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2014-05-20 City Council minutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, May 20, 2014 Pursuant to due call and notice, 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, and Petschel. Councilmember Norton arrived at 7:07 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council, the audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA ADOPTION Mayor Krebsbach presented the agenda for adoption. Councilmember Povolny moved adoption. Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 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, pulling items A) Approval of May 6, 2014 City Council Minutes, B) Approval of May 7, 2014 Airport Relations Commission Minutes, C) Approval of May 13, 2014 Parks and Rec Commission Minutes, H) Accept Retirement of Sergeant Neil Garlock, I) Approval of Resolution 2014-29 Recognition of National Public Works Week, K) Approval of Mendota Technology Center 4th Addition Developer's Agreement, and L) Designation of May 30, 2014 as "Tom Olund Day" a. Approval of May 6, 2014 City Council Minutes b. Approval of May 7, 2014 Airport Relations Commission Minutes c. Approval of May 13, 2014 Parks and Rec Commission Minutes d. Approval of April Fire Department Synopsis Report e. Approval Resolution 2014-27 Final Payment for 2013 Sanitary Sewer Lining Project f. Accept Resignation of Firefighter Kevin Gilbert g. Approval of Resolution 2014-28 Pilot Knob Phase III Landscaping Grant Application h. Accept Retirement of Sergeant Neil Garlock i. Approval of Resolution 2014-29 Recognition of National Public Works Week May 20, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 1 j. Approval of Victoria Road Reconstruction Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Lilydale k. Approval of Mendota Technology Center 4th Addition Developer's Agreement 1. Designation of May 30, 2014 as "Tom Olund Day" m. Approval of Claims List n. Approval of Contractors List Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEM A) APPROVAL OF MAY 6, 2014 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Councilmember Duggan asked if the findings of fact should be included in the minutes for the resolutions that were adopted. Councilmember Petschel asked for clarification that the findings are included in the resolutions. City Administrator Justin Miller replied that it is not the practice to include the fmdings in the minutes as they are included the resolutions. However, if Council desires, the findings could be included in the minutes going forward. Councilmember Petschel stated that she is satisfied as the findings are on record. Councilmember Duggan moved to approve the May 6, 2014 City Council minutes as presented. Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 B) APPROVAL OF MAY 7, 2014 AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES Councilmember Petschel noted two important dates in the minutes. The Airport Relations Commission meeting will be televised on June 11 at 7:00 p.m. There will be a presentation by John Nelson, Manager of Noise, Environment and Planning at MAC. Also, the Metropolitan Airport Commission public comment meeting will be held on July 29 at 7:00 p.m. in the Mendota Heights Council Chambers. The commission will be listening and fielding residents' concerns regarding the airport. Councilmember Petschel moved to approve the May 7, 2014 Airport Relations Commission minutes. Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 May 20, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 2 C) APPROVAL OF MAY 13, 2014 PARKS AND REC COMMISSION MINUTES Councilmember Duggan clarified the Parks and Recreation meeting minutes regarding the discussion of the potential dog park in Mendota Heights. The commissioners studied and listened to reports regarding five possible sites and determined that none of those sites were acceptable as they would prefer something larger. Yet, they chose the small hockey rink for the dog park site which is smaller than the acre they preferred. Councilmember Duggan noted that this is a topic that will tax and test residents and Councilmembers as they search for a solution that will satisfy the residents and the dog owners. Councilmember Duggan moved to table the May 13, 2014 Parks and Rec Commission minutes to give the Commission an opportunity to expand on the minutes. Councilmember Norton seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 H) ACCEPT RETIREMENT OF SERGEANT NEIL GARLOCK Chief of Police Michael Aschenbrener stated that Sergeant Neil Garlock has decided that Thursday, May 29, 2014 will be his last day with the City, after 24 years of service. He started in 1990, bringing over 10 years of law enforcement experience and four years in the United States Marine Corp with him. He has had a hand in training every officer hired since 1990. He has been Chief Aschenbrener's right-hand man for the last eight years. He has always made decisions with the city of Mendota Heights in mind and in his heart. For the last seven years, he has donated many volunteer hours to Special Olympics on behalf of the Mendota Heights 5K race. Councilmembers made comments in appreciation for all that Sergeant Garlock has done and in congratulating him on his retirement. Councilmember Petschel moved to accept the retirement of Sergeant Neil Garlock, with regrets. Councilmember Norton seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 I) APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 2014-29 RECOGNITION OF PUBLIC WORKS WEEK L) DESIGNATION OF MAY 30, 2014 AS "TOM OLUND DAY" Councilmember Duggan stated that as Mr. Tom Olund had been the head of the Public Works Department for many years, it would be appropriate to combine the designation of Tom Olund Day with the recognition of National Public Works week. He, along with all of the residents of Mendota Heights, wished to thank the department for their snow plowing efforts and all of the other work that helps to keep the city pristine and beautiful. Councilmember Duggan then read the proclamation declaring Tom Olund Day. May 20, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 3 Councilmember Duggan moved to approve the proclamation designating of Friday, May 30, 2014 "TOM OLUND DAY". Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilmember Norton moved to approve Resolution 2014-29 Recognition of Public Works Week. Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 K) APPROVAL OF MENDOTA TECHNOLOGY CENTER 4TH ADDITION DEVELOPER'S AGREEMENT Councilmember Duggan noted that Section 1, Item N of the agreement references items the Council has not seen. Planner Nolan Wall reviewed the items which included changes that had been made to the planned landscaping and screening on the western boundary of the site. Councilmember Duggan moved to approve the Mendota Technology Center 4th Addition Developer's Agreement. Councilmember Norton seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PRESENTATIONS A) CONVENT OF THE VISITATION "ROBETTES" ROBOTICS TEAM Students Madeleine Logeais and Claire Sebastian, members of "The Robettes" First Robotics Team gave a brief background on their robotics team and the competition for 2014. The team won one of their regionals by designing, building, and competing with their 120 pound robot named "Gracie". Also, Madeleine Logeais was awarded the prestigious Dean's List Award at the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST®) Robotics World Championship — , one of ten people worldwide to win the 2014 award at the First competition in St. Louis, Missouri. The students presented information on their team's outreach into the community and how that has impacted the team and Visitation School; and their leadership activities in helping younger robotics teams learn and grow. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments. May 20, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) APPROVING STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE POSITION FOR PARKS AND REC COMMISSION Mayor Krebsbach, referencing a memo from Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator, noted that the Parks and Recreation Commission would like to add a student representative to the commission who would be chosen from Henry Sibley High School, Visitation School, or St. Thomas Academy. Recreation Program Coordinator Sloan Wallgren explained to the Council that the main goal of the student representative would be to keep an open line of communication with the youth in the city and the Parks and Recreation Commission. Councilmember Povolny asked if this would be a two-year or a four-year term. Mr. Wallgren replied that this would be a one-year term; however, a student could be reappointed for a second term. Mayor Krebsbach noted that there are other high school students in the area but the idea was to have someone who goes to school and lives in Mendota Heights on the commission. Mayor Krebsbach asked how the selection would be made. Mr. Wallgren answered that the position would be appointed by the City Council after receiving responses from advertisements in the fall. Councilmember Duggan moved to approve the student representative position for Parks and Recreation commission. Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 B. ORDINANCE 462, AMENDING CITY CODE TO PROHIBIT PARKING ON CITY STREETS SURROUNDING HENRY SIBLEY HIGH SCHOOL Mayor Krebsbach explained that this is not a public hearing but the Council would welcome comments from the community, after which Council would confer and decide how to move forward. City Engineer John Mazzitello started with a very brief background of the issue. He then explained the parking requirements for Sibley High School based on the city code. For parking at a high school, the City Code requires one stall for every seven students, based on the capacity of the high school, plus one stall for every three classrooms in the building. According to building plans from the 2006 facility renovations, the student capacity of Henry Sibley High School is 1,635 students; which would require 234 parking stalls. There are also 90 classrooms in the facility; which would require an additional 30 stalls, for a total requirement of 264 parking stalls. On the site itself, in the main lot of Henry Sibley High School, there are 367 parking stalls. There are an additional 53 stalls for a separate lot that is dedicated to the offices of School District 197. There are 50 stalls in the maintenance, operation, and food service lot on the east side of the main building and 52 stalls in the southeast lot mentioned before — at Delaware and Mendota Road. May 20, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 5 Of those 367 parking stalls, 100 of them are allocated to faculty and staff, 230 allocated to students, 8 allocated to visitors; these do not include ADA stalls. Also, according to District 197, for the 2013-14 school year they have issued 197 parking permits at $100/semester. There are also 10-15 day permits issued at $2.00/day per vehicle. No one has ever been turned down for a parking pass due to a lack of space in the lot. In a non-scientific observation, counting nine different times picked at random, of how many cars are parked on Warrior Drive; the counts ranged from 35 to 72, with an average of 47.5. With the construction of the North Urban Regional Trail realignment, there are going to be three no - parking anytime areas along the east side of Warrior Drive. City Engineer Mazzitello then shared an aerial photograph of the parking areas described above. Ordinance City Engineer Mazzitello shared a copy of the map that was sent out to the area residents outlining the areas already designated as no parking anytime areas and the areas being proposed as no parking from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The map also showed the no parking anytime that would be established with the realignment of NURT. The map and notice was sent out to residents within an approximate 750 -foot radius of the school. The no parking areas would consist of the south side of Marie Avenue, all of Ridgewood, the east half of Callahan, the east side of Warrior Drive not impacted by NURT, all of High Ridge Circle, and all of Sibley Court. Questions/Comments from Council Mayor Krebsbach asked for clarification that there are 367 total student parking stalls. Engineer Mazzitello replied that the student parking, as allocated by Henry Sibley School, is 230 in the main lot and 52 in the southeast lot; for a total of 367 total student parking stalls at Henry Sibley. Councilmember Duggan asked if the numbers just mentioned include the unofficial parallel parking spots on the north end of the parking area. Engineer Mazzitello replied that the 367 stalls are all of the faculty/staff, all of student parking, the 29 unallocated parallel parking stalls, and eight visitor parking stalls. Councilmember Povolny commented on the number of empty parking spots. Engineer Mazzitello stated that the school district did a count on May 15 and it showed, counting the ADA stalls, that in the student lot they had 239 available spaces with seven of them open. In the faculty lot, there were 143 spaces and 34 were open; Engineer Mazzitello believed that number included the maintenance, operation, and food service lot on the east side. The District 197 office had 58 stalls with 10 open, there were 4 open visitor slots, and the southeastern lot had all 52 stalls open. That gave a total of 107 open stalls on the site. In the main lot (student lot and faculty lot combined), there were 41 open stalls. Councilmember Petschel noted that on the particular day that this count was taken, realistically there were only seven open student parking stalls available in the north lot and 52 in the southeastern lot. Engineer Mazzitello confirmed. May 20, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 6 Mayor Krebsbach asked if enrollment were to go up at Henry Sibley at what point would they be out of compliance with parking stalls. Engineer Mazzitello replied that by the equation of one stall for every seven students plus one stall for every three classrooms — without any facility adjustments, when the population hits a point where that number would go over 367 — they would be noncompliant with the City code. Henry Sibley would have to have 2,359 students before they would be noncompliant with the Code requirements. Councilmember Duggan asked when the referendum was used to build a couple of schools and used to redesign Henry Sibley, if that increased the number of classrooms. Engineer Mazzitello replied that the most recent set of plans on file are from 2006; the only set of plans this was compared to was the original construction plans in 1965 andyes, capacity increased between those two sets of plans. Currently the numbers are covering the maximum capacity of the school as it now stands. Public Comments Mr. Mark Spurr, School Board Chair of School District 197, stated the School District and City have had a good partnership over the years. When this issue of parking on Warrior Drive was first brought up, he felt it was not the School Board's jurisdiction. As an elected official, he feels that not charging the students for parking is not the solution. Personally, he has struggled with understanding the harm being caused by student parking on Warrior Drive. As he has talked with many families and realizes what harm could occur if the parking ban went into effect. He has a strong belief that the Council has the best interest of the community at heart. Mr. Spurr stated that the school board had a discussion and the message they wish to convey is; please do not implement this parking ban but join with them and with the residents of Warrior Drive to determine how best the long-term parking needs of the community and students can be met, in a way that is sensitive to the needs and concerns of the residents along Warrior Drive. He encouraged the Council to join with the school board to come up with a better and fairer plan of action. Ms. Sharon Benmaman, a parent of two students who attend Henry Sibley and park on Warrior Drive, asked what the basis would be for putting this ban into place. Mayor Krebsbach replied that the residents of Warrior Drive presented it as a public safety issue. Ms. Benmaman asked, with the public safety issue, how many accidents there have been on Warrior Drive. Chief of Police Michael Aschenbrener replied that in the last 10 years there have been approximately two. She then asked for the number of tickets given on Warrior Drive; the answer was unavailable. She then asked how `public safety' was defined. Councilmember Petschel commented that, having been down in the area first thing in the morning and in the afternoon, as far as the neighbors are concerned, the issue is that the student cars are having to do a U- or Y -turn to get into the proper position to park. This can be up to 70 cars in a relatively short period of time. At the same time there are school buses on Warrior Drive picking up the residents' younger children. Councilmember Petschel continued by stating that another concern regards trash. Councilmember Povolny commented that there is also loud music and noise. Ms. Benmaman commented that if this really is a safety issue why would the ban be only from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. May 20, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 7 Ms. Benmaman shared enrollment projections completed by the former State demographer, indicating that the number of student drivers could increase and she wondered where would the rest of the student drivers would park. Ms. Benmaman then listed other solutions and why they would not be viable: • Ask the school to build a new lot — legally the school is in compliance so they could not be forced to build a new lot • Use taxpayer money to build a new lot — possible but not ideal • The City could change its code — the school would be grandfathered in until they remodel • Use other surrounding roads — the frontage road would need to become one-way or widened, Delaware is a county road, Marie was deemed as unfeasible for large-scale daily parking • Limit the number of students who could drive to school. If the Warrior Drive parking ban does go through, the school would probably start out with limiting the availability of parking Ms. Benmaman suggested the residents, school, district board, and the City Council