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2011-04-05 City Council minutesApril 5, 2011 Page 1 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, April 5, 2011 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 Vitelli. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council, the audience and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA ADOPTION Mayor Krebsbach presented the agenda for adoption as presented. Councilmember Duggan moved adoption of the agenda as presented. Ayes: 5 Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion. Nays:0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Petschel moved approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held on March 15, 2011 with one minor change. Ayes: 5 Councilmember Vitelli seconded the motion. 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, pulling items e. Approve the Police Chief Position Description and Authorization Classification Review, f. Approve the Facilities Manager Position Description and Authorize Recruitment, i. Approve a Purchase Order with Emergency Automotive Technologies for the Set Up of New Police Department Vehicles, j. Approve a Purchase Order with Nelcom Corporation for the Purchase and Upgrade of Outdoor Warning Sirens and o. Approve Par Three Seasonal Staff Hiring for further review. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 APPROVE THE POLICE CHIEF POSITION DESCRIPTION AND AUTHORIZE CLASSIFICATION I:_ A W, jT April 5, 2011 Page 2 a. Acknowledgement of the March 22, 2011 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes b. Acknowledgement of the February 2011 Treasurers Report c. Authorize Signatures on the Bank Cherokee Signature Card d. Authorize Signatures on the Contract with Great River Greening for Restoration Work at Pilot Knob e. Approve the Police Chief Position Description and Authorize Classification Review f. Approve the Facilities Manager Position Description and Authorize Recruitment g. Approve Attendance of the Assistant Fire Chief at the 2011 International Fire Chiefs Conference h. Approve a Purchase Order with BSN Sports for the Purchase of Four New Soccer Goals i. Approve a Purchase Order with Emergency Automotive Technologies for the Set Up of New Police Department Vehicles j. Approve a Purchase Order with Nelcom Corporation for the Purchase and Upgrade of Outdoor Warning Sirens k. Approve a Purchase Order with Great River Greening for the Removal and Control of Invasive Plants at Valley Park 1. Approve a Contract with Pay Government for Online Registration Credit Card Processing in. Approve a "RESOLUTION APPROVING A JOINT POWERS COST SHARE AGREEMENT FOR PICTOMETRY INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION GENERAL LICENSE AND CONDITIONS" n. Approve the Removal and Disposal of the Antenna Located at City Hall o. Approve Par Three Seasonal Staff Hiring p. Approve the Contractors List q. Approve the Claims List Councilmember Vitelli seconded the motion. Mayor Krebsbach explained she pulled this item to clarify that the Chief plays a big part in the city's annual budget process and she would like to see this included in the position description. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 APPROVE THE FACILITIES MANAGER POSITION DESCRIPTION AND AUTHORIZE CLASSIFICATION April 5, 2011 Page 3 City Administrator McKnight stated the position would be updated to include this item and continued that staff is in the process of updating all position descriptions for city personnel. Couulcilmember Vitelli moved Approval of the Police Chief Position Description and Authorize Classification Review with the stated inclusion. Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Councilmember Duggan inquired whether the city safety program referred to in the position description includes traffic safety responsibilities. City Administrator McKnight explained the safety program referenced in the description did not include traffic safety but would include employee safety and OSHA issues, the AWAIR program and Right -to -Know. Councilmember Petschel asked for clarification on the position helping the other city facilities. City Administrator McKnight used an example of one of the facilities needing a partial new roof and the facilities manager would be responsible for coordinating the bidding process for the project. Councilmember Petschel expressed concern that the position description may need to include more details with regard to the physical aspects of the job. City Administrator McKnight explained many of the sections of the description are standard and this position would include the additional physical requirements. Mayor Krebsbach noted the position primarily consists of cleaning and maintenance and recommended the description include a section on allergies due to the high degree of allergen exposure in the position. Councilmember Duggan inquired about the minimum qualifications with regard to the HVAC systems and stressed the questioning in the interviews be designed to identify the strengths of the applicant in these areas. Councilmember Povolny expressed his desire that we look for someone specifically with HVAC and boiler experience, schooling and certification in these areas. April 5, 2011 Page 4 Councilmember Povolny inquired whether a vehicle would be provided by the city. City Administrator McKnight explained the city would not need to purchase a vehicle as there are currently city vehicles available for this purpose. Councilmember Povolny added that he agrees with staff that the Facilities Manager position is an excellent idea. Councilmember Vitelli concurred he also is in complete support of the position and explained two employees have retired, Guy Kullander and Lambert Derks and this position would replace the responsibilities of these two employees and is a smart move proposed by staff. Mayor Krebsbach stated both of these former employees played a significant part of taking great care of City Hall. Councilmember Vitelli moved to approve the Facilities Manager position description and authorize recruitment and classification. Ayes: 5 Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion. Nays: 0 APPROVE A PURCHASE ORDER Mayor Krebsbach asked Police Chief Aschenbrener to WITH NELCOM CORPORATION speak to the warning sirens proposal and thanked him for FOR THE PURCHASE AND UPGRADE for returning from a conference to attend.the meeting. OF OUTDOOR WARNING SIRENS Chief Aschenbrener explained this is a project that has been in process since 2000 and that the purchase will replace three sirens beyond their useful life expectancy, two of which have steadily had maintenance issues. Chief Aschenbrener stated the purchase will be paid for with money approved in the budget and that the costs have come down significantly from previous quotes. Chief Aschenbrener stated they have worked with other emergency managers to reduce the activation of sirens in non- emergency situations and that last year's activations were at six compared to several years ago an activation rate of twenty. Chief Aschenbrener explained the life of the sirens should exceed a twenty year period and serve great coverage for the community. Chief Aschenbrener encouraged residents not to become complacent and explained the procedure for residents when Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 APPROVE A PURCHASE ORDER WITH EMERGENCY AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE SET UP OF NEW POLICE DEPARTMENT VEHICLES Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 APPROVE PAR THREE SEASONAL STAFF HIRING Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENTS UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS April 5, 2011 Page 5 they hear the warning siren to take cover and seek additional information provided. Councilmember Povolny made a motion to Approve a Purchase Order with Nelcorm Corporation for the Purchase and Upgrade of Outdoor Warning Sirens. Councilinernber Vitelli seconded the motion. Councilmember Duggan inquired where the proposed cost of $13,000 was found in the spreadsheet attached. Chief Aschenbrener explained the $13,000 was a combination of items listed in the first section of the spreadsheet. Councilmember Duggan made a motion to Approve a Purchase Order with Emergency Automotive Teclvzologies for the Set Up of New Police Department Vehicles. Councilmember Vitelli seconded the motion. Councilmember Duggan inquired whether the proposed pay scale for the seasonal staff represented a substantial increase over last year. Assistant to the City Administrator Sedlacek explained the pay matrix and the position pay rates and steps. Mr. Sedlacek stated staff performed a salary survey and found the position rates of pay were all in line with the exception of the instructors who were brought down three dollars an hour from last year's rates for an overall reduction in actual personnel costs fiom 2010. Mr. Sedlacek explained the categories of workers; Clubhouse Manager, Clubhouse Worker, Jr. Ranger and Golf Instructor. Mr. Sedlacek explained all instruction was run through the golf course as a regular program offering and the instructors are available for private instruction. Councilmember Duggan moved approval of Par Three Seasonal Staff Hiring. Councilmember Vitelli seconded the motion. There were none. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE Assistant to the Administrator Sedlacek stated Mendakota 12, CHAPTER 1, SECTION D OF Country Chub is requesting a change to the city code which THE CITY CODE PERTAINING TO currently allows only one sign in any residential district April 5, 2011 Page 6 SIGNS and the requested area is zoned as residential and guided as a golf course. Mendakota Country Club is seeking an additional sign for the property. Mr. Sedlacek stated the approval before the council tonight is the ordinance amendment for the zoning district and that the actual request for the sign will come back at a later date if the ordinance amendment is approved by council. Mr. Sedlacek explained originally the request carne in with a sign the planning commission felt was too large and the second sign request was changed to reflect a sign on the property not to exceed 100 square feet, a height no higher than nine feet on a parcel no less than 40 acres in size having frontage on two public roadways and the sign could not face the salve right -of -way as another sign. The change in City Code would allow a golf course in a residential district this second sign option with these conditions. Councilmember Duggan clarified council was being asked to adopt the change to the city code and that the original request for the sign was sent back because the sign was too large and was re- worked to the current parameters in the code proposed and that the need for the change in code was to allow for the second sign versus only one in the current code language. Assistant to the City Administrator Sedlacek explained Councilmember Duggan was correct in that the new code allows for the second sign and added that it also allows for a larger sign than the current size of 12 square feet and allows for a 100 square foot sign and nine feet high. Councilmember Duggan expressed his support for the request and wanted to note that the change to code also would apply to all future properties and any future requests. Mayor Krebsbach clarified the request for council was to change the city code pertaining to signs and that the 40 acre parcel size would protect the city from having significant requests in the fixture. Councilmember Duggan raised concerns whether this request would fall into the category of spot specific zoning and whether we would have to accommodate similar requests such as this in the fixture. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A FENCE GREATER THAN THIRTY SIX INCHES ON A CORNER LOT AT 2496 POND CIRCLE WEST April 5, 2011 Page 7 Mayor Krebsbach noted the Planning Commission had performed a very thorough job with regard to this amendment and the extensive supporting documentation brought them to this recommendation. Councilmember Povolny stated he was at the meeting and thought the Planning Commission did a great job in putting this together. Assistant to the City Administrator Sedlacek reviewed the existing language in the city code and the new language proposed for the city code for council and noted that the Planning Commission will hear the actual sign request from Mendakota Country Club at their April 26, 2011 meeting. Councilmember Duggan inquired what the legal impact of this ordinance amendment would be for an organization with a 20 acre parcel. City Attorney Diehin responded that in a zoning amendment such as this where you are actually changing the zoning requirements any property owner that meets all of these standards could make a zoning request as well. Couuncilmember Vitelli moved Approval of An Ordinance Amending Title 12, Chapter 1, Section D of the City Code Pertaining to Signs. Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion. Assistant to the City Administrator Sedlacek stated the parcel is located at 2496 Pond Circle West and the proposed fence would require a conditional use permit since it is within thirty feet of Mendota Heights Road and is over three feet in height. The fence proposed is an aluminum wrought iron fence that would enclose a pool and the landscaping would screen a majority of the fence. Mr. Sedlacek stated that the fence permit will determine the actual fence parameters once the conditional use permit is approved and added the pool contractor stated this fence meets city code for fences. There were no public comments at the public hearing and at the end of their discussion the Planning Commission moved to approve the permit at the recommendation of the Planner. Councilmember Vitelli moved Approval of a Resolution Approving a Conditional Use Permit for a Fence Greater Than Thirty Six Inches on a Corner Lot at 2496 Pond Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 RESOLUTION APPROVING A WETLANDS PERMIT FOR WAGON WHEEL TRAIL RECONSTRUCTION Ayes: 5 April 5, 2011 Page 8 Circle West. Councilrnember Petschel seconded the motion. Assistant to the Administrator Sedlacek stated the City of Mendota Heights is seeking approval for a wetlands permit for Wagon Wheel Trail primarily for the reason it gives the public one more chance to speak on the project and ensures the city is being very clear that the project will not have a negative impact on the wetland. Mr. Sedlacek reported this project will actually have a positive improvement on the Rogers Lake water body. He added there were no public comments at the public hearing. Public Works Director Mazzitello stated that because the project is going to include the S -curve on Wagon Wheel Trail which is within 100 feet of the water this project requires a wetland permit. Mr. Mazzitello stated we are not going to be filling any wetlands or see a net loss of any wetlands, we are simply going to work within the wetland boundary and he noted we are requiring our contractor to provide erosion and sediment control. Mr. Mazzitello stated the storm water fiom Wagon Wheel Trail will be captured into storm sewers and treated before going into Rogers Lake. Mayor Krebsbach inquired whether a holding pond would be created to which Public Works Director Mazzitello responded they plan to utilize existing ponds with adequate capacity in the area. Councilmermber Duggan inquired whether the detailed description of the project was included in the share of cost to the homeowners in the area and inquired who specifically would be paying for this. Public Works Director Mazzitello replied the erosion and sediment control portions that are associated with the street are included in the assessment although anything pertaining to hydrant replacement, the storm sewer, park improvements or the trail will not be included and were divided out in the cost share approved with the project. Coluzcilimember Vitelli moved approval of a Resolution Approving a Wetlands Permit for Wagon Wheel Trail Reconstruction. Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion. April 5, 2011 Page 9 Nays: 0 RESOLUTION APPROVING A Assistant to the Administrator Sedlacek stated a conditional CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A use permit was being sought by Linder's Greenhouse for a TEMPORARY GARDEN CENTER temporary outdoor garden center to be located at Mendota AT 750 HIGHWAY 110 Plaza. Mr. Sedlacek explained Linder's was unable to construct the temporary garden center last year due to the construction and would like to return this year. There were no comments at the public hearing and the Planning Commission recommended approval. Caio Cella of Linder's came before council and introduced himself and stated they were very happy to be coming back to Mendota Heights this year. Councilmember Duggan inquired about parking at the Plaza and specifically parking for the Linder's Greenhouse. Assistant to the City Administrator Sedlacek responded there would be ample parking available for the greenhouse patrons in addition to the mall patrons. Councilmember Duggan inquired whether they could expect an annual report on how the greenhouse was doing towards the end of the season as had been provided in the past. Assistant to the City Administrator Sedlacek explained he was certain Linder's would be happy to provide such a report again this year. Caio Cello stated he would like to set up the greenhouse in the next few days. Mayor Krebsbach stated the permit language allowed for any time after March 15, 2011, weather permitting. Councilmember Vitelli added this is a great event for the Plaza, Linder's and the Pasters and moved approval of a Resolution Approving A Conditional Use Permit For A Temporary Garden Center at 750 Highway 110. Ayes: 5 Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Nays: 0 POND MAINTENANCE REVIEW Public Works Director Mazzitello explained we typically AND PLAN RFP AUTHORIZATION receive several complaints about the quality of ponds during the late summer and in the 2010 election campaigning the condition of the ponds was on many resident's lists of needed attention. Mr. Mazzitello stated the pond maintenance program and the Request for April 5, 2011 Page 10 Proposal for professional services to evaluate the ponds, recommend improvement and provide quotes on the work would be paid for by the Storm Water Utility Fund and would cost approximately $35,000. Ten ponds have been selected for the project: Upper Bridgeview, King, Copperfield, Wagon Wheel North, Warrior, Sutton/Marie, Bachelor, Park Place, Burrows and Ivy Park. Councihnember Vitelli cautioned that this one bothers him a bit and we have been a city for more than fifty years and we have never had to do this to date. Councilmember Vitelli expressed there are all kinds of studies that will tell us how to spend money and he expected the amount to be in the range of $200,000 to $500,000 for a project like this. Councilmember Vitelli stated he used to live on the Park Place pond and bought an aerator and that took care of the problem. Councilmember Vitelli recommended putting this off until we have more information, see what the new laws are on water quality for ponds and run off and cautioned this seems a dangerous venture to begin and reiterated we are looking at half a million dollars and it will go on forever and saddle the city with some pretty big costs. Councilmember Vitelli recommended we have a plamzing session and proceed cautiously, ask questions and predict costs and seek out other city's experience with it and understand better the Pollution Control Agency's recommendations and policies. Councilmember Petschel was in agreement with Councilmember Vitelli and stated it is scary although she noted that the ponds are not just ornamental, they are important in rain water capture and treatment. Councilmember Petschel stated from an aerial map you can see how the water moves from the ponds to the marshes to the ponds to the marshes and to the river and observed there were newer issues such as the phosphorus used in treating the lawns. Councilmember Petschel stated the pond waters are becoming shallow and stagnant and the water backs up, stops moving and recapturing the rain water to filter the pond is •important. Councilmember Petschel added it is important that we sweep our streets twice a year to prevent even more debris being added to the ponds, some ponds that are supposed to be four to five feet deep are now one to April 5, 2011 Page 11 two feet deep and full of algae and the pond stench is terrible. Councilmember Petschel expressed she was not in disagreement with Councilmember Vitelli and realizes this is like opening a can of worms but concluded that at some point we have to look at this and clarified that it is an infrastructure problem and may need to be tabled and continued in a workshop to make decisions going forward but that she does not want to lose track of the issue. Councilmember Vitelli stated he could find himself supporting it but wants to know the costs, how we will pay for it and what our goal is. Councilmember Duggan stated he would hope Public Works Director Mazzitello would not be disheartened by this discussion and commended him for coming back early this year with a more succinct and reduced plan of action at cotulcil's request for the ponds. Councilmember Duggan expressed they value Public Works Director Mazzitello's services and contributions to the city and his work on this and asked if he may provide some feedback for some of these questions. Public Works Director Mazzitello stated Councilmember Vitelli was correct in that this will eventually evolve into a long term maintenance plan. The initial assessment is needed to develop the five -year maintenance plan of one of the four infrastructures of the city and the return on investment will come in future years after performing the maintenance to bring them to a level of fiinctionality. Councilmember Duggan cited experience of another city that held off on this very same project and eventually had to begin the project at a much increased cost to what it would have been had they started it when originally proposed. Councilmember Duggan stated we are going to have to do this sooner or later and this initial step proposed is just assessing and determining where to go with the program and added the sooner we start the better off we will be. Councilmember Duggan stated just as we maintain our homes, we should be proactive and build up a program that preserves, protects and enhances the life in Mendota Heights and these water bodies are very important and he stated he is in support of what is being proposed. April 5, 2011 Page 12 Councilmember Petschel thanked Public Works Director Mazzitello who stated she brought this problem to his attention after hearing it while campaigning and she is in support of the proposal. Mayor Krebsbach stated we do need to have a plan on addressing the ponds in the city and concurred that Councilmember Vitelli made significant points and 96 ponds is not a small undertaking and inquired whether the council would be willing to do a workshop on this subject. Public Works Director Mazzitello asked council to give a go ahead on the study and then schedule the work session so we could ensure consultants see the ponds in early spring and that he would propose to not take it any further until the after the workshop and stated they would probably see results of the study by mid - October. CoLincilmember Vitelli recommended although he does have concerns he would support doing the initial study and listen to the recoinmendations from the study at a workshop to determine where to go from there. Councilmember Duggan concurred with Councilmember Vitelli's recommendation. Mayor Krebsbach expressed her desire to see a workshop about the complexity of this issue and what kind of commitment the city would make for the care of these bodies of water prioritizing the more serious issues and understanding what the laws are. Councilmember Petschel stated we can do all of this but Lidless we have 100% buy -in from all residents, not just the ones living on the ponds, it is not going to be money well spent and this may take some education on storm water maintenance. Councilmember Vitelli moved to Authorize Staff to Generate a Formal RFP and Solicit Quotes from Selected Consultants for Pond Maintenance. Ayes: 5 Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion. Nays: 0 RESOLUTION FOR THE COOPERATIVE PURCHASE OF ELECTION EQUIPMENT Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 ROGERS LAKE WEED CONTROL REQUEST April 5, 2011 Page 13 City Cleric Thone stated the resolution before council tonight was for the cooperative purchase along with Dakota County and in agreement with other cities in Dakota County for election equipment for the year 2014. Ms. Thone stated the resolution provides the city to set aside money in the 2012 and 2013 budgets in the total amount of approximately $10,000, equating to approximately $2,000 per precinct at five precincts in the city. Ms. Thone explained the election equipment currently in use is becoming outdated and having recurring problems and this purchase of equipment would replace it. Ms. Thone noted this resolution is not for the actual purchase of equipment rather it is just an agreement to set aside money to accommodate the eventual purchase and ensured all details of the purchase and approval would come back to council for approval. Mayor Krebsbach inquired about the funds coming from Dakota County with regard to the purchase of the election equipment. City Cleric Thone responded Dakota County received $304,000 from the State and have HAVA funds available in excess of $220,000 for the purchase in addition to the contributions of the cities. Councilmember Duggan inquired whether this amount included warranties on the machines. City Cleric Thone stated that although the particulars will come forward at a later date there would be maintenance contracts on the equipment and it would be determined in the future whether these fields would cover that or additional funding would be necessary, which would all come back to council for approval. Councilmember Povolny moved approval of a Resolution for the Cooperative Purchase of Election Equipment. Councilmember Vitelli seconded the motion. Public Works Director Mazzitello stated in March of 2009 residents on Rogers Lake requested weed removal fields and the city approved $15,000 for weed control and made an application to the DNR for vegetation removal for 15 acres, in addition council asked property owners to come up with an alternative funding program. Mr. Mazzitello stated the city received a permit from the DNR for removal April 5, 2011 Page 14 of 8.25 acres of vegetation, our contractor applied chemical treatment to the permitted area in June 2009 and a second application in August of 2009 at a cost of $4,755. In April 2010 Rogers Lake residents came to council with a request for additional funding for weed removal. Council approved $5,000 in 2010 and council asked residents to come up with an alternative funding plan and gave them suggestions. In June of 2010 chemical treatment was applied at the total cost of $3,000. Public Works Director Mazzitello stated this year Rogers Lake residents are seeking fiill city funding for weed removal at the lake and added that the 2011 city budget does not allow for this item. Mr. Mazzitello continued staff conducted a survey of other cities and found none of there routinely apply chemicals year to year and in addition stated Rogers Lake will receive a water quality benefit by the Wagon Wheel project and that vegetation will likely be less this year at Rogers Lake and would like the weed control treatment deferred uritil next year. Councilmember Petschel inquired whether the wet fall or heavy snowfall this winter have had an effect to which Public Works Director Mazzitello responded the wet surmner made the water level of the lake high which is a good thing and the snowfall will help also help keep it high and would keep vegetative growth at a minimum. Councilmember Povolny inquired whether the draught in the few years past would cause increased vegetative to which Mr. Mazzitello responded a draught causing decreased water levels would cause increased vegetation and growth. Mayor Krebsbach stated the council has supported some level of weed control for Rogers Lake in the past and staff's recommendation is to not support it this year and invited residents of the Rogers Lake neighborhood to speak if they so desired. Doug Hennes, property owner on Rogers Lake, came before council and stated the year after he moved in the rotting weeds were so overgrown on the lake and the stench was terrible and they came to council for help. He stated the city the following year approved $2,000 for a consultant and Hennes personally raised $3,000 of the $5,000 fee for April 5, 2011 Page 15 the study and the consultant provided many options for treatment from the study which Hennes explained in more detail. He stated in 2008 the city approved fielding to participate in a met council study and reports from 2008 and 2009 showed the water quality was good. He stated the council approved treatments in 2009 and 2010 that Hennes felt were effective and it appears the weeds are more controlled and the lake has looked better than ever before. Hennes sated one of the concerns the DNR had last year was that not enough of the neighbors were signing up for their own permits and treatments and his personally was not approved as the DNR stated his property did not require treatment but his neighbor's permit was approved. He stated he is in support for the treatment to continue so that it does not get out of hand like it did in 2005 and expressed the need to look at ways to educate people on best management practices around the lake. Hermes stated he finds value in this and would look at what we could do to cost share and maybe establish a lake association to help pay for projects such as this. Ralph Dumond came before council and stated he has appreciated the work by staff and council and the residents and stated the lake looks much better and supports the continuation of the treatments even though he is not opposed to Public Works Director Mazzitello's proposal and realizes it may not be something that is necessary every year. Councihnember Vitelli stated he accepts the recommendation of Public Works Director Mazzitello and would encourage the homeowners on the lake to form an association that would fiend and manage this project although he feels the city should participate in their share as they own property on the lake but would be more supportive if the residents were willing to share in the responsibility. Rogers Lake resident, Boyd Ratchye came before council and concurred with Hermes that it has been a great benefit the work the city has done and would like to see it continued. April 5, 2011 Page 16 Councilmember Petschel stated she does not want to lose track of the issue and is anxious to see the water quality results from St. Thomas to help determine where to go from there. Mayor Krebsbach proposed, for council discussion, to spend $3,000 in the objective of keeping Rogers Lake an open water lake, realizing that the benefit of what we do this year may not be realized until sometime next year. Mayor Krebsbach added that the city has taken a conservative approach thus far and the full amount of money approved has never been spent but that after this year the city would expect a plan from the residents on a cost sharing plan with the city in prevention efforts to ensure Rogers Lake does not turn into a marsh. Mayor Krebsbach stated she appreciated Public Works Director Mazzitello's approach and careful observation of the budget and inquired to City Administrator McKnight whether we would have the $3,000 proposed if we decided to go forward with this. City Administrator McKnight responded we could look to a contingency line item or a fund balance for the $3,000 if that is the direction the council decides upon. Mayor Kiebsbach stressed that if this was approved this would be the last time we would offer the funding without some support of funds from the residents. Co- ulcilmember Duggan stated he was comfortable with the Mayor's proposal of the $3,000 if the residents would commit to work with the city to form an association supporting the cause. Councilmember Vitelli stated he asked this very thing of the residents last year, to form an association, and nothing has been done. Councilmember Vitelli asked of the Mayor how much we would expect the residents to pay under this proposal. Mayor Krebsbach stated this year we would fiuid the $3,000 towards the project but that this would not have her support in the Riture if there was no part by the residents. April 5, 2011 Page 17 Councilmember Vitelli stated this is a proposal to spend $3,000 of the taxpayers money but asked what is expected of the residents and St. Thomas and inquired why we are not asking the residents to pay a portion of this. Mayor Krebsbach stated the city would set aside $3,000 and the residents would be expected to contribute at $1,000 increments to support the project. Mr. Hennes stated many of the residents pay $250 -$300 per permit from the DNR and sees this as a substantial financial commitment of the residents, but he proposed he would be happy to canvass and recruit funds amongst the residents for 2012. Councilmember Vitelli inquired if the city undertook the program would the residents still have to obtain a permit from the DNR for the front of their residence. Hennes stated that the treatments do not adequately treat the shoreline although there is some residual effect it is not significant enough so this continues to be a valuable process. Mayor Krebsbach stated the city treatment keeps the middle of the lake open water and the shoreline treatment makes way for a weed free path to the middle of the lake. Mayor K.rebsbach added that this proposal would give the city and the residents time to formulate a plan for next year and going forward and time to see the benefits of the points Public Works Director Mazzitello made that will not be seen until next year and added she would hate to see the treatment of Rogers Lake discontinued and change the progress in year three of our support of this program. Cou icilmember Vitelli inquired how the fees for permits with the DNR worked and Rogers Lake residents Hennes and Dumond explained the process. Councilmember Duggan explained we are here to help the community and would love to see the city acquire a blanket permit form the DNR to cover these costs and maybe the residents could propose this and the city could take it to the DNR to restore the lake shoreline. April 5, 2011 Page 18 Mayor Krebsbach asked Public Works Director Mazzitello if we set aside $2,000 if it would be enough to treat the lake to which he responded last year the lake had one treatment at the cost of $2,000. Mayor Krebsbach reiterated her proposal of $3,000 to be set aside for the treatment of Rogers Lake this year providing no further holds would be forthcoming until such a time that the residents work together to share in the financial support of the lake treatments. Councilmember Vitelli made a motion to approve $3,000 for the treatment of Rogers Lake. Ayes: 5 Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion. Nays: 0 COUNCIL COMMENTS Assistant to the Administrator Sedlacek noted the city's annual Spring Clean -up will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Mendakota Park, Mr. Sedlacek noted personal vehicles only, no commercial vehicles will be allowed and he reminded residents to bring identification. Items that will be accepted are miscellaneous rubbish and things that can be recycled at your curb; we will not accept things that should be brought to the recycling zone such as hazardous materials. Mr. Sedlacek noted we are still looking for volunteers so anyone wishing to volunteer, please contact him at City Hall. Councilmember Povolny offered that he was tired tonight and had remained fairly quiet but wanted to note that he felt they had made some good decisions this evening and that it was time to go home. Councilmember Duggan commended the school district, the superintendent, the school board and the principals of Friendly Hills and Mendota Elementary and the parents of both of these schools who all got together and had some tough discussions and some challenging times. Councilmember Duggan was impressed with and commended their open transparent government and their ability to listen to the community in a public forum and in a friendly way and respond to them in making this tough decision in these difficult economic times. April 5, 2011 Page 19 Coiulcilmember Duggan was impressed by and cormnended his neighbor, Karen Balto who he drove by recently and noticed her picking up trash on Delaware Avenue. Councilmember Duggan further expressed contributions such as this are what make Mendota Heights such a great community. Councilmember Vitelli expressed his gratitude for Lambert Derks, the employee who recently retired that took care of maintaining and cleaning City Hall. Councilmember Vitelli noted that Lambert took care of this building as if it was his living room and stated he was sure everyone would agree. Councilmember Vitelli acknowledged that it was clear at the retirement party held at City Hall on his last day that he not only did a good job, the roan was loved. Councilmember Vitelli expressed he admired Lambert's personality and outspoken style and wanted to reiterate what a great job he did over his years on the Fire Department and working for City Hall, which Lambert commented on at his going away party that when he was hired at City Hall almost 23 years ago they told him he was told old. Colu7cilmember Vitelli expressed we will miss Lambert Derks. Councilmember Petschel expressed sadness at the passing of a very good friend to Mendota Heights, Merland Otto. Councilmember Petschel explained Merland had been the Airport Planner for the City of Minneapolis, he shepherded the lawsuit that helped Minneapolis's success with the Metropolitan Airport Commissions, he was on the Noise Oversight Committee and was a tremendous advisor, supporter, friend and mentor for the City of Mendota Heights. Councilmember Petschel stated Mr. Otto attended the Airport Relations Commission meetings and was always available to each of them with any challenges they were facing. Councilmember Petschel expressed deep regret at losing a good friend professionally and personally and stated Merland passed away at the young age of 59 of a massive heart attack. Councilmember Petschel requested of Councilmember Duggan, the honorary wordsmith of the group, to write a resolution to be shared with the Noise Oversight Committee recognizing Merland Otto's April 5, 2011 Page 20 significant contributions, his soft spoken nature and his professionalism and knowledge. Councilmember Duggan expressed you hear a lot about government employees and how they are overpaid and underworked and as he works more and more with government he has formed a great appreciation for the hard work performed by the staff and others in government and believes this thinking to be false. Councilmember Duggan stated that Merland was a perfect example how false this perception really is and stated Merland was always willing to bring up even the most difficult points. Councilmember Duggan expressed his appreciation for Liz's comments about Merland and offered that they write the resolution recognizing Merland Otto together. Mayor Krebsbach stated she served with Merland on the Airport Zoning Board quite some time ago and expressed she had come to trust and respect him just as both of her colleagues here tonight attested to. Mayor Krebsbach noted the passing of Russ Wahl, who she made mention of at the last meeting, but wanted to pass along the legacy and thanks to Russ Wahl who along with his family started the hot dog stand at the city's annual bonfire event. Mayor Krebsbach commended District 197 School Board for their decision. Mayor Krebsbach added that the city's Winter Wonderland Photo Contest, which many residents participated in by sending photos had just concluded and judges would soon be determining the winners. Mayor Krebsbach expressed her appreciation for City Clerk Thone's work on the contest. City Clerk Thone explained the winning entries would be available shortly on our website, the Spring /Summer Heights Highlights city newsletter and would soon decorate the walls of City Hall. ADJOURN Mayor Krebsbach adjourned the meeting at 9:09 p.m. Mayor A EST: Sandie Thone City Clerk Krebsbach April 5, 2011 Page 21