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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2009/07/13• PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOT Regular Meeting July 13, 2009 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:02 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Flaherty, Stigney, Hull, Mueller, Gunn. NOT PRESENT: None. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, July 13, 2009, City Council Agenda. • MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To Approve the Monday, July 13, 2009, Agenda as Presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT Tom Winiecki, 2748 Shorewood Road, stated he wants his driveway to remain level with the street following the street improvement project. Public Works Director DeBar explained the lip at the curb cut is one-tenth of a foot to assure drainage is kept in the gutter. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS Barbara Haake, 3024 County Road I, provided an update on the June 24, 2009, Anoka County/Blaine Airport Advisory Committee and MAC Long Term Comprehensive Plan (LTCP) meeting and advised of the upcoming consideration by MAC regarding minor airports with 4,500 to 6,000 foot runways, noise contours, and decibel thresholds. Ms. Haake announced upcoming public meetings on July 14, July 16, July 29, and July 30, 2009, to address airport issues and operations. Mayor Flaherty thanked Ms. Haake and Concerned Citizens of North Metro for their involvement. • Mounds View City Council July 13, 2009 Regular Meeting Page 2 • 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Business Registration Program. 1. Ordinance 821 (First Reading). Building Official Osmonson noted the staff report contains the background and recommendations related to the Business Registration Program. Community Development Director Roberts presented the three actions required to implement such a program and requested Council direction on the fee to be charged. Building Official Osmonson advised that staff research of other communities with such a program found fees range from $25 to $100 per year. Council Member Mueller asked whether the fees charged by other cities covered costs. Building Official Osmonson stated Fridley's fee is in the higher range and based on the size of business, Spring Lake Park and St. Paul charge a flat fee. Council Member Mueller noted another city felt the program was vital so the type of business and possible hazards were known in advance of an emergency response. She stated her support to institute this Program and charge a fee to offset the City's costs with an "early bird" incentive for a lower fee in subsequent years if signed up the first year. Council Member Gunn stated her support of this Program and noted it can be considered the same as the liquor license or cigarette license fee. She suggested a $25 annual registration fee. • Mayor Flaherty agreed with the need to have business contact information on file and that the Fire Department should already know of hazard information. He stated he supports the City becoming more efficient but does not support an annual fee or budget increase in 2009. Rather, he suggested a voluntary registration program. Council Member Stigney stated if the cost is not borne by the businesses, it would be borne by the residences and this program relates to the business community. He outlined a sliding scale fee schedule to create incentive for businesses to register and penalty if the business does not register by a set date. Council Member Hull stated his agreement with Council Member Stigney's suggestion and charging a penalty if registration is not made by a set date. He noted that after the initial software cost, the City's only cost is for maintenance. Community Development Director Roberts suggested implementation on January 1, 2010, to allow adequate time to inform businesses. Council Member Mueller asked about the perceived value for the business owner. Building Official Osmonson stated it is a safety service and noted that Mounds View does not charge for a fire permit. Clerk-Administrator Ericson added that the more efficient City staff can be, the higher level of service can be offered to residents, which benefits all. i MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Approve First Reading of Ordinance 821, Adding Language to the City Code about Business Registration, to be implemented January 1, 2010. Mounds View City Council July 13, 2009 Regular Meeting Page 3 • With regard to perceived value, Council Member Stigney noted that should an emergency occur, there would not be a delay in determining the business owner, responsible party, etc. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 2. Authorization to buy Business License Software from PermitWorks. Mayor Flaherty stated he does not support an increase in the 2009 budget and suggested the cost for software be budgeted for in 2010. Building Official Osmonson explained the registration process would be started on January 1, 2010, but the Program could be launched several months later. Council Member Stigney noted it is intended that registration fees would fund this Program. 3. Business Registration Fee. Mayor Flaherty polled the Council regarding registration fees. Council Member Gunn supported no fee or a minor fee of $15-20 and a higher fee if businesses are not registered by a set date. Council Member Mueller stated if the initial fee is $25 it would cover the software program cost plus some staff time and a yearly fee would cover City costs. Council Member Stigney supported a $25 fee for early registration and then a $50 fee. Council Member Hull supported no fee or a $251ate fee if not registered by a set date. Mayor Flaherty stated if the idea is to pay for the software, maybe it should be a one-time fee. Council Member Stigney stated costs for maintenance and staff time should be covered. Mayor Flaherty stated this mechanism will allow the City to be more efficient and he felt there would be a better response if the program was voluntary or it was only aone-time fee. Council Member Gunn agreed with aone-time fee since it would stress the importance of gathering contact information and cover the City's cost to establish the program. Council Member Stigney suggested aone-time application fee and a maintenance fee, with an incentive of a lower fee to register by a set date. He noted that future Councils can determine what an on-going fee should be. . Clerk-Administrator Ericson stated he believes there would be a better response if there was not a registration fee and a penalty could be charged if not registered by a set date. Another option is for a one-time fee to register with annual updates. Mounds View City Council July 13, 2009 Regular Meeting Page 4 Council consensus was reached to direct staff to consider its comments and present a recommendation at a future meeting. B. Resolution 7475, Approving Updated 2008 Comprehensive Plan Language. Community Development Director Roberts presented the revisions to the Comprehensive Plan that was considered at the Council's last Work Session meeting. Council Member Hull left the meeting at 7:58 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7475, Approving Revisions and Additions to the 2008 Comprehensive Plan Update; Special Planning Case No. SP-154-07. Council Member Stigney noted the need for a correction on Page 3-7, Item k. Community Development Director Roberts indicated staff would make that correction. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Council Member Hull was not present for the vote. Council Member Hull returned to the meeting at 8:01 p.m. C. First Reading and Introduction of Ordinance 824, Adopting aFive-Year Financial Plan. Finance Director Beer presented the five-year financial plan for 2010 through 2014, noting such a plan is a Charter requirement. The public hearing will be scheduled Augustl0th, for second reading and adoption. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 824, Adopting aFive-Year Financial Plan for 2010 thru 2014. Mayor Flaherty stated this document is a benchmark but it would be his preference to remove all LGA consideration. Finance Director Beer reviewed the dollar amounts in the budget should the Council choose to remove all LGA from City use. Mayor Flaherty noted vehicle procurements have been extended by several years and agreed that residents support levying for streets. Ayes - 5 Nays- 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 7476, Reapproving the Select Senior Living Final Plat and Development Agreement. Mounds View City Council July 13, 2009 Regular Meeting Page 5 • Community Development Director Roberts advised that the Select Senior Living project, which had been approved on October 27, 2008, was not started within the allowed 120 days of approval so the final plat and development agreement is now void. Select Senior Living has requested a 120-day extension as they had always intended to move forward with the project but ran into problems beyond their control. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7476, Approving the "Select Senior Living" Final Plat and Development Agreement; Mounds View Planning Case No. MA2008-002. Council Member Mueller asked about the issues raised previously by concerned residents. Community Development Director Roberts stated that would be monitored by staff. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 7477, Approving the Preliminary Feasibility Report for Area C of the Street and Utility Improvement Program. Joe Rhein, Bonestroo Consulting Engineer, presented the preliminary feasibility report for Area C of the Street and Utility Improvement Program noting it includes resident input and the Streets and Utilities Committee recommendation. He indicated the project is financially feasible at an estimated cost of $3,209,900 and recommended approval. Mayor Flaherty stated his support to proceed with Area C. They Mayor likes to maintain parking one side of Edgewood Drive with the off-street trail option (Option C). However, he is not convinced a sidewalk is needed along Woodcrest Drive based on resident input. Mr. Rhein noted that Edgewood Drive Option C is preferred by Edgewood Middle School and staff's recommended Option. The sidewalk will be considered under Agenda Item 7G. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7477, Approving the Preliminary Feasibility Report for Area C of the Street and Utility Improvement Program. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. F. Resolution 7478, Authorizing Preparation of Plans and Specifications for Areas B and C of the Street and Utility Improvement Program. Joe Rhein, Bonestroo Consulting Engineer, explained that the feasibility report for Area B had been prepared in 2005. Those 2005 cost estimates were updated, based on a construction inflation cost index at $1,533,000, or an increase of 18.6%. He noted that the Council wanted to consider accelerating Area C and combine it with Area B to take advantage of competitive prices. Mr. Rhein reviewed the areas of savings should the projects be combined that are estimated to equal $244,000. Mounds View City Council July 13, 2009 Regular Meeting Page 6 MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7478, Authorizing Preparation of Plans and Specifications for Areas B and C of the Street and Utility Improvement Program. Mayor Flaherty thanked staff for presenting details on the potential saving to combine Areas B and C. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. G. Resolution 7479, Approving Non-Standard Street Design Recommendations for Areas B and C of the Street and Utility Improvement Program. Public Works Director DeBar presented the recommendation of the Streets and Utilities Committee for non-standard street design for Areas B and C, which had been discussed at the Council's July 6, 2009, Work Session. He explained that Council approval would allow the engineering consultant to proceed with the final design and plan/specification preparation phases of this project. It was noted that the Council would consider Edgewood Drive standards on August 24, 2009. Council Member Mueller reviewed the alignment for the proposed sidewalk and stated she thinks the money could be better spent. Public Works Director DeBar stated the Street Task Force recommended that sidewalks be addressed as part of street projects if identified in the Comprehensive Plan. Council Member Mueller stated she normally would go with the Committee recommendation but this sidewalk would also require retaining walls and most residents in that area do not favor the sidewalk so she would like it eliminated from Woodcrest Drive. Jim Baffin, Streets and Utilities Committee Chair, stated their recommendation is primarily because the easement between Bona Road and the School is heavily used by students to get to Woodcrest. He pointed out that County Road H is a major street with a 45 mph speed limit and visibility for eastbound traffic is limited. Mr. Baffin explained the Committee recognizes there are some issues with the north side sidewalk due to retaining walls but was concerned for students that may use the easement. Mayor Flaherty stated students use the easement because they do not want to go out of their way one block south. Mr. Baffin agreed students prefer the shortest route. Mayor Flaherty noted the trail plan was created in 1992 and not been updated since that date. Council Member Gunn recommended the money be used instead to better mark the crosswalks on County Roads H and H2 that are used by students to get to the school. Public Works Director DeBar stated staff intends to pursue a Safe Route to School Grant to provide advanced warning on County Road H. He noted that money is budgeted each year for trailway development and expansion so a sidewalk could be added in the future to Woodcrest Drive, if the Council so decides. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Amended Resolution Mounds View City Council July 13, 2009 Regular Meeting Page 7 C 7479, Approving Non-Standard Street Design Recommendations for Areas B and C of the Street and Utility Improvement Program, revising Item 5 to state: No pedestrian or bicycle accommodations will be constructed on Woodcrest Drive between Bona Road and Long Lake Road. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA A. Licenses for Approval. • MOTION/SECOND: Gurm/Mueller. To Approve the Consent Agenda as Presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS Mayor Flaherty referenced Page 5, Broadway Heating and Air Conditioning. Finance Director Beer stated it was for boiler system improvements as recommended by the City's insurance carrier. Mayor Flaherty referenced Page 15, Print Central. Public Works Director DeBar explained that Tier I watering ban signs were made last year and this cost is for Tier II signs. Mayor Flaherty referenced Page 17, Spring Lake Park Fire Department, for the joint powers. Finance Director Beer explained that is the name for the vendor. Council Member Gunn referenced Page I8, Tarantino's Outdoor Service. Community Development Director Roberts stated this bill was for the mowing of vacant properties and the cost will be assessed back to the property. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as Presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. June 8, 2009, City Council Meeting Minutes. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Approve the June 8, 2009, City Council Meeting Minutes as Presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. C B. June 22, 2009, City Council Meeting Minutes. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Mueller. To Approve the June 22, 2009, City Council Meeting Mounds View City Council July 13, 2009 Regular Meeting Page 8 • Minutes as Corrected on Page 10, Line 7: "Community Center, ~ Council approval is required." Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. C. June 22, 2009, Executive Session Minutes. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Approve the June 22, 2009, Executive Session Meeting Minutes as Presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. • 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Mayor Flaherty noted the League of Minnesota Cities recognized 27 Legislators, one being Senator Betzold. He thanked Senator Betzold and the League for its recognition. Council Member Mueller reminded all of the upcoming Festival in the Park, Community Theater production of Grease, Bombers Show, and Car Nationals. B. Reports of Staff. Finance Director Beer advised of the American Fiber application for a federal grant to extend services to a number of public buildings including libraries, schools, and fire departments within Ramsey County. Clerk-Administrator Ericson updated the Council on a potential lease for the Community Center. Mayor Flaherty displayed a copy of the 2009 Law Summaries document and advised a copy is available at City Hall. C. Reports of City Attorney. Noted. 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, August 3, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, July 27, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. L Mounds View City Council July 13, 2009 Regular Meeting Page 9 • 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:07 p.m. Transcribed by: Carla Wirth Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. •