it is necessary to bend over backwards to accommodate someone who is a contractor doing business in the City. He then said he would like to see pickup on Thursdays. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Quick. To Waive the Reading, Introduce the First Reading and Approve Ordinance 737 with Thursdays Only, an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 603, Garbage and Rubbish, Section 603.06, Subd. 2, Requirements and Restrictions. City Attorney Riggs recommended allowing a time frame for all haulers to comply rather than singling out one entity. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Marty. To Amend to Allow 30 Days to Come into Compliance. Council Member Marty indicated he would prefer allowing six months to comply. Council Member Quick and Council Member Marty withdrew the motion. MOTION/SECOND: Many/Quick. To Amend to Allow Six Months to Comply. Ayes - 4 Nays - 1(Stigney) Motion carried. Ayes - 4 Nays - 1(Stigney) Motion carried. F. Resolution 6248 Adopting the City Vision and Mission Statement Council recessed at 8:35 p.m. Council reconvened at 8:40 p.m. • Mounds View City Council May 24, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 11 City Administrator Ulrich reviewed the City's vision and mission statement in a Power Point presentation. He also reviewed the City's goals and values. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Mariy. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6248, a Resolution Adopting the City's Vision and Mission Statement. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. G. Resolution 6255 Adopting the City Goals Program Mayor Linke read the goals. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Quick. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6255, a Resolution Adopting the City Goals Program. Council Member Stigney indicated that this calls for implementing the revitalization plan for Highway 10 and he has issues implementing the current plan. Council Member Marty suggested changing the wording to implementing a plan. Council Member Stigney suggested to amend the wording to a plan rather than the revitalization plan. . Council Member Quick indicated that Council voted and approved "the" plan. Council Member Stigney indicated he has a problem with the plan. Council Member Quick indicated there is a plan that was approved by vote so Members are free to vote against the parts they do not agree on. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Marry. To Change the Wording to "a plan" rather than "the plan". Council Member Gunn commented that there is a plan that was approved and changing the wording is like starting over so she would like to stick with the plan. She then said that there are parts of the plan that she does not agree with either but there is a plan in place that should be started. Council Member Stigney indicated that he did not agree with the plan with the last Council so he will not support the plan now. Council Member Quick commented that the plan was passed by Council and one of the things that is in front of Council later on the agenda is to agree not to try to sabotage decisions previously made by Council. Ayes -1(Stigney) Nays - 4 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council May 24, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 12 Ayes - 4 Nays -1(Stigney) Motion carried. H. Resolution 6256 Adopting the City Values Statement Mayor Linke read the values statement. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6256, a Resolution Adopting the City Values Statement. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. I. Resolution 6257 Adopting the City Rules of Conduct LJ Mayor Linke read Resolution 6257 outlining the rules of conduct for the City. MOTION/SECOND: Linke/Gunn. To Approve Resolution 6257, a Resolution Adopting the City Rules of Conduct. Council Member Stigney indicated he has a question on rule number 8 and he would like to delete it. Council Member Stigney said he believes in open and honest communication and does not feel that in public you should state that they did an excellent job and then correct them in private. He then said that there was open and honest communication in a previous Resolution and there are some state statutes that require discipline in private so he feels this adds nothing. Mayor Linke indicated that if he is going to criticize he does that privately and would not praise the same person for that item in public. The idea is, if there is a problem, you bring that to the person's attention privately rather than in a public forum because doing so publicly belittles that person and you for doing so. He then said that he also believes in praising persons for doing a job well and that should be done publicly so that they get the recognition they deserve. Council Member Many said he would like to have number 8 remain because he appreciates not being publicly criticized and he feels others should be treated that way as well. Council Member Gunn commented that she looks at these rules as rules of etiquette between Council Members. Council Member Stigney indicated that he is fine with that interpretation but would have a problem if persons were publicly praised but privately criticized for the same thing. Council Member Quick indicated he would still like the hard cold truth from the Staff. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council May 24, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 13 J. Resolution 6271 Approving the 2004 Compensation Schedule for Non-Union Personnel. City Administrator Ulrich indicated this is a compensation schedule for non-union personnel and noted the City is negotiating with its unions within the City but has been unable to come to terms on any labor contracts. He then said that, since it is getting toward mid-year Staff felt it was time to recommend that the wages and benefits be established for the non-union personnel. City Administrator Ulrich outlined the proposed compensation schedule for non-union personnel. Jeremiah Anderson of 9025 Jefferson Street addressed Council and indicated that he was asked to speak on behalf of the union. He then stated that they have been in negotiations with the City since October of 2003 and in mediation since January of 2004 and this proposal is not that different than the tentative agreement. He further indicated that employees are disappointed that they have not been able to reach an agreement with the City. Mayor Linke indicated that Council would be meeting after the Council meeting to discuss the matter. He then asked if another bargaining session had been set. City Administrator Ulrich indicated there was not one set but he would be happy to set one. Mr. Anderson indicated that the members are hopeful that this can be resolved but there seems to be a feeling out there that they are being left out on the sidelines while other employees not represented are going to have an agreement in place that is not that different than the tentative agreement. Rita burring stated that they had every reason to believe that Mr. Ulrich had the authority and direction to negotiate a settlement. Mayor Linke explained that Council makes the final decision and it is a majority vote of Council. He then said that Mr. Ulrich does his best to come up with an agreement that is presented to Council and then a majority of the Council makes a decision on that agreement. Ms. burring asked why the union should schedule another session with Mr. Ulrich if he is not authorized to negotiate a settlement. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Marty. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6271, a Resolution Approving the 2004 Compensation Schedule for Non-Union Personnel as Amended. Council Member Stigney indicated that the Resolution should state that any monthly health insurance compensation is for family health insurance contribution. City Administrator Ulrich indicated that is how it is administered with the plan. Mounds View City Council May 24, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 14 Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. K. Resolution 6262 Adopting a Calendar for the Preparation of the 2005 Budget. MOTION/SECOND: MartylGunn. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6262, a Resolution Adopting a Calendar for the Preparation of the 2005 Budget. Finance Director Hansen reminded Council that Council had asked that residents be more involved in the process by allowing ways of increased public comment. Council Member Quick suggested setting aside time at each Council meeting for anyone that would like to speak about the budget. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. L. Resolution 6263 Approving a Utility Billing Drop Boz. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6263, a Resolution Approving a Utility Billing Drop Box. Council Member Marty indicated that in these tight budget times he does not feel it is necessary • to provide a $1,700 payment drop box so that residents do not have to get out of their vehicles. He then said that there is an existing drop box on the front of the building and they could use the regular mail. Mayor Linke indicated that it would cost more than $1,700 because they would have to pour concrete. Council Member Stigney agreed that this is not necessary because the cost far outweighs the benefit. He then said that beyond the initial installation costs is a fee of $32.00 monthly service agreement. He further commented that there are ways to get the payment to City Hall. Ms. Crane indicated that this request stemmed from attempting to accommodate elderly and handicapped residents that have trouble getting out of their vehicle to walk to the drop box on the front of the building. Council Member Gunn agreed that there are some that struggle with reaching the payment box on the building but said that she is concerned with having a box out in the open due to the potential for vandalism. Council Member Marty commented that it would be cheaper and easier to use the mail rather than trying to come down to City Hall. Council Member Quick indicated he is concerned about mail theft and vandalism to the mailbox. Mounds View City Council May 24, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 15 • Council Member Stigney indicated that government cannot do everything for the people. He then said there is a drop box and there are mailboxes so there are ways of making payments. He further commented that automatically withdrawn payments are available through the City. Ayes - 2 Nays - 3(Linke/Marry/Stigney) Motion failed. M. Resolution 6264 Authorizing Staff to Enter into a Purchase Agreement to Acquire the Commercial Property at 2525 County Road 10 in Mounds View. Economic Development Coordinator Backman indicated that the EDA had authorized Staff to obtain an appraisal and that is before Council for consideration. He then said that the value placed on the property by the appraiser is $819,000. Economic Development Coordinator Backman outlined the benefits to purchasing the site. Economic Development Coordinator Backman indicated that, if the City is interested in acquiring this property, the time to buy it is when it is on the market and the owners are motivated to sell it because this is a better price than if the City had to force a sale. He then suggested a price around $800,000. Mayor Linke indicated that if the City pays $800,000 he would want all the equipment and • fixtures to remain because the City could sell them to recover some of the purchase price. Economic Development Coordinator Backman indicated he did receive an email from the broker and the owners appear to be open to discussions with the City but did ask if it was possible to pull the equipment. Mayor Linke