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2025-11-25 City Council Meeting MinutesMOUND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES November 25, 2025 The City Council of the City of Mound, Hennepin County, Minnesota, met in regular session on Tuesday, November 25, 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: Others present: City Manager Jesse Dickson, Laila Imihy Deputy City Manager, Finance Director Noah Iverson, City Attorney Scott Landsman, Kyle Sawyer, Ehlers and Associates, Max Bitterman, Todd & Terri Crandall, Joel Bratsch, Gus Pierce, Jeff Johnston, Scott Gates. 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 6:01 p.m. 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Approve agenda MOTION by McEnaney, seconded by Herrick, to approve the amended agenda. All voted in favor. Motion carried. 4. Consent agenda MOTION by McEnaney, seconded by Pugh, to approve the consent agenda. Upon roll call vote, all voted in favor. Motion carried. A. Approve payment of claims in the amount of $1,206,976.65 B. Approve Minutes: November 12, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting C. Approve Resolution No. 25-93 approving permits for 2026 Spirit of the Lakes Festival on July 16, 2026 through July 18, 2026 and waiving fees due to public purpose of gathering D. Approve Resolution No. 25-94 approving variance for property at 5459 Bartlett Boulevard E. Approve Ordinance No. 05-2025 Amending Chapter 101 of the Mound City Code Regarding General and Administrative Provisions Related to Planning Case Escrow Accounts and Temporary Sign Permit Fee ' F. Pay Request No. 2 in the amount of $303,703.22 to Pember Companies for the Lost Lake Commons — Phase 2 Improvements; City Project PW-25-10 G. Pay Request No. 4 and Final in the amount of $8,980.96 to Widmer Construction for Water Treatment Infrastructure Improvements — Phase 1; City Project; PW-25-12 5. Comments and suggestions from citizens present on any item not on the agenda. No one came forward. 6. Mound Citizen of the Year Mayor Holt read remarks for Mound Citizen of the Year, Todd Crandall. Mr. Crandall thanked the Council and the community for the honor. 7. Follow Up Council Introduction to review additional information received from Max Bitterman, on behalf of Dog Wellness Club about their current Minneapolis facility to include a noise analysis that was requested by the City Council following presentation of a concept plan at the October 25, 2025 City Council meeting about possible reuse of the building and property at 4851 Shoreline Drive to develop a facility to provide dog day care, boarding, and training with indoor and outdoor space. Community Development Director Smith provided an overview of the item. Mr. Bitterman provided a narrative regarding his business operations and a sound study of his current location, along with potential solutions for noise mitigation. Bitterman said a video provided within the presentation did not work. Mr. Bitterman clarified that his business is about a quarter of the size of other dog daycares. Council Member Castellano asked for clarification regarding the noise mitigation tools. Mayor Holt requested a higher edge for fencing, and expressed that barking has been a concern for residents. A resident spoke from the audience to ask if there were times that dogs would not be allowed outside. Mr. Bitterman responded that dogs would be brought indoors at 9 p.m. Council Member Castellano added he was not worried about the parking, but is curious about the number of dogs. Mr. Bitterman said that on average 40 dogs would be common, but would be more likely to be around 50 dogs. Mr. Bitterman also suggested a dog competency test to ensure that potential operators were qualified. Council Member McEnaney stated that she remains concerned regarding changing the zoning and the impact of allowing this type of use in many places. Smith clarified that a study would be needed to understand where amendments in the code should occur. Council Member Pugh questioned whether Mr. Bitterman has looked at other sites, and Mr. Bitterman has said he is looking at other sites in Excelsior and Long Lake. Council Member McEnaney encouraged Mr. Bitterman to look at additional places in Mound which are less residential. Council Member Castellano inquired about what the other implications of allowing this use in the zoning district would be. CD Director Smith reaffirmed that a study would encompass a great deal of information which would help the Council understand the impacts of this type of use. Council Member Herrick requested clarification on how the zoning change would work. Clarification was provided by CD Director Smith. Mayor Holt reiterated that this is the opportunity for the Council to provide feedback on whether or not they would be interested in this use, or if Mr. Bitterman should not continue to look at this site. Council Member Castellano was supportive of exploring this use with stipulations. Council Member McEnaney asked CD Director Smith on what the next steps would be. CD Director Smith clarified that the applicant could request the text amendment, which would proceed to the Planning Commission and then the City Council. Mayor Holt indicated he was interested in more clarification on the business model, but was supportive of the applicant coming forward with a text amendment. Council Member McEnaney was not supportive of changing the zoning district. Council Member Herrick is supportive of the idea but would like to see more information that would come from a study. Joel Bratsch, 4876 Bartlett, lives adjacent to the property and is not supportive of the use at this property. Gus Pierce, 4869 Bartlett, lives adjacent to the property and is also not supportive of the use at this property. Jeff Johnston, 2306 Norwood Lane, is opposed to the use at this property. Terri Crandall, 2320 Norwood Lane, is supportive of the use at this property. Scott Gates, 4407 Wilshire, supportive of this as a conditional use because it would have standards which must be continuously met. Provided a solution for sound which was utilized in other cities. Todd Crandall, 2320 Norwood Lane, requested clarification on how zoning works, and would like to learn more about how this process works. Mayor Holt invited Mr. Bitterman to return to the dais, where he answered questions regarding pet waste, size of the location, and the use of a CUP. Council Member Castellano offered the advice that Mr. Bitterman should provide examples of similar facilities for a Planning Commission review. Council Member Pugh offered that she likes the business but does not like the location. 8. Continuation of Tabled Items from November 12th City Council Meeting A. Action on Resolution 25-89 Adopting a Street Reconstruction and Overlay Plan and Approving the Issuance of General Obligation Street Reconstruction Bonds MOTION to move the item from being tabled by Pugh, seconded by McEnaney. City Manager Dickson introduced the item and provided the background that the item was tabled as the City Council requested more information which was provided within the packet. Finance Director Iverson presented the debt management plan and the typical process for street reconstruction and maintenance. Council Member McEnaney was appreciative of the extra information and expressed that she is comfortable of the strategy going forward, including that it is aligned with the 2024 FMP, however she is concerned about reaching the debt limit. FD Iverson noted that water and sewer debt is not counted toward this debt limit. Council Member Castellano encouraged staff to utilize this information in City communications to assist in explaining ongoing projects. Council Member McEnaney asked for this information to have this added to the website, and expressed her gratitude to FD Iverson for his work. Council Member Herrick agreed that communication for this should be added to the website. Council Member McEnaney would like to ensure that residents are aware of the timeline and are provided more information on this. City Manager Dickson assured the Council that communication would be updated. MOTION by McEnaney, seconded by Castellano, to approve the following resolution, No. 25-89. All voted in favor. Motion carried Resolution No. 25-89: Adopting a Street Reconstruction and Overlay Plan B. Action on Resolution 25-90 Approving Property Tax Abatements related to financing Phase II Improvements to Lost Lake Commons MOTION to move the item from being tabled by Pugh, seconded by McEnaney. No discussion was had. MOTION by Castellano, seconded by McEnaney, to approve the following resolution, No. 25-90. All voted in favor. Motion carried Resolution No. 25-90: Approving Property Taz Abatements related to financing Phase II Improvements to Lost Lake Commons 9. 2026 Bond Issuance — Resolution 25-91 Providing for the Issuance and Sale of $7 240,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2026A No discussion was had. MOTION by Pugh, seconded by Castellano, to approve the following resolution, No. 25-91. All voted in favor. Motion carried. Resolution No. 25-91: Approval of 2026 Bond Issuance — Resolution 25-91 Providing for the Issuance and Sale of $7,240,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2026A 10. Kyle Sawyer, Ehlers and Associates recommending 2026 water and sewer utility rates Finance Director Noah Iverson introduced the item, a timeline on future phases of this item, and Kyle Sawyer of Ehlers and Associates. Mr. Sawyer reviewed a presentation on the 2026 water and sewer utility rates. Council Member Castellano expressed his gratitude for this presentation and inquired about the technicality regarding the movement of franchise fees into the sewer and water funds. Mr. Sawyer indicated that the franchise fee dollars could be deposited however. Mayor Holt noted that while he campaigned on lowering the water bills, now after his time on Council he has a much firmer understanding of the City's position in these funds. Council Member McEnaney and Council Member Castello also agreed that this plan is what will help the City make progress in reducing deficits in cash balances. Council Member Pugh requested clear documentation on the background of this process. Mayor Holt requested that more communications be included on the website and in the newsletter to help `tell the story" on these issues. Council Member McEnaney encourages the City Council regarding declining liquor store sales across the country, and urged caution regarding liquor store fund balance transfers. Council Member McEnaney sought reassurance that the financial numbers regarding the liquor store are well thought out, and FD Iverson offered assurance that this can be reviewed annually, and options are available to the City should liquor revenues decline. Council Member Castellano added that he had the same question for FD Iverson, and he also felt comfortable with monitoring annually. Mayor Holt stated that he hopes that future Councils will stick to the proposed plan. Council Member McEnaney offered that she is glad that there continues to be better planning for improvements. FD Iverson clarified that item 11 is largely utility rate changes. 11. Action on Resolution No. 25-92 Adopting the 2026 Fee Schedule Finance Director Iverson provided an overview of the fee schedule and how to read proposed changes. Council Member Castellano inquired about where Mound falls in comparison to other communities for franchise fees. Mayor Holt clarified that many fees were changed a few years ago. Council Member McEnaney confirmed that the proposed fee schedule is what was a part of the 2024 financial management plan. Council Member Pugh was interested in whether or not there would be increased fees for "frequent flyers" who call the fire department. City Manager Dickson and Attorney Landsman clarified that this change would come in the form of an ordinance. MOTION by McEnaney, seconded by Herrick, to approve the following resolution, No. 25-91. All voted in favor. Motion carried. Resolution No. 25-91: Adopting the 2026 Fee Schedule 12. Comments/Reports from Council members Council Member Pugh — Pugh said she is healing well following her surgery. Council Member McEnaney — McEnaney shared that she was grateful to the WCC and public works for all of their hard work on the tree lighting. She also shared about the pre -holiday meal at the American Legion. She also shared that the Gillespie center, Mamas Happy and the Langdon are all open for holiday shopping. Council Member Castellano — Castellano mentioned that he is having issues with signing up for RAVE, and Deputy City Manager Imihy shared she is looking into it. Castellano was also curious about adding a part-time role for code enforcement for 2026. Manager Dickson requested a meeting with the Finance Committee to discuss the 2026 budget. Council Member Herrick — Herrick shared how much she enjoyed the tree lighting and discussion with WCC and public works on how to improve the event. Council Member Pugh suggested a movie night in addition to the tree lighting. Mayor Holt — Holt congratulated the Council on how well the tree lighting went and improvements that were made in 2025. Mayor Holt requested that the Council review Manager Dickson in a closed session following the December 9, 2025 meeting and Deputy City Manager Imihy offered that given current staffing changes perhaps this could be done in January of 2026. Mayor Holt also requested they begin planning for goal setting. Manager Dickson will offer dates for the Council to decide. Mayor Holt also requested a Parks and Open Space Commission and Planning Commission joint meetings in the first part of 2026. The Council inquired regarding applications for commissions, and the process for interviews. Deputy City Manager Imihy offered that there have been seven applications so far, and a schedule for interviews will be sent out next week. The Council discussed options regarding involving current commission members and the schedule for interviews. 13. Information/Miscellaneous A. Comments/reports from City Manager: B. Reports: Fire — October 2025 C. Minutes: September 2, 2025 - Planning Commission D. Correspondence: OPD Compliance Checks — November 2025 15. Adjourn MOTION by Castellano, seconded by Herrick, to adjourn at: 8:25 p.m. All voted in favor. Motion carried. /� " �-- / ! � �' - �e� Atte t: Kevin Kelly, Clerk Mayor Jason R. Holt