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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2005/01/10~M'rr~ k~' S ei ~.~ ~ L- ?~ PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL • CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting January 10, 2005 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:00 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Marty, Stigney, Gunn, and Flaherty 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, January 10, 2005 City Council Agenda. City Administrator Ulrich stated he would like to postpone Item 9N until January 24~' to allow staff to do some additional inquiry into the bidding process and gather some more information. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Flaherty. To Approve the Monday, January 10, 2005 agenda as amended. Ayes ~ Nays - 0 Motion carried. 5. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUISNESS A. Resolution of Appreciation for Jerry Linke Mayor Marty read aloud the Resolution of Appreciation and presented it to former Mayor Jerry Linke. Former Mayor Linke stated that it had been a pleasure working with the Council that he had had. He stated that there had been very little animosity between the members, and that they had talked and discussed things. He thanked the Council for their help while he was Mayor. Mayor Many thanked Mayor Linke for not just this term, but for his many years of service to the community. B. Senator Don Betzold and Representative Connie Bernardy -Update on Legislative Session. Senator Betzold stated that the legislature had started Tuesday and would go until midnight of • May 23rd. He stated that the main item of business would be to balance the State's budget. He Mounds View City Council January 10, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 2 • stated that the Governor would make his proposal in about two weeks, and the legislature would come forward with its proposals, and hopefully it will be done by the time they adjourn. He stated he didn't believe there was any hope of restoring the LGA cuts that had had a major impact on the City of Mounds View. He stated that other issues before them included crime prevention, jobs, transportation, methamphetamines, health care costs, and education. He stated he had introduced the bill for the covenant clause on the golf course property. He stated he was on the Pension Commission, and that there was an issue that the Blaine/Mounds View/Spring Lake Park Fire Department was bringing forward to allow some of the city employees the opportunity to be a volunteer firefighter and be able to use pension credit for PERA as part of their volunteer service because of the shortage of firefighters. Representative Bernardy stated her home phone number is 763-571-0015, and she wanted the .public to know that she was accessible. She stated that on February 3`d there would be a town meeting with her and Senator Betzold at the City Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m., and everyone was invited to express their ideas and have any questions answered. 6. PUBLIC INPUT Dave Jahnke, 8428 Eastwood Road, stated that the figures stated in the article by Jim Manthis were confusing and he didn't understand where he got them. He asked. the Council if they could comment on them. Mayor Marty stated that some of the information in the article was close to factual, but some wasn't. City Administrator Ulrich stated that in the next newsletter they were going to present a more balanced perspective of the redevelopment options for the golf course for the community. Police Chief Sommer asked that citizens inform the police department directly when they notice a problem with damage to property. He stated that they had charged three juveniles with criminal damage to property for puncturing five to ten inflatable lawn ornaments. Carol Mueller, 8343 Groveland Road, stated it was atrocious that the citizens of Mounds View were going to have a 27 1/2 percent increase in property taxes this year, after having double digit increases in taxes since 2002. She stated she had never received more than a 5 to 7 percent merit increase at her job, even with outstanding reviews. She asked if building the new fire station in Blaine would cause another double-digit tax increase for 2006. Mayor Marty applauded Ms. Mueller for her comments at the debate, and he asked Finance Director Hansen to comment on the reason for the tax increase. Finance Director Hansen stated that in 2004 the State cut aid to the City of Mounds View in the amount of $480,000, and in 2005 they cut the aid in the amount of $300,000. He stated the • addition of two police officers had added over $100,000 to the budget. He stated that for the 2005 budget, they have the first year of debt service for the street bond levy in the amount of Mounds View City Council January 10, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 3 • $187,000. He stated that those four items total almost $1.1 million. He stated, regarding the fire station in Blaine, that it's an $8.4 million bond issue to be spread amongst the three cities, and his guess was that Mounds View's share of the debt service would be a little less than $100,000 per year. Mayor Marty stated that the citizens had decided by ballot to hire the two police officers, and it was not a decision that was made by the City Council. He stated that 40 miles of street needed replacement, and they could no longer be repaired. He stated that without streets, sewer, and water, the infrastructure would crumble. Council Member Gunn stated that another new bill is the waste water service, and the bill this time had been $54,567.16. Mayor Marty stated that the waste water bill was the reason for the sump pump inspections that were occurring within the City. Public Works Director Lee stated that two years ago a federal mandate came across to cities with populations over 10,000 people that required them to submit a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program, which required the City to upgrade and service alI of their storm sewer systems, and that would be a cost to the City over the years. Former Mayor Jerry Linke stated that he had tried to annex the City to Anoka County awhile • back, which would have reduced their property taxes 25 percent, but the had been unable to do so. He stated that Ramsey County seems to be the guinea pig for the legislature, and if they want to try something new, Ramsey County gets it, and Mounds View gets the bill. He stated that Mounds View is trying to find services to cut to lower taxes. Mayor Marty stated that the reason North Oaks has lower taxes is because of their association fees. He stated that St. Paul residents often have hidden fees for different items rather than tax hikes. 7. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS. Council Member Stigney asked why there were two memberships listed on page 29, Items 115228, for the North Metro Mayors Association. Finance Director Hansen stated that it was listed twice because it is a 50 percent cost to the General Fund and 50 percent cost to the EDA fund, and it was really only one membership. Council Member Flaherty asked if the Decision Resources bill at page 8, Item 115084, was for one-half of the cost of the survey up front. City Administrator Ulrich stated that that was correct. • Mounds View City Council January 10, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 4 • Council Member Flaherty asked why there was a discrepancy for the fuel in the amount of $2,461 at page 9, second item down. Finance Director Hansen stated that that was for the police department, and they have more vehicles and do more driving than the other departments, so their gas bill is higher. Council Member Stigney stated that regarding the Decision Resources bill, he thought they could save the $10,200 on that, and he would like that item pulled. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Marry. To approve Just and Correct Claims, except for the Decision Resources bill, as presented. Ayes-4 Nays-0 Motion carried MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Marty. To approve the Decision Resources bill, Check No. 115084. Council Member Stigney stated that when they are asking residents to pay a 27 '/Z percent increase in taxes, he felt there was a less expensive way to accommodate this rather than spending $10,200 for it. Mayor Marty stated that there had been a survey sent for Parks and Recreation this summer, and they had only received 36 responses back. He stated that in reading past surveys, he had found a . wealth of information. Council Member Stigney stated he didn't feel this was a cost effective way to do the survey, and it would be cheaper to mail it out. Council Member Flaherty stated he would like to use this survey to get more input from the citizens. Stan Haugen, 8439 Knollwood Drive, stated that it would cost each citizen in Mounds View 75 cents for the survey. Ayes-3 Nays-1(Stigney) Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA Council Member Stigney requested to pull Items C and E. Mayor Marty requested to pull Item D. A. Licenses for Approval B. Set a Public Hearing for Monday, January 24, 2005 at 7:05 PM to Consider • the Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 754, an Ordinance Establishing Planning and Development Fees (Ericson) Mounds View City Council January 10, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 5 • C. Resolution 6420 Approving the Purchase of a Replacement Tractor for the Parks Division D. Resolution 6430 Authorizing the Expenditure of Street Sign Maintenance Funds for the Conversion of Traffic Signal Lights to LED E. Resolution 6422 Approving the Purchase of a Replacement %: Ton Pick Up Truck F. Set a Public Hearing for Monday, January 24, 2005 at 7:10 PM to Consider the Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 757, an Ordinance Vacating an Unused and Excess Utility Easement Associated with 8265 Spring Lake Road (Ericson) G. Cancel a Public Hearing for January 24, 2005 at 7:05 PM for the Capital Improvement Plan and Authorization for the Future Sale of CIP Bonds for the Fire Station and Equipment and reschedule the Public Hearing for February 14, 2005 at 7:05 PM. H. Cancel a Public Hearing for January 24, 2005 at 7:10 PM for the Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Setting Storm Water Management Fees for Service in 