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2021-04-20 CC Meeting MinutesMOUND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 20, 2021 The City Council of the City of Mound, Hennepin County, Minnesota, met in special session on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Centennial Building. Members present: Mayor Ray Salazar; Council Members Jason Holt, Sherrie Pugh, Phil Velsor, and Paula Larson Members absent: None Others present: City Manager/Public Works Director Eric Hoversten, Community Development Director Sarah Smith, Public Works Superintendent Ryan Prich, Fire Chief Greg Pederson, Director of Finance & Administrative Services Catherine Pausche, City Engineer Brian Simmons, Orono Police Chief Correy Farniok and Assistant Chief Chris Fischer, Brian Nelson, Trevor Nelson. 1. Open meeting Mayor Salazar called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 2. Approve the agenda Motion by Velsor, seconded by Larson, to approve the agenda. All voted in favor. Motion carried. 4. Department Head Annual Reports Annual reports were presented by Department Heads with discussion following. A. Orono Police Department — Police Chief Correy Farniok Police Chief Farniok summarized the 2020 annual report, noting the department introduced the use of drones and body cameras. Farniok said even with COVID-19, there was an uptick of drug activity and the West Metro Drug Task Force (WMDTF) was responsible for confiscating 428 pounds of meth county -wide. The department responded to 8 overdoses, 5 in which Narcan was used to revive the patients, and one that was fatal. Farniok said they are seeing narcotic use in multiple demographics and it seems the fear of overdose is weakening knowing the risk is reduced due to the availability of Narcan. Farniok said 2 does are used per response at a cost of $150, noting Rumbler is a non-profit sharing %2 the cost and a grant may fund the remainder. Salazar asked if there is any shortage of Narcan and Farniok said there is an expiration date/shelf life, but they can still use it if replenishments are not available, so that has been less of an issue unless there is a prolonged uptick in overdoses. Farniok said in 2021 community outreach will return as restrictions are relaxed, noting the department looks forward to returning to interactive events, including those featuring Xerxes the canine support dog. Pugh asked for clarification on the Sherriff's report with regard to drug activity and Farniok said they don't double count County involved arrests. Farniok said they see marijuana in larger amounts, whereas heroin tends to be in smaller quantities and it is taken quickly, so is harder to detect. Farniok said even if one dealer is caught someone else often comes around to fill the void. Mound City Council Minutes — April 20, 2021 Pugh asked if any of the domestic violence calls were repeats and Farniok said they partner with Sojourner and they applied for a grant for an embedded social worker to be able to follow- up and introduce more resources than the police aren't able to provide, noting the embedded social worker will be shared with 5 departments. Pugh asked about the increase in handgun registrations. Farniok clarified it is just a permit to be able to purchase a handgun, so the police don't know if they actually followed -through. Farniok said they are good for one year and confirmed the volume was almost double. Salazar complemented the department on their ability to recruit new officers. Salazar thanked the police department for the exceptional level of service and for keeping our community safe. Velsor said he sits on the Police Commission and he appreciates the updates. Velsor requested Xerxes come to a Council meeting. Holt asked what is the volume of calls related to high school age kids and whether any of the overdoses were adolescents. Farniok said not recently, noting the youngest overdose was 19- years-old but that was years ago. Farniok also noted there are repeat offenders that can skew results. Holt said the outreach efforts are impactful and asked Farniok to highlight what they consist of. Farniok said coffee with cops, sitting at the drive-in or auctioning a ride to school to raise money for charity. Farniok said it is more important than ever and efforts will restart as the restrictions ease. Pugh asked if there will be updates on the embedded social worker program and Farniok said yes as evaluating the impact will be key to funding and sustaining the program. A.1 Discussion on use of UTV/ATVs on City streets and ROW Hoversten said calls to the police asking what are the allowed uses have prompted this conversation. Hoversten said the issue is whether UTV/ATVs can be on unimproved surfaces of the community and the intent has been to limit it to private property and the abutting owners for that portion of the commons they abut. Hoversten said the commons are not considered to be public parks and the commons are intended to be preserved for access to and from docks for boat loading and maintenance purposes. Farniok said while the cities they serve don't permit it, discreet use of electric golf carts that didn't raise complaints was not enforced, but now there is a greater presence of UTV and ATVs asking to use the roadway for longer distances. Farniok noted Hennepin County permits use on shoulder and ditches, noting most of our roads are improved up to sidewalks and manicured lawns or the shoulder is the only pedestrian access, therefore they run into conflicts with pedestrians and bicyclists. Farniok noted these vehicles are built for