HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2025/11/10APPROVED
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA
Regular Meeting
November 10, 2025
Mounds View City Hall
2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112
7:00 P.M.
1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL: Clark, Gunn (attending remotely), Lindstrom, Meehlhause and Smith
NOT PRESENT: None.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A. Monday, November 10, 2025, City Council Agenda.
MOTION/SECOND: Smith/Clark. To Approve the Monday, November 10, 2025, agenda as presented.
A roll call vote was taken.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Minutes: October 22, 2025.
Just and Correct Claims.
Resolution 10162, Approving the Professional Services Agreement with Tubman to Provide Public Safety and General Welfare Related Services Addressing Domestic Abuse.
MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Smith. To Approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
A roll call vote was taken.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
None.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Lindstrom encouraged the public to speak with kindness and respect when addressing the City Council during Public Comment.
Andre Koen, 7951 Greenwood Drive, thanked the Council for taking action when it comes to the distribution of food for those in need. He understood there was a conflict from some members
of the community, but he really appreciated the Council’s efforts to serve those in need. He invited the public to attend the Community Meal which will be held on Monday, December 8
from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Mermaid.
Mayor Lindstrom proposed the Council consider a proclamation for World Culture Day in Mounds View to be Monday, December 8.
Mr. Koen supported this recommendation and noted he would work with Shauna Bach on this proclamation.
Council Member Meehlhause reported the Mounds View Lions would be assisting with food service at the Community Meal.
Rose Ladd, Troop #5792, explained she was working on her Completing Democracy Badge.
8. COUNCIL BUSINESS
Resolution 10171, Approving the Cannabis Retailer Registration for Marawanna for the property located at 5491 Adams Street.
City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve the cannabis retailer registration for Marawanna for the property at 5491 Adams Street. He explained this was the first complete
application to be submitted to the City for consideration. He noted the State licenses these operations and the City registers them. He indicated State law requires the City to allow
for two cannabis retail shops in addition to a municipal cannabis shop. He reviewed the proposed hours of operation and recommended approval of the request.
Peter Schmidt, owner of Marawanna, introduced himself to the Council and thanked the Council for considering his request.
John Kimmel, building owner, introduced himself to the Council.
Mayor Lindstrom inquired if Marawanna would be taking the entire building. Mr. Kimmel reported he would be taking the entire building and garage.
Mayor Lindstrom asked what type of products would be sold by Marawanna. Mr. Schmidt explained he would be selling flowers, vapes, pre-rolls, everything available under law. He noted
he would be starting off with retail in Mounds View. He indicated he was in the process of the
manufacturing portion of the business in Bloomington.
Mayor Lindstrom questioned what brought Marawanna to Mounds View. Mr. Schmidt reported he has been looking for space and found this space because Mr. Kimmel is his landlord in Bloomington.
Mayor Lindstrom stated he understood there were mixed emotions when it came to cannabis sales, but he anticipated over time, cannabis sales would be normalized.
Council Member Clark stated she heard from a resident that lives on Adams who was happy to see this new business coming to the City of Mounds View.
City Administrator Zikmund reported staff would be bringing back the cannabis ordinance in order to modify the hours of operation but noted the Council could move forward with the Marawanna
registration request.
MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10171, Approving the Cannabis Retailer Registration for Marawanna for the property located at 5491 Adams
Street as stated in the handout.
A roll call vote was taken.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
Resolution 10168, Approving a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to Amend the Future Land Use Map Designation at 2716 Hillview Road.
Kribashini Moorthy, Stantec, requested the Council approve a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to Amend the Future Land Use Map Designation at 2716 Hillview Road. She explained this property
was currently owned by the EDA and was proposed to have four townhouses. She indicated the property was currently guided for single family detached and needed to be changed to multi-family
residential. She discussed how the proposed change would serve as a transition zone between the mixed use and single family detached families in the area. She commented further on the
proposed request and recommended approval.
James Kavanaugh, 7956 Red Oak Drive, explained he and his wife have lived at their home for the past 53 years. He stated he opposed the rezoning and comprehensive plan amendment. He
was of the opinion that this was an industrial creep as there were no multi-family dwellings on Red Oak Drive, Sunnyside, Hillview, or Fairchild. He did not believe it was right for
the City to put multi-family dwellings on this property. He feared the City was trying to cut its losses because other development had not occurred on this lot. He recommended this
comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning not be approved.
