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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2025/06/09APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting June 9, 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: Clark, Gunn (arrived at 6:10 p.m.), Lindstrom, Meehlhause and Smith NOT PRESENT: None. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, June 9, 2025, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Smith/Clark. To Approve the Monday, June 9, 2025, agenda as presented. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of Minutes: May 27, 2025. B. Just and Correct Claims. C. Resolution 10095, Adopting and Reporting Performance Measures. D. Resolution 10106, Authorize Recruitment Process for the Accountant Position and Revise Job Description. E. Resolution 10107, Authorize Recruitment Process for the Public Works Maintenance Worker Water/Utility Division. F. Resolution 10108, Approving Revisions to the Recreation Coordinator Job Description to Recreation Coordinator/Supervisor. MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Meehlhause. To Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. SWPPP – Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program. Mounds View City Council June 9, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 2 Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reviewed the SWPPP with the City Council. He explained the City was required to hold an annual meeting as part of the MS4 permit. He reported the goals of this meeting was to inform and educate the public, to solicit public comments and to comply with permit requirements. He described how stormwater pond improvements have helped improve overall water quality in the metro area. The six minimum control measures (MCM) were discussed with the Council, noting these measures were done in coordinator with the Rice Creek Watershed District. The monthly rainfall for 2024 was reviewed for Mounds View and the State of Minnesota. He described what an illicit discharge was and how the City addressed this concern. The benefits of street sweeping were described. Staff commented on the stormwater pond assessment that was completed in 2023. The MS4 do’s and don’ts were reviewed with the Council and staff commented on how the City became the Local Governing Unit (LGU) in 2020 for the Rice Creek Watershed District. The City’s pet waste and stormwater ponding efforts were reviewed. It was noted the City’s current MS4 permit went into effect on August 1, 2022 and would run through 2026. Staff asked for comments or questions. Council Member Clark asked if the silt barrier along Spring Lake was still in place. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported staff spoke with the contractor and asked that the silt fence be removed. If the silt fence was not removed by the contractor, this work would be completed by staff. Council Member Clark questioned what type of seed mix was placed around the ponds. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported he would have to investigate this further, noting he understood some of the seed mix was not germinating. Council Member Clark thanked staff for all of their efforts on the stormwater pond restoration projects, noting she heard from a lot of happy residents this past weekend. Mayor Lindstrom inquired when the next household cleanup event would be held. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported this type of event was typically scheduled by community development. Mayor Lindstrom asked that the inlet in his yard be looked at by staff. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained he would have his staff members take a look at the inlet. Mayor Lindstrom questioned if the algae in Ardan ponds would be removed. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson indicated he would have to take a look at this, noting the weeds and vegetation would have to be considered because it may be improving the water quality. Vince Meyer, 8380 Spring Lake Road, asked when the City would be cleaning the retaining pond on Spring Lake Road. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported he would have to review the City’s maintenance schedule. Mayor Lindstrom thanked staff for the detailed report on the City’s SWPPP. 7. PUBLIC COMMENT Mounds View City Council June 9, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 3 Mayor Lindstrom encouraged the public to speak with kindness and respect when addressing the City Council during Public Comment. Carol Mueller, 8343 Groveland Road, addressed the Council regarding public health and safety. She indicated this should be the number one focus for elected officials. She urged the City Council to partner with public safety in order to make decisions regarding the outdoor playground behind City Hall. She discussed how the fencing that was put in place behind the building was done so to address vandalism. She feared there would not be a good line of site for public safety for the proposed outdoor playground near City Hall. She then addressed the City Council regarding ADU’s. She noted when she was an elected official she was against ADU’s due to public health and safety concerns. She did not believe the housing shortage in the metro area should fall on a community that was only four-square miles and already almost 40% rental. She commented on the naturally occurring low income housing that was available in the community. She feared that parolee’s or registered sex offenders could be housed in ADU’s and discussed the impact this would have on Mounds View homeowners. She urged the City Council to partner with Police Chief Zender when discussing ADU’s and to remember that renters have more rights than landlords. Mayor Lindstrom asked how former Mayor Mueller would address the concerns being raised at the State level through a new bill that would to remove a city’s right to govern when it comes to parking, setbacks, and ADUs. Ms. Mueller explained she would get involved with the League of Minnesota Cities and North Metro Mayors in order to protect the City’s rights. In addition, she would partner with the Police Chief and City Attorney to ensure the City was protected when it comes to what they would and would not allow. She recommended the City Council also take another look at the rental license requirements in order to keep the community protected. Vince Meyer, 8380 Spring Lake Road, thanked the public works department for installing poles in the turn lanes. 