City Council

Maple Grove City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes September 21, 2020 Call to Order Pursuant to call and notice thereof, a Regular Meeting of the Maple Grove City Council was held at 7: 30 p. m. on September 21, 2020 at the Maple Grove Government Center/ Public Safety Facility, Hennepin County, Minnesota. Members present were Acting Mayor Karen Jaeger, Councilmembers Judy Hanson, Phil Leith, and Kristy Barnett. Absent was Mayor Mark Steffenson. Present also were Heidi Nelson, City Administrator; Joe Hogeboom, Community and Economic Development Director; Peter Vickerman, Planning Manager; Eric Werner, Police Chief; Tim Bush, Fire Chief, Steve Hauer, Finance Director; Ken Ashfeld, Public Works Director/ City Engineer; and Justin Templin, City Attorney. Acting Mayor Jaeger called the meeting to order at 7: 30 p.m. and led the City in the Pledge of Allegiance. Additions or Acting Mayor Jaeger asked if there were any additions and/ or Deletions to deletions to the Consent Agenda to which Heidi Nelson stated the Agenda the following: Item Amended to the Agenda None Item Amended to the Consent Agenda None Item Added to the Agenda None Item Removed from the Consent Agenda for Discussion 3K. Proclamation Light the Night for Fallen Maple Grove Firefighter Michael Paidar - September 27 to October 4, 2020 Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 21, 2020 Page 2 Consent Items The following Consent Items were presented for Council' s approval: MINUTES A. Regular Meeting— September 8, 2020 B. Work Session— September 8, 2020 C. Work Session— September 14, 2020 PERSONNEL ITEMS D. Appointment of Finance Director Motion to approve the appointment of Greg Sticha to the position of Finance Director with an annual salary of 149, 077. 76 ( Level 16, step E), and a negotiated leave bank of 40 hours of vacation and 24 hours of sick. The appointment is effective on October 26, 2020 subject to a 12- month probationary period. All required screenings and background checks have been successfully completed. E. Appointment of Acting Finance Director Motion to approve the appointment of Sheri Robertson as Acting Finance Director, effective October 1, 2020. This acting assignment shall continue until the new Finance Director is appointed, which is anticipated to be October 26, 2020. Due to the increased responsibilities of the acting assignment and pursuant to Article 8 of the City' s Personnel Policy Manual, it is recommended that Sheri be eligible for a 5% salary increase effective October 1, 2020 and continuing for the duration of the acting appointment. COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ITEMS No items to present. ENGINEERING ITEMS F. Ranchview Water Tower Maintenance Protect 20- 13 - Resolution No. 20- 130 Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 21, 2020 Page 3 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 20- 130 approving plans and specifications for Ranchview Water Tower Maintenance Project 20- 13 and authorizing advertisement for bids. Motion to approve extended working hours of 7 am to 7 pm, Monday through Friday and 8 am to 7 pm Saturdays and Sundays. G. Resolution of Support for Funding Hip-hwav 610 Extension - Resolution No. 20- 131 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 20- 131, a resolution in support of the city' s application for funding through the MnDOT' s 2020 Minnesota Highway Freight Program ( MHFP). H. Preparation of Assessment Rolls and Assessment Hearinia Establishment - Resolution No. 20- 129 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 20- 129 ordering preparation of assessment rolls and establishing hearings for certain projects. I. Sureties Motion to approve the surety actions as identified on the Council Action Form. ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS J. Minnesota Department of Public Safetv 2021 Enforcement Request for Proposal Host A2encv Av-reement Towards Zero Death Traffic Enforcement- Resolution No. 20- 135 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 20- 135 authorizing execution of Towards Zero Death Traffic Enforcement grant agreement during the period from October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021 and Maple Grove Police Department to serve as lead agency and fiscal agent to administer the grant funds. K. Proclamation Light the Night for Fallen Maple Grove Firefighter Michael Paidar - September 27 to October 4, 2020 This item was removed by Councilmember Leith for discussion. Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 21, 2020 Page 4 L. Cancel Tax Levies - Resolution No. 20- 132 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 20- 132 canceling tax levy. CLAIMS M. Motion to approve the claims as listed: City Checks: $ 1, 353, 136. 28 Purchasing Card: $ 26, 254. 59 Electronic Payments: $ 25. 00 Motion by Councilmember Leith, seconded by Councilmember Hanson, to approve the Consent Items as amended, removing item 3K ( Proclamation Light the Night for Fallen Maple Grove Firefighter Michael Paidar - September 27 to October 4, 2020). Upon call of the motion by Acting Mayor Jaeger, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Consideration The following items were pulled from the Consent Agenda. of Items Regarding Item 3K ( Proclamation Light the Night for Fallen Pulled from Maple Grove Firefighter Michael Paidar - September 27 to the Agenda October 4, 2020), Councilmember Leith explained the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Annual Memorial is held the first week of October each year to honor the service and sacrifice of firefighters that have died in the line of duty. He explained the foundation would be holding Light the Night the week of September 27th through October 4' h and encourages city landmarks, fire departments and homes to be lit red for fallen firefighters. During this time, Maple Grove would be paying tribute to Captain Michael Paidar who worked at Station 5 and passed on August 26, 2020. He reported the city' s five fire stations and Town Green would be lit red in support of Captain Paidar from September 27th through October 4' h Motion by Councilmember Leith, seconded by Councilmember Hanson, to proclaim September 27 to October 4, 2020, as Light the Night for Fallen Maple Grove Firefighter Michael Paidar. Upon call of the motion by Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 21, 2020 Page 5 Acting Mayor Jaeger, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Special Business Open Forum There were no open forum issues brought before the Council at this meeting. Retirement of City Administrator Nelson recognized Finance Director Hauer Finance for years 35 years of public service. She explained Finance Director Hauer began his career with the City of Brooklyn Park Director Steve in 1985 as a staff accountant. She explained Finance Director Hauer Hauer joined the City of Maple Grove in May of 1992 as the Assistant Finance Director and was promoted to Finance Director in 2017. She discussed Finance Director Hauer' s role with the Minnesota Government Finance Officers Association MNGFOA) and noted he was also active with the National GFOA. She reported Finance Director Hauer was a humble worker and the city has appreciated his tremendous service to the community. Jim Knutson, former Finance Director, explained he had the pleasure of working with Steve Hauer for 13 years at Maple Grove. He stated it was a joy to work with Steve and indicated he would be greatly missed by the city. He reported Steve was instrumental in the city receiving the prestigious Certificate of Achievement and Excellence in Reporting for the past 28 years. He commented Steve was also instrumental in the city receiving a AAA bond rating in 2009. He stated he appreciated Steve' s thoughtful approach to problems whether big or small. He wished Steve a long and happy retirement. Fred Christiansen, former Finance Director, congratulated Steve Hauer on his 28 years with the City of Maple Grove. He explained Steve came to the city with strong accounting skills, great leadership abilities and a trusted personality. He discussed how the city has benefited from Steve' s service to Maple Grove and wished him well in his retirement. Terri Heaton, Baker Tilly, stated it was bittersweet to see Steve Hauer retiring. She explained Steve was very talented and astute in all aspects of finance. She wished Steve a long and Maple Grove City Council Minutes September- 21, 2020 Page 6 happy retirement. She indicated she had a plaque for Steve recognizing him for his " Bonds of Friendship". Councilmember Leith thanked Finance Director Hauer for his 28 years of service to the City. He appreciated Mr. Hauer' s hard work on behalf of the community and wished him well in his retirement. Councilmember Hanson stated it was a testament that two former Finance Directors came to speak to Finance Director Hauer this evening. She thanked Finance Director Hauer for his dedicated service to the city and noted he would be greatly missed. Councilmember Barnett agreed and thanked Finance Director Hauer for being trustworthy, detailed and thorough. She stated she appreciated Finance Director Hauer staying with the city longer than anticipated and wished him all the best in his retirement. Acting Mayor Jaeger thanked Finance Director Hauer for his tremendous service to the City of Maple Grove. She wished him a long and healthy retirement. Finance Director Hauer thanked the Council, staff and former staff members for their kind words. He stated it has been a pleasure to work for the City Council and he has enjoyed working with all of the staff members over the years. He thanked City Administrator Nelson for her patience and thoughtful leadership. He explained he also appreciated working with all of the directors at the city. He thanked all of the staff members within the Finance Department