2015-06-29 Council Workshop minutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Council Workshop
Held Monday, June 29, 2015
Mayor Krebsbach called the meeting to order at 1:03 p.m. Councilmembers present included Duggan,
Norton, and Petschel. Councilmember Povolny arrived at 1:45 p.m. Staff in attendance included City
Administrator Mark McNeill, Assistant to the City Administrator Tammy Schutta, Public Works Director
John Mazzitello, Finance Director Kristen Schabacker, Planner Nolan Wall, Recreation Program
Coordinator Sloan Wallgren, and City Clerk Lorri Smith.
1. BROADBAND DISCUSSION
City Administrator Mark McNeill introduced Craig Ebeling, former Burnsville City Manager, and Lisa
Alfson, director of the Dakota County Community Development Agency. They were present to give an
overview of the broadband infrastructure study that was completed by Dakota County.
Mr. Ebeling stated that one of the things that Dakota County, Dakota County CDA, and the cities of Dakota
County have been working on is the installation of a high-speed institutional and commercial internet
connection. This is a large undertaking and the CDA is taking the lead. Mr. Ebeling and Ms. Alfson
provided background on this initiative and future efforts and plans. The next step in the process is the
completion of a Joint Powers Agreement with the entities. When completing the broadband, Mr. Ebeling
explained that the layout of the system has been geared towards connecting the government facilities first.
The I -Net would be completed first, to be used by the government institutions involved.
Councilmembers asked questions regarding lit and dark fibers, what kind of costs would the City be
looking at going forward, how this would benefit the City of Mendota Heights, and how some communities
are commercializing their public fiber assets.
2. DISCUSSION OF WATER CONTRACT WITH ST. PAUL REGIONAL WATER
Public Works Director John Mazzitello and General Manager Steve Schneider from St. Paul Water
reviewed the draft agreement to convey the water facilities to St. Paul Water. The current water services
agreement is set to expire in November 2015. They reviewed with the Council the proposed agreement
which would have no end date. The city could, at any time, claim the system back.
It was noted that a representative on the Board of Water Commission represents all of the cities and not
only the city they live in. The decisions made by that body are owned by the whole body.
Councilmember Petschel stated that she would like to see our residents' bills not increase during the phase
in period of this agreement. Alternatives were discussed to make this possible, possibly by reducing the
city surcharge.
The Council requested an additional clause in the contract to have decision -malting authority in any
changes made to the exterior modification of the water tower.
The Council asked for the charge for water used for street cleaning to be at a reduced rate.
The Council asked for additional revenue from the antenna on the water tower, possibly a 60/40 split.
By general consensus of the Council, city staff was directed to continue the negotiations of this contract.
3. PILOT KNOB LOCATION / DOG PARK FUNDING
Recreation Coordinator Sloan Wallgren and City Administrator Mark McNeill reviewed the potential Pilot
Knob South site, a 3.5 acre parcel, for a temporary dog park. The cost for this is estimated to be $30,000.
By consensus, the funding will come from the Special Parks Fund.
Residents who live adjacent to this proposed dog park were present to discuss issues with a dog park at this
location. Jean Franson, 2170 Pilot Knob Road, and Jacob who was representing Richard Hartz, 2200 Pilot
Knob Road, stated they felt it would disrupt the wildlife and take away from the beauty of the area. They
thought parking would be an issue on this busy section of road. They would prefer to see the Pilot Knob
bluff area extended to this area.
Bonnie Resnick, 2251 Copperfield Drive, stated she feels an interim use for this site is a good solution for
the dog park.
Planner Nolan Wall informed the Council that at the June Planning Commission meeting, the members
voted to recommend an ordinance to allow interim uses in the city. Once this ordinance is approved by the
City Council, the interim use of this site as a dog park can move forward for approval.
4. VILLAGE LOTS DISCUSSION
Planner Nolan Wall reviewed the site plan for The Village area. A meeting was held with a restaurant
owner to gather his thoughts on the use of these city owned parcels for a new restaurant site. It was
discussed that having no visibility from Highway 110 may be an issue at locating a restaurant at this
location. The Council discussed other possible development opportunities for the three city owned
properties, including commercial, office building, or residential.
By general consensus of the Council, staff was directed to begin the process of marketing the properties for
market rate residential use by sending a letter of interest to targeted developers.
5. TECHNOLOGY USE POLICY
Assistant to the City Administrator Tamara Schutta presented the proposed Technology Use Policy for all
city employees, paid on-call firefighters, contractors, volunteers, and interns. The purpose of the policy is
to promote the acceptable use of computer equipment, providing parameters for appropriate personal use of
city owned equipment. This policy will be brought to the July 21, 2015 City Council meeting for approval.
Jame 29, 2015 Mendota Heights Council Workshop Page 2
6. LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
Mayor Sandra Krebsbach reviewed with the Council a series of positions which are of special interest to the
City. These issues will be discussed with our legislators for possible action by the 2016 Minnesota
legislature. By general consensus of the Council, the topics were ranked as follows:
1. The need for the continuation of the Noise Oversight Committee
2. Fiscal Disparities
3. Group Homes
4. Transportation
5. Bonding Request for a special project
The workshop adjourned at 4:40 p.m.
Sandra Krebsbach, yor
ATTEST:
Lorri Smith, City Clerk
June 29, 2015 Mendota Heights Council Workshop Page 3