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. PUBLIC HEARING: Resolution 10103, a Temporary On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Festival in the Park of Mounds View to allow Moe’s American Grill to Sell and Serve Alcoholic Beverages at the 2025 Festival in the Park. Council Member Smith noted she would be recusing herself on this agenda item. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council consider a temporary on-sale intoxicating liquor license for Festival in the Park of Mounds View to allow Moe’s American Grill to sell and serve alcoholic beverages at the 2025 Festival in the Park. Mayor Lindstrom opened the public hearing at 6:50 p.m. Carol Mueller, 8343 Groveland Road, reported she was serving as the chair of the 19th annual car Mounds View City Council June 9, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 4 show at the 50th Festival in the Park. She thanked the City Council for considering this temporary on-site intoxicating liquor license request. Council Member Meehlhause asked if the committee has spoken with Moe’s to ensure individuals with alcoholic beverages stayed within the confined area. Ms. Mueller reported the committee has had this conversation with Moe’s. Mayor Lindstrom questioned if the Festival in the Park Committee had considered expanding the area in which alcoholic beverages were allowed. Council Member Clark stated the committee spoke about expanding the area to include the food trucks. She indicated this proposal was being evaluated by Police Chief Zender at this time. Hearing no further public input, Mayor Lindstrom closed the public hearing at 6:54 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10103, a Temporary On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Festival in the Park of Mounds View to allow Moe’s American Grill to Sell and Serve Alcoholic Beverages at the 2025 Festival in the Park. Council Member Meehlhause stated the previous police chief’s concern was to have all alcohol contained within a fenced in area. Council Member Clark commented on how this requirement was keeping families from eating dinner together at the event. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 10101, Approving the Cost Proposal from Cornerstone Concrete for the installation of the concrete slab for the Fitness Court. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council approve the cost proposal from Cornerstone Concrete for the installation of the concrete slab for the fitness court. He explained the total cost is $230,000 with $75,000 being covered by a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield. He anticipated the cost for the concrete slab to be $25,000 and noted after receiving quotes, the expense for the concrete would be $55,290. It was noted this cost would be covered by the Special Projects Fund. Mayor Lindstrom asked if the visibility of this park was a concern for the police department. Police Chief Zender indicated he did not foresee this being an issue. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained the proposed location was in the exact location of the old playground. He noted the fence that was installed around the police department was installed after the playground was in place. He reported the fencing was installed for security purposes for the police officers and in order to keep individuals out of the bushes. Council Member Meehlhause questioned what the size of the concrete slab would be. City Mounds View City Council June 9, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 5 Administrator Zikmund reported the slab would be 2,000 square feet in size. Council Member Clark asked how the wall within the outdoor studio would be oriented. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported the concrete slab would run east/west and the wall would run north/south. MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10101, Approving the Cost Proposal from Cornerstone Concrete for the installation of the concrete slab for the Fitness Court. Council Member Smith reported this project came in after the Parks Master Plan and she opposed the project. She indicated the original estimate was $20,000 to $30,000 and now the City would be spending $55,290. She discussed the expense that would be spent on the zip line to have it taken down and moved to another park. She supported the City addressing resident concerns prior to spending funding on this project. Council Member Meehlhause clarified none of this project was included in the 2025 budget. He indicated he was originally opposed to this project because the Council did not receive a resounding recommendation from the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission. However, he noted he would be supporting this Resolution because the majority of the Council supported this project moving forward. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson discussed how the cost for construction was on the rise, not just concrete work, but in all trades. Council Member Clark reported she reached out to the local cross fit gym owner and understood they were very excited about this new space. She indicated they were interested in holding a free event once a month for the community. Mayor Lindstrom stated he understood the up-front costs were higher than expected, but he believed there was great value in having this fitness court in the park. Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Smith) Motion carried. C. Resolution 10102, Approving the Cost Proposals for the Concrete and Electrical work for the Tribute Park. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council approve the cost proposals for the concrete and electrical work for the Tribute Park. He explained part of the park would include installing concrete sidewalks to reach the granite monuments with lighting on the granite monuments. He reported after speaking with vendors, the concrete work low bid came in at $77,300 and the electrical work low bid came in at $220,720. It was noted all of the lighting would be LED. He reviewed images of the proposed park and recommended approval of the concrete and electrical work for Tribute Park. Council Member Meehlhause asked how much funding has been raised for the Tribute Park. City Mounds View City Council June 9, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 6 Administrator Zikmund estimated just over $65,000 has been raised to date. Council Member Gunn reported fundraising efforts were ongoing for this park. Council Member Smith stated the proposed bids put the project at $298,020, which was $39,860 over the original estimate. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported this was the case. He commented further on how two major data center projects in the metro area were taking many of the electricians in the metro area out of service, which may have led to a higher bid price for the electrical work. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10102, Approving the Cost Proposals for the Concrete and Electrical work for the Tribute Park. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 10104, Authorizing the Relocation of the Zipline Equipment from Hodges Park to Silver View Park. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council authorize the relocation of the zipline equipment from Hodges Park to Silver View Park. He discussed how the zipline at Hodges Park has brought in more patrons and the popularity has garnered mixed feelings from the adjacent property owners. For this reason, staff and the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission was recommending the zipline be relocated to Silver View Park. It was noted staff received a quote from MWP Recreation for moving the zipline and the cost would be $53,649.20. He noted this quote includes the installation of two new swings at Hodges Park, along with the reinstallation of the purple and green dinosaurs. Council Member Meehlhause asked where the zipline would be installed at Silver View Park. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reviewed the proposed location for the zipline, which was next to the basketball court. Council Member Clark expressed concern with how close the zipline would be to the basketball court and inquired if this would be a safety concern. Council Member Smith questioned if the zipline could be locked at night. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated he has not looked into this, but stated this would require additional staff time to monitor on a daily basis. Mayor Lindstrom stated if this request were approved by the City Council, when would the zipline be moved. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained the zipline would be moved in July. Mayor Lindstrom suggested the zipline be moved in September, when kids have returned to school. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson advised the City Council to allow the contractor to complete the work on his schedule or the City may not get the vendor back until late September or October. Mounds View City Council June 9, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 7 Council Member Meehlhause asked how the townhomes surrounding Silver View Park would be impacted by the zipline. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson stated after speaking with Candace Amberg from WSB, staff was notified Silver View Park would be the best location for the zipline and would be a lot further away from the housing units. Council Member Clark suggested the zipline be placed at City Hall Park because then it would not have to be moved again. Council Member Gunn stated she believed Silver View Park was the best place for the zipline. Council Member Clark explained she would like to see action on this item tabled to allow staff to report back to the Council with an ADA compliant zipline. Vince Meyer, 8380 Spring Lake Road, asked how many bids the City received for this project. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained the City received a quote from the company that installed the zipline originally. Council Member Gunn reported the City Council heard from the residents and promised to have this work done. She feared if action on this project were delayed, the project may not be completed this summer. Rebecca Scholl, 2467 Hillview Road, explained she was a regular visitor of Hodges Park because her granddaughters loved the zipline. She understood the Council’s concerns, along with the concerns of the neighbors. She did not recommend the City Council rush this matter through given how it came in higher than budgeted. She did not support throwing money at a problem when people were breaking the rules. She anticipated these same individuals would be using the zipline after hours at Silver View Park. She supported the zipline remaining as is in Hodges Park as she did not feel the use would be compatible with Silver View Park. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10104, Authorizing the Relocation of the Zipline Equipment from Hodges Park to Silver View Park. Council Member Clark stated if the zipline were to move to City Hall Park, the amenity would be near the police department, which would assist with addressing night time issues. Council Member Gunn explained she believed Silver View Park was the right location for the zipline and noted this was the recommendation from the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission. Council Member Meehlhause asked Police Chief Zender to speak to this matter. Police Chief Zender stated there are cars in Hodges Park after hours and the police works to shoo them out of the park. He explained there was not a lot of after-hours activity in Silver View Park. He explained there were signs posted in every park noting the park closes at 10:00 p.m. Mounds View City Council June 9, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 8 Council Member Smith questioned how much space there would be between the basketball court and the zipline. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported there would be a six-foot sidewalk between the basketball court and the zipline. He indicated the zipline could be moved further to the east and away from the basketball court. Mayor Lindstrom commented on how the Parks Commission has been focusing on inclusivity and stated he supported the second ADA compliant zipline being considered. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained if this were the course of action the Council wanted to proceed in, he recommended the zipline be taken down and be put in storage. He stated the Council would have to wait until the Parks Master Plan to better understand what the plan was for Silver View Park before moving forward with a second zipline. He reported it was his understanding a large inclusive park would be installed at Silver View Park. Mayor Lindstrom stated he believed the City had made a promise to keep the zipline up until September. He supported the Council waiting on this project in order to better consider the best course of action for the zipline. Council Member Gunn anticipated the neighbors would appreciate the zipline being moved sooner rather than later. Mayor Lindstrom summarized the comments from the Council and explained more time may be needed to work through the zipline concerns. Council Member Meehlhause reported Councilmember Clark called him and suggested this matter be brought back to the Parks Commission in order to consider placing the zipline at City Hall Park. Council Member Clark indicated she was also interested in learning more about a sound wall and if this could be installed at Hodges Park. She stated she supported the project when it was proposed to cost $30,000, but at almost double the cost, she did not support the Council rushing into a decision. Council Member Gunn commented she did not anticipate the cost for moving the zipline would go down over time. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reviewed the proposed costs in further detail with the Council. It was noted the cost to move the zipline was approximately $30,000 and the additional cost was for the installation of two swings and dinosaurs at Hodges Park. Council Member Clark stated she was proposing a second ADA zipline, because the concrete work was already being done. Council Member Gunn encouraged the Council to take into consideration the Parks Master Plan. Mayor Lindstrom drew the Council back to the motion on the floor. Council Member Clark explained she could support the zipline moving to Silver View Park if it was not right next to the basketball court. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson Mounds View City Council June 9, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 9 indicated the zipline could be pushed to the east. The Council supported moving the zipline to the east away from the basketball court. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. E. Resolution 10105, Approving a Proposal from Stantec Engineering Services to Apply for the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Grant. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson requested the Council approve a proposal from Stantec Engineering Services to apply for the safe streets for all (SS4A) grant. He discussed the work that would be completed through this grant noting the purpose would be to assist the City with making the streets safer. It was noted the deadline for this grant is June 26, 2025 and staff are recommending the Council approve Stantec writing this grant. Council Member Smith asked if the City typically paid consultants to write grants. City Administrator Zikmund explained Stantec has a level of expertise that would assist the City in pursuing this grant. Council Member Clark inquired if this study would take into consideration Mounds View Boulevard. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported the study would only be analyzing local streets. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Clark. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10105, Approving a Proposal from Stantec Engineering Services to Apply for the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Grant. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Gunn reported the Police Foundation would be meeting on Tuesday, June 10 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. Council Member Gunn explained pavers would be sold now through Sunday, June 15 in order to be installed in time for the park grand opening. She indicated the Tribute Park Committee would be meeting on June 16 at 6:30 p.m. Council Member Smith commented the Anoka County Airport Advisory Committee would be meeting on Wednesday, June 11 at 4:00 p.m. at the Blaine City Hall. Council Member Smith indicated she would be attending a Climate Resilience in Action meeting on Friday, June 13 at 8:00 a.m. and following this meeting she would be attending the Ramsey County League of Local Government Meeting. Mounds View City Council June 9, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 10 Council Member Clark reported she attended the Cross Fit North Star ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, June 7. She welcomed this new business to the City of Mounds View. Council Member Clark indicated the community wide garage sales were a tremendous success this past weekend. Council Member Clark stated the Festival in the Park would meet next on Tuesday, June 17 at 6:30 p.m. and reminded the community that Festival in the Park would be held on Friday, August 15 and Saturday, August 16. Council Member Clark explained she attended the community engagement committee meeting on Wednesday, June 4 where the group discussed upcoming summer events. She noted a Juneteenth event would be held at Silver View Park on Friday, June 20 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Council Member Meehlhause stated on Wednesday, June 11 he would be attending an NYFS Finance Committee meeting. Council Member Meehlhause reported on Tuesday, June 17 he would be attending a Twin Cities Gateway Business meeting. Council Member Meehlhause thanked Tara Marie Little for organizing the community wide garage sales. Mayor Lindstrom stated he had his knee fixed last Tuesday and he was healing nicely and he would be attending a follow up appointment on Tuesday, June 10. Mayor Lindstrom commented he would be attending several coffee appointments this week, the first being with Amy Klobuchar’s husband. Mayor Lindstrom wished everyone a happy Father’s Day. Mayor Lindstrom reported he would be speaking at the prison graduation on Tuesday, June 17. Mayor Lindstrom wished everyone a happy Juneteenth, which would be held on June 19. He encouraged all to attend the celebration at Silver View Park on Friday, June 20 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Mayor Lindstrom provided an update on the cannabis business that would be coming to the City of Mounds View and discussed the proposed location. He was of the opinion this business could be open early August. B. Reports of Staff. Finance Director Bauman reported she continues to work on the 2026 budget and CIP. She noted the City has an accountant position open and staff was working to fill this position. She explained the 2026 budget would be coming before the City Council at a worksession meeting in July. Mounds View City Council June 9, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 11 Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained an artist would have to be selected for the fitness court. He stated portfolios were being collected and staff would be coming back with this information at a future Council meeting. He noted the artwork would be paid for by Blue Cross Blue Shield. He explained any media release for this project has to run through the National Fitness Campaign and be approved by Blue Cross Blue Shield. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson provided the Council with an update on the AT&T water tower lease. The consensus of the Council was to support the water tower lease with AT&T. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson reported staff was working on a contract with the school district for Meals on Wheels. He asked if the Council supported a no-charge three- year lease. The Council supported the no-charge three-year lease with the school district for Meals on Wheels. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson commented on an issue that came about in the 2025 Street Improvement Project with the sidewalk along Bronson. He reported staff was working through the easement issues with the property owners. Council Member Clark asked if the City could speak with students at the local schools for the art installation at the fitness court. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Peterson explained this would dramatically delay the project by three or four months because the artist has to be properly vetted. Police Chief Zender provided the Council with a brief staff report. He explained a number of his officers participated in the Quincy House Golf Tournament and the Mounds View Police Foundation sponsored a hole. He thanked all of the individuals who were serving on the Tribute Park Committee and for working to bring this park to Mounds View. He commented on the meeting he held with several residents regarding ICE and how immigration matters were handled in the community. He explained he would be holding Chief’s interviews with two potential police officer candidates. He indicated the department was looking for a new vendor to take stray dogs for impound services. He thanked Dana at Cross Fit North Star for allowing the police department to do the Murph workout on Memorial Day. Mayor Lindstrom thanked Police Chief Zender for taking the time to meet with residents in order to address their concerns regarding immigration. Ben Gillespie, 7980 Fairchild Avenue, stated he was glad the police chief met with residents. He explained citizens of the United States are concerned about being arrested. City Administrator Zikmund stated he held a third meeting with Civic Plus today and he would be learning more about pricing at his next meeting with Civic Plus. 10. Next Council Work Session: Monday, July 7, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, June 23, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Mounds View City Council June 9, 2025 Regular Meeting Page 12 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial