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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2013/09/23PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting September 23, 2013 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: Flaherty, Gunn, Hull, Meehlhause, Mueller NOT PRESENT: None. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, September 23, 2013, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Monday, September 23, 2013, agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT None. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Presentation from Mounds View School District Superintendent Dan Hoverman, State of the District Address and Review of Upcoming Levy Referendum Question. Dan Hoverman, Mounds View School District Superintendent, thanked the Council for their time this evening. He explained several members of the School Board were in attendance this evening and had a presentation on behalf of the school district. Marre Jo Sager, Mounds View School Board, indicated she was a liaison between the school district and the City of Mounds View. She explained that Mounds View schools were focused on adding value. The districts mission statement was reviewed in detail along with the priorities for the 2013-2014 school years. These priorities included all-day every day kindergarten for 2014, early college program implementation at Mounds View High School, financial stability Mounds View City Council September 23, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 2 through levy renewal in 2013 and contract negotiations to enhance financial stability while securing the best employees. Greg Madsen, Mounds View School Board, discussed how the demographics in the district have been changing over the past 20 years. He indicated the district enrollment has remained steady over this time. It was noted the number of students receiving free and reduced lunch has increased during this period. Mr. Madsen then reviewed the performance standards that have been achieved by Mounds View students. It was noted the district had the fourth highest number of National Merit students in the State of Minnesota. In addition, the district’s students were one to three grade levels above the national average for standardized tests. These achievements were a testament to the commitment the district had to its students. Mr. Madsen then discussed the STEAM program taking place at Edgewood Middle School. He noted this program had focused learning on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. The numerous benefits of the early college program were then reviewed. He stated all students could now receive a two year degree by the time they graduated high school. The Humphrey School of Public Affairs names the Early College program the top local government innovation in the State of Minnesota for the year. Bob Helgeson, Mounds View School Board, discussed the value of the education the students in Mounds View were receiving. He indicated a spring community survey shows that 90% of the community receives a good value from its investment in its public schools, with 91% of residents stating the quality of the education was excellent or good. In addition, 91% of the residents were proud and would recommend the Mounds View schools to others. Mr. Helgeson commented the 2006 levy will expire in 2014. If voters do not renew the proposed levy, the local schools will stop receiving $11.5 million each year. He explained that the district was not asking for an increase, but was simply hoping to renew the current levels being paid to schools. This would ensure that class sizes could be maintained and current programming would remain in place. Ms. Sager reviewed several measures that have been taken by the district to contain costs. She indicated administrative costs for the district were low when compared to districts of similar size, while the investment made in each student was the highest when compared to districts of similar size. She then encouraged all Mounds View residents to support the levy this year on November 5th. Mayor Flaherty understood the importance of the district’s schools to the community. He reiterated that the district was not requesting additional taxes, but simply for the current levy to be renewed. He requested further information on how the security of students was being addressed by the school district. Mr. Hoverman explained how the school buildings have been locked and secured for the protection of each student. Access has now been limited to one door at the high school and the School Resource Officers have become a greater presence. Mounds View City Council September 23, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 3 Council Member Gunn discussed the high level of education that the students in Mounds View were receiving due to the advanced curriculum, incredible staffing and use of technology. Mayor Flaherty thanked the School District members for their presentation this evening. B. Public Hearing to Review and Discuss the Wellhead Protection Plan (Part 2) Public Works Director DeBar explained the Wellhead Protection Plan was a state mandate, noting Part 1 of the plan was completed in 2012. He indicated Barr Engineering assisted City staff with Part 2 of the plan. He noted a copy of the plan had been sent to all stakeholders. John Greer, Hydro Geologist with Barr Engineering, thanked the Council for their time this evening and reviewed Part 2 of the plan in further detail. It was noted Part 2 assisted the City in identification of potential contaminant sources and the development of management plan. He commented the City had six different wells from four aquifers. He noted wells one through three were not vulnerable while wells four through six were deemed vulnerable. Mr. Greer indicated data elements from the Minnesota Department of Health were identified as applicable to the DWSMA. In addition, an inventory of potential contaminant sources within the DWSMA was completed noting this varied by the aquifer vulnerability zone. The goals of the Wellhead Protection Plan were reviewed with the Council. The main goals were to maintain or improve the City’s water supply, in addition to protecting the source water aquifers. Mr. Greer reviewed the wellhead protection action plans that would be put in place to assist with protecting the source water aquifers within the DWSMA. Council Member Mueller asked how the wellhead protection plan affected residents with a well. Mr. Greer stated residents could continue to use their well, if properly maintained. He explained that wells no longer in use should be sealed. Council Member Meehlhause questioned how staff worked with neighboring communities to ensure that the City’s wells and aquifers remained protected. Public Works Director DeBar explained the State mandated Wellhead Protection Plan forced all cities to complete both parts of the plan and there was coordination between the cities through this process. Public Works Director DeBar reported the Wellhead Protection Plan Part 2 had a deadline of October 15th. He stated he and Mr. Greer would finalize the document and submit it to the Department of Health prior to this deadline. A resolution would come back to the Council in January for official City approval. Mayor Flaherty thanked staff for the thorough report this evening. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Resolution 8155, Giving Preliminary Approval to the Proposed Issuance of a Subordinate Healthcare Facilities Revenue Note Under Minnesota Statutes, Mounds View City Council September 23, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 4 Sections 469.152 through 469.1655, as Amended; Authorizing the Publication of a Notice of Public Hearing; and Establishing the Date for a Public Hearing. Finance Director Beer explained that conduit financing was being requested from the City of Mounds View to assist Unity Hospital in Fridley, Minnesota, with a proposed expansion. He requested the Council adopt a Resolution giving preliminary approval to the proposed issuance of a Subordinate Healthcare Facilities Revenue Note under Minnesota Statutes, Section 469.152 through 469.1655, authorizing the publication of a notice of public hearing and establishing a date for a public hearing. Council Member Meehlhause asked if the proposed bonds were similar to the financing approved for Apple Tree Dental. Finance Director Beer stated the bonds were the same. Council Member Mueller inquired if the requested amount would put the City over the conduit financing limits. Jenny Boulton, Kennedy & Graven, commented the City was allowed to issue 10 million in conduit financing on a yearly basis and the City would not reach this limit with the Apple Tree Dental and Unity Hospital projects. Council Member Gunn questioned if the City would bear any expense from the conduit financing. Ms. Boulton explained the City would not responsible for the administration or debt of the bonds. Council Member Mueller was pleased that the City was able to assist non-profits through the conduit financing. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8155, Giving Preliminary Approval to the Proposed Issuance of a Subordinate Healthcare Facilities Revenue Note Under Minnesota Statues, Sections 469.152 through 469.1655, as Amended; Authorizing the Publication of a Notice of Public Hearing; and Establishing the Date for a Public Hearing. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Tires N’ More, 2832 County Road 10, Condition Use Permit Review. Planning Associate Heller explained this evening the Council would be continuing a conversation regarding the conditional use permit for Tires N’ More located at 2832 County Road 10. She indicated the original conditional use permit was approved in August of 2012 with conditions. One of these conditions required that the parking lot be repaved by September 1, 2013. There have been discussions between Tires N’ More and CVS but an agreement has not been reached as to how the parking lot should be repaved. Planning Associate Heller commented Tires N’ More has since requested a variance to allow for the parking lot to be completed. The goal would be to have this work finalized yet this fall, or early next spring. She requested the Council discuss the matter and provide direction on how to Mounds View City Council September 23, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 5 proceed with this matter. Mayor Flaherty reviewed the three conditions for approval within the conditional use permit. He indicated the fencing and sprinkler system were already completed by the applicant. The item that remains to be completed was the repaving of the parking lot. Naufel Soussi, Tires N’ More, discussed the easement issues he was having with CVS stating he was requesting to have a curb removed from their existing lot. Associate Heller stated she would continue to work with the applicant and CVS on this issue. Mayor Flaherty asked when the vehicles on the rear property line would be removed. Mr. Soussi indicated the tow truck would be removed from the property and the remaining vehicles were being worked on. Mayor Flaherty inquired if the parking lot could be repaved yet this fall. Mr. Sousi stated this was his plan to have the work completed by the end of November. Mayor Flaherty questioned what action the Council should be taking this evening. Planning Associate Heller recommended the Council extend the September 1, 2013, parking lot deadline for an additional six to twelve months. Council Member Mueller thanked Mr. Soussi for his investment in the community. For that reason, she was in favor of extending the conditional use permit for one year to allow Tires N’ More to resolve the issues with CVS and to complete the parking lot. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To extend the Conditional Use Permit with the three conditions for Tires N’ More located at 2832 County Road 10 to September 1, 2014. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 8151, Supporting a Shift of Federal Funding to Meeting the Essential Needs of Local Communities (MN ASAP Resolution). City Administrator Ericson stated Bill Urbanski was requesting the Council approve a Resolution that would support a shift of Federal funding to meeting the essential needs of local communities. He noted Mr. Urbanski was present this evening to discuss the matter in further detail. Bill Urbanski, 2367 Sherwood Road, noted he has been a resident of Mounds View for 43 years. He discussed in detail the MN ASAP Resolution with the Council explaining it would shift Federal funding priorities away from the Pentagon to meeting the essential needs of local communities. Mr. Urbanski supported a strong national defense but wanted to do away with unnecessary military expenses. He then read a letter of support from a Vietnam Vet for the record. Mr. Urbanski thanked the Council for its time and requested the Council support MN ASAP. Russell Warren, 8044 Greenwood Drive, indicated he was a Vietnam Vet and a Mounds View Mounds View City Council September 23, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 6 resident. He explained he fully supported the proposed MN ASAP Resolution as it would do away with wasted military Pentagon spending. He stated more veterans have died from suicide in the United States than have been killed in Iraq. Mr. Warren was in favor of changing the current spending patterns. He commented that the United States was the largest consumer of arms in the world. He hoped to see some of this funding be used instead for nation building at home in the United States. Nancy Rodenberg, 8001 Greenwood Drive, stated she has lived in Mounds View for the past 13 years. She discussed the debt her children accrued while attending college along with the interest rates for federal school loans. It was her hope to see some of the wasteful Pentagon spending shifted to higher education. Vern Rice, 7412 Park View Drive, indicated he was a proud resident of Mounds View. He was happy to be a part of the MN ASAP Resolution initiative. He encouraged the City to join the movement, which would call for fiscal responsibility and the reduction of wasteful military spending. Mayor Flaherty thanked the residents present for voicing their opinions. Mayor Flaherty questioned if staff verified the information presented this evening. City Administrator Ericson indicated staff had not verified the information as it was provided by Mr. Urbanski. Mr. Urbanski addressed the Council and described where and how he had gathered the information he provided to the City Council. Council Member Mueller requested an update on the petition some members had signed at Mr. Urbanski’s previous presentation, which he provided. Mayor Flaherty thanked Mr. Urbanski for bringing this issue to the Council’s attention. He was pleased with the in depth information that was provided to the Council this evening and supported the Resolution. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8151, Supporting a Shift of Federal Funding to Meeting the Essential Needs of Local Communities MN ASAP Resolution). Mayor Flaherty thanked all veterans for their service to this country. Council Member Gunn thanked all of the volunteers for their hard work on this initiative. She commented she fully supported the Resolution. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 8153, Accepting Donation from Bethlehem Baptist Church and Approving Distribution of Funds. Mounds View City Council September 23, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 7 City Administrator Ericson stated that Bethlehem Baptist moved into the community in 2004. At that time, the church expressed a desire to promote and sponsor worthy community activities. The church has been making annual donations, which now totaled $34,000 per year. He thanked the Bethlehem Baptist congregation for their continued generosity. He indicated he recently met with Bethlehem Baptist staff to discuss how a recent donation would be utilized in the community. Staff reviewed the list of proposed items to be purchased noting one amendment to the list and recommended approval from the Council. Council Member Meehlhause thanked Bethlehem Baptist for their proposed donation. He asked if these funds could be used to assist Festival in the Park in 2014. City Administrator Ericson commented that if the church found this a worthy event to support, the funds could be used for Festival in the Park. Mayor Flaherty was pleased that a portion of the donation was set aside to assist with the homeless in the area. Josh Kane, Bethlehem Baptist Church member, stated the church loves to support the community and was also glad that a portion of the donation would be used to address homelessness. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8153, Accepting Donation from Bethlehem Baptist Church and Approving Distribution of Funds as amended to include an EDA donation in the amount of $2,987.50. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 8154, Entering into a Vending Contract with Midwest Vending to Provide Vending Services at the Mounds View Community Center and City Hall. City Administrator Ericson stated staff has been discussing this item with Nate Danielson at the Community Center. He commented the current vending machines at the community center do not offer a lot of healthy snack options, and cost a great deal of money to run. For this reason, staff was proposing the Council terminate the existing vending relationship and enter into a vending contract with Midwest Vending to provide vending services at the Community Center and City Hall. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8154, Entering into a Vending Contract with Midwest Vending to Provide Vending Services at the Mounds View Community Center and City Hall. Council Member Mueller thanked staff for the thorough report on this item. She was pleased the new machines would provide the City an energy savings. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. F. Resolution 8157, Approving Cooperative and Maintenance Agreements with Mounds View City Council September 23, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 8 Ramsey County for Traffic Control Signals at Intersection of CSAH 10 and Silver Lake Road. Public Works Director DeBar stated in 2009 the City identified the intersection of CSAH 10 and Silver Lake Road to have improvements completed. He noted a highway safety improvement grant was applied for and received by the City due to the high cost to benefit ratio for the proposed improvements at this intersection. He explained only one leg of the intersection would be the City’s expense, while 100% of the emergency vehicle preemption system would be the responsibility of the City. The cost for the City’s portion of this project including design and construction engineering would be $42,748.91. Staff requested the Council approve the cooperative and maintenance agreements with Ramsey County for the traffic control signs at County Road and Silver Lake Road. Council Member Gunn asked if these roads would be realigned with the proposed project. She questioned what color the signal poles would be. Public Works Director DeBar commented the road realignment was completed with Area A of the Street Improvement Project. It was noted the poles would be painted brown. Mayor Flaherty asked if MSA funds could be used for this project. Public Works Director DeBar stated MSA funds could be used for 100% of the City’s expense for the one leg (Red Oak Drive) of this intersection. Mayor Flaherty was in favor of using MSA funds for this project. Finance Director Beer commented this may take time and noted the City did have TIF funds available for this expense as well. MOTION/SECOND: Hull/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8157, Approving Cooperative and Maintenance Agreements with Ramsey County for Traffic Control Signals at Intersection of CSAH 10 and Silver Lake Road. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. G. Resolution 8158, Authorizing Inspec, Inc. to Perform Final Design Services and Prepare Bidding Documents for Reroofing and Masonry Renovation of Ground Reservoir, Booster Station, and Well House No. 2. Public Works Director DeBar discussed the proposed improvements for the Ground Reservoir, Booster Station and Well House No. 2, which included reroofing and masonry work. The proposed roofing project was described in detail with the Council. He indicated the plans would be completed in 2013 while the project would be completed in 2014. It was noted Inspec had completed preliminary engineering for the proposed project. Staff recommended the Council authorize Inspec to perform the final design services and prepare bidding documents for the proposed reroofing project. Council Member Mueller asked if the expenditure for this project was moved into the 2014 Mounds View City Council September 23, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 9 budget. Finance Director Beer stated this would be done. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8158, Authorizing Inspec, Inc. to Perform Final Design Services and Prepare Bidding Documents for Reroofing and Masonry Renovation of Ground Reservoir, Booster Station, and Well House No. 2. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. H. Set a Closed Executive Session of the City Council to Discuss Confidential Attorney-Client Communications Relating to Pending Litigation Matters Upon Conclusion of this City Council Meeting. City Attorney Riggs commented this item needed no action. 8. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Flaherty asked to remove Item E for discussion A. Set a Public Hearing for 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 14, 2013, to Adopt a Special Assessment Levy for Delinquent Public Utility Accounts. B. Set a Public Hearing for 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 14, 2013, to Adopt a Special Assessment Levy for Unpaid Diseased Tree, False Alarm and Nuisance Abatement Charges. C. Resolution 8156, Approving Amendment to Joint Powers Agreement between the City of St. Paul and City of Mounds View for Wireless Network and Support Services. D. Resolution 8152, Authorizing the Purchase of Water Control Valves for Water Treatment Plant No. 1. E. Resolution 8159, Authorizing the Purchase of a Wacker-Neuson BPU Vibroplate Reversible Plate Compactor. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Meehlhause. To Approve the Consent Agenda as amended, removing Item 8E. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 8159, Authorizing the Purchase of a Wacker-Neuson BPU Vibroplate Reversible Plate Compactor. Mayor Flaherty questioned how this piece of equipment would be used by the Public Works Department. Public Works Supervisor Peterson indicated the plate compactor would assist with repairing and compacting the City’s roadways. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8159, Mounds View City Council September 23, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 10 Authorizing the Purchase of a Wacker-Neuson BPU Vibroplate Reversible Plate Compactor. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS Finance Director Beer answered the Council's questions related to claims. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. August 26, 2013, Executive Session Minutes. Council Member Mueller requested that staff verify the adjournment time and update accordingly. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the August 23, 2013, Executive Session meeting minutes as corrected. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Mayor Flaherty explained he attended the North Metro Mayors Association meeting last Thursday. He was pleased with the information provided at the meeting and encouraged the Council to attend a future meeting. Council Member Mueller stated, Assistant Chief Connie Forster provided the Council with an Open House reminder for the Fire Department at Station 1, which would be held on September 28th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Station 2 would have an Open House on September 30th from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Council Member Mueller indicated the Festival in the Park Committee held a recap meeting on September 17th and gathered information on what went well and what could go better. She commented the Festival Committee was in need of additional volunteers to make the 2014 event a huge success. Council Member Mueller noted she attended the League of Minnesota Cities Board retreat in Otter Tail, Minnesota last week. The guest speaker was the State of Minnesota demographer and the topic discussed was the need to prepare for the retirement of the baby boomers and the needs of future generations. Mounds View City Council September 23, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 11 Mayor Flaherty recognized two companies within the City of Mounds View, Bauer Welding for welding the City’s playground equipment; and Central Sandblasting for completing the finish work on the City’s playground equipment. Council Member Meehlhause stated on Thursday of this week, the Park and Recreation Commission would be having a ribbon cutting ceremony at Silver View Park at 6:00 p.m. Council Member Mueller indicated Tony Bennett was seeking support for the District 10 Seat for Met Council. Council Member Gunn commented she attended the I-35W Coalition meeting where the budget and several housekeeping items were discussed. She explained that New Brighton would be joining this group. She noted the 2014 fees for the coalition would be $2,000. Council Member Gunn stated the Music of the Night Event would be held at Irondale High School at 5:30 p.m. on the football field this Saturday night. She noted next week was homecoming at Irondale High School. B. Reports of Staff. City Administrator Ericson reported the Taiko building was demolished last week and the site was being restored. He noted Robert’s was scheduled to be demolished today. One portion of the building was delayed due to the wind conditions. He indicated Bolander has been a great company to work with on this demolition project. City Administrator Ericson commented the EDA was interested in seeking a consultant to assist with the marketing of the newly acquired and repaired properties. He stated the City has received four proposals for this work and this information would be reviewed with the Council and EDA at a future meeting. City Administrator Ericson commented the Ramsey County League of Local Government would meet on Thursday evening. Public Works Director DeBar requested the Council approve a waiver of liability for Bauer Welding and Central Sandblasting for the work completed at Silver View Park. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To approve a waiver of liability for both Bauer Welding and Central Sandblasting for the work completed at Silver View Park. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Public Works Director DeBar provided the Council with a report on the activity taking place at County Road H. He indicated several public meetings were being planned by MnDOT for public comment. Mounds View City Council September 23, 2013 Regular Meeting Page 12 C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, October 7, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, October 14, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.