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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2008/07/28PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOT Regular Meeting July 28, 2008 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:00 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, July 28, 2008, City Council Agenda MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Flaherty. To Approve the Monday, July 28, 2008 Agenda as Amended to Remove Item C. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT Tom Winiecki, 2748 Sherwood Road, said that he called Ramsey County to find out who owns the right-of--way, and Ramsey County did not know. He then said that he talked to Mr. Ericson who told him that the City owns the right-of--way, and the City can do what it wants there. Mr. Winiecki said that he was invited by Mr. Ericson and the Task Force to present the letters from him and his neighbor, that states that they do not want contaminants in their front yard in the form of a rain garden. Julie Ann Love of 7900 Sunnyside Road addressed the Council, and said that she would like to have Hillview narrowed. She has asked users of Hillview for opinions, and her neighbors as well. After all of this, she does not think that it is doable, so, as a substitution, she would like to request that the Streets and Utilities Committee consider traffic calming measures between Red Oak and Greenwood. Mayor Marty indicated that Council and Staff would look into traffic calming measures. Mounds View City Council July 28, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 2 C 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Presentation by Louis Jambois of Metro Cities (formerly the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities) Mr. Jambois appeared before Council and made a presentation outlining the services that Metro Cities provides for its member cities. Council Member Mueller asked whether there has been any feedback from the rural communities on the focusing of transportation dollars on the metro areas where the most people live. Mayor Marty noted that the City used to be a member of this group, but had to reduce memberships due to tough economic times. He then said that the Council would consider this request during the budgeting process. Valerie Amundsen of 3048 Wooddale Drive asked if each City's vote is equal or proportional based on population. Mr. Jambois said that each city would receive one vote. • 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Continued Public Hearing: Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 810, Amending Chapter 8 (Public Improvements and Special Assessments), and Chapter 12 (Miscellaneous and Transitory Provisions) of the Mounds View City Charter Clerk Administrator Ericson noted that this is something that the Charter Commission and City Staff have been working on for the past year. This would provide the City with an opportunity to have unpaid fines certified to property taxes. Mayor Marty closed the public hearing at 7:43 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Flaherty. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Ordinance 810, Amending Chapter 8 (Public Improvements and Special Assessments), and Chapter 12 (Miscellaneous and Transitory Provisions) of the Mounds View City Charter. Council Member Stigney thanked the Charter Commission for its work on this matter. ROLL CALL: Mueller/Flaherty/Hull/Stigney/Many. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council July 28, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 3 B. Resolution 7307, Approving Various Design Issues for the 2009 - 2010 Street and Utility Improvement Project Joe Rhein, consulting engineer from Bonestroo, reviewed Resolution 73071isting the issues for the 2009 - 2010 Street and Utility Improvement Project. Julie Ann Love of 7090 Sunnyside Road said that in examining the summary of public comment, one of the questions was parking options and how many people would like no parking on Hillview, one parking lane, or two parking lanes. The summary indicates it was close between those wanting one and two parking lanes. Staff and Council discussed a "choker" for traffic calming reasons and how that would affect construction costs for the project. Council Member Stigney said that he feels that a choker may be beneficial coming off of Highway 10 or at Long Lake Road but he is concerned about using several chokers but that he would consider one at each end. Council Member Stigney said that he would like to have parameters defined by the Council as to how to handle the rain gardens on this project. Mr. Rhein indicated that the project is being designed according to Rice Creek Watershed District and once the permit is approved, the rules are locked in. However, there is a possibility that the rules could change for the next phase of the project. Mr. Rhein agreed to amend the document to require that a traffic management plan would be recommended for traffic calming measures. Council agreed to amend the Resolution title to add the word preliminary. Streets and Utility Committee member Valerie Amundsen said that the Committee is concerned with add ons with the up-front projects and running short of funding for the later projects. Council Member Mueller asked for information on cost savings using the rain gardens versus other water treatment methods. Council Member Mueller indicated that the cost of the chokers being discussed on Red Oak Drive is not yet known and she would rather not add them into the project and incur the resulting engineering and design costs when it could be the case that they are removed later, which would necessitate expending additional engineering fees again to redraft the plans ad specifications Mr. Rhein indicated that once the detailed drawings are done there would be a cost to remove those items from the plans. He then recommended that Council and the Committee work together up front on the project design to ensure that changes are not needed. Mounds View City Council July 28, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 4 Mayor Marty noted that preliminary was added in the title of the Resolution and the other item was Red Oak Drive was amended to remove chokers and insert general traffic calming methods. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7307, Approving Various Design Issues for the 2009 - 2010 Street and Utility Improvement Project. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Julie Ann Love of 7090 Sunnyside Road commented that the finances are a strong consideration with the design so she wonders if it was discussed how much of a savings it would be if Hillview Road were 32 feet like Red Oak Drive and noted that Red Oak Drive has similar traffic counts to Hillview. C. Resolution 7304, Approving the 2008 Festival in the Park Contract Assistant Clerk Administrator Crane reviewed Resolution 7304 approving the Festival in the Park Contract. Council Member Stigney asked for the total amount being asked for in the Resolution. Assistant Clerk Administrator Crane indicated that it is $5,300 from the City and $2,675 from the Festival Committee and the private donation from Bethlehem Baptist was not added to the Contract. Council Member Stigney asked if the $5,260 from BBC is all going to the Festival in the Park. Ms. Crane indicated it was. Council Member Stigney indicated that he would like to reconsider that for next year. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7304, Approving the 2008 Festival in the Park Contract. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 7302, Authorizing a Step Increase for Officer Peter Berling, Mounds View Police Department. Assistant Clerk Administrator Crane indicated that the City Attorney has agreed that state law and the LELS contract authorize a step increase despite the fact that he has been out of work with a worker's compensation injury. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Flaherty. To Approve Resolution 7302, Authorizing a Step Increase for Officer Peter Berling, Mounds View Police Department. Council Member Stigney asked whether the internal investigation has been completed. Mounds View City Council July 28, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 5 Assistant Clerk Administrator Crane indicated that this is not an internal investigation but it is practice to have another agency research the circumstances surrounding the situation. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 7303, Authorizing a Step Increase for Don Burda, Full Time Temporary Building Inspector. • Clerk Administrator Ericson noted that a step increase is due to Mr. Burda as his supervisor rated his work satisfactory. The end date for this position will be discussed at the next Council work session. Staff recommends approval of the step increase as this is a separate issue. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7303, a Step Increase for Don Burda, Full Time Temporary Building Inspector. Council Member Stigney indicated that this was brought up on May 28 and we are at the end of July already. Council Member Mueller clarified that the project this person was hired for has run its course and that is why the position would be eliminated, this has nothing to do with the individual or any performance issues. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. F. Resolution 7306, Approving the Purchase of Two Replacement Police Squad Cars • Chief Sommer noted that this Resolution would replace the two squad cars totaled in a collision. Both officers involved in the incident are back to work with no restrictions. Council Member Stigney said that the combined insurance value of the squads was only $28,298. He then asked for the individual values. Chief Sommer indicated that the 2005 vehicle had a lower value than the 2008 but he does not have the separate values with him. Council Member Stigney asked whether the salvage value has been considered and whether the vehicles should be kept for parts. He then said that there is not much of a value coming back for giving the vehicles away. He further said he would like someone to look at what may be of value with the vehicles. Chief Sommer indicated that there is a higher value but this calculates in the deductible. Clerk Administrator Ericson indicated that he has seen the vehicles and the damage is so significant that Staff does not feel it is worth the effort to attempt to salvage any parts. Mounds View City Council July 28, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 6 • MOTION/SECOND: Marly/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7306, Approving the Purchase of Two Replacement Police Squad Cars. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. G. Resolution 7308, Authorizing Purchase of a Grinder for the Groveland Road Lift Station Mayor Marty noted that this matter was discussed at a work session. Steve Dazenski from Public Works addressed Council and reviewed the Resolution authorizing the purchase of a grinder for the Groveland Road Lift Station. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Flaherty. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7308, Authorizing Purchase of a Grinder for the Groveland Road Lift Station. Council Member Mueller said that her Motion includes approval of the lower bid and overhauling the pumps after the installation of the grinder. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. H. Resolution 7310, Authorizing the hire of Michael Strand, to the Part Time Cable TV Technician position in the Administration Department. Assistant Clerk Administrator Crane noted that the position was advertised and the City received 12 applications and Staff interviewed six of those candidates. Mr. Strand was chosen as the most qualified for the position and all reference checks were completed satisfactorily. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Flaherty. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7310, Authorizing the Hire of Michael Strand to the Part Time Cable TV Technician Position in the Administration Department. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. I. Resolution 7311, Approving the 2008-2009 AFSCME Union Contract Assistant Clerk Administrator Crane indicated that the AFSCME has agreed unanimously to the contract terms. The highlights are 3% wage increases, revisions in accordance with new regulations were made along with holiday language revisions. Staff recommends approval. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7311, Approving the 2008 - 2009 AFSCME Union Contract. Mounds View City Council July 28, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 7 Council Member Stigney commented that he had a question as to if there are changes in the sick leave policy within the next two years he would like something in the contract that states that portion would be reopened for contract discussions. Mayor Marty thanked Jim Ericson, Desaree Crane and the employees for the good faith bargaining on this contract. Council Member Stigney indicated that he would like the option in future contracts to be able to open it up for discussion if there is a change needed to health care or other benefit. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA A. Licenses for Approval B. Resolution 7309, Authorizing a Charitable Gambling Two-Day Permit (BINGO) for the Mounds View Community Theatre on August 16 and 17, 2008 for Mounds View Festival in the Park. C. Resolution 7305, Approving an Amendment to the YMCA Agreement for Professional Services -Event Center Staff. Council Member Mueller requested that Item B be removed for discussion. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Hull. To Approve Consent Agenda Items A and C as Presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 7309, Authorizing a Charitable Gambling Two-Day Permit (BINGO) for the Mounds View Community Theatre on August 16 and 17, 2008 for Mounds View Festival in the Park Council Member Mueller said that the Mounds View Community Theatre always puts on a first class presentation and asked that all residents consider supporting their bingo fundraiser during Festival in the Park. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7309, Authorizing a Charitable Gambling Two-Day Permit (BINGO) for the Mounds View Community Theatre on August 16 and 17, 2008 for Mounds View Festival in the Park. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS Mounds View City Council July 28, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 8 Council Member Mueller referenced Page 3, a squad repair for Blaine Auto Body for $4,500 and asked if that was a previous accident and then said that she would like a squad number for tracking purposes. Finance Director Beer indicated that vehicle information is tracked to determine costs by squad. Council Member Mueller noted that on Page 5, there is tax increment administration under Ehlers and she would like to know where that falls in the budget. Finance Director Beer explained that tax increment items are handled in the EDA budget. Council Member Flaherty asked about the Floors by Steve and whether the issues at the Community Center were resolved. Clerk Administrator Ericson indicated that a heat treatment was being used to draw out the marks and add another layer of varnish over the floor. Council and Staff discussed the contractor being used for mowing blighted properties. Clerk Administrator Ericson said that Staff would not use them if the job is not done appropriately. Council Member Mueller asked about the $18,000 to Heartland. Finance Director Beer explained that is a TIF development payment for Silver Lake Point. Council Member Mueller said that $3,800 was paid to Serco Laboratories and asked what that is for. Finance Director Beer indicated that is an annual report regarding water quality which is required by state law. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve Just and Correct Claims as Presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. June 23, 2008, City Council Minutes Mayor Marty Page 6, Line 441ow bidder was Allied Blacktop and Line 27 insert Mueller as the second. On Page 9, Line 24, reference the title of the magazine, which is The Line Chaser. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Flaherty. To Approve the June 23, 2008, City Council Minutes as Amended. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council July 28, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 9 • B. July 14, 2008, Executive Session Minutes. MOTION/SECOND: MuellerlStigney. To Approve the July 14, 2008, Executive Session Minutes as Submitted. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council Mayor Marty asked for an update on the status of the update to the Comprehensive Plan. Clerk Administrator Ericson indicated that Staff and consulting staff are working on the various components; however, there may be a need for an extension request. Staff will keep Council informed of progress. Mayor Marty asked for an update on the Public Works Director hire. Clerk Administrator Ericson indicated that interviews were conducted and staff will update Council at the upcoming work session. Mayor Marty noted that there was a court date on the abatement of nuisance cars and junk in the yard and he would like to discuss that. Clerk Administrator Ericson noted that the resident at 8217 Long Lake Road was issued a court citation and the court date came and went and the individual was hauled into jail. He then said that he would need to check with the prosecuting attorney for the status of the situation. Mayor Marry noted that Festival in the Park is coming up August 16 and 17 and it is the City's 50th Anniversary. Council Member Mueller thanked Council Member Flaherty for his assistance in handing out soda and cookies prior to the Beauty and the Beast performance. Council Member Mueller indicated that volunteers are needed to help with the sales of the cookbook for Festival in the Park. She then reminded everyone that the first 100 vehicles registered for the car show receive a goody bag. Council Member Mueller said that she and her son handed out approximately 200 fliers and others handed out another 600 fliers at the Car Care Nationals inviting vehicle owners to participate in the car show at Festival in the Park. Mounds View City Council July 28, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 10 Council Member Mueller asked whether the Council/Staff mini retreat is still scheduled for September 29. Clerk Administrator Ericson confirmed it was, indicating that the conference space at the new Fire station had been reserved for the event. Council member Stigney expressed opposition to holding the retreat off-site as it would be an inconvenience to any residents planning on attending. B. Reports of Staff 1. Finance Quarterly Report Finance Director Beer provided the finance department quarterly report. Council Member Stigney asked whether the refunds on assessments are scheduled to occur this fall. Finance Director Beer indicated that the reimbursements are on schedule for this fall unless Council determines not to do so. 2. Police Quarterly Report Chief Sommer provided the police quarterly report for the second quarter 2008. In conclusion, Chief Sommer reminded Council that August 5 is National Night Out. 3. Report of Clerk Administrator Clerk Administrator Ericson noted that he and Ms. Crane met regarding YMCA issues, staffing issues, internal policies, and communication issues and discussed ways to implement policies and procedures and how to handle programs with the YMCA. Mayor Marty indicated that he has had issues he is not happy with regarding the YMCA so he met with Pat Reimersma and Staff and that is why this was brought up because the contract is up at the end of the year and he would like to get some things fixed over there. Clerk Administrator Ericson noted that he met with Bethlehem Baptist Church Friday to discuss the second half gift provided to the City and they did not include scheduled disbursements but did want to discuss with the City how the funds would be used. Clerk Administrator Ericson noted that contract negotiations with the LELS are ongoing. He then said that an executive session would be requested in August to discuss this matter with the Council. Clerk Administrator Ericson commented that the 2008 Safety Camp has been cancelled for the year. There were a lot of disappointed people including kids and staff that look forward to the program but, enrollment was not high enough to justify moving forward with the camp. i Staff suggested starting the August work session at 6:00 p.m., as there are many items on the Agenda. Council agreed. Mounds View City Council July 28, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 11 C. Reports of City Attorney Attorney Riggs noted a written report was provided for review. He then said that there has been no further contact with Xcel regarding the gas pipeline. Council Member Mueller asked whether the Attorney has heard of any litigation issues surrounding the dynamic billboard issue in any other cites. Attorney Riggs indicated that he is going to be bringing an Ordinance forward for Council consideration but he has not had any contact or response to the letter sent out on Clear Channel's issue. Clerk Administrator Ericson noted that the Community Development Department has begun work on updating the sign ordinance. Council Member Mueller asked if the sale of a portion of the Mermaid property went through. Clerk Administrator Ericson indicated that the City has not taken any action on the subdivision and that and the sale has not yet occurred. Mayor Marty noted that the Mermaid's electronic sign took a power surge from a lightning strike and that is why the sign is out right now. It is under warranty and will be repaired. 12. Next Council Work Session: Monday, August 4, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, August 11, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10:12 p.m. Transcribed by: Joan Lenzmeier Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. U