indicated if they wish to remove the equipment from the site than the price would need to be reduced accordingly. Council Member Stigney asked for clarification on the per square foot comparison. Economic Development Coordinator Backman explained that the differences relate to the different manners of the analysis. Economic Development Coordinator Ericson indicated the one difference is the size of the building. Council Member Stigney asked why the City would pay $479 per square foot for a gas station if the City does not want a gas station. He then asked what the cost would be to purchase the building remove everything and get down to just land. Economic Development Coordinator Backman indicated he would need to obtain quotes from the different types of contractors that the job would require. Mounds View City Council May 24, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 16 Mayor Linke asked how much the demolition at the Perkins site cost. Economic Development Coordinator Backman indicated that the Perkins site was twice the size and the cost was $25,000. Mayor Linke speculated a $12.00 to $14.00 per square foot cost. Council Member Gunn asked if Staff thinks the City can sell the property for a profit. Economic Development Coordinator Backman indicated that would depend upon the use that Council is contemplating. He then said that it is possible if a commercial use is anticipated. He also commented that there is the potential to add some land to it to make it a larger site for redevelopment. Council Member Gunn said she would feel more comfortable if the City stressed that this was being done for redevelopment and not for realignment or for City property because she does not think that the City can afford to do that. Community Development Director Ericson indicated that the Resolution could stipulate the intended use for the property. • Council Member Stigney commented that there is a property on the tax base contributing taxes and he thinks the City should leave it there and let the market value of pnvate purchasers and developers dictate what is done with the site. He then said that, unless there is a definite plan for something that is marketable to recover the money or improve the site that does not involve a fast food restaurant, he is not interested in purchasing the properly. Economic Development Coordinator Backman suggested that if the City lets the market dictate what happens the City will end up with another gas station in that location. He then said that he feels confident that Staff can work with a developer to bring improvements to the location and generate more than $20,000 worth of taxes per year. Council Member Quick asked if the City could take the building down, realign the road and still have enough left of the site for a building site. Mayor Linke commented that there is sewer, water and a gas line running through there. Director Ericson noted the purchase agreement would be contingent upon Council approval. Mayor Linke read part of Resolution 6264. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Quick. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6264, a • Resolution Authorizing Staff to Enter into a Purchase Agreement to Acquire the Commercial Property at 2525 County Road 10 in Mounds View. Mounds View City Council May 24, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 17 Mayor Linke indicated he would support this with the idea that he reserves the right to make his decision after obtaining further information. Council Member Quick indicated he would like Staff to look at options for moving the road around and a buildable. site for a commercial site. Council Member Marty indicated he would like to move forward with negotiations but he reserves the right to make his decision based on further information obtained. He further indicated he would like to explore the option of correcting the intersection as outlined in the redevelopment plan for County Highway 10. Council Member Stigney said he thinks this is starting along the path of no return and it may turn out to be a disadvantage to the residents of the City. He then said that he would like to see what the market bears with this property. Council Member Gunn asked if there was indication of anyone who would be interested in the site. Economic Development Coordinator Backman indicated he does stay in regular contact with developers who remain interested in doing projects in the community and he likes to provide options for developable sites. He then said that as soon as he has approval for negotiating on the site he would immediately begin discussions with developers concerning the site. Council Member Marty indicated that this is not on the path of no return because he has stated that he intends to look into the matter and make his decision after reviewing all of the information from Staff. Council Member Quick asked how the City did on the Perkins deal. Economic Development Coordinator Backman indicated the City quintupled the value. Council Member Gunn expressed concern with developing the site and then having the road reconstructed and realigned through the site. Economic Development Coordinator Backman clarified that the quintuple refers to the building value. Council Member Stigney expressed concern that the Resolution states that Staff is authorized to enter into a purchase agreement. City Administrator Ulrich suggested the Resolution be amended to state that the agreement shall be subject to City Council approval. The Motioner and Seconder agreed to the revision. Mounds View City Council May 24, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 18 Council Member Stigney indicated he still does not think it is a good idea. Ayes - 4 Nays -1(Stigney) Motion carried. N. Resolution 6253 Approving a Step Adjustment for Kristin Prososki, Planning Associate. Mayor Linke read Resolution 6253. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Stigney. To Approve Resolution 6253, a Resolution Approving a Step Adjustment for Kristin Prososki, Planning Associate. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. O. Consider Proposal from Timesaver, Inc. for Minute-Taking Services. City Administrator Ulrich presented the proposal to Council and indicated that he sees downsides to the proposal including that public hearings are legal proceedings and a live body should be present to accurately transcribe the comments. He then said that the proposal would also increase Staff's workload. He further commented that Staff would be willing to give it a try should Council wish to consider it but he would recommend that a live body be present for any public hearings. Council Member Stigney said he feels the City needs to have Joan sitting here taking Minutes because sometimes there are problems with the audio and video and if there is someone transcribing the official meetings she can raise a hand and ask questions. He then said that he thinks it would be stepping back from the type of service needed here and he thinks the City should have Joan sitting right there. Council Member Marty agreed with Council Member Stigney and expressed concern that there would be an issue with the tape either with audio or video and then there would be no Minutes. He then said that the quality of the recording is questionable and it may be difficult to transcribe Minutes from them. He further commented that Joan has done an outstanding job for the City and noted that the City went through quite a few secretaries who were far from outstanding but he feels it should stay the way it is. Council Member Quick said no. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Quick. To Keep the Minute Taking Services as They Are. Council Member Stigney said that due to the potential pitfalls there could be he feels the City should be somewhat cautious. Mayor Linke agreed. Mounds View City Council May 24, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 19 • Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. City Council Minutes May 10, 2004 Council Member Gunn requested that Page 3, Line 35 be corrected to read: Finance Director Hansen explained that a couple of years ago there was an accident with a City vehicle and a private parry and the City paid the $10,000 deductible and the League paid the amount in excess of that. Last fall the League accomplished recovery of money from the other driver and they were to calculate and send 2/3 of the recovery to the City but they made a mistake and sent the entire amount to the City so this is a refund to them. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Stigney. To Approve the City Council Minutes for May 10, 2004 as Amended. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. ~J B. Executive Session Minutes May 10, 2004 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Gunn. To Approve the Executive Session Council Minutes for May 10, 2004 as Presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. • Council Member Gunn reminded residents of Festival in the Park and outlined some of the planned festivities. Council Member Gunn indicated that she has been told that there were only 35 tables at the banquet center and that, if the organization using the facility needed more, they were to go out and rent them. She then said that she would like an inventory done of what the City has at the banquet center. Mayor Linke indicated that the banquet center has always taken care of rentals and charges it back. Mounds View City Council May 24, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 20 Council Member Gunn indicated that this particular group was trying to have one of the Mermaid personnel at the planning meetings and nobody has shown up. She then said that the Irondale tennis people had their banquet there and were not happy so she feels rt is time to look into rt. Council Member Quick asked whether the City Administrator has had any meetings with the Unions since the last meeting with Council. City Administrator Ulrich said no. Council Member Quick commented that since Council spoke last there have been no meetings and the AFSCME representative made a comment that the City has not met with them since the last meeting so there have been two meetings with Staff and Council and nobody has met with the union. City Administrator Ulrich indicated that it was discussed at the last meeting where the tentative agreement was rejected and he did meet with the union after that meeting and there was one meeting after that. Council Member Marty asked whether the last scheduled meeting between the City and AFSCME took place. • City Administrator Ulrich indicated there was a meeting scheduled with AFSCME as a second mediation session after rejecting the tentative agreement and AFSCME declined the meeting. Council Member Stigney asked for an update on the Lions Club and the bus. Mayor Linke indicated that the Lions would be discussing the matter this week and something would be brought to Council for consideration. Mayor Linke noted that the street improvement project assessment hearing and the resolutions that go along with that would be discussed at the June 14, 2004 Council Meeting at 7:16 p.m. B. Staff None. C. City Attorney City Attorney Riggs reported that there has been a dismissal with prejudice of the litigation with the State of Minnesota v. American Hardware. He then said that no further documents have been received on the matter. 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, June 7, 2004 Next Council Meeting: Monday, June 14, 2004 Mounds View City Council May 24, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 21 • 13. EXECUTIVE SESSION Council recessed to executive session at 10:12 p.m. Transcribed and recorded by: Joan Lenzmeier Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. • •