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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2008/11/24PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA egular Meeting November 24, 2008 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:03P.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, November 24, 2008, City Council Agenda Mayor Marty noted that citizens had asked that Item 6C be moved to 9:00 p.m. Council agreed. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve the Monday, November 24, 2008 Agenda as Amended. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT None. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Presentation by the Mounds View School District (Dan Hoverman, Superintendent, and Marre Jo Sager) Superintendent Hoverman and Board Member Marre Jo Sager appeared before the Council to share an update on School Board business. Mayor Marty noted he had attended the last school board meeting to discuss the possibility of adding world languages to the curriculum but his concerns were what would be given up to allow for the world languages. The School Board is looking at how to incorporate world languages Mounds View City Council November 24, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 2 without giving up core academics. Social studies and science may have to be modified to allow for it. Superintendent Hoverman said that they are still examining how to do this, and social studies and science would still be a commitment, but they would like to address the standards and allow for the world languages classes. B. Presentation by the YMCA, Review of Programs and Participation (Pat Riemersma, Pat Prindle) Pat Prindle, Program Director at the Community Center, handed out programming sheets for Council to review. Council Member Mueller asked for information on cancellations if there are not enough registrations. Pat Prindle explained how they handle programming. Council Member Mueller asked how the budget is going for 2008. Ms. Riemersma said that they are pretty close this year. Mayor Marty said that he feels the surplus should be greater than stated, because there used to be two program directors and now there is one. And, the one program director position was vacant for a period of time, and when filled, it was hired at a position of lesser cost. He said that he was thinking there should be considerable savings. Mayor Marty indicated that he had heard that the 55 driving class was cancelled and those who showed up were not happy, and the registered parties were not notified and showed up for a class that did not happen, he wants to be sure the notification process works like it should. Mayor Marty said that the number of calls he has received have been negative from the community, and to have only positive evaluations provided for each activity seems "hand picked". Mayor Marty noted that Steve Dazenski has not been very happy about the reports that he has gotten, as he feels that there is not enough supervision going on in the building. Within the last week or two there were handicapped bars that were broken, and it cost $500 and half a day to fix them. In talking with the YMCA staff they knew nothing about it at all. Steve also stated that John Hughes tries to do a good job of cleaning and maintenance, and he gets it all in order, and then there is a program with a number of youth and the next morning there is pop cans, trash and candy wrappers and it is a big mess. Mayor Marry indicated that the YMCA staff has been sitting at the desk, and there needs to be more supervision and more hands on to eliminate this type of thing. Mounds View City Council November 24, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 3 Clerk Administrator Ericson confirmed that Mr. Dazenski expressed some frustrations with the situation that seemingly little effort is made for minimal maintenance after a program. Mayor Marty said that he would like some of these issues addressed in light of the fact that the contract is up at the end of the year. He then suggested asix-month extension to allow the Council and the YMCA to address this during the first six months of the new year. Council Member Flahertyl said that he would like some better specifics in order to address the concerns. He then said that the summer programs have 3 of 4 registrations that are residents of Mounds View. Staffing is much more efficient. He also is happy to see the swimming programs at Edgewood and he is glad to start up the mini mites soccer. C. Resolution 7366 in Opposition to Proposed Runway Extension at the Anoka County-Blaine Airport and Opposition to Legislative Efforts to Reclassify the Airport as an Intermediate Status This item was heard out of order later in the meeting. Clerk Administrator Ericson reported that the Anoka County Commission's Airport Committee was entertaining a Resolution that would support extending the East-West runway to 6,000 feet that would then be recommended to the full County Board. There were a number of government officials and residents at the meeting and, in light of the concern, the meeting was recessed to another date for a public hearing. That meeting has been cancelled but the issue is not going away. Barb Haake of 3024 County Road I addressed the Council and said that the main thing is that the City needs to be vigilant on this. She was notified by a county commissioner of what was happening otherwise the City would not have known about this. She further said that she thinks that they are going to the legislature to expand to the runway 6,000 feet. Ms. Haake said that whenever something is presented to the public the decision seem to already have been made, so why have a public hearing. December 1 at 11:00 a.m. the airport advisory commission will meet to discuss this at the Anoka County airport tower. Ms. Haake said that the City will need to ask for sound proofing around the area and that would be expensive to do. The agreement with M.A.C. limiting the length at the north-south runway goes to 2020 so the City needs to be vigilant to keep track of them. Mayor Marty indicated that there were a lot of people from Blaine at the meeting and the room was very full. Ms. Haake said that they are using safety to push this through, but she has discussed this with pilots and 5,000 feet is adequate. Mounds View City Council November 24, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 4 i MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve Resolution 7366 in Opposition to Proposed Runway Extension at the Anoka County-Blaine Airport and Opposition to Legislative Efforts to Reclassify the Airport as an Intermediate Status. Clerk Administrator Ericson read Resolution 7366. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Council Member Stigney asked that the Resolution be sent to surrounding communities in Anoka County. Administrator Ericson indicated he would do so. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. 7:05 p.m. Public Hearing, Resolution 7369, a Resolution to Approve the 2009 Mounds View Fee Schedule. Clerk Administrator Ericson noted that staff is researching permit and fee information through Metro Cities so staff is recommending opening the public hearing and move to continue the hearing to the December 8, 2008 meeting to allow staff time to review the permits and licenses to ensure that the City's fees are where they need to be. Mayor Marty opened the public hearing. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Mueller. To Continue the Public Hearing to December 8, 2008. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 7359, Approving Location of Sidewalk Along Red Oak Drive South of Hillview Road in the 2009-2010 Street and Utility Improvement Project. Joe Rhein, consulting engineer with Bonestroo, provided an overview of the Red Oak Drive sidewalk reconstruction. Mayor Marry noted that staff is in discussion with the property owner for the next easements needed for the trail and sidewalk along County Highway 10. Council Member Mueller asked the cost of the additional sidewalk to the project. Mr. Rhein indicated that it is approximately $13,000 for this segment of sidewalk. Council Member Stigney asked the price difference between asphalt and concrete. Mr. Rhein indicated that typically the wider trails are usually asphalt and the others have been concrete. This is a very narrow sidewalk so there is not much of a cost difference with the bituminous and the concrete. Mounds View City Council November 24, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 5 • MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7359, Approving Location of Sidewalk Along Red Oak Drive South of Hillview Road in the 2009- 2010 Street and Utility Improvement Project. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 7367, 2009 Budget Adjustments for Code Enforcement Program • Community Development Director Roberts reviewed the requested budget amendments for the Code Enforcement Program by adding computer technology in order to save on staff time, make the process more efficient and ultimately save the department money. Council Member Flaherty asked if it is the same mounting equipment in police cars and whether the Police Department had any extras. Community Development Director Roberts indicated that the police department does not have any extras. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Flaherty. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7367, 2009 Budget Adjustments for Code Enforcement Program. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. D. Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 816, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 1008 of the Municipal Code, relating to the Sign Code. Community Development Director Roberts reviewed Ordinance 816, an update to the sign code to allow for dynamic signs and to bring the Code up to required standards. Council Member Flaherty commented that the timing of the 15 seconds concerns him because he feels that 15 seconds, if you are at a stop light and cannot get the whole message on one board he is afraid that people will be looking back to see the other half of a message. Council expressed concern with potentially offensive signs. Attorney Riggs said that he feels that the Ordinance is in good shape to handle issues that may arise. Dan Hall, owner of The Mermaid, 2200 County Highway 10, said that he has not had a chance to read this but he does have a question or two. He asked if his sign would meet code requirements. He then asked if there is anyone who is offended by his sign right now. Mayor Marty said that he does not think that anyone takes offense at the sign at the Mermaid. He then said that personally he does not think that the sign is a hazard. Dan Hall said he thinks his sign is beautiful and adds to the City of Mounds View. He then said that it seems to him that the restrictions being placed are "overboard". Mounds View City Council November 24, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 6 • Sherry Gunn, 5459 Landmark Circle, said that the more she looks at the signs in the City, the seven seconds seems to be a good time. It allows her to read more messages. Mayor Marty said that advertising by an owner on premise, should be differentiated between those and the billboards. Council Member Stigney said that he wants to see the whole message in a minimum number of seconds not segments of it. He then said he would want to have soft graphics defined. Council Member Stigney said that he wants two billboard structures to come down before one dynamic sign would be allowed. Mayor Marty reviewed with Staff his corrections/amendments to the proposed Ordinance. And also suggested a one for one removal in order to get the billboard by Walgreen's removed, as it is there forever, while the others in the city have a sunset clause and will eventually come down regardless. Staff was asked to rework the language for on premises signs. Council Member Mueller stated on Page 25 she would like to require that images shall not include any video or high impact images or content. Council suggested 10 seconds as the time interval for the next draft of the document. Council Member Stigney asked for clarification on the sign interval timing. Staff explained. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Introduce Ordinance 816, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 1008 of the Municipal Code, relating to the Sign Code as Amended. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Council went back to Item 6C at this point in the meeting. Council then heard Item G. E. Resolution 7368, Approving a Longevity Increase for Officer Jeremy Hellpap. MOTION/SECOND: Many/Stigney. To Extend the Meeting to 11:00 p.m. • Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council November 24, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 7 • MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Mueller. To Approve Resolution 7368, Approving a Longevity Increase for Officer Jeremy Hellpap. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. F. Resolution 7356, Authorization to advertise and Recommend a Candidate for Hire for the Public Service Officer Position opening in the Police Department. • • Chief Sommer noted that the Resolution asks for a full time person rather than the 3/a time to allow for more time for code enforcement to be conducted in the City, which addresses one of the Council's priorities. Mayor Marty said that he has reservations about making this position full time. Council Member Hull agreed. Council Member-elect Gunn said that she feels that the need code enforcement is only going to increase over time in the City and it is an issue very important to residents. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Flaherty. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7356, Authorization to Advertise and Recommend a Candidate for Hire for the Public Service Officer Position Opening in the Police Department. Council Member Hull asked what stops the next person from moving on to another police officer position. Chief Sommer responded that the desired candidate may not want to be a police officer but the reality is that there would be nothing to prevent the PSO from moving on to a police officer position. Council Member Stigney said that development business has slowed down so the building official should have time to assist with code enforcement. He then said that he does not think that it is time to add a full time person in this position. Mayor Marty said that he does not feel it is the appropriate time to add this position as full time. Council Member Flaherty said that code enforcement was the number one issue, just behind the street projects during his campaign. This is something that residents can see and realize something tangible for their tax dollars. Mayor Marty said that he would like to consider cross training individuals from economic development for code enforcement since the development is way down in the City. Ayes - 2 Nays - 3(Hu1UMarty/Stigney)Motion failed. Mounds View City Council November 24, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 8 MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Hull. To Reconsider Resolution 7356 and Adopt the Resolution as Amended to Allow the Chief to advertise fora 3/4 time PSO position. Ayes - 4 Nays -1(Stigney) Motion carried. Council Member Stigney suggested that the motion to reconsider should be separate from any motion of approval. City Attorney Riggs indicated that the motion to reconsider and adopt simultaneously is appropriate. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Many. To Extend the Meeting to 11:30 p.m. Ayes - 4 Nays -1(Stigney) Motion carried. G. Resolution 7360, Amending Resolution 7307 in Regard to Parking Along Hillview Road and Greenwood Drive as Reconstructed Under the 2009-2010 Street and Utility Improvement Project. Joe Rhein, Bonestroo, provided information on parking along Hillview Road and Greenwood Drive as part of the 2009 - 2010 Street and Utility Improvement Project. Mr.Rhein noted that angled parking is to be constructed along Hillview Road. John Kroeger said that last week the Streets and Utilities Committee had restated its position and they remain with their initial position. They also discussed this with the Forester and asked for a walk through to discuss impacts to trees. Cindy Palm spoke to the cost of the project noting that there are 15 parallel stalls, removing 9 stalls to add 14 angled stalls that makes 20 stalls with one additional stall for handicapped parking. She then said that at $30,000 that is $10,000 per stall to add two more stalls to the north side of Hillview and that does not make any sense. The City could open up Hillview to allow parking on both sides. Council Member Mueller said that she is concerned that the park is stagnant and she is wondering if it was a waste of money to upgrade the building. She then said she has received calls about this issue. Council Member Mueller indicated that park usage is projected to increase and she is in favor of the short option. Council Member Hull asked whether it is true that the building is not being rented due to parking issues. Clerk Administrator Ericson said that it maybe true of some users but he is not sure that it is measurable. Mounds View City Council November 24, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 9 • Council Member Hull said that he is beginning to have second thoughts about this project as the parking would only increase by a few spaces. He then said that he would like to open up parking on the south side of Hillview. He further said that he feels that five extra spots are cost prohibitive. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7360, a Resolution Amending Resolution 7307 in Regard to Parking Along Hillview Road and Greenwood Drive as Reconstructed Under the 2009-2010 Street and Utility Improvement Project. Council Member Mueller said that it was the opinion of the former public works director that they were having some maintenance issues because of where vehicles were driving in the winter. Cindy Palm said that she does not see the need for the sidewalk as it seems to be a majority of the cost. Joe Rhein explained that the sidewalk is approximately half the cost of this improvement. The reason for the need of the sidewalk is because Hillview is designated as a pedestrian corridor on the City's Comprehensive Plan. Council Member Stigney said that he favors making this an amenity for parking and curbing but with the question of the sidewalk of concrete, he does not feel that is necessary. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Marty. To Amend the Motion to Remove the Sidewalk from the Project. Mr. Rhein said that the City could add a sidewalk in the future if it is determined to be needed. Council Member Flaherty stated that Ayes - 4 Nays - 1(Hull) Amendment carried. Ayes - 4 Nays - 1(Hull) Motion, as amended carried. H. Resolution 7361, Authorizing Analysis of the Ardan Avenue Drainage Subdistrict. Joe Rhein, consultant engineer with Bonestroo, noted that in putting together the specifications for the street project staff did some research on Red Oak Drive and there was a drainage report done in 1989 that identified a drainage trunk sewer along Ardan. Staff reviewed the study and found that the analysis was correct but it appears that the analysis may take things to a standard beyond what is necessary. Council Member Mueller noted that she and Greg Lee discussed this in 2006 during another street project. At that time, he thought that the rain garden proposal for Sherwood would take '• care of the infiltration and he felt that the Ardan Avenue issue would be addressed when the street project was done. Mounds View City Council November 24, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 10 • Mayor Marty said that he feels an alternative plan is necessary but he is concerned with the schedule because there is usually not a second meeting in December. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Hull. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7361, Authorizing Analysis of the Ardan Avenue Drainage Subdistrict. Council Member Mueller said that she would like to set a not to exceed cost. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Marty. To Amend the Motion to Add Item 4 with Capped at $9,000. Ayes - 4 Nays -1(Flaherty) Amendment carried. Council Member Flaherty said that he feels the City is going to okay $9,000 to see if there might be a problem, which seems odd to him. He is not aware of any flooding issues in the area or complaints from residents to justify the work.. Mayor Marty noted that there was a recommendation from 1989 and if the City ignores it and someone's home floods then the City is going to be liable. • Council Member Mueller asked if any of the statistics from Sherwood Road drainage swales would be of assistance. Mr. Rhein indicated that they need to go out and shoot low areas going up common rear lot lines and basement window sills, areas a little farther off the street. Ayes - 4 Nays - 1(Flaherty) Motion carried. I. Resolution 7363, Approving the Agency Delegated Contract Process Agreement Between the City of Mounds View and the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Joe Rhein, consultant engineer with Bonestroo, indicated that this agreement is required to accept federal funding through Mn/DOT. Mayor Marty noted under "letting" the City may not add other work to the project without obtaining approval of Mn/DOT. He then asked what happens with change orders and how is that handled? Joe Rhein said that there is more paperwork involved to ensure that funding is not jeopardized. Attorney Riggs said that this Agreement needs work and he would want the Resolution amended to allow negotiation of the Agreement with Mn/DOT. The proposed Agreement is too one sided. Mounds View City Council November 24, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 11 MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Flaherty. To extend the Meeting 30 Minutes. Ayes - 4 Nays -1(Stigney) Motion carried. Council agreed to table this matter to allow time for the Agreement to be amended. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Mueller. To Postpone Resolution 7363 to Allow Amendment of the Agreement. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Council Member Stigney was not present for the vote. J. Resolution 7362, Approving the Plans and Specifications, and Authorizing the Advertisement for Bids for the County Road 10 Trailway project: Segments 1-5. Joe Rhein, consultant engineer with Bonestroo, noted that this matter is important to accomplish this evening to maintain the project schedule and summarized the project for Council. MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7362, Approving the Plans and Specifications, and Authorizing the Advertisement for Bids for the County Road 10 Trailway Project Segments 1-5 as Amended. Council Member Mueller stated that this is the trail project on the north side of County Highway 10 from Red Oak Drive to where Western Bank is located and she does not want the same contractor that did the trail on the south side. Joe Rhein indicated that the contractor from that project is no longer in business. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA A 7; r F A ...,~..,.~.,1 / ....., s.... ...1 B. Resolution 7365 Approving Additional Scope of Work with Springsted Associates. C. Schedule an Executive Session of the City Council Immediately Following Tonight's Meeting to Discuss Union Contract Negotiations. D. Resolution 7364 Approval of the Timesaver Recording Secretary Contract Addendum for 2009. E. Resolution 7355, Approving 2009 SCORE Recycling Grant request to Ramsey County. F. Resolution 7357, Authorizing a Garbage Contract for City Buildings. Mounds View City Council November 24, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 12 • G. Resolution 7358, Electing to Retain the Statutory Tort Limit on Liability for the 2009 Insurance Policies. Council Member Stigney requested that Items B and C be removed for discussion. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Hull. To Approve Consent Agenda Items D, E, F and G as Presented. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 7365 Approving Additional Scope of Work with Springsted Associates Council Member Stigney pointed out the additional costs for a Hay Study. Mayor Marty noted that the amount that they originally bid on this study has been spent and they are up against the wall and need to complete the project. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 7365, a Resolution Approving Additional Scope of Work with Springsted Associates. Mayor Marty asked if the job descriptions have been reviewed and provided to Springsted. Clerk Administrator Ericson noted there are a couple of descriptions that need significant work and those will be provided. Ayes - 4 Nays - 1(Stigney) Motion carried. C. Schedule an Executive Session Council Member Stigney said that it is 11:55 p.m. and he is wondering how important this closed session is. Clerk Administrator indicated that staff needs to discuss this if Council wants a signed contract in 2008 rather than 2009. He then said that it would be about a five minute discussion. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Mueller. To Approve Setting an Executive Session Immediately Following this Council Meeting. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Hull. To Approve Just and Correct Claims as presented. Mounds View City Council November 24, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 13 Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES None. 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council Mayor Marty noted he attended the Anoka County Airport runway extension meeting. Council Member Mueller attended the League of Minnesota Cities seminar on November 18, 2008 on league insurance and other interesting topics including legislative updates. Council Member Mueller reported that Santa will be coming to neighborhoods December 1 through 4 and will be collecting non-perishable food items for the food shelf. Council Member Stigney said that Council discussed hiring a full time PSO that was rejected and a motion to reconsider the resolution was brought and he was not provided any opportunity to vote and was not allowed to debate it or discuss it. He said that this was a violation of Roberts Rules of Order. B. Reports of Staff Community Development Director Roberts provided an update on the branding study to date. Clerk Administrator Ericson noted that the Community Center Staff has brought up that the owners of the pool tables, air hockey and fooseball table would like to remove the machines as they are not bringing in the revenue that they thought that they would see. Prices were provided if the City wanted to purchase them. Revenue is listed in the report. Mr. Prindle has recommended a foosball table and pool table be kept but that is up to Council. Council Member Mueller asked about traffic counts on Red Oak south of Long Lake. Staff will set out the counters to get an accurate idea in the coming weeks. Council asked staff to contact residents on Hillview Road regarding the potential of removing the no parking signs by the park. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Flaherty. To Recess at 12:15 a.m. to Executive Session. Ayes - 5 • C. Reports of City Attorney None. Nays - 0 Motion carried. Mounds View City Council November 24, 2008 Regular Meeting Page 14 12. Next Council Work Session: Next Special Council Meeting: Next Council Meeting: Monday, December 1, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. Monday, December 1, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. (Truth- in-Taxation) Monday, December 8, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned from the executive session, at 12:15 a.m. Transcribed by: Joan Lenzmeier Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.