2005 and reschedule the Public Hearing for February 14, 2005 at 7:10 PM. I. Cancel a Public Hearing for January 24, 2005 at 7:15 PM for the Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Setting Street Light Utility Rates for Service in 2005 and reschedule the Public Hearing for February 14, 2005 at 7:15 PM. • J. Resolution 6427 Approving a Contract with the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust for Claims Administration. K. Set a Public Hearing for January 24, 2005 at 7:15 PM for the Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 755, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 1120 of the Mounds View Zoning Code relating to Building Heights in a Planned Unit Development (PUD) District (Ericson) L. Set a Public Hearing for January 24, 2005 at 7:20 PM for the Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 756, an Ordinance Amending the Mounds View Municipal Code related to Non-Conforming Driveways and Curb-Cuts (Ericson) M. Resolution 6420 Approving the Purchase of a Replacement Tractor for the Parks Division N. Resolution 6430 Authorizing the Expenditure of Street Sign Maintenance Funds for the Conversion of Traffic Signal Lights to LED O. Resolution 6422 Approving the. Purchase of a Replacement %: Ton Pick Up Truck MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Stigney. To approve Items A, B, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N. and O of the Consent Agenda as presented. Ayes-4 Nays-0 Motion carried i C. Resolution 6420 Approving the Purchase of a Replacement Tractor for the Mounds View City Council January 10, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 6 • Parks Division Council Member Stigney stated it may be prudent to see what happens with the golf course before purchasing a new tractor. Public Works Director Lee stated that the tractor that is at the golf course is a standard farm type tractor, and it is fairly limited in uses as opposed to the new style tractor that many cities are going with. Council Member Stigney asked if the old tractor was still functional. Public Works Director Lee stated that there are a lot of mechanical issues with it, and it is 15 years old, but it is still running. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Flaherty. To approve Resolution 6420, Approving the Purchase of a Replacement Tractor for the Parks Division. Ayes-3 Nays-1 (Stigney) Motion carried D. Resolution 6430 Authorizing the Expenditure of Street Sign Maintenance Funds for the Conversion of Traffic Signal Lights to LED. • Mayor Marty stated that with the three intersections being proposed for conversion, the savings is approximately $2,959.20, and this equates to a 17 month pay back period. He stated that in 17 months, these lights will have paid for themselves, and from that point on it will be costing the City far less. Council Member Flaherty stated he was concerned that this item was not in the 2005 Budget that had been approved. Public Works Director Lee stated that this is a program that Ramsey County initiated, and that they had not communicated it ahead of time in order for it to be placed in the 2005 Budget. Council Member Gunn stated she saw this as a positive step toward Highway 10 redevelopment as far as safety issues. Mayor Marty stated that this would have to be paid for anyway when the actual construction started to fix the highway, so to do it now would start the savings in 17 months rather than later. Council Member Stigney asked whether TIF money could be used to pay it. Director Ericson stated that he would have to check with the TIF advisers on that. • Council Member Stigney stated he would Like to postpone action on this item until that Mounds View City Council January 10, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 7 • information became available. MOTION/SECOND. Stigney/Many. To postpone action on Resolution 6430 until further information becomes available. Public Works Director Lee stated that timing was an issue because the County wants to start this project immediately, and delaying this item may mean that these three lights will not get included in this project. He stated that the County is doing this free of charge for the City. City Administrator Ulrich stated that if this were found to be TIF eligible, they could always submit it as a TIF eligible cost at a later time and move forward with approving this item. Ayes-0 Nays-4 Motion failed. MOTION/SECOND. Stigney/Many. To approve Resolution 6430, Authorizing the Expenditure of Street Sign Maintenance Funds for the Conversion of Traffic Signal Lights to LED, unless it is determined to be eligible to be paid by TIF funds. Ayes-4 Nays-0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 6422 Approving the Purchase of a Replacement %: Ton Pick Up Truck • Council Member Stigney stated he had pulled this for the same reason as Item C, and that maybe the truck was still functional. He asked why they were replacing a half ton with a three quarter ton truck. Public Works Director Lee stated that the truck they were actually replacing is a three quarter ton truck, and that the City is trying to maximize the use of their utility trucks. He stated that the trucks that are replaced every ten years are put into a motor pool that is used quite a bit by seasonal staff, so they get more use than the ten years. He stated the three quarter ton truck could be a potential plow truck for the City. He stated that the trucks are generally kept in the fleet for 15-18 years on average. Mayor Marty asked whether the purchase of the truck was time sensitive. Public Works Director Lee stated that the bids are good until April. Mayor Marty asked if this was in the budget for replacement this year. Public Works Director Lee stated that it was. The Council discussed holding off on this item until it was determined what was going to happen to the golf course. • Mounds View City Council January 10, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 8 • MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Flaheriy. To postpone a decision on Resolution 6422, and bring it back before the Council at a March meeting for further discussion. Ayes-4 Nays-0 Motion carried. 9. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Resolution 6423 Selection of the Official City Newspaper, Acting Mayor, Treasurer, and Official Depositories for 2005. Desaree Crane stated that this item is before the Council every year, and she had spoken with Finance Director Hansen to ensure that the depositories are still correct, and they are. She stated she chose The Bulletin because it was still cheaper. She stated the treasurers are assigned as they were in 2004. Mayor Marty stated that in the past they have gone back and forth between The Bulletin and The Focus since they were pretty close as far as charges. He asked if the St. Paul Pioneer Press had submitted a bid in writing. Ms. Crane stated that it was hard to get a bid from either The Star or the St. Paul Pioneer and Press. . Director Ericson stated he didn't feel that was issue since in the previous years they had not had to utilize the secondary newspaper for anything. He stated he did not feel it was imperative to seek out quotes from the Pioneer Press and Star Tribune, as they may not respond. Mayor Marty asked whether they had submitted one in the past. Ms. Crane stated that they had not. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Flaherty. To adopt Resolution 6423, Selection of the Official City Newspaper, Acting Mayor, Treasurer, and Official Depositories for 2005 as presented. Council Member Stigney asked who was authorized to conduct banking and investments. He asked if there was a check and balance so it was not one individual doing it on their own. City Administrator Ulrich stated that the document he was familiar with required two signatures. Finance Director Hansen stated that the checks go out with one signature. He stated that contracts very often require two signatures. He stated that a lot of the financial transactions are done with a single signature, and that it would become cumbersome to have to have two signatures for some things. • Council Member Stigney stated he thought the investment business should come before the Council rather than one or two people. Mounds View City Council January 10, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 9 Finance Director Hansen stated that the investments are done during the day, and investments wouldn't be honored Tuesday morning if taken before the Council on a Monday night. Mayor Marty stated that he would feel comfortable with having two signatures on investments rather than one. City Administrator Ulrich suggested they take some work session time to look at the City's investment policies. Finance Director Hansen stated that Minnesota state law limits what any City Finance Director can invest in, and that there are some items allowed by law that he doesn't feel comfortable investing in, so as a matter of practice, he is more restrictive than the law allows. Council Member Flaherty stated he would like this issue to be discussed at a work session. Finance Director Hansen stated that he recommended that they pass the entire resolution since they do have business that they need to conduct day-to-day. Ayes-4 Nays-0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 6424 Appointing City Council Members and City Staff as Representatives for City Commissions and other organizations. • Mayor Marty stated he would have to decline the Northwest Youth and Family Services Board because of his schedule. Council Member Stigney volunteered for the Human Resources Committee. Council Member Flaherty volunteered for the Human Resources Committee. Council Member Gunn volunteered to be on the Y Committee. Mayor Marty volunteered to be on the Y Committee. Council Member Flaherty volunteered to be on the Ramsey County League and Local Government Committee. Council Member Stigney stated that he could continue as an interim on the Spring Lake Park/ Blaine/Mounds View Firemans Relief Association. Mayor Marty stated they would have to leave the position on the Northwest Youth and Family Services open until the new Council member was elected. MOTION/SECOND. Gunn/Stigney. To approve Resolution 6424, Appointing City Council • Members and City Staff as Representatives for City Commissions and other organizations as it was filled out during • Mounds View City Council January 10, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 10 the Council meeting. Ayes-4 Nays-0 Motion carried. D. Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 754, an Ordinance Establishing Planning and Development Fees. • Director Ericson stated that it had come to their attention that their planning and development fees needed to be adopted by ordinance. He stated that currently the planning, and development fees are annually adopted with the fee schedule, which is done by resolution. He stated that Ordinance 754 creates a new section of the City Code, Appendix E. He stated it made more sense to create this appendix and remove the subdivision fees from Chapter 1202. He stated that they are also adding a paragraph in Section 1202.02 relating to costs above and beyond the subdivision application fee, which he read aloud. He stated that the second reading would occur on January 24th MOTION/SECOND. Stigney/Gunn. To approve the Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 754, an Ordinance Establishing Planning and Development Fees, and to waive the reading. Ayes-4 Nays-0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 6425 Step Increase for Greg Lee, Public Works Director. City Administrator Ulrich read Resolution 6425 aloud. MOTION/SECOND. Gunn/Flaherty. To approve Resolution 6425, Step Increase for Greg Lee, Public Works Director. Ayes-4 Nays-0 Motion carried. F. Resolution 6426 Approve a Charitable Gambling Permit for the New Brighton/Mounds View Rotary Club. Desaree Crane stated that the New Brighton/Mounds View Rotary Club had held this one-day charitable gambling permit in the past, and they would like to have it again for April 1, 2005. MOTION/SECOND. Gunn/Stigney. To approve Resolution 6426, Approve a Charitable Permit for the New Brighton/Mounds View Rotary Club. Ayes-4 Nays-0 Motion carried. • Mayor Marty stated that Merrick had taken over the charitable gambling at Roberts a year or so Mounds View City Council January 10, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 11 • ago. He stated that the Lions Club still has people in organizations and groups coming to them Council Member Gunn stated that she didn't think hiring six handicapped people that live in the City with 40 percent of the money coming back into the community. for help and donations, and they have told them to contact Merrick or the Chamber. He stated that the Chamber has helped some, but Merrick hasn't contributed to any of these groups or organizations. He stated he wanted staff to give him an accounting regarding whether the charitable gambling process is giving 40 percent back to the City. He asked staff to look into this and report back to the Council. G. Resolution 6416 Authorizing the Police Department to Accept a Local Law Enforcement Block Grant from the MN Department of Public Safety Office of Justice Program. Police Chief Sommer stated that this grant was based on need, crime rate, and quality of the application, and they were fortunate to be awarded it. He stated that only 20 percent of the applicants were awarded the grant. He stated that the $12,500 grant would be used for 800 megahertz portable radios, and the City would be required to match $1,389 for the purchase. Mayor Marty thanked Police Chief Sommer for applying for the grant, and he stated that this is a great deal. • Finance Director Hansen stated that one item got Left out of the resolution, and that is that the local matching funds would come from the police forfeiture fund. Mayor Marty amended the last whereas clause in the Resolution to read, "Whereas, the grant requires the City of Mounds View to provide matching funds in the amount of $1,389, coming from the Police Forfeiture Fund." MOTION/SECOND. Stigney/Flaherty. To Approve Resolution 6416 as amended, Authorizing the Police Department to Accept a Local Law Enforcement Block Grant from the MN Department of Public Safety Office of Justice Program, and to waive the reading. Ayes-4 Nays-0 Motion carried. H. Resolution 6419 Approving a Lot Line Adjustment (Minor Subdivision) Between 8265 and 8281 Spring Lake Road (Ericson) Director Ericson stated that this is an application for a Iot line adjustment, which according to City Code is considered a minor subdivision. He stated that minor subdivisions are considered divisions of land in which no more than one additional lot is created, and the amount of land would be less than two acres. He stated that even though this does not create any new lots, and does not involve the intensification of the land in any way, but it is still considered a minor • subdivision simply by shifting the lot line. He stated that the reason for the lot line adjustment is that when the house at 8265 Spring Lake Road was constructed, it was not constructed where Mounds View City Council January 10, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 12 • the survey said it was going to be, and the property owners did not realize that until the neighbors pulled a permit for a fence. He stated that the Planning Commission had reviewed this request, and they felt it met all the requirements of the subdivision code. He stated that there would be no park dedication