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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-12-11 CC Minutes - Approved CITY OF CENTERVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING December 11, 2024 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City of Centerville held their Council Meeting of December 11, 2024, commencing at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting was live streamed by North Metro TV. COUNCIL MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Love called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 1. Roll Call PRESENT: Mayor D. Love Council Member Russ Koski Council Member Darrin Mosher Approved Council Member Raye Taylor Council Member Terry Sweeney Junior Council Member Avery Sauber (Non-Voting) ABSENT: None STAFF: City Administrator, Mark Statz Assistant City Administrator, Athanasia Lewis Finance Director, Bruce DeJong City Attorney, Kurt Glaser II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Love provided an opportunity for others to add or delete any items. Administrator Statz stated that Staff would like to add Res. #24-0XX – Authorizing Submittal to Met. Council of a Comprehensive Plan Amendment for 1687 Westview Street under VII. Consent Agenda, Item #8 and a revised Ord. #XXX, nd Second Series – Cannabis Sales – 2 Reading which contained a summary for publication, a revised Lighting Display Policy which had been expanded and contained recommended changes from the EDA and Council, and a revised Res. #24-0XX – Recognizing the Service of Outgoing Mayor D. Love. Council Member Koski pointed out a typographical error relating to backup documents contained in the packet regarding tobacco licensing with Wyoming Liquors (dba Main Street Liquor Barrel) and Centerville Tobacco. Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Koski to Approve the Set Agenda as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. IV. APPOINTMENTS & PRESENTATIONS City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes December 11, 2024 1. Proclamation Recognizing the Service of Outgoing Head Election Judge Shirley Sundquist Mayor Love read the proclamation out loud. Mayor Love provided Ms. Sundquist an opportunity to speak, and she declined. Motion by Council Member Sweeney, seconded by Council Member Koski to Adopt the Proclamation Recognizing the Service of Outgoing Head Election Judge Shirley Sundquist as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. 2. Proclamation Recognizing Public Works Foreperson Tedd Peterson for 25 Years of Service Mayor Love read the proclamation out loud. Motion by Council Member Mosher, seconded by Council Member Taylor to Adopt the Proclamation Recognizing Public Works Foreperson Tedd Peterson for 25 Years of Service as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. V. PUBLIC HEARING 1. Truth in Taxation (2025 Budget) Finance Director DeJong reviewed the presentation that was contained in Council’s packet. Administrator Statz stated that many communities that have a high standard for public safety, have similar budgets and levels for expenditures associated with public safety. Finance Director DeJong stated that the proposed levy was 7.7%. He stated that with the newer construction on the east side of town and the modifications of the homestead credit, the true impact on a median home value of $360,000 would be roughly 1.41% and was very modest. He stated that the city is below average comparative to other municipalities within Anoka County. Council Member Koski wanted to point out that over the last five years, the average had been 3.7% and if 2025 was removed, it would be significantly lower. He stated that with the inclusion of 2025 there was a spike in the number, that the city had lost a significate amount of non-tax funding received from the State. He wanted to acknowledge staff and Council for their diligence in attempting to keep increases reasonable. He thanked staff for their reporting. Mayor Love stated that the figures show the fiscal responsibility of staff and Councils during the last five years. He stated that a lot has been accomplished while holding taxes reasonably stable. He stated that he was proud of that. He also commented that it was wonderful to see that the city would be out of debt in 2029 with forward think and refunding several bonds throughout the recent years allow for the levy to be stable. Mayor Love opening the public hearing at 6:32 p.m. He called for members of the public to comment in reference to their city taxes for 2025. No members were present. Mayor Love stated that Council would address item #VII. Consent Agenda and then come back to the Public Hearing allowing additional time for comments from the public. Page 2 of 9 City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes December 11, 2024 VI. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 1. None VII. CONSENT AGENDA 1. City of Centerville Claims through December 11, 2024 (Checks #37228-37258, E2335- E2342 & Voided Check #37078 & 37155 2. Centennial Lakes Police Department Claims through December 5, 2024 (Checks #15494- 15507, E2024093-2024098 & Payroll Check #15493) 3. Centennial Fire District Claims through December 10, 2024 (Checks #9817-9822) 4. Liquor & Tobacco License Renewals a. NY Liquor (Off Sale & Tobacco) b. Wiseguys Pizza & Pub (On-Sale & Sunday Liquor) c. CenterMarket (Tobacco & 3.2 Liquor) nd 5. Ord. #XXX, Second Series – Cannabis Sales – 2 Reading 6. Lighting Display Policy 7. Authorization for Grant Application – Rice Creek Watershed District – Stormwater Reuse at City Hall Campus 8. Res. #24-0XX – Authorizing Submittal to Met. Council of a Comprehensive Plan Amendment for 1687 Westview Street Mayor Love provided an opportunity for members to pull items for additional discussion. Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Koski, to Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. VIII. OLD BUSINESS 1. None Motion by Council Member Sweeney, seconded by Council Member Taylor to close the Truth in Taxation (2025 Budget) Public Hearing at 6:32 p.m. All in favor. Motion carried. IX. NEW BUSINESS 1. Res. #24-0XX - Budget Adoption – 2025 General Fund Mayor Love called for any additional comments or discussion. Motion by Council Member Koski, seconded by Council Member Taylor to Adopt Res. #24-027 – Budget & Tax Levies for 2025 as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. Page 3 of 9 City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes December 11, 2024 2. Res. #24-0XX - Transfer from Enterprise Funds to Equipment Replacement Fund Finance Director DeJong stated that staff reviewed with Council the Equipment Replacement Fund in 2023. He stated that at that time, staff stated that they would come back to Council with recommendations. He stated that with the Parks & Recreation funds being finalized, staff recommends transferring $250,000 out of the Enterprise Fund to the Equipment Replacement Fund to assist in funding all of the equipment purchases that were planned. He explained that $100,000 would come from the Water Fund, $100,000 would come from the Sewer Fund and $50,000 would come from the Storm Water Fund. Finance Director DeJong stated that all the funds were healthy, it was anticipated that they would increase on an annual basis and that there were no questions that the City would not have funding for Capital Improvements or emergencies. He stated that it was appropriate to transfer the funding as the equipment is utilized on a daily basis for each of those funds and activities related to those funds. Administrator Statz stated that the park improvements and the Equipment Replacement are different. He explained that salaries are accounted for from the Enterprise Funds as employees are testing water, checking sewers, etc. and the associated equipment that gets used to complete the tasks should also be accounted for accordingly. Administrator Statz stated that he wanted to decouple the recent Parks & Recreation Capital Replacement transfer from this transfer as those funds were from the general fund ($100,000 one-time transfer and $40,000 annually for their 15-year replacement fund) for park equipment capital replacement. Council Member Koski asked several questions regarding trucks and Administrator Statz stated that the city currently has two multi $100,000 large trucks and the other vehicles were driven daily. He stated that prior to the pandemic, it was believed that vehicles were financially easy to come by and the resale value was profitably, but that had not been the case for numerous years. He stated that staff has considered the amount of time when depreciation outweighs the value and how to dispose of the older stock. He explained that the existing Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) runs a 6-year period. He referenced that in the past the city purchased a truck, and it took two years to receive the truck. Finance Director DeJong stated that the city has two large plow trucks and two 1-ton trucks as the rotation was strategic due to pending retirement(s). Council Member Koski requested that additional discussion be had regarding the (CIP) soon. Motion by Koski, seconded by Taylor to Adopt Res. #24-028 – Transferring Funds from Enterprise Funds to the Equipment Replacement Fund as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. 3. Res. #24-0XX - Cancelling Copier Leases and Authorize Staff to Enter into New Equipment Leases Finance Director DeJong stated that the Public Works copier was 6 years old, and City Hall’s copier would shortly be 5 years old. He stated the importance of operation of City Hall’s machine as it produces all utility billing, correspondence, etc. and that it is very wise to have reliable equipment. He stated that staff would be looking at leasing these machines through the state’s cooperative purchasing program so there would be no need for going through the bidding process He explained that this process would allow staff to enter into agreements for another 5 years. He stated that the city was paying approximately $202/month for the City Hall copier. Council Member Koski asked if there were other options rather than entering into a lease agreement. Page 4 of 9 City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes December 11, 2024 Administrator Statz stated that most cities chose to lease as it could be more costing to purchase and continue to repair; whereas, leases tend to come with maintenance agreements. Administrator Statz stated that the city could purchase if desired. Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Sweeney to Adopt Res. #24-029 – Cancelling Copier Leases and Authorizing Staff to Enter into New Equipment Leases as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. 4. 2025 Pay and Benefits Plan Finance Director DeJong stated that with the Local 49er’s contract and an agreed 3% cost of living increase for 2025, the 2025 Pay Scale has been adjusted accordingly for all Grades and Steps, along with temporary and seasonal employee positions that are outlined within the resolution. He stated that the pay would become effective January 1, 2025. Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Koski to Adopt Res. #24-030 - 2025 Pay and Benefits Plan as submitted. All in favor. Motion carried. 5. Liquor and Tobacco License Violations a. Wyoming Liquors (DBA Main Street Liquor Barrel) b. Centerville Tobacco Plus, LLC Administrator Statz stated that there were two violations of discussion this evening. He stated that Council would need to deal with the city side of the violation (City Code violation). He stated that there were license renewals previously on the Consent Agenda as those businesses did not have any violations within the last year and their background checks were successful. He stated that Council will review the alleged violation that occurred and review their license in lieu of the violation. City Attorney Glaser explained that City Code contained a system of graduated civil penalties which included the city’s ability to suspend a license. He stated that these penalties are against the license holder. He explained that when the police department institutes a Compliance Check and there is a violation of sale, the individual at the register who sold the items receives a criminal charge and they may not be the owner, but an employee of the owner. He explained that the seller theoretically is facing jail and a fine. He stated that being that their licenses are up for renewal, it was prudent for staff to inform the Council that there are problems with the entity’s procedures. Administrator Statz stated that Wyoming Liquor (dba Main Street Liquor Barrel) had violations of tobacco and alcohol sales, both licenses are currently up for review. He explained that the sale of alcohol to a minor is a gross misdemeanor and the sale of tobacco to a minor is a misdemeanor and would be prosecuted in court by City Attorney Glaser’s office. Administrator Statz stated that staff’s recommendation is not to impose any conditions at this time as it is being handled through the court system and imposing a fine per City Code may be best following the prosecution. City Attorney Glaser stated that the City Code potentially could put an individual in jeopardy with their due process and violating their rights associated with the criminal complaint. He suggested that following the criminal prosecution proceedings, it would be recommended that the city following up with City Code violation penalties. He also stated that these are businesses that make mistakes, and they are not done intentionally. Page 5 of 9 City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes December 11, 2024 Discussion ensued regarding previous processes in handling similar situations, a licensee’s right to speak or chose not to speak to the Council prior to prosecution proceedings, the mayor’s desire not to have an individual jeopardize their due process and consensus of all members not to jeopardize anyone’s due process and not to impose a civil penalty until the prosecution proceedings are complete. Administrator Statz stated that Centerville Tobacco Plus, LLC, is a retail tobacco business and their violation was a tobacco violation only, officer on site issued a citation on site while the violation occurred, and this issue does not need to follow the same procedure as the previous business’ violations. City Attorney Glaser stated that he felt that it was justifiable to impose a fine at this time as the issue does not have the same requirements of prosecution. Mayor Love asked if the owner of Centerville Tobacco Plus, LLC wanted to speak as he was in the audience. Mr. Rashad Qawasma introduced himself and addressed Council. He stated that he owned Centerville Tobacco Plus, LLC, located at 1869 Main Street and since the incident happened, he and his wife have upgraded their cash register/point of sale equipment which requires scanning of an identification card and added additional signage within the business. He stated that it was not an excuse, but they were remodeling as they were new owners at the time of the violation, and he was out of the store most of the time. He stated that his employee was not trained enough. He stated that currently things have improved. Council Member Koski asked Mr. Qawasma if he owned additional locations and had there been similar issues at