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2025-06-24 CC Meeting MinutesMOUND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES June 24, 2025 The City Council of the City of Mound, Hennepin County, Minnesota, met in regular session on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Centennial Building. Members present: Mayor Jason Holt, Council Members Sherrie Pugh, Kathy McEnaney, Kevin Castellano, and Michelle Herrick. Members absent: None. Others present: City Manager Jesse Dickson, Deputy City Manager Maggie Reisdorf, City Attorney Scott Landsman, City Engineer Matt Bauman, City Engineer Brian Simmons, Finance Director Noah Iverson, Orono Police Officer Ryan Spencer, Orono Police Officer Brayden Sherman, Orono Police K9 Onyx, Alex Trippel (Abdo), Charles Warren (4636 Hampton Road, Mound) and Paula Larson (Mound). 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. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Approve agenda MOTION by Castellano, seconded by McEnaney, to approve the agenda. All voted in favor. Motion carried. 4. Consent agenda MOTION by McEnaney, seconded by Herrick, vote, all voted in favor. Motion carried. to approve the consent agenda. Upon roll call A. Approve payment of claims in the amount of $2,021,028.78. B. Approve minutes: June 10, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting C. Approve resolution 25-59 approving public gathering permit for 2025 Bass Clash Fishing Contest to allow use of Surfside Park and Beach as weigh in station/location on Friday, August 1, 2025. D. Approve resolution 25-60 approving Permits for 2025 Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church Incredible Festival at 2385 Commerce Blvd on Friday, September 12, 2025 through Sunday, September 14, 2025, to include extended time for music past 10:00 pm. 5. Comments and suggestions from citizens present on any item not on the agenda. Charles Warren, resident at 4636 Hampton Road, Mound, provided a handout to the City Council regarding Xcel Energy's (electrical service provider) recent swap out of smart meters that gives off a radio frequency (RF) radiation when emitting data. Warren said that he has serious concerns about the health risks associated with these devices, as well as privacy concerns. He noted that the meters are set up to constantly run and do not turn off. He explained that the constant running can have serious health impacts. Warren also stated that the data that is collected off of the constant readings is a violation of privacy as well. He informed that the data could be used to analyze habits and therefore surveillance of private citizens. Warren said that this is a violation of the 4th Amendment. Warren said that we should not be trading convenience for violation of rights. He recommended that there be a moratorium put in place for these meter installations until more research could be done. Warren noted that he opted out of the Xcel Energy meter change, but explained that the meter still was swapped out. He expressed concern about the constant emission from the meter. He said that he wanted to start by expressing his concerns at a local level. He said that he asked the Deputy City Manager to post information about his concerns in the City newsletter and asked to conduct a community survey. McEnaney said that the information that Warren provided was great. She noted that she opted out of the meter change out as well. She said that she does have to pay a surcharge now though for the company to come out and manually read the meter for use. Warren explained that he pays the surcharge too in the amount of $15. McEnaney stated that she has seen instances where the emissions from the meters are frying the nearby trees. Warren said that some trees are even catching on fire. He stated that he would prefer an analog line. 6. Orono Police Department with May 2025 Activity Report Sergeant Spencer apologized for missing that last City Council meeting. He noted that he was called to an event. He noted the due to the spring/summer time activities, the department is getting called out more. Spencer explained though that this is normal for this time of year as people are out and about more. Spencer noted that the Spirit of the Lakes Festival website is up and announcing information for the upcoming event. He stated that there is a new officer starting in July and that their name is Colton Beck. He noted that Beck is very new and will be required to go through more months of training before going out into the field. Holt asked Spencer about E-Bikes and the ongoing issues with those. He stated that the use of different kinds of E-Bikes by kids is getting bad as they are zooming around very fast with at times no helmets. Holt said that it is a topic that he wants to discuss again at the next Police Commission meeting. Herrick said that over the weekend, she saw kids popping wheelies at Surfside Park on the grass. She expressed concern about the damage these bikes can do to the parks. Spencer acknowledged that E-Bikes are an overwhelming problem and that it has been difficult to enforce as sometimes by the time the police respond to a call, the E-Bike users have already left the scene. He noted that it is something that the department is working on and continues to discuss. Herrick recommended that the City Council consider an ordinance that restricts motorized vehicles from driving in the parks and that there would be fines if people do. She said that it is a safety issue and that these bikes are dangerous. Holt said he is worried about kids getting hurt and injured Pugh added that the use of these bikes on the trail is also very dangerous. She recommended that there be more education provided to kids on the use of these bikes. She stated that it may be beneficial to have a preventative program taught at school. Pugh stressed the importance of educating as well. Holt noted that he likes the bikes and that they are fun. Castellano agreed, and added that it is just the inexperience with the bikes that is concerning Pugh noted that there are basic laws already in place regarding these types of bikes. She said that there should be a review of those laws, and the information should be provided to the public. She recommended a wholistic approach to try and address the concerns. Holt thanked the Orono Police Department for their work and response to the recent shootings of two Minnesota politicians and their spouses in Minnesota. Holt noted that as part of the response, the department reached out to him and the City Council. He stated that the department also drove by and checked in on the homes of the City Council. Holt said that he really appreciated the response and the quickness of the response as well. Spencer introduced OPD's Officer Brayden Sherman to the City Council and the department's K9 Onyx. He explained that Onyx is about a year and a half old and is the department's new patrol canine. He noted that Officer Sherman and Onyx recently completed training in tracking, narcotics, searching, and more. Spencer stated that Onyx is going to be officially sworn into the department at the July 14th, 2025 Orono City Council meeting. 7: Justin Nilson, Abdo LLP, presenting the 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report Alex Trippel, Abdo, introduced this item to the City Council. He informed that he would be presenting information from the 2024 financial audit. Trippel stated that the audit results included an auditor's opinion that was a Modified Opinion due to the City not having adopted yet the GASB standards 87, 75, and 68. He noted beyond that, there were no internal control findings and not legal compliance findings reported. Trippel presented the audit results, general fund results, other governmental funds and enterprise fund information, and key performance indicators. 8. Lost Lake Commons Phase II Design Update Brian Simmons, City Engineer, introduced this item to the City Council. Simmons referenced a community survey and subsequent concept that was done a few years ago on the park space. He noted that that survey and concept drove the eventual Lost Lake Commons Final Concept that the City Council and staff used for Phase I of the park that was completed in 2024. He noted which features were included in Phase I and what are proposed for Phases II and III. Simmons informed that Phase II of the project is to include landscaping features, the plaza gathering space, a fire ring, a seating area at the harbor, and lighting. He noted that Phase III would include an open air shelter and additional improvements to a proposed performance area. Simmons informed that the City Engineering team recently attended a Parks and Open Spaces Commission meeting to discuss Phase 11 features in more detail. He also provided information from a another recent community survey that was conducted on the proposed Phase II art features and interpretive signage. Simmons explained that the proposed final design for the fire put would be a river rock style, similar to the rest of the city, and be fueled by gas. He said that the seating area would replace all walkable items in space with this phase, would not reuse the current pavers, and would provide a transition between the performance area and the great lawn. He added that there would be tables to sit at that would include some that are ADA accessible and have umbrellas for shade. Simmons reviewed the performance area. He highlighted that there would be a "seat -wall" for people to sit on. He noted that this phase would install power to this area for lighting and other things. Simmons said that there would be alternate bidding for the replacement of the current boardwalk decking and to replace the current trail section. Simmons went over the proposed art walk display features. He noted that the community survey showed preference to rotating art features. He referenced a changeable art cabinet for community art display as well. Simmons showed an image of how the current monument sign would be updated to include the new park name and would have new landscaping and lighting features. Simmons reviewed the plan for interpretative signage at the park. He noted that there would be 3 or 4 signs that would include a historical focus related to the City of Mound. He said that the information on these signs would be discussed and reviewed at a later workshop. He explained that there would also be one water quality information sign and updates to the existing wayfinding plaques. Simmons reviewed the lighting and electrical plans and planting features. Simmons informed that the current cost estimate for Phase II is about $781,400, which is under the past estimate of $849,940. The City Council and the City Engineer went back and forth on minor design features and asked for clarification on some of the feature designs. Herrick stated that her interpretation of the survey is that people do not want the art installations. She said that she is in favor of more green space. She said that if the city asked for comments from the public in the form of a survey, that the City Council should listen to them. Simmons noted that the comments received in the survey varied widely in terms of what was desired. Herrick said that she recommended tabling Phase II of the park. She said that the park cost is too high and that the city doesn't have the funds at the moment to pay for it. She noted that $2.2 million total for the entire open space park is too much. Pugh noted that the survey includes people who desire some things and people who also don't desire those same things. She stated that it is about creating a quality livable town. Herrick expressed concern about the band stand area. She wondered if the sound acoustics would be good and if it would impact the neighboring Artessa residential building. Herrick mentioned the first survey that was completed years ago and noted that that survey recommended a splash pad and other desired features that the current City Council is ignoring. McEnaney said that the park needs to be unique and that the current concept is not unique Pugh noted that a splash pad and a dog park have both been looked into in the past and the City Councils at the time voted against them. McEnaney stated that the design features of the park need to blast out that the City Council is proud of Mound. She said again that there is nothing unique about the current park design. Pugh noted that there have been some attempts to reach out to Tonka Toys. McEnaney explained that it would be a missed opportunity to not rethink the uniqueness of the part. She mentioned a local resident artist, Bruce Stillman, and how he expressed a desire to work with the city on artistic elements. She said that she is not in favor of removable art features as it would be cost prohibitive. McEnaney also expressed concern over what art would be chosen and how the city needs to make sure not to pick something that would offend people. She recommended that the city pick something though that creates a photo opportunity for visitors and something very unique and a landmark. She said she is against the hammock features currently in the plans. Pugh explained that she didn't think the current park design conflicted with McEnaney's desire to include something of bigger scale. She also noted that she has gone to the park space to sit and watch how people use the park. She mentioned that there are other spaces that connect to this park including the Andrew Sisters Trail, the skate park and the nearby ball fields. McEnaney stressed the importance of something that would be an attraction and would draw attendance. She explained too that people just want somewhere to go and relax. She warned again that it would be a missed opportunity not to rethink this. She said that she recommended going with a portable fire pit. She mentioned again that the city has an opportunity to work with local artist, Bruce Stillman. Pugh stated that McEnaney needed to be careful about naming specific names of people that the city should work with. She said that it is important to allow it to be an open opportunity for others as well and to not just name someone. McEnaney said that people want more green space and again the City Council needs to focus on something cool and original. She said that the City Council never had a discussion on this before. She said that the City Council needs to sit down and discuss this. Pugh mentioned that previous City Councils have been involved and that City Councils changeover. McEnaney stated that at this time, the City Council needs to sit down and determine what works and what doesn't. Pugh recommended that the City Council visit the park as a group to observe the environment and get a context of the space. Holt asked if there are items that the City Council needs to move forward with at this time to complete the look of the park. He noted that Phase I was paid for with the sale of the land and that Phase II was planned to place features to make the park more usable. McEnaney said that she was fine with refining the plans. She said she wants the City Council to schedule a workshop meeting where they can discuss the parks and open spaces in general and talk about long-term plans. She talked about the desire to make public areas look tidier and more put together. McEnaney stated that she would like to see a playground in this park. She said that the amenities need to bring people downtown and that by doing so it will support the local businesses. Holt mentioned that one of the requested items in the past survey was to have a splash pad installed. He wondered if they should look at that again. Castellano said that he agreed with the idea that less is more. He stated that he was ok with green space. He said he was ok with the city not doing the art features at this time. Castellano said it would be important to get the electrical and the tree work completed in this phase, however. He said people will still come out to the park and that some things can be done later. The City Council provided feedback to the City Engineer and City staff regarding what items they wanted to keep in for Phase II and what they wanted to leave out at this time. There was a consensus to eliminate the art walk, the hammock area, and the fire pit. Simmons reminded the City Council that Phase II is very much infrastructure focused. Holt asked the City Engineer to make the recommended changes and then bring it back for continued review and discussion at the July 8, 2025, meeting. 9. City Hall and Centennial Building Evaluation City Engineer, Brian Simmons, introduced this item to the City Council. He stated that the City Council has been considering whether it makes sense to sell the city's Centennial Building and therefore to help provide analysis to that decision, he said that he was asked to provide a proposal from the engineering that would evaluate future space needs if the building were sold. Simmons explained that the study would qualify the city's needs in the absence of the Centennial Building, and would quantify any code updates, deferred maintenance, and anything else needed to prepare the building for a potential sale. He reviewed the proposed scope of service and estimated the cost to be around $8,500. There was City Council discussion on whether the building would likely be bought and reused, or torn down and redeveloped. Simmons said either way, the city would need to do title work and subdivide the property since it currently shares the same property parameters as City Hall. He said that there needs to be a better understanding too about what would shift over to the City Hall building. Holt stated he and former City Councilmember Paula Larson recommended exploring the sale of the Centennial Building. He noted that there are public agencies that currently rent space in the building, but that the contracts have language that allow for notice if the city were to sell the building. He explained that the study would help determine if it would work to move the City Council Chambers to the current City Hall. Pugh expressed concern about losing parking Holt said that the study would help figure this out. He talked about potential redevelopment opportunities for the site that would bring the property onto the tax roll and generate property tax. McEnaney said that she has historically said and would be open to selling the building only if it makes sense. She said it depends on what the city can get for it. Holt stated that with the need for a water treatment plant, and getting the city's utility funds back to where they need to be, he said it is worth exploring the sale of the building to see if the proceeds could help cover those costs. Herrick talked about the costs that would be required to renovate the current City Hall. She wondered how much money would be left from the sale after paying for the upgrades needed to City Hall. Pugh agreed with the concern over how much money would really be made on the sale, stating that the city would need to make a certain amount of money to make a difference. She said that the study would provide helpful information, nonetheless. Landsman said that the City Council has done a lot of high-level research already, but that deeper analysis costs money to determine the marketability of the site and what can be done with it, especially with a redevelopment. Herrick moved to approve Bolton and Menk's proposal for the City Hall and Centennial Building Evaluation in the amount of $8,500. McEnaney seconded. All voted in favor. Motion passed. 10. 4-Year Mayoral Term Consideration Holt introduced this item to the City Council. He informed that this is on the City Council's goals and priorities list for 2025 to talk about. Castellano said that he requested that this item be a priority topic for 2025. He noted that he brought it up because a lot of other cities have been switching from two-year mayoral terms to four-year mayoral terms. He said he thought longevity in the role could be a benefit. Holt stated that if approved by the City Council, it would go into effect until the next election term that would start on January 1, 2027. Pugh explained that for about 50 years, the City Council rarely changed over. She said that more recently that has changed and there has been more turnover. She agreed that there is a benefit to longer tenure as 50% of the City Council can change over every two years. Pugh said that she was fine looking into changing it for longevity reasons. McEnaney said that if it isn't broken, don't fix it. She said that as a resident, she likes the idea of being able to vote people out if they are not doing a good job. She said that they need to continue to earn their vote. She said that she is against changing it. Castellano stated that he didn't think about it that way and that what McEnaney said makes sense. Herrick agreed to keep it the same Holt said that he could go either way. Dickson stated that staff is looking only for direction on how to move forward. Landman said a consensus of the City Council would be fine. Pugh moved to remove the discussion on whether to change the mayoral term from two years to four years from the 2025 City Council priority list. Herrick seconded. All voted in favor. Motion passed. 10. Comments/Reports from Council members Council Member Pugh — Mentioned that she went to the Farmers Market recently. She said that they are still looking for more produce vendors, but that there are a lot of new vendors selling merchandise as well. She said that the market has a great vibe and is going well. Pugh said that there are a lot of Artessa residents that come and enjoy it. She noted that the Gillespie Center recently decided to become a participant in the Festival of the Lakes. She provided information on the recent legislative session. She mentioned the recent shootings of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, and Senator John Hoffman and his wife. She said that she is praying for them and their families. She said she appreciated the email from the Orono Police Department the day it happened. Council Member McEnaney — NA. Council Member Castellano — Mentioned that he too was appreciative of the Police Department reaching on the day of the shootings. Council Member Herrick — Mentioned that she was working with staff to work with the local Legion on flag donations and having them hung up around the city. Stated that there are volunteers who live at Artessa and those with the Legion that would like to volunteer to help maintain Veteran's Plaza. Noted that public works is getting bids to replace broken bollards throughout the downtown area. She said that some are falling apart and replacing them will make things look nicer. Talked about working with Hennepin County to replace some of their signs along the street corridors as some are bent and damaged. Talked about the need to look into repainting some of the traffic lights as they are peeling. Mentioned that she has been visiting city parks and writing notes and ideas for the workshop that the City Council is proposing. Mayor Holt — Noted that the Spirit of the Lakes Festival is coming up. Asked the City Council about coordinating times to sit at the City Council booth. Mentioned that the pedestrian crossing at Dakota Junction is in the process of being updated and that he reached out to the County Commissioners to make sure that the signal going in would be a flashing signal. Noted that the Westonka Library would be closing on July 5, 2025, for reconstruction. Mentioned that the city has submitted for several federal funding opportunities to help fund the water treatment plant. The City Council set a workshop for July 8th at 5:00 PM to review parks spaces and long-term goals for those spaces. Noted that the new website looks great. Mentioned that there continues to be meetings on the fire department and potential changes its organizational structure to meet future needs. 11. Information/Miscellaneous A. Comments/reports from City Manager: NA. B. Reports: Fire — May 2025 C. Minutes: May 8, 2025 — POSC Meeting Minutes D. Correspondence: 12. Adjourn MOTION by Castellano, seconded by McEnaney, to adjourn at 9:39 p.m. All voted in favor. Motion carried. ayor Jaso R. Holt Attest. -Kevin elly, Jerk