to work together to come up with alternative creative solutions. Councilmember Povolny commented that he agreed with a lot of Ms. Benmaman's thoughts. He stated the right people are now getting together and realizing as a group that this needs to be resolved. He understands the concerns of the residents and students; he also understands the no pay part of parking on the street. Ms. Reine Sliiffinan, 1595 Diane Road, a former elected official of the school board, clarified the 'free parking' suggestion by commenting that the state provides transportation money for buses; however, it is not enough. Therefore, anytime the District has to pay for something, education has less funding. She also mentioned that Country Day School is right next to Diane Road which has parking on both sides of the street. The parking is horrendous, but she recognizes that the children who attend Country Day School and the staff who park on her street are doing something that is part of the community — of which she is a part of as well. She is hopeful that this issue would be looked at from an entire community point of view, rather than just a neighborhood point of view. Ms. Holly Farber (1701 James Road) and Ms. Nancy Goldberger (588 High Ridge Circle), both of whom have children attending Henry Sibley, mentioned that they walk their dogs along Warrior Drive in the morning and afternoon. They cannot imagine how anyone could have a problem with parking on Warrior Drive as it is a big, wide street. They have never had a problem with the students. She noted that the buses dropping the school students off are on High Ridge — not on Warrior Drive. Ms. Goldberger also noted that the south parking lot is pretty remote and that she does not believe the area is plowed in the winter. It was pointed out that High Ridge Circle has access just off of Warrior Drive and she has not heard of any complaints from the residents there. Ms. Bruber added that she is not aware of a trail between the lower lot and the school. The Council noted that there is a 10 -foot wide trail along Delaware Avenue. Ms. Bruber and Ms. Goldberg urged that there be no ban of parking on Warrior Drive. May 20, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 8 Mr. Kent Mogler, 592 High Ridge Circle, stated he has never had the concerns articulated and he has lived in the area for 18 years. He finds that the students that park on Warrior Drive are the least of his concerns about traffic. The students, for the most part, pull in and leave in a very respectful manner. He realizes that he lives in a neighborhood and needs to make accommodations. He asked for objectivity about the issue. Ms. Grace Brooks, a student at Henry Sibley, spoke on behalf of many students who could not be in attendance. Many of the students are in sports, activities, and AP testing is taking place this week. She is on the Henry Sibley student council and has spoken to many classmen and underclassmen; they are very concerned with the proposed parking ban on Warrior Drive and around the school. She then listed some of the responses she has received from other students regarding the proposal: • If parking is banned around the school, where are they expected to park • This seems mean-spirited • Why are the neighbors angry • What have they done to deserve this • Why would anyone against student parking move into a home next to school knowing that the students have parked there every day for the nine months during the school year; as well as at night and on weekends when the fields are being used • Henry Sibley was here way before any of the other neighboring houses were built • Why is the ban from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. when students are in school, but the ban is lifted during nights and weekends • If this ban passes, it would appear that student academics falls second to community recreational activities • Students feel that it is unjust that a few citizen's concerns are more important than an entire student body • The issues with littering, safety, or anything else along Warrior Drive has never been addressed by the administration or brought up in any assemblies • Students need to be allowed to park along Warrior Drive • It is understood why Sibley charges for parking passes in the lot because it encourages carpooling and we don't want more people driving to school than necessary; however, people need an alternative if they cannot afford the $100 per semester parking pass or if they do not drive every day These reasons and more are why students are asking that parking along Warrior Drive not be banned. Ms. Judy Hillstead, 666 Callahan Place, stated that those residents who live in her area feel very strongly that the students should be able to park on Warrior Drive. They feel that it is a very safe street, it is wide enough to handle both parking and two-way traffic, and there is no city thru-traffic as it mainly serves Sibley and the neighbors on the west side. Most of the walkers in the area use Warrior Drive as part of their route and they do not feel that their safety is in jeopardy. She also noted that she has walked that area in the last few days and has counted the cars. She counted 42 to 50 cars; of which 20 would be eliminated when the NURT traffic restrictions go in. She suggested that the kids be directed to travel south on Delaware, turn west onto the Highway 110 Frontage Road, go north up Warrior Drive to park, then after school they should continue north on Warrior and then exit May 20, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 9 east through the school parking lot. She stated that it is not only students that make the U-turns; parents coming to attend the ball games make U-turns as well. Mr. Kevin Ryan, 2470 Bridgeview Ct, is a 19 year resident of Mendota Heights, and all three of his children have graduated from Henry Sibley. He applauded the Council for trying to do what is best for the community. He drove down Warrior Drive before this meeting and found that it is easily five to six car widths wide. He offered that this be looked at from a practical standpoint. There are 20 spots that are going to be eliminated. He suggested that the Council table this topic to see the effects of those 20 spots on the traffic and that no U-turn signs are installed. The litter cannot be attributed directly to the students. Mr. Chris Mason, 10048 Oxborough Rd, asked why Knob Road was included as a place for parking; it is a smaller street with no turnaround. Engineer Mazzitello replied that Knob Road is located one block west of Warrior Drive and it was not included in the parking restrictions because if cars were to park on Knob Road that would be twice the length of a walk from the southeastern lot. It would be the City's hope that students parking outside of the Henry Sibley pay lot would choose that southeastern free lot first. Mr. Tom Thieman, 581 Sibley Court, applauded all of the comments made on behalf of students. He has lived in his house for 21 years and the parking has not been a major issue for him, although he has noticed an increase in student parking since the inception of student pay parking at the high school. Given that there would be fewer parking spots when the restricted parking for the trails takes effect, there may be one or two predictable affects in where the students who are currently parking on Warrior may go. One is they could be inclined to park further down on Warrior; the other is that they could start parking on High Ridge Circle or Sibley Court as these areas would be a shorter walk. Mr. Thieman suggested that the parking bans on High Ridge Circle and Sibley Court be put into effect so that when parking becomes in shorter supply on Warrior, the students do not park on residential streets. There is precedence for that because of the West St. Paul residential streets on the east side of Delaware being no parking areas. Upon being asked, Engineer Mazzitello and Chief Aschenbrener stated that it is assumed; however, it has not been verified that the City of West St. Paul installed the no parking signs in the subdivision east of Delaware Avenue. Mr. Stuart Simek, 577 High Ridge Circle, has lived in Mendota Heights for over 25 years and is a graduate of Henry Sibley. He commented that the ultimate goal is for safety and quality of life for the neighborhood and for the students to park in the parking lot as it was intended. Mr. Simek referenced a bond levy referendum in 2008 where the residents of Mendota Heights paid over $350,000 for the new parking lot, tennis courts, etc. He continued by stating that there was a count that indicated 107 open parking spaces; the parking can be sliced and diced in any way, but it comes down to a matter of allocation. He gave credit to the residents on High Ridge; however, they do not live as close to Warrior as he does (50 feet away). All they are asking is that they be on parity with the neighborhood in West St. Paul, which has a similar parking ban. May 20, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 10 An important question that the Council needs to consider — is it the role of the City to provide parking to businesses and institutions, or is it the role of the businesses and institutions to provide parking for their customers and students. Mr. Simek cited the City Code Sec 12-1D-16, under off-street parking and loading spaces. "A. Purpose: Regulation of off street parking and loading spaces in this chapter is to alleviate or prevent congestion of the public right of way and to promote the safety and general welfare of the public by establishing minimum requirements for off street parking, . . . " He empathizes with the students, but their goal is to get the cars into the parking lots, creating a safer environment for the neighborhood and for the students. Mr. Simek also noted that the District is putting the problem on the City. He questioned why one special interest user should be able to monopolize the parking on Warrior Drive five days a week, nine months of the year. Mr. Simek believes that District 197 and the City have an obligation of safety to the students and neighbors. Mr. Simek closed with a recent article from the Pioneer Press from a neighboring city's council meeting where a resident stated on a matter before the council, 'the fundamental responsibility of the government is to provide for the public health, safety, and general welfare of its' citizens'. He asked that the City Council provide for the public health, safety, and general welfare of the neighborhood and the students who attend the school. Dr. Frank Pilney, 1867 Warrior Drive, stated there are six or seven houses at the end of Warrior Drive where residents cannot park due to the spaces being occupied by students. If his family has guests there is nowhere for them to park. He has observed, at 2:30 p.m., cars whipping out of the parking lot. He also stated that he has picked up trash. Mr. Kevin Bormann, 1875 Warrior Drive, stated he objects to the assertion that the litter on the street was not associated with the students and he agreed with Dr. Pilney's comments about the litter belonging to the students. It is not a matter of the cars being unsightly; it is what they leave behind. Mr. Bormann believes that the school has a problem and they have shifted that problem to the people on Warrior Drive. He understands that the number of residents who are impacted by this situation are largely outnumbered by the number of parents whose kids park along Warrior Drive; however, if they were to experience some of the negative aspects of having the students park across the street, they would probably have similar feelings of the residents who live on Warrior Drive. Mr. Joseph Lapean's mother lives at 620 Callahan Place and they moved there 50 years ago — before the school was built. When the school was built all of the properties along Warrior Drive belonged to Henry Sibley High School. He noted that only half of the block was notified on Callahan Place. As Henry Sibley sold off the lots, they came through his parents' property and obtained an easement for storm sewer. All of the properties along Warrior Drive were built after Henry Sibley. Since that time, curb and gutter has been installed along Callahan Court and if cars are parked on both sides of the street, the garbage trucks have a hard time squeezing through. A solution to student parking — either another parking lot or even a parking ramp — needs to happen. It is going to continue to be a problem as the school grows if something is not done now. Mr. Joe Lawder, 1851 Warrior Drive, got involved in these issues because of the NURT trail. The trail and the parking issues come together because the parking is going to be pushed further down Warrior. If no ban is put in place he foresees the other lot being used more. Mr. Lawder claimed that it appears to be May 20, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 11 an equal distance from the free parking lot to the school as it would be from the open areas on Warrior once the NURT trail goes in. Mr. Lawder continued by suggesting a pool of money be created to improve and enlarge the free lot. Mr. Lawder is not directly affected by the parking on Warrior, however, he does worry about what is going to happen once the trail goes in. If this is at a decision point, the City needs to take into consideration what is best for the area overall. If this is not at a decision point, a period of study is necessary to see how the NURT trail would affect the parking situation in the fall. Ms. Gail Wildenauer, 1859 Warrior Drive, stated that they built their home 23 years ago. She is not against the students parking along Warrior Drive; however, she is for working together as a community. There can be problems anytime a resident lives by a school, but they have not had a lot of problems. Mr. Larry Chlebeck, 613 High Ridge Circle, has lived in the neighborhood for 25 years. He agreed with the previous comment that everyone needs to work together and figure this out with the school district and the Council. His family has always gotten along with them and has had no issues. He suggested that Mendota Heights get with West St. Paul and figure this out as the school population is going to continue to grow. Mr. Chlebeck stated he believes it is the responsibility of the School District to provide parking for their students, not the City. Mr. Kevin Gillen, 574 Sibley Court, stated that the east side of his property is right along Warrior and he expressed his desire to go on record that he has no issue with the students parking along the side of the street. He did agree that the speed of some of the vehicles can get a little high; however, he believes there is a solution here. He suggested that the police monitor the area for the first couple of weeks of the school year. He continued by stating that if parking along Warrior Drive was limited, it would also limit parking in front of his home. He would not want to see the parking in front of his home limited during the day. Mr. Joseph Lapean returned to the podium and clarified that he is not happy about the proposal. He also asked for confirmation that the school district is trying to get the football field moved over to Henry Sibley and if so, where are they contemplating putting it. Chair Spurr replied that there has been a fairly active advocate group promoting the idea. They came to the school board fairly close to the time when they needed to fiiiii up their levy; and at that time the school board said no. They have spent two years trying to develop these proposals and wished to wait until after the levy question. As for location, the concept has not been very well developed; however, the conversation has tended to be geographically focusing on the south end of the property along Highway 110. Chair Spurr continued by stating that this is inevitable and if there is an effort to develop a sports facility on the Sibley campus, parking is going to have to be a part of the equation. Councilmember Povolny pointed out that if there is a change to the property, a new parking lot would need to be considered to meet code requirements. Mr. Jim Pirkl, 1825 Warrior Drive, stated that he has not seen the problem that seems to exist and is against banning parking along Warrior. He has lived in his home for 17 years and prior to that he lived May 20, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 12 on Callahan. Currently, five or six students from the neighborhood walk down his driveway, across his neighbor's driveway, and onto Callahan because it's closer for them to get to their homes. If more traffic is pushed onto Callahan and the other streets, he is going to have a stream of students going through his yard. Also, he believes that if the parking is pushed onto the side streets the City would need to plow them twice because the cars are going to be there all day long. Mr. Kent Mogler returned to the podium to add a point of history about losing parking. When he moved into his home, parking on both sides of Warrior Drive was allowed. Warrior Drive is an extremely wide street and if all parking was banned — two cars go down the road together very fast now. At one time the street had parking for the students on both sides. Parlcing capacity could easily be increased by the same amount as is being eliminated by NURT; although he is not proposing that. Ms. Laurie Tostrud, 1490 Somerset Court, is a parent of a Henry Sibley student. She stated that what she is hearing is that there is not too much of a problem on Warrior Drive. It has been heard that there has not been a lot of safety issues, there are U-turns that happen that are perfectly legal, and there have been no problems. This seems to have become a city versus school issue and she did not understand why. Ms. Tostrud asked for confirmation that the proposed ban is just during school hours, and this seems to be targeted at just Henry Sibley students. Warrior Drive is just as busy after school during the Mendota Heights Athletic Association games and others. She also addressed the suggestion of expanding the free parking lot by claiming that the school would have to give up field space for all athletic events; Sibley's and the community's. She encouraged the Council to not ban parking and to work with Henry Sibley and the entire community. Mr. Stuart Simek returned to explain that the airport was here before the residents moved in and there is an Airports Relations Committee where these types of issues are discussed and worked through; this is a similar situation. There needs to be a dialogue with the school and work through some of these issues. He also pointed out that neighboring suburban high schools do not allow student parking to spill into the adjoining neighborhoods. Ms. Deb Paradise, 585 High Ridge Circle, said that her only access is onto Warrior Drive and she is also a runner. She explained that anyone who says there are not a lot of U-turns and that it is safe during the day is mistaken. The feeling in the evenings and weekends with activities is different. The times before school and after school are really hectic and more intense. Mr. Andy Mills, a parent of two students at Henry Sibley, summarized what he was hearing by saying that there are three serious issues that the local residents are bringing up: speeding out of the high school, litter, u -turns. The number of cars in the Sibley parking lots dwarfs the number of cars on Warrior Drive. The majority of the cars coming out of the parking lot and down Warrior Drive are the ones speeding. Banning parking on Warrior Drive is not going to help that issue. That is a traffic issue that the police are going to need to deal with it. In regards to litter, his observation is that the kids coming out of school just want to get home; they are not littering. The littering comes from the after school activities, the activities in the fields, people coming to watch these activities, and parking for those activities is not what is being banned. May 20, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 13 As for the U-turns, he has seen these occur and has seen an accident during one — but these can be dealt with by putting up a one-way sign during school hours. Parking does not need to be banned to fix the issues as there are much simpler methods available. Council Deliberations Mayor Krebsbach stated that this is not a public hearing. The Council will take into consideration all of the materials they have and everything they have heard. The Council has the option of making a decision or considering this as a review. Mayor Krebsbach also noted one piece of new information and that was that the property along Warrior Drive where the homes are was sold by the school district for housing. There was a benefit to the school district to accrue that income from the sale of those properties. Mayor Krebsbach asked if there were any additional questions from Councilmembers. There being none, she asked for a recommendation from the Council. Councilmember Petschel said she is not against Henry Sibley High School. Councilmembers are elected by the residents of Mendota Heights and there were a group of residents that came to them with a problem; the Council was obligated to address it. Some of her frustrations came from the fact that the Council reached out to the school district in an attempt to work together; however, initially they did not receive much of a response. To be a good problem solver, a person needs to listen to everybody and solutions usually suggest themselves. The piece that was missing was getting everyone to the table. There were two speakers that had an impact on Councilmember Petschel; Mr. Kevin Ryan and Ms. Grace Brooks. Mr. Ryan's comments all but echoed her own. There are things that could be done with Warrior Drive (i.e. adjusting the direction of traffic flow, eliminating U-turns) and she feels very badly about anyone who cannot afford to park in the parking lot. She would like to see everybody be able to park in the lot. She expressed her appreciation to Chair Spurr for being in attendance. It has become apparent to her that enrollment is going up. So between the NURT, increasing enrollment, and the lack of enough parking spaces currently, there is a looming issue. She believes in being proactive rather than reactive. Ms. Brooks' point that Councilmember Petschel thought was really important was communication. The students have not heard about this at assembly or elsewhere. Part of the solution has to be better communication between the City, the school board, the school, and the students. Councilmember Petschel suggested a working group that would involve City staff and the school board at the very least — and possibly effected residents — to take a closer look at the situation. Having identified this looming problem with more drivers, increased enrollment, hardship, residents' concerns, and the possible addition of a football field, she would like to see a task force come together and see if there are ways to resolve this issue. Councilmember Povolny also agreed that the Council should take a step back and have the groups meet to try to resolve the issue. Something needs to be done but more discussion needs to occur before a decision is made. May 20, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 14 Councilmember Duggan reminded everyone of the "Proud Past — Bold Future" campaign. Mendota Heights has outstanding schools in one of the finest cities in Minnesota. The reason for this is because of the residents working with each other and working with the City. He stated the majority of the people and businesses in Mendota Heights abide by the rules and work with the city except the school district. At this point, Mayor Krebsbach asked for clarification that the school is in compliance to the code in regards to student parking. Engineer Mazzitello confirmed that the school is in compliance. Councilmember Duggan continued by stating that the school is in compliance with the code; but the school district is not in compliance with respect to encouragement or enforcement of parking in the school lots. Councilmember Duggan continued that the major problem is the number of parking spaces and asked whose responsibility is it to take care of that. According to the city's code,it is the school. They should provide parking within the school property, as do churches and businesses. Many residents have been heard from in that they do not want the overflow coming into their neighborhoods and on their streets. The argument as to what was first in an area is fraught with significant legal difficulties. Councilmember Duggan agreed with Councilmember Petschel in having an ad hoc committee; however, it needs some limits, direction, and timelines. He also stated that the school district needs to be bold enough to come forward, sit down with the City, and come up with a plan. They need to get advice from City staff, work with a member of the Planning Commission, maybe a Councilmember, and maybe representatives of the neighborhood, to ensure all are heard. Councilmember Duggan would support waiting for the NURT to be completed and come back late August or early September to restudy the issue at that time; with a timeline and a deadline of making a decision before the end of this year (2014). Councilmember Norton commented that he believes that some perceptions have changed with the more open dialogue with the school board. He also expressed his appreciation to Chair Spurr for speaking. There are valid concerns on everyone's part. The people who are interested in banning parking on Warrior Drive are concerned about the safety of everyone. He lives on Marie Avenue just outside of the notification area. He observed a Henry Sibley student who drove by at approximately 50 miles per hour; there is always going to be something like that. Everyone needs to try to provide for the best possible situation for the residents, the students, and everyone else. He originally felt that it was ridiculous for the school to be charging $200 a year for student parking at a public institution when there is ample space to provide for parking. That still remains his opinion; however, it has been pointed out that nearly every public school in the suburbs is requiring its students to pay for parking. With the projection of the enrollment increase, everyone agrees that there would be a potential parking problem in the future. However, it is not something that could be decided tonight — and should not be made tonight. Councilmember Norton moved to table Ordinance 462, Amending City Code to Prohibit Parking On City Streets Surrounding Henry Sibley High School. May 20, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 15 Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion. Mayor Krebsbach commended Mendota Heights for their deliberations, their time, and for sharing their ideas. She then asked Chair Spurr his thoughts on the suggestion of putting together a working committee. City Administrator Justin Miller commented that it is very clear that the City and the school district would work together in the coming weeks and he would be glad to work with the superintendent and the board chair and figure out the best way, so all sides are represented, including the residents who are most impacted. Other points that Mayor Krebsbach felt were important for the agenda of this group would be: • Discussing the hardship of not being able to pay for parking • Wait and see with NURT • Suggestion of no U-turn Councilmember Povolny asked that some sort of timeframe be added. Chair Spurr emphasized his comments from earlier regarding Economics 101. Mayor Krebsbach responded that the Council is not suggesting that parking be made free to everyone but that the discussion of hardship should be added to the committee's beginning working agenda. He agreed that the beginning working group should include staff and the school board; but that it should also — at some point — include the residents on Warrior Drive. After questioning City Attorney Tom Lehman, the motion stood as presented. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilmember Petschel commented that careful attention should be given to not limiting the working committee to just the suggestions that have been made. There may be better or more creative ways to reallocate parking or solving these issues than what has been mentioned this evening. The working group should be free to explore these other, possibly better, solutions. After further discussion, direction was given to staff to create the working group with the above referenced agenda items to begin with; participants to be city staff and the school staff, and possibly the local residents; and with an end date of December 31, 2014 or sooner. The Council would be kept apprised of the progress and situation. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS Assistant City Administrator Tamara Schutta made the following announcements: • The Village will start their free concert series on Wednesdays, 6:30— 8:00 p.m. at Market Square. The first concert is "Echoes of Elvis" on June 4, sponsored by the City of Mendota Heights. • Park Celebration starts off on Friday, June 6, with Music in the Park, sponsored by the City of Mendota Heights, with Fu -Ga -We Tribe, beginning at 6:30 p.m. • The 5K is Saturday, June 7; registration is at City Hall or on-line. May 20, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 16 • On June 7, the Park Celebration will be from 11:00 — 2:00 in Mendakota Park with free games, petting zoo, fitness demonstrations, pony rides, and much more. • The Citizens Police Academy is accepting applications. The 10 week academy begins September 18 on Thursdays from 6:00 — 9:30 p.m. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Duggan stated that because of the discussions on dog parks and Pilot Knob, he proposed that the City officially apply for the Pilot Knob site to be a recognized historic site. Mayor Krebsbach asked that this item be put on a Council agenda. Councilmember Duggan also noted that he is getting questions regarding Fisherville. City Administrator Justin Miller explained that a financial advisory firm from Eagan has purchased the building and they are converting it to their offices. Councilmember Duggan congratulated all of the graduates from all of the schools and colleges. He wished them sober evenings on their particular graduating days. ADJOURN Councilmember Duggan moved to adjourn. Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Mayor Krebsbach adjourned the meeting at 10:04 p. ATTESip orri S ith City Clerk :Sammi • a Krebsbach Mayor May 20, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 17