Mayor Lindstrom clarified that the original property owner approached the City to purchase this lot. He explained the City purchased the lot after learning the church did not have the
funding to purchase the lot for a tiny home development. He reported an apartment building was not proposed
for this lot, but rather four townhome units were being proposed. He understood residents may not find this to be the best use for this lot but the City Council was tasked with finding
the highest and best use for this lot. He stated the proposed townhome development would increase this lots value to $2 million, which would not be done if a single-family home were
to be located on this lot.
Mr. Kavanaugh expressed concern again that this project was industrial creep.
Mayor Lindstrom explained that the proposed townhomes would be residential housing units and were not deemed industrial. He indicated the townhomes would be owner occupied and not rental.
Rebecca Scholl, 2467 Hillview Road, explained she served on the Planning Commission and was the only no vote for this proposal. She stated she was in favor of increasing the City’s tax
base, but she believed this project would be stretched in order to fit on this unusually shaped lot. She anticipated this project would require variances.
Mayor Lindstrom reported that infill projects were unique and that going forward these types of projects would require some type of variance.
MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Clark. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10168, Approving a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to Amend the Future Land Use Map Designation at 2716 Hillview
Road.
Council Member Smith asked if the City had to make this property available for other developers. City Administrator Zikmund explained that the City had a process where this property
was put out for bid. He stated the Council held a Closed Session meeting and sold this property to the applicant.
A roll call vote was taken.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
First Reading of Ordinance 1051, Rezoning the Property at 2716 Hillview Road from R-1(Single Family Residential) to R-4 (Multi Family Residential).
Kribashini Moorthy, Stantec, requested the Council consider the rezoning of the property at 2716 Hillview Road from R-1(Single Family Residential) to R-4 (Multi Family Residential. She
reported the property is currently zoned R-1 and the applicant would like to construct townhomes, which was not a permitted use. She reported that staff recommended rezoning the property
to R-4 (multi-family residential) in order to allow for the proposed townhomes.
Mayor Lindstrom asked if the R-4 zoning district was viewed as the industrialization of the property. Ms. Moorthy reported R-4 was a residential zoning district and industrial uses were
not allowed.
MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Meehlhause. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 1051, Rezoning the Property at 2716 Hillview Road from R-1(Single Family Residential) to R-4
(Multi Family Residential.
A roll call vote was taken.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
Resolution 10165, Ordering the Abatement of Hazardous Conditions at 5090 Irondale Road in the City of Mounds View.
Council Member Gunn stated for the record that she was not related to the property owner.
Housing and Code Enforcement Inspector Anderson requested the Council order the abatement of hazardous conditions for the property at 5090 Irondale Road in the City of Mounds View. He
explained this action would remove the junk and debris on this property. He noted he contacted the property owner, Gregory Gunn, and notified him of the report that was made concerning
this property. He reported the City was proposing to hire a contractor in order to remove the items on the property that were in violation with the cost of the abatement being charged
back to the property owner.
Council Member Meehlhause asked if staff could review photos of the property. Housing and Code Enforcement Inspector Anderson reviewed several photos that were taken in October of the
property at 5090 Irondale Road.
Gregory Gunn, 5090 Irondale Road, explained he was not related to Council Member Gunn. He reported he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2018, and he has been struggling with some
of the medication, and he receives chemotherapy each month. In addition, he has had some long-term lingering effects from COVID which led to brain freeze and memory loss. He indicated
he was making some progress on getting the property cleaned up. He pointed out that because his property borders the middle school and high school, he was being harassed by students.
He commented on a murder that occurred in northern Minnesota where teenagers were harassing a senior citizen, and he wound up shooting the teenagers.
Mayor Lindstrom asked how Mr. Gunn was being harassed by teenagers.
Mr. Gunn explained his home and garage have been broken into as well as his car. He stated he has concerns for his personal safety and noted he has called the police when these events
occur. He feared the police department was not properly addressing these concerns.
Mayor Lindstrom stated it was his understanding the medications that Mr. Gunn was on were making it impossible for him to clear his property.
Mr. Gunn reported this was the case and explained he has been on strong medications since 2018.
Mayor Lindstrom asked if the City were to proceed with the abatement to ensure the cleanup happens, would Mr. Gunn be willing to accept help with cleaning up the property.
Mr. Gunn stated he would be willing to accept the help. He noted he contacted the Blue Box people today to see if he could rent a container to get his driveway cleaned up and boxed away.
He indicated he was working to get the corner cleaned up. He asked that the Council allow him to keep the flowers. He noted the purpose of the flowers are to create a tripping hazard
for those individuals who are wrongfully entering his property.
Mayor Lindstrom thanked Mr. Gunn for attending this meeting and stated he was willing to help Mr. Gunn with the cleanup of his property.
Mr. Gunn discussed how he purchased the home when it was in foreclosure and had to pay a $600 outstanding water bill. He asked that this money be refunded to him.
Mayor Lindstrom stated this would be an uncommon practice for the City and he was not in a position to refund these dollars.
Tony Presiado, 8217 Long Lake Road, indicated he would donate his time to help with the property cleanup.
Housing and Code Enforcement Inspector Anderson reviewed the emails he sent to Mr. Gunn from May 20 and September 4 which highlighted the matters that had to be addressed on the property.
He read through both of these emails in full for the record.
Mayor Lindstrom asked if there were other members of the public who would like to speak regarding this property.
Karen (last name unknown), neighbor, stated she has watched the debris on this property grow over the years and while she understood the health issues of Mr. Gunn, she wanted to see
this property cleaned up. She suggested the City reach out to the high school to see if there were students willing and interested in cleaning up this property. She did not believe
it was right for Mr. Gunn to be parking his vehicles in the street and recommended the community come together to get this property cleaned up.
Wanda Haines, neighbor, explained she lived around the corner from Mr. Gunn. She stated she felt bad for Mr. Gunn given his health concerns but expressed concern with the fact he drove
around the community picking up more stuff on a daily basis. She noted Mr. Gunn has three vehicles and his truck remains on the street. She reported the corner at Irondale Road and
Woodcrest was hazardous because the sight lines were not clear. She asked that the City take action in order to bring the property into compliance with City Code.
Housing and Code Enforcement Inspector Anderson reported the recommendation from staff is to approve the Resolution ordering the abatement of the hazardous condition for the property
at 5090 Irondale Road.
Mayor Lindstrom asked when work would begin on this property. Housing and Code Enforcement Inspector Anderson anticipated it would take him a week or two to get a contractor to the property.
Mayor Lindstrom stated this was a unique property, but he recognized there was a little more than should be on the site. He discussed Mr. Gunn’s health conditions and stated he wanted
to be sensitive to this. He appreciated the fact Mr. Gunn would welcome some help and suggested action be taken by the City in 30 days. He suggested the community come together over
the next 30 days to clean the property and after which time, the City could take action. Housing and Code Enforcement Inspector Anderson explained he could provide the Mayor and community
members with a list of the abatement work that needed to be done on the property.
MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10165, Ordering the Abatement of Hazardous Conditions at 5090 Irondale Road in the City of Mounds View extending
the action to December 1, 2025.
A roll call vote was taken.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
Resolution 10170, Ordering the Abatement of Hazardous Conditions at 8391 Spring Lake Road.
Housing and Code Enforcement Inspector Anderson requested the Council order the abatement of hazardous conditions for the property at 8391 Spring Lake Road. He explained this property
has had a history of storing items outside which violated City Code. He reported after numerous attempts to contact Richard Mitchell staff has not been able to make progress to address
the City’s concerns. He reviewed photos of the property that were taken on October 30 and discussed the progress that has been made since that date. He recommended the Council approve
the Resolution ordering the abatement of the property at 8391 Spring Lake Road and noted staff would continue to work with Mr. Mitchell.
Mayor Lindstrom stated he supported moving forward with the abatement of this property.
Jim Willie, 8403 Spring Lake Road, explained this has been going on for the past 15 years and all of the neighbors were well aware of the concerns on this property. He discussed how
the materials on the property just get moved around but are not being removed.
Tony Presiado, 8217 Long Lake Road, was of the opinion this abatement process was ridiculous. He encouraged the neighbors to mind their own business.
Luke Edmond, 8407 Spring Lake Road, reported he lived next to this property on the other side. He had concerns about the fact this property was operating as a fully licensed daycare
and he was concerned about the safety of the children.
Mayor Lindstrom anticipated daycares are licensed and inspected by the State.