off -road, which are louder and emit more fumes than an electric golf cart. Farniok said UTV/ATVs work better for trails and farm work and the question at hand is whether they are compatible with urban uses. Salazar said driving on a road is a right, not a privilege. Salazar noted the Polaris Sling Shot is marketed as a motorcycle and is licensable and license fees help fund the infrastructure they drive on. Salazar said Mound roads are limited and narrow and he sees no reason to change the current practice of not allowing ATVs and UTVs on city streets. Mound City Council Minutes —April 20, 2021 Salazar asked for a friendly poll of what the opinion of the other Council Members is. Pugh said the road easement on many streets acts as the sidewalk for pedestrians, including bicyclists, walkers and joggers, and we need to remain a family friendly city. Larson agreed noting her family owns and uses them in Northern Minnesota. Larson noted she sees ATVs and UTVs come from the lake in between her and her neighbors house here in Mound. Larson said licensed rangers are only allowed on Itasca roads and she wants to know if city has to follow the county. Deputy Chief Chris Fischer said ATVs are off road but Class 2 UTVs are side by side, larger and licensed. Fischer said neighboring communities are seeing additional versions of alternative vehicles. Fischer said police struggle to keep up on the rules, noting an ATV 4- wheeler is straddled is only allowed in ditches on county roads, but Class 2 UTVs are allowed on the road, but are supposed to stay to the right. Fischer said the statute is clear that the City would have to permit use on city roads. Fischer said you would also need a permit from the county to ride on county roads. Larson asked, and Salazar clarified, if the City could supersede the County and not allow on any roads within the City and Farniok thought no. Farniok said some UTVs can be licensed, but they can't share the main lanes. Salazar said if it is designed to be road worthy and licensable then it would seem to be okay. Holt asked how many tickets have been issued as he heard it isn't enforced. Farniok said it is difficult for officers to discern the rules and it has become almost complaints based. Farniok said often they issue warnings and try to educate riders on the rules. Holt asked to clarify if the UTVs are licensable, and Farniok said yes. Holt said he is confused by the number he sees in the area and he can see why we need clarity. Farniok said he feels indifferent, but if they are allowed, you are going to see more use and he would like to see that the area communities are consistent. Holt was told they are legal in Waconia and that Victoria held a public meeting to see how the community feels. Farniok said it will enforce what the city decides, but he admits there are areas it is just not compatible and also there are some users that cause a nuisance. Holt said he definitely sees the need for the code to be clear. Holt asked about saying it is okay to go from the house to the lake in the winter only, but not the summer. Salazar said the difficulty is knowing where to draw the line, especially for the people who will push the boundaries. Hoversten said the permitting process for Mound, as a local authority, would have to define the rules and what insurance is required. Pugh asked what is the legal age to drive an ATV/UTV and Fischer said 16 if they have a driver's license. Hoversten said golf carts are in a different class. Fischer said some of their cities explored allowing golf carts but ultimately withdrew because they felt it was a slippery slope. Velsor noted that this is not taking anything away, but just clarifying the city is not willing to consider adopting a permitting process to provide for the use of ATV/UTVs on city streets and ROW. B. Fire & Rescue/Emergency Response/Emergency Management — Fire Chief Greg Pederson Fire Chief Pederson said he has been serving 46 years. Pederson noted the large amount of information in the packet, and said he will cover fire services and emergency management, which became all the more relevant this year with COVID 19. Mound City Council Minutes — April 20, 2021 Pederson summarized the highlights from 2020 and noted with fire fighters working from home, the response rates were way up. Pederson said the pandemic required disruption to the normal routines that are typically conducted in large groups. Pederson highlighted the key operating statistics, including fire calls, staff hours, and headcounts. Pederson said the strategic plan focuses on people, including health and safety and training. Pederson said 30% of operating costs were for building payments that end in 2022 which will help to fund other capital priorities. Pederson said the volunteer model is the best value and a huge benefit to the communities served. Pederson said the challenge will be to preserve it, noting Minnetrista is interested in growing the partnership. Pederson noted St. Louis Park just went to all full-time model. Pederson said ISO rating improved down to a 3, the pension is well funded, and the COVID 19 response was well executed. Pederson thanked the Council for the support over the years. Velsor asked when the new truck is coming. Pederson said they got $152K in grants for SCBA in 2020 alone, when safety equipment was identified as FEMA's high priority. Pederson said this year the priority is fire trucks noting we expect to hear within six weeks on whether FEMA approved an Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant (AFG) of $61 OK for the new fire pumper truck. Hoversten said if awarded, the bonded money will be used on other equipment priorities. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS/MANAGEMENT Pederson reiterated the pandemic increased the level of awareness of the importance of this function and complemented the entire city staff on rising to the occasion. Pederson said some expenditures will be recouped from a grant and trainings will be restarted. Pederson noted the impacts of the COVID19 pandemic, including increased training hours and lost time for firefighters whom were sick or in quarantine. Pederson noted the additional efforts and organizing between area police and fire departments to develop a coordinated response to potential civil unrest. Salazar pointed out page 48 of the packet where it notes that Minnesota has the second highest number of volunteer fire fighters in the nation. Salazar complemented the Chief in his ability to maintain a full complement of staff while other departments struggle. Salazar asked the Chief to share what Plymouth has asked the department to do. Pederson said the orientation for the new recruits includes clear expectations and noted Plymouth prefers to call Mound on second alarms because of the way they operate, even though there are closer departments available to respond. Pederson said it is a testament to the fire fighters. Salazar complemented Pederson on his ability to recruit, train and retain. C. Community Development/Planning/Zoning/Building Inspections — Community Development Director Sarah Smith Smith highlighted the 2020 accomplishments, noting the 2040 Comprehensive Plan implementation will begin in the second half of 2021. Smith highlighted permit volumes and noted larger projects including the Mound Harbor final plat and the Artessa development. Smith highlighted abatement efforts, continuation of conversion to electronic building permits, and automating document transfers to facilitate social distancing and efficiencies. Velsor asked if the survey signage could be more substantial to solicit more input and involvement and asked about the abatement notice that has been unable to serve. Smith said ownership has been difficult to locate but other means are being explored. Velsor said the Mound City Council Minutes — April 20, 2021 abatement orders should require reestablishing the grading/turf immediately. Hoversten said the park study survey is closed, but will note for other outreach efforts in terms of signage and advertising. D. Public Works (Parks) Operations & City Projects — Public Works Superintendent Ryan Prich and City Manager/PWD Eric Hoversten Hoversten highlighted the larger projects for 2020, including sewer main projects to separate Mound flows from Met Council and Spring Park flows. Public Works Superintendent Ryan Prich said he transitioned for 6 months with Ray Hanson, noting he was the lead utility worker prior to that. Prich highlighted COVID response activities, noting all work was completed even in spite of the extra effort and mitigation required. Prich noted the park maintenance activities and shop improvements. Prich highlighted December 23rd snow storm events, noting the staff was called upon to come rescue stalled vehicles on county roads, close down roads due to downed trees or power lines, capped off by a watermain break at 8:00 pm. Prich said the guys spent the night in their trucks and restarted after a short rest, which is a testament to their hard work and dedication. Salazar asked if he likes the job and Prich said he likes the variety. Velsor complemented the improvements at Dunne Park. Hoversten highlighted the ongoing work in 2021 and forecasted upcoming bids. Hoversten highlighted County projects, noting the Met Council doesn't have anything going on in the area. Hoversten said alternatives will continue to be researched for solutions to water treatment. Hoversten reiterated all major projects are discussed during the budget and capital planning processes and then again when the project plans, specs and bids are approved. Holt asked to clarify if sidewalks are city responsibility and Hoversten said yes, they are city sidewalks on county roads. Holt asked if pavers can be replaced with cheaper solutions and Hoversten said the challenge is the level of service expectation that was created for the downtown. Holt would like to see where in the priorities the sidewalks and paver replacement projects reside. Hoversten said that will be part of the Long Term Financial Plan update that takes part of the annual budget process. E. Finance & Administration — Director of Finance & Admin Services Catherine Pausche Pausche displayed the new org chart and said they received a healthy amount of candidates for the Administrative Services Director position and that interviews will take place the following week, noting her anticipated departure date is September 1 st which is her 15th anniversary with the City. Pausche thanked the Council and the staff and said this has been the most rewarding work of her career. Pausche highlighted the federal CARES Act funds received in 2020 and said the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is much less restrictive and allows for water, sewer and broadband infrastructure investments. Pausche said the state had the discretion to allocate CARES funds to cities and counties, which Governor Walz did, but the ARPA funds have a prescriptive distribution formula and cities less than 50K are expected to get approximately $100 per capita, or $950K for Mound. Pausche said the first payment is expected by June 91h and the City