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2016-01-05 Council minutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting He1d Tuesday, January 5, 2016 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 7:15 p.m. The following members were present: Councilmembers Duggan, Povolny, Petschel, and Norton. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council, the audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA ADOPTION Mayor Krebsbach presented the agenda for adoption. Councilmember Duggan moved adoption of the agenda. Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Krebsbach presented the consent calendar and explained the procedure for discussion and approval. Councilmember Povolny moved approval of the consent calendar as presented and authorization for execution of any necessary documents contained therein, pulling items c) Approval of Residential Park Dedication Fee Increase; � Approval of No Loss Wetland Application for 1663 Dodd Road; i) Approval of Personnel Action Item, o) Approval of Claims List; and q) Approval of Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. Contract. a. Approval of December 15, 2015 City Council Minutes b. Designation of Official Newspaper d. Approval of Resolution 2016-03 Approving a Master Partnership Contract with MnDOT e. Approval of Building Official contract renewal g. Approval of Open-to-Business Joint Powers Agreement Renewal h. Approve 2016 Appointment to Dakota County Domestic Preparedness Committee j. Approval of Personnel Code Amendments k. Approval of Resolution 2016-06 Accept Work, Approve Final Payment for 2015 Sewer Cleaning & Televising, Job Number 201504 1. Acknowledgement of November 2015 Fire Synopsis .Imzuary 5, 2016 Mendota Heiglats City Coacncil Page 1 m. Approval of 2016 Financial Items Resolution 2016-04 Establishing 2016 City Depositories of Funds Resolution 2016-OS Accepting Pledged Securities for 2016 Authorize Finance Director to Execute Electronic Payments and Prepay Claims n. Approval of November 2015 Treasurer's Report p. Approval of Contractor List Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEM C) APPROVAL OF RESIDENTIAL PARK DEDICATION FEE INCREASE Councilmember Duggan noted that the City was increasing the park dedication fee from $2,700, which began in 2002, to $4,000. If one were to take a 3% increase per year over that period of time, the amount in 2016 would be $3,800. He wanted this to be known as some people may feel that this large of an increase is unreasonable when it really is not. Councilmember Petschel also noted that during the next budgetary cycle the Council has discussed using cell tower income to fund the parks because it would be an annual steady means of financing maintenance at the parks. Councilmember Duggan moved for approval of the Residential Park Dedication Fee Increase to $4,000. Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 F) APPROVAL OF NO LOSS WETLAND APPLICATION FOR 1663 DODD ROAD Assistant City Engineer Ryan Ruzek explained that the City of Mendota Heights is the local governmental unit for wetland applications. The property at 1663 Dodd Road does have a small wetland on it, totaling 0.06 acres. He inspected the site with Dakota County Soil & Water after the application was received. It does have abrupt edges and the wetland appears to be man-made. An aerial photograph from 1951 was obtained showing the construction of the wetland. It is not tied to any stormwater system and it is not believed it was intended to be a wetland. Basically, staff believes that it is an ornamental wetland that someone created for aesthetics. The `no loss' in the application means that it is not a jurisdictional wetland and the City would not lose any benefit to the environment. There would be no loss to the wetland system. Assistant Engineer Ruzek, in response to a question, noted that if the City agrees to the `no loss' data as submitted, then the other agencies that would have a comment period do not need to be notified. However, the applicant did inform the Army Corp of Engineers and they had no comments on the application. Jmzua�y 5, 2016 Mendota Heights Ciry Council Page 2 Councilmember Duggan moved for approval of the No Loss Wetland Application for 1663 Dodd Road. Councilmember Norton seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 I) APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTION ITEM Police Chief Aschenbrener noted that over the last year the department has been busy adjusting roles and changing responsibilities within the Police Department. Last year, on December 27, Officer Spicer was promoted to Sergeant. He is working on obtaining his master's degree in Police Administration and is taking on a lot of new tasks within the department. Mayor Krebsbach also noted that Sergeant Spicer is on the Board of Directors of the Dakota County Drug Task Force and also co-coordinator for the Use of Force and Firearms Training. Councilmember Duggan moved for approval of the Personnel Action Item. Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 O) APPROVAL OF CLAIMS LIST Councilmember Duggan referenced a payment listed in the significant claims to Pipe Services for sewer cleaning and televising in the amount of $27,111.15. He asked for the number of miles that were cleaned. Assistant City Engineer Ryan Ruzek replied that in addition to the claims list, the city will approve the final payment for the 2015 Sewer Cleaning. He did not have the miles number available. Councilmember Duggan asked about a payment for Lemay Shores inspections. Assistant Engineer Ruzek replied that the City of Mendota Heights is basically the middleman. St. Paul Water invoices the City and then the City invoices Ryland Homes. Councilmember Duggan moved for approval of the Claims List. Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Q) APPROVAL OF LAW ENFORCEMENT LABOR SERVICES, INC. CONTRACT Councilmember Duggan referenced Article XXIV Holidays. He asked if there was not also a codicil that says that it is to the discretion of the department in relation to availability and manpower. City Administrator Mark McNeill replied that floating holidays are subject to the availability of staffing, which is determined by the department head. ,Imzuary 5, 2016Mendota Heiglzts City Cou�xcil Page 3 Councilmember Duggan moved for approval of Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. contract. Councilmember Norton seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Pete Madland, 1928 Crown Point Dr., raised concerns about the scheduled 2017 rehabilitation of Highway 110 and the access to Highway 110 from the Crown Point neighborhood. There are firefighters in the neighborhood that need to make a left turn to go to the station. His concern is that if the ability to turn east (left) is closed; this will affect their response time. Public Works Director/City Engineer John Mazzitello noted that Highway 110 is a state highway and MnDOT is aware of this issue. The state is looking for a way to make safer left turns in and out of the Crown Point Subdivision along Highway 110. Mr. Gregory Hudalla, 952 Stratford Road, noted an issue regarding the 2015 Victoria Street reconstruction project; particularly stormwater runoff. He experienced significant wash out problems coming down the hill because the elevation of his property is significantly lower than the city street. He explained that after substantial completion of the project it became apparent there was an issue in regards to stormwater runoff; the water from the intersection of Stratford and Victoria would come down the pedestrian path and flow into his yard. The City noted that a new pedestrian access point ramp at the corner of Stratford and Victoria needs to be reconstructed to deflect the flow and keep the water in the street and directed towards a storm sewer. City Engineer John Mazzitello noted that the drainage pattern that exists post-construction mirrors the drainage pattern that existed pre-construction; except that the pavement of Victoria Road itself no longer drains off onto Mr. Hudalla's property. It is caught by the curb and is directed to a storm sewer. Councilmembers requested that Assistant Engineer Ruzek continue working with Mr. Hudalla to resolve this issue as best as could be done. PRESENTATIONS A) DAKOTA COUNTY — HIGHWAY 110 PEDESTRIAN CROSSING UPDATE City Engineer John Mazzitello explained that for the past several months Dakota County has been working on developing a grade separated pedestrian crossing across Highway 110. He introduced Mr. Jake Rezac, Project Manager from Dakota County, to give the Council an update on the project. Mr. Rezac gave a brief background on the project and stated that for the location of the crossing, Option 3, the connection farthest to the east, was selected by the County Board of Commissioners. This option not only allowed for crossing flexibility requested but also pulled the trail away from the stormwater pond and utilities located near The Village of Mendota. January 5, 2016 Mendota Heiglzts City Coz�J2cil Page 4 The type of crossing structure will be presented to the Dakota County Board of Commissioners next week. Option 1 Standard Box Culvert-16 feet wide. Option 2 Three-Sided Arch-20 feet wide with an opening in the median. Option 3 Twin Bridge-bridges directly on Highway 110 to span over the trail Option 4 Pedestrian Overpass-span over the top of Highway 110 Dakota County received a letter from MnDOT outlining their concerns on the crossing structures. They stated they would support all structures except they did not especially support the twin bridge option (Option 3) as it adds an asset to their system. They would allow for that option with conditions that would need to be met by Dakota County. These conditions would mainly be maintenance. Mr. Rezac believes the Board of Commissioners would have some hesitation in entering a unique agreement with MnDOT to pursue the twin bridge option. Mr. Rezac is planning on going to the county board on January 12, 2016 with a recommendation. The official vote by that board would be on January 19, 2016. When questioned, Mr. Rezac noted that maintenance responsibilities for the overpass, the box culvert, and the three-sided arch would be assumed by Dakota County. Councilmembers asked additional questions regarding the county's cost participation policy, grant monies, potential costs to the City, and how State bonding funds could be obtain and applied. Mr. Pat Hinderscheid, a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission, stated that the Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed all three location options and favored Option 2— the location between Dodd Road and Oak Street. They looked at Option 3, the location on the east side, and had concerns that it was too