2014-10-07 Council minutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, October 7, 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, Petschel, and Norton. Councilmember Povolny was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council, the audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADOPTION
Mayor Krebsbach presented the agenda for adoption. Councilmember Norton moved adoption of the
agenda with the understanding that item 6m was pulled from the agenda.
Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1
SWEARING IN CEREMONY OF POLICE OFFICER ROBIN NELSON
Chief of Police Michael Aschenbrener introduced Ms. Robin Nelson as the newest hire at the Mendota
Heights Police Department. Ms. Nelson read aloud the Code of Ethics to the Council and the public.
Mayor Krebsbach officially swore in Police Officer Robin Nelson.
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 d) Approval of
Change of Date for November 4th City Council Meeting; h) Approval of Wetland Delineation for
Ratchye Property at 2270 Wagon Wheel Court; k) Authorization to Apply for Grant to Update Pilot
Knob National Register of Historic Places Application; and p) Approval of Claims List.
a. Approval of September 16, 2014 City Council Minutes
b. Acknowledgment of September 23, 2014 Planning Commission Minutes
c. Approval of Personnel Action Report
October 7, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 1
d. Approval of Change of Date for November 4th City Council Meeting
e. Approval of Extension of Joint Powers Agreement for Emergency Management Services
f. Receipt of August 2014 Fire Department Synopsis Report
g. Approval of Wetland Delineation for Lemay Shores Development
h. Approval of Wetland Delineation for Ratchye Property at 2270 Wagon Wheel Court
i. Approval of City Hall Roof Tape/Electrical Purchase Order
j. Approval of Final Payment and Acceptance of Mendota Heights Road Forcemain Replacement
k. Authorization to Apply for Grant to Update Pilot Knob National Register of Historic Places
Application
1. Approval of Transfer from Infrastructure Fund to Pay for 2014 Street Projects
m. Item pulled from agenda
n. Approval of Resolution 2014-58, Accepting Gifts to the City in Support of Officer Scott Patrick
o. Receipt of August 2014 Treasurer's Report
p. Approval of Claims List
q. Approval of Contractors List
Councilmember Norton seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1
PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEM
D) APPROVAL OF CHANGE OF DATE FOR NOVEMBER 4TH CITY COUNCIL MEETING
City Administrator Justin Miller explained that Tuesday, November 4th is the regularly scheduled
meeting for the City Council, which is also the night of the General Election. As public meetings cannot
be held between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., staff recommended the meeting be moved to Wednesday,
November 5th at 7:00 p.m. The Canvassing Board meeting will be scheduled at a later date.
Councilmember Duggan moved to change the date for November 4th city council meeting to
Wednesday, November 5th at 7:00 p.m.
Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1
H) APPROVAL OF WETLAND DELINEATION FOR RATCHYE PROPERTY
AT 2270 WAGON WHEEL COURT
This item was pulled from the consent agenda to allow Councilmember Norton a chance to abstain.
Councilmember Duggan moved to approve and accept the report as submitted by Kjolhaug
Environmental Services Company, Inc. for their determination of wetland boundaries and to direct staff
to issue the Notice of Decision.
Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion.
Ayes: 3
Nays: 0
Abstain: 1 (Norton)
Absent: 1
October 7, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 2
K) AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY FOR GRANT TO UPDATE PILOT KNOB NATIONAL
REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES APPLICATION
Councilmember Duggan stated that, if obtained, this grant would facilitate updating of the application
for Pilot Knob to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places. A portion of the grant would also
be used to produce more brochures. The City would be the official grant applicant, but PKPA would
conduct all of the work.
Of the $6,000 grant requested, $5,000 would be used to cover the cost of conducting new research,
revising the original application to describe the preservation and restoration activities to date. The
remaining $1,000 would be used for reprinting copies of The Pocket Guide to Pilot Knob.
Councilmember Duggan moved to authorize staff to apply for a grant from the Arts and Cultural
Heritage Fund in the amount of $6,000.
Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1
P) APPROVAL OF CLAIMS LIST
Councilmember Petschel noted that under Significant Claims is the Met Council Environmental Services
— SAC & Sewer charges in the amount of $91,130.04. She explained that there was an event in June
with record breaking rainfall. In the area bordering West St. Paul, near Somerset Golf Course, on
Delaware Avenue, West St. Paul was overwhelmed with water flow and Mendota Heights had to take on
some of the stormwater from West St. Paul and send it through our system. This resulted in an increase
in the bill. Mendota Heights has been working with the Met Council to have the bill adjusted.
In the process of working on that issue, Mendota Heights discovered that there may be a meter that we
are being charged for that belongs to West St. Paul. She suggested this needs to be investigated.
The reason Councilmember Petschel raised this issue is that this is a significant bill for Mendota
Heights.
City Administrator Justin Miller replied that this bill necessarily was not impacted by the June storm.
However, going forward bills might be. This is the rate that the Met Council proposed for the City for
2015. Staff has been in discussion with them. The Council will be seeing the rate structure at a future
meeting to approve the utilities rates beginning in 2015.
Mayor Krebsbach asked Administrator Miller to see if the City's Met Council representative can come
to the next Council meeting.
Councilmember Duggan asked Finance Director Kristen Schabacker to share what the previous bills or
estimates were from the Met Council Environmental Services. Director Schabacker replied that the City
has an annual amount that is equal for all 12 months. This year's monthly charge for sewer is
$86,209.74. Next year the monthly bill is projected to be increased by approximately 12%.
October 7, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 3
Councilmember Duggan moved to approve the List of Claims for October 7, 2014.
Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
PRESENTATIONS
A) DR. NANCY ALLEN-MASTRO, ISD 197 REFERENDUM
Dr. Nancy Allen -Mastro, Superintendent of District 197, made a presentation on the upcoming
November 4th school referendum that is on the General Election ballot.
They have three questions on the ballot.
1. Technology — asking the taxpayers to approve $1.2M annually for a 10 -year period
2. School Security — remodel or relocate the front offices to the schools, $3.2M bond to be paid
back over a 10 -year period
3. Multi -use Athletic Stadium at Henry Sibley High School, $4.5M bond is being proposed
Ms. Allen -Mastro explained that question three is a contingency question, meaning that questions one
and two must pass in order for question three to pass.
Councilmember Duggan asked in regards to the stadium if any of the issues and questions raised by the
Council in previous meetings had been addressed. Ms. Allen -Mastro replied that they were waiting until
after the referendum to address those concerns.
Mayor Krebsbach asked if alternate stadium locations on the Sibley campus were being considered. Dr.
Allen -Mastro stated that the current proposed site is preferred and there really is no interest in
researching alternate sites.
The school district is trying to get the word out to all of the residents; there have been a lot of
presentations around the community and avenues such as this meeting to get the word out as well.
Ms. Allen -Mastro continued by sharing the estimated tax impact on an estimated $200,000 value
homestead:
• Question 1 (Technology) _ $24/year or $2/month
• Question 2 (Security) = $3/year or $0.25/month
• Question 3 (Stadium) = $5/year or $0.42/month
• Questions 1, 2, & 3 = $32/year or $2.67/month
Ms. Allen -Mastro encouraged residents to go to the school's website and use the calculator there to
figure out the impact on their own home value. The commercial impact is on the website as well. Ms.
October 7, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 4
Allen -Mastro also shared a graph outlining how this school district stacks up against other similar
districts.
Councilmembers asked questions regarding the technology portion of the levy, how much of their own
money the school district is using to 'get the word out' in regards to the levy, and the total amount of the
referendum [$20.2M].
PUBLIC HEARINGS
A) VICTORIA/ROLLING GREEN NEIGHBORHOOD STREET PROJECT ASSESSMENT
HEARING, RESOLUTION 2014-66
Assistant City Engineer Ryan Ruzek explained that this is the assessment hearing for the
Victoria/Rolling Green Neighborhood Improvements. The project included a reconstruction of Victoria
Road and street rehabilitation of Walsh Lane, Stratford Road, Oxford Court, Coventry Court, Windwood
Court, and Rolling Green Curve.
The total estimated cost for the street reconstruction project was $762,196, the street rehabilitation was
$502,765, curb and gutter replacement was $76,133, trail replacement was $63,002, storm sewer was
$218,224, and the watermain was $196,692 — for a total of $1,819,014.30.
Several funding sources were used for this project:
• $401,000 from special assessments
• $783,000 in municipal bonds
• $500,000 MSA funds due to the higher traffic road for the heavier duty vehicles
• $497,900 from utility funds
The assessable costs for the reconstruction projects were $914,000; 50% of that was $457,000. There
were only 16 units on this section of Victoria Road that were assessable units. Based on the City's
policy the assessments would have been $28,500; however, it was proposed to cap that amount at $8,950
during the public hearing to order the project.
The assessable cost for the street rehabilitation was $603,318; 50% of that was $301,659 to the
residents. There are 67 units in the rehabilitation area and based on the City policy the assessments
would have been $4,502 per unit; however, it was proposed to cap that amount at $3,850 during the
public hearing to order the project.
The reconstruction assessment is payable over an 18 -year period and the rehabilitation assessment is
payable over a 10 -year period.
The assessments can be paid up until November 10th without incurring any interest. The interest rate on
the assessments is proposed at 6%, which would begin as of this meeting date if not paid prior to the
November 10th deadline.
Councilmembers asked how the project looks and if there had been any complaints received from the
residents.
October 7, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 5
Mayor Krebsbach noted that she did receive a call from a resident close to Marie Park stating it was
dusty. Engineer Ruzek stated that the streets were scheduled to be cleaned tonight.
Mayor Krebsbach opened the public hearing and asked if anyone was in the audience wishing to speak.
Seeing no one coming forward, Councilmember Petschel moved to close the public hearing.
Councilmember Norton seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1
Councilmember Duggan moved to adopt Resolution 2014-66 ADOPTING ASSESSMENTS FOR THE
VICTORIA ROAD & ROLLING GREEN NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENTS (PROJECT
#201308).
Councilmember Norton seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A) 2014 BOND SALE, RESOLUTIONS 2014-67 AND 2014-68
Finance Director Kristen Schabacker noted that on this date the City held a bond sale for GO
Improvement bonds for the street improvement project and also for GO Refunding bonds. She
introduced Mr. Mark Ruff from Ehlers and Associates to present the results of the sale.
Mr. Mark Ruff from Ehlers and Associates explained that the City's AAA bond rating was confirmed.
Standard & Poor's was very complimentary of the City's budget flexibility and liquidity. They also
highlighted the strong management conditions, including the comprehensive policies and practices, the
long-term planning, and general fund reserve policy. Standard & Poor's does not anticipate a change in
the rating within the 2 -year outlook horizon but they do specifically highlight that the City's available
fund balance should be at least 75% of expenditures.
The good thing about a high bond rating is the attraction of more bids and lower interest rates. This bond
issuance attracted four bids, the low bidder being Northland Securities with an interest rate of 2.6%. The
size of the issuance as reduced from $1,050,000 to $1,030,000 because of the lower cost of issuance and
underwriters discount and because of the premium bid.
Councilmember Duggan moved to adopt Resolution 2014-67 "RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE
ISSUANCE AND SALE OF $1,050,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION IMPROVEMENT BONDS,
SERIES 2014A, PLEDGING SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR THE SECURITY THEREOF AND
LEVING A TAX FOR THE PAYMENT THEREOF".
Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
October 7, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 6
Absent: 1
Mr. Ruff continued by explaining the $900,000 General Obligation Refunding Bonds. Again, four bids
were received and the low bidder was Northland Securities with an interest rate of 2.3%. This saves the
City over $20,000 per year. The size of the issuance was reduced from $900,000 to $885,000 because of
the lower cost of issuance and underwriters discount and because of the premium bid.
Councilmember Petschel moved to adopt Resolution 2014- 68 "RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE
ISSUANCE AND SALE OF $900,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES
2014B AND PLEDGING FOR THE SECURITY THEREOF SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS AND
LEVYING A TAX FOR THE PAYMENT THEREOF".
Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1
B) PLANNING CASE 2014-26, AFTER -THE -FACT WETLANDS PERMIT,
2054 ACACIA DRIVE, RESOLUTION 2014-59
Planner Nolan Wall explained that the applicant was seeking an after -the -fact wetlands permit to remove
vegetation at 2054 Acacia Drive. The subject parcel contains an existing single family attached dwelling
along the northwest shore of Lake Augusta in the Augusta Shores Development. A substantial portion of
the rear yard is within a conservation easement.
The applicant stated that buckthorn and five dead elm trees were removed from the rear yard in 2006
and 2007. Those trees ranged in size from six to ten inches in diameter and the stumps were left
undisturbed. The impacted area is now devoid of significant vegetative cover and has been maintained
as a grassy area. Since being contacted by the City, the property owner is no longer maintaining the
impacted area and regrowth is occurring with the natural vegetation.
The conservation easement area does contain a mix of mature trees as well as natural and invasive
ground cover vegetation; the purpose is to provide a buffer between the development and the lake. Had
the applicant known that a wetlands permit was required, action would most likely have been approved
administratively.
In an effort to ensure compliance in the entire Augusta Shores Development, staff is working with the
townhome association to put together a wetlands permit for vegetation removal for the entire
development.
Staff recommended approval of this resolution.
Councilmember Norton moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2014-59 APPROVING A WETLANDS
PERMIT AT 2054 ACACIA DRIVE with conditions as stated in the resolution.
Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1
October 7, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 7
C) PLANNING CASE 2014-27, CRITICAL AREA PERMIT,
744 WOODRIDGE DRIVE, RESOLUTION 2014-60
Planner Nolan Wall explained that the applicant was seeking a critical area permit to construct
improvement within the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area. The subject parcel is 1.75 acres with a
single family home. The Ivy Falls Creek bluff area is located to the west and south of the site. The
property is zoned R-1 and guided for low density residential development. The single family dwelling
was approved by a critical area permit and was constructed in 2010. The proposed project would include
a swimming pool, retaining wall including replacement and new structures, a patio, fence, and an
expansion to the existing screen porch.
Planner Wall described the purposes of the critical area overlay district. The proposed project is
compliant with the purpose and intent of the code, as well as the applicable development and natural
resource management standards.
Staff recommended approval of this resolution.
Councilmembers asked questions regarding the potential lessening of the run-off with this new
construction, and any potential dangers if a future homeowner removes the pool.
Councilmember Petschel moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2014-60 APPROVING A CRITICAL AREA
PERMIT AT 744 WOODRIDGE DRIVE with conditions as stated in the resolution.
Councilmember Norton seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1
D) PLANNING CASE 2014-28, CODE AMENDMENT REQUEST FOR EXCEPTION TO
SWIMMING POOL FENCING REQUIREMENTS, RESOLUTION 2014-61
Planner Nolan Wall explained that the applicants were requesting a code amendment that would allow
automatic pool covers as an exception to the City's current swimming pool fencing requirements. The
applicant's letter of intent included the rationale for consideration of the amendment.
The current swimming pool fencing requirements include standards for height, vertical spacing, prohibit
foot and hand holds, and requires self-closing and self -latching gates. The proposed amendment would
allow an exception to this fence requirement for covers conforming to ASTMF 1346-91 standards
specifications for safety covers and labeling requirements. The ASTMF International develops voluntary
standards for a variety of projects. Some of the conditions for this specific standard include provisions
that would inhibit children from under 5 -years old from removing or operating the cover (including
keys, combination locks, or other devices), switching devices must be inaccessible and must be at least
five feet above the pool deck, have a weight bearing threshold of 485 pounds (equal to two adults and
one child), prevent test objects from being passed through the cover, standing water must be
substantially drained within 30 minutes after a noimal rainfall, must meet labeling requirements, and
October 7, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 8
must be reversible from a full stop without having to complete the full cycle. This proposed amendment
is similar in nature to the regulations that are currently in place in the City of Inver Grove Heights. In
addition, there are other jurisdictions that do allow exception to the fencing requirement for automatic
covers, including Maplewood, Sunfish Lake, and Rochester.
The City Council did deny a similar amendment request in 2005, which included two additional
conditions. The Planning Commission recommended that those be added to this proposed code
amendment. The proposed code amendment, in addition to what the applicants proposed, contains these
two additional conditions:
• The property owner shall provide proof of liability insurance coverage
• The property owner shall provide proof of inspection of the pool cover by an experienced
installer to the City on an annual basis
The Planning Commission reviewed this application at their September 23r1 meeting and recommended
denial.
Councilmembers asked questions regarding there being any record of greater safety with fencing around
a pool versus an automatic electronic cover and any record of comparison of near drownings or
drownings and pools with automatic covers versus pools with fences.
Councilmember Duggan expressed his desire to see this code amendment put into place, as he did in
2005, because the issue is safety. An unlatched fence is just as unsafe as an open pool cover. If the issue
is aesthetics in the critical area, then this would be a way of minimizing obstruction of that beauty.
Mayor Krebsbach moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2014-61 DENYING ORDINANCE NO. 469 TO
AMEND THE CITY CODE TO ALLOW AN EXCEPTION FOR SWIMMING POOL FENCING
REQUIREMENTS based on the Findings of Fact as stated in the resolution.
Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion for purposes of discussion.
Councilmember Petschel commented that she did a bit of research on her own and found that insurance
companies recommended both a fence and a locking pool cover. She also saw that there were several
pages on-line as regards to trouble -shooting a pool cover in the event of mechanical failure. The
question is not is it as safe as a fence, but because it is mechanical what happens when it is not operating
correctly. After reviewing this information, Councilmember Petschel would not be in favor of having a
pool cover replace the fencing requirement.
Ayes: 2 (Krebsbach, Petschel)
Nays: 2 (Duggan, Norton)
Absent: 1
Councilmember Duggan noted that even locked buildings and camera security can be breached. The
proposal from the Planning Commission was that there be two additional requirements added to the
conditions.
Councilmember Duggan believed that the artificial element, in this case a fence, would take away from
the natural beauty of the critical area. If there is an alternative that is just as safe, an electronic pool
cover, he would be in support of that.
October 7, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 9
Councilmember Duggan moved to adopt alternate RESOLUTION 2014-61 RESOLUTION
APPROVING ORDINANCE NO. 469 TO AMEND THE CITY CODE TO ALLOW AN EXCEPTION
FOR SWIMMING POOL FENCING REQUIREMENTS based on the Findings of Fact as stated in the
resolution and with the conditions.
Councilmember Norton seconded the motion.
Councilmember Norton stated that he recognized the safety concerns of the fence and the belt &
suspender sort of approach if you have the fence and the cover. He believes that the cover in its entirety
is a safer mechanism for protecting the pool than a fence is. He recognizes that a fence can be left
unlatched and a pool cover can be left open. One of the other things that need to be considered is the
children, animals, and even adults that are not fit for swimming would be saved by a pool cover such as
this. Some pool covers that he has seen can hold in excess of 500 pounds.
One of the things that he sees for this particular property is that it is secluded in nature. He wondered if
there wasn't an opportunity to create some sort of mechanism to the ordinance that would allow the
Council to permit a pool cover as opposed to a fence because they meet a set of requirements — the lot is
large enough, there is not another home within X distance, etc. Planner Wall noted that, as proposed,
this ordinance amendment would apply a broad brush for every property within the City.
Mayor Krebsbach called the question:
Ayes: 2 (Duggan, Norton)
Nays: 2 (Krebsbach, Petschel)
Absent: 1
Councilmember Norton moved to table this amendment request until the next Council meeting.
Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion.
Ayes: 3 (Duggan, Norton, Petschel)
Nays: 1 (Krebsbach)
Absent: 1
E) PLANNING CASE 2014-29, ELECTRONIC SIGNAGE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT,
2544 VISITATION DRIVE, RESOLUTION 2014-62
Planner Nolan Wall explained that the applicant was seeking a Conditional Use Permit to erect an
electronic display sign on the Visitation Campus, near the school's front entrance. There is an existing
monument on the site currently.
Recently, the City did amend the code to allow for this type of signage for qualifying uses in the
residential district, subject to numerous conditions. The applicant's letter of intent included a detailed
analysis in response to each of those fifteen conditions. Staff has reviewed the application materials and
determined that the proposed sign would be in compliance and recommended approval.
Councilmember Petschel clarified that the sign would not be located at the front entrance to the campus
near the round -about, but located in the interior of the campus at the front entrance to the building.
October 7, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 10
Planner Wall noted that there was one public comment during the Planning Commission hearing that
was more of a curiosity of just what was being proposed and trying to ensure that it would not increase
brightness or be burdensome to them.
Councilmember Duggan, in regards to Item 6 on Page 186 [Exhibit B — New Signage] described as
"Digital Welcome Display Sign", asked what the distance from that sign to the first or nearest home on
Lake Drive was. He also asked if this sign was going to be facing towards Mendota Heights Road or
Lake Drive. Planner Wall replied that the distance from the external property boundary line on the
Visitation Campus would be approximately 320 feet and 337 feet from the nearest residential property
line. The code requires a 50 foot setback from surrounding property boundary lines.
Mr. Greg Engels, Director of Operations at Visitation School, addressed the question regarding the light.
by saying that the brightness level would be well below the brightness allowed in the ordinance. The
amount of light coming from the proposed sign would be less than the existing parking lot lights, school
lights, etc. The sign would be pointing right towards the corner of the parking lot and not towards any
of the residential neighbors.
Councilmember Petschel moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2014-62 APPROVING A CONDITIONAL
PERMIT AT 2455 VISITATION DRIVE.
Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion.
For point of discussion and so all residents are aware, Mayor Krebsbach stated that this was the code
change that was discussed and applies to all institutional uses. This is the first such application since this
new code implementation.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1
F) ACCEPT FEASIBILITY REPORT FOR KENSINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD STREET
IMPROVEMENTS AND CONSIDER SETTING DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING,
RESOLUTIONS 2014-50 AND 2014-64
Assistant City Engineer Ryan Ruzek explained that staff has put together a feasibility report for the
Kensington Neighborhood Street Improvements. This would include rehabilitation to Bedford Court,
Claremont Drive, Concord Way, Lockwood Drive, and a portion of Stockbridge Road (from Concord
Way to the point of intersection with the pedestrian trail). The total estimated project cost would be
$740,320, with an assessable cost of $337,393, and a bond amount of $402,927 in 2015 costs.
The Kensington Neighborhood Street Improvements currently is not shown in the 5 -year Capital
Improvement Plan, however, staff has received a number of inquiries as to when the streets would be
rehabilitated. Staff also has two letters from the association boards asking for their streets to be included
in the Capital Improvement Plan at the earliest possible time.
Mayor Krebsbach noted that if Council were to go ahead with the feasibility report, that would not mean
that they would order the project for 2015. Engineer Ruzek confirmed and stated there are two
October 7, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 11
resolutions before the Council; one is accepting the feasibility report and the other is calling for a public
hearing.
City Administrator Justin Miller interjected that he and City Engineer John Mazzitello have been
working on a revised street improvement plan that they would present to the Council before the end of
the year as part of the larger budget discussion. The revised plan does put this project into 2019.
Councilmembers asked questions regarding the condition of the roads and expressed their desire to see
the proposed revised plan before making a decision on calling for the project.
Councilmember Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2014-50, A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING
FEASIBILITY REPORT ON THE KENSINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
#201409.
Councilmember Norton seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1
Councilmember Norton moved to table RESOLUTION 2014-64, A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A
PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE KENSINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT #
201409.
Mayor Krebsbach seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Assistant to the City Administrator Tamara Schutta made the following announcements:
• October 5 —11 is Fire Prevention Week and the theme is "Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives"
• A Fire Prevention Open House will take place on October 11 from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
• The first annual Bike Ride for Breast Cancer Awareness is October 11, starting at 8:30 a.m.
• The Halloween bonfire is scheduled for October 31 from 7:00 — 9:00 p.m. at Mendota Plaza
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Norton acknowledged the students from St. Thomas Academy for raising money for
Officer Patrick's family.
He also attended, as many others did, the Officer Patrick Memorial Fund Raiser/Party at Moose Country
in Lilydale and he suspects they raised a good amount of money for the appropriate organizations.
Councilmember Petschel made the observation that she has seen a lot of work being done on roofs,
siding, gutters, windows, kitchens, and bathrooms in our community. It is delightful to see.
October 7, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 12
She also noted that the sign saying "The State of Minnesota Property — Keep Off' with an upside down
95 has been taken down during the recent fiber optic project. She is hopeful that when the sign is put
back up, the 95 will get put right side up.
She asked Administrator Miller to explain this fiber optic cable installation. Administrator Miller replied
that the school district, in combination with Dakota County, has been installing fiber optic throughout
the community connecting all of the schools. For the most part they are doing directional boring so they
do not have to dig up too much of the roadways. Eventually those lines would go right by the Fire
Station along Dodd Road and then very close to the public works garage; leaving City Hall to be
needing to be connected.
Councilmember Duggan stated that he also saw all of the signs of home improvements going on in our
community.
He also reminded everyone of the decision made recently to spend $555,000 for the West St. Paul
Hockey Arena renovations. He thought about the off -leash dog park and believes this should be
reconsidered.
Mayor Krebsbach noted the passing of two residents of Mendota Heights, giving their names and a brief
background of each:
• Mr. Elliott Karasov Sr. passed away in April. He was a veteran and one of the members who
helped found Beth Jacob Congregation
• Ms. Susan Bozivich was 62 years old, died of breast cancer, and was a Mendota Heights mom
Mayor Krebsbach stated she will be at the Fire Department Open House in the afternoon.
ADJOURN
Councilmember Duggan moved to adjourn.
Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1
Mayor Krebsbach adjourned the meeting at 9:14 p.
Lorri Smith
City Clerk
ra ` ebsbac
Mayor
October 7, 2014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 13