HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2009/09/28• PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOT
Regular Meeting
September 28, 2009
Mounds View City Hall
2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112
7:07 P.M.
1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE LED BY PINEWOOD ELEMENTARY STUDENTS
At the request of Mayor Flaherty, several Pinewood Elementary students introduced themselves.
3. ROLL CALL: Flaherty, Stigney, Hull, Mueller, Gunn.
NOT PRESENT: None.
• 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A. Monday, September 28, 2009, City Council Agenda.
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Approve the Monday, September 28, 2009, agenda as
presented.
Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried.
5. PUBLIC INPUT
None.
6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
A. Rick Wriskey -Resolution of Appreciation and Outstanding Service Award.
Mayor Flaherty read in full a Resolution of Appreciation and presented Rick Wriskey with an
Outstanding Service Award recognizing his 28 years of service to the City of Mounds View as
the City Forester.
Pinewood Elementary School students presented statements thanking Mr. Wriskey for his work
to plant trees at their School and commitment to conservation programs.
•
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i Cindy Palm, representing the Park, Recreation, and Forestry Commission, thanked Mr. Wriskey
for his service and advised that a tree will be planted in a park of Mr. Wriskey's choice in his
honor.
Mr. Wriskey stated his thanks to Arbor Day volunteers and the many Mounds View residents and
community groups who have volunteered.
Mayor Flaherty and the Council extended their best wishes to Mr. Wriskey on his retirement.
7. COUNCIL BUSINESS
A. 7:05 p.m. Public Hearing for the Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance
828, Amending the Zoning Code about Accessory Buildings.
Planning Associate Heller reviewed revisions made and presented staff's recommendation to
approve second reading and adopt Ordinance 828 that amends the Zoning Code related to the
definition of building height, roof pitch, accessory building separation distance, materials, and
exterior design.
Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:18 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty
closed the public hearing at 7:18 p.m.
Council Member Mueller asked about the measurement of the building height. Planning
Associate Heller explained how the building height would now be measured to the peak of the
building, which is easier for residents to understand.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance
828, Amending Chapters 1102, 1104, and 1106 of the Mounds View Zoning Code about the
definition of building height and about various code provisions about accessory buildings
including height, required accessory building separation distance, materials, and exterior design,
and authorize publication of an ordinance summary in the official City newspaper in accordance
with City Charter Section 3.07.
ROLL CALL: Stigney/Hull/Mueller/Gunn/Flaherty
Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried.
B. 7:10 p.m. Public Hearing for the Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance
832, Amending the Zoning Code by Adding Daycares as an Allowed
Accessory Use in Public and Semi-Public Buildings.
Planning Associate Heller presented staff's recommendation to approve second reading and
adopt Ordinance 832 that amends Chapters 1102 and 1106 of the Zoning Code to allow child and
adult day care centers as accessory or secondary use in R-1 zoning districts.
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Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:22 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty
closed the public hearing at 7:22 p.m.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 832,
Amending Chapters 1102 and 1106 of the Mounds View Zoning Code to allow child and adult
daycare centers as an accessory or secondary use in R-1 zoning districts in public or semi-public
recreational buildings and neighborhood or community centers, public and private educational
institutions limited to elementary, junior high, and senior high schools and religious institutions,
such as churches, temples, and synagogues, and authorize publication of an ordinance summary
in the official City newspaper in accordance with City Charter Section 3.07.
ROLL CALL: GL-nn/Mueller/Hull/Stigney/Flaherty
Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried.
C. Second Reading of Ordinance 834, Amending Chapter 504 of the City Code
about Transient Merchants, Peddlers and Solicitors.
Clerk-Administrator Ericson presented the revisions made to the draft ordinance to be consistent
with Minnesota Statutes and court rulings pertaining to constitutional "free speech" issues. Staff
recommends approval of second reading, adoption of Ordinance 834, and publication by
ordinance summary.
Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:26 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty
closed the public hearing at 7:26 p.m.
Council Member Mueller referenced Page 7, Subdivision 4, and noted that if a permit is revoked,
application cannot be made for a replacement permit for six months. In addition, an appeal
process is available.
MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Mueller. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance
834, Amending Title 500, Chapter 504, of the Mounds View City Code regulating peddlers,
solicitors, transient merchants, non-commercial door to door advocates, and similarly situated
persons, and authorize publication of an ordinance summary in the official City newspaper in
accordance with City Charter Section 3.07.
Mayor Flaherty asked if a permit is needed for a high school football player to sell raffle tickets
door-to-door. Clerk-Administrator Ericson stated the school would contact and inform the City
if students will be going door-to-door. However, in the case of a solicitor, a peddler's permit is
needed and the solicitor must have the permit in his/her possession when soliciting. In the case
of a politician going door-to-door, a permit and registration are not needed.
Council Member Gunn asked about the delivery of Avon catalogues. Attorney Riggs stated the
ordinance is as comprehensive as possible but there may be situations where something does not
fit. Dropping off catalogs and soliciting sales, such as with Avon, would require registration and
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Regular Meeting Page 4
permit. In the case of a Schwan's truck and sales, registration and permit are not required.
Council Member Stigney asked if distributing a flyer or door hanger is not allowed without a
permit. Attorney Riggs stated that is allowed; however, a catalogue for sales requires a permit.
Council Member Stigney asked about apre-solicitor who is scheduling sales/quote appointments.
Attorney Riggs stated if that activity fits the definition that it leads to a sale, registration and
permit are required.
ROLL CALL: Hull/Gunn/Stigney/Mueller/Flaherty
Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried.
D. Resolution 7493, Adopting a Special Assessment Levy for Private
Improvements in Area A of the Street and Utility Improvement Program.
Finance Director Beer explained that property owners were offered the opportunity to have
private improvements completed as part of the Area A street project. Amounts not paid by
October 28, 2009, will be forwarded to Ramsey County for collection with the 2010 property
taxes, along with a $35 administrative fee and interest at a rate of 5.50% accrued from September
28, 2009. It was noted that these improvements were within the property right-of--way.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7493,
Adopting a Special Assessment Levy for Private Improvements in Area A of the Street and
Utility Improvement Program.
Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried.
E. Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 836, Vacating a Sanitary Sewer
Easement at 2200 County Highway 10.
Planning Associate Heller presented the application of Dan Hall for the vacation of a sanitary
sewer easement that has never been used and staffls recommendation for approval. She advised
the hotel has been sold and the buyer's attorney has requested vacation of this easement.
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 836,
Authorizing a Vacation of a Sanitary Sewer Easement on the Mermaid property, located at 2200
County Highway 10.
Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried.
F. Resolution 7501, Adopting Non-Standard Street Design for Edgewood Drive.
Public Works Director DeBar reviewed the past meetings held to discuss the design for
Edgewood Drive and described the current configuration and traffic volumes. He presented the
three viable options considered, discussions held with residents and school staff, and Streets and
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• Utilities Committee's recommendation for anon-standard street design configuration for
Edgewood Drive between County Road H and H2 identified as Option 3.
Ken Glidden, 5240 Edgewood Drive, thanked staff and the Streets and Utilities Committee for
the time taken to discuss this matter and encouraged the Council to approve recommended
Option 3.
Dave Warwick, 5081 Edgewood Drive, stated his property is impacted by increased school traffic
and he believes Option 3 is the best option for the residents, school, and student safety.
Mayor Flaherty asked residents about parking on Edgewood Drive and sight lines when backing
out of their driveway.
Mr. Warwick stated he does not recall there ever being a safety issue with backing out of
driveways. However, there were past parking issues related to no parking on the west side when
Edgewood School was used as a Community Center, and residents wanted to force parking to the
other side. More recently, the school felt there was a safety issue and requested parking on the
east side of the street during school hours. Residents are allowed to park on the east side during
the summer and when school is not in session.
Mr. Glidden stated there is a parking issue at the school and residual area of no parking north of
• the school in the area that he lives. He explained this area is posted with "No Parking" signs and
if the signs are not needed, he would prefer the signs be removed.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7501, Non-
standard Street Design Configuration for Edgewood Drive, utilizing recommended Option 3.
Council Member Mueller thanked the Streets and Utilities Committee and residents for their
work on this matter. She noted that Option 3 is the most expensive but felt to be the safest
design. Council Member Mueller stated she has faith this is the correct decision for Edgewood
Drive.
Mayor Flaherty congratulated the Streets and Utilities Committee for working with residents
while formulating its recommendation.
Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried.
G. Resolution 7504, Authorizing Preliminary Surveying Services for Area D of
the Street and Utility Improvement Program.
Joe Rhein, Consulting Engineer, described the Street and Utility Improvement Program and
improvements made to Areas A, B, and C. He presented staff's recommendation to authorize
• preliminary surveying for Area D, which is to be constructed in 2011. Mr. Rhein advised the
preliminary survey is estimated to cost $30,000 and if approved, would take place in October,
2009. He used a map to describe the location of Area D that contained 2.3 miles of streets and
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recommended the City proceed with this single area.
Council Member Mueller asked if there would be a savings to combine the survey for Areas D
and F. Mr. Rhein advised that survey work is billed by the hour so there is no economy of scale.
Finance Director Beer advised against accelerating Area F due to financing; however, towards
the end of the program the Council may consider blending Areas G and H into one project.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7504,
Authorizing Preliminary Surveying Services for Area D of the Street and Utility Improvement
Program.
Mayor Flaherty reviewed the streets included in Area D and encouraged residents to become
involved. Mr. Rhein advised of the work that would be conducted to complete the survey and
that a neighborhood meeting will be scheduled in March or early spring of 2010.
Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried.
H. Set an Executive Session of the City Council to Review Labor Contract
Negotiations Upon Conclusion of the Regular Council Meeting.
Mayor Flaherty announced that at the conclusion of the agenda, the Council would recess into
Closed Executive Session to discuss labor contract negotiations. At the end of the Closed
Executive Session, the Council will adjourn from Executive Session. .
Council Member Stigney left the Chambers at 8:16 p.m.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Licenses for Approval.
B. Set a Public Hearing for 7:05 p.m., Monday, October 12, 2009, to Consider
Special Assessments for Delinquent Utility Payments.
C. Set a Public Hearing for 7:10 p.m., Monday, October 12, 2009, to Consider
Special Assessments for Unpaid Administrative Offense Fines, Diseased
Trees, and unpaid Property Abatement Charges.
D. Set a Public Hearing for 7:15 p.m., Monday, October 12, 2009, for the
Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 836, Vacating a Sanitary Sewer
Easement at County Highway 10 and County Road H.
E. Resolution 7502, Authorizing a Transfer of Ownership for a Cigarette and
Tobacco License for Tobacco View, located at 2539 County Highway 10.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Consent Agenda as Presented.
Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried.
Council Member Stigney returned to the Chambers at 8:18 p.m.
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9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS
Council Member Mueller referenced Page 4, NW Family YMCA, and asked about the period of
time it covered. Finance Director Beer advised it was for the fourth quarter.
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as Presented.
Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried.
10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
None.
11. REPORTS
A. Reports of Mayor and Council.
Council Member Stigney suggested staff investigate the opportunity to include a tag line on the
Community Sign. The Council concurred.
Council Member Mueller reported on her attendance at "Music of the Knight" at Irondale High
School, a marching band competition that showcased bands from the midwest. She commented
• on the retirement party of Mr. Wriskey and thanked him for his 28 years of service to Mounds
View that also resulted in being designated a Tree City USA.
Clerk-Administrator Ericson reported on the topics discussed at the five cities Mayor's meeting.
Clerk-Administrator Ericson commented on the retirement party of Mr. Wriskey and how
fortunate Mounds View was to have this incredible employee for 28 years.
B. Reports of Staff.
1. Liquor License Update - Moe's
Assistant Clerk-Administrator Crane reviewed that on June 8, 2009, during consideration of
Moe's liquor license, the Council accepted the property tax payment plan submitted by Jeff
Moritko, owner of Moe's. However, Mr. Moritko has not fulfilled that plan to pay property taxes
in full by October 1, 2009. Mr. Moritko has submitted a new payment plan indicating that
payments would be made to bring taxes current by May 1, 2010. In addition, Moe's is delinquent
in its liquor sales taxes with the Minnesota Department of Revenue. Assistant Clerk-
Administrator Crane reviewed the options available for the Council's consideration and Code
requirements that clearly state no intoxicating liquor license shall be issued on any premises on
which taxes, assessments, utility bills, or other financial claims of the municipality are delinquent
or unpaid.
Council Member Mueller referenced the seven-page listing of properties delinquent in payment
of State liquor sales tax that included two other properties in Mounds View. She asked if
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Ramsey County had approved this payment plan. Assistant Clerk-Administrator Crane stated
Ramsey County had not seen the payment plan. Council Member Mueller stated her concern
about the ability of Moe's to make tax payments without the ability to sell liquor.
Council Member Gunn concurred and noted the Council had approved time extensions for
another Mounds View business to allow them a chance. She stated she is willing to consider one
more extension for Moe's but it would be the last chance she would consider.
Council Member Stigney stated he felt an extension should only be allowed to January 1, 2010,
to see if payments had been made as identified in the payment plan.
Council Member Hull stated that given the difficult economic times, he is willing to consider an
extension. He noted Mr. Moritko has indicated he would submit records showing payments
made to May 1, 2010 so the City can be assured money is being set aside.
Mayor Flaherty stated he assumed Mr. Moritko would follow the first payment plan but that did
not happen. He indicated an extension to February 1 or March 1, 2010, may be appropriate.
Clerk-Administrator Ericson stated staff is requesting direction for Council action on October 12,
2009.
• Council Member Mueller requested a legal opinion. Attorney Riggs advised the State's Statutes
and the City's Code are clear and it is not precedence setting in itself since the Council had given
similar considerations in the past to other businesses. Council Member Mueller asked whether
Mr. Moritko had been responsive to letters sent. Clerk-Administrator Crane stated she did not
receive follow-up telephone calls but received an e-mail today.
Council consensus was reached to consider only one more extension and to invite Mr. Moritko to
the October 12, 2009, meeting. Council consensus was also reached to direct staff to send
notification to The Mermaid about liquor sales tax and utility delinquencies and the amount to be
certified for collection with the 2010 taxes.
C. Reports of City Attorney.
Noted.
12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, October 5, 2009, at 7:00 p.m.
Next Council Meeting: Monday, October 12, 2009, at 7:00 p.m.
13. RECESS TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To Recess to Executive Session to review labor contract
negotiations.
Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried.
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The Mayor recessed the meeting at 8:48 p.m.
The City Council Meeting adjourned from the Executive Session at 11:12 p.m.
Transcribed by: Carla Wirth, Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.