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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2025/02/24APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting February 24, 2025 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112 6:02 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Clark, Gunn, Lindstrom, Meehlhause and Smith NOT PRESENT: None. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, February 24, 2025, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Meehlhause. To Approve the Monday, February 24, 2025, agenda as amended adding Item 8F - Resolution 10067, Approving the Purchase of One Police Administrative Vehicle Along with Additional Equipment and Set Up Costs. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of Minutes: February 10, 2025. B. Just and Correct Claims. C. Amended Resolution 10050, Authorize Ongoing Recruitment of 2025 Parks and Recreation Positions (Original Version Approved by CC on 02/10/2025). D. Resolution 10065, Approving the Joint Powers Agreement among Members of the Ramsey County GIS Users Group. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. 2024 MVPD Annual Report – Police Chief Zender. Mounds View City Council February 24, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 2 Police Chief Zender reviewed the 2024 Mounds View Police Department Annual Report with the City Council. He thanked all of the residents who donated to the Polar Plunge this year noting $2,900 was raised for Special Olympics. He discussed the departments staffing at this time, noting the department currently has 17 officers. He commented on the outreach events noting the department continues to be active in the community. He reported the K9 team continues to do great things for Mounds View and neighboring communities. He discussed the stats for 2024 noting calls for service were relatively the same as were arrests, but citations, mental health calls, DWI’s and traffic stops were up. He explained he appreciated how FLOCK was positively impacting the community and commented further on the training his officers received in the previous year. Council Member Gunn requested further information on the New American’s Academy. Police Chief Zender explained he would be coordinating with the SBM Fire and the city of Blaine to create a New American’s Academy for Mounds View residents. Council Member Meehlhause commended Police Chief Zender for hiring high quality officers and for maintaining the right culture within the Mounds View Police Department. Council Member Smith thanked Police Chief Zender for his detailed presentation and high-quality annual report. Council Member Clark questioned how residents could sign up for a firearms safety course. Police Chief Zender explained residents can register through the DNR website or through word of mouth. He stated he tries to hold courses in the spring and fall. He reported children must be at least 11 years of age when signing up for the course. Mayor Lindstrom requested further information on the police work that has been assisted by FLOCK. Police Chief Zender reported FLOCK has been paying for itself and has been a force multiplier. He explained FLOCK was used to assist with the recent copper theft at The Mermaid. Mayor Lindstrom thanked Police Chief Zender and the entire team for the great work they do on behalf of the community. B. 2024 Tubman Annual Report. Jennifer Dickinson, Tubman representative, reviewed the 2024 Annual Report with the City Council. She commented on the legal advocacy services provided to Mounds View residents that have experienced relationship violence, other forms of violence, mental health issues, trafficking or homelessness. She explained her primary focus was on those experiencing relationship violence, orders for protection, and harassment/restraining orders. She stated the legal advocacy services provided were confidential and client centered between a client and the courts. She explained she works really hard to provide an attorney and an advocate for each client. She noted Tubman has a shelter and youth housing in Maplewood that serves people from Ramsey, Hennepin and Washington County’s. She commented further on the services that were being provided to youth to encourage healthy relationships. She encouraged the Council to visit the Tubman website to see the organizations entire program guide. She reported Tubman has a 24/7 number for law enforcement to call in the event a resident of Mounds View was in need of assistance and further Mounds View City Council February 24, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 3 described the services that can be provided to victims. She stated Tubman worked on 40 new cases for Mounds View residents in 2024, developed 91 safety plans and offered 366 total advocacy services. She reported ongoing challenges continue to be lengthy court processes, multiple needs of clients as well as the need for more resources and government funding. She commented Harriet’s Haven for Pets, a pet sanctuary that would house up to eight dogs, would be up and running later this year. She then reviewed a client success story from a Mounds View resident and thanked the City for their continued support of Tubman. Council Member Meehlhause thanked Ms. Dickinson for her detailed presentation. He asked what type of federal funding Tubman currently received. Ms. Dickinson explained Tubman received 29% of their funding through federal funding. She indicated if Tubman were to lose this funding her organization would be greatly impacted. Council Member Gunn thanked Ms. Dickinson for everything she does on behalf of the community and those who were in need of Tubman’s advocacy services. She reported the City of Mounds View does assist with funding Tubman services and she was proud to support this organization. She commented further on how Tubman had lost its funding from Ramsey County. Council Member Smith questioned when Harriet’s Haven for Pets would be open. Ms. Dickinson stated her goal was to have this service available this fall. Mayor Lindstrom questioned if Tubman received any other city partners in the past year. Ms. Dickinson explained Tubman had partnerships with Mounds View, Falcon Heights, Vadnais Heights and Roseville. Mayor Lindstrom encouraged Ms. Dickinson to speak with the Ramsey County Board to see if the new Commissioners would be willing to support Tubman again going forward. Ms. Dickinson stated she would be speaking with the Ramsey County Board. 7. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Lindstrom encouraged the public to speak with kindness and respect when addressing the City Council during Public Comment. Vince Meyer, 8380 Spring Lake Road, asked if the City was required to receive three bids for the Tribute Park. City Attorney Riggs responded by addressing the City’s requirements for projects that must be competitively bid versus projects that do not require a formal bidding process. Mr. Meyer stated he understood the City has raised over $65,000 already for the Tribute Park. He questioned how much the park would cost in total and wondered how much the maintenance fees would be for the park long term. Luke Edmond, 8407 Spring Lake Road, reported he had an Ace Solid Waste representative peddling at his home last Friday. He explained he wanted to be more diligent about keeping the Mounds View City Council February 24, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 4 riff raff out of his neighborhood and to ensure these solicitors were not taking advantage of his neighbors. Kris Lillemo, stated he was highly concerned with the new Tribute Park. He indicated the City was proposing to spend $175,000 to honor people within the park, but noted these people chose to fight for people. He feared that Mounds View would not have funding for its parks in the future or that taxes would continue to increase exponentially. He encouraged the City to address its spending and perhaps consider spending $175,000 to turn Woodcrest Park into a nature park versus creating a Tribute Park. He believed a better honor to those who have served this country would be to create parks that serve the overall community. 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. PUBLIC HEARING: Introduction and First Reading of Ordinances 1026- through 1033. 1) Ordinance 1026, Chapter 10 - Penalty List. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council introduce an ordinance that would put administrative penalties for food trucks if they were not licensed with the County. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 1026, Chapter 10 - Penalty List. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 2) Ordinance 1027, Chapter 33 - Police Advisory Commission. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council introduce an ordinance that disbands the Police Advisory Commission. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Clark. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 1027, Chapter 33 - Police Advisory Commission. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 3) Ordinance 1028, Chapter 71 - Truck Definition/Parking. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council introduce an ordinance that defines trucks and RV’s within City Code. Mayor Lindstrom opened the public hearing at 7:10 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Lindstrom closed the public hearing at 7:10 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Gunn. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 1028, Chapter 71 - Truck Definition/Parking. Mounds View City Council February 24, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 5 Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 4) Ordinance 1029, Chapter 90 - Honeybees. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council introduce an ordinance that requires staff to complete an annual inspection for residents that have a honeybee permit. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 1029, Chapter 90 - Honeybees. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5) Ordinance 1030, Chapter 91 – Weeds/RV. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council introduce an ordinance that uses the State’s list of invasive plants/weeds. MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Meehlhause. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 1030, Chapter 91 – Weeds/RV. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6) Ordinance 1031, Chapter 118 - Cigarette Background Check. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council introduce an ordinance that requires a background check for all cigarette license renewals. Mayor Lindstrom opened the public hearing at 7:13 p.m. Sharon Kircher, 8406 Red Oak Drive, requested further information on the proposed ordinance amendment. City Administrator Zikmund explained the proposed ordinance amendment would require cigarette license holders to have a background check every time they renew their license. Hearing no public input, Mayor Lindstrom closed the public hearing at 7:14 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Smith. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 1031, Chapter 118 - Cigarette Background Check. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 7) Ordinance 1032, Chapter 120 - Mobile Food Vehicle. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council introduce an ordinance that deletes the City’s language because the County registers mobile food vehicles. Mounds View City Council February 24, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 6 MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Clark. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 1032, Chapter 120 - Mobile Food Vehicle. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 8) Ordinance 1033, Chapter 160 - Home Occupations. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council introduce an ordinance that allows permitted home occupations for massage therapy. Mayor Lindstrom opened the public hearing at 7:16 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Lindstrom closed the public hearing at 7:16 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Smith. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 1033, Chapter 160 - Home Occupations. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 10062, Authorize Sanitary Sewer Line Rehabilitation Project - CIPP (cured-in-place pipe). Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council authorize Sanitary Sewer Line Rehabilitation Project - CIPP (cured-in-place pipe). He explained the City did not do a project last year but was looking to complete CIPP improvements in 2025. He reviewed the lines that would be targeted this year noting the City had $1 million in the budget for this project and the project would be publicly bid. Council Member Meehlhause questioned what percentage of the City’s pipes have been lined. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated the City had 80% of its pipes lined. Mayor Lindstrom asked how big the lines were that were being lined. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported the lines were anywhere from 12” to 16”. He commented on how the number of deep lines in the City has assisted with reducing the number of lift stations that were required. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Clark. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10062, Authorize Sanitary Sewer Line Rehabilitation Project - CIPP (cured-in-place pipe). Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 10063, Approving Cooperative Agreement with Ramsey County for the 2024/2025 Mounds View Boulevard Improvement Project. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council approve a Mounds View City Council February 24, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 7 Cooperative Agreement with Ramsey County for the 2024/2025 Mounds View Boulevard Improvement Project. He explained this agreement was for the signal lights along Mounds View Boulevard. He reported Ramsey County has estimated the City’s portion of this project would be $1,051,323.01. Staff commented further on the project and recommended approval. Council Member Meehlhause asked if staff received a detailed breakdown on the costs per intersection. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated he had received this information from the County noting each intersection was relatively close to the same amount. Council Member Smith reported the City budgeted $818,000 for this project. She inquired how the City would make up the difference. Finance Director Bauman reported the difference would be taken into account within the five-year CIP and adjustments would be made. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson added that this project would be completed in 2025, but the City would not be billed until 2026. Mayor Lindstrom commented he spoke with the City Administrator and County Manager regarding the price increase for this project. He understood this change was not the Public Works Director’s fault. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained he expressed his frustration with the County for changing the price for this project after an agreement had already been reached. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Clark. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10063, Approving Cooperative Agreement with Ramsey County for the 2024/2025 Mounds View Boulevard Improvement Project. Council Member Clark asked if Safe Routes to School dollars could be used for this project. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported the school district would have to sign off on this project and noted staff has not had success in working with the school district in the past. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 10064, Requesting Municipal State Aid Funds Advance for the Ramsey County 2024/2025 Mounds View Boulevard Improvement Project. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council request Municipal State Aid Funds Advance for the Ramsey County 2024/2025 Mounds View Boulevard Improvement Project. He commented on how the one-time advancement in MSA funds would assist with covering the overages for the Ramsey County Mounds View Boulevard improvement project. Mayor Lindstrom stated if this funding were granted, would the State withhold payment for what was owed to the City. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported this was the case. Council Member Clark asked if the City would be receiving the same amount of money over time, or does this request just change when it comes in. Finance Director Bauman stated this was correct. Mounds View City Council February 24, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 8 Council Member Meehlhause indicated MSA funds can only be used for roadways the City has designated as a State Aid route. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Clark. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10064, Requesting Municipal State Aid Funds Advance for the Ramsey County 2024/2025 Mounds View Boulevard Improvement Project. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 10066, Approve the Directive to Limit Duties Regarding Diseased Trees on Private Property. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council approve the directive to limit duties regarding diseased trees on private property. He reviewed a chart that address the amount spent on tree removal from 2021 through 2025 as well as noting the amount that was billed to property owners. He commented in 2025 there would be an estimated 190 private trees removed and in 2024 there were 593 private trees and 75 boulevards trees removed. He explained in 2025, private trees were to be marked by the City and notices would be given to the property owners and trees would only be removed if requested by the property owner. Staff commented further on the options available within the diseased tree removal program and requested final confirmation from the City Council on how to proceed. He reported he spoke with the City Attorney and the City Attorney recommended the program remain as is. City Administrator Zikmund stated staff was obligated to bring the City Attorney’s recommendation to the Council. He suggested the City Attorney speak further to his recommendation. City Attorney Riggs explained he discussed the diseased tree program with Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson. He reported the City had a reasonably robust and very defensible process in place. He indicated the removal of trees has become a concern in communities due to Emerald Ash Borer and Oak Wilt. He commented on the liability issues that were being created when these trees are not removed. He urged the City Council to trust the City Forester on which trees need to be removed. He reported if a tree were to land or hit a private party in a public right of way, the City would be liable. He indicated it was better for the City to have a process in place to have diseased trees removed than to risk a tree falling on a private party. Council Member Smith stated if Option 2 were pursued, a tree would be marked but not removed and this removal would be up to the resident. City Attorney Riggs reported this was the case, noting if the homeowner failed to remove the tree after it was marked, the homeowner could risk not receiving a payout from their homeowners insurance if the tree were to fall and do damage. He explained the City was trying to make the tree removal voluntary, but noted this was a safety issue. Council Member Smith commented if the City were to continue with the current diseased tree removal program, could more time be provided to the homeowners. She asked if there were grants available to assist with the removal costs for homeowners with multiple trees. Public Works/Parks Mounds View City Council February 24, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 9 and Recreation Director Peterson stated the timeline for the tree removal depends on the tree. He indicated elms have to be taken down immediately to assist with not spreading Dutch Elm. He reported oaks have to be taken down after the first hard frost or before March 1. He explained ash trees should be taken down immediately because they become more and more brittle over time. He stated he has given homeowners more time to receive quotes for the tree removal, but most times, they are not able to find a contractor that can do it cheaper than the City’s contractor. He commented on how the City works with homeowners on repayment of assessments and noted there may be grants available to assist homeowners that have to have multiple trees removed. Council Member Meehlhause stated the City controls the timing of the trees being removed from the boulevard. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported this was the case. He commented on how the number of trees needing to be removed was going to go down, because the ash trees will have been removed. A resident attending the meeting asked if trees in the boulevard were the City’s full responsibility if needing to be removed. Mayor Lindstrom reported there would be a 50/50 cost share between the City and the resident for these trees. A resident attending the meeting stated he did not believe a dead pine tree in the middle of his yard should be a City issue. Council Member Smith reported the program being discussed only addressed diseased trees. Luke Edmond asked if the City would be replanting trees given the number that have been removed. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported when the City removes trees from public property they have to be replaced at a 2:1 ratio. He indicated this was not the case for trees removed on private property or within the right-of-way. Sharon Kircher stated she had eight oak trees in her yard and asked if oak wilt was growing in Mounds View. Public Works Director Peterson explained when oak trees are stressed or in a time of drought, oak wilt can spread. Council Member Smith asked if it was necessary to remove the stumps for diseased oak and ash trees. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported it was not necessary to remove the stumps. Council Member Clark commented on how oak wilt would spread into her yard quicker if her neighbors diseased trees were not treated. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated generally with oak wilt, the disease cycles after drought years. He commented on how new tree varieties were being created that were more disease resistant. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10066, Approve the Directive with Option 1, keeping the existing program in place, Regarding Diseased Trees on Private Property. Mounds View City Council February 24, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 10 Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Lindstrom) Motion carried. F. Resolution 10067, Approving the Purchase of One Police Administrative Vehicle Along with Additional Equipment and Set Up Costs. Police Chief Zender requested the Council approve the purchase of one police administrative vehicle along with additional equipment and set up costs. He explained he was scheduled to replace one administrative vehicle in 2025, noting the funds for this expense would be covered by the Vehicle and Equipment Fund. He reviewed the proposed costs for the vehicle and set up and recommended approval from the Council. Council Member Clark questioned if this would be the second vehicle the department would have like this. Police Chief Zender reported this was the case noting the current Chevy Impala would be going to State auction. Council Member Smith inquired what equipment was needed for an administrative police vehicle. Police Chief Zender stated this vehicle would have a BCA package with hidden lights and noted the radio would be reused. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Clark. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10067, Approving the Purchase of One Police Administrative Vehicle Along with Additional Equipment and Set Up Costs. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Smith commented on everyone involved that made the Festival in the Park possible. Council Member Smith reported last Friday and Saturday she attended training with Council Member Clark that was hosted by the League of Minnesota Cities. Council Member Clark explained she enjoyed attending the League of Minnesota Cities training last week. Council Member Clark indicated there would be a joint City Council/Park, Recreation and Forestry meeting on Thursday, February 27 at City Hall where the park master plan will be discussed. Council Member Clark commented on the flyer that was included in the recent water bill and encouraged teens in the community to consider attending the Teen Center at the Community Center Mondays and Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. She noted there was a toddler open gym time at the Community Center on Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Mounds View City Council February 24, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 11 Council Member Clark encouraged the community to attend the March into Spring garden expo at the Community Center on Saturday, March 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Council Member Clark reported the Festival in the Park Committee would not be meeting in March. She noted the group would meet next on Tuesday, April 1 at the Public Works Facility at 6:30 p.m. Council Member Meehlhause noted he would be attending Convention Bureau 101 on Tuesday, February 25, which was being hosted by the Twin Cities Gateway Bureau staff. Council Member Gunn commented she attended her last Nine North Cable Commission meeting and noted Council Member Smith would be taking her place with this organization. Mayor Lindstrom discussed the clemency events he would be participating in this week. Mayor Lindstrom reported he would be hosting a coffee time on Sunday morning and noted he would be attending a meeting with U.S. House Representative Tom Emmer’s Chief of Staff on Monday, March 3. B. Reports of Staff. Finance Director Bauman reported the auditors were with the City all of last week. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated there were 140 properties that have yet to replace their water meter. He noted a certified letter would be sent to these properties as a final notice to have the water meter replaced. If action is not taken, a $175 fee will be placed on the quarterly utility bills for these properties until the water meter is replaced. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reviewed a letter that would be sent out regarding the Silver View Pond project. He indicated this project would begin on Monday, March 10 with tree removal. He noted the contractor would be working on this project through the spring and summer of 2025. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported staff is seeking approval from the Council to apply for a Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant that would help study streets that have speeding issues. He indicated this was a grant through the federal government that would assist with providing traffic calming measures. Staff was recommending grants be pursued for Groveland Road and Spring Lake Road. MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Smith. To Direct Staff to apply for a Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant for Groveland Road and Spring Lake Road. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. City Administrator Zikmund stated a special Council meeting may be required to discuss the City’s cannabis application. Mounds View City Council February 24, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 12 City Administrator Zikmund reported the City Council would be holding a retreat on Tuesday, February 25 at Fire Station 3 at 6:00 p.m. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 10. Next Council Work Session: Monday, March 3, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, March 10, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:37 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial