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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2025/03/24APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting March 24, 2025 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112 6:00 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Gunn, Lindstrom, Meehlhause and Smith NOT PRESENT: Clark 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, March 24, 2025, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Approve the Monday, March 24, 2025, agenda as amended noting Item 8H would be discussed before Item 8G. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA Council Member Smith asked to remove Item 5E. A. Approval of Minutes: March 3, 2025 (special) and March 10, 2025. B. Just and Correct Claims. C. Resolution 10070, Adopting a Calendar for the Preparation of the 2026 Budget. D. Resolution 10074, Approving State of Minnesota Joint Powers Agreements with the City of Mounds View on Behalf of its City Attorney. E. Resolution 10078, Authorization to Pay in Advance Complete SKILLS Tuition for CSO Asa Overton, which is Outside the Police Department Tuition Reimbursement Policy. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Approve the Consent Agenda as amended removing Item 5E. Mounds View City Council March 24, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 2 Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 10078, Authorization to Pay in Advance Complete SKILLS Tuition for CSO Asa Overton, which is Outside the Police Department Tuition Reimbursement Policy. Council Member Smith stated she spoke with the Police Chief regarding questions she had on this item. She indicated City Code states the City offers up to $5,000 in tuition with 50% paid at the beginning and 50% paid at the end. She noted this request was asking for a pay in advance for the SKILLS Tuition. She indicated the SKILLS tuition was very expensive and questioned if there was any guarantee that CSO Overton would become a member of the Mounds View Police Department. City Administrator Zikmund stated there was no guarantee this would occur. Council Member Smith reported tuition reimbursement was available to full and part time officers. She questioned if City Code had to be rewritten in order to make this funding available to CSO’s. She expressed concern with the fact the City was proposing to send a CSO to SKILLS with no guarantee that this individual would return to the department. City Administrator Zikmund indicated the City did a similar thing for a Public Works employee and reported State law prohibits the City from putting any contractual requirements in place. He explained this was an individual of high integrity, but if he chooses to go somewhere else, he chooses to go somewhere else. Police Chief Zender reported he has been working with CSO Overton for two years and explained he has made it abundantly clear that the City was looking for a return on the investment, if the City were to assist with paying for SKILLS tuition. He reported if CSO Overton were to decide that Mounds View was not for him, he believed CSO Overton would let him know. He did not believe CSO Overton would take the City’s money and run. He understood there were no guarantees, but he believed CSO Overton was a man of integrity. Mayor Lindstrom asked if this would be the first CSO that would be moving into a police officer position. Police Chief Zender reported this was the case and stated that was why he was trying to work with CSO Overton on this transition. City Administrator Zikmund indicated there was no perfect solution for hiring new candidates and stated the department was short officers at this time. He stated this was a measured risk and there was no perfect solution. Council Member Gunn stated she appreciated how much CSO Overton likes working for Mounds View and noted the encouragement he receives from Police Chief Zender means a lot. She believed that if CSO Overton did not like this City he would have left by now. Police Officer Zender explained the intent of the CSO program was to encourage officers to begin working for the department while attending school and then once their schooling was completed, to work either for the Mounds View Police Department or to be hired elsewhere. He stated he fully understood there was no guarantee, but he believed it was a risk worth taking. Council Member Meehlhause explained Police Chief Zender would not be proposing to invest in CSO Overton if he did not have a high opinion of this individual. Police Chief Zender reported Mounds View City Council March 24, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 3 this was the case. Council Member Smith indicated she could support this advance moving forward, but explained she also wanted the Council to further discuss the City Ordinance. MOTION/SECOND: Smith/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10078, Authorization to Pay in Advance Complete SKILLS Tuition for CSO Asa Overton, which is Outside the Police Department Tuition Reimbursement Policy. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Mayor Howard Neisen Memorial Proclamation. Mayor Lindstrom read a proclamation in full for the record recognizing Mayor Howard Neisen explaining the City of Mounds View would be making a donation to the American Parkinsons Disease Foundation and declaring Monday, March 24, 2025 to be a day of remembrance for Mayor Neisen. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Direct staff to make a donation to the American Parkinsons Disease Foundation on the amount of $250 from charitable gambling funds in memory of Mayor Howard Neisen. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 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, commented on the curb issues that have occurred on Ardan and 84th. He believed the curbs were installed incorrectly and recommended City staff investigate this matter further. 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 1037, Rezoning the Property at 2833 Mounds View Boulevard from R-1 Single Family Residential to B-3 Highway Business. Assistant City Administrator Beeman requested the Council introduce an ordinance that would rezone the property at 2833 Mounds View Boulevard from R-1 Single Family Residential to B-3 Highway Business. He stated the rezoning was consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan. He reported the Planning Commission reviewed this matter and recommended the Council move forward with the rezoning. Phil Carlson, Stantec, reviewed the request in further detail noting the property was currently Mounds View City Council March 24, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 4 zoned R-1 and staff was recommending the property be rezoned to B-3 Highway Business for redevelopment purposes. Council Member Gunn explained after reviewing this rezoning request, the Planning Commission recommended the City Council review the City’s parking standards. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Smith. To Waive the First Reading and Adopt Ordinance 1037, Rezoning the Property at 2833 Mounds View Boulevard from R-1 Single Family Residential to B-3 Highway Business. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 1038 Rezoning the Property at 2840 Mounds View Boulevard from B-2 Limited Business to B-3 Highway Business. Assistant City Administrator Beeman requested the Council introduce an ordinance that would rezone the property at 2840 Mounds View Boulevard from R-1 Single Family Residential to B-3 Highway Business. He stated the rezoning was consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan. He reported the Planning Commission reviewed this matter and recommended the Council move forward with the rezoning. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the First Reading and Adopt Ordinance 1038, Rezoning the Property at 2840 Mounds View Boulevard from B-2 Limited Business to B-3 Highway Business. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 1039 Rezoning the Property at 7861 Groveland Road from B-2 Limited Business to B-3 Highway Business. Assistant City Administrator Beeman requested the Council introduce an ordinance that would rezone the property at 7861 Groveland Road from B-2 Limited Business to B-3 Highway Business. He stated the rezoning was consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan. He reported the Planning Commission reviewed this matter and recommended the Council move forward with the rezoning. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Smith. To Waive the First Reading and Adopt Ordinance 1039, Rezoning the Property at 7861 Groveland Road from B-2 Limited Business to B-3 Highway Business. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 1040, Amending the Mounds View Zoning Code Removing Minimum Project Size and Frontage Requirements for Planning Unit Development (PUD). Mounds View City Council March 24, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 5 Assistant City Administrator Beeman requested the Council introduce an ordinance that would amend the Mounds View Zoning Code Removing Minimum Project Size and Frontage Requirements for Planning Unit Development (PUD). He reported the City does not have any larger lots to develop as the City was fully developed. For this reason, staff was recommending an amendment to the minimum project size for PUD’s for flexibility reasons. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Waive the First Reading and Adopt Ordinance 1040, Amending the Mounds View Zoning Code Removing Minimum Project Size and Frontage Requirements for Planning Unit Development (PUD). Council Member Meehlhause stated he supported the proposed changes. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. PUBLIC HEARING: Introduction and First Reading of the following Ordinances: 1) Ordinance 1034, Amending Chapter 90 Related to Dog Licensing. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council introduce an ordinance that would amend Chapter 90 related to dog licensing. He reviewed the proposed changes and recommended the ordinance be introduced. Council Member Smith asked if the language should be changed to dogs that are four months or older, noting vets now recommend dogs be vaccinated for rabies at four months. The Council supported this change. Mayor Lindstrom opened the public hearing at 6:38 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Lindstrom closed the public hearing at 6:38 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Smith/Meehlhause. To Waive the First Reading and Adopt Ordinance 1034, Amending Chapter 90 Related to Dog Licensing changing the six-month rabies language to four months. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 2) Ordinance 1035, Amending Chapter 160 Updating Fence Diagram, Noise Regulations, Removing Furriers from the Code, and Driveway Replacement in Conjunction with a Street Improvement Project. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council introduce an ordinance that would amend Chapter 160 updating fence diagram, noise regulations, removing furriers from the Code, and driveway replacement in conjunction with a Street Improvement Project. Council Member Gunn questioned who she was supposed to call with noise complaints from Mounds View City Council March 24, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 6 garbage haulers. City Administrator Zikmund reported residents are to call City Hall with noise complaints. Council Member Smith asked if residents had to wait until 7:00 a.m. to clear her driveway from snow per the new language. City Administrator Zikmund stated this was the recommendation of staff. Mayor Lindstrom opened the public hearing at 6:38 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Lindstrom closed the public hearing at 6:38 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Smith/Gunn. To Waive the First Reading and Adopt Ordinance 1035, Amending Chapter 160 Updating Fence Diagram, Noise Regulations, Removing Furriers from the Code, and Driveway Replacement in Conjunction with a Street Improvement Project. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 3) Ordinance 1036, Amending Chapter 161 Related to Non-Commercial Signs. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council introduce and ordinance that would amend Chapter 161 related to Non-Commercial Signs. Mayor Lindstrom opened the public hearing at 6:38 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Lindstrom closed the public hearing at 6:38 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the First Reading and Adopt Ordinance 1036, Amending Chapter 161 Related to Non-Commercial Signs. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. F. Resolution 10081, Approving the Final Payment for the 2022-23 Street Reconstruction Project. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council approve the final payment for the 2022-23 Street Reconstruction Project. He explained T.H. Schifsky & Sons was awarded this street improvement project and the project was substantially complete on September 30, 2023. He indicated a punch list was prepared for the minor items after this time and all requirements have been met in a satisfactory manner. Staff discussed the amount that had been withheld from the contractor and recommended the final payment be made to the contractor. Vince Meyer, 8380 Spring Lake Road, reported there were two driveways that were installed incorrectly and he did not believe this project was substantially completed. He recommended final payment not be made until these driveways have been corrected. Mounds View City Council March 24, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 7 MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10081, Approving the Final Payment for the 2022-23 Street Reconstruction Project. Council Member Meehlhause stated if the driveways would have been installed based on City Code, wouldn’t the homeowners have been required to expand their driveway to meet this Code. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported this is the case. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. H. Resolution 10076, Accepting Rice Creek Watershed Grant Monies for the Silver View Storm Water Pond Project. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council accept Rice Creek Watershed grant monies for the Silver View Storm Water Pond Project. He commented on the project that was being completed at Silver View Park and requested the Council accept the grant monies for the storm water project. Mayor Lindstrom asked who wrote the grant. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported the grant was written by the City’s part time storm water intern. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Smith. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10076, Accepting Rice Creek Watershed Grant Monies for the Silver View Storm Water Pond Project. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. G. Resolution 10075, Authorization to Advance the Part Time Storm Water Intern to Full Time Status with a title reclassification from Intern to Technician. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council authorize to advance the Part Time Storm Water Intern to Full Time Status with a title reclassification from Intern to Technician. He explained staff continues to see value in this position and has discussed reclassifying this position. He commented on the two grants the City received due to the intern’s efforts, noting the job description has been amended to now include grant writing. He discussed how the budget would be impacted by this job reclassification and recommended $20,355 from the BWSR grant to assist with offsetting the additional expense. Mayor Lindstrom asked if this would typically be a consent agenda item. City Administrator Zikmund stated because the position was moving to full time and was not within the 2025 budget, staff brought the item before the Council for consideration. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson commented on the grant the City would be pursuing for the stormwater ponds behind Edgewood Middle School, noting this grant would be pursued in partnership with the school district and watershed district. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10075, Mounds View City Council March 24, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 8 Authorization to Advance the Part Time Storm Water Intern to Full Time Status with a title reclassification from Intern to Technician. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. I. Resolution 10079, Authorizing Barr Engineering Company to Provide Services to Assist with Amending the Wellhead Protection Plan. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council authorize Barr Engineering Company to Provide Services to Assist with Amending the Wellhead Protection Plan. He reported the City was mandated to complete a wellhead protection plan every 10 years and staff was seeking assistance with this plan from Barr Engineering. Staff commented on the proposed timeline for this project and requested the Council authorize Barr Engineering to provide services to amend the wellhead protection plan. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10079, Authorizing Barr Engineering Company to Provide Services to Assist with Amending the Wellhead Protection Plan. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. J. Resolution 10080, Authorization Regarding Repairs to the 2011 Vactor, Unit #836, International 7400. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council authorize repairs to the 2011 Vactor, Unit #836, International 7400. He commented on the repairs that were needed for the Vactor noting it was used to clean sanitary sewer lines throughout the community. He reported this unit was scheduled to be replaced in 2026, but needs the requested repairs in order to function for the remainder of the year. MOTION/SECOND: Smith/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10080, Authorization Regarding Repairs to the 2011 Vactor, Unit #836, International 7400. Council Member Meehlhause reported the Sanitary Sewer Fund had a line item for this repair within the 2025 budget. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. K. Resolution 10073, Authorizing the Purchase of (2) Toro Groundsmaster 4000- D Mowers. Public Works Superintendent Szurek requested the Council authorize the purchase of two Toro Groundsmaster 4000-D mowers. He reviewed the price quote for the mowers and recommended approval of the purchase. Council Member Meehlhause asked if the proposed quote included the trade in value for the Mounds View City Council March 24, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 9 current mower. Public Works Superintendent Szurek reported the trade in was included. He explained the Turf Kat Mower would also be placed at auction this year and the proceeds would assist with covering the overage. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Smith. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10073, Authorizing the Purchase of (2) Toro Groundsmaster 4000-D Mowers. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Gunn stated she attended the Planning Commission meeting where the group discussed the rezonings the Council introduced at this meeting. Council Member Smith explained last week she attended a Cable Commission meeting where the discussion focused on franchising broadband. Council Member Smith reported on Friday, March 14 she attended a Ramsey County League of Local Government meeting. Council Member Smith stated she passed her Ramsey County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue dive test last Wednesday. Council Member Meehlhause explained he attended a Twin Cities Gateway board meeting last week with the City Administrator. He reviewed the financial results that were presented to the board from the previous year. He indicated the City’s share of the membership grant money will be $9,945. In addition, he was happy to report the City received a $1,000 grant to promote the reentering of Hope McCallister, the Mermaid, into the City of Mounds View. Council Member Meehlhause reported there would be a 3 on 3 tournament at the Community Center on Tuesday, March 25. Council Member Meehlhause indicated he would be attending a NYFS Governance meeting on Wednesday, March 26 with Police Chief Zender. Council Member Meehlhause commented on the work that was being done on Silver View pond. He thanked the Public Works Department for their great efforts on this project. He reported he has lived in this City for the past 41 years and he believed the Public Works Department does a tremendous job on behalf of the community. He thanked Public Works Director Peterson for all of his efforts on behalf of the City of Mounds View. Mayor Lindstrom reported he attended a Nine Cities meeting this morning where the housing legislation bill was discussed. Mounds View City Council March 24, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 10 Mayor Lindstrom commented on the joint Charter Commission meeting the Council attended where succession planning was discussed. Mayor Lindstrom explained he would be attending a Community Engagement Committee meeting on Wednesday, April 2 at 6:00 p.m. Mayor Lindstrom indicated he would be attending a Clemency Hearing on Friday, April 4. Mayor Lindstrom reported he would be attending a Clemency Town Hall with the Attorney General on Sunday, April 6 in Litchfield, Minnesota. B. Reports of Staff. Finance Director Bauman reported 2026 budget information has been sent out to each department and staff would begin working on the first quarter utility billing. Police Chief Zender commented on a vulnerable adult that was missing and encouraged the public to call the Mounds View Police Department with any information they may have. Police Chief Zender discussed the “iBALL4LIFE” Life event that was being planned for April 19 and noted a Mounds View Police Foundation bake sale would be held at Abiding Savior Church on April 30. He stated Coffee with a Cop would be held at City Hall on Saturday, March 29. Police Chief Zender commented on a shooting event that occurred in the community noting his officers responded properly and life saving awards would be distributed to his officers in the future. Police Chief Zender explained K9 Niko has reached the end of his life and has to be put down. He stated Officer Nick Erickson would be bringing K9 Niko to City Hall on Friday, April 4 at 3:00 p.m. for one last run. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To direct staff to use $250 in charitable gambling funds to purchase a paver for the Tribute Park for K9 Niko. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson asked if the Council wanted to continue the professional services agreement with Rainbow Tree Care for resident and City trees. The Council supported staff bringing this item back for approval. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained Ramsey County would be starting the Mounds View Boulevard signal project on April 7. City Administrator Zikmund reported the house on Greenwood Drive was in foreclosure and the homeowner has been given official eviction notice. He noted the City received correspondence from the County and the City could request up to a six-month extension in order to assist the brother with selling this house in the coming months. Mounds View City Council March 24, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 11 1. Non-Profit/Conflict of Interest Memorandum. City Administrator Zikmund reviewed a conflict of interest and non-profit memorandum with the Council. He explained there were a number of non-profits that operate in this area and he wanted to clarify the role of the Council when serving with these organizations. He reported four of the five Councilmembers volunteer on non-profits. City Attorney Riggs indicated he reviewed this item with the City Administrator and noted there were no conflicts of interest at this time, but encouraged the Council to contact him if questions were to arise. He discussed when it would be prudent for Councilmembers to step back or abstain from discussion on certain matters. Maxine Smedshammer, 7750 Bona Road, invited the City Council to attend the CPY Spring Luncheon which will be held at Christ the King Church on April 8 at 11:45 a.m. She thanked the City Council for continuing to support CPY as this benefits the youth in the community. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 10. Next Council Work Session: Monday, April 7, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, April 14, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:53 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial