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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2009/12/14PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting December 14, 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, December 14, 2009, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To Approve the Monday, December 14, 2009, agenda as revised to remove Item 7O, Resolution 7547, Authorizing Purchases for the Mounds View Community Center Gymnasium Floor Refinishing. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT Charles Hall, owner of The Mermaid, stated that in 1978, he built a 24-lane bowling center and had pledged $15,000 to prior to issuance of the occupancy permit so he would: install curb and gutter and $10,000 was to be held by the City for putting in the storm sewer. Mr. Hall stated he had installed the curb and gutter but the City has never put in the storm sewer. He assured the Council that “his word is his bond” and asked them to understand his plight and give back the $10,000 he paid to Mounds View in 1978. Mayor Flaherty stated he knows that Mr. Hall’s “word is his bond” but it is his understanding staff has been unable to find any proof in the City’s records. He suggested this matter be placed on a future work session agenda for further discussion. Dan Mueller, 8343 Groveland Road, stated the City’s staff and Council are doing their best to keep taxes down and explained why he was troubled by the Council’s suggestion of a furlough for City employees. He asked if anyone had checked to see how much a furlough would save the City, suggesting it should not be raised in a discussion, causing employees to worry, until that is Mounds View City Council December 14, 2009 Regular Meeting Page 2 known. Mayor Flaherty stated the Council has not held an official discussion of furloughs and if it is considered the City will certainly complete due diligence. Mr. Mueller noted that next November is an election year and while he understands everyone likes to hear “no new taxes,” they also want streets plowed, skating rinks opened, and police and fire protection available. He felt that now was not the time for shortsighted thinking but the time to improve, and to find a great value to make Mounds View an even better place to live. Mayor Flaherty stated he did say at an earlier meeting that he was looking at the need today and next year but is always looking five years down the road. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS None. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. 7:05 p.m. Public Hearing, Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 839, an Ordinance Amending Section 7.05 of the City Charter Relating to the Five-Year Financial Plan. Clerk-Administrator Ericson reviewed the Council’s past consideration of this ordinance and advised that the Charter Commission adopted different language that is consistent with the City Attorney’s recommendation. The amendment to Section 7.05 eliminates the requirement to adopt the Five-Year Financial Plan by Ordinance or Resolution. Clerk-Administrator Ericson explained the Charter Commission feels there should be notification so residents know the City’s Five-Year Financial Plan will be considered by the Council. Mayor Flaherty opened the public hearing at 7:24 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Flaherty closed the public hearing at 7:24 p.m. Council Member Mueller asked how the details of the Ordinance will be posted. Clerk- Administrator Ericson advised it is available at City Hall and the entire ordinance is posted to the City’s website as well as the summary. Since it involves a Charter Amendment, the entire ordinance will be published. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 839, Amending Section 7.05 of the Mounds View City Charter Relating to the Five-Year Financial Plan. ROLL CALL: Stigney/Hull/Mueller/Gunn/Flaherty. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. 2010 Tax Levy and Budgets for All Funds 1. Resolution 7534 Adopting 2010 Tax Levy Mounds View City Council December 14, 2009 Regular Meeting Page 3 Finance Director Beer stated at the December 7, 2009, TNT meeting, Council direction was given eliminate the 1% general fund increase and maintain the 7.9% increase for the Street Improvement Fund. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7534, Adopting the 2010 Tax Levy. Mayor Flaherty noted the 2010 tax levy is $4,099,393 and $300,000 will go to the Street Improvement Fund so a zero percent increase in the General Fund. Council Member Stigney thanked Finance Director Beer for coming up with a method to do away with the levy increase by using money that was set aside for a Police Chief. However, he did not think the Council should “pat itself on the back” because this budget includes hiring personnel that he did not think should be hired at this time. Council Member Stigney stated that the cost for not filling a vacancy is negligible but hiring now and then laying off results in additional costs. Because of those reasons, he does not support the budget. Mayor Flaherty noted that Mr. Mueller had commented earlier this evening that the City still needs to provide services, which this budget does, and he is proud of the process used to come up with this budget. Council Member Mueller stated she does not always agree with her husband’s position but believed he well stated the resident’s position. With regard to Council Member Stigney’s position, she noted the 2010 general levy and budget has been restored to the same levels as in 2008. She felt staff had done a terrific job by cutting expenditures, postponing expenditures and equipment replacement, and worked with “bare bones” without reducing critical services to residents. Also, for years the City has put money into repairing streets because it did not have community support to move forward with street projects. However, residents have now come forward and through guidance from the Finance Director and Street and Utilities Task Force, streets are being rebuilt and utilities rehabilitated. Council Member Mueller noted that the 7.9% levy increase in this budget calculates to less than $70 per household. She felt this community is getting an outstanding accomplishment from this Mayor, Council, and staff by presenting a 0% base levy increase without reduction in services, having an on-going street program, and the lowest taxes per capita of any city in the north metro community. Council Member Mueller thanked all who worked on the budget and stated she is proud of the services this community is providing, making Mounds View the best value in the Metro area. Council Member Stigney stated he has nothing against the street program or 0% increase in the tax levy. However, the money is coming from reserves in the Levy Reduction Fund, not taxpayers directly. He noted the Charter limits the budget increase to 1% and with the loss of LGA he believed the Council needed to start dealing with costs now. Council Member Stigney stated that this is not the time to hire more staff but the time to “tighten belts” and do equally well or better with less. Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Stigney) Motion carried. Mounds View City Council December 14, 2009 Regular Meeting Page 4 2. Resolution 7535 Adopting the 2010 Budgets for All Funds. Finance Director Beer presented staff’s recommendation to adopt the resolution and noted the summary for all funds. Council Member Mueller questioned the cost paid for engineering consultants this year for the City’s street and trails projects. Finance Director Beer stated that based on general assumptions, it is 20-25% of construction costs. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7535, Adopting the 2010 Budgets for All Funds. Council Member Stigney stated this Resolution is for funds outside the General Fund, noting that 62% of the General Fund budget was for personnel. He stated the 2010 budget includes the hiring of two employees and pointed out that police costs in Mounds View are $169 per capita, higher than New Brighton and 30 other cities. Council Member Gunn stated a few years ago, the community voted to hire officers and every resident survey has ranked safety of the community as number one. She noted the Police Department does a fantastic job and is probably the most important department the City has. Council Member Stigney stated he is not against safety but felt the City needed to maintain safety or improve it at less cost. He questioned whether the referendum results would be the same if taken today. Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Stigney) Motion carried. C. 7:15 p.m. Public Hearing to Consider Possible Suspension or Revocation of Liquor License for Moe’s, held by JWM Investments, Inc. Clerk-Administrator Ericson presented the past consideration of Moe’s liquor license and advised that since Moe’s has paid the State liquor tax delinquency, which was verified by staff, and payment was made to Ramsey County toward the property tax delinquency, the City Attorney has recommended the public hearing not be held at this time. Clerk-Administrator Ericson stated this item is informational so no action is required. D. Resolution 7532, Approving a Lot Combination of Two Vacant Parcels on the Northeast Corner of County Road H and Greenwood Drive, Planning Case LC09-001. Planning Associate Heller presented the recommendation of staff and the Planning Commission to approve a simple lot combination of two vacant parcels located on the northeast corner of Greenwood Drive and County Road H, which are owned by Steve Ordahl. The request is being made because the Ordahl home was sold in February of 2008 and they now want to sell the vacant parcel. It was noted last year’s approval of a similar subdivision for this property had expired. At that approval, the Council had decided to not require a 5% park dedication fee but to Mounds View City Council December 14, 2009 Regular Meeting Page 5 charge a $1,000 park dedication fee, which was paid last year along with attorney fees. Council Member Mueller noted residents in the surrounding area were noticed. Planning Associate Heller stated that is correct and no concerns were expressed. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7532, Approving a Lot Combination of Two Adjoining Lots on the Northeast corner of County Road H and Greenwood Drive; Planning Case No. LC2009-001. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 840, Rezoning three properties from R-2, Single and Two Family to R-1, Single Family: (2760 Woodale Drive, 7301 Park View Drive and 7441 Park View Terrace). Planning Associate Heller presented the recommendation of staff and the Planning Commission to rezone three properties (7301 Park View Drive, 7441 Park View Terrace, and 2760 Woodale Drive) from R-2 to R-1. She noted the rezoning to R-1 would be consistent with the surrounding neighborhood and Comprehensive Plan. Surrounding property owners were noticed but none responded or attended the Planning Commission public hearing. Mayor Flaherty asked staff to contact residents between first and second reading to advise them of this action and date of the second reading. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 840, To Rezone Three Properties from R-2, Single and Two Family Residential, to R-1, Single-Family Residential: 7301 Park View Drive, 7441 Park View Terrace and 2760 Woodale Drive. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. F. Resolution 7536, Approving an Agreement with MN Metro North Tourism. Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz reviewed the Council’s past consideration to leave Visit Minneapolis North, a visitor’s bureau, and join the newly formed MN Metro North Tourism. She noted clarifying changes staff made to the agreement and presented staff’s recommendation for approval of the agreement with MN Metro North Tourism. Council Member Mueller asked when the Bureau provides a copy of monthly financial statements. Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz explained that the statements will be provided at each monthly meeting but the City can request financials at any time. Council Member Mueller supported requiring the reports quarterly if that is what the former Bureau did. Mayor Flaherty stated his concern that the Blaine National Sports Center not get all of the advertisement. Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz stated that is one of the reasons she chose to serve on the Bureau’s executive committee, to assure that Mounds View does not get Mounds View City Council December 14, 2009 Regular Meeting Page 6 overlooked in its regional marketing. She also explained how a Mounds View business could get advertisement if it is not a lodging business. Council Member Stigney noted the resolution indicates the Council approves “an agreement” and asked if it should reference the agreement that is attached. Attorney Riggs recommended the language be revised to indicate: “Convention and Tourism Agreement.” MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7536, Approving a Convention and Tourism Agreement with Minnesota Metro North Tourism. Council Member Stigney noted the resolution does not address the frequency of financial reporting. Economic Development Specialist Steinmetz indicated language will be added to require financial reports, at a minimum, on a quarterly basis. Council Members Gunn and Mueller agreed to this friendly amendment. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. G. Resolution 7544, Setting the 2010 City Council Meeting Dates, Staff Retreat, and the 2010 Town Hall Meeting. Assistant Clerk-Administrator Crane presented the 2010 meeting calendar, noting the reschedule to two Council meetings due to legal holidays. The Council discussed available dates for the staff/Council retreat. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7544, Setting the 2010 City Council Meeting Dates for the Mounds View City Council, and to schedule the staff/Council retreat on February 12, 2010 from 5-9 p.m. at the Random Park building with an alternate date of February 11, 2010 (if needed), and the Town Hall meeting on March 29, 2010 from 6-9 p.m. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. H. Resolution 7537, Approving Various Appointments to the City’s Boards, Commissions, and Committees. Assistant Clerk-Administrator Crane presented appointments to the City Boards, Commissions, and Committees. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7537, Reappointing Member to Various Mounds View Commissions and Committees, as revised to appoint Holly Smith to the Planning Commission. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council December 14, 2009 Regular Meeting Page 7 I. Resolution 7538, Approving the 2009 Pay Equity Report and Pay Equity Wage Adjustments. Assistant Clerk-Administrator Crane explained that Minnesota State law requires all public jurisdictions to eliminate any sex-based wage inequities in compensation. She presented the findings of the consultant’s salary compensation study and HAY point job classification that seven female positions are not compliant under Minnesota Pay Equity Law. Pay equity adjustments of 2% are required by State law and not considered cost of living. Mayor Flaherty asked about the cost. Finance Director Beer estimated $12,000, which was factored into the 2010 budget. Council Member Stigney asked if it was based on equivalent pay points. Assistant Clerk- Administrator Crane explained the information is calculated using State provided software. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7538, Approving the City’s 2009 Pay Equity Report and Pay Equity Salary Adjustments. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. J. Personnel Manual Revisions. 