for making it enjoyable to come to work each and every day. He stated he would miss seeing them every day. He indicated he would miss working with Assistant Finance Director Sheri Robertson. He thanked his family, his two children and especially his wife Sandra, for her love and support. A standing ovation and round of applause was offered by all in attendance. Retirement of Police Chief Werner recognized Police Officer Mark Carroll for his 25 years of service to the City of Maple Grove. He Police Officer discussed the ways in which Officer Carroll had served the Mark Carroll community. He explained Officer Carroll served the youth and Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 21, 2020 Page 7 school district for 15 years as a DARE Officer. For this work, Officer Carroll was nominated for the Darrell F. Gates DARE Lifetime Achievement Award. He commented further on the awards Officer Carroll has received throughout his career due to his high quality work. He thanked Officer Carroll for being a calm, patient, caring and friendly officer. He stated Officer Carroll would be greatly missed by his coworkers but he wished him well in his retirement. Councilmember Leith thanked Officer Carroll for his 25 years with the City of Maple Grove and wished him a long and happy retirement. Councilmember Hanson stated she appreciated all of Officer Carroll' s efforts on behalf of the community. Councilmember Barnett thanked Officer Carroll for his 25 years with the Maple Grove Police Department. She stated the residents of the city have great things to say about him and she was proud of the great work being done by the entire police department. She wished him well in his retirement. Acting Mayor Jaeger indicated she was so disappointed to see Officer Carroll leaving but she was so happy for him to be retiring. She explained she had done a ride along with Officer Carroll when she joined the Citizen' s Police Academy. She stated she appreciated all of Officer Carroll' s efforts with the DARE program and how he invested his time in the community' s youth. She thanked Officer Carroll for keeping the community safe and wished him a long and happy retirement. Maple Grove Communications Coordinator Carol Morris reported over 600 Moments photos were submitted this year from over 144 Maple Grove residents. She stated she appreciated all of the submissions and Photography discussed how the photos were used by the City of Maple Contest Grove. She thanked the judges for their role in the photography Recognition contest. She then reviewed the winning photographs from this year' s contest. Councilmember Barnett thanked Communications Coordinator Morris for all her work on the photography contest. She stated she really appreciated the titles on the photos. Acting Mayor Jaeger recognized the winners from the Maple Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 21, 2020 Page 8 Grove Moments Photography Contest and thanked all who participated in this year' s contest. Update on Fire Chief/Emergency Management Director Bush provided the COVID- 19 Council with an update on the city' s response to COVID- 19. He commented on the CASPER survey the Minnesota Response Department of Health would be conducting from September 14th through September 30th. He explained participation in this survey would be completely voluntary. He reported those individuals that participate in the survey would be tested for COVID- 19 and for COVID antibodies. He discussed the changes residents could expect for the upcoming general election. He explained those aged 80 to 89 were at the highest risk for dying from COVID. He explained the positive test rate is between 8% and 9% in the State of Minnesota. He explained 2 million COVID tests have been completed in Minnesota and 500, 000 were repeat tests. He commented on the COVID numbers from Hennepin County. He indicated the pandemic was playing out differently in the United States than in other countries. He commented questions were being raised regarding immunity, vaccines and the severity of future outbreaks. He reported it was too early to determine how the COVID model would play out and noted he would continue to monitor this situation on behalf of the community. 7. 30 p. m. City Administrator Nelson reported the Maple Grove Police Liquor Department recently conducted alcohol compliance checks on Violation July 29, 2020 and alcohol was served to a minor at 3 Squares. She explained at the recent city sponsored alcohol compliance training, 3 Squares sent 21 staff members. She indicated 3 Blue Plate Squares has not had an alcohol violation since obtaining their Restaurant liquor license in May of 2008. Company Inc. dba 3 Squares Acting Mayor Jaeger stated the city takes these violations very seriously. She asked how 3 Squares would be addressing this concern. JJ Maleizke, 3 Squares Director of Operations, understood this was a serious matter. He reported 21 employees recently attended the city sponsored alcohol training. He stated unfortunately mistakes are made. He noted he would continue to teach and train his employees on how to properly serve alcohol to patrons. Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 21, 2020 Page 9 Acting Mayor Jaeger questioned what precautions have been taken by 3 Squares. Mr. Maleizke commented pre- shift discussions are being held with staff members to stress the importance of properly carding patrons. He explained the State of Minnesota requires servers to card people who appear 40 or under. He indicated he requires his staff members to card patrons who appear 50 or younger. Acting Mayor Jaeger encouraged 3 Squares to card all patrons seeking to purchase alcohol. She stated another option would be for 3 Squares to purchase a card scanner for alcohol purchases. Councilmember Leith explained he read the police report and he was bothered by the fact that the 3 Squares employee had not asked for an ID. He commented the bartender asked a history question and when the decoy answered correctly, the bartender proceeded to serve the minor. He asked if the bartender was fired after this violation. Mr. Maleizke reported his employee was suspended for a time, retrained, but was not let go. He explained the bartender was taken aback because the decoy knew him by name. He indicated all employees had been retrained after this incident and he believed this would benefit 3 Squares going forward. Councilmember Barnett stated she was 45 years old and she has never been carded in 3 Squares. She encouraged Mr. Maleizke to reconsider his carding policy. Mr. Maleizke stated this was disappointing to hear and explained he would take this information back to his staff. Motion by Councilmember Leith, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to approve directing the City Attorney to prepare appropriate findings of fact and conclusion in support of the decision to suspend the On- Sale Intoxicating Liquor/Sunday Sale License for Blue Plate Restaurant Company Inc. dba 3 Squares, 12690 Arbor Lakes Pkwy, Maple Grove, Minnesota for at least two consecutive days for a first violation within any three- year period and/ or impose a civil penalty of up to $ 2, 000 per violation for consideration at the next Council meeting. Upon call of the motion by Acting Mayor Jaeger, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. 7: 30 p. m. City Administrator Nelson reported the Maple Grove Police Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 21, 2020 Page 10 Liquor Department recently conducted alcohol compliance checks on Violation July 29, 2020 and alcohol was served to a minor at Tandoor. She explained at the recent city sponsored alcohol compliance Grove training Tandoor sent one staff member. She indicated Tandoor Tandoor LLC has not had an alcohol violation since obtaining their liquor license in August of 2019. dba Tandoor Acting Mayor Jaeger stated the City of Maple Grove takes these violations very seriously. She asked how Tandoor would be addressing this concern. MD Asaduzzaman ( Assad), Tandoor owner, reported Tandoor cards all patrons wishing to purchase alcohol. He explained the decoy was carded but the date was not confirmed by his employee. He stated he spoke to the police officer when the event occurred. He indicated he attended the city' s alcohol compliance training. He apologized for the incident and noted his restaurant has been struggling during COVID- 19. Councilmember Hanson questioned how many training sessions have been held in the past year. City Administrator Nelson discussed the training sessions that have been hosted by the city over the past year. Motion by Councilmember Hanson, by seconded Councilmember Leith, to approve directing the City Attorney to prepare appropriate findings of fact and conclusion in support of the decision to suspend the On- Sale Wine & 3. 2% Malt Liquor License for Grove Tandoor LLC dba Tandoor, 15607 Grove Circle N, Maple Grove, Minnesota for at least two consecutive days for a first violation within any three- year period and/ or impose a civil penalty of up to $ 2, 000 per violation for consideration at the next Council meeting. Upon call of the motion by Acting Mayor Jaeger, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Community Development Items CARES Community and Economic Development Director Hogeboom discussed how funds could be allocated through a CARES Act Funding grant to cover COVID- 19 expenditures. He stated staff was Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 21, 2020 Page 11 Allocation asking the Council to approve these costs being covered by CARES Act dollars, along with disbursements to outside Ordinance No. entities to help with pandemic related issues. He explained staff 20- 08 and was recommending the Council allocate $ 185, 000 to CROSS for food services for Maple Grove residents in addition to Resolution 315, 000 being put towards rental assistance. He proposed the Nos. 20- 133 city allocate $ 400, 000 to the Maple Grove Hospital to assist and 20- 134 with pandemic expenses. He suggested $ 500, 000 be allocated to the COVID- 19 emergency loan program. Motion by Councilmember Leith, seconded by Acting Mayor Jaeger, to approve adopting Ordinance No. 20- 08 establishing a temporary Affordable Housing Trust Fund in order to provide emergency rental assistance to residents during the Covid- 19 Pandemic. Upon call of the motion by Acting Mayor Jaeger, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Motion by Councilmember Leith, seconded by Councilmember Hanson, to approve adopting Summary Ordinance No. 20- 08 to reduce public costs. Upon call of the motion by Acting Mayor Jaeger, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Motion by Councilmember Barnett, seconded by Acting Mayor Jaeger, to approve adopting Resolution No. 20- 133 approving transfer of CARES Act funds from general fund to Affordable Housing Trust Fund for purposes of providing rental assistance to residents. Upon call of the motion by Acting Mayor Jaeger, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Motion by Councilmember Leith, seconded by Councilmember Hanson, to approve adopting Resolution No. 20- 134 approving dispersal of CARES Act funds for purposes of providing assistance to residents and entities affected by Covid- 19 Pandemic. Upon call of the motion by Acting Mayor Jaeger, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Report On Community and Economic Development Director Hogeboom Upcoming updated the Council regarding the following: Community The Planning Commission would meet next on September and Economic Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 21, 2020 Page 12 Development 28t' to discuss a residential variance. Items The Planning Commission would meet on October 26th to discuss Avery Park. It was noted a neighborhood meeting would be held on Wednesday, September 23rd to discuss Avery Parks. The Osseo School District has proposed building an elementary school in northwestern Maple Grove. Report on Director of Public Works/ City Engineer Ashfeld updated the Council regarding the following: Upcoming Engineering The city wide cleanup days would be held next week. The Items curbside pickup day would be held on Monday, September 28th and drop off items would be taken at the Public Works Facility on Saturday, October 3rd. Additional information regarding the city wide cleanup day were available on the city' s website. Staff provided the Council with an update on the 1- 94 project. Heidi Nelson, Ms. Nelson explained that the Council has her Monday report if there are any questions. She stated the City Council, as part of City the consent agenda earlier this evening, appointed a new Administrator Finance Director, Greg Sticha, noted he would begin working for the city on October 261''. She reported a candidate forum would be held on Wednesday, October 7th at 7: 00 p. m. Adjourn to Motion by Councilmember Hanson, seconded by EDA Meeting Councilmember Barnett, to adjourn to the EDA Meeting. Upon call of the motion by Acting Mayor Jaeger, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Acting Mayor Jaeger adjourned the City Council meeting to the EDA Meeting at 9: 05 p. m. Reconvene to Motion by Councilmember Hanson, by seconded Councilmember Barnett, to reconvene the regular City Regular Council meeting. Upon call of the motion by Acting Mayor Meeting Jaeger, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Acting Mayor Jaeger reconvened the regular City Council meeting at 9: 15 p. m. Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 21, 2020 Page 13 Items Added Acting Mayor Jaeger reported the upcoming virtual candidate to the Agenda forum would be held on Wednesday, October 7th at 7: 00 p.m. Acting Mayor Jaeger encouraged residents to visit the farmer' s market each Thursday from 3: 00 p. m. to 6: 00 p. m. Councilmember Barnett reported the Maple Grove Police Department and Fire Department would be hosting a canned food drive for CROSS at Fire Station 2 from 2: 00 p. m. to 6: 00 p.m. on October 7th Councilmember Hanson stated the Arbor Committee would be hosting a Fall Tree Festival from Saturday, September 26th through Sunday, October llth She reported the Arbor Committee would be encouraging residents to tour the Maple Grove Arboretum to view the unique trees. In addition, there would be a scavenger hunt that would highlight eight different trees in the city. She encouraged residents to get involved in the Fall Tree Festival. Adjournment Motion by Councilmember Hanson, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to adjourn to the regular City Council meeting on October 5, 2020 at 7: 30 p. m. Upon call of the motion by Acting Mayor Jaeger, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9: 17 p.m. by Acting Mayor Jaeger. Respectfully submitted, 1 jJ Heidi Nelson City Administrator