2022-07-12 CC Meeting MinutesMOUND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
July 12, 2022
The City Council of the City of Mound, Hennepin County, Minnesota, met in regular session on
Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Centennial Building.
Members present: Mayor Ray Salazar; Council members, Paula Larson, Sherrie Pugh, and
Jason Holt
Members absent: Phil Velsor
Others present: City Manager Eric Hoversten, City Clerk Kevin Kelly, Community Development
Director Sarah Smith, City Planner Rita Trapp, City Engineer Brian Simmons, Orono Police
Department Sergeant Tim Sonnek, Kim Blievernicht, Jay Nygard.
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. Pledae of Alleaiance
3. Approve agenda
MOTION by Larson, seconded by Pugh, to approve the agenda. All voted in favor. Motion
carried.
4. Consent agenda
MOTION by Larson, seconded by Holt, to approve the consent agenda. Upon roll call vote, all
voted in favor. Motion carried.
A. Approve payment of claims in the amount of $1,316,613.69.
B. Approve minutes: 06-28-22 regular meeting
C. RESOLUTION NO. 22-57: RESOLUTION APPOINTING ELECTION JUDGES AS
RECOMMENDED FOR THE STATE PRIMARY ELECTION ON AUGUST 9, 2022 AND
THE GENERAL ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 8, 2022
D. Approval of the following related to the Gas Utility Franchise renewal:
1. ORDINANCE NO. 05-2022: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING APPENDIX A OF THE
MOUND CITY CODE AS IT RELATES TO FRANCHISES
2. RESOLUTION NO. 22-58: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PUBLICATION OF AN
ORDINANCE BY TITLE AND SUMMARY, AS IT RELATES TO FRANCHISES
Mound City Council Minutes - July 12, 2022
5. Comments and suggestions from citizens present on any item not on the agenda.
None were offered.
6. Sergeant Sonnek and the Mound Activity Report for June 2022
Sergeant Sonnek presented the Mound Activity Report for June which saw 411 incidents. Sonnek
listed the specific activity as five crashes, 12 alarms, nine animal complaints, two assaults, 53 medical
calls, two criminal damage to property, one burglary, two car thefts, two DUI's, nine domestic calls, six
mental health calls, six thefts, 18 parking complaints, 23 welfare checks, 80 traffic stops and two
warrant arrests. Sonnek said the number of calls is about 100 higher than in June of 2021.
Sonnek said the high interest homicide investigation has wrapped up and the case has been forwarded
to the City Attorney.
Sonnek mentioned the Orono Police and Mound Fire Department softball game coming up on July 201n
Sonnek said the Orono Police Department is fully staffed with three officers working on completing their
training in which they double up in cars with another officer. Sonnek said one trainee will be done this
month and it will be another two months for the other two trainees to be on their own. Sonnek said the
social worker is currently being trained in.
Sonnek said there have been fake ID's being used at Mound Harbor liquor store and staff have been
responsive to these incidents.
Sonnek said that Hyundai's and Kia's are stolen more frequently than other vehicles which has been
happening in other areas of the metro.
Jay Nygard asked about the training time of the officers. Sonnek said it depends on the prior
experience the new officers bring to the position.
7. Harbor District Improvement Plan study and presentation by planning consultant Jody
Rader, discussion and action to approve a Resolution Receiving Planning Study Report
Hoversten said the resolution in front of the Council is in regards to the Council receiving the plan from
the consultants and allows the Council to make suggestions to the plan going forward.
Rita Trapp presented the Planning Study Report related to the Harbor District Park improvements.
Trapp listed the purpose of the project:
• To guide future improvements to the area
• Establish a community vision for the park
• Develop a plan which addresses:
o Circulation and access
o Recreation and facilities
o Programming
o Maintenance
• Estimate Future Costs
• Develop Implementation/Phasing Plan
Trapp listed other considerations which informed the conclusions:
• Stormwater management
• Place making/identification of the Harbor Area
• Connections to nearby trails/features
Mound City Council Minutes — July 12, 2022
• Music in the Park/Farmers Market
Trapp said the process began in 2021 with the focus on the area from Shoreline Drive and the Dakota
Trail to the forthcoming Artessa development and the present Auditors Road.
Trapp said community outreach allowed for citizen input on the study area with the Parks and Open
Space Commission and the Planning Commission also providing input to the study.
Trapp listed the community engagement on the project which included information gathering and public
perception of the area. Trapp said residents had six weeks to respond to a survey and included 800
responses of which 95% were from Mound. Trapp said comments included:
• The area was empty, run down, underutilized
• Activities in the area were the use of the Dakota Trail and the Farmers Market (MFMM)
Survey responses in regard to future improvements were:
• To maintain the MMFM
• To be a venue for music, movies and events
• To use the trail and open circulation of the area
• Family friendly and a natural and scenic area
• Wanting a Signature Park for the City
• Naming choices were overwhelming for "Harbor Park" at 62% of responses
• Other names which popped up were Lost Lake Park or Lost Lake Landing
Trapp said there were five stakeholder listening sessions in March and April of 2021 held at:
• MMFM
• Westonka School District
• Artessa/Developer for Adjacent Project
• Westonka Historical Society
• Westonka Community and Commerce
Trapp said the information gathered became the guiding concepts for the development of the three
formal concepts which were presented to the community. Trapp said each of the concepts were rated
by the amount of Open Green Space, Community Event Space and Activity/Recreation Space.
The three concepts which were presented to the community were:
• Hometown Lawn and as a flexible, multi -use space
• Performance Venue
• Recreation and Activities
Trapp said the community engagement included flyers, a project website and email communication.
Trapp said the website received 1201 unique visitors with 184 comments offered. Trapp said a survey
was created which had 356 responses.
Trapp said the website viewers stayed at the site for an average of three minutes. Trapp said there
were two pop-up booth events at MFMM with approximately 50 people at each event being engaged
with the area plan/concept.
Trapp noted feedback which included:
• Regional trail crossing being an important issue
• Programming in the park space
Mound City Council Minutes — July 12, 2022
• Lawn games in the open lawn space
• Boat access and parking concerns
• Mixed reaction to the performance space
• As much open green space
• Auditors Road comments about its removal
Trapp said the preferred concept was developed through guiding principles which were developed with
the help of Mayor Salazar, Council Member Pugh and staff. The preferred concepts were:
• Open space and open lawn
• Multiple functional flexible space used throughout the year
• Consideration for capital and ongoing maintenance
• Supports community events and programming
• Balancing features with amenities found at other parks in the city
Trapp said the Development Plan chosen was a Community Lawn and Gathering space which would
allow for a central open space for informal and programmed events. Trapp said the area will be
upgraded from present conditions to a great lawn space.
Trapp said the concept will include a plaza for additional MFMM overflow, additional MFMM growth or
to be used for event space. Trapp added the concept includes an open-air shelter and fire ring to be
used as an all -season gathering space. Trapp said there will be a sidewalk promenade from the
Dakota Trail, through veteran's plaza and performance event space and a stormwater feature/rain
garden.
Trapp addressed other ideas in the concept plan:
• Additional seating at performance space including tables with umbrellas in the area of the
removed Auditors Road
• Perennial landscaping and art walk with existing sculpture
• Hammock Garden parallel with the Andrew Sisters Trail
• Blue lighting proposed for added ambience
• Performance area with electric hookups and additional seating
• Placemaking and upgrades at the MFMM
Trapp relayed the Phasing Strategy for the creation of the Harbor Park which will start with the MFMM
and include the renovation of the harbor and the building of the shelter within the plaza area.
Trapp added the Estimate of Capital costs:
• The initial phase is will cost between $825K to $1.2Million
• Future Phases will be from $315 to $800K
Trapp listed the next steps for the Harbor Park concept:
• Council approval of the concept plan resolution
• Formalize an agreement with the bank on shared use and access to MFMM
• RFQ/P for design engineering for the initial project
• Partnering on improving the Dakota Trail crossing with Hennepin County and Three Rivers
• Call to artists or organizations for arts space and programming
• Long term strategy for programming and staffing for events and park maintenance
Mound City Council Minutes — July 12, 2022
Pugh said the Concept Plan is very exciting and she has been visiting the area to observe the space.
Pugh said there is a need to recognize the area as a continuation of amenities already present such as
the baseball field and the possible future skating rink. Pugh added this area is very much the heart of
the City. Pugh said it is interesting to watch teens cross the area to the skate park and the baseball
fields.
Pugh said the City needs to think about signage and pathfinding for the space including a map of the
area. Pugh said the City needs to protect the MFMM. Pugh said the MFMM has encouraged youth
vendors. Pugh said there has been a couple of youth make and sell good lemonade and another
makes and sells dog treats which have FDA approval for her recipes. Pugh said this activity adds to
the flavor of the community where youth are being encouraged to be entrepreneurial. Pugh added the
MFMM will offer a scholarship this year to continue to encourage more youth entrepreneurship.
Pugh said the Harbor area can be a place where things are happening and to keep spirits high.
Salazar said it has been 25 years of planning in the area and many things have been considered and
finally something is happening. Salazar said the new Artessa development and Harbor Park will be
built in tandem. Salazar added that great things are happening in town to look forward to and is proud
of our City and our staff. Salazar also praised the input of community members in the park planning.
MOTION by Pugh, seconded by Holt, to approve the following resolution. All voted in favor.
Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 22-59: RESOLUTION RECEIVING STUDY REPORT AND APPROVING THE
HARBOR DISTRICT IMPROVEMENT PLAN
8. Presentation by City Manager, discussion, and action to approve Resolution Requesting
Memorial Naming Dedication of County State Aid Highway 15 (Shoreline Drive) Bridge over
Seton Channel
Mayor Salazar brought forward a discussion and background on the unfortunate loss of Eli Hart on May
20t". Salazar said this event was a tragedy and on May 27' a vigil was held at the Mound library for Eli
and Eli's family. Salazar said during the vigil he was approached by Nygard and other people present
with an interest in naming the bridge over Seton Channel in honor of Eli. Salazar said Nygard
circulated a petition with more than 2000 signatures including people from all over the state. Salazar
said with the Council approval of the resolution the City will look to Hennepin County for its approval to
put a memorial plaque on the bridge to memorialize Eli Hart.
Jay Nygard, 1386 Rest Point Road, Orono, said he sensed the community wanted more and to have
something done to memorialize Eli Hart. Nygard said he came up with the idea of renaming the bridge
and it is time for the City to take the next step to present the memorial to the County. Nyberg said he
would be proud to accomplish this for the community. Nygard said there are 90 people online and
around the world who have raised $1000.00 for this endeavor. Nygard said he will close the petition
tonight noting it currently sits at 2305 signatures.
MOTION by Larson, seconded by Holt, to approve the following resolution. All voted in favor.
Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 22-60: RESOLUTION REQUESTING MEMORIAL NAMING DEDICATION OF
COUNTY STATE AID HIGHWAY 15 (SHORELINE DRIVE) BRIDGE OVER SETON CHANNEL
Mound City Council Minutes — July 12, 2022
9. Presentation by City Engineer, discussion, and action to approve Resolution Accepting Bid
for the Surfside Park Depot Area Improvements City Project PW 22-09
Hoversten said this project is about a $200,000 improvement which doesn't include the playground
work which will be another estimated $200,000. Hoversten said the playground work will not be done
this year and staff are looking for financial strategies through the budget process to get the playground
work funded.
Simmons presented the Surfside Park depot area improvements project and gave background on the
previous improvements of the parking lot on the east side of the park and improvements along the boat
launch.
Simmons said the Park Master Plan produced improvements for the east end of the park and the repair
of the Depot parking lot is an opportunity to bring in parts of the Park Master Plan to the west end of the
park. Simmons said these include ADA improvements to access to the Depot and building a park
shelter concrete base.
Simmons said the bid environment hasn't been great and the bid included the addition of concrete
foundations for the picnic shelter. Hoversten said the addition of the foundation for the picnic shelter to
the parking lot bid was to achieve value pricing. Hoversten said bidding out the shelter as a stand-
alone project was not attracting competitive bids.
Simmons presented a map of the project and all of the items which are being proposed for
improvement.
Simmons said the initial bid estimate was $147K in April with $183K in total project cost. Simmons said
prices are up on construction projects. Simmons said there was a wide range of bids received and the
revised construction cost is $195K. Simmons said the Valley Paving bid came in at $192K and with the
addition of the shelter foundation the total became $201 K in construction costs. Simmons said the
approximate total project cost is $251,370 based on an additional 25% for administrative and other
costs and recommended award of the bid to Valley Paving.
Salazar asked when was the completion date and Hoversten said it will start after the Dog Days event
and finish up around Thanksgiving with restoration work being finished in the spring of 2023.
Discussion ensued on the higher bids and revised estimates based on similar work in the metro.
Salazar asked about concrete costs and Simmons said labor costs are driving prices.
Holt asked how big is the shelter pad and Hoversten said it is 20' x 20'. Holt said this is a good deal.
Hoversten said the footings of the shelter are 2/3 of the price.
Holt said he did a shed in Sandstone and it is cheaper outside the metro area.
MOTION by Larson, seconded by Pugh, to approve the following resolution. All voted in favor.
Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 22-61: RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID FOR THE SURFSIDE PARK DEPOT
AREA IMPROVEMENTS, CITY PROJECT NO. PW-22-09
10. Information/Miscellaneous
A. Comments/reports from Council members/City Manager:
Mound City Council Minutes — July 12, 2022
Salazar said the Tour de Tonka is coming up.
Holt said he used the boat launch at Surfside recently and the Council approved AIS
ambassador at the launch did a good job and taught him a couple of things.
B. Reports: Liquor Store — June 2022
C. Minutes:
D. Correspondence: Dog Days Flyer —August 13, 2022
11. Adjourn
ACTION by Holt, seconded by Pugh, to adjourn at 7:59 p.m. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
Mayor Raymond J. Salazar
Attest: vin Kelly, Jerk