1. Resolution 7539, Revising Section 3.10 of the Personnel Manual Pertaining to Holidays. Clerk-Administrator Ericson presented staff’s recommendation to correct a language deficiency in the Personnel Manual relating to holidays that fall on a weekend. Council Member Stigney asked now many holidays are involved and the effect if the language is not changed. Clerk-Administrator Ericson stated City staff receives 12 and State employees receive 13 holidays. Currently, if Christmas falls on Saturday, the day before is a holiday. Since December 24 is already a holiday, staff would lose a paid holiday. Council Member Stigney asked about turning a holiday into a floating holiday instead of closing the City Hall. He felt the intent of the Christmas holiday was to take time off for the holiday so it should be used at Christmas, not as a floating day. In addition, it would be easier for department heads to schedule than if used as a floating holiday. Clerk-Administrator Ericson recommended the City not deprive residents of City Hall staff by closing City Hall on December 23 or 30. Council Member Gunn stated the revised languages clears up some situations and asked about 2011 when Christmas falls on Saturday and Sunday. Clerk-Administrator Ericson stated it is the Council’s prerogative in how to handle holiday language. What is being presented is to allow City Hall to remain open where otherwise it would be closed on the preceding day. Council Member Mueller stated she agreed with staff’s recommendation since people will be coming to the City Hall when all other businesses are open. She stated she also understands Council Member Stigney’s point that it could be easier for department heads to adjust staffing Mounds View City Council December 14, 2009 Regular Meeting Page 8 levels without floating holidays but business occurs on a day-to-day basis so her inclination is to go with staff’s recommendation to continue business on days not recognized as national holidays. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7539, Approving Revisions to Section 3.10 of the Mounds View Personnel Manual. Council Member Stigney stated he thinks it should be a Christmas holiday and not a floating holiday, which is more difficult for department heads to manage. Mayor Flaherty stated he understands that concern but has no problem with staff’s recommendation since it allows City Hall to be open and it is an isolated situation. Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Stigney) Motion carried. 2. Resolution 7548, Revising Section 3.45 of the Personnel Manual Pertaining to the Non-Union Retirement Health Savings Plan. Clerk-Administrator Ericson presented the revision to Section 3.45 regarding the Retirement Health Savings Plan, which is revenue neutral to the City. Council Member Stigney asked whether approval of the revision would put restrictions on the City. City Attorney Riggs stated it would not because it can be changed by the will of the Council at any time. Council Member Mueller requested clarification of language indicating “shall contribute” instead of “may contribute.” Finance Director Beer explained that during the IRS audit, it was indicated it has to be a mandatory plan because if it is a choice, then it is a taxed benefit. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7548, Revising Section 3.45 of the Mounds View Personnel Manual pertaining to Contributions made by Non-Union Employees to their Retirement Health Savings Plan. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. K. Resolution 7540, Authorizing an Abatement of Nuisance Code Violations (2070 Terrace Drive). Community Development Director Roberts presented the abatement and nuisance code violations found at 2070 Terrace Drive, the notification process followed, and staff’s recommendation to move forward with abatement. Council Member Stigney asked if this owner contacted the City since the notice of hearing. Community Development Director Roberts advised a written letter was received. Council Member Mueller asked whether this property has been a problem in the past. Mounds View City Council December 14, 2009 Regular Meeting Page 9 Community Development Director Roberts advised that debris cleanup was done behind the garage and the owner was ordered to paint the property several years ago. Council Member Mueller asked if any concessions can be made because of the winter weather conditions. Community Development Director Roberts stated the Council can make such a concession but it may be easier to facilitate tree and brush removal when the ground is frozen. Council Member Stigney noted the resolution says to do the work in five calendar days and asked if that is adequate time. Community Development Director Roberts explained the resolution suggests the City would not take any action for at least five days so if ordered tonight, the property owner has five more days. He felt it was adequate time but noted the Council can extend that time period, if desired. Council Member Mueller stated it may be that this task is so overwhelming the resident might welcome assistance from the City so she favors moving forward. Council Member Hull stated his support to give the woman and her son a break, noting the son who may walk to work at The Mermaid, might be living in the house. He indicated that five days may not be long enough and suggested 15 days. Council Member Gunn stated support for five days because the snow will not get less deep and it needs to be addressed if someone is living there and the gas is not turned on. Mayor Flaherty stated staff has put a lot of time into this and it is not the first time the property has violated City code. He noted the letter sent on December 7 outlined steps that would be taken so giving five more days actually allows 15 days from the date of that letter. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7540, Authorizing Abatement of Nuisance Code Violations at 2070 Terrace Drive, Mounds View, Minnesota, 55112. Council Member Stigney referenced the property owner’s letter indicating she would “call today” about taking away the trees and branches so he felt five days was appropriate. Council Member Mueller noted this is a situation where a neighbor needs help and someone reported concern. She reviewed how residents can gain assistance for such a situation and encouraged residents, during this season of giving, to help their neighbor if they are struggling. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. L. Resolution 7541, Authorizing an Abatement of Nuisance Code Violations (2065 Hillview Road). Community Development Director Roberts presented the abatement and nuisance code violations found at 2065 Hillview Road, a 4-plex, the notification process followed, and staff’s recommendation to move forward with abatement. Mounds View City Council December 14, 2009 Regular Meeting Page 10 Council Member Mueller noted this is a rental property and asked if it has a license. Community Development Director Roberts indicated the property does have a license and one or two units are occupied. He noted it would be a violation of the Fire Code if all four units were occupied but only two are occupied and there is a front entrance for access. Mayor Flaherty agreed with the need to address this matter because the City’s number one duty is the resident’s safety and welfare. Community Development Director Roberts advised that the Public Works staff barricaded the area of the hole to provide more protection. The Council discussed the action to be taken and whether the occupancy permit should be rescinded. A reluctance was expressed about rescinding the permit due to the impact on residents of the 4-plex. The Council also discussed the option of hiring someone to install the property owner’s exterior door and potential liability issues that could result. Clerk-Administrator Ericson recommended the Council not take action to structurally alter the building in case of liability issues. He suggested staff fill in the hole by the foundation and restrict the building owner from leasing the two vacant units. Clerk-Administrator Ericson stated the City can immediately post the two vacant units as “do not occupy” and require the exterior door to be installed within a certain period of time. If the owner does not comply, the Council can consider action to pull the rental license and force relocation of the tenants. Council Member Hull noted language in the resolution applies to the City fixing the door. Clerk- Administrator Ericson recommended the resolution be revised to just address filling the hole, associated cleanup, and removal of debris. Staff will add language that the vacant units are uninhabitable and the property owner is to have the second access point functional to satisfy requirements of the Code, including obtaining a building permit. The Council agreed that 30 days is adequate and if not addressed by that time, it will address the rental licensing. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7541, Authorizing Abatement of Nuisance Code Violations at 2065 Hillview Road, Mounds View, Minnesota, Minnesota 55112, as revised above. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. M. Resolution 7545, Approving a Revised Position Description and Authorizing the Advertisement for Hiring a Public Works Supervisor. Public Works Director DeBar noted the Public Works Supervisor position has been vacant since December of 2006. He presented staff’s recommendation to fill this position and detailed how it would provide a lot of efficiency and cost savings in both the short- and long-term. Public Works Director DeBar noted he is a licensed civil engineer and can do work in-house instead of hiring a consultant. He estimated a possible savings of $750,000 over the years of the street improvement projects. Public Works Director DeBar reviewed future staffing considerations, presented a revised position description, and hiring schedule. If approved, the position would be Mounds View City Council December 14, 2009 Regular Meeting Page 11 advertise, candidates interviewed in January, the finalist selected by the end of January, a recommendation presented to the Council for hiring, and the position to start in early March. Council Member Mueller noted that just over $3.3 million of street and highway expenditures are budgeted in 2010 and fees for consultants are typically between 20-25% of that figure. However, if the City can save even 10% it would be $330,000 from the 2010 budget. If using a very conservative 5%, it would save $165,000. She asked if hiring a Public Works Supervisor would cost $165,000. Public Works Director DeBar stated at Step 3, wages plus benefits would equal about $85,000. Finance Director Beer advised