far east. Upon being asked, Mr. Rezac confirmed that there were utility and pond issues the further west the crossing was located (closer to Dodd Road). Option 3 reduced most of those concerns, had the most flexibility, and had the least amount of impact to utilities, drainage, and private property. Ms. Stephanie Levine, member of the Parks and Recreation Commission, re-emphasized that the Commission was unanimous in favoring Option 2 over Option 3 as far as alignment. Mr. Rezac clarified that the primary cost participation issue is the at-grade bridges. There is the potential for cost pai-ticipation with other options besides the box culvert. Councilmember Povolny made the motion to recommend the three-sided arch with a break in the median, and recommending that the trail be located as far west as possible. Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Jmz¢imy 5, 2016Me�zdota Heiglzts City Council Page 5 Councilmember Duggan moved that item 9C3 - Approve Resolution 2016-01 Declaring City of Mendota Heights a Pollinator Friendly Community — be discussed at this point in the meeting. Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS C3.) APPROVE RESOLUTION 2016-01 DECLARING CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS A POLLINATOR FRIENDLY COMMUNITY City Administrator Mark McNeill explained that the Parks & Recreation Commission is recommending that the City of Mendota Heights become a Pollinator-Friendly Community. Mr. Mike Purtell, a resident of Mendota Heights and a student at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, explained why it is important for the city to become a Pollinator-Friendly Community. He also read the bullet points from the resolution. Public Works Director / City Engineer John Mazzitello also explained that the Public Works Department has reviewed the resolution and it would not change anything to their standard practice as they already minimize the use of insecticides and they do not broadcast spray. Residents are also encouraged to ask if any plants they purchase have been previously treated with neonicatinoids. Councilmember Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2016-01 DECLARING CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS A POLLINATOR FRIENDLY COMMUNITY. Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilmember Petschel noted that Mr. Purtell and the Parks & Recreation Commission have provided educational materials, which will be available for residents at the City Hall front desk. APPROVAL OF 2016 COUNCIL MEETING DATES AND START TIMES Due to the statewide precinct caucuses, Mayor Krebsbach recommended that the first meeting in March 2016 be moved from Tuesday, March 1 to Thursday, March 3 at 7:00 p.m. Councilmember Povolny moved to have the March 1, 2016 Council meeting to Thursday, March 3 at 7:00 p.m. and to approve the list of Council meeting dates and times as provided. Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 ,Tmaumry 5, 2016Meizdota Heights City Coac�zcil Page 6 COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS Councilmember Petschel stated she has a conflict of interest and will abstain from discussing or voting on this item. Councilmember Duggan moved to adopt Resolution 2016-07, appointing Brian Petschel to the Planning Commission for the term of February 2016 through January 2019, and to reappoint Commission members Sally Lorberbaum to the Airport Relations Commission, Christine Costello to the Planning Commission, and Litton Field, Jr. to Planning Commission, through January 2019. Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Abstain: 1 (Petschel) APPOINTMENT OF ACTING MAYOR Mayor Krebsbach requested that Councilmember Mike Povolny be appointed Acting Mayor. She expressed her appreciation to Councilmember Petschel for serving as acting mayor for the last three years and that she has done an outstanding job. She also explained the importance of this position. It is not only to chair the meetings in her absence, but if there is a local emergency, the mayor is the one who declares it. Mayor Krebsbach moved to appoint Councilmember Mike Povolny as Acting Mayor for 2016. Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS FROM JANUARY 4TH GOAL SETTING WORKSHOP 1. Authorize Study for Engineering Department City Administrator Mark McNeill reminded the Council of a discussion from November 2015 about a vacancy in the engineering department and whether that position should be filled. They also discussed possibly including GIS duties with the position. City staff is recommending a study be completed of the City's engineering function and funding methodology. A proposal was received from Craig Ebeling. Mr. Ebeling is a former Burnsville City Manager and former consulting engineer. He provided a quote in the amount of $2,465 to complete an analysis of the department and provide a report and presentation on his findings. Mayor Krebsbach stated that the Council is looking at budget items on a broader basis and the view. Councilmember Duggan stated that the residents are very pleased with the services the engineering department provides. Jana�ary 5, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 7 Councilmember Duggan moved to authorize a study for the engineering department. Councilmember Norton seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 2. Authorize Study for Police Department City Administrator Mark McNeill stated that during the budget discussion for 2016, monies were included for a strategic study of the Police Department. An overall study would be beneficial in looking at the department, what services it currently provides, and how to best position it to move forward in the coming years. This is not an uncommon practice for cities. A strategic organizational study would look at stafiing, policies & procedures, leadership and management practices, supervision, and equipment. The study would also look at climate and culture within the department and make recommendations for both short and long term success. After reviewing different consultants, Administrator McNeill recommended McGrath Consulting Services of Wonder Lake, Illinois, which provided a quote in the amount of $23,400. It is projected that the study would be completed in three months. Councilmember Norton moved to authorize an organizational study of the Police Department. Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 3. Adopt the City's Legislative Priorities for the 2016 Session of the Minnesota Legislature City Administrator Mark McNeill explained that annually the City identifies items that they would like to have the Minnesota Legislature help with during the upcoming legislative session. Staff has identified five items and is looking for the Council to affirm those items or give direction: 1. Fiscal Disparities — cap or reduce the amount that smaller cities like Mendota Heights contributes 2. Special PERA legislation request from Fire Chief Maczko 3. Pursue funding for Trunk Highway 110 pedestrian crossing 4. Group Home Legislative Reform 5. Noise Oversight Committee continuation Councilmember Duggan moved to adopt the City's Legislative Priorities for the 2016 Session of the Minnesota Legislature. Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 COMMIJNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS Assistant to the City Administrator Tamara Schutta made the following announcements: • John V. Hoene Ice Arena Renovation Recognition Event will be held on January 7 for the ice arena at 6:30 p.m. • Ice rinks and warming houses are open. For information call the hotline at 651-255-1174. January 5, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 8 • The City's website is being redesigned and the city is seeking new photos from residents to use on it. Call Ms. Schutta at 651-255-1356 with questions or for additional information. • Residents can recycle unusable holiday lights at City Hall through February 5. • Adopt-a-Hydrant by calling city hall to register your name. • Residents are reminded to keep their trash cans behind the curb line to prevent snowplow mishaps. • Residents were reminded that if there is more than 2 inches of snow, a snow emergency will be declared. • It was reported that the City has received approximately $11,000 in donations to go towards the purchase of AED's for the police squad cars. City Administrator Mark McNeill provided an update on the bluff stabilization project which has caused Highway 13 to be closed to traffic. It is expected to reopen on January 21, 2016. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Duggan noted a new business in The Village which appears to be selling draperies and furniture; and the new Fresh and Natural store in Mendota Plaza. He wished everyone a Happy New Year. Councilmember Povolny wished everyone a Happy New Year. Councilmember Norton expressed his appreciation to everyone who applied for the Parks Commission and the Planning Commission. There were many fantastic candidates. Anyone was not selected he encouraged to apply for future openings. Councilmember Norton mentioned an article in the Pioneer Press from December 26, 2015 that stated "ISD 197 put in just over $550,000 for the rehab of the John V. Hoene Ice Arena; the cities of West St. Paul and Mendota Heights also chipped in." Norton reiterated that the City of Mendota Heights contributed 1/3 towards the project for a total of $550,000, as did the City of West St. Paul. Councilmember Petschel noted an article on the Electronic Crimes Task Force for Dakota County. It laid out how the task force works. The City is a part of that task force and contributes funds towards it. One of the members has received national recognition because of his extreme level of expertise in this field. Councilmember Petschel also noted that the Sheriff's Department received budget approval to hire new deputies and she was asked to sit in on the interviews being held next week. Mayor Krebsbach expressed appreciation to the staff and to the Counciimembers for the outstanding goal setting session held on Monday, January 4th. It was one of the best since she has been mayor. The awards to staff will take place at the next Council meeting. Mayor Krebsbach also recognized the passing of Craig Olson, a lifetime resident of Mendota Heights, and also The Plant Doctor on Channel 5. His family had a floral business on Grand Avenue. JanZ�ary 5, 2016 Meledota Heights City Council Page 9 Councilmember Duggan noted the passing of C.G. Ryan, a very successful businessman. ADJOURN Councilmember Norton moved to adjourn. Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Mayor Krebsbach adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m. ��— a dra Krebsbach Mayor ATTEST: , � Lorri Smith City Clerk .7anztary 5, 2016 MeTzdota Heights City CoZcrzcil Page 10