2023-08-22 CC Meeting MinutesMOUND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
August 22, 2023
The City Council of the City of Mound, Hennepin County, Minnesota, met in regular session on
Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Centennial Building.
Members present: Mayor Jason Holt, Council Members, Sherrie Pugh, Paula Larson and Kathy
McEnaney.
Members absent: Kevin Castellano
Others present: City Manager Eric Hoversten, Deputy City Manager Maggie Reisdorf, City
Clerk Kevin Kelly, Community Development Director, Sarah Smith, Assistant City Planner Rita
Trapp, Field Officer Andrew Drilling, John and Larissa Sundell, Sheri and Jake Kohler, Sheri
Wallace, Angela Saystrom, Sherry Berard, Bart Halling, Emma Chantelle Jordahl, Chris
LaTondresse.
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 Holt called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Approve agenda
Hoversten had the following amendments; meeting minutes from 8-8-2023 Council Meeting
corrected on page 1733, added agenda item 6.1, the Harrison's Bay Association presentation
and an additional memo added to Item 7 of the agenda.
MOTION by Larson, seconded by McEnaney, to approve the amended agenda. All voted in
favor. Motion carried.
4. Consent agenda
MOTION by Larson, seconded by McEnaney,
vote, all voted in favor. Motion carried.
to approve the consent agenda. Upon roll call
A. Approve payment of claims in the amount of $303,453.64.
B. Approve minutes: 08-08-23 Regular Meeting
C. RESOLUTION NO. 23-77: RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION 23-03
APPOINTING FINANCE DIRECTOR/CLERK/TREASURER CATHERINE PAUSCHE
AS ACTING CITY MANAGER FOR 2023
D. RESOLUTION NO. 23-78: RESOLUTION APPROVING MUSICAL CONCERT
PERMIT FROM HARRISON'S BAY ASSOCIATION FOR "CARPFEST"
FUNDRAISER/CELEBRATION TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 2023
FROM 2:00 P.M. TO 5:00 P.M. AT 5513 SHERWOOD DRIVE
Mound City Council Minutes — August 22, 2023
5. Comments and suggestions from citizens present on any item not on the agenda.
None were offered.
6. Hennepin County District 6 Commissioner Chris LaTondresse
LaTondresse said he is the Hennepin County (HC) Board Member representing District 6.
LaTondresse said the HC Board consists of seven Board Members. LaTondresse said HC is the
second largest government in the State, is the largest local government and has a budget of $2.7Billion.
The HC major budget areas include:
• Human Services
• Resident Services
• Capital Improvements
• Operations
• Public Works
• Public Safety
• Public Health
LaTondresse said the way the HC system works is through partnerships with other local governments
including working with the City of Mound. LaTondresse said he will be stepping down from his position
to become the next CEO of Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative. LaTondresse said there will be a
special election to replace him.
LaTondresse provided an annual update and snapshot of activities of the County:
• Housing Stability — 1/3 of HC households pay more than 30% of income on housing costs.
o Family homelessness has more than doubled since the pandemic
o 73K residents are extremely low-income and affordable housing units for fewer than 15K
residents
o $146million annually budgeted for resident needs for shelter, supportive housing,
affordable home ownership
o American Rescue Plan provided $264Million one-time funds from Federal Government
o Aviva Village - first tiny home village.
o Affordable Housing investments have been made recently in Hopkins and Edina
Public Safety — There is a workforce shortage in HC and it is a challenge to meet needs of
residents
o The HC Board approved the hiring of 31 FTE deputies in HC and has expanded the
North Metro Public Safety facility to enhance regional training
o Public Safety and Mental Health — Embedded Social Worker (SW) program pilot started
with five SW's and has grown to 45 SW's working throughout HC in police departments
• Mental Health (MH) —there has been a surge in MH response calls starting with the pandemic
and it has not subsided. HC has implemented the SEE Mental Health campaign to enhance
visibility and reduce stigmas. LaTondresse cited statistics which showed there are more than
4/10 students who feel persistent sadness or hopelessness and 1 in 3 students experience poor
MH. HC is expanding school -based MH services to every school district throughout HC
• Small Business Support — HC provided over $70Million in grants to aid the economic recovery
and support to small businesses including over $9.5million to businesses in HC District 6
Mound City Council Minutes - August 22, 2023
o HC has launched the Elevate Hennepin program which is new partnership that provides
resources and services to small business at no cost
o 2300 businesses have engaged Elevate Hennepin
• Public Works
o Lake Minnetonka area PW projects around the lake are ongoing and LaTondresse
thanked the City for the collaboration with HC
Pugh said could the Elevate Hennepin business program offer a way to market Mound through the
program. LaTondresse said there could be a way to coordinate with the HC Economic Development
team on that idea.
LaTondresse said there is a new .25% regional sales tax to fund housing projects.
o Holt said he will continue to advocate for the embedded SW Program. LaTondresse
said the repeat calls for emergency services had created the need for this partnership.
o LaTondresse said the Embedded SW program has led to an 80% reduction in repeat
calls in certain areas.
o LaTondresse said there are SW's working with the 911 Center to tailor response which
doesn't need a police presence.
o 74 calls in Mound were handled by the embedded SW.
Holt said he appreciated LaTondresse's support of the Dakota Trail crossing and his support for the Eli
Hart Foundation playground and acquiring $47K of HC funds for the playground.
6.1 Harrison's Bay Association Update
Angela Saystrom from the Harrison Bay Association (HBA) provided an update on the rain barrel and
rain garden projects. Saystrom said the HBA Rain Barrel Event on June 3rd was successful and
provided:
• 72 rain barrels distributed
• 200 native plants given away
• Over 200 visitors attended
• Rain Barrels save 100800 gallons of water per year
• 20 volunteers worked at event
• Cost to City - $1,440 for the barrel and to provide labor and other support
• Bolton and Menk also provided a $10.00 subsidy to each barrel
The HBA hopes to double the rain barrel order for next year, to engage Minnetrista residents and to
continue to offer discounts to residents.
Sheri Wallace, Chair of the HBA addressed the Council. Wallace congratulated Angela Saystrom for
earning her Water Steward certification. Wallace asked for the City's financial involvement for the 2024
rain barrel and other projects.
McEnaney agreed that the rain barrel event was a good use of taxpayer funds and Pugh said the event
also showed the voluntarism which residents provided.
MOTION by Pugh, seconded by McEnaney to be financially committed to a rain barrel subsidy for
2024. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
Mound City Council Minutes — August 22, 2023
Wallace provided the goals of the Rain Garden Project:
• Removes pollutants
• Diversion of storm water
• Install deep rooted native plants
• Increase in pollinator habitat
• Educational outreach to residents to do something similar
Wallace said the HBA received $20K from HC for a grant to complete two or three raingarden or
shoreline buffer projects by March of 2025. Wallace said the grant would allow the HBA to engage with
residents and team with the City on Rain Garden Design and plant education which the aim it to:
o Enhance Website Information
o Have on site signage
o Hands on educational planning workshops
Rain Garden Design and Plant Education:
• Create a more groomed look and enhance use of native plants
• Best practices in plant selection
• Repeatable rain garden design
• Maintenance manual
Wallace said site plans were chosen for four projects and the two on the north shore of Harrison's Bay
at Dove and Eagle Lanes both fell through as neighbors couldn't commit to the projects.
Wallace said Cardinal Lane is the big project and she hopes Apple Lane to be included as both are on
City owned property. Wallace said the Cardinal Lane has a very large drainage area with Apple Lane
being a less significant drainage area.
Apple Lane Details:
• Designed Rain Garden — Hope to begin construction this fall
• Remove diseased Ash Trees by City before construction
• City Excavate the area
• Contractor will supervise work this fall of all grading and digging
• Preparation and shrub planting this fall by residents
• Next spring community planting event
McEnaney said she would like to tour the sites before making a decision about the scope of each of the
projects. Wallace said she could give a tour of Overland, Apple and Cardinal Lanes.
Wallace said the Apple Lane project will cost $8K and residents on both sides of the street agreed to
take care of the installed rain garden.
McEnaney asked how the HBA picked projects. Hoversten said he met with Bob Bean to assess the
potential shoreline areas of Harrison's Bay and where is the highest return on City investment because
there is no treatment or water treatment systems which can be improved.
Wallace said the following about the Cardinal Lane Rain Garden; there is significant erosion and
diseased Ash Trees with over eight feet of shoreline erosion. Wallace said the restoration of the
shoreline can remove a significant amount of solids and phosphorus from the lake. Wallace said
Cardinal Lane currently has rock and pavers from the street end to the shoreline and a rain garden will
allow the run off from the street to settle before getting into the lake. Wallace said experts said the
Mound City Council Minutes — August 22, 2023
shoreline needs rip rap to stabilize the bank. Wallace said the project will shift the path used to access
the shoreline and add two rain gardens to allow run off to sink in.
Wallace asked the following of the City:
• Removal of diseased Ash trees
• Installation of a sump at the end of Cardinal Lane
• 30 feet of rip rap at a cost of $7500
• Approval of Council to make changes to public property
• Collaboration and funding from City
• Pre-treatment for Cardinal Lane
• Shoreline restoration at Cardinal Lane
• Removal of diseased trees on both Apple and Cardinal sites
• Work Completed this Fall
Hoversten said the area of the shoreline at Cardinal is in need of repair.
Hoversten said the cost for the Sump at the end of Cardinal Lane would be $4-81K to $6-1 OK.
Hoversten said this is a $15K ask and would be a cost share by both the HBA and the City.
Holt said the Budget Committee meeting just met and the City can't do $20K for both projects.
McEnaney said she would like to have more information before making a funding decision.
Hoversten said the City already meets its MS4 permit requirements and these projects will enhance the
work done previously by the City.
Larson asked about access to the commons for dock program license holders. Larson asked
Landsman if there is going to be adverse possession from the neighbors who take care of the rain
garden property. Landsman said City property cannot be taken possession by an adverse claim.
Landsman added that City property ownership can be dedicated in the plat, granted by easement or fee
title ownership only. Hoversten said this project will require a Public Lands Permit which doesn't give
an exclusive right to the private improvement.
Holt said the Council was not wanting to expend city funds on the project and asked if the HBA could
fund raise funds for the project. Wallace asked Holt if the Council was saying the HBA should pay for
the Sump and the shoreline restoration. Wallace said the Lions Club is interested in assisting with
funding as long as the City paid in as well.
Holt said this item just came to the Council prior to the meeting. Hoversten said the project will need to
be grant funded.
Holt said the rip rap portion of the project could go before the DCC to request funds. Hoversten said
tree removal would be a City activity. Holt said the City can also take care of labor on the site and the
HBA should find other funds to pay for the Sump.
7. Consideration/action on Expansion Permit application for house remodel/garage additions
project at 1717 Jones Lane (Planning Case No. 23-14)
Applicants: John and Larissa Sundell
Smith said this is a request is for an expansion permit by John and Larissa Sundell for their home at
1717 Jones Lane. Smith said the site is zoned as R-1, Single Family Residential and the property is
10, 357 square feet. Smith said the home was constructed in 1980.
Mound City Council Minutes — August 22, 2023
Smith listed components of the project:
• Addition of a 9 x 26 feet garage for third stall
• Allow a second -floor addition for a master bedroom suite
• Set back is 30 and the permit would allow a non -conforming setback at 22.8 feet
• Expansion request is to build on top of the attached garage which is street facing
• Proposed accessory structure/recreation storage in the back of the site is conforming
• There is a purposed rear addition for a kitchen and a front entry which are conforming.
• The garage stall addition and master bathroom are above the existing structure and the
proposed garage stall being subject to the expansion permit
Smith said the applicants have previously submitted a different project with a variance which was
previously reviewed by the PC in July. Smith said this was a 15-foot encroachment toward the street
and was unanimously rejected by the Planning Commission.
Smith said the applicant revised the plan to address and respond to the PC with a new application
using the same existing setbacks to remove the variance and improve site lines
Smith provided additional project details:
• Adds third garage stall which maintains the 22.8 setback. Side setback conforms.
• Upper floor addition in non -conforming portion of main level
• Building Height within requirements
• Project will meet impervious surface requirements
• Eaves are allowed to encroach and will need to be reduced
• Coordination with MCWD for wetland, floodplain and erosion control requirement and permits
• Applicant provided additional narrative in amended Council packet
Smith said there is not a requirement for public comment though neighbors have been made aware of
withdrawal of variance application.
Smith said neighbor comments included:
• Questions about options to build a conforming project
• Concern about loss of view (particularly the neighbor to the north)
Smith said the PC held another meeting which discussed the project and there was split vote 4-3 to
deny. Smith said the reasons given for the denial was the effect on neighborhood view shed and to
minimize adverse impacts. Smith said the PC votes to approve the project commented on the applicant
addressing the concerns of the PC. Smith added there isn't a lakeview requirement in the City. Smith
said staff recommended approval of the revised project.
Smith said due to the differing staff and PC opinions on the project there is no resolution made in
advance of this meeting. Smith offered the following consideration/action on the expansion permit.
Smith listed potential actions:
• Council could table and ask for more specific information
• Make a motion to approve to direct staff to provide a resolution on consent agenda at next
meeting
• Resolution of denial to be acted upon on September 12t"
McEnaney said she is on the PC and said with all due respect the PC members were frustrated on how
the staff presented the case to the PC.
McEnaney said she has reviewed the case in PC and said the structure is already non -conforming.
Mound City Council Minutes — August 22, 2023
McEnaney said she voted no at the first PC meeting and voted to approved the expansion permit at the
second PC meeting. McEnaney said the 7.2 feet expansion above the new garage stall sets a
precedent for further non -conforming requests. McEnaney said there are other options for the applicant
to pursue that would not expand the non-conformance.
Larson said she was at the site and will vote to deny the application as other property owners in Mound
will request similar encroachment into setbacks.
McEnaney said the reason she voted yes at PC was she felt the Sundell's did address the PC concerns
regarding the encroachment which was a safety issue. McEnaney voted yes at the second PC meeting
in order to review the proposal again. McEnaney said this decision could be a precedent and there
could be future asks for expansion of non-conformance. McEnaney said in addition that this project will
affect the views of their neighbor.
John and Larissa Sundell, 1717 Jones Lane, said they are appealing the 4-3 vote at PC and would like
to bring greater clarity to the practical difficulties of the remodel design.
Sundell thanked the staff for their professionalism and for their work on the permit proposal. Larissa
said their struggle with the practical difficulty criteria is they believe much of it is up to personal
interpretation and the "views" of their neighbors. Sundell said the remodel design impacts one of the
Kohler's views but there are other views from the Kohler's property which would not be affected.
Larissa Sundell presented photos illustrating this point regarding "views" from the Kohler's property to
the Cove and the Lake. Sundell said there is nothing in the City Code regarding views though she
understands the concerns of the Kohler's.
John Sundell said the Kohler's said their view from their second -story deck is not affected by
expansion. John Sundell said the living room window view would be blocked by the expansion but there
is a sliding glass door and deck where the Kohler's will retain view of the lake.
Larissa presented explanation of the practical difficulties and other planning criteria:
• Reasonable use — the footprint of their home limits their options
• Practical difficulties exist due to zoning updates which weren't in place when the home was built
• Inability to build toward the street and not being able to park all three vehicles in the garage.
• 9 x 26 third stall in garage will remove the need for a variance
• No Off-street parking in place during October 1st through March/April construction schedule
• Unique circumstances; garage extend to the side of property as requested by PC and neighbors
• Reviewed other options for redesign
• Would not alter the character of the neighborhood
• Improvement to the residential use of the neighborhood
• 3-stall garages and living spaces above garages currently exist in their neighborhood
• John showed photos to examples of the diverse types of homes in their neighborhood
• Larissa said they not asking for a variance or special privilege
• Sundell's said they removed the balcony on previous plans
• Larissa went through the changes to the project design per PC and neighbor requests and
presented the reasonableness of their design plan.
• Larissa said adding to the footprint will require the removal of mature Maple trees.
• Larissa said they have been exploring options and have tried to work within the existing home
and other complex factors which have been considered by the design.
Mound City Council Minutes — August 22, 2023
John Sundell said one their home was conforming in 1980. John Sundell said the setbacks were
reduced from a 30 feet setback after 1980 to the current 22 feet.
Larissa said their request is allowed by the City code and meets zoning requirements as this project is
an expansion which doesn't go further into the setback and is within height requirements.
Jake and Sheri Kohler, 1703 Jones Lane, said they are neighbors to the Sundell's and stated at the PC
that they have no rights to "views". Kohler said their concern is about the applicant's case which they
said doesn't meet the five criteria of the practical difficulty in the expansion permit. The Kohler's said
the design should follow 30-foot setback requirements. Kohler said they and other neighbors
recommended options to minimize the design areas to the back yard for development. Kohler stated
that the changes of the home and outbuilding are not practical difficulties.
The Kohler's said they want the Sundell's to have a beautiful home but the expansion permit should be
denied by the City Council.
Brian Tutt, Architect of PC Homes, said he is the design builder for the project and said he did work
exhaustively on the redesign options and this project truly fits the hardship for an expansion permit.
Tutt said they did many different redesign scenarios following comments of the PC and neighbors. Tutt
said he has designed many projects over the past 30 years and said this is text book case of a
hardship. Tutt added the Sundell's have gone above and beyond to meet the PC recommendations.
Steve Lillehaug, 6627 Bartlett Blvd., said the Sundell's have revised their plans based on the guidance
ideas of the PC. Lillehaug said this is an expansion permit not a variance request. Lillehaug said the
Sundell's property is one of the smaller houses in the neighborhood. Lillehaug said it is a well -designed
house which is good for the community and wishes a lot more families would remodel their homes in
Mound. Lillehaug said the Sundell's are doing the best with what they have available. Lillehaug said
he is a friend of the Sundell's and of their neighbors. Lillehaug said the expansion permit allows
flexibility and is an improvement to a 43-year-old house. Lillehaug said the Council should allow
flexibility and make reasonable investments and asks the Council to approve the project as it is good
for the community.
McEnaney said the Council has a responsibility to listen to neighbors and the Sundell's did make a lot
of effort to adjust their plans. McEnaney said the seven feet of expansion is too much.
Larson said she attended the PC meeting and said there are 20 signatures of neighbors not happy with
the redesign.
Pugh said the Council has an obligation to act and she lives in a split-level house. Pugh said the City
has historically downsized City lots and side setbacks in the City are small. Pugh said due to this stuff
sits in driveways in the City and is an ongoing problem design -wise throughout the City. Pugh said
other properties will have challenges to update and modernize their homes but what is the impact to
livability if the Council adheres to strict interpretation of zoning.
Holt said he is all for remodeling and the seven feet setback is a lot of area to remodel. Hoversten said
the 7.2 feet non-conformance was an act by the City that came after the original build of the home.
MOTION by Holt, seconded by Larson, to deny the expansion permit as the owners have other options
to build a conforming project as this project doesn't meet extraordinary circumstances. Trapp said a
motion to deny the application doesn't allow the applicants to have an option to redesign and sets the
project back for the year.
Mound City Council Minutes — August 22, 2023
Smith said the application came in to the City on July 26th. Smith said the 60-day rule is in affect based
on the date the application came in to the City. Landsman and Hoversten discussed the state statute
15.99 regarding zoning action which can be extended to a total of 120 days. Hoversten said a
conforming zoning application would not need to be reviewed by the Council or PC.
Larson withdrew her second to the motion to deny the application and Holt withdrew his motion.
MOTION by Holt, seconded by McEnaney, to table the application on or before November 141h. All
voted in favor. Motion carried.
8. MCES Temporary Construction Easement for Intercept repairs
Hoversten said this is a request for the City to grant an easement of approximately 700 square feet for
the repair of Metropolitan Council sewer interceptor pipes. Hoversten said the Sewer Intersect Project
comprises two parts; one by the Seton Channel Bridge which is a force main reconstruction of an area
which has broken three times recently and causes sewage to enter into the lake. Hoversten said this
project will cause traffic and other inconveniences.
Hoversten said other part of the project fixes a "sag" in the pipe and needs a large hole dug in order to
fix it. Hoversten said the easement is to provide the contractor space to work as they dig the hole in
Shoreline Drive near the former Auditors Road intersection to the area of the driveway to the Reed and
Pond building. Hoversten this project will need to be done before the Shoreline Drive resurfacing
project in 2025. Hoversten said there is a Permanent Easement in place along the Dakota Trail and up
to County Road 15. Hoversten said the Temporary easement will allow for access to the hole and
safety inspection and equipment staging.
Hoversten said the construction activity will be sequenced and there is agreement language crafted by
Landsman. Hoversten said the Metropolitan Council will release the temporary easement when the trail
crossing project begins in 2024. Hoversten said the western site will be done first followed by the
Seton portion of the project. Hoversten said this the western portion of the project will last until late
summer (August/September) of 2024 and the eastern site (Seton) will be done before the HC
resurfacing project in 2025.
Hoversten said he recommends approval of the easement. Landsman said the amendment language
has been agreed to by both parties.
MOTION by Holt, seconded by McEnaney, to approve the following resolution with addition of the early
release of easement at project completion. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 23-79: APPROVING TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT
9. Discussion and review of proposed Administrative Citations Policy
Hoversten said the intent tonight is to respond to the gap in code language as it relates to nuisances
and to incorporate notification processes and a right to appeal mechanism.
Andrew Drilling, City Field Officer, presented his current process to respond to nuisance complaints:
• Investigate complaint, if there is no violation Drilling follows up with complainant
• If Violation is present; a notice is affixed to property at front door or main entrance with violation
spelled out
• Vacant Property — Drilling sends letter to property owner on record to remediate violation
New next actions proposed:
Mound City Council Minutes — August 22, 2023
• If Violation persists a second letter is sent along with the first letter and deadline for correction
• Third Letter if no correction with an administrative citation and fines applied decided tonight
• Continued non-compliance will be referred to Prosecuting Attorney for legal action.
Larson asked what is the different from what the City is doing now. Larson said she is frustrated by not
getting things done. Larson said enforcement is needed and some properties need help. Larson wants
to tighten up the dates for enforcement. Hoversten said what Drilling described are current processes.
Hoversten said these letters can be ignored and the proposed changes allow the City to tighten up the
three notices. Hoversten said the City would like to get voluntary compliance after the first notice.
Drilling stated if the violation is a building code issue than the issue goes to the City Building Official
who will address with correction action.
Drilling said the areas of the City Code which the new citation processes are mostly addressed are in
Sections 42.2 to 42.4 (Nuisance Code) and the Exterior Storage Code.
Larson asked if this proposal is different than current practices and Drilling aid it would add the citation
language in response to lack of correction. Larson said she is frustrated by a lack of enforcement in
which nothing gets done and would like things tightened up.
Hoversten said how many times does the City give for non-compliance as staff now gives property
violations three chances to comply. Hoversten the City would like to activate voluntary compliance
rather than getting to legal action. Larson said she would like to see to letters and 14 days for
compliance.
Hoversten said the process could become:
• First Letter with 14 days to fix the violation
• After 14 days then the first citation with fee is imposed
Landsman said the citation fee must be approved by the Council. Landsman said Drilling can also use
discretion if a property owner has reached out to fix a problem. Landsman said the goal is to get
voluntary compliance and the City doesn't need to get past voluntary compliance which takes time.
Landman said citations bridge the gap to get property owner compliance prior to legal action being
taken.
Landsman discussed "blight" in response to McEnaney's question. Landsman said "blight" is more of
an aesthetic and ambiguous with nuisances affecting the general public. Landsman said a hazardous
building is another level of violations based on safety and building security. Landsman said an official
established by the City can appoint a hearing officer before a complaint goes before the Council.
Proposed code chapters nuisance code 42.2, 42.3 and 42.4 and exterior storage code
Larson said recommends two notices of 14 days each and final notice. Hoversten asked how many
citations should be given to fix or discuss the plan for remediation. Landsman said Drilling will put a
deadline on fixing the problem to get people to voluntarily complying to the code to take care of the
problem and a citation bridges the gap to motivate the property owner to be compliant.
Landsman said the current code language doesn't have an appeal process which can begin with staff
and then goes to the Council. Landsman said a citation with fines and an appeal provision can be
handled by a hearing officer and not make the Council address the internal appeal. Landsman said
IN
Mound City Council Minutes — August 22, 2023
retired judges or city attorneys on a contracted basis can take on this activity. Landsman said the
violation must be paid or appealed within 10 days or the subject will waive their right of appeal.
Landsman said he has seen an increase in compliance when staff are given the tools to put teeth into
compliance.
Hoversten said repeat offenders, such as mowing violations are pit on a list for abatement which the
Council approved accelerated notices and citations. McEnaney said she agrees with accelerated
notices and citations which get results. Landsman said code enforcement policy can be modified and
what needs to be looked at are an increase in fines which will need to be a Council resolution.
Hoversten said does the City start over with the nuisance process or does the City start with a citation if
the same problem is back again at the same property for similar violations.
Hoversten said staff are looking for direction and information from the Council to go to the next step of
bringing back language to the Council and put a citation and notification process in motion.
Proposed Nuisance Compliance Processes:
• Write a letter which outlines the violations with 10 to 14 days for correction
• Second letter written if no compliance after first warning
• Continued non-compliance will then go to an administrative citation
• Final steps will be decided by Council.
• Violation after final notice and go to prosecuting attorney.
• Building code related issues will be referred to the Building Official to be worked through.
Holt asked how many open cases do you have to which Drilling said typically there are 10-15 cases at
a a time and 75-100 complaints over a year. Drilling said about 10 properties each year don't respond
to notices from the City. Drilling said those issues are typically storage and neighbor's issues with their
neighbor's yard maintenance.
Holt said he would like to see more teeth in the City response to nuisances and other items.
Hoversten said staff will take the recommendations from Council and present a process for Council
action at a future meeting.
10. Comments/Reports from Council Members:
Council Member Pugh —
Walgreen's parking lot still has not been striped. Council said Walgreen's is being remodeled.
Pugh said the sidewalk in front of post office is treacherous to which Hoversten said work will begin on
August 29tn
Driveway to parking garage is in rough shape and Hoversten said City Engineers are working with the
MWCD on storm water management sustainability.
Pugh said there is only one accessible way from the parking garage to the Farmers Market (MFMM).
Hoversten said these are city sidewalks and the City can add a pedestrian ramp to the area.
MFMM is doing well.
$200K has been raised by the Eli Hart Foundation (EHF) and there is a shortfall for the playground.
Pugh is working with the EHF which would like to come before the Council. Pugh would like the EHF to
address the Council and Parks Commission meeting at 6:00 before September 12t" Council meeting.
im
Mound City Council Minutes — August 22, 2023
Council Member Larson — She made three visits over the weekend at Surfside Park before Dog Days
on August 12th and a group of five people were cleaning the monument sign area at Surfside Park.
Dog Days Event was well attended.
Council Member McEnaney — The Surfside Park picnic structure is being used and it looks good.
Council Member Castellano — Not present
Mayor Holt — Visited the new Yacht Club Hotel in Spring Park which is being readied.
Camping is occurring near the Dakota Trail and Holt reached out to the Metropolitan Council as the
camping is on Met Council property. Holt said the Orono PD has asked the people camping for
voluntary compliance to move.
Pugh said Catherine Pausche is retiring and acknowledged her work on the behalf of the City for 17
years. Pugh said Pausche did an excellent job. Pugh would like to see a proclamation of her work on
behalf of the City. Holt said the Council can work with Hoversten on the proclamation.
Holt said he is working with McEnany on a "shop local" project.
11. Information/Miscellaneous
A. Comments/reports from Council members/City Manager:
Harrison Bay Association "Carpfest" being held on August 26tn
Back Channel Brewery Music Event on August 28tn with proceeds going to the Mound Food
shelf
B. Reports: Fire Department — July 2023
SRA Activity Report
MITP Photos
C. Minutes: July 18, 2023 — Planning Commission Special Meeting
D. Correspondence: Fire Department — July 2023
SRA Activity Report
M ITP Photos
12. Adjourn
MOTION by Pugh, seconded by Larson, to adjourn at 10:44 p.m. All voted in favor. Motion
carried.
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Attest: kevin Kel Jerk/
12
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Mayor Jason R. Holt