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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2008/05/27• PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOT Regular Meeting May 27, 2008 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:12 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. Tuesday, May 27, 2008, City Council Agenda MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Flaherty. To Approve the Monday, May 27, 2008 Agenda as presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT None. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. National CPR and AED Awareness Week Proclamation (Mayor to Read Out Loud) Mayor Marty read a Proclamation on National CPR and AED Awareness Week. Gene Johnson from New Brighton said that he is a sudden cardiac arrest survivor who is very appreciative for the officers in New Brighton who saved him. He then listed other survivors in the area and said that there are 200 survivors in the Minnesota sudden cardiac survivor club. He further said that he and his club are promoting training and usage of the AED and CPR. • Mounds View City Council May 27, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 2 Mayor Marty noted that the American Heart Association is changing the training for AED's and suggested that the City look into an adjustment for the shocking part of the AED. Mayor Marty encouraged everyone to be involved as they could be the one that saves a life. B. Presentation of Annual Audit -Aaron Nielsen, MMKR Certified Public Accountants Aaron Nielsen from MMKR appeared before Council and reviewed the audit summary with Council and those in attendance. Council Member Flaherty thanked the audit firm for the clear, concise report. Council Member Mueller thanked the audit firm for the analysis and for the reminder to continue to review water and sewer rates to ensure that they are adequate to support the systems. Mayor Marty asked whether there was anything that could be done to further separate duties without hiring more staff. Mr. Nielsen indicated that there is oversight now, but it would be better to have additional staff to separate the duties further. Mayor Marty commented on the finding of the City not paying within 35 days. He then said that there were a couple that were purposely held back to ensure that the contractor did what he said he would do. Finance Director Beer indicated that disputed claims are exempt from the 35 day requirement. Mayor Marty noted that for public safety the actual and budget were different and he is wondering why the public safety budget was exceeded. Finance Director Beer indicated that the command vehicle contributed, but it was also fuel increases and overtime. Mayor Marty said that he is a little concerned about the operating results of the sanitary sewer fund, because it looks like it is starting to dip below the expenses. Mayor Marty commented on future street reconstruction. He is glad that the goals and changes in the program were noted. Mayor Marty thanked the audit firm on behalf of the City for the thorough and comprehensive review of the City's finances. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS • Mounds View City Council May 27, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 3 A. Public Hearing to Consider an Easement Vacation at Greenfield Estates Apartments. Clerk Administrator Ericson reviewed the requested easement vacation at Greenfield Estates Apartments. He then asked that the public hearing be opened and continued to June 9, 2008 to allow time for comments from Rice Creek Watershed District. Mayor Marry opened the public hearing. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Continue the Public Hearing to June 9, 2008. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 7274 Authorizing Completion of the Plans and Specifications and Solicitation of Quotes for the Pinewood Storm Sewer Repair Joe Rhein, consultant engineer from Bonestroo, reviewed the report on the Pinewood storm sewer situation noting that Bronson Drive was reconstructed in 1996, and storm sewer was extended from Bronson and Bell Lane North to a wetland along the eastern edge of Pinewood Elementary School. Not long after installation the pipe began to float as the water pressure increased and it heaved out of the ground in 2000. It was also found that there was a crack and the joint was beginning to pull apart. In 2004 the public works director asked them to review it and recommend repair. Mr. Rhein indicated that the crack in the pipe is large enough for a small child to climb into and it needs to be repaired. Public Works staff have secured the area to prevent anyone from climbing into it. Joe indicated that this issue is a hazard that needs to be repaired and cannot wait until the planned fix in 2009. Engineering costs are estimated to be between $6,000 and $7,000 and estimated construction costs are $45,000. Mr. Rhein indicated that they would recommend coordinating permission to use the school property for access to the site to replace the pipe. The school has indicated that during the month of July there is little activity planned at the school, so July would be an excellent time to get the job done. Mayor Marty asked whether it was appropriate to separate out the engineering from the project cost to keep the cost under the $50,000 bid requirements. Finance Director Beer indicated that they are two separate items. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7274, A Resolution Authorizing Completion of the Plans and Specifications and Solicitation of Quotes for the Pinewood Storm Sewer Repair. Mounds View City Council May 27, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 4 • Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 7275, Authorizing a Gambling Permit for Merrick, Inc., to Conduct Charitable Gambling at Robert's Sports Bar and Entertainment Assistant Administrator Crane explained the requested gambling permit for Merrick, Inc., to conduct charitable gambling at Robert's Sports Bar and Entertainment noting all Code requirements are met with this request. Council Member Mueller asked whether there is a date when Roberts will be open. Assistant Administrator Crane indicated she did not know. Council Member Mueller asked whether Merrick is aware that Roberts is not open at this time. Assistant Administrator Crane indicated that Merrick is aware of that, and the permit is valid for two years from the date of issuance. Council Member Mueller asked what type ofnon-profit charitable gambling occurs and how the money is used. John Wayne Barker of Merrick, Inc., addressed Council and explained that they intend to operate pull tabs and meat raffles, and said that Merrick provides occupational assistance to people with disabilities. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7275, a Resolution Authorizing a Charitable Gambling Permit for Merrick, Inc., to Conduct Charitable Gambling at Robert's Sports Bar and Entertainment. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 7276, Authorizing a Gambling Permit for Lake Region Hockey Association to Conduct Charitable Gambling at Moe's. Assistant Administrator Crane explained that Lake Region Hockey Association has requested authorization to conduct charitable gambling at Moe's. Staff recommends approval as all Code requirements have been met with this request. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7276, Authorizing a Gambling Permit for Lake Region Hockey Association to Conduct Charitable Gambling at Moe's. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council May 27, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 5 E. Resolution 7277, Authorizing Step Increases for Officer Ben Knitter and PSO Justin Solberg Assistant Administrator Crane reviewed the recommended step increase request for Officer Ben Knitter and PSO Justin Solberg and recommended approval. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7277, Authorizing Step Increases for Officer Ben Knitter and PSO Justin Solberg. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. F. Resolution 7278, a Resolution Authorizing the Hire of Kenneth Roberts to the Position of Community Development Director Assistant Administrator Crane reviewed the interviewing process and recommended approval of Mr. Kenneth Roberts for the position of Community Development Director. Council Member Mueller asked if the banked vacation time was a negotiation and whether the salary was sufficient. Assistant Administrator Crane indicated that Mr. Roberts was satisfied with the salary requirements and had requested the banked five days. Mayor Marty indicated he had discussed this candidate with Mr. Ericson, and Mr. Ericson has said that he is confident in this candidate. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Marty. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7278, a Resolution Authorizing the Hire of Kenneth Roberts to the Position of Community Development Director. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. G. First Reading and Introduction of Ordinance 806, Adopting a Five Year Financial Plan for 2009 through 2013. Finance Director Beer explained that the City's Charter requires a five year plan to be presented at a public hearing and adopted by Ordinance. This is the introduction of Ordinance 806 outlining the five year financial plan for 2009 through 2013. Finance Director Beer indicated that the City is set to receive an additional $521,000 in local government aid. Finance Director Beer reviewed the Capital Improvement Plan with the Council. Mounds View City Council May 27, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 6 • Council Member Flaherty said that local government aid of an additional $521,000 is a nice bonus, so he would like to look at another zero percent increase. Council Member Stigney agreed. Mayor Marry indicated that a zero percent increase can be the goal, but there is a lot of discussion that still needs to occur. Council Member Mueller said that a levy increase does not always mean that a resident's taxes will go up. Mayor Marry noted under revenues there is $4,265, and he is wondering what that is. Finance Director Beer indicated it was a grant that was received. Mayor Marty asked whether the irrigation system at City Hall is being done, as he has not seen anything on it. Mayor Marry noted that Well No. 4 is scheduled for the year 2010, and he is wondering if any of the funds are from Medtronic. • Mayor Marty said that he was looking at the facts and figures, and in 2014 Random Park Building is scheduled to be resided and he is thinking about suggesting steel or new types of siding, because now there is siding that lasts 20 to 50 years, but 2014 is a long way out. Mayor Marry ,for 2014, County Road 10 southeast and northwest end gateway sign for $297,000 and $165,000, said that seems a bit high to him. Finance Director Beer indicated that these have been removed from the CIP. Mayor Marty, said that for 2013 expenditures, there are streets and highways for approximately $6,000,000, and he thought that there was only the 2009 big project. Finance Director Beer indicated that in 2013 there is the County Road I intersection estimated at $2.1 million. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Introduce Ordinance 806, Adopting a Five Year Financial Plan for 2009 through 2013. Council Member Mueller asked how pending foreclosures and vacant properties will affect the budget in the next couple of years. Finance Director Beer indicated that there was an increase in delinquent property taxes, but it • was only approximately $75,000, and the City could absorb that amount as well as an increase, Mounds View City Council May 27, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 7 but it will affect cash flow slightly. The City will eventually get its money when the properties are sold. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA A. Licenses for Approval B. Reschedule Public Hearing for the Second Reading of Ordinance 806, Adopting a Five Year Financial Plan for 2009 through 2013 from June 9, 2008 at 7:SOpm, to June 23, 2008 at 7:05 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Consent Agenda as Presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS Council Member Mueller, on Page 12 expenditure of $3,975 for a public works building study and she is wondering if that was the energy audit. . Finance Director Beer indicated that the energy audit was part of the cost. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Mueller. To Approve Just and Correct Claims as Presented. Council Member Stigney asked for a copy of the study done on the public works buildings. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Executive Session Minutes, May 12, 2008. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To Approve the May 12, 2008, Executive Session City Council Minutes as Presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council Mayor Marty said that since it seems that Medtronic is basically finished with construction he wanted to know if they are done and whether it is time to eliminate the temporary building inspector position. Mounds View City Council May 27, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 8 • Clerk Administrator Ericson noted that there are a couple of interior build out items yet to be completed but they are substantially completed. Mayor Marty asked whether the additional building inspector that was hired will be eliminated. Clerk Administrator Ericson indicated that the position is not in the budget for 2009. Mayor Marty said that in the last few years he has gotten calls and people have asked him about coming in to City Hall during the summer on a Friday and there are not very many people in the building. Once last summer he called for Former Administrator, Kurt Ulrich and was referred to Jim Ericson and then his voice mail said contact Mark Beer and his voice mail said he is out of the office today. He then said that he would like to have Staff rotate days off, and he would like to discuss skeleton staff in each department at a work session. Council Member Mueller commented that Mounds View was blessed Sunday that the storms did not affect the community and her heart goes out to those in Hugo and other areas that have a lot of damage. Council Member Mueller said that she attended a League of Minnesota Cities Ethics Advisory Panel on May 14 and it was well attended. The next meeting is July 13 and September 30, 2008. Council Member Mueller indicated that she would be attending a Ramsey County League of Local Governments meeting on May 29, 2008. Council Member Mueller thanked the girl scouts who were working on their gold project by planting flowers and gardening in front of City Hall. B. Reports of Staff Clerk Administrator Ericson noted that the first Streets Task Force met and had good discussions on issues with the streets. A neighborhood meeting is scheduled for Saturday, April 14, 2008 and notice will be provided to those residents in the project area. Clerk Administrator Ericson indicated that Xcel is indicating that asking for an automatic shutoff valve in addition to the manual shutoff is an extraordinary request. He then said that the Office of Pipeline Safety has indicated that an automatic shutoff would be above and beyond a normal request of Xcel. Attorney Riggs indicated that Council may choose what is reasonable despite the fact that the automatic shutoff valve has not been done in any other location in Minnesota. Council discussed the reasonableness of the requested automatic safety shutoff, and agreed that since there was an explosion in the past, residents expect to have increased safety. r • Mounds View City Council May 27, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 9 Council agreed that they would like Xcel to come up with the automatic shutoff valve as requested, and/or come up with an alternative measure that is equally safe for Council to review. C. Reports of City Attorney 1. Project Status Report • Attorney Riggs reviewed his memo and noted that the item on Silver Lake Woods Condominium Association they have indicated that they do not like the way the assessment option is written. He then explained that they are requesting that this state, that it is paid back over 10 years but statutorily, the language allows for immediate payment. The Association is asking to pay over 10 years to bring the road up to standards, so that the City can take the street over. Council discussed the request and agreed, as it would move the project along. Mayor Marty asked about the CIC issue line item in the report. Attorney Riggs explained that the County changed the configuration of one of the lots. The County has said that they have not split any lots, but Staff does not agree with that. He then said that the County treated the request as a new plat, and allowed it to move forward despite the fact that the City did nothing on it. Attorney Riggs indicated that he will continue to work on this, to ensure that the developer is aware of the fact that the City does not want any lots reconfigured over there without approval. Council Member Mueller indicated that she would like to see this Developer work more closely with the City, to follow the conditions of approval rather than doing something that the City cannot do anything about. Attorney Riggs indicated that he does not believe that this was done intentionally. 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, June 2, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, June 9, 2008, at 7 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:27 p.m. Transcribed by: Joan Lenzmeier Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. •