has until December 31, 2024 to spend the funds. Pausche noted the task force should not be necessary because the restrictions are less, and Staff is recommending we use the funds for the Lynwood Blvd. water main improvements (Phase I & II) or other water system projects. Pausche said using the funds for water infrastructure will defer future rate increases and everybody benefits, including renters, property owners and businesses. Mound City Council Minutes —April 20, 2021 Pausche highlighted the primary efforts underway, goals and needs for the finance, administrative and dock administration functions. Pausche noted the LTFP is a living document and will need to be continuously updated, as was shown with the recent Department of Health focus on Manganese in drinking water. Pausche said she won't be here for discussion on the remedies, but cautioned the Council should put the threat in perspective and question whether it is economically justifiable to treat every drop of water we use, including that used on our lawns and to shower. Pausche said she is seeing water treatment vendors advertise mitigation options and questions why this became such a priority at this time as Manganese is in many substances we consume. Pausche highlighted requests for quotes outstanding and noted the Gillespie Contract expires in 2021. Pausche said process improvement and eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy in rules and regulations will be key to maintaining a lean staff. Pausche gave the example of the recent discussion on the next phase for the Cemetery and said innovative solutions can be a win -win when it comes to ease of administration and overall cost for families burying their loved ones. Pausche noted the Dock Commission recently recommended changes to the rules regarding shares and dedicated commons to even out the playing field for regular wait list applicants and the Council indicated their support for bringing suggested language forward. Pausche said two of the DCC members will work with staff to develop an approach and determine the standards of service for dredging along the commons. Pausche highlighted the 2020 results for Harbor Wine & Spirits municipal liquor store noting it was the best year ever and that Mound was fortunate to only operate an off -sale store vs. dine - in bar and restaurant during COVID 19. Pausche noted the strong performance and contributions from Manger Ron Gust, who was promoted in October of 2019 after 16 years as the Assistant Manager. Pausche said Gust and his team, including Assistant Manager Kyle Christensen, went above and beyond to finish the remodel in February of 2020 and then again in responding to the changes required by COVID-19. Discussion ensued on the challenges in the labor market to attract and retain part-time labor and Pausche said a formal part-time pay progression that will reward longevity and reduce turnover is in the works. Pugh asked if the record sales are expected to continue and Pausche noted the sales had been fairly stagnant at $3.093M in 2018/2019 and then jumped to $3.838M in 2020. Pausche said the timing of the pandemic and the shutdowns makes it difficult to know for sure, but that the Staff feel continued momentum from the remodel and repositioning as a destination for rare releases in both spirits and craft microbrews. Pausche noted many more people were buying local in the pandemic and became familiar with the store and everyday discounts and average ticket sales were way up. Pausche said the next few months will be telling. Holt asked if the new ARPA funds could be used to reduce utility rates as that is the number one concern he hears from constituents. Pausche agreed that it is a major concern and the Council has taken steps including in 2018 when the base bill was reduced 15% which caused the water, sewer and storm water funds to have negative cash flows. Pausche said the Council also authorized the $4.24M 2020 sewer fund bonds to be repaid by the property tax levy again to provide utility rate relief. Pausche said it is really not a viable option to reduce the rates but rather to try to stem the pace of rate increases until some of the bonds mature and we can get back to positive cash flows. Pausche said the Long Term Financial Plan and budget discussions is the key time to evaluate priorities, tradeoffs and acceptable rate structures, but noted the challenge is in educating consumers about the age and complexity of Mound's infrastructure. Pausche noted Mound's topography requires 30 lift station whereas Waconia Mound City Council Minutes —April 20, 2021 has one and Watertown has two and that people only see the water coming out of the tap versus what it took to get it there. F. Wrap-up by City Manager Eric Hoversten Hoversten said the goals presented were from pre-COVID and post-COVID, noting the document serves as his strategic plan and represents what he thinks about when he comes to work every day and serves as guide as to what he seeks to prioritize. Hoversten encouraged the Council to give any feedback if they feel something is missing. Hoversten thanked the City Council and Staff for all of the accomplishments noting how much he likes being part of this team. Salazar thanked Hoversten and all the hard-working city employees and congratulated them on another successful year. Salazar said it was a tough year and the staff reinvented many things. 4. Adjourn by Roll Call Vote MOTION by Larson, seconded by Pugh, to adjourn at 10:04 p.m. All voted in favor. Motion carried. Mayor Raymond J. Salazar Attes . evin Kelly, City Cle.