2014-02-14 Council minutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the regular meeting of the City Council, City of Mendota
Heights, Minnesota was held at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights,
Minnesota.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Krebsbach called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following members were present:
Councilmembers Duggan, Povolny, Petschel, and Norton.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council, the audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADOPTION
Mayor Krebsbach presented the agenda for adoption. Councilmember PovoIny moved adoption of the
agenda.
Councilmember Norton seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Krebsbach presented the consent calendar and explained the procedure for discussion and
approval. Councilmember Duggan moved approval of the consent calendar as presented and
authorization for execution of any necessary documents contained therein.
a. Approval of February 3, 2014 City Council Minutes
b. Approval of February 11, 2014 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
c. Approval of February 12, 2014 Airport Relations Commission Minutes
d. Receipt of January 2014 Fire Department Synopsis Report
e. Approval of Personnel Action Report
f. Approval of Joint Powers Agreement Renewal for Crack Sealing and Sealcoating
g. Approval of January 2014 Treasurer's Report
h. Approval of Claims List
i. Approval of Contractor List
Councilmember PovoIny seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
February 18, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page I
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Krebsbach asked the visiting Boy Scouts who were in attendance to come forward and introduce
themselves and state the purpose for their being at the meeting.
Jake Beaumont — Citizen in the Community Merit Badge
Joe Varner — Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge
Luke Kross — Citizen in the Community Merit Badge
UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
A) RESOLUTIONS 2014 -08 AND 2014 -10, CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS AND VARIANCES
FOR A COMPREHENSIVE SIGNAGE PLAN AT 2455 VISITATION DRIVE,
PLANNING CASE 2013 -22
Planner Nolan Wall stated that this was a continuation of the discussion that took place at the February
3rd City Council meeting. The applicant was seeking permits to accommodate their Comprehensive
Signage Plan for the Convent of the Visitation campus. The submittal included two Conditional Use
Permit (CUP) applications and three Variance requests. Based on discussions at the last meeting, staff
revised the original resolution and created an additional resolution for consideration to address the
requests contained in the application submittal.
Resolution 2014 -08 included a CUP to allow wall signage and variances for the number of signs and
square footage of signs and the height requirement for the school gate sign. The resolution limits the
proposed signage to 14 signs at 342 square feet and includes a condition that excludes the entry gate sign
from the comprehensive signage plan. Staff recommended approval of this resolution.
Mr. Wall noted that if the Council decided to approve the original request of 15 signs (which would
include the entry gate sign), staff would recommend that the allowable square footage be 442 square
feet.
Resolution 2014 -10 included a CUP for a second nameplate entry gate sign and a variance request from
the height requirement. Staff recommended denial of this resolution.
Councilmembers had questions and discussions focused on the total square footage of the signs, the
height of the signs, the possibility of vacating the right -of -way, and the possibility of waiving the six
month waiting period before a request could be resubmitted.
City Engineer John Mazzitello gave an update on the grant the City received to construct a roundabout
in 2010. The Department of Transportation is still researching the requirements because the grant was
through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (a/k/a Stimulus Bill). However, they did reply
that if the monies granted had been part of a traditional federal highway administration funding source,
the City would be required to pay a portion of the grant back based on the life -span of the grant, if the
right -of -way were to be vacated.
February 18, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 2
Councilmember Duggan moved to approve RESOLUTION 2014 -08 RESOLUTION APPROVING A
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND VARIANCES AS PART OF A COMPREHENSIVE SIGNAGE
PLAN AT 2455 VISITATION DRIVE based on the following Findings of Fact:
Conditional Use Permit (additional wall signage)
1. The applicant for additional wall signage has property along Mendota Heights Road, a major
transportation corridor in the City.
2. Institutional uses predominate along this roadway, generating significant traffic from the
large facilities and mix of activities on the subject property.
3. The main buildings on the property, although fronting on Mendota Heights Road, are set back
significant distances without extensive visual exposure to the main entrance drive.
4. The applicant has proposed additional wall signage that meets the intent of the Zoning Ordinance
allowances for nonresidential uses in a residential zone, and (with specific exceptions noted in the
staff report) the particular requirements of the Zoning Ordinance.
5. The proposed signage would have limited visibility fiom, nor compromise the character of, the
residential neighborhood that adjoins the applicant's property.
6. Where portions of the site signage may be visible, extensive setbacks and existing vegetation make
such signage unreadable to residential property.
7. Subject to consideration of specific variances processed concurrently with the Conditional Use
Permit, the proposed signage is compatible with the character, design, and materials as intended for
such uses
Variance (number of signs and sign area)
1. Sign display for much of the signage on the property is only visible to internal site users, and not to
the general public.
2. Numerous sign locations are important to distribute and direct traffic within the site and along the
main entry drive.
3. Sign display that is visible to external traffic or property owners is within the allowances of the sign
ordinance.
4. Restricting sign numbers and square footage to just three signs with no more than 212 square feet, as
required by the ordinance, would create a practical difficulty in malting reasonable use of the
property, which is comprised of large buildings and generates different types of traffic.
5. Because only a limited portion of the proposed signage is visible to the general public, the signage as
proposed complies with the intent of the sign ordinance, which is to limit traffic confusion and
negative aesthetic impacts on surrounding property.
6. The sign plans as proposed (or as modified under the City's approval) facilitate reasonable use of the
property as a private school and monastery, uses which are consistent with the zoning and land use
plans of the city in this location.
7. The unique nature of the property is that it is a school and monastery in a residential district and
there are practical difficulties, including visitors and others in need of direction, to justify additional
signage
Variance (sign height)
1. Sign display for much of the signage on the property is only visible to internal site users, and not to
the general public.
2. The proposed sign is significantly lower than the surrounding building height.
Februmy 18, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 3
3. The message portion of the structure appears to meet the nine -foot height standard, and only the
architectural portion of the structure rises above that elevation.
4. Because the proposed signage is not visible to the general public, the signage as proposed complies
with the intent of the sign ordinance, which is to limit traffic confusion and negative aesthetic
impacts on surrounding property.
5. The sign plans as proposed (or as modified under the City's approval) facilitate reasonable use of the
property as a private school and monastery, uses which are consistent with the zoning and land use
plans of the city in this location.
Councilmember Norton seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Councilmember Duggan moved to approve RESOLUTION 2014 -10 RESOLUTION DENYING A
CONDITIONAL USE PERMITAND VARIANCE AS PART OF A COMPREHENSIVE SIGNAGE
PLAN AT 2455 VISITATION DRIVE based on the following Findings of Fact:
1. The proposed sign is the most prominent sign visible to the general public and adjacent roadways.
2. The proposed gate span structure may be allowed as a landscape feature, with an approved right -of -
way permit, but would be inconsistent with the ordinance as a sign.
3. The ordinance creates a special exemption for signs of this size by CUP, with the specific
requirement that such signs meet a nine -foot height limitation.
4. The applicant can design a sign which meets the standards in a variety of ways without violating the
regulations, suggesting that the proposed sign height is not necessary to make reasonable use of the
property.
5. There are no practical difficulties unique to this property that would interfere with putting it to
reasonable use under the applicable zoning standards.
Councilmember Norton seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
B) RESOLUTION 2014 -11 APPROVING APPLICATION FOR DAKOTA COUNTY
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING
Planner Nolan Wall explained that this resolution was to approve an application from the City of
Mendota Heights for the 2014 Community Development Block Grant Program, which is administered
through the Dakota County Community Development Agency. This year's request is $23,962.50 for the
housing rehabilitation loan program. The funds would be used for housing rehabilitation loans to
qualifying residents within the City. The properties have to be owner occupied units and have to meet an
income benefit threshold. The loans would be zero percent interest deferred loans that offer a variety of
projects that residents can request funding for; including new roofs, windows, furnace replacement;
bathroom/kitchen remodeling; and accessibility improvements. The minimum loan amount would be
$15,000 and the maximum loan amount would be $25,000.
Councilmember Petschel asked if there have been residents in the past who have taken advantage of this
funding source. Planner Wall replied that in the last quarter there was one applicant.
Discussions and suggestions were made regarding making residents more aware of these programs.
February 18, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 4
Councilmember Norton moved to approve RESOLUTION 2014 -11 RESOLUTION. APPROVING
THE APPLICATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014 DAKOTA COUNTY COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING.
Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Assistant to the City Administrator Tamara Schutta made the following announcements:
• NDC4 has extended the deadline for the survey to February 28.
• The winter edition of the Heights Highlights has been distributed.
• I Registration for summer programs will begin on Monday, March 10.
• The Fire Department will host an open house on March 11, 6:30 p.m. — 8:00 p.m. so residents
can view the new fire truck.
• Dakota County Community Development Agency, in partnership with Dakota County cities and
the Dakota Scott Workforce Investment Board, is hosting an "Open to Business Dakota County:
New Tools for Lenders, Entrepreneurs, and Small Business" free breakfast workshop on March 6
at the Valleywood Golf Course in Apple Valley.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Norton congratulated the joint Visitation / St. Paul Academy girl's hockey team for
their first time appearance at the State Tournament,.
Councilmember Petschel mentioned that the FAA will be making an official announcement on the status
of the implementation of Area Navigation at the airport.
She also noted the discussions about the Dakota County trail plan at Lebanon Hills and its connection to
the North Urban Regional Trail.
Councilmember Petschel gave kudos to Mr. Sloan Wallgren for the annual report on the Par 3. It was
extremely well done and includes a clear set of goals and objectives. She commended Sloan for the hard
work he has done at the Par 3.
Councilmember Povolny shared his appreciation to City Clerk Lorri Smith on the nice Heights
Highlights edition. In the past he has encouraged his son to read the curfew information and in this
edition, he had his son read the article on the new Social Host Ordinance.
Councilmember Duggan echoed Councilmember Povolny's comments on the Heights Highlights.
He also encouraged residents to shovel out the fire hydrants in their neighborhoods.
Februaty 18, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 5
He noted the flooding taking place at Highway 110 and 149 and warned residents to be careful.
Councilmember Duggan stated a resident called him to express their unhappiness at the increase of the
trash hauling charge and requested that the issue considered by the City Council down the line.
Mayor Krebsbach also expressed her appreciation to City Clerk Smith for the work on the Heights
Highlights.
She also received a call from a Lilydale resident asking if his granddaughter visiting from California
could participate in the summer activities. City Administrator Justin Miller replied that yes she can
participate as there is no residency requirement for participating in activities.
-_ IONS
Councilmember Duggan moved to adjourn.
Councilmember Norton seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Mayor Krebsbach adjourned the meeting at 7:41 p.m.
Mayor
ATTEST:
Lorri Smith
City Clerk
Krebsbach
February 18, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 6