fee required for this subdivision because there is no further intensification of the land. Director Ericson stated that when a subdivision occurs, there is a review of easements, and there was a perimeter drainage and utility easement granted for this property. He stated when the lot line shifts, then the easement is no longer a perimeter utility easement. He stated that the easement slices through part of the house and garage, so that needs to be resolved. He stated that the next item on the agenda is to vacate that easement.. He stated that the property owners have already executed an easement document which essentially rededicates that same easement, but consistent with the lot lines. Council Member Flaherty asked whether either of the residents had a problem with this. Director Ericson stated that they do not. Council Member Flaherty asked if there were any administrative fees associated with this on the City's part. Director Ericson stated that there may be some minimal legal fees involved. He stated it had • been communicated to the property owner that if there were additional expenses, they would be responsible for them. MOTION/SECOND. Gunn/Stigney. To approve Resolution 6419 Approving a Lot Line Adjustment (Minor Subdivision) Between 8265 and 8281 Spring Lake Road, and to waive the reading. Ayes-4 Nays-0 Motion carried. I. Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 757, an Ordinance Vacating an Unused and Excess Utility Easement Associated with 8265 Spring Lake Road (Ericson) Director Ericson stated that the property owners have executed a new easement which replaces the former easement, but City Charter requires that any release of easement areas be done by ordinance, so this is the first reading which would effectuate that vacation. MOTION/SECOND. Stigney/Flaherty. To approve the Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 757, an Ordinance Vacating an Unused and Excess Utility Easement Associated with 8265 Spring Lake Park, and to waive the reading. • Ayes-4 Nays-0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council January 10, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 13 • J. Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 756, an Ordinance Amending the Mounds View Municipal Code Relating to Non-Conforming Driveways and Curb-Cuts, Director Ericson stated that when the City Council adopted Ordinance 752 last year, what that Ordinance did was strike language from the City Code that provided an allowance for aone- foot setback for driveways in R-1 or R2 District. He stated when the Planning Commission was going through that Ordinance, it became quite apparent that there were other issues that needed to be addressed as well. He stated that he had spelled out in the staff report what some of those issues were. He stated the Ordinance makes corrections to four different sections of the City Code, and than rather than automatically allowing a nonconformity to continue, it makes the correction when the opportunity presents itself, such as a street reconstruction or during a driveway construction. He stated that the Planning Commission recommends adoption of the Ordinance. Mayor Marty asked if the residents would have an option whether or not to correct the nonconformity when the streets are re-constructed. Director Ericson stated that the option is that if it can be made compliant, then let's make it compliant. He stated that the property owner has a right to appeal that. He stated that hardship would have to be proven in order for a variance to be granted. He stated that this does give some allowances to property owners so that they can keep something that is nonconforming. if it makes sense. He stated that the Public Works Director and the Community Development Director would assess each situation on a case-by-case basis. He stated that the intent of this is not to create any hardships for the residents; it's simply to correct code compliance issues when possible rather than just by default allowing them to remain. He stated that the issue with street reconstruction is more associated with curb cuts than driveways. MOTION/SECOND. Stigney/Gunn. To approve the Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 756, an Ordinance Amending the Mounds View Municipal Code Relating to Non-Conforming Driveways and Curb-Cuts, and to waive the reading. Ayes-4 Nays-0 Motion carried. K. Resolution 6432 Authorizing Staff to Advertise to Fill the Position of Part- time Temporary Building Inspector in the Community Development Department. Council Member Stigney asked if this was a union or nonunion position. Director Ericson stated that as proposed, it would be as a nonunion position, part-time temporary. He stated if the position were extended to be more of a full-time position, then that would trigger union paying dues. • MOTION/SECOND. Gunn/Flaherty. To adopt Resolution 6432, authorizing Staff to Advertise Mounds View City Council January 10, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 14 • to Fill the Position of Part-time Temporary Building Inspector in the Community Development Department, and to waive the reading. Ayes-4 Nays-0 Motion carried. L. Resolution 6431 Directing Staff