that $75,000 is in the 2010 budget, half paid from the Water Sewer Fund and half from the General Fund. Council Member Mueller stated if this position is filled, the City not only realizes a potential savings from engineering and consulting costs on street projects but also the opportunity for efficiencies in the department. Public Works Director DeBar stated that is correct and he is convinced they can find a lot of efficiency. The Council discussed the job responsibilities. Public Works Director DeBar stated this position will focus on operation and maintenance issues, help with engineering to write specs and conduct inspections, so someone with a background in construction management would be a good fit. Public Works Director DeBar reviewed potential savings in consultant fees based on CIP projects, estimating a conservative figure of $135,000 without purchasing new software or hiring additional staff. Mayor Flaherty stated that he wasn’t convinced this was a good time to add personnel but Public Works Director DeBar has indicated the City will save money on consulting fees. Public Works Director DeBar stated he will document what has been done and savings realized in the quarterly report. Mayor Flaherty indicated his preference to not post a salary range since a lot of qualified people are currently unemployed and would love an opportunity to work for the City. Clerk- Administrator Ericson stated the City sometimes posts a range, a maximum, or minimum, but it is up to the Council. He stated the City can post an anticipated stating salary at Step 1 and indicate it depends on qualifications. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7545, Approving a Revised Position Description and Authorizing the Advertisement for Hiring a Public Works Supervisor, as revised to remove the salary range. Council Member Stigney stated this is not the time to hire a new department head and suggested adjusting the department by promoting existing personnel, not hiring from the outside. Mayor Flaherty stated he looked forward to staff’s quarterly reports showing the savings. Council Member Stigney asked what this position will cost the City next year. Public Works Director DeBar stated he thinks this position will offset consulting fees the first year if the position is filled at Step 1. He noted that internal applications may be considered. Mounds View City Council December 14, 2009 Regular Meeting Page 12 Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Stigney) Motion carried. N. Resolution 7546, Authorizing Construction Contract for City Hall Electrical Service Entrance Modifications. Public Works Director DeBar presented three quotes to provide a secondary source of electrical service for the City Hall ranging from $17,525 to $26,545, noting the engineer’s estimate was $25,000. He requested authorization to award the contract to High Mark Electric from Stacy, Minnesota. Council Member Mueller asked why this wasn’t initially done when the City Hall was remodeled several years ago. Clerk-Administrator Ericson stated at the time of the remodel it may not have been discussed to include a generator. Finance Director Beer advised that final payment has not yet been made on the generator. The City is holding a 5% retainage because several repairs are needed. Mayor Flaherty asked what will happen with the building. Public Works Director DeBar described the receptacle panel that will be placed by the Police parking lot and work to be done inside the sally port. The bid includes a 10% contingency in case something unforeseen comes up. Public Works Director DeBar advised that the generator is trailer mounted and currently located within a secured fence at one of the City’s wells. Council Member Stigney stated his understanding the generator was to be portable for the well so it should be stored at that location and moved to City Hall only if needed for an Emergency Operations Center (EOC). He noted the City already has a secondary EOC at the Fire Department. Public Works Director DeBar noted the fire station on County Road 10 does not have back up power. He advised the recommended quote was a good value at $20,000, which included consulting fees. Council Member Stigney stated the City has never needed an EOC but he would support staff’s recommendation, though with hesitancy. Mayor Flaherty agreed the generator was purchased with the intent it would be multi-use so he questioned why it would be parked at City Hall. Public Works Director DeBar stated if the generator is being used, it would be placed in the sally port. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7546, Authorizing Construction Contract for City Hall Electrical Service Entrance Modifications. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. O. Resolution 7547, Authorizing Purchases for the Mounds View Community Center Gymnasium Floor Refinishing. This item was removed upon adoption of the agenda. Mounds View City Council December 14, 2009 Regular Meeting Page 13 8. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Flaherty asked to remove Item E. A. Licenses for Approval. B. Resolution 7542, Approving Therapeutic Massage License Renewals. C. Resolution 7543, Approving the Recording Secretary Service Agreement with TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. D. Set a Public Hearing for Monday, January 11, 2010, at 7:05 p.m. for the Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 840, Rezoning Three Properties from R-2 to R-1. E. Resolution 7533, Authorizing Approval of a Contract for Animal Impoundment Services with the Brighton Veterinary Hospital. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Approve the Consent Agenda Items A-D. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 7433, Authorizing Approval of a Contract for Animal Impoundment Services with the Brighton Veterinary Hospital. Mayor Flaherty explained that while the Council may want to use the animal hospital located in Mounds View, it does not offer impoundment. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7533, Authorization to Approve a Contract for Animal Impoundment Services with the Brighton Veterinary Hospital. Council Member Mueller asked what the City has paid in the past and how often the services are used. Clerk-Administrator Ericson stated Deputy Police Chief Kinney negotiated with the Brighton Veterinary Hospital to have the same fee in 2010 and the amount paid by the owners of stray animals is deducted from the City’s fee. He advised there is not a better alternative available and the City has 24/7 access to their facility under this contract so it is a good deal for the City. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. WAIVE RULES AND EXTEND MEETING MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Gunn. To Waive the Rules and extend the meeting for 30 minutes. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council December 14, 2009 Regular Meeting Page 14 9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS Finance Director Beer answered the Council's questions related to claims. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as Presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. October 26, 2009, City Council Meeting Minutes. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To approve the October 26, 2009, City Council Meeting Minutes as revised to correct the spelling of Council Member Mueller’s name, top of Page 1. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. November 9, 2009, City Council Minutes. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To approve the November 9, 2009, City Council Meeting Minutes as revised on Page 10, Line 29, to insert a new agenda subtitle: “2. Community Development Report.” Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. November 23, 2009, Executive Session Minutes (A). MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To approve the November 23, 2009, Executive Session Minutes (A) Meeting Minutes as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. November 23, 2009, Executive Session Minutes (B). MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To approve the November 23, 2009, Executive Session Meeting Minutes (B) as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. November 23, 2009, City Council Minutes. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Hull. To approve the November 23, 2009, City Council Meeting Minutes as revised on Page 7, Line 17, to indicate: “Council Members Gunn and Mueller expressed doubt that anyone currently serving on the Cable Committee would volunteer.” And to change “Cable Commission” to “Cable Committee” throughout. Mounds View City Council December 14, 2009 Regular Meeting Page 15 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Mayor Flaherty announced a vacancy on the Rice Creek Watershed District and encouraged residents to make application. He reference a recent news article and asked the Public Works staff to assure the City’s low energy LED semaphore signal lights were free of ice and snow. Council Member Mueller stated her appreciation to residents for their calls and correspondence regarding issues they wanted her to research, their partnership between the community, the Mayor, Council and staff. She wished all a wonderful and safe holiday season and thanked those who took the effort to put up Christmas lights for all to enjoy. Council Member Mueller stated she looks forward to the completion of street projects, is grateful to all who contributed to the success of that project, and encouraged residents to become a community volunteer. B. Reports of Staff. Clerk-Administrator Ericson provided an update on the Aviation Plan of the Metropolitan Council’s Technical Advisory Committee and feedback that LGA may not be received in 2010 but the Governor will not unallot 2009 LGA. Clerk-Administrator Ericson informed the Council of upcoming meetings and a grant opportunity to showcase energy retrofits. Finance Director Beer advised staff is negotiating with Clear Wireless for tower space. 1. Announce Cancellation of the December 28, 2009, City Council Meeting. Mayor Flaherty noted 2009 has been a trying year and wished all a happy and safe holiday season and New Year. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs wished all a happy holiday and New Year. 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, January 4, 2010, at 7 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, January 11, 2010, at 7 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10:38 p.m. Transcribed by: Carla Wirth TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.