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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-09-23 City Council Meeting Minutes MINUTES MAPLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL 7:00 P.M. Monday, September 23, 2024 City Hall, Council Chambers Meeting No. 19-24 A. CALL TO ORDER A meeting of the City Council was held in the City Hall Council Chambers and was called to order at 7:00 p.m.by Mayor Abrams. Mayor Abrams thanked staff and volunteers for a successful and fun Friday Night Fireworks event. B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE C. ROLL CALL Marylee Abrams, Mayor Present Rebecca Cave, Councilmember Present Kathleen Juenemann, Councilmember Present Chonburi Lee, Councilmember Present Nikki Villavicencio, Councilmember Present D. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Agenda item J1 was removed from the agenda. Councilmember Lee moved to approve the agenda as amended. Seconded by Councilmember Cave Ayes – All The motion passed. E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. September 09, 2024 City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes Councilmember Juenemann moved to approve the September 09, 2024 City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes as submitted. Seconded by Councilmember Cave Ayes – All The motion passed. 2. September 09, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes Councilmember Lee moved to approve the September 09, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes as submitted. Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All September 23, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes 1 The motion passed. F. APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS 1. Administrative Presentations a. Council Calendar Update Assistant City Manager/HR Director Darrow gave an update to the council calendar and reviewed other topics of concern or interest requested by councilmembers. 2. Council Presentations None 3. Swearing-In Ceremony for Three Police Officers Abdullahi Abdirisak, Brian Born, and Michael Mallet Public Safety Director Bierdeman addressed the council and introduced officers Michael Mallet, Abdullahi Abdirisak, and Brian Born. City Clerk Sindt administered the oath before the pinning of their badges. Each officer addressed council. No action required. 4. Resolution for Commissioner Reappointments Assistant City Manager/HR Director Darrow gave the staff report. Councilmember Juenemann moved to approve the resolution for Commissioner reappointments. Resolution 24-09-2350 COMMISSIONER REAPPOINTMENTS BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA: Hereby appoints the following individuals, who the Maplewood City Council has reviewed, to be reappointed to the following commission: Environmental & Natural Resources Commission Rebecca Bryan Term Expires 09/30/2027 Benjamin Guell Term Expires 09/30/2027 Seconded by Councilmember Lee Ayes – All The motion passed. G. CONSENT AGENDA – Items on the Consent Agenda are considered routine and non- controversial and are approved by one motion of the council. If a councilmember September 23, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes 2 requests additional information or wants to make a comment regarding an item, the vote should be held until the questions or comments are made then the single vote should be taken. If a councilmember objects to an item it should be removed and acted upon as a separate item. Agenda items G1 & G3 were highlighted. Councilmember Cave moved to approve agenda items G1-G6. Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All The motion passed. 1. Approval of Claims Councilmember Cave moved to approve the approval of claims. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: $ 31,939.32 Checks # 121658 thru # 121779 dated 09/05/24 $ 974,272.53 Checks # 121780 thru # 121825 dated 09/10/24 $ 515,311.72 Disbursements via debits to checking account dated 09/02/24 thru 09/15/24 $ 1,521,523.57 Total Accounts Payable PAYROLL $ 754,245.75 Payroll Checks and Direct Deposits dated 09/13/24 $ 754,245.75 Total Payroll $ 2,275,769.32 GRAND TOTAL Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All The motion passed. 2. Conditional Use Permit Review, Cassia Senior Housing Facility, 1438 County Road C East Councilmember Cave moved to approve the CUP review for Cassia Senior Housing Facility, located at 1438 County Road C East, and review again only if a problem arises or a significant change is proposed. September 23, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes 3 Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All The motion passed. 3. Staffing and Efficiency Study with the Center for Values-Based Initiatives for the Maplewood Police Department Councilmember Cave moved to approve the Staffing and Efficiency Study Agreement with the Center for Values-Based Initiatives (CVBI) for the Maplewood Police Department. Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All The motion passed. 4. Local Lawful Gambling Permit for Hill Murray School, 2625 Larpenteur Avenue East Councilmember Cave moved to approve the ocal Lawful Gambling permit for Hill Murray School for their event on April 26, 2025. Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All The motion passed. 5. Resolution Appointing Additional Election Judges for the 2024 State General Election Councilmember Cave moved to approve the resolution listing additional election judges for the 2024 State General Election to be held on November 5, 2024. Resolution 24-09-2351 2024 STATE GENERAL ELECTION APPOINTING ELECTION JUDGES WHEREAS, MN State Statute 204B.21, Subd. 2 states election judges for precincts in a municipality shall be appointed by the governing body of the municipality; and WHEREAS, approval of the resolution does not qualify individuals to serve as an election judge; and WHEREAS, appointments will be made from the list to fill the needed positions after training and required paperwork have been completed; and WHEREAS, additional election judges have expressed interest in serving for the General after the initial list of election judges were approved by city council on September 9, 2024; and WHEREAS, appointment of additional election judges within the 25 days before the election may be made if the appointing authority determines that additional election judges will be required; and September 23, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes 4 NOW, THEREFORE, IT BE RESOLVED, that the City Clerk or designee assign Election Judges to serve in the 2024 State General Election to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 also from the following list: Dittli, Katrina Harmoning, Starr Vang, Sheila Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All The motion passed. 6. Contract for Facility Remodel Project – City Hall and 1902 Building Councilmember Cave moved to approve construction funding for the construction of two dedicated spaces for staff, one office space, secure storage, as well as furnishing, fixtures and equipment for space located at the 1902 Building and at City Hall. Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All The motion passed. H. PUBLIC HEARINGS – If you are here for a Public Hearing please familiarize yourself with the Rules of Civility printed on the back of the agenda. Sign in with the City Clerk before addressing the council. At the podium please state your name and address clearly for the record. All comments/questions shall be posed to the Mayor and Council. The Mayor will then direct staff, as appropriate, to answer questions or respond to comments. 1. 2024 Maplewood Street Improvements, City Project 23-08 a. Assessment Hearing, 7:00 p.m. b. Resolution Adopting Assessment Roll Public Works Director Love gave the staff report. Mayor Abrams opened public hearing. The following people spoke: None Mayor Abrams closed the public hearing. Councilmember Juenemann moved to approve the resolution Adopting Assessment Roll for the 2024 Maplewood Street Improvements, City Project 23-08. Resolution 24-09-2352 RESOLUTION ADOPTING ASSESSMENT ROLL WHEREAS, pursuant to resolution passed by the City Council on August 26, 2024, calling for a Public Hearing, the assessment roll for the 2024 Maplewood Street Improvements, City Project 23-08 was presented in a Public Hearing, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 429, and September 23, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes 5 WHEREAS, the following property owners have filed objections to their assessments according to the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 429, summarized as follows: A. 1109 Gordon Avenue, P.I.N. 162922420049 B. 1277 Hilltop Court, P.I.N. 09292211047 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA: 1. Such proposed assessment, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof, is hereby accepted and shall constitute the special assessment against the lands named therein, and each tract of land therein included is hereby found to be benefited by the proposed improvement in the amount of the assessment levied against it. 2. That the City Engineer and City Clerk are hereby instructed to make the following adjustments to the assessment roll for the 2024 Maplewood Street Improvements, City Project 23-08: No adjustments are recommended, as the properties that have filed objections are being assessed per the City of Maplewood Special Assessment Policy and these properties are benefitting from the improvements as confirmed by the special benefits appraisal. 3. The assessment roll for the 2024 Maplewood Street Improvements as amended, without those property owners’ assessments that have filed objections, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof, is hereby adopted. Said assessment roll shall constitute the special assessment against the lands named therein, and each tract of land therein included is hereby found to be benefited by the proposed improvement in the amount of the assessment levied against it. 4. Such assessments shall be payable in equal annual installments extending over a period of and 15 years for residential properties and 8 years for commercial properties, the first installments to be payable on or before the first Monday in January 2025 and shall bear interest at the rate of 5.65 percent per annum from the date of the adoption of this assessment resolution. To the first installment shall be added interest on the entire assessment from the date of this resolution until December 31, 2024. To each subsequent installment when due shall be added interest for one year on all unpaid installments. The owner of any property so assessed may, at any time prior to certification of the assessment to the county auditor, but no later than November 1, 2024, pay the whole of the assessment on such property, without interest, to the city clerk; and they may, at any time after November 15, 2024, pay to the county auditor the entire amount of the assessment remaining unpaid, with interest accrued to December 31 of the year in which such payment is made. Such payment must be made before November 15 or interest will be charged through December 31 of the next succeeding year. September 23, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes 6 5. The City Engineer and City Clerk shall forthwith after November 15, 2024, but no later than November 16, 2024, transmit a certified duplicate of this assessment to the county auditor to be extended on the property tax lists of the county. Such assessments shall be collected and paid over the same manner as other municipal taxes. Seconded by Councilmember Lee Ayes – Councilmember Cave Councilmember Juenemann Councilmember Lee Councilmember Villavicencio Abstain – Mayor Abrams The motion passed. I. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None J. NEW BUSINESS 1. Sign Variance Denial Resolution, Mister Car Wash, 3050 White Bear Avenue North Agenda item J1 was removed from the agenda. 2. Conditional Use Permit Resolution, Harriet Tubman Center East, 2675 Larpenteur Ave East Community Development Director Parr gave the presentation. Christine Brinkman, Senior Director of Operations with Harriet Tubman Center, provided additional information. Councilmember Lee moved to approve the resolution for a conditional use permit for Harriet Tubman Center East to allow an exterior dog run and expanded use of its commercial kitchen located at 2675 Larpenteur Avenue East. Resolution 24-09-2353 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota, as follows: Section 1. Background. 1.01 Harriet Tubman Center East has requested a conditional use permit to allow an exterior dog run and expanded use of its commercial kitchen. 1.02 The property is located at 2675 Larpenteur Avenue East and is legally described as: Century Trails Common Lot 2 Block 1 The PID for the property is 13-29-22-44-0004. September 23, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes 7 Section 2. Standards. 2.01 City Ordinance Section 44-1092(3) requires a Conditional Use Permit for an institution of any educational, philanthropic or charitable nature. 2.02 General Conditional Use Permit Standards. City Ordinance Section 44- 1097(a) states that the City Council must base approval of a Conditional Use Permit on the following nine standards for approval. 1. The use would be located, designed, maintained, constructed and operated to be in conformity with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Code of Ordinances. 2. The use would not change the existing or planned character of the surrounding area. 3. The use would not depreciate property values. 4. The use would not involve any activity, process, materials, equipment or methods of operation that would be dangerous, hazardous, detrimental, disturbing or cause a nuisance to any person or property, because of excessive noise, glare, smoke, dust, odor, fumes, water or air pollution, drainage, water run-off, vibration, general unsightliness, electrical interference or other nuisances. 5. The use would not exceed the design standards of any affected street. 6. The use would be served by adequate public facilities and services, including streets, police and fire protection, drainage structures, water and sewer systems, schools and parks. 7. The use would not create excessive additional costs for public facilities or services. 8. The use would maximize the preservation of and incorporate the site’s natural and scenic features into the development design. 9. The use would cause minimal adverse environmental effects. Section 3. Findings. 3.01 The proposal meets the specific conditional use permit standards. Section 4. City Review Process 4.01 The City conducted the following review when considering this conditional use permit request. 1. On September 17, 2024, the planning commission held a public hearing. The city staff published a hearing notice in the Pioneer Press and sent notices to the surrounding property owners. The planning commission gave everyone at the hearing a chance to speak and September 23, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes 8 present written statements. The planning commission recommended that the city council approve this resolution. 2. On September 23, 2024, the city council discussed this resolution. They considered reports and recommendations from the planning commission and city staff. Section 5. City Council 5.01 The city council hereby approves the resolution. Approval is based on the findings outlined in section 3 of this resolution. Approval is subject to the following conditions: 1. All construction shall follow the site plan approved by the city. Staff may approve minor changes. 