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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2008/03/10 (2)PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA egular Meeting March 10, 2008 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:09 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Marty, Stigney, Hull, Flaherty, and Mueller NOT PRESENT: None 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, March 10, 2008 City Council Agenda MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Monday, March 10, 2008 City Council Agenda as Presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT Jim Batten 2332 Laporte said that he watched the work session last week and he has questions about the sound wall. He then asked why it could not be done as requested and why it has to be just extended. Mayor Marty explained that, legally, MniDOT has to extend the wall from where it ends and cannot "piece meal" the wall. Mr. Batten asked what happens with the sound wall capabilities when the height is lowered from 20 feet to 15 feet. Public Works Director Lee explained that 20 feet is not the standard height, and Mn/DOT bases the height on the specific situation. Director Lee explained that Mn/DOT bases the height requirement on the ability of the wall to reduce the noise level to acceptable levels. The daytime decibel reading was approximately 65. Mounds View City Council March 10, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 2 i Mr. Batten indicated he is pleased to learn that getting in the 10-year plan would speed up construction of the noise wall. However, he would ask that Council ensure that the City receives a written agreement from Mn/DOT that the City will be reimbursed. Brian Amundson of 3048 Wooddale Drive asked if this Council or Staff have spoken to Medtronic about contributing in any way to relieve the residents from noise that they are contributing to. He then asked for information on using rubber in asphalt to reduce noise. Council Member Flaherty indicated that he had asked Public Works Director Lee to discuss contributing toward the sound wall with Medtronic. Director Lee indicated that he has not contacted Medtronic to discuss funding the sound wall. Interim Clerk Administrator Ericson indicated that Staff has discussed the sound wall and noise issues with Medtronic in the past, and their response has been that they contribute to the City in a lot of ways. He then said that he would be willing to discuss this with Medtronic again to ask for a contribution toward mitigating the sound issue. Director Lee explained that there is a technique of imbedding rubber into asphalt to reduce road noise. He then said that he would look into the specifics with Mn/DOT and report back. • Council Member Mueller said that the homes affected by the current proposed location of the sound wall on Long Lake Road are further away from the road, but the decibel readings are in the high 60s to low 70s. Those homes are feeling a severe and immediate impact from the increased traffic. Mr. Amundson said that there was a motion to reappoint David Jahnke and Barb Haake to the Airport Commission at the last meeting and, his comments on that matter, may have seemed that he did not feel that they should be appointed. He then said that was not his point at all. He further said that he was just curious if a third person could join that activity and assist the City in the event either of those two could not attend. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUISNESS None. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Public Hearing, Consideration of Resolution 7234, Approving the Feasibility Report, Ordering the Project, Authorizing the Preparation of Plans and Specifications, and Approving a Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Spring Lake Park for the 2008 Street Maintenance Project (Seal Coat Project) Mayor Marty opened the public hearing at 7:25 p.m. Mounds View City Council March 10, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 3 Public Works Director Lee provided an overview of the proposed Street Maintenance Project for 2008, noting it is entirely aseal-coating project. Valerie Amundson of 3048 Wooddale Drive noted that there are some fairly new streets being proposed for seal coating, and she thought that seal coating was done only every 6 years. Director Lee indicated that H2 was constructed in 2002 so that is 6 years old and, the other is only 4 years old. However, the parking lots are way over due so they are being lumped all together for one seal coat project. He further explained that this would be the last seal coat until the new streets to be constructed reach six years of age. Hearing no further public comments, Mayor Marty closed the public hearing at 7:36 p.m. Council Member Flaherty asked for cost share information on the two joint projects with Spring Lake Park. Director Lee provided an explanation of the cost sharing with Spring Lake Park. Mayor Marty said that he thought that the parking lot at City Hall has been seal coated before. Council Member Flaherty said that he thought it was scheduled a year or two ago to seal coat the City Hall parking lot, but that was postponed. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7234, Approving the Feasibility Report, Ordering the Project, Authorizing the Preparation of Plans and Specifications, and Approving a Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Spring Lake Park for the 2008 Street Maintenance Project (Seal Coat Project). Council Member Flaherty said that in Section B of Cost Allocation, the total estimated costs are $287,500. He then asked if this is the entire cost of the project, including Spring Lake Park. Director Lee indicated that this is a Joint Powers Agreement with Spring Lake Park so it outlines the costs of the total project. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 7238 Approving the Purchase of MVPD Squad Cars. Chief Sommer addressed Council and explained the requested approval for the purchase of two squad cars. The state bid has been awarded to Elk River Ford. He then noted that squad cars are on a five-year replacement cycle. Council Member Stigney asked when squads were replaced last. Chief Sommer indicated that there was a replacement last year. Council Member Stigney asked what years the vehicles being replaced were. Chief Sommer indicated that these are the squads purchased in 2003. Mounds View City Council March 10, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 4 • Council Member Stigney asked for the auction information received last year on the used vehicles that were sold. Chief Sommer indicated that the vehicles are brought to the auction in Arden Hills and they usually bring a very good price. He then said he could provide the auction information to Council. Council Member Stigney asked how many vehicles are in the fleet. Chief Sommer indicated that there are 11 total vehicles and 9 are squads. Council Member Stigney indicated that the City used to replace one vehicle one year, and two the next and he is wondering why the process has been changed. Chief Sommer indicated that the type of use that these vehicles go through justifies replacing them every five years. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7238 Approving the Purchase of MVPD Squad Cars. Council Member Stigney asked for the information on the vehicles when they are sent to auction. Mayor Marty commented that it would cost less to get the cars two-toned rather than repainting them later. Chief Sommer indicated that the officers were in favor of the two-toned vehicles. Mayor Marty asked if Council was interested in going with two-tone cars. Council decided not to do so at this time. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 7237 Authorizing Execution of a Zero Dollar Permit for the Trunk Highway 10 Noise Wall Project Public Works Director Lee provided information on the noise wall project for Council. He then noted that Mn/DOT is looking at awarding the contract on May 16, 2008 with construction beginning in June. Council Member Mueller asked if there should be any concern that Mn/DOT would take the land and use it for an additional lane. Director Lee indicated that it does not seem that would be feasible. He then said that there are already three lanes in this location and it is further to the east where they plan to add an additional lane. Council member Mueller asked whether Attorney Riggs reviewed the permit documentation. Interim Clerk Administrator Ericson noted that Attorney Riggs has reviewed this. Mayor Marty indicated that it may take time to transfer land in Arden Park, but, it is of little use to Mn/DOT because it is on the wrong side of the wall that they have already constructed. He • then asked that Staff request that a transfer of the Arden Park property be done. Mounds View City Council March 10, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 5 • MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7237 Authorizing Execution of a Zero Dollar Permit for the Trunk Highway 10 Noise Wall Project, and Request, During Negotiations, Reciprocity on the Arden Park Property. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 7239 Setting a Public Hearing Date for the 2009-2010 Street and Utility Improvement Project Public Works Director Lee noted that a public hearing date is needed for the 2009-2010 Street and Utility Improvement Project. Staff has put together a generic timeline for the project and that was provided for information. Brian Amundson of 3048 Wooddale Drive addressed Council and said that a significant amount of work was done by Bonestroo and one thing that Council has talked about in the past, is having other consultants involved. Mayor Marty noted that Bonestroo has already completed this study and the next one, so he would like to wait until that point, to go out for bids. The City was also considering hiring an Engineer. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Flaherty. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7239, Setting a Public Hearing Date for the 2009 - 2010 Street and Utility Improvement Project. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 7240 Authorizing Activities Associated with the Completion of the Spring Creek Regional Water Quality Pond Report Public Works Director Lee indicated that this study was stopped when the petition stopped the proposed street project. He then said that this study must be done as there is a long period of time required to allow for construction of a regional pond, if a regional pond is required. Council Member Mueller asked if the pond is in compliance with current Rice Creek Watershed District requirements. Director Lee indicated that there are the original rules, and the new rules to allow cities to comply with projects that did not involve new construction. Council Member Flaherty indicated that he would be looking for other options as well, not just the pond. Brian Amundson asked whether any purchasing of property would be reviewed by Council. Director Lee indicated that any potential property purchases to construct the pond, would be brought before Council for discussion. Mayor Marty said that in the Rice Creek Permit, Item 5, mentions a letter from the City of Spring Lake Park stating its intent to enhance water quality treatment for the area. He then said that the Mounds View City Council March 10, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 6 City of Spring Lake Park holds the future of Mounds View in their hands with this provision. He further said that there would not be a need for a Joint Powers Agreement for a number of years, so he would like to approach Spring Lake Park at this time and bring up the item in the permit. Director Lee said that a better idea would be to leave it an issue between Spring Lake Park and the Watershed District. He then said that the required letter is on file. Brian Amundson said that, at one time, Council proposed to purchase a piece of property for ponding, and he is wondering if that is part of this proposal. Director Lee indicated that storm water needs would need to be addressed during the 2010 project and the piece of property mentioned by Amundson would come into play. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Many. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7240 Authorizing Activities Associated with the Completion of the Spring Creek Regional Water Quality Pond Report Council Member Mueller asked if there is any idea what this project would cost the City, and where, in the budget, would the funding come from. Director Lee indicated that cost would be dependent upon the requirements of Rice Creek. Valerie Amundson of 3048 Wooddale Drive said that she understands that this is because all of the water was not taken care of in the 2003 project. She then asked if that is the case, or is it some of handling the 2005 water, which is now the 2010 project. Director Lee indicated that it is both projects that need to show how the water will be handled. Ms. Amundson asked if water gardens for the 2003 project could eliminate the need for this ponding. Director Lee said that adding a few rain gardens will not eliminate the need for the regional ponding, but also said that he would verify with Rice Creek Watershed District. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA A. Licenses for Approval B. Resolution 7235 Acceptance and Final Payment Approval for the Silver Lake Road Sidewalk Improvement Project C. Resolution 7236 Acceptance and Final Payment Approval for the Medtronic Utility Extension Project Council Member Mueller requested that Item B be removed for discussion. Mayor Marty removed Items B and C for comment. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Mueller. To Approve Consent Agenda Item A as presented, Mounds View City Council March 10, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 7 Contractor Licenses for Approval. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 7235 Acceptance and Final Payment Approval for the Silver Lake Road Sidewalk Improvement Project Council Member Mueller indicated that she has a concern because the original amount was $459,277.50, but the actual cost is $474,027.70, and she sees no change orders. Public Works Director Lee indicated that the contractor bid on unit amounts based upon the engineer's estimate. He then explained that when there are more units than the engineer's estimate, the costs increase. Council Member Mueller asked whether Bonestroo would have any responsibility for this overrun. Director Lee indicated that there are always adjustments as construction goes on with every construction project. Council Member Mueller asked whether the actual cost would have meant that another bidder would have been the lower bidder. Director Lee indicated that all bidders would be subject to these changes out in the field so all bidders amounts would go up. Mayor Marty said that the original contract amount was $459,277.50, and it ended up being $474,027.70 so there was a difference of $14,750.20. He then said that the engineer's estimate, before the project started, was $588,000. This came in over $100,000 under the engineer's project estimate and he looks at that as being a plus for the City. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Mueller. To Approve Resolution 7235 Acceptance and Final Payment Approval for the Silver Lake Road Sidewalk Improvement Project. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 7236 Acceptance and Final Payment Approval for the Medtronic Utility Extension Project Mayor Marty noted that the original engineer's estimate was $590,000, and the original contract amount was $444,509, which is well over $100,000 less than the engineer's estimate. And, the final construction cost was $10,0001ess than that. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Mueller. To Approve Resolution 7236 Acceptance and Final Payment Approval for the Medtronic Utility Extension Project. . Council Member Mueller asked whether the contractors who completed these two projects would be given higher consideration for the next project based upon the work done for the City. Mounds View City Council March 10, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 8 :] Director Lee indicated that the City usually goes with the lowest bidder, despite the fact that a contractor has an established history with the City. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS Public Works Director Lee requested that the claim for Northern Escrow $24,830 be removed from the approval until the lights are on. This work has been completed, however, the work cannot be verified until the lights are on. Council agreed. Mayor Marty, on Page 10, Business Solutions for four digital cameras for public works. Director Lee indicated that it is three (3) digital cameras and three (3) memory flash cards and cases are included. Mayor Marty said that he is wondering why public works needs numerous digital cameras. Director Lee indicated that one of the cameras is for him to use to document in picture to show to the Council. The other two are for different positions to be available to document issues and to have digital images to provide to Council and public. Mayor Marty, on Page 10, Highway Technologies, for portable stop signs. He is wondering what that is. Director Lee indicated that the Police Department requested these signs for cases where the power is out and stop signs are needed. They were budgeted for. Mayor Marty indicated that he would like an explanation for paying mileage for an employee that has jury duty. Staff agreed to look into the matter. Council Member Flaherty, Northern Waterworks, for the rental of a handheld reader, and he is wondering what was being "read". Director Lee indicated that would be for reading meters. One amount is a charge and one is a credit for testing the machine. Mayor Marty, on Page 16, wrist passes for $11.97, he is wondering what that is for. Staff agreed to look into it. Council Member Mueller, on Page 16, the contracting expenditures, he is wondering if those services can be billed back to the homeowner. Director Lee indicated that this is for complete replacement of water service lines back to the property. Mayor Marty said that he is noticing a number of line breaks, and he is wondering if $4.00 per quarter is keeping up with the costs. Director Lee indicated that, at this time, the funding is adequate. However, it may be necessary in a year or two to look at increasing costs. Mayor Marty asked that actual costs and future issues on this be added to an upcoming work session. Mounds View City Council March 10, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 9 Council Member Stigney asked about Minnesota Department of Health, water meter supply connection. Director Lee indicated that would not have anything to do with public works, however, Staff can look into the claim and provide information to Council. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Marty. To Approve Just and Correct Claims as Amended to remove the Claim for Northern Escrow for $24,830. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. January 28, 2008, Executive Session Meeting Minutes Council Member Flaherty correct "passed" to "past". MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Hull. To Approve the January 28, 2008, Executive Session Meeting Minutes as Amended. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. B. February 11, 2008, Executive Session Meeting Minutes • MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To Approve the February 11, 2008, Executive Session Meeting Minutes as Presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. C. February 20, 2008, Executive Session Meeting Minutes MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Mueller. To Approve the February 20, 2008, Executive Session Meeting Minutes as Presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. D. February 25, 2008, Regular City Council Minutes Council Member Hull correct "business." Council Member Mueller, on Page 3, insert information she provided to Staff. Council Member Flaherty, page 7, Line 12 change "change" to "charge". MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Flaherty. To Approve the February 25, 2008, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes As Amended. Mounds View City Council March 10, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 10 • Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. E. March 3, 2008, Executive Session Minutes (Part 1) Mayor Marty asked to verify times. Mayor Marty was absent. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the March 3, 2008, Executive Session Minutes (Part 1) as Amended. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. F. March 3, 2008, Executive Session Minutes (Part 2) • Marty asked to verify times. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Marty Minutes (Part 2) as Amended. Ayes - 5 11. REPORTS To Approve the March 3, 2008, Executive Session Nays - 0 Motion carried. A. Mayor and Council Mayor Marty noted he had put an anonymous letter he had received into other Council Members boxes today. The issue was complaints about the Chief of Police, Mayor, Council Members, regarding the fact that the police and city officials do not care and police officers ignoring illegal driving. Mayor Marty indicated that there have been no complaints for at least a couple of years, to his knowledge. He then said that if someone has issues that someone would want looked into, anything that he stands behind, he signs his name to and he would like anyone who wants to be taken seriously needs to provide a name. Council Member Mueller indicated that she received a letter in late November or early December that was anonymous. She then said that an anonymous letter is a one-way communication and there is nothing that Council can do. Mayor Marty noted that there was a letter to the editor in The Focus, and he took exception to some of the things addressed in that letter and he would like to speak with this individual. He then asked the person to call him because Council was accused of being "dumb and dumber." • Mounds View City Council March 10, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 11 Mayor Marty said that he takes great pride in this City and the Mayor position. He then said that he stands behind his decisions and his actions, and would like the opportunity to discuss with anyone who feels otherwise. Mayor Marty indicated that the Council could respond by writing a letter to the editor. However, it may not be best to do so, since that could cause the issue to continue. He then asked the person to call him to discuss things rather than using the papers to make a bad situation "dumber". Council Member Flaherty indicated that he was going to, personally, address this with a letter to the editor. He then said that the information went out to the residents of many communities and that is the only impression that residents have of this Council. He further said that he would like to address these allegations to make sure that residents have the real information. Council Member Stigney agreed with Council Member Flaherty and said that, if he wants to respond, he should do so. He also agreed to support the letter, provided it has the accurate information. Council Member Mueller said that the saddest part about this letter is that it is inaccurate and divisive. Mayor Marty indicated that he and Mr. Ericson attended a transit update meeting. He then said • that there will be more information provided to the Mayor's and City Administrators group on alternatives for Care-A-Van that is no longer in business. Council Member Mueller reported that the 50th Anniversary Committee is looking for recipes. The book will be sold during Festival in the Park. Please bring recipes to City Hall or email them. The deadline to submit Council Member Mueller indicated that last week Chief Sommer went over the City Emergency Management Plan and she felt the training was well done. Council Member Mueller indicated that the website www.journeysafe.com has safety tips for teenage drivers. She then provided safety and statistical information for Council. Mayor Marty noted that there is an executive session this coming weekend. There is a department head/council retreat at Random Park this weekend and it is open to the public. B. Reports of Staff Interim Clerk Administrator Ericson asked if the Council wants to set up a development roundtable to discuss economic development. Mayor Marty asked to start at 5:30 p.m. for the next EDA meeting and have the round table discussion at that meeting. Mayor Marty said he would be willing to consider asix-month moratorium to allow time for the City and the developer to look at this together to see what can be done. Mounds View City Council March 10, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 12 ., Council Member Stigney indicated that he does not feel a rush because the City has not found out about the grant yet. Council agreed to add the roundtable discussion for the April work session. Interim Clerk Administrator Ericson suggested that a temporary moratorium of two or three months would not be enough time. Mayor Marty indicated that he would like to see asix-month moratorium, which would drop off if the DEED grant is not received. Council Member Flaherty indicated that he is against the moratorium because the owner of the property has a buyer and, this will chase that buyer away. Council Member Mueller agreed. Council discussed the moratorium, how a moratorium could affect the property owner and any potential or pending sale, and whether or not the City should purchase the Roberts property to ensure that it becomes part of the redevelopment area. Council Member Stigney said that, if, the developer has a specific request to allow time, then he would consider it but not at this time without a specific situation in place. Consensus was that there would be no moratorium at this time. Council Member Mueller asked for the grand opening date for Totino's restaurant. Interim Clerk Administrator Ericson said that he understands that they are on track for opening March 17, 2008. C. Reports of City Attorney None. 12. Next Council Work Session: Next Council Meeting: Monday, Apri17, 2008, at 6:00 p.m. Monday, March 24, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m. Transcribed by: Joan Lenzmeier, Recording Clerk Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.