those locations. Mr. Qawasma stated that he does own an additional location, has since 2021 and not had a violation at that location. Mayor Love stated that repeat offenses are a concern. Council Member Koski concurred with Mayor Love’s concern and stated that Mr. Qawasma can understand where the Council is coming from. Council Member Mosher asked that every sale requires the scanning of an identification card and Mr. Qawasma concurred. Council Member Mosher asked about the 21 years of age or older signage to be in the store and Mr. Qawasma explained that they originally requested the license for tobacco retail (cigarettes and premium cigar sales). He explained that they do sell water, lighters, etc. but would not to someone who is under the age of 21. A representative of Centerville Tobacco Plus, LLC stated that they are a 21 + establishment and transactions for individuals with identification cards under 21, would be cancelled by the machine. Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Mosher to Adopt Res. #24-031 – Tobacco Sale Violation Penalty as submitted. All in favor. Motion carried. 6. Liquor License Renewal a. Wyoming Liquor (dba Main Street Liquor Barrel – Off Sale) Mayor Love called for discussion, Council Member Taylor stated that upon resolution of the case, that council be briefed and have an opportunity to impose City Code violations penalties if appropriate. Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Sweeney to Approve the Renewal of Wyoming Liquor (dba Main Street Liquor Barrel) – Off Sale License for 2025 as submitted. All in favor. Motion carried. 7. Tobacco License Renewal a. Wyoming Liquor (dba Main Street Liquor Barrel) Page 6 of 9 City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes December 11, 2024 Mayor Love called for discussion. Motion by Council Member Sweeney, seconded by Council Member Mosher to Approve the Renewal of Wyoming Liquor (dba Main Street Liquor Barrel) Tobacco License for 2025 as submitted. All in favor. Motion carried. b. Centerville Tobacco Plus, LLC Mayor Love called for discussion. Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Koski to Approve the Renewal of Centerville Tobacco Plus, LLC Tobacco License for 2025 as submitted. All in favor. Motion carried. Mayor Love thanked the individuals that were present, stated that Council hoped that they would remain prosperous and not have issues moving forward. 8. Direct Mailing re: Peltier Ponds Concept Plan (Lino Lakes Development) Administrator Statz stated that recently the Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed the Concept Plan for the development which is north and adjacent to the community and located in Lino Lakes. He stated that Centerville had received the plan for comments. He stated that staff and the commission forwarded comments to the Lino Lakes City Planner. Administrator Statz stated that through the commission’s discussions, it was stated that there could be adverse impacts on Centerville regarding traffic impacts on other individuals not adjacent to the proposed development in the community who would not have receive mailed notice of the Concept Plan hearing. He stated that the Commission was concerned that these individuals also have an opportunity to provide input and suggested that a direct mailing be forwarded to them with information on contacting the City of Lino Lakes. Administrator Statz stated that this was not something that had been completed in the past and he was looking for guidance from the Council. He rd stated that the concern was traffic potentially coming down Old Mill Road and East on 73 to get out to th 20 Avenue. He reported that staff and the Commission’s comments were to encourage Lino Lakes’ th development traffic to travel directly east to 20 Avenue through their own development. He stated that rd the mailing would be essentially to forward notice to residents north and east of 73 and Old Mill Road rd and perhaps those along Old Mill Road and 73 to the south of the roadway. He stated that the mailing may encompass 500 homes and that the cost would be approximately $1,000. Administrator Statz stated that it may be setting precedence sending the mailing and what to obtain what information should be contained in the mailing as perceived issues. rd Discussion ensued that traffic had increased along 73 with the development of additional homes north in th Centerville along with concerns for children in the area, potential impacts, concern for the 20 Avenue corridor and other developments and businesses to the north in Columbus, church traffic on weekends, th County reconstruction of 20 Avenue and roundabouts, including County Commissioners, that the City may not have the ability to forward notifications regarding all surrounding proposed developments but with existing social media avenues, readerboard, newsletters, website, utility bills it was felt that information could be delivered to residents. It was also stated that the City of Lino Lakes is not compelled to listen to Centerville residents. Additional discussion regarding northern intersections and needs for th improvements along 20 Avenue, 262 homes proposed for the development, continued work with the City of Lino Lakes regarding additional intersections, additional discussions with MN DOT, an additional Page 7 of 9 City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes December 11, 2024 thth interchange within the City of Lino Lakes’ Comprehensive Plan at 140/85, support for communication or just to ramp up communication. Administrator Statz stated that a communication plan would be brought forward with notation on the utility bill and an article in the newsletter. 9. Res. #24-0XX – Recognizing the Service of Outgoing Junior Council Member Avery Sauber Mayor Love read the resolution out loud. Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Sweeney to Adopt Res. #24-032 – Recognizing Jr. Council Member Avery Sauber as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. Council Members and staff commended Ms. Sauber for her comments and perspectives from a young adult throughout the year along with the activities that she had accomplished, stating that it was the third year of the program, that she has raised the bar with her accomplishments and that she had a bright future. Ms. Sauber stated that she is proud of her accomplishments, who she had become and the opportunity to serve through the program. 10. Res. #24-0XX – Recognizing the Service of Outgoing Council Member Terry Sweeney Mayor Love read the resolution out loud. Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Koski to Adopt Res. #24-033 – Recognizing the Service of Outgoing Council Member Terry Sweeney as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. Council Members and staff commended Council Member Sweeney for his knowledge, experience and contributions that he has given to the community along with appreciation for his thoughtfulness, honesty and integrity. 11. Res. #24-0XX – Recognizing the Service of Outgoing Mayor D. Love Council Member Koski read the resolution out loud. Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Sweeney to Adopt Res. #24-034 – Recognizing the Service of Outgoing Mayor D. Love as presented. All in favor. Motion carried. Council Members and staff commented that it had been an honor to serve with him, wishes for bigger and better things for the future, living the life as what he represented, appreciated him giving honor to everyone’s opinion, appreciating him as a wonderful leader, being a great inspiration, having positivity, endless promotion of the community and meeting etiquette exhibited in his tenor. Mayor Love stated that he has served for 20 years, he thanked his family for their support and encouragement, support of friends, city staff for their care and dedication, P & Z Commission members when he started serving and previous Mayors. He also thanked Council Members and each Jr. Council Members for their efforts, talents and dedication. He thanked the school district, sister cities for public safety, League of MN Cities, relationships that he has been able to make and stated some of his regrets Page 8 of 9 City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes December 11, 2024 (i.e., getting all the past Mayors together, not getting a statue/monument, but few). He stated that he would miss all and one thing that he had learned was that we are truly “stronger together”. X. COUNCIL/ADMINISTRATOR ANNOUNCEMETS 1. Administrator/Engineer Report – Administrator Statz stated that his report was contained in the packet and that he would be happy to address any questions from the Council. He provided the Council with a brief review. Assistant City Administrator Lewis reviewed the Operation Santa Paws program. Jr. Council Member Sauber reported that she participated in a tour of North Metro TV and was interviewed by Danika Peterson, that she would be meeting with former Council Member Lakso, and she wished Jr. Council Member elect Sophie Wynn good luck and congratulations 2. Council Reports a. Taylor – (i) Economic Development Authority – Council Member Taylor reported that there was an opening on the board and that she was excited about the holiday lights. b. Koski – (i) Planning & Zoning Commission – Council Member Koski gave no report. (ii) Fire Steering Committee – Council Member Koski gave no report. c. Sweeney - (i) Fire Steering Committee – Council Member Sweeney gave no report. (ii) Parks & Recreation Committee – Council Member Sweeney gave no report. (iii) Fire Protection Council – Council Member Sweeney gave no report. d. Mosher – (i) Economic Development Authority – Council Member Mosher gave no report. (ii) Police Governing Board – Council Member Mosher gave no report. e. Love – Mayor Love wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year. (i) North Metro Telecommunications Commission – Mayor Love gave no report. (ii) Police Governing Board – Mayor Love gave no report. (iii) Other Mayoral Reports – Mayor Love gave no report. XI. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Council Member Mosher, seconded by Council Member Sweeney to adjourn the meeting of December 11, 2024, at 9:09 p.m. Respectfully submitted by City Clerk, Teresa Bender. Page 9 of 9