to Coordinate the Preparation of a Comprehensive Plan Amendment Associated with the Bridges of Mounds View Redevelopment Site. Director Ericson stated that what is proposed is a Comprehensive Plan Amendment that would make the Comprehensive Plan Amendment consistent with the zoning of the golf course. He stated that there was a recognition that there was a long term future use along the lines of some type of industriaUcorporate office development. He stated that RLK is offering to coordinate the preparation and submission of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment to the Met Council, and that the EDA had earlier that evening authorized the expenditure for that to occur. He stated that what this Resolution does is authorize staff to coordinate the preparation of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment, have it go before the Planning Commission to hold public hearings, and then either the City Council could approve the Comprehensive Plan Amendment and forward it onto the Met Council, or a quicker process would be to forward it onto the Met Council after the Planning Commission had reviewed it. He stated that staff is asking the Council to consider an Amended Resolution which would authorize the Planning Commission to review the amendment and forward it onto the Met Council, have them do the approval process, and then send it back to the City Council for final authorization. Director Ericson passed out a copy of the Amended Resolution 6431. He stated that this would be before the Planning Commission at their January 19~' meeting, with formal review and consideration on February 2"d. He stated that RLK would then have the final Comprehensive Plan Amendment Plan package ready to go to the Met Council on February 3ra Council Member Flaherty asked what would happen if they rezone it, and in January of 2006 they still had the golf course. Director Ericson stated that the land use simply would be a legal nonconforming use, so it would be allowed to remain. MOTION/SECOND. Marty/Stigney. To adopt Resolution 6431 as Amended, Directing Staff to Coordinate the Preparation of a Comprehensive Plan Amendment Associated with the Bridges of Mounds View Redevelopment Site, and to waive the reading. Ayes-4 Nays-0 Motion carried. M. Resolution 6433 Approving a Contract with HealthPartners for Employee Group Health Insurance. • Finance Director Hansen explained that the premium increase for 2005 came in at 22 percent. He stated that City Administrator Ulrich had communicated with another city who had Mounds View City Council January 10, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 15 experienced the same thing, and they had been successful in lowering their premium increase by using an insurance consultant to shop around. He stated that they had contacted this same insurance consultant to do the same for them. He stated that Health Partners had offered a cap on increases in the premiums for the second year, which was favorable. He stated that currently 25 percent of the employees are currently using Health Partners insurance, and a lot of them didn't want to have to change clinics or doctors. He stated that by adopting this Resolution, they would again be in a position where the premium increase would be less than 15 percent, and the City would save money. He stated that the City would see a greater benefit yet in 2006. Mayor Marty thanked City Administrator Ulrich and Finance Director Hansen for networking with other cities and saving the City money. Council Member Stigney asked whether the City received any beneft from employees selecting the health savings account option. City Administrator Ulrich stated that one of the benefits of the health savings account, and probably the reason they were created in the first place, was that it will encourage people to be selective in how they make their health care choices, so that they will choose cheaper providers and cheaper prescription costs, and thereby lowering the cost, and hopefully lowering the overall premiums for the group, so that it could potentially have an indirect benefit to the City as they move forward. • Finance Director Hansen stated that you would not see any savings in the first year or two, and that it was along-term proposition. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Marty. To adopt Resolution 6433, Approving a Contract with HealthPartners for Employee Group Health Insurance, and to waive the reading. Ayes-4 Nays-0 Motion carried. N. Resolution 6435 Approval of Carpet Bid for the Mounds View Community Center. Rescheduled. 11. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. City Council Minutes December 6, 2004 Mayor Marty requested that the tape be reviewed to determine who the resident was that was speaking at page 6, line 17. He stated that at page 8, line 32, and also on page 9, it should be reflected that it was Tom Flagg of 2714 Lake Court Drive. He stated that at page 11, line 8, the blank should be filled in to read "Police Chief Sommer". On page 11, line 44, it should • read, "Cressa Partners." On page 13, lines 18 and 31, it should read, "Bill Werner." Mounds View City Council January 10, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 16 • MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Flaherty. To approving the City Council Minutes of December 6, 2004 as amended. Ayes - 3 Nays - 0 Motion carried. B. Executive Session Minutes, December 13, 2004. MOTION/SECOND. Marty/Gunn. To approve the Executive Session Minutes of December 13, 2004. Ayes-3 Nays-0 Motion carried. Council Member Flaherty abstained as he was not present at the meeting. C. City Council Minutes, December 13, 2004. • Council Member Gunn stated that at page 1, line 38, the sentence should read, "...asked whether there would be another candidate running for the people at the upcoming special election." Mayor Marty stated that at page 1, line 38, "Hamline" should be spelled "Heilman" City Administrator Ulrich stated that at page 9, line 12, the figure should be $10,200. Mayor Many stated at page 2, line 31, it should be "Richard Sonterre." Mayor Marty asked whether City Administrator Ulrich would like to be referred to as City Clerk or City Administrator, and City Administrator Ulrich stated that City Administrator was preferable. Mayor Marty stated at page 7, line 13, it should read "Steve Dazenski." MOTION/SECOND. Gunn/Stigney. To approve the City Council Minutes of December 13, 2004 as amended. Ayes-4 Nays-0 Motion carried. D. Executive Session Minutes, January 3, 2005. MOTION/SECOND. Gunn/Flaherty. To approve the Executive Session Minutes of January 3, 2005. Ayes-4 Nays-0 Motion carried. • 12. REPORTS Mounds View City Council January 10, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 17 A. Reports of Council. None. Mayor Marty urged citizens to vote in the Special Election on February 1St. He stated that Candidates Forum is on Channel 16 and is scheduled for many dates and times. Council Member Stigney stated that it would be advantageous to have a work session to discuss the policy that the Council wishes to adopt for eminent domain with the new Council members after February 1St Director Ericson explained that the list the City has of potential properties they would purchase is merely a list that the State Auditor required they file. He stressed that these are not properties that they are going after, and it is not a condemnation list. B. Staff 1. Announce Vacancy on the Parks and Recreation Commission. Public Works Director Lee reiterated the announcement that there is a vacancy on the Parks and Recreation Commission, and if anyone is interested, to please fill out an application. He stated that applications are available at City Hall, and the deadline is Monday, January 17~`. • 2. Announce Vacancy on the Planning Commission. Director Ericson stated that there have been no applications received for the vacancy on the Planning Commission, and it is a Commission that meets twice monthly. He stated that it is a great opportunity to be at the forefront of planning and development within the city. He stated that applications are available at City Hall and on the web site. Mayor Marty stated that there is also an opening on the EDC. 3. Defense Costs Related to Litigation with the Harstad Companies. Finance Director Hansen stated that the League of Minnesota Cities handled the defense in the litigation with the Harstad Companies, and their total cost in defending the lawsuit was about $75,000. He stated that under the terms of the City's insurance policy, the City pays the first $10,000 of the cost, and then 15 percent of the amount above $10,000. He stated that the City received a bill from the League for $19,671, so they would have to pay those costs. Mayor Marty stated he was under the impression that there was still something potentially happening with the lawsuit. Director Ericson stated that it was over. • Mounds View City Council January 10, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 18 4. Set a Date in March for CounciUStaff Strategic Planning Session. City Administrator Ulrich stated that it is the time of year when the Council sits down to talk about what they hope to accomplish in the next year or two, and discuss what had been accomplished in the last year. He stated it would make sense to meet sometime in February or early March. He stated that a facilitator would cost $2,500 for two evenings. He asked the Council if they would like to meet two evenings or have a weekend session. Mayor Marty suggested the first part of March in order to give the new Council members a chance to get their feet wet. He stated they should check with the facilitators to check on their available dates. City Administrator Ulrich stated he would check on their available dates for the first week in March. 5. Announce Time, Date and Location for the North Metro Home and Garden Show. Director Ericson stated that the North Metro Home and Garden Show is scheduled for March 5, 2005 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Blaine National Sports Center. G City Attorney • None. 13. Nezt Council Work Session: Nezt Council Meeting: 14. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10:22 p.m. Transcribed and recorded by: Sheree Theobald Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Monday, February 7, 2005, 7pm Monday, January 24, 2005 at 7pm. (EDA at 6:30 p.m.) •