2. The proposed use must be substantially started within one year of council approval or the permit shall become null and void. The council may extend this deadline for one year. 3. The City Council shall review this permit in one year. 4. This permit allows the Tubman Center East to continue its previously approved use of shelter housing. It also permits the applicant’s support activities such as a legal center, offices, counseling services group rooms, child care, playground, classrooms, community gathering spaces, space for collaborative community partnerships, community gardens, and bus shelters. 5. This permit approves the expanded use of the site’s commercial kitchen. The kitchen owner and any operators using the facility shall acquire all necessary approvals and licenses from the state of Minnesota and the City of Maplewood to operate the kitchen facility. 6. Trucks making deliveries for the kitchen facility shall be limited to 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. 7. This permit approves the exterior dog run, which shall be maintained and operated in a manner that does not create nuisances for nearby properties. 8. All construction—interior and exterior—related to the dog run and commercial kitchen on the subject property requires a building permit to be submitted for review and approval by the Building Official. 9. No supplies or materials are permitted to be stored outside. 10. Any trash and recycling receptacles stored outside must be within an enclosure that meets city requirements. Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All September 23, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes 9 The motion passed. 3. Metro Transit Purple Line Project a. Resolution Supporting Flexible Public Transportation and Transportation Alternatives b. Resolution Rescinding Support of the Bruce Vento Trail BRT Alignment c. Resolution Rescinding Support of the White Bear Avenue BRT Alignment Assistant City Manager/HR Director Darrow gave the staff report. City Attorney Batty provided additional information. Councilmember Cave moved to approve the Resolution in Support of Flexible Public Transportation and Transportation Alternatives. Resolution 24-09-2354 A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF FLEXIBLE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AND TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES WHEREAS, the City of Maplewood recognizes the importance of a robust and efficient transportation system for the economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and quality of life of its residents; and WHEREAS, public transportation and alternative transportation options such as biking, walking, and car-sharing provide numerous benefits, including reducing traffic congestion, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing accessibility for all citizens; and WHEREAS, expanding and enhancing public transportation options and supporting alternative modes of transportation can help to achieve these goals by providing reliable, accessible, and affordable transportation choices for all residents; and WHEREAS, investing in public transportation infrastructure such as micro-transit systems, and promoting alternative transportation methods can contribute to economic growth by increasing access to jobs, education, and services, as well as supporting local businesses; and WHEREAS, the City of Maplewood seeks to improve connectivity within the city and with neighboring communities, and recognizes that a well-integrated and affordable transportation network is essential to achieving this goal; and WHEREAS, the City Council of Maplewood acknowledges the importance of collaboration with regional partners, transportation agencies, and community stakeholders to advance transportation initiatives and secure necessary funding and resources; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of Maplewood supports the development, enhancement, and maintenance of public transportation and transportation alternatives within the city and its surrounding areas; and September 23, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes 10 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council commits to working with regional and local transportation agencies, businesses, and community organizations to identify and implement strategies that promote the use of public transportation, biking, walking, and other sustainable transportation options for all; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council will prioritize public engagement and seek input from residents to ensure that transportation solutions meet the needs of the community and reflect diverse perspectives. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage and adoption. Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – Mayor Abrams Councilmember Cave Councilmember Juenemann Councilmember Lee Nay – Councilmember Villavicencio The motion passed. Councilmember Juenemann moved to approve the Resolution to Rescind Support of the Purple Line Project along the Bruce Vento Trail, and Rescind Resolution 17-06-1473, and Rescind Resolution 20-05-1815. Resolution 24-09-2355 A RESOLUTION TO RESCIND SUPPORT OF THE PURPLE LINE PROJECT ALONG THE BRUCE VENTO TRAIL, AND RESCIND RESOLUTION 17-06-1473 (LOCALLY PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE) AND RESCIND RESOLUTION 20-05-1815 (15 PERCENT DESIGN) WHEREAS, the City of Maplewood previously adopted Resolution 17-06-1473 on June 6, 2017, which transmitted the City’s support for the Rush Line Corridor to the Rush Line Corridor Task Force, the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority, and the Metropolitan Council; and WHEREAS, the City of Maplewood also adopted Resolution 22-10-2135 on October 10, 2022, which withdrew support for the Purple Line Bus Rapid Transit project; and WHEREAS, the City Council has since re-evaluated its position on these transportation projects and determined that it is in the best interest of the City to rescind its previous resolutions regarding these matters; and WHEREAS, rescinding these resolutions aligns with the City's current transportation priorities and strategic objectives. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of Maplewood hereby rescinds Resolution 17-06-1473, which transmitted the City’s support for the Rush Line Corridor to the Rush Line Corridor Task Force, the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority, and the Metropolitan Council; and September 23, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes 11 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of Maplewood hereby rescinds Resolution 22-10-2135, which withdrew support for the Purple Line Bus Rapid Transit project; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this action reflects the City’s updated transportation policy and priorities and that the City Council may take further actions as necessary to address the City’s current transportation needs and goals. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage and adoption. Seconded by Councilmember Cave Ayes – All The motion passed. Councilmember Cave moved to approve the Resolution to Rescind Support of the White Bear Avenue Alignment and Rescind Resolution 22-10-2135. Resolution 24-09-2356 A RESOLUTION TO RESCIND SUPPORT OF THE WHITE BEAR AVENUE ALIGNMENT AND RESCIND RESOLUTION 22-10-2135 (PURPLE LINE ALTERNATIVES STUDY) WHEREAS, the City of Maplewood has previously supported the Purple Line Transit System project; and WHEREAS, the City Council of Maplewood has conducted a thorough review and evaluation of the project’s impacts and benefits, and has determined that it is in the best interest of the City to withdraw municipal support for the Purple Line Transit System through the City of Maplewood; and WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes the importance of continued investment in and development of effective public transit and transportation alternatives to meet the needs of community members; and WHEREAS, the City Council seeks to ensure that future transportation solutions align with the needs and preferences of the community while also integrating with regional transportation networks. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of Maplewood hereby withdraws its municipal support for the Purple Line Transit System project through the City of Maplewood; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council directs City staff to engage actively with community members, neighboring communities, and Metro Transit to explore and develop alternative public transit and transportation solutions; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this engagement should focus on identifying both short-term and long-term solutions that address the transportation needs of Maplewood’s residents and align with the City’s goals for sustainable and effective transportation infrastructure; and September 23, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes 12 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council requests staff to provide regular updates on the progress of these engagements and the development of alternative transportation solutions, including recommendations for future actions; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage and adoption. Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Council discussed the motion and shared opinions. Councilmember Lee moved to table item c. until council receives the final recommendations from the Purple Line project team in October as presented on July 22, 2024. Seconded by Councilmember Villavicencio Councilmember Lee requested a roll call vote Ayes – Councilmember Lee Councilmember Villavicencio Nays – Mayor Abrams Councilmember Cave Councilmember Juenemann The original motion stands Mayor Abrams requested a roll call vote Ayes – Mayor Abrams Councilmember Cave Councilmember Juenemann Nays – Councilmember Lee Councilmember Villavicencio The motion passed. K. AWARD OF BIDS None L. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Abrams adjourned the meeting at 8:31 p.m. Andrea Sindt, City Clerk September 23, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes 13