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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2025/11/24APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting November 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: Clark, Gunn, Lindstrom, Meehlhause and Smith NOT PRESENT: None. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, November 24, 2025, City Council Agenda. MOTION/SECOND: Smith/Meehlhause. To Approve the Monday, November 24, 2025, agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Minutes: November 10, 2025. Just and Correct Claims. Resolution 10174, Approving a Lease Agreement Renewal with Dippin’ Chocolate, LLC, for Use of Kitchen Space at the Mounds View Community Center. Resolution 10177, Approving a Three-Year Labor Agreement with the Public Works Collective Bargaining Unit, Effective January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028. Mayor Lindstrom thanked staff for all of their efforts on the labor agreement that was reached with the Public Works bargaining unit. MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Gunn. To Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Introduction of K9 Officer Aase and New K9 Partner Brandi - Chief Zender. Police Chief Zender introduced Police Officer and K9 Handler Aase and K9 Partner Brandi to the City Council. He explained K9 Brandi was a pure breed German Shephard from Canada that was born in May of 2024. He reported on October 29, 2025 Officer Aase and K9 Brandi completed their 8-week certification course. He noted K9 Brandi was certified in tracking, apprehension and locating disregarded articles along with narcotics certification. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance. Police Chief Zender then introduced Officer Asa Overton, CSO Sohpia Kittleson and CSO Molly Olson to the City Council. 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 wings that were installed on his driveway. He noted the worker that installed his driveway wings put his trowel in the cement while it was still wet which removed the sealant from the top of his driveway wings. He discussed how this area would now be destroyed by salt in the winter months. He asked that the City further address the concerns along his roadway so that trucks were no longer driving on the sidewalks. Murwo Mohammad, 2657 Mounds View Boulevard, apologized to Councilmember Gunn for having miscommunicated with her. In addition, she apologized to Councilmember Meehlhause. She asked that a light be installed at the intersection of Long Lake Road and County Road I. Sharon Kirscher, 8406 Red Oak Drive, thanked the Council for addressing the abatement issue. She commented on the cleanup event that was held at this property. It was her hope the City could take this approach in the future and the community could be invited in to help address the situation versus having to hire a contractor. She did not want to see people getting taxed out of their houses in Mounds View. Gregory Gunn, 5090 Irondale Road, thanked the City and residents of Mounds View for their assistance. Brian Amundsen, 3048 Wooddale Drive, explained not all residents understood Mounds View was a charter city. He encouraged these residents to visit the City’s website where the City Charter could be viewed. He stated he was disappointed in this Council for not digging into the budget and levy process further. He was of the opinion a 9% levy was too high. He reported the Council was only supposed to go over the 6.5% in exceptional years when rates were hitting the City really hard. However, since passing the amendment, the Council has frequently gone to 9%. Mayor Lindstrom responded that he did not believe the final levy would come in at 9%, rather this was the number the preliminary levy came in at. Tony Presiado, 8217 Long Lake Road, addressed the Council regarding the abatement process. He supported the community being a part of the solution versus being part of the problem. He believed it was in poor taste that the Council supported abating a property in Mounds View because this came at a cost and could force a homeowner out of their home. He noted he spoke with Jeremiah about the assistance he could provide with this situation and noted he never heard back from Jeremiah or Don. He supported residents of Mounds View being a part of the solution going forward. Mayor Lindstrom thanked all of the members of the community that showed up to help with the abatement work. He explained he also thanked the regional manager at Ace Solid Waste for donating a dumpster to assist the City with the cleanup efforts. He explained Ace may be willing to donate another dumpster to assist with the cleanup of this property. 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS Resolution 10169, Approving the H/J Law Firm to Provide 2026 Prosecutorial Services for the City of Mounds View Police Department. Police Chief Zender requested the Council approve an agreement with H/J Law Firm to provide 2026 Prosecutorial Services for the City of Mounds View Police Department. He noted the initial agreement began in 2017 and has continued since that time. He commented on the proposed rate adjustment noting this adjustment was well overdue. He commented further on the proposed agreement and recommended approval. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10169, Approving the H/J Law Firm to Provide 2026 Prosecutorial Services for the City of Mounds View Police Department. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. PUBLIC HEARING: Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 1050 Amending the City of Mounds View Charter by Revising Language Related to Vacancies in Elected Office. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council introduce an Ordinance that would amend the Mounds View City Charter by revising language related to vacancies in elected office. He commented on the history of this matter and recommended the ordinance be introduced. Council Member Meehlhause clarified the appointment would be temporary until an election can be held to fill the vacancy. Mayor Lindstrom opened the public hearing at 6:33 p.m. Brian Amundson, 3048 Woodale Drive, explained the Charter Commission recognized that it becomes a problem when there were only four people on the City Council. He discussed how the Charter Commission set about plans for two different vacancy scenarios, one being less than 365 days and the other being over 365 days. He indicated the Charter Commission proposed a very specific process in order to have an appointment completed within 10 days. He then offered comments on the publishing concerns he had, noting this item had not been published properly within 30 days. Mayor Lindstrom thanked Mr. Amundsen for all of his efforts on this charter amendment. He asked the City Attorney to respond to Mr. Amundsen’s comment. City Attorney Riggs explained that most cities and charter commissions do not worry about timeframes but reported Mounds View does. He indicated he would look into this matter further. He recommended the City Council hold the public hearing and reported he would have further comments for the Council to review at the next City Council meeting. Robert Edmond, 7835 Groveland Road, explained he had questions and inquired why the rules were being changed. Mayor Lindstrom explained in 2023 there was a death on the City Council and the Council went for a long stretch with only four members. After this occurred, the Council recommended an appointment process be put in place to ensure the Council had five serving members. Council Member Meehlhause stated former Mayor Al Hull passed away in May of 2023, and his seat was not filled until November of 2023 when a special election could be held. He explained the results of the election had Council Member Lindstrom moving from a Council Member to the Mayor, which meant the Council still had an open seat and another special election would have to be held and the Council would remain at four members. He stated the Council operated with only four members for almost one year. Luke Edmund, 8407 Spring Lake Road, expressed concern with the fact the residents would not have any protection against the Commission member that was asked to serve if this individual were to begin working against the City. City Attorney Riggs reported the Charter Commission would not have anything to do with the appointment, once the change was made to the charter. Mayor Lindstrom explained that the City Administrator would reach out to individuals to fill the vacancy in a temporary manner. Council Member Meehlhause added that a special election would be held as soon as possible in order for the public to vote on the Council vacancy. Mr. Edmund thanked the City Attorney and Council for this clarification. Hearing no further public input, Mayor Lindstrom closed the public hearing at 6:51 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Smith. To Waive the First Reading and Introduction of Ordinance 1050 Amending the City of Mounds View Charter by Revising Language Related to Vacancies in Elected Office. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Second Reading and Approval of Ordinance 1051, Rezoning the Property at 2716 Hillview Road from R-1(Single Family Residential) to R-4 (Multi Family Residential). Evan Monson, Stantec, requested the Council to adopt an Ordinance that would rezone the property at 2716 Hillview Road from R-1 (Single Family Residential) to R-4 (Multi Family Residential). He explained this Ordinance was introduced at the Council’s last meeting and a public hearing was held by the Planning Commission on November 5. He reported the applicant would like to develop this property into four townhomes, which required the requested rezoning. He commented further on the applicant’s request and recommended approval of the Ordinance. James Cavanaugh, 7956 Red Oak Drive, explained he has lived in his home for the past 53 years. He stated there was no one in his neighborhood that wanted to see this rezoning approved. He suggested action on this item be tabled in order to allow the Council to speak with the neighbors that will be impacted by the proposed development. He did not want to see rental housing on this property. He anticipated this project was becoming a money issue and he understood the City would make more money on four townhomes than on one single-family home. Brian Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, stated after reviewing this proposal, he did not believe the City’s setback requirements would be met with the four proposed townhomes. He questioned why the Council would support moving forward with the rezoning when the City did not have a solid plan that met City requirements for this property. He anticipated this project could only move forward with variances. He supported this property maintaining the character of the neighborhood. Tony Presiado, 8217 Long Lake Road, expressed concern with how an increase in population leads to an increase in crime. He proposed the City leave this property vacant or that only one house be reconstructed on this site. Murwo Mohammad, 2657 Mounds View Boulevard, reported the City needed more affordable housing. She explained there were a lot of low-income families in Mounds View. She stated she did not appreciate the generalized statement that low-income housing brought crime. She indicated she was not a criminal, rather she was a good citizen that did not break the law. Robert Edmund, 7835 Groveland Road, stated the low-income housing across the highway from him, was now creating concerns on the Simmons property. He asked that the Council look into this. He indicated he did not support the proposed rezoning. Mayor Lindstrom reported the developer was proposing to build four market rate townhomes and noted the developer was a resident of Mounds View. While he understood the concerns from the residents that spoke, he also appreciated the fact that a resident in the community wanted to make an investment in Mounds View. He was of the opinion that the proposed development would not create hardships in the community. He stated this was a thoughtful development for the space and he appreciated the City having more housing options. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Clark. To Waive the Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 1051, Rezoning the Property at 2716 Hillview Road from R-1(Single Family Residential) to R-4 (Multi Family Residential). Council Member Meehlhause asked if there were single family residential homes in Mounds View that were rented. Assistant City Administrator Beeman reported the City had quite a few single-family rental homes. Mayor Lindstrom questioned if this was the first developer that had come forward with a project that lived in Mounds View. Assistant City Administrator Beeman stated this was the first project since his time with the City, which was for the past eleven and a half years. ROLL CALL: Clark/Gunn/Meehlhause/Smith/Lindstrom. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 1052, Amending the Mounds View City Code, Chapter 121, Cannabis and Hemp Businesses. City Administrator Zikmund requested the Council introduce an Ordinance that would amend the Mounds View City Code regarding cannabis and hemp businesses addressing the hours of operation. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Meehlhause. To Waive the First Reading and Introduce Ordinance 1052, Amending the Mounds View City Code, Chapter 121, Cannabis and Hemp Businesses. Mayor Lindstrom stated the City Council had limited control over the sale of cannabis within the City. He indicated the City could only license the use and the State controls the licensing. Council Member Clark asked if the City could restrict drive-thru sales for cannabis retailers. Mayor Lindstrom requested the City Attorney investigate this further. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Approving Resolution 10175, A Resolution Relating to the Issuance of Conduit Revenue Bonds to Finance the Costs of a Multifamily Housing Development Under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 462C; Granting Preliminary Approval Thereto; Establishing Compliance with Certain Reimbursement Regulations Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as Amended; and Taking Certain Other Actions with Respect Thereto (Silver Lake Pointe Project). Finance Director Bauman requested the Council adopt a Resolution relating to the issuance of conduit revenue bonds to finance the costs of a multi-family housing development, granting preliminary approval, establishing compliance with certain reimbursement regulations under IRS Code and taking certain other actions with respect thereto for the Silver Lake Pointe Project. She reported this was the first step in the process and may or may not go forward depending on if the developer receives funding from the State. She indicated the City would have no responsibility for these bonds, but rather the responsibility would fall solely on the developer. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Smith. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10175, A Resolution Relating to the Issuance of Conduit Revenue Bonds to Finance the Costs of a Multifamily Housing Development Under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 462C; Granting Preliminary Approval Thereto; Establishing Compliance with Certain Reimbursement Regulations Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as Amended; and Taking Certain Other Actions with Respect Thereto (Silver Lake Pointe Project). Council Member Meehlhause stated he supported the Council moving forward with the conduit revenue bond issuance. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. Consideration of a Fee Reduction on the Senior Suite Living Development at 7687 Long Lake Road. Assistant City Administrator Beeman requested the Council consider a fee reduction for the Senior Suite Living Development at 7687 Long Lake Road. He stated the developer is requesting a reduction or deferment in the City’s park dedication fees. Staff recommended the Council authorize the amount up to $80,000. Council Member Smith indicated she did not want this project to affect the City’s park dedication fund. Council Member Clark agreed. Mayor Lindstrom inquired if the Council supported waiving or reducing the park dedication fee for the developer of the Senior Suite Living Development at 7687 Long Lake Road. Council Member Meehlhause and Council Member Gunn did not support this action. Mayor Lindstrom indicated he did not support a fee waiver or reduction either. Council Member Meehlhause requested further information regarding the proposed development. Assistant City Administrator Beeman explained the developer was proposing to construct a 32 unit assisted living and end of life senior care facility. Council Member Meehlhause noted if this project were to move forward, this would be the only end of life senior care facility in Mounds View. Mayor Lindstrom reported the church and day care facility would remain on this property. He indicated the site would be split in order to accommodate the senior living facility. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Gunn. To authorize staff to negotiate and determine a reduction in fees up to $80,000 and to use discretion as to whether which fees are paid and which are reduced, with park dedication not being one of those for the Senior Suite Living Development at 7687 Long Lake Road and to return to the City Council for final approval. Finance Director Bauman recommended the SAC fees not be waived because these fees were charged by the Met Council. Council Member Smith reported her father-in-law moved into a live in suites facility. She described how the units were designed noting the facility offered both high quality assisted living and extra memory/end of life care. Council Member Clark inquired how much of an impact this project would have on the City’s property taxes. Assistant City Administrator Beeman reported he had not done the calculations yet for this project. Brian Amundsen, 3048 Woodale Drive, explained he appreciated the positive experience Council Member Smith had in another community, but noted there were assisted living and memory care options available in Mounds View for seniors. He understood this developer was not requesting TIF and cautioned the Council from moving forward with an $80,000 reduction in fees. Vince Meyer, 8380 Spring Lake Road, stated when he developed his lot he would not be asking for a reduction in City fees. He noted he has been paying $14,000 a month for a friend that was in a senior living facility. He did not support the City offering a fee waiver for the developer. Council Member Clark indicated she was not comfortable deciding on this motion without further information from staff. Mayor Lindstrom reported this item would be brought back to the Council for a final decision. He indicated he supported allowing staff to negotiate on behalf of the City and then having this item brought back to the Council for further consideration. Council Member Clark stated she believed the $80,000 was too much of an ask and she would like to see this number reduced to $40,000. Council Member Meehlhause inquired if the City could provide TIF on a property that was presently tax exempt. City Attorney Riggs reported the City would have to establish value on the property before considering the use of TIF. City Administrator Zikmund explained the church has been very open about their desire to reduce their level of debt, which would occur through the land sale. AMENDMENT MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Smith. To amend the motion, authorize staff to negotiate and determine a reduction in fees up to $40,000. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Amendment motion carried. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Amended motion carried. Resolution 10176, Authorization to Purchase a Boss Snowrator Mag 48” with Implements, Sidewalk Machine. Public Works Superintendent Pete Szurek requested the Council authorize the purchase of a Boss Snowrator Mag 48” with Implements, Sidewalk Machine. He explained one of the City’s two-stage blowers was currently not operational. He discussed how the Boss Snowrator would assist with improving the Public Works Departments efficiency when clearing sidewalks throughout the community. Staff commented further on the request and recommended approval of the purchase. Mayor Lindstrom asked if this machine could be used to clear the Quincy/Greenwood Trail. Mr. Szurek reported this would be a decision that would have to be made by the Council. He indicated this may not be the best piece of equipment for this application. Mr. Presiado questioned how much this piece of equipment would cost the City. Mr. Szurek explained the final cost for the Boss Snowrator was $32,658 under the State bid program. Vince Meyer, 8380 Spring Lake Road, asked why the City doesn’t pursue an attachment for the Bobcat. Mr. Szurek explained the City’s Bobcat was wider than 48”. He commented on how the proposed Boss Snowrator would be more versatile when it comes to removing snow from sidewalks. Council Member Clark discussed how this piece of equipment would also be used at the Tribute Park in the winter months. Mr. Szurek reported this was the case. Council Member Smith asked how often the broom would have to be replaced. Mr. Szurek anticipated the bristle broom would have to be replaced once a year, depending on use. He stated the brooms cost $400 to $500. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Clark. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10176, Authorization to Purchase a Boss Snowrator Mag 48” with Implements, Sidewalk Machine. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. REPORTS Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Clark stated she attended a Festival in the Park Committee meeting last week and noted the 2026 Festival date has been set for Saturday, August 22. Council Member Clark indicated she attended the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission meeting last week. She noted the City was currently hiring for the ice rink attendant positions, as well as for the front desk staff position. Council Member Clark encouraged residents with light displays to get their property registered with the City. Council Member Clark indicated the Community Center would be hosting a parent’s night out, once a month through May. She reported more information regarding these events was available on the City’s website. Council Member Clark explained the seniors were hosting the Silver Ukes on December 8. In addition, pickleball has returned through the winter on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Council Member Clark indicated the tree inspector reported there were 81 trees that had to be removed, seven of which were boulevard trees. Council Member Clark commented the food distribution by Manna Market would continue through the end of the year. She stated these distributions would be held at the Community Center on Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. She noted 218 families were helped at the last event. She thanked all of the volunteers that made these events possible. Council Member Clark noted the City was looking for additional assistance for the cleanup work needed at the house on Irondale Road. She encouraged those interested to contact her for further information. She thanked Ace Solid Waste for their assistance with this project. Council Member Smith reported she visited the East Metro Public Safety Training Facility in Maplewood last Friday. She commented on the demonstrations that were conducted during her visit. Council Member Smith indicated she attended an Airport Commission meeting last week. She stated the next Anoka County Aviation Festival would be held on June 12, 2027. Council Member Smith then reviewed a list of things she was thankful for. Council Member Gunn reported she was thankful to be out of the house. Council Member Gunn encouraged the public to attend the tree lighting ceremony on Friday, December 5 at City Hall park from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Council Member Gunn wished everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. Council Member Meehlhause stated the Community Meal would be held on Monday, December 8 at the Mermaid from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Council Member Meehlhause reported he would be attending a Twin Cities Gateway finance committee meeting on Friday, December 5. Mayor Lindstrom explained he recently attended a Nine Cities meeting where the group discussed housing legislation. Mayor Lindstrom stated he recently attended the Regional Council of Mayors where former Governor Pawlenty was in attendance. Mayor Lindstrom commented on the North Metro Mayors meeting he attended noting the group mostly discussed TH610. Mayor Lindstrom reported he served at the food distribution event on Sunday. He thanked Representative Jebens-Singh for attending this event. Mayor Lindstrom stated he attended a planning meeting for the Community Meal, which will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 8. He encouraged residents to sign up if planning to attend on Eventbrite. It was his hope the community would take the opportunity to bowl after the meal. Mayor Lindstrom explained on Saturday, December 6, the City would be holding a town hall meeting on gun violence with the Attorney General and parents from Annunciation. Mayor Lindstrom thanked the community volunteers that assisted with the abatement work for the home on Irondale Road. Mayor Lindstrom stated he spoke at St. Thomas today and presented to the law clinic regarding the clemency work he was doing throughout the State. Mayor Lindstrom indicated on Tuesday, December 9 he would be speaking at the Rush City prison to speak to the graduates. Mayor Lindstrom thanked the community for being supportive of the work that was conducted by the Mounds View City Council. B. Reports of Staff. Finance Director Bauman reported the Truth in Taxation meeting would be held on Monday, December 1 at 6:00 p.m. She noted the final budget and tax levy would be approved by the Council on Tuesday, December 9. Assistant City Administrator Beeman stated City staff was working on rental license renewals and code violation issues. He explained the housing policy would be reviewed by the Council at the Monday, December 1 worksession meeting. City Administrator Zikmund further reviewed the items that would be discussed by the Council at the Monday, December 1 worksession meeting. He indicated that the City currently has $190,000 in LAHA dollars and commented on how a $10,000 allocation was necessary for those in need in order to properly complete any improvement project that came out of an energy audit. Council Member Clark asked how many people have been helped to date with the LAHA dollars. City Administrator Zikmund stated the City was helping close to one family a week with the LAHA dollars. C. Reports of City Attorney. City Attorney Riggs had nothing additional to report. 10. Next Council Work Session: Monday, December 1, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. Next Special Council Meeting: Monday, December 1, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:23 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial