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2020-06-02 Council MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the regular meeting of the City Council, City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota was held at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Garlock called the meeting to order at 5:13 p.m. Councilors Duggan, Paper, Miller, and Petschel were also present via teleconferencing. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council, the audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA ADOPTION Mayor Garlock presented the agenda for adoption. City Administrator Mark McNeill noted that item 9a. was removed from the agenda on the request of the applicant. He stated that there have been no public comments submitted, therefore that time will be used to allow the Police Chief to provide an update on curfew and security issues in Mendota Heights. Councilor Petschel moved adoption of the agenda as amended. Mayor Garlock seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Councilor Duggan aye Councilor Miller aye Councilor Paper aye Councilor Petschel aye Mayor Garlock aye CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Garlock presented the consent calendar and explained the procedure for discussion and approval. Councilor Duggan moved approval of the consent calendar as presented. a. Approval of May 19, 2020 City Council Minutes b. Approval of April 28, 2020 Council Work Session Minutes c. Adopt Use Policy for Changeable Message Board Sign at Fire Station d. Authorize the Purchase of a Locker System from GearGrid e. Approve April 2020 Fire Synopsis Report f Approve Claims List Councilor Petschel seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Councilor Miller aye Councilor Paper aye Councilor Petschel aye Mayor Garlock aye Councilor Duggan aye PUBLIC COMMENTS UPDATE FROM POLICE CHIEF ON CURFEW AND SECURITY IN MENDOTA HEIGHTS Police Chief Kelly McCarthy stated that the curfew is no longer in effect tonight but noted that it was a useful tool during the time it was in effect. She stated that they are doing everything they can to provide security and safety and protect the people. She stated that the week prior to the homicide of Mr. Floyd, the Mendota Heights Police Department received 24 suspicious activity calls, noting that in the past six days there have been 104 suspicious activity calls. She stated that every sworn officer and member of the department has been on duty. She stated that the department will continue to act with the tools available as the issue moves forward. Councilor Duggan asked if there would have been additional equipment or personnel that would have been helpful. Police Chief Kelly McCarthy explained that you cannot staff for what is possible, only for what is probable. She commented that there are some real-world things that need to be reviewed and she will discuss these with the Council at a later time. Councilor Petschel thanked the Police Department for its posts on social media that have been shared throughout the community. She commented that the residents have been grateful for the communication from the department during this time. Councilor Miller thanked everyone for their collaborative efforts to keep the community safe. Councilor Paper thanked Police Chief Kelly McCarthy and her staff for their efforts in the past week. He commented that people are concerned and want to know what the City is doing to ensure that everyone can be as safe as possible. He expressed appreciation for the hours the Police Department has put in during the past week. June 2, 2020 Mendota Heights City Council Page 2 of 6 Mayor Garlock commented that while not all leaders have done a great job during this time, Police Chief Kelly McCarthy has done a great job and he expressed appreciation for the work of the Police Department. PRESENTATIONS A) 2019 AUDIT Matt Mayer, KDV, presented the 2019 audit results to the Council, reporting a clean or unmodified opinion. He recognized the Finance Director and her team for the work they completed in preparation for the audit and throughout the year. He reported no issues of legal compliance. He reviewed the internal control item, which has been identified in prior years due to the small number of employees in the finance department. He provided details on the Par 3 golf course and the change in how that is reported and recorded. He reviewed details on the general fund and the other fund balances. Councilor Miller expressed his appreciation for the presentation and preparation of the audit. Councilor Paper thanked the Finance Director and her team for their work. He expressed appreciation of the City's financial position, noting that the City is lucky to be in the position it is. Councilor Petschel stated that she would like to go back a number of years and recognize the previous Councils that felt that the fund balance needed to be addressed. They saved and planned accordingly. She asked for additional details on a leasing item mentioned in the report and how that could impact future budgets. Mr. Mayer explained that leases are currently an immediate expense of the City and provided details on the new accounting standard and changes that would need to be implemented in terms of accounting. He stated that the new standard would require the City to run the numbers and the City could then choose whether leasing is the right choice. Councilor Duggan stated that previous Councils addressed the question on whether leasing or buying for Police vehicles would be better. He referenced the required supplementary information and asked for more information on the changes in the retirement fund contribution figures. Mr. Mayer provided additional information on the PERA retirement fund contributions, the changes in accounting standards that have occurred throughout the past several years, and the Minneapolis retirement plan merging with the State retirement plan. Mayor Garlock stated that the decision was made to lease squad vehicles because of the maintenance costs. He noted that initially the fuel was included in the lease, but that has since been withdrawn. He stated that perhaps the City should review whether leasing is still the best option. City Administrator Mark McNeill confirmed that review could be done for 2021. Mayor Garlock moved to accept the AUDIT REVIEW FROM KDV. Councilor Petschel seconded the motion. June 2, 2020 Mendota Heights City Council Page 3 of 6 A roll call vote was performed: Councilor Paper aye Councilor Petschel aye Mayor Garlock aye Councilor Duggan aye Councilor Miller aye No items scheduled. PUBLIC HEARINGS NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS B) ORDINANCE NO. 557 APPROVE CITY CODE CHANGE CONCERNING LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWALS City Clerk Lorri Smith provided background information on the request. The Council adopted Ordinance 551 on December 3, 2019, which approved the licensing fees for alcoholic beverages. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused the restaurants to be closed to the public, staff is requesting the Council review and adjust the current liquor licensing fees for the renewal of on -sale licensed establishments. The Council expressed support for this measure to help provide assistance to local businesses. City Administrator Mark McNeill stated that since the drafting of this language, the Governor has allowed the option for restaurants and bars to provide patio service to patrons, and therefore as written the credit would cease on May 31St. The Council was in agreement. Councilor Duggan asked if language should be added to state subject to State changes. City Administrator Mark McNeill commented that if the Council is comfortable with the language, it could proceed as written. Councilor Duggan moved to approve ORDINANCE NO. 557 APPROVE CODE CHANGE CONCERNING LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWAL FEES AND ALLOW FOR FOUR INSTALLATION PAYMENTS FOR THE RENEWAL FEES. Councilor Petschel seconded the motion. June 2, 2020 Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 of 6 A roll call vote was performed: Councilor Petschel aye Mayor Garlock aye Councilor Duggan aye Councilor Miller aye Mayor Paper aye C) APPROVE OF LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWALS City Clerk Lorri Smith provided background information on the request. The Council is asked to approve the renewal of the current liquor licenses. Councilor Petschel moved to approve THE ISSUANCE OF THE LICENSE RENEWALS AS LISTED IN THE STAFF REPORT FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2020 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2021, CONTINGENT UPON THE LIQUOR LIABILITY INSURANCE CERTIFICATES BEING RECEIVED AND ALL FEES DUE BEING PAID. Councilor Duggan seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Mayor Garlock aye Councilor Duggan aye Councilor Miller aye Councilor Paper aye Councilor Petschel aye COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Mark McNeill announced that there will not be a curfew tonight in Mendota Heights. He stated that related to COVID-19, the plan in place would reopen City Hall to the public on Monday, July 6th. He stated that the City plans to return to in-person City Council meetings the same week, although with social distancing measures in place. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Petschel stated that she does not have the right words to express what people have been through as individuals, a community, and the metro. She stated that the one thing that people can do is find a way to contribute to the communities that have been burned as those businesses are the essential businesses that those communities relied on for supplies. She encouraged residents to find a way to make a donation and to do something to help those communities rebuild. Jame 2, 2020 Mendota Heights City Council Page 5 of 6 Councilor Miller thanked the community for adhering to the changes that have been made over the past few months, with patience and understanding. He stated that for those that may feel it necessary to drop off literature of hate, they have no home here and the community will not stand for it. He stated that it is disappointing that people felt it necessary to do that but also felt encouraged that the louder voice of the community is one of support, love, and hope. Councilor Paper stated that these are incredible times that we are in. He stated that this time will never be forgotten and hopefully brings the necessary changes. He stated that he is proud of the Mendota Heights Police Department and the work that they do. He stated that he also appreciates the quick action of Mayor Garlock to implement a curfew. He encouraged residents to say something if they see something, rather than attempting to handle a situation on their own. He also congratulated the senior class of 2020. Councilor Duggan stated that he has been present on University Avenue since 1980 as a business owner and operator. He stated that he is appreciative that his area has survived. He stated that the great strengths of the people of Mendota Heights and its leadership have provided a sense of comfort that this will be overcome, and the City will endure. Mayor Garlock stated that he attended a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon meeting for Dakota County prior to this meeting. He stated that there has been a donation from an anonymous donor, which the organization will match, to provide food and beverages to the National Guard members. He stated that the food delivery will be made to the armory the following day. Mayor Garlock moved to adjourn. Councilor Duggan seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Councilor Duggan aye Councilor Miller aye Councilor Paper aye Councilor Petschel aye Mayor Garlock aye Mayor Garlock adjourned the meeting at 6:12 p.m. Neil Garlock Mayor ATTES i LotTi Smith City Clerk June 2, 2020 Mendota Heights City Council Page 6 of 6