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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2026/07/13APPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting July 13, 2026 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112 6:05 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Clark, Gunn (arrived at 6:09 p.m.), Lindstrom, Meehlhause and Smith NOT PRESENT: None. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, July 13, 2026, City Council Agenda. City Administrator Zikmund reported Item 8C should be Mounds View Municipal Cannabis. He requested the addition of Item 8D – Park Improvement Plan and 8E – Long Lake Road Plans. MOTION/SECOND: Clark/Meehlhause. To Approve the Monday, July 13, 2026, agenda as amended. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 5. CONSENT AGENDA Council Member Meehlhause asked to remove Item 5C. Mayor Lindstrom asked to remove Item 5D. A. Approval of Minutes: June 22, 2026. B. Just and Correct Claims. C. Resolution 10272, Approving the Hire of the Finance Director. D. Resolution 10273, Authorizing the Purchase of a Treadmill for the City Hall Fitness Center. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Clark. To Approve the Consent Agenda as amended removing Items 5C and 5D. Mounds View City Council July 13, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 2 Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 10272, Approving the Hire of the Finance Director. Council Member Meehlhause reported the City would be hiring Travis Byrne noting he currently works as the assistant finance director for the city of Shoreview. Mayor Lindstrom welcomed Mr. Byrne to the City of Mounds View. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Smith. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10272, Approving the Hire of the Finance Director. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 10273, Authorizing the Purchase of a Treadmill for the City Hall Fitness Center. Mayor Lindstrom explained he was of the opinion there were a lot of treadmills at the fitness center and questioned if the City needed to make this purchase. City Administrator Zikmund reported he would follow up on this and report back to the City Council. MOTION/SECOND: Lindstrom/Clark. To Table Action on this Item to a Future City Council meeting. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Proclamation – Parks and Recreation Month. Mayor Lindstrom read a proclamation in full for the record declaring July Parks and Recreation month in the City of Mounds View. 7. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Lindstrom encouraged the public to speak with kindness and respect when addressing the City Council during Public Comment. Sharon Kirscher, 8406 Red Oak Drive, requested a correction be made in the Mounds View Matters regarding whether driveways must be paved or an improved surface. She recommended clarification be provided for the public. 8. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. PUBLIC HEARING: Resolution 10271, 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 2026 Festival in Mounds View City Council July 13, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 3 the Park. Council Member Smith recused herself from discussing this 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 2026 Festival in the Park. Mayor Lindstrom opened the public hearing at 6:18 p.m. Hearing no public input, Mayor Lindstrom closed the public hearing at 6:18 p.m. MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Clark. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 10271, 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 2026 Festival in the Park. Mayor Lindstrom reported he was happy to see Moe’s would be coming back to serve alcoholic beverages at Festival in the Park again this year. Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 Motion carried. B. Discussion – Rental Properties. Housing and Code Enforcement Inspector Anderson stated the Council requested a discussion be held on rental properties and short-term rentals. He explained he received a complaint on May 11 concerning a short-term rental in Mounds View and if this property was supposed to be licensed. He discussed how a widower in the community was renting out his home two or three times per month. He stated because the widower was the owner of the property, he was not required to obtain a rental license. He clarified the City does not differentiate between a rental license and short-term rental license. He noted he had the police investigate this property further to better understand the parking situation. He reported the City currently has 133 single family homes with rental licenses and three are short-term rentals. He discussed how neighboring communities address short term rentals noting that New Brighton requires a short-term rental permit. He commented further on short term rentals and stated there does not appear to be a widespread problem in the community when it comes to short term rentals. Mayor Lindstrom asked how many bedrooms the widower’s home had. Housing and Code Enforcement Inspector Anderson reported the home had five bedrooms. Council Member Gunn understood White Bear Lake has had problems with 18-year-olds renting homes and throwing parties for 150 kids. She inquired if this had been a concern in Mounds View. Housing and Code Enforcement Inspector Anderson explained the only concern Mounds View has had was with a mother who wanted to rent a home to throw a graduation party for her college aged son. Mayor Lindstrom indicated this issue appeared to be a loophole in the current system because the Mounds View City Council July 13, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 4 owner was renting the property on a regular basis and did not have a rental license. He supported a property owner in this situation having to comply with the City’s rental standards. Mayor Lindstrom opened the meeting for public comment. Rosemary Lansing, 8310 Pleasant View Drive, supported the City establishing regulations for short-term rentals because the rental on her home was turning into a party house that was noisy with parking concerns. She encouraged the City to be a leader and to put a permit process in place for short-term rentals. She questioned if the police should be called every time there was a concern, or should the concerns be directed to the property owner. She noted the property on her street was allowed to have up to 21 people which was a concern to her. She indicated she did not want the house on her street to be social gathering place for guests and their friends. She reported that the City of Minneapolis limits the number of guests to a short-term rental to 10 regardless of the size of the property. She explained Coon Rapids does not allow short term rentals at all. Sarah Solbro, 8305 Pleasant View Drive, explained she lives next to the party house. She noted she was woken up the night of July 4th. She reported that her neighbor plans to rent the house every weekend possible and does not care if the police are called. She commented on how someone’s tires were slashed over the 4th of July weekend. She stated she lives in a very nice quiet neighborhood, and she did not approve of the activities at her neighbor’s property from the short- term renters. Jake Tease, 8300 Pleasant View Drive, stated every weekend there was a huge party at the rental home. He commented one weekend there was at least 60 people at the home. He explained these people were noisy until 2:30 in the morning with cars parked up and down the street. He reported that if the police are called, they do not arrive in time for the noise concerns. Caroline Brightbach, 8330 Pleasant View Drive, explained she does not have small children, but her neighbors do. She indicated she did not believe it was right to have strangers in the neighborhood every weekend and noted she was also concerned with the amount of parking that was occurring on both sides of the street as well. Mayor Lindstrom stated it appears this property has become a concern for the neighborhood. He indicated it also appears the home was allowing for more than 12 to 14 people. Ms. Lansing explained she was concerned with the fact the property had guns onsite, in a locked safe and the guests were aware of this fact. Rebecca Scholl, 2467 Hill View, stated she had conflicting thoughts about this situation. She supported people being able to rent their property, but she also supported community standards being followed. She recommended the City establish guidelines and limits to hold property owners responsible. She supported the City setting a limit on the number of people who can occupy a short-term rental to address the noisy party concerns. Mary Kay Walsh Kacsmaryk, 8345 Pleasant View Drive, questioned whether overnight on street parking was allowed in Mounds View. She commented this requirement was not being adhered to Mounds View City Council July 13, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 5 by the short-term rental property as cars were parking on the street and in the lawn. She stated she counted 14 cars on the street adjacent to the rental property on night on her street. She asked that the City enforce this rule. Dan Kacsmaryk, 8345 Pleasant View Drive, reported his neighbors came to him voicing their concern regarding the short-term rental. He asked if Mounds View was going into the rental business and questioned if his neighborhood was still zoned single family residential. He explained his neighbor was running a business and making money from his home. He encouraged the City of Mounds View to see the problem with the short-term rental. He reported there were problems with parking and noise. Mayor Lindstrom explained he learned about this situation two weeks ago and noted this meeting was the first time for the City Council to address this concern. He agreed a license should be required and that there should be a cap set for the number of people that can occupy the short-term rental. Ms. Solbro commented it was her understanding the short-term rental would be rented out this weekend for a family reunion. Mayor Lindstrom thanked the neighbors for bringing their concerns to the City Council. Council Member Meehlhause stated it appears this homeowner was turning their home into a business. Council Member Smith asked if all parking from a short-term rental had to be placed on a driveway and not the lawn or street. She questioned if this was truly an occupied rental when the homeowner was leaving the premise every weekend. Housing and Code Enforcement Inspector Anderson reported the parking issues were a concern, noting all parking from a short-term rental was to be located on the driveway. He provided further comment on how rental properties were currently defined as a property as not being someone’s primary residence. He indicated the City has four other short-term rentals and none of these have been a problem. He commented on how regulations can be put in place to set limits for the property owner and to offer safeguards for the neighbors. Council Member Gunn inquired what rules were in place to address Airbnb’s in the City. Housing and Code Enforcement Inspector Anderson reported the City does not have any requirements in place currently that will require a property owner to notify the City if they place their home for rent on Airbnb. He stated the City would have to put regulations in place to require property owners to have a license with the City. Ms. Scholl asked if a resident has placed their home in an LLC, could then claim ownership of the home. City Administrator Zikmund reported that the City attorney could draft the language in a manner that would ensure the party responsible was ticketed should a violation on the property occur. Ms. Kacsmaryk supported the City setting a cap on the number of people, but noted the short-term rental in question had added beds to the office and a pull-out couch to the living room, which Mounds View City Council July 13, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 6 meant this five-bedroom house could now sleep 14+. Ms. Walsh suggested the number of cars be linked to the capacity of the short-term rental. The consensus of the Council was to direct staff to set a cap on the number of people (up to 10) that can occupy a short term rental, to direct staff to bring forward a permit process in place for short term rentals, and to direct the police department to address the parking from short term rentals that was spilling onto yards and the street. C. Discussion – Mounds View Municipal Cannabis. City Administrator Zikmund stated representatives from Voyageur Cannabis were in attendance to address the Council. He noted staff was looking for direction on how to proceed with the municipal cannabis shop. Patrick Hurley, Voyageur Cannabis representative, provided background information on Voyageur Cannabis noting this company was created in 2023 to assist municipalities with launching and operating retail cannabis shops. He stated he was available to answer any questions from the Council. Council Member Gunn reported she attended the League of Minnesota Cities Conference where a session on municipal cannabis was held. She indicated Osseo was mentioned a quite a few times and it appears Osseo was very happy to be working with Voyageur Cannabis. Council Member Meehlhause requested further information regarding the relationship between