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2025-02-25 CC Meeting MinutesMOUND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 25, 2025 The City Council of the City of Mound, Hennepin County, Minnesota, met in regular session on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Centennial Building. Members present: Mayor Jason Holt, Council Members Kathy McEnaney, Kevin Castellano and Michelle Herrick. Members absent: Sherrie Pugh Others present: City Manager Jesse Dickson, Deputy City Manager Maggie Reisdorf, City Attorney Scott Landsman, City Engineer Matt Bauman, Sergeant Ryan Spencer of the Orono Police Department (OPD), Jen Withrow (Hennepin County Social Worker), Tyler Pieper (5504 Church Road), Tim Nichols (3952 Woodland Cove Parkway), and Michael Salazar (4756 Kildare Road). 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 6:00 p.m. 2. Pledae of Alleqiance 3. Approve agenda Dickson stated that there is a text amendment to item 4C on the consent agenda. He informed that the amendment included the addition of information for that item. Dickson stated that staff is recommending the addition of item 4G: Approving a Lawful Gambling Permit for Al & Almas Charter Holding Company dba Al & Almas. MOTION by McEnaney, seconded by Castellano, to approve the agenda with the amendments listed above. All voted in favor. Motion carried. 4. Consent agenda MOTION by McEnaney, seconded by Castellano, 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 $438,802.04. B. Approve minutes: February 11, 2025 Regular City Council C. APPROVE RESOLUTION 25-20 APPROVING VARIANCE AND PUBLIC LANDS PERMIT (AFTER THE FACT) FOR CONSTRUCTION/LANDSCAPING PROJECT AT 4756 KILDARE ROAD AND UNDEVELOPED LONGFORD ROAD. D. APPROVE RESOLUTION 25-21 APPROVING IMPROVEMENT SECURITY REDUCTION FOR HARBOR 2ND ADDITION. E. APPROVE RESOLUTION 25-22 APPROVING PERMITS FOR 2025 TOUR DE TONKA RIDES ON AUGUST 2, 2025, AND REDUCING FEES DUE TO PUBLIC PURPOSE OF GATHERING. F. Pay Request No. 8 and Final, in the amount of $11,979.66 to Minger Construction for the 2023 Lift Station Improvements Project, City Project No. PW 23-03. G. (Added) APPROVE RESOLUTION 25-23 APPROVING A LAWFUL GAMBLING PREMISES PERMIT FOR AL & ALMA'S CHARTER HOLDING COMPANY DBA AL & ALMA'S. 5. Comments and suggestions from citizens present on any item not on the agenda. Tim Nichols, of the Artessa Development, stated that as a developer, it was a pleasure doing business in the City of Mound. He stated that the city has good leadership and staff. He informed that he is proud to see the Artessa Development project complete and that the community has been very welcoming. Nichols said that he is proud of the relationship that was formed throughout the process and hopes to work with the city again in the future. Michael Salazar (4756 Kildare Road) asked for clarification on a couple items related to item 4C on the consent agenda. He stated that one of the city conditions was that the passed resolution must be recorded by the property owner against the property at Hennepin County. He asked for clarification as to whether he records it as the property owner or if the city records it. Landsman recommended that Salazar reach out to the Community Development Director to discuss the recording process. Landsman informed that the purpose of the recording is to properly record the approved variance. 6. Orono Police Department - Activity Report Sergeant Ryan Spencer of the Orono Police Department (OPD) said that activity throughout the last two weeks have been within normal parameters for this time period. He informed that the level three sex offender that had recently moved into the City of Mound has moved out of the city. Spencer mentioned that the OPD is in the process of adding a canine to department and that training will begin during the months of March — June. He explained that the canine's purpose if for evidence searching, and missing people searching. He said that the canine is not an apprehension dog. Spencer mentioned that there have been some reported speeding concerns on Three Points Boulevard. He informed that OPD has placed a speed trailed on site to gather data. Spencer talked about the department's Traffic Safety Car, which is an unmarked vehicle used to pull over people for DWIs/Narcotics violations. He said that this program is doing well. He stated that the OPD is accepting applications for an open position and that the deadline is on Friday of that week. He informed that department representatives would be traveling to Mankato soon for a recruiting event. McEnaney asked about how many canines OPD has had over the years. Spencer said this is the first canine to be used by the OPD. Herrick asked if the canine would be brought to schools or to community events. Spencer stated that eventually this would occur, but that the dog will be going through a thorough training regime for some time first. Holt mentioned the speeding on Three Points Boulevard and asked if an extra trailer could be placed. Holt asked if the OPD could monitor in person as well. Spencer stated that he would look into getting another sign placed. He confirmed that OPD was driving over, documenting and monitoring activity. 7. Hennepin County Embedded Social Worker Update Jen Withrow, Social Worker with Hennepin County, introduced herself to the City Council. She informed that she works with the Orono Police Department (OPD) on cases, as well as with six other local departments. Withrow informed that in 2023, that the seven departments together had 545 referrals to her office and in 2024, 561 referrals. She stated that these are high numbers and that the cases involve people with challenging situations and those with not as challenging situations. She talked about how elderly people are trying to stay in their homes longer than before and that can result in more issues with falls and/or adequate care. Holt asked about the current homeless population situation in Mound. Withrow said she wasn't aware of anyone currently homeless in the City of Mound, but that there have been some in the past. She noted that one of those people have since been relocated into a home. She explained that when they reach out to these people, some of them need longer term assistance that may include going to a hospital or a long-term care facility. Withrow said she works with the police departments to determine when to make those types of referrals or decisions. Holt asked if there were people living out of their cars currently. Withrow said that there are current cases where people are living out of their cars, but not currently in Mound. She said that this happens from time to time and that their role is to find these people places to go. She noted that there are a few people within the City of Mound on the verge of homelessness as they are struggling to make ends meet. She noted that there are several great organizations within the City of Mound that she works with to offer support and services to people in need including WeCAN. She noted that they recently hired a housing navigator employee. She said that together they are learning more about the homelessness issues throughout the area. Withrow informed that she works with them regularly as a resource to help people with things like job training, resumes, coaching, and other assistance programs. Holt stated that he recently attended a Police Commission meeting and understands the importance of Withrow's position. He said that he wants to make sure that her position remains a priority and funded. He thanked her for attending the meeting. Withrow informed that some counties are expanding positions similar to hers and trying new programs top provide ongoing support, especially to people with mental health issues and trauma. 8. Award Bid to Widmer Construction for Water Treatment Infrastructure Improvements — Phase 1 Bauman introduced this item to the City Council. He informed that the City Engineer, per City Council approval solicited bids for the Water Treatment Infrastructure — Phase I project. He explained that bid were received on February 5, 2025 and that eight (8) bids were received ranging between $715,799.98 and $1,372,456.28. Bauman informed that the low bid came from Widmer Construction and was 25% lower than the engineer's estimate of $951,493.00. He stated that this company has successfully completed similar improvements for the City of Mound in the past and is a responsible bidder. He recommended to the City Council approving the bid and contract to Widmer Construction. MOTION by Castellano, seconded by Herrick, to approve RESOLUTION NO. 25-24: ACCEPTING BID FOR WATER TREATMENT INFRASTRUCTURE — PHASE 1 CITY PROJECT NO. PW 25-12. All voted in favor. Motion carried. 9. Authorize Bid for Water Treatment Infrastructure Improvements — Phase 2 Bauman introduced this item to the City Council. He informed that the City Council has previously authorized the preparation and bidding for Water Treatment Improvements. He stated that the final plans and specifications for the Water Treatment Infrastructure Improvements — Phase 2 have been prepared and are ready for authorization for bidding. He reviewed the scope of the project including that it would include upsizing the existing water main on CSAH 110 from Harbor Place, south to Beachwood Road. He informed that it would also include the mains from Beachwood Road, Garden Lane, and the water tower on Evergreen Road being upsized. Bauman stated that the engineer's estimate is at $4,730,000 for the base bid. He noted that there is an alternate that will be bid out as well that includes a backup connecting line in the area between Beachwood Road and Bartlett Boulevard. Bauman informed that this project is the second phase of the infrastructure improvements and that portions of the project would need to begin in the spring and be complete by early -summer to coordinate with some planned Hennepin County projects. He stated that the project would include significant traffic control and property coordination to facilitate access and business service. He recommended that the City Council approve the resolution in the packet that would authorize bidding this section of the project. Herrick expressed concern about the traffic issues that will result from the project. She said that residents on West Edge are currently not happy with the speed people are traveling on that road. She said that she's been asked when can be done and if the speed can be lowered. Bauman informed that the State of Minnesota used to regulate street speeds. He informed that many studies have been conducted on ways to reduce driver speeds and that signs themselves have shown to do little to change behavior. He informed however that temporary signs can be placed during the project period to help reduce speeds during that construction. Herrick stated that the West Edge area is heavily used and that many people walk that area and that she has received many complaints on the speeding. She agreed that temporary signage should be placed. Bauman informed that a study would have to be completed to reduce a street speed permanently. Herrick talked about reducing the speed and enforcing it more. Castellano talked about a previous discussion that took place regarding trying to reduce speeding on Three Points and how the study looked at things like speed bumps and other recommendations that ultimately create subsequent issues when put into place. Holt asked about placing a speed trailer there and more patrols. MOTION by Castellano, seconded by McEnaney, to approve RESOLUTION NO. 25-25: RECEIVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND ORDERING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR THE WATER TREATMENT INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT — PHASE 2. All voted in favor. Motion carried. 10. Authorize Bid for 2025 Lift Station Improvements Bauman introduced this item to the City Council. He informed that the final plans and specifications for the 2025 Lift Station Improvements project have been prepared and are ready for authorization to go out for bid. He informed that the project scope includes replacing the existing station at the corner of Dove Lane and Woodland Road, along with the associated forcemain currently running east along Woodland Road. Bauman said that the new lift station would be installed south on Dove Lane on city owned property and the forcemain would be rerouted south down Dove Lane as well. He informed that the existing facilities would be abandoned once the new station was operational. Bauman stated that the current engineer's estimate is $891,450. He recommended approval of the resolution that would authorize advertising to bid out the project. MOTION by McEnaney, seconded by Castellano, to approve RESOLUTION NO. 25-26: RECEIVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND ORDERING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR THE 2025 LIFT STATION IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT. All voted in favor. Motion carried. Bauman stated that these lift stations last between 50 — 100 years and that there are only two more large lift station projects left to be completed. 11. 2025 City Council Priorities Holt introduced this item to the City Council. He informed that the City Council had three workshops in 2025 to review the 2025 priorities. He said that some of the priorities listed include some carried over from 2024 and some that are new. Holt summarized the following 2025 City Council Priorities: 1. Water Funding a. Work with State Representative Myers and Senator Johnson Stewart to gel more funding for 2025 (Need $30 Million). b. Work with Federal Elected Representatives to get funding (Morrison, Smith and Klobuchar) — Submitted for $3.1 Million in 2025. c. State of Water meeting in March (first City Council meeting in March). d. Update in every newsletter, progress on website. 2. Budget a. Look for savings, watch spending for 2025 (Jesse, staff and Council). b. Stay on LTFP for 2025 — Budget Committee to Review. 3. Communication 4. Parks a. Website i. New website. b. Facebook and Instagram i. Posting weekly, creative, updates/alerts/facts about Mound, etc. ii. Meet the staff Tuesday — (25 staff). iii. Explore MN — Get on Website. c. Newsletter i. Park Feature. ii. Council updates. iii. Fire, Police, Liquor Store. d. Digital Newsletter i. In concert with the updated website. ii. Push to residents, get emails. a. Lost Lake Commons — Finish Phase II in 2025, work on Phase III for 2026. b. Lost Lake Commons — Adding to Andrews Sisters Trail — POSC. c. Wayfinding Trail Signs — Put up signs with local business information. Work with Three Rivers Park District/WCC/Wayfinding on Trail (POSC). d. Grant opportunities, including Age Friendly city grant for this year. e. Event Coordinator position (Parks Commission Members, or Intern?). f. Look into each park, use, etc. g. Parking lot resurface at Farmers Market location. h. Lost Lake Commons Workshop ideas — ice rink in winter, playground, Artwalk, Tonka Toys (Discuss at joint City Council/POSC workshop). i. Mound Depot — Improvements. 5. Code Enforcement a. Rental units code enforcement (planning to work on). b. If project is approved — keep it moving forward. 6. Mound Citizen of the Year a. Announce in May newsletter, submissions by end of September, Announce winner in November/December. 7. Tree Lighting Ceremony a. Walk through light display. b. Bigger/better lights, more room with new park. c. Get word out better beforehand (social media, newsletter, wcc, etc). 8. Customer Service to Residents a. Customer service to residents is always a top priority. 9. Development a. Mound is open for business. b. City Manager and Community Development Director reach out to properties (Langdon, PDQ, Uhaul, Downtown) — Try to steward through better — be more proactive. c. Shop local campaign. d. Mound Economic Development Committee (City Council member coordination?) 10. Adopt a Drain Program — Stormwater to Lake a. Already have a program — State of Minnesota website. b. Introduce on the newsletter, social media. 11. Spirit of the Lakes Festival a. Tent at event for 2025. b. Work with the event Board. c. Have a POSC Commissioner join the Spirit of the Lakes Board? 12. Orono Police Department a. Staying with Orono Police Department. b. Social Worker — Invite to a meeting. 13. Fire Department a. Joint Powers Agreement. b. Keep working through details. 14. Promote Mound and its history 15. Invite Westonka High School to present at City Council meeting (spring and fall). 16. Centennial Building — look into feasibility of building, and other opportunities. 17. Changing Mayor term from 2-Year Term to 4-Year Term. Would not apply until next election/start of 2027. Staff and attorney to review. 18. City Council to perform interviews for candidates to various boards and commissions. 12. Comments/Reports from Council Members: Council Member Pugh — NA. Council Member McEnaney — Thanked City Manager Dickson and staff for putting together the volunteer appreciation event that Monday. She informed that she received good feedback on the event and that it was great to connect with the City's volunteers and appreciate them. Council Member Castellano — Castellano thanked staff for coordinating the event as well and thanked Council Member McEnaney for taking photos of the event and making and printing posters/centerpieces. Council Member Herrick — Informed that she attended the League of Minnesota Cities elected leaders conference and that is was very informative and great to meet other representatives from other cities. She stated that she attended the Police Commission Drug Task Force Event meeting where she learned more about how they support the community. Mayor Holt — Informed that he recently met with the new Mayor of Spring Park. He said that they spoke about the cities' shared services and common interests. He said that he also attended the Police Commission Drug Task Force Event where he learned more about drugs in the region and other information about the year. He thanked them for what they do. He mentioned that letters went out to current ACH autopay customers regarding the new $1.95 fee charge for the new Invoice Cloud platform. He said about 900 letters went out to these customers. He said the new platforms will expand payment options and provide customers with utility billing statements and usage data on personalized accounts. 13. Information/Miscellaneous A. Comments/reports from City Manager: Nothing to report. B. Reports: C. Minutes: January 9, 2025 POSC Meeting. D. Correspondence: 14. Adjourn MOTION by McEnaney, seconded by Herrick, to adjourn at 8:07 p.m. All voted in favor. Motion carried. Mayor Jason R. Holt Attest: evin Kelly, Clerk