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2021-12-14 CC Meeting MinutesMOUND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES December 14, 2021 The City Council of the City of Mound, Hennepin County, Minnesota, met in regular session on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Centennial Building. Members present: Mayor Ray Salazar; Council members Phil Velsor, Paula Larson, Sherrie Pugh, and Jason Holt Members absent: None Others present: City Manager Eric Hoversten, Administrative Services Director Catherine Pausche, City Clerk Kevin Kelly, Community Development Director Sarah Smith, Sergeant Tim Sonnek, Senator David Osmek, Ben Brandt, Skip Johnson, Barry & Kim Blievernicht, Holly Thumann and Margaret Hutchinson. Consent agenda: All items listed under the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine in nature by the Council. There will be no separate discussion on these items unless a Councilmember or citizen so requests, in which event it will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered in normal sequence. 1. Open meeting Mayor Salazar called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2 Pledge of Allegiance 3. Approve agenda MOTION by Velsor, seconded by Pugh, to approve the agenda. All voted in favor. Motion carried. 4. Consent agenda Larson requested Item 40 be removed for discussion. MOTION by Velsor, seconded by Holt, to approve the consent agenda as amended. Upon roll call vote, all voted in favor. Motion carried. A. Approve payment of claims in the amount of $318,137.87. B. Approve minutes: 11-23-21 regular meeting C. Approve appointments to the Docks and Commons Commission: 1. Heidi Peterson (Non -abutter) re -appointment to a 3-year term D. Approve appointments to the Planning Commission: 1. Dave Goode re -appointment to a 3-year term 2. Drew Heal re -appointment to a 3-year term 3. Kevin Castellano re -appointment to a 3-year term E. Approve appointments to the Parks and Open Spaces Commission: 1. Mark Stehlik re -appointment to a 3-year term Mound City Council Minutes — December 14, 2021 2. Kim Blievernicht appointment to a 3-year term F. Approve re -appointment of Ben Brandt as City representative to Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD) Board G. RESOLUTION 21-121: RESOLUTION DESIGNATING POLLING PLACES H. RESOLUTION 21-122: RESOLUTION APPROVING CONTRIBUTIONS FOR 2021 I. RESOLUTION 21-123: RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE 2022-2025 RESIDENTIAL WASTE REDUCTION AND RECYCLING GRANT AGREEMENT WITH HENNEPIN COUNTY J. RESOLUTION 21-124: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A PUMPER TRUCK FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT K. Approve Public Works project pay items: 1. In the amount of $16,860.17 to Widmer Construction, Inc. for the 2021 Lynwood Watermain Replacement (Ph1) PW 21-01 2. In the amount of $68,741.02 to R&R Excavating for the 2021 Lift Station Replacement Project PW 21-03 3. In the amount of $2,855 to Boulder Creations Unlimited for the 2021 Lift Station Replacement Project PW 21-03 4. Final, Closeout Payment in the amount of $2,629.00 to Floorcoat Midwest, LLC for the 2021 Manhole Rehab Project PW 21-04 5. In the amount of $87,314.40 to Bituminous Roadways for the 2021 Pavement Improvement Program PW 21-09 L. ORDINANCE NO. 15-2021: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 101 OF THE MOUND CITY CODE AS IT RELATES TO GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS M. RESOLUTION 21-125: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PUBLICATION OF AN ORDINANCE BY TITLE AND SUMMARY, AS IT RELATES TO GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS N. RESOLUTION 21-126: RESOLUTION APPROVING PUBLIC GATHERING PERMIT AND MUSICAL CONCERT PERMIT FOR 2022 MOUND POLAR PLUNGE AT SURFSIDE PARK AND BEACH ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 29, 2022 AND REDUCED FEE O. REMOVED 40. REMOVED Approve First Amendment to Restoration Agreement for property at 2396 Commerce Blvd Larson referenced pages 2974 and 2975 in the Council packet and said she wanted to better understand item #2 in the agreement regarding the certificate of occupancy and whether the deadline of February 28, 2022 for the Williams building restoration to be substantially completed will be based on opinion of the Building Official and Hoversten said yes. Larson asked about item #4 of the agreement and what will be required should the building not be ready on February 28th. Larson asked what is the next course of business if Lange doesn't meet his obligations regarding the restoration and how quickly will Mr. Lange be served by mail. Larson Mound City Council Minutes — December 14, 2021 asked if Mr. Lange's attorney will also be served the notice. Hoversten said there is a 30-day extension cure procedure if the restoration is not substantially complete. Hoversten added that if this is the case, on March 1 St, the City will send via the mail with proof of delivery the cure notice giving Mr. Lange 30 days to respond. Hoversten said after the reply to the 30-day notice from Mr. Lange the City Council can respond and instruct staff to send notice of default or to continue to work with the property owner. Hoversten said the next step, civil court, is a possible action at the end of 30-day period. Hoversten said Mr. Lange will have 30 days from receipt of the notice from the City. Larson asked if the Williams trust will be served these papers which Hoversten said they are not party to the agreement. MOTION by Larson, seconded by Velsor, to approve the First Amendment to Restoration Agreement for property at 2396 Commerce Blvd. All voted in favor. Motion carried. 5. Comments and suggestions from citizens present on any item not on the agenda. None were offered. 6. Orono Police Sergeant Tim Sonnek presenting the November Activity Report Sergeant Sonnek presented the Orono Police Department (OPD) Mound November activity report. Sonnek listed ten crashes, 19 alarms, 21 animal complaints, one assault, 47 medical calls, four fire assists, one burglary, 10 disturbances, three DUI's, five domestic calls, three mental health calls, 11 thefts, seven parking complaints, 18 welfare checks and 57 traffic stops. Sonnek stated there were 312 incidents this in November 2021 compared to 268 calls in November of 2020. Sonnek noted two officers are leaving the department; Sergeant Chad Stensrud for a promotion to Captain at Robbinsdale, and Detective Jaime Witke for retirement. Sonnek said Witke worked for Mound and on the Orono Police Department (OPD) for almost 20 years of service. Salazar asked Sonnek to pass on our thanks to the officers. Salazar noted the last Police Commission meeting and Chief Farniok highlighting the West Metro Drug Task Force's significant bust recently including drugs and guns. Sonnek said hard drugs have been more prevalent resulting in more arrests. Velsor noted Chief Farniok stressed the need to make sure houses and vehicles are locked and noted body cameras have been implemented. Sonnek said eastern Orono has had some burglaries while people were home, but that has yet to occur in Mound. Sonnek said the department intercepted a stolen vehicle with stolen property in the car and two people were arrested. 7. Minnesota Senate District 33 Senator David Osmek providing a legislative update and discussion with Community members and Council Senator Osmek addressed the Council noting the Williams building was an issue when he first joined the Council 20 years ago. Osmek mentioned three other properties that may need City attention; one on Brunswick, one on Dorchester, and one near his home on Three Points. Osmek gave his 2021 Legislative session report by saying he was disappointed in a few of the omnibus bills and voted against two. Osmek said he thought the transportation bill was good and voted for it and supports investment in bus rapid transit. Osmek said he has now received four awards from suburban transit authority groups over the years. Osmek said he will go to bat for busses which he said people want and said light rail is not as efficient as busses but doesn't get funded to the same extent as light rail. Osmek showed the Council the award he received from the manufactured and modular homes association for being a friend of affordable housing. Osmek said he helped pass legislation regarding the Corrections Department to address problems of those that leave custody by adding a requirement for them to have a picture ID, Social Security Card and a monthly supply of medication and second month prescription in hand Mound City Council Minutes — December 14, 2021 prior to deparature. Osmek said these are for non -narcotic medications. Osmek said these items are needed to reintroduce a person into society in order to help them find work and prevent re -incarceration. Osmek said the legislature bonding cycle begins in 2022 and said he has the latest version of the City water plant funding request so the bill is ready to go at the open of session in 2022. Osmek said he is prioritizing the proposed Mound water plant because it is a health and wellness issue. Osmek said the City may not get the full $24M but noted the water quality issue came about due to a change in MPCA/EPA standards and not because of any negligence on the part of the City, a point he is driving home with legislators. Salazar thanked Osmek for his 20 years of service to the community, noting Osmek continues to serve the community by driving a school bus. Osmek said there is a huge driver shortage and he decided to become a bus driver to help out. Osmek said he has been named the President of the Minnesota Senate and will officially take these duties on January 31st. Osmek said he is the 14th President of the Senate which he said is more of an operations manager role and not a political position. Osmek said the Senate Majority leader sets the agenda and the operations manager executes the agenda while ensuring Senate rules and processes are followed. Holt thanked Osmek for taking on the water quality issue. Osmek said he and Representative Kelly Morrison are assuming leadership on the water issue and the request at the legislature at the beginning of the session. 8 Lake Minnetonka Conservation District Representative Ben Brandt providing a recap of 2021 Board activities and forecast for 2022 Ben Brandt, the Mound Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD) Representative, said this is the second time he has addressed the Council this year, noting the discussion in July was about the 2022 LMCD budget and AIS(Aquatic Invasive Species). Brandt thanked the Council for appointing him for an additional three years. Brandt produced a packet of slides which highlighted the LMCD AIS strategy, noting he is a member of the LMCD AIS sub -committee. Brandt highlighted the following: the LMCD has stopped mechanical harvesting AIS three years ago and sold the equipment. Brandt said the LMCD is working on prevention and management of potential Starry Stonewort infestation and working with the University of Minnesota on Spiny Water Flea control. Brandt said Spiny Water Flea can damage fishing equipment if it gets on fishing lines and will kill fish if ingested. Brandt said these two AIS are in northern lakes and the LMCD is working to keep them out of the lake. Brandt said the prevention tools include CD3 (Clean, Drain, Dry, Dispose) stations at the launches in Spring Park Bay and Maxwell Bay and have funded the redesign of the Grays Bay launch with more signage regarding AIS. Brandt added there is a CD3 pilot project at Carson's Bay with positive results so far and the LMCD is looking to make it permanent. Brandt said the LMCD has improved their website with the best information possible on AIS. Brandt said the LMCD is addressing lake safety and boat generated wake impact and is hoping for the publication of a related U of M study in late 2021. Brandt said the U of M has taken input from the community and staff observation for the study. Brandt said this was the deadliest year on record for boating fatalities in Minnesota. Brandt addressed Lake Management and Administration in his presentation and the large increase in communication directed to LMCD staff regarding the boat wake debate, the increased amount of Mound City Council Minutes — December 14, 2021 vegetation in the lake and the low water level this year which impacted navigation and vegetation growth negatively. Brandt said the Hennepin County Water Patrol did crackdown on one non -compliant water rental business and identified 18 unlawful/unregistered charter operations which are being addressed. Brandt said the LMCD funded the addition of two dedicated HC Water Patrol Deputies and is looking to fund one more in 2022. Brandt stated it was a busy summer on the lake with LMCD staff: • Processing dock reconfiguration requests, etc. • Disseminating low water information, noting there was no low water declarations in spite of lower than normal levels that created difficulties • Implementing a new mobile friendly web site with improved communication on safety, AIS and other lake user information • Implementing a distance buoy pilot project in Cook's Bay to create a distance marker to warn lake users to not throttle up until meeting the buoy • Developing an AIS strategy with AIS funding going to the bays which need it the most, noting now neighborhoods can apply for up to 35% of funding in initial cost of treating lake weeds with the Harrison's Bay Association was the first application received. Brandt said this effort is limited to herbicides and can include other types of treatment • Continuing the AIS prevention project with an education based approach and long-term impact discussions that will inform funding decisions Salazar asked why the LMCD farms out work to vendors and partners instead of doing it in-house. Brandt said it is driven by resources and to allow the LMCD goals to be a total -lake process which will focus on providing expert research and studies to be shared with the public and allocating resources to fund solutions. Salazar asked if the new LMCD strategy would cause the creation of a taxable Lake Improvement Districts (LID). Brandt said he doesn't advocate for LIDs. Salazar agreed saying that it is effectively duplicative taxation. Velsor said he isn't an expert but it seems the LMCD is acting like a general contractor which hires the experts to do specialized work and it would be cumbersome for the LMCD to do this work with a small staff. Pausche said the City pays approximately $25,000 to the LMCD which wouldn't take care of all the AIS issues in the Mound area so expectations need to be managed. Salazar asked about wake impact on the erosion of the shoreline noting things have changed over the past 100 years of boat use and whether there are other concerns Brandt may have about the safety of smaller watercraft using the lake. Brandt said watercraft can disturb sediment which creates water clarity issues and the aim is for everyone to enjoy the lake but that further study of this problem is needed before a policy is implemented. Mound City Council Minutes — December 14, 2021 Velsor and Hoversten said it is important to study how boat use has changed and to demonstrate how boats on the lake engineered to create wake stir up the lake bottom which can create ecological issues for lake health. 9. Planning Case No. 21-14 Public Hearing for review of Conditional Use Permit for proposed reuse of Island Hall building and property at 4843 Manchester Road for community/neighborhood and special event use; also consideration of Public Lands Permit Applicant: Island Park Village Hall Preservation Committee Smith presented the overview of the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and Public Lands Permit (PLP) applications for the proposed reuse of the former Island Park Hall (IPH) at 4843 Manchester Road. Smith said the request would allow a future reuse of the property which the group has been working on since 2018. Smith said the IPH group came before the Council to talk about bringing the building back to its former glory to be used by members of the community. Smith noted the 2018 resolution included a provision that no City financial resources will be dedicated for the rehab as a condition of approval for the project to go forward. Smith said the proposed land use to put the hall back to how it was used has followed the CUP application process which had Planning Commission (PC) review and a public hearing. Smith added there was a formal publication of the public hearing with a 350' posting and also posting on the City website and at City Hall. Smith said the site is owned by the City of Mound and has been vacant for a number of years. Smith added the IPH group would want a long-term lease from the City and is seeking contributions and commitment from the City related to asbestos removal, access to long-term parking located in the residential zone, and support to get IPH National Historic Registration status which will drive the requirements to improve the building. Smith said the CUP would allow something similar to a remodel and the CUP and City lease would allow for governmental use of the building in a residential area. Smith added the IPH group would be required to rehab the external architecture to return the building to its look in the past and restore the building to meet the building code in order to hold events and allow for the building occupation and the parking to be improved. Smith said on November 16t" the PC reviewed the application and noticed nearby property owners of the discussion of the CUP and PLP applications. Smith added the IPH group had previously reached out to neighbors to get their input and to notify them of their intention to reuse the IPH. Smith said the PC reviewed the parking analysis which concluded 33 parking spaces were needed for an expected 100 guests, noting the submitted plan included 39 spaces which the PC found realistic in addition to a shared parking agreement with the City. Smith said the requested action is for the Council to provide a policy directive and acceptance of the permits for the building, parking, a long-term lease and asbestos abatement. Smith said the Council approval of the application and of the lease will allow the IPH group to apply for the historic status, show City commitment and begin fundraising. Smith said there are costs for utility hookup, parking improvements and asbestos removal which need to be considered by the Council. Smith noted the asbestos removal would need to be paid for by the City if the building stands and is remodeled or if it is demolished. Mound City Council Minutes — December 14, 2021 Holly Thumann, 5907 Hawthorne Road, a member of the IPH preservation committee said they are ecstatic to be at this point. Thumann pointed out the nomination of the building to the national historic register will allow them to apply for grants, noting a grant was already received for the conditions assessment report done by an architect who determined the building is structurally worth saving. Thumann said the Nation Historic Registration (NHR) status would be removed if there are too many changes to the building exterior, noting the NHR status drives conditions to grant funds. Thumann said the IPH group has grants ready to move forward following City permission. Thumann said there needs to be research on the building's roof as soon as possible as well as other items needed in order to make the building energy efficient. Thumann said IPH was built in 1936 as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project and was done with excellent craftsmanship and building techniques. Thumann said techniques such as poured in place concrete construction allows the windows to be cast in place and all are in good shape with storm window inserts fitted into each window. Thumann said the building has 18" thick walls. Thumann said heating the building by adding duct work which would take away from the architecture of the building and looked into in floor heat which is grant fundable. Thumann said there can be limitations on inside improvements but noted the exterior is the most important item considered by the NHR committees. Thumann said this project would save this historic building for future generations as a gathering space. Thumann said the IPH group is not looking to turn the building into a museum but an actively used building to create a more connected community. Thumann said community pride can encourage people to put more pride in their own properties and IPH can act as a community hub for the Island area. Thumann said the IPH would hold seasonal events to bring people out to make the community connections which have been lacking without a gathering space. Salazar commended the IPH Committee for sticking with this project. Salazar said this rehab is a cool idea that will keep history alive. Salazar said he voted there in 1992. Salazar said the documents presented show a range for the cost of the project between $250,000 and $850,000 depending on the amount of donations and in -kind work. Thumann said there are already offers from skilled people to do work on the IPH and the group needs to explore more grant opportunities after the NHR process is complete. Thumann said the window of opportunity to rehab the building is getting near its end as water damage is occurring and the roof needs replacing. Thumann said the roof trusses are functionally sound noting had they not been the remodel would not be economically feasible. Thumann said the group's goal is to turn the building into a community asset. Thumann said the estimate for the demolition of the building would be in the range of $60,000- $100,000 at a minimum. Skip Johnson, 3018 Island View Drive, said the IPH group needs control of the building but a lease would allow for continued City ownership. Hoversten said he understands that if the City gave IPH to the group the tax liability would be too high. Johnson said this is an opportunity to save something important to the community. Salazar opened the public hearing at 8:56. Mound City Council Minutes — December 14, 2021 Kelly Olson, 3066 Highland Drive, said she is on the IPH planning committee and is a realtor who believes the building economics will allow for this type of gathering place to continue into the future Salazar closed the public hearing at 8:57. Larson said she has found memories of the Island Park Village Hall which was the place for parties and the place to be for kids and the community. Larson added the building did survive the tornado and looks forward to the IPH group's work on the project. Pugh also remembers when the IPH was in use and said she reviewed previous City Council meetings and went through the Mound Westonka Historical Society history of the town hall and other infrastructure in town. Pugh said this revitalization will bring the good things of the past to the future use. Pugh said the Island is 50% of the population of the City and there is no gathering place on the Island for residents and applauds the progress of work of the group. Reauested Actions MOTION by Larson, seconded by Pugh, to approve the following resolution. All voted in favor. Motion carried. A. ACTION ON RESOLUTION NO. 21-127: RESOLUTION APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR REUSE OF ISLAND PARK HALL BUILDING AND PROPERTY AT 4843 MANCHESTER ROAD MOTION by Pugh, seconded by Larson, to approve the following resolution. All voted in favor. Motion carried. B. ACTION ON RESOLUTION NO. 21-128: RESOLUTION APPROVING PUBLIC LANDS PERMIT FOR REUSE OF ISLAND PARK HALL BUILDING AND PROPERTY AT 4843 MANCHESTER ROAD AND UNDEVELOPED RIGHT OF WAY Salazar asked the staff to inform the Council on next steps. Smith said the request is for the Council to provide direction on City participation in asbestos abatement, connection of the building to utilities, parking lot repairs, waiver of fees, support and acceptance of the building to the National Historic Register and the preparation a long-term lease agreement. Smith suggested the Council direct the City Staff to come back with these items for future consideration/action. Hoversten said if the Council agrees to fund asbestos removal, reconnection of utilities and repair of the parking lot, those items could be incorporated into the lease language. Hoversten said a second item is the authorization of the Mayor and City Manager to consent for application for historic registry. Salazar broke down on the costs of needed improvements to the IPH facility which would include $10- 15k for the reconnection of water and sewer, parking improvements at $4-7K and asbestos removal estimated at $20K. Salazar noted the asbestos would need if the building was demolished and after the demo the parking lot would need to be repaired. Salazar is in favor of the City input on preparing the above three items. Pugh asked if the City should place time parameters to the work being done and Hoversten said the sequence of the work would begin with asbestos removal, followed by utility connection followed by parking lot repair. Mound City Council Minutes — December 14, 2021 There was Council and staff discussion around the availability of grant money for asbestos removal. Salazar said the City and the IPH group can look into grants for the asbestos removal and the City will provide the remaining funding to complete this item. Salazar asked for Council input and Holt said that City funds weren't talked about previously though he wants the project to succeed and asked if there are going to be further requests for funds from the City. Holt said all these funding requests are new though the City would need to do them regardless. Velsor said the cost estimates for the work are low. Holt asked if this is the first of other requests for funds. Holly Thumann said the IPH group has done needs assessments and will not come back to the City for more money. Thumann said the IPH group researched similar projects and their proposed budgets will cover expenses going forward after events are booked at IPH. Holt said the he reviewed the request during Planning Commission and thought the Council/City should move the project forward. Pugh asked if the IPH group would be able to secure non-profit loans and Johnson said loans are available but the IPH group would look to grants as well. Salazar asked about sustainability and Thumann said this information was provided. Salazar called to direct staff to create the long-term lease agreement to include City funds for asbestos removal if grants don't cover, utility reconnection and parking lot improvements. Hoversten said staff will bring back quotes for the asbestos removal for Council approval and the City will use the standard vendor on the utility reconnections. Hoversten said the parking lot improvements will be incorporated into the City work schedule which will get an economy of scale rate as seal coating is done annually in the City. MOTION by Salazar, seconded by Holt, to support the reconnection of water and sewer and parking lot improvements at the IPH site and the removal of asbestos to be funded by the City for the amount not paid for by available grants. All voted in favor. Motion carried. 10. 2022 Final Budget and Levy Discussion/Approval Pausche said the proposed final budget and levy is the same as approved in the preliminary budget in September and that is what was used by the County to produce the estimated property tax statements mailed in November. Pausche noted the September presentation focused on the history of the levy and utility rates and infrastructure investments and bonding that caused the increases over the years with the future focused on stable, predictable rate increases to build reserves and eliminate deficits. Pausche noted that in addition to the levy, the other component of property taxes is the Assessor's appraised taxable market value, noting there are different property classifications and different rates that play into how much a property's tax changes from year to year. Pausche said Mound parcels are 96% single family residential that makes up 88% of the taxable market value. Pausche noted the Market Value Homestead Credit used to be funded by the state, but now the taxable value is just reduced and the levy is spread among the remaining tax base. Pausche said that much of the City's commercial is in the Tax Increment Financing Districts, one that will expire in 2026 and the other in 2031, and that will bring relief. Pausche noted the City, County and School District all forgo taxes during the life of the TIF district in order to fund qualified redevelopment costs in order to ultimately increase the tax base. Pausche showed examples of individual properties changes in values and changes in taxes for the County, City and Westonka School District, noting School District increases are lower because of the new development from Minnetrista coming on line. Mound City Council Minutes — December 14, 2021 Pausche displayed graphs of increases in the levy and utility rates over the years and highlighted the deficits in the sewer utility was reduced by the issuance of $4.2M in bonds in 2020 to be repaid by the tax levy. Pausche said sewer rates increased 3% and recycling increased $1.25 for the new contract, noting the large deficits in the water fund should prompt some reasonable increases starting in 2023. Pausche noted the average utility bill in 2022 will increase 2.7%. Discussion ensued about Mound's rates compared to neighboring cities and how some of those cities are catching up. Hoversten noted other cities are seeking help from outside entities to fund infrastructure needs while Mound did deficit funding through bonding and increased utility costs to cover rehabilitation. Pausche said had there been public present, they would have been invited to comment prior to official action on the budget resolutions. Pausche said the first action is approval of the 2022 fee schedule noting the changes were discussed at the October workshop. A. MOTION by Velsor, seconded by Larson, to approve the following resolution. All voted in favor. Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 21-129: RESOLUTION ADOPTING FEE SCHEDULE FOR 2022 B. MOTION by Velsor, seconded by Larson, to approve the following resolution. All voted in favor. Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 21-130: RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2022 FINAL GENERAL FUND BUDGET IN THE AMOUNTS OF $5,863,471; SETTING THE FINAL LEVY AT $6,605,450; AND APPROVING THE FINAL OVERALL BUDGET FOR 2022 11. Evaluation of the performance of the City Manager Eric Hoversten Salazar closed the meeting to the public at 9:50 p.m. Salazar reopened the meeting at 10:55 p.m. 12. Discussion and possible action on City Manager Employment Agreement MOTION by Salazar, seconded by Velsor to direct staff to amend the Employment Agreement with City Manager Eric Hoversten to include an additional 3% merit increase. Velsor, Pugh and Salazar voted to approve the Agreement. Holt voted no. Larson Abstained. Motion passed. 13. Information/Miscellaneous A. Comments/reports from Council members/City Manager: Hoversten noted the following dates: • December 28 Council meeting has been canceled. • The Polar Plunge event has been scheduled for January 29, 2022. • City Hall will be closed on December 23 & 24 and 29 & 30. Salazar encouraged participation and support for the Polar Plunge. Salazar thanked the Council and Staff for another successful year and wished everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Larson thanked the residents and businesses for decorating for Christmas while noting this year's decorations seem extra special. ON Mound City Council Minutes — December 14, 2021 Velsor asked if Mediacom can be compelled to fix the wires on Tuxedo by the marsh. B. Reports: Liquor — October 2021 Fire Department —November 2021 C. Minutes: D. Correspondence: Mediacom Notice of Rate Adjustments for 2022 14. Adjourn ACTION by Pugh, seconded by Velsor, to adjourn at 11:04 p.m. All voted in favor. Motion carried. Attes : Kelly, Mayor Raymond J. Salazar m