Voyageur and Osseo. Mr. Hurley explained he has worked with a few cities. Voyageur offers a variety of services to assist with launching municipal cannabis retail shops. He reported Osseo had a retail location in place, but it will be run by Voyageur employees. Mayor Lindstrom reported he had a chance to review the draft agreement from Voyageur and noted the big issue with the previous partner was with the reserve split. He stated the City was looking for a partner to buildout a municipal cannabis space, run day to day operations and then share the profits after all expenses were paid. Mr. Hurley indicated this was exactly what Voyageur would like to do. Mayor Lindstrom inquired if Voyageur agreed to the 60/40 split. Mr. Hurley reported this was the case. Mayor Lindstrom questioned if Voyageur would be interested in the current retail site with 3,500 square feet of space. Mr. Hurley stated this would be Voyageur’s preferred site. He anticipated Voyageur could be operational in this space yet this fall. Council Member Clark asked if Voyageur grew their own plants. Mr. Hurley reported Voyageur does not grow their own plants, but has preferred partnerships in place. Council Member Meehlhause inquired if obtaining product has been a challenge. Mr. Hurley Mounds View City Council July 13, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 7 indicated there was a bit of a backlog at this time, which has led him to pursue conversations with other tribal groups. Council consensus was to direct staff to move forward with a partnership with Voyageur Cannabis for the Mounds View Municipal cannabis ship. City Administrator Zikmund stated with Council consensus to move this partnership forward, it was staff’s hope to have a draft agreement for the Council to review in two weeks. D. Park Improvement Plan. City Administrator Zikmund explained staff has been working with Wald Architects to get plans for the Community Center and Silver View Park improvements. Mayor Lindstrom stated the school district was in the need to rent more space and questioned if the City could move forward with constructing the space with the understanding the school district would be a renter. City Administrator Zikmund indicated the school had robotics and gymnastics needs at this time. Staff anticipated there would be four to eight months of rental needs. He stated he would continue to explore these needs and would report back to the City Council at a future meeting when he had more information from the school district. E. Long Lake Road Plans. City Administrator Zikmund reviewed the proposed plans from Ramsey County for the intersection of Long Lake Road at County Road I. He noted this project was proposed for 2030 and 2031. Mayor Lindstrom inquired if there would be shared costs for this project. City Administrator Zikmund reported these were both county roads and he did not anticipate any costs for this project would be the City’s responsibility. 9. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council. Council Member Smith reported last Friday she attended a Ramsey County League of Local Government event at the former Ford plant in St. Paul. She commented on the unique amenities that were being incorporated within this redevelopment project. Council Member Smith explained she would be attending an Airport Commission meeting on Wednesday, July 15. Council Member Smith stated the Cable Commission meeting for July was canceled and noted this group would be holding a workshop meeting in August. Council Member Smith indicated the Festival in the Park Committee would be meeting next on Tuesday, July 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Public Works building. Mounds View City Council July 13, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 8 Council Member Clark indicated she would be attending a Police Foundation meeting on Tuesday, July 14 at 5:30 p.m. Council Member Clark stated she would be attending the Festival in the Park Committee meeting next week and encouraged those interested in volunteering for this event to reach out to her. Council Member Clark reported the next Mounds View Matters would be sent out at the end of July. Council Member Clark thanked all the volunteers that have been helping with the food distribution events on Sundays at the Community Center. She noted she was always looking for volunteers to assist with the distribution events. Council Member Clark encouraged residents to register their community block parties for Night to Unite with the City. She reported Night to Unite would be held on Tuesday, August 4. Council Member Meehlhause stated on Wednesday, July 15 he would be attending an NYFS finance committee meeting. Council Member Smith indicated the Ramsey County Fair would be held this weekend and noted Arden Hills would be celebrating their 75th Anniversary on Friday, July 17. Mayor Lindstrom stated he would be attending the Community Engagement Committee meeting on Thursday, July 16. Mayor Lindstrom explained the filing period of City Council would open on Tuesday, July 14 and would remain open through Tuesday, July 28. He noted the residents would be voting on three open Council seats (Mayor and two Councilmembers) in November. Mayor Lindstrom suggested the City Council hold a town hall meeting to discuss the community survey results. Council Member Clark supported this recommendation. The Council suggested the town hall meeting be tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, September 9 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. Council Member Meehlhause thanked the public works crew that assisted with the clean up of several downed branches on his street. Council Member Clark reported the next music in the park event would be held on Wednesday, July 22 at 6:30 p.m. at Lake Side Lions Park. Council Member Gunn stated there would be popsicles in the park on Thursdays at noon at the splash pad. Mounds View City Council July 13, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 9 B. Reports of Staff. City Administrator Zikmund asked if the Council supported staff sending a letter of support to Ramsey County for the roundabout at County Road I and Long Lake Road. The Council consensus was to direct staff to send a letter of support. City Administrator Zikmund reported the North Metro Mayors would be holding a candidate forum at the Mounds View City Hall on Monday, August 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 10. Next Council Work Session: Monday, August 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Next Council Meeting: Monday, July 27, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:53 p.m. Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther Minute Maker Secretarial