Council Member Smith reported this property was a hazard and would not pass an inspection in its current condition.
MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10170, Ordering the Abatement of Hazardous Conditions at 8391 Spring Lake Road.
A roll call vote was taken.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
Resolution 10164, Approving Amendments to the Solid Waste Management Standards.
City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve amendments to the Solid Waste Management Standards. It was noted six out of the six haulers have submitted pricing to date. He
reviewed the proposed amendments regarding price transparency in further detail with the Council and recommended approval.
Council Member Clark noted a minor language change.
MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Clark. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10164, Approving Amendments to the Solid Waste Management Standards with the noted correction.
Mayor Lindstrom stated he was very happy to see that all six trash haulers have provided City staff with pricing and noted this information would be posted on the City’s website for
residents to review.
A roll call vote was taken.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
Resolution 10166, Approving the Renewal of Mounds View Business Licenses (Non-Liquor).
City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve the renewal of the Mounds View business licenses. He noted this was an annual event and staff ensured these businesses were current
on their water bill and property taxes. He indicated there was one business that has not paid their property taxes. Staff recommended the business licenses be renewed on the condition
the property taxes must be paid in full prior to issuance of the business license.
MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10166, Approving the Renewal of Mounds View Business Licenses (Non-Liquor) conditioned upon the payment of
all outstanding water bills and property taxes.
A roll call vote was taken.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
Resolution 10167, Approving the Renewal of Mounds View Liquor Licenses.
City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve the renewal of the Mounds View liquor licenses. He reported that staff recommends approval with conditional approval for Savilo
Liquor until their property taxes are paid in full.
MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Smith. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10167, Approving the Renewal of Mounds View Liquor Licenses conditions upon the payment of all outstanding
water bills and property taxes.
Council Member Smith stated Savilo’s was closed at this time.
Mayor Lindstrom inquired if Savilo’s submitted a request for the renewal of their liquor license. City Administrator Zikmund reported Savilo’s had submitted the license renewal request
and would like to keep the license in place even though the property is for sale.
A roll call vote was taken.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
Resolution 10173, Approving $24,000 in Emergency Food Shelf Support and Operations.
City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve $24,000 in emergency food shelf support and operations. He explained a resident came and questioned if there was a conflict in
interest in the City providing food shelf assistance. He stated he received a response from the City Attorney regarding this matter noting the funding to Manna Market was not a conflict
of interest, even though Council Member Clark was a member of the non-profit Manna Market organization. He indicated Council Member Clark was a member of the church. He clarified the
City would be writing a check to Manna Market and not to the church. Staff commented on the request further and recommended the Council approve $20,000 in funding to Ralph Reeder and
$4,500 to Manna Market.
Mayor Lindstrom invited Forest Gregory to come forward.
Forest Gregory, President of Manna Market, thanked the Council for their generous donation to Manna Market.
Mayor Lindstrom thanked Mr. Gregory and Manna Market for all of their efforts on behalf of the community.
Mr. Gregory noted he served 154 residents last night and 87 were from Mounds View. He indicated that 87 Mounds View visitors, 86 were first time visitors. He stated each visitor received
a box with 30 to 40 pounds of food. He explained visitors were welcome to visit Ralph Reeder along with Manna Market each week. He commented on how guest counts were on the rise due
to the EBT situation.
Mayor Lindstrom thanked Manna Market for working diligently to serve those in need in the community. He anticipated the need for food shelf services would continue to rise over the coming
months.
Mr. Gregory discussed how middle-income people were in need and were appreciative of the drive thru option at the Mounds View Community Center. He explained he would have to cut his
numbers by 30% if he were to offer a full shopping experience versus the boxed method for food delivery services.
Mayor Lindstrom indicated he appreciated the anonymity that was offered by Manna Market.
Council Member Meehlhause asked how many people were served on the first Sunday.
Mr. Gregory reported 80+ people were served by Manna Market on the first Sunday and 154 were served on the second Sunday.
MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10173, Approving $24,500 in Emergency Food Shelf Support and Operations.
Council Member Smith inquired if someone were to get hurt in the parking lot would Manna Market cover the insurance. City Administrator Zikmund reported the City has insurance and noted
it would depend who was at fault as to whose insurance would cover the incident.
Council Member Clark thanked all of the volunteers that were making the Manna Market possible in Mounds View. She reported the volunteer sheet was 90% full through November and people
were already signing up for December. She explained in Mounds View people deeply care about their neighbors. Even when people do not always agree on the details, residents want every
family to have food on their table. She stated as the Council approached the November 1 SNAP benefit cutoff date the Council acted fast to come up with a local solution. She indicated
another option was needed beyond Ralph Reeder, which led the Council to consider partnering with Manna Market, which operates out of Substance Church in Spring Lake Park. She reported
Manna Market’s distributions were open to everyone and the City’s contribution will go to getting groceries to families in the community. She reported none of the money will be used
by the church for church functions but rather will fully support feeding people. She understood this work can be messy, but she hoped the community could support the City moving forward
with compassion and courage to address the hunger that was occurring in the community. She explained she and her husband were members of Substance Church and she believes in the Bible’s
greatest commandment which was to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind and to love your neighbor as yourself. She stated Substance Church’s motto was to people
would know God, find freedom, discover their purpose and make a difference. She indicated her church was full of imperfect people doing their best to serve and bring hope. She reported
she has always been open about her faith and she would continue to do good; to connect people and to share resources she has access to. She explained she moved to Mounds View in order
to enroll her children in the public schools so her children could live out these values in the real world. She indicated she tries not to judge but to listen first and to seek understanding.
She hoped that this same respect could be extended to her. She noted she was always available to speak with constituents who have
concerns. She stated she was proud of the work that was being done in Mounds View and stood by the humanitarian efforts of the community to feed families in need in such a short time.
She reported that even if people disagree from time to time, love, respect and kindness can still be extended.
Mayor Lindstrom stated the City was doing the best they can with what they’ve got to make sure people aren’t going hungry. He thanked Council Member Clark for all of her efforts on
this matter.
A roll call vote was taken.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
Resolution 10172, Approving Change Order #2 for the Silver View Storm Water Pond Project.
City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council approve Changer Order #2 for the Silver View storm water pond project. He reported this was a technical matter noting the contractor
was not able to start when they wanted to due to delays from the Rice Creek Watershed District. He asked that the Council approve the change order which would extend the project deadline.
MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Clark. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10172, Approving Change Order #2 for the Silver View Storm Water Pond Project.
A roll call vote was taken.
Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried.
9. REPORTS
Reports of Mayor and Council.
Council Member Gunn invited the public to attend the Veterans Memorial Service at the Tribute Park on Tuesday, November 11 at 3:00 p.m.
Council Member Clark reported there would be a food distribution event at the Community Center every Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. through the end of the year. She explained a flyer
has been translated into Spanish.
Council Member Clark stated the Festival in the Park Committee would be meeting next on Tuesday, November 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Public Works Facility.
Council Member Clark indicated she would be volunteering at Second Harvest on Wednesday, November 19.
Council Member Clark noted Turkey Bingo would be held at the Community Center on Sunday, November 16 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Council Member Smith reported she would be attending an Airport Commission meeting this week along with a Ramsey County League of Local Government meeting on Friday where the speaker
will address Exploring the Future of Public Safety and Technology.
Council Member Smith thanked all veterans for their service and wished them a Happy Veterans Day.
Council Member Meehlhause stated he would be attending a Charter Commission meeting next week along with an NYFS Finance Committee meeting.
Council Member Meehlhause thanked Council Member Clark for all of her efforts for the food distribution. He stated he has volunteered the past two weeks and commented on how appreciative
residents were for this being offered in the community.
Mayor Lindstrom explained he appreciated how Mounds View stepped up to offer this service for its residents. He stated he was very proud of the City’s efforts.
Mayor Lindstrom reported he attended a regional meeting of mayors where the guest speaker was former governor Tim Pawlenty.
Mayor Lindstrom explained he would be attending a Nine Cities meeting next week and attended a clemency meeting last week.
Mayor Lindstrom wished all veterans a Happy Veterans Day stating he looked forward to celebrating Veterans Day at the Tribute Park tomorrow.
B. Reports of Staff.
City Administrator Zikmund stated staff continues to work to update the City’s website.
10. Next Council Work Session: Monday, December 1, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Next Council Meeting: Monday, November 24, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:19 p.m.
Transcribed by:
Heidi Guenther
Minute Maker Secretarial