Loading...
2016-10-04 Council minutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, October 4, 2016 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the regular meeting of the City Council, City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota was held at 8:00 p.m. at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Krebsbach called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. The following members were present: Councilmembers Duggan, Petschel, and Norton. Councilmember Povolny arrived at 8:01 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council, the audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA ADOPTION Mayor Krebsbach presented the agenda for adoption. Councilmember Duggan moved adoption of the agenda. Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 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 d.) Seek Professional Service Contract for the Dodd Road Trail Project and g.) Approve Resolution 2016-74 Supporting the Dakota County 2017-2021 Capital Improvement Plan. a. Approval of September 20, 2016 City Council Minutes b. Approval of September 27, 2016 Planning Commission Minutes c. Approve Temporary Liquor License for St. Thomas Academy for October 12-14, 2016 d. Seek Professional Service Contract for the Dodd Road Trail Project e. Authorize Purchase Order for Sunset Lane Storm Sewer Extension f. Approve Resolution 2016-69 Quitclaim Deed to MN Department of Transportation, 804 Ridge Place g. Approve Resolution 2016-74 Supporting the Dakota County 2017-2021 Capital Improvement Plan h. Authorization of the Hiring of Kelly McCarthy as Police Captain i. Approve Pay Grade Assignment, and Authorize Advertising for Assistant City Administrator October 4, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 1 j. Approve Resolution 2016-75 Provide for Sale of $1,020,000 General Obligation Bonds Series 2016A k. Approve July 2016 Treasurer's Report 1. Approval of Claims List Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEM D) SEEK PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT FOR THE DODD ROAD TRAIL PROJECT Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that in 2006 the City Council authorized staff to develop plans for the construction of a trail on the east side of Dodd Road from Maple Street to Marie Avenue. The project has been sitting on the shelf for the last ten years and is no longer current with today's standards. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is proposing to reconstruct Dodd Road in 2018 so staff is proposing to have the trail constructed in conjunction with that project. In order to do that, staff needs to update the plans to current standards. KLJ Engineering is already under contract with MnDOT to design their plans; therefore, it makes sense to ask them to quote on these services as well. MnDOT has hinted that they would like for the trail plans to be a standalone set, which would make WSB more competitive. Councilmember Duggan asked if there should be an indication that the City is looking for an additional bid from WSB. Mr. Ruzek replied that both companies are listed in the memo and staff could go to any other of the companies that has a professional service contract with the City. WSB has been authorized as a professional service consultant that the City can send work orders to seek quotes. Mayor Krebsbach moved to authorize staff to seek quotes for a professional service contract from the pre -approved consultant pool and KLJ Engineering for the Dodd Road Trail Project. Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 G) APPROVE RESOLUTION 2016-74 SUPPORTING THE DAKOTA COUNTY 2017-2021 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that every year Dakota County requires local cities to adopt a resolution supporting their Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The current plan is 2017-2021. Included in the plan are intersection improvements at Pilot Knob Road and Mendota Heights Road, replacing a signal, adding left and right turn lanes that will require some widening of the street. They are also proposing to convert Pilot Knob Road and Northland Drive to a 3/4 -type intersection, which would limit it to a right-in/right-out type movement; restricting some movements at Northland Drive. The City's share is proposed to be $78,000 with the design and construction. The County was able to secure a $700,000 federal grant to offset the cost for this project. October 4, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 2 Mayor Krebsbach asked if Engineering reviewed the project for Pilot Knob and Northland Drive. Mr. Ruzek replied that they are still early in the design phase of the project. However, there is a meeting scheduled for October 6 where they will see some more in depth plans. Mayor Krebsbach asked if the intersection mentioned in the plans is the same as the intersection mentioned in the recent Industrial Park study. Mr. Ruzek replied in the affirmative. Mayor Krebsbach asked if Mr. Ruzek would be returning to the Council with what they are proposing. Mr. Ruzek replied that there is going to be a standalone Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) for this project and it would be presented to Council. Staff has received a draft JPA and comments were sent back to Dakota County. Once those comments have been incorporated, the document would be presented to Council; including plans and additional details of the project. Mayor Krebsbach requested that the County be made aware of the Industrial Park study and that the City would like for this intersection to grow in terms of being able to have a restaurant, hotel, or some other business at that corner. Councilmember Duggan noted that the Capital Improvements Plan shows a negative fund balance. He asked if the City owns any of that negative balance or is expected to contribute to eliminating that negative balance. Mr. Ruzek replied that the presentation is the County plan and there are no City projects listed. It appears to be the CIP revenue and they must be anticipating receiving funds to offset that negative balance — not from the City. Councilmember Duggan noted that a previous Planning Commission member has been waiting for a flashing turn signal from Dodd Road onto the freeway. He asked if this was part of the next year's MnDOT plans. Mr. Ruzek replied that this is a Dakota County CIP; not a MnDOT plan. Councilmember Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2016-74, SUPPORTING PROJECTS LISTED IN THE DRAFT 2017-2021 DAKOTA COUNTY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN. Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 There were no public comments. No items scheduled. No items scheduled. PUBLIC COMMENTS PRESENTATIONS PUBLIC HEARING NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS October 4, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 3 A) RESOLUTION 2016-73, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AT 780 SOUTH PLAZA DRIVE, PLANNING CASE 2016-35 Planner Nolan Wall explained that the applicant was seeking a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to construct an addition to the existing building and parking lot expansion on the subject property located at 780 South Plaza Drive. Planner Wall shared an image of the subject parcel relative to its location with the City, surrounding zoning districts and uses, and streets. He explained the need for the Conditional Use Permit as a requirement for the existing use and subsequent improvements in the B-1 Limited Business District. He shared an image of the site plan and noted that the property is owned and operated as Boltz's Family Martial Arts. They are proposing to construct an approximately 3,000 -square foot addition onto the west side of the building. In addition, the parking lot will be reconstructed to add additional stalls, curbing, and striping. As part of Planning Case 2002-23, the City Council did approve a CUP that allowed the existing use under the Private Academy's classification in the B-1 District. Due to the proposed project and the significant expansion of the existing building and parking lot, staff and the City Attorney did determine that a new CUP was required. Based on the applicable site structure requirements for the B-1 District, the proposed project is compliant with the structure height, floor area ratio, and applicable setbacks. The proposed expansion would have the same exterior materials and color as the existing building. The existing brick facing along the bottom of the building would be replaced with siding. The code does allow for subsequent additions in commercial zones to be constructed of materials of comparable quality and appearance to the existing condition. The property does have existing trash containers that are located unscreened. As part of this project, they are proposing to construct a 140 square -foot enclosure with a gate and acceptable screening to be located near the southeast corner of the building. The parking lot improvements are compliant with the site and parking lot landscaping percentages. They had proposed to remove seven trees for the parking lot expansion; staff recommended that additional coniferous plantings be installed along the eastern property boundary for additional screening. The proposed drivelines, setbacks, stall dimensions, and the amount of stalls being proposed all meet the applicable city code requirements. In addition, they are proposing to increase approximately 6,000 square feet of impervious surface. That on-site storage and retention is being accomplished through the addition of a rain garden, which would provide rain control and water quality improvements. Since this proposed project meets the applicable standards for granting a Conditional Use Permit and improves the overall appearance of the property while supporting growth of an existing business, staff recommended approval of this application. Mayor Krebsbach requested confirmation that the number of parking stalls is sufficient and meets applicable standards. Planner Wall replied that number of stalls is calculated based on the square footage of the building. Most of their clients are students and under the driving age; therefore, it is anticipated that it would be in compliance and should more than meet their needs. October 4, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 Master Greg Bolton, owner of Boltz's Family Martial Arts who lives at 2219 Apache Street, made himself available for questions. He shared the number of classes offered and the types of students served. He introduced several of his students, who shared their stories and excitement about the expansion. Councilmember Duggan noted that item 1 of the Findings of Fact ends with `addresses several existing legal non -conformities' and he asked what that entails. Planner Wall replied that the trash container storage is currently not in compliance with code. This improvement presents an opportunity to correct that non -conformity; as well as the existing parking lot not being in compliance. Councilmember Duggan suggested there be discussion about potential challenges in and out of Mendota Plaza from South Plaza Drive after the addition of the new apartment building. It was noted that this discussion could occur under Council Comments. Councilmember Petschel moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2016-73, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AT 780 PLAZA DRIVE based on the findings of fact and conditions as stated in the resolution. Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilmember Petschel recommended the applicant speak with the group of Master Gardeners available in the City to assist with their rain garden and landscaping plans. She also thanked Master Bolton for allowing the Citizens Police Academy to use their building for training activities. Councilmember Duggan commended Master Bolton and the Academy for being an integral part of events and the community in the City of Mendota Heights. As the Boy Scouts who in attendance were leaving meeting, Mayor Krebsbach asked if they would like to speak about what they learned by attending the City Council meeting. Two children came forward and expressed their appreciation for being allowed to attend. B) APPROVE CONTRACT WITH STANTEC, INC. TO PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE SERVICES Planner Nolan Wall noted that the Council has discussed the updating of the current Comprehensive Plan in recent budget workshops. Mr. Phil Carlson of Stantec reviewed the proposal that he and his staff have been working on with City staff. This proposal organizes the plan according to the requirements of the Metropolitan Council (Met Council) and also looks at what the City will need going forward for the next ten or twenty years. The Comprehensive Plan Services Proposal is a six -phase process and would be an addendum to Attachment B of the January 1, 2015, contract the City has with Stantec. This process involves gathering information; updating information; creating a document and maps; and reaching out to the community, to the Planning Commission, and to the Council to focus on what are the key issues and ideas that the October 4, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 5 City wants to emphasize going forward. Stantec has organized this to be spread out over three budget years with the bulk of the work being completed in the first year. Councilmember Duggan asked how much of the plan would be based on what the Met Council recommends. Mr. Carlson replied that this is the City's plan. The Met Council has an outline of the elements they want to see included in the plan, including a water plan, a transportation plan, and a land use plan. In his opinion there is very little direction that comes down from the Met Council. The one issue that comes up in almost every community is affordable housing. The Met Council wants to make sure that the roads are going to work and nothing is being proposed that would be a regional burden. The early focus and questions Stantec would ask is what does the Council want as a community, what are the issues and the concerns, what are your hopes and dreams, and how can Stantec help to make some of that part of the plan for the next twenty years. Councilmember Duggan asked, with the tremendous growth in Eagan and the proposed development of the Vikings, how much emphasis would be given to that going forward in relation to traffic. Mr. Carlson replied that in the transportation element of the plan, they would rely on what the best current estimates and projections are for traffic and take that into account. Any good plan is looking at context and part of the context for Mendota Heights is Eagan and the other surrounding communities as well. Councilmember Duggan asked if they would be working with the Planning Commissioners, Councilmembers, Park and Rec Commissioners, and staff. Mr. Carlson replied in the affirmative and noted that the Planning Commission would be their main sounding board for the information and ideas but they would be checking in at key points with the others. Mayor Krebsbach noted that she is particularly interested in engaging a large number of community members, especially newer residents, so they understand how the city developed and the components of it and then also to provisioning in terms of what they would like to see. She believes the largest opportunity for change is in the Industrial Park. She asked if there would be an additional cost if they were to hold community meetings. Mr. Carlson replied that they have planned for two community meetings. If there is something else that the Council believes should be in the proposal, they could add it in the future. Councilmember Duggan moved to approve the proposal from Stantec for the provision of consulting services for the updating of the City's Comprehensive Plan for a total of $94,200, to be spread over years 2016, 2017, 2018. Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Mark McNeill made the following announcements: • The October and November Airport Advisory Commission Meetings will be consolidated into a single meeting on November 2, 2016. • The Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting has been rescheduled to October 17 at 6:30 p.m. Preceding the meeting would be an Open House for the Dodd Road Trail. • Absentee voting continues at City Hall and any Dakota County facility. October 4, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 6 • Brush and yard waste will be collected at the burn site behind Mendota Plaza for the Halloween bonfire from October 26 through noon October 31. The bonfire will be held on October 31. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Duggan noted that two weeks ago they learned that the Mendota Plaza Development, which has been approved, did not include the right out turn onto Highway 110, which had been part of the original plan. A lot of the studies that were done were based on the fact that there would be a right out so that traffic would move north to Highway 110. Since that is no longer included in the plan, all traffic will come into the Plaza and can only exit from the private street or South Plaza Drive. This could present a challenge for cars leaving the Plaza and wanting to make a left turn onto Dodd. He questioned, as the City develops and grows, how would the traffic get onto Dodd Road/Highway 149. He suggested that the language of the current Developer's Agreement does not help the City and he proposed that the Council work with the City Attorney and staff to come up with an agreement that better suits the residents of Mendota Heights and the traffic within the Mendota Plaza. Councilmember Duggan noted that the scouting troop at St. Peters is having their 50th anniversary as an organization and he suggested the Council invite them to a future meeting to present the colors and lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Krebsbach recognized Mr. Dennis Rafferty, who managed the broadcast in the broadcast booth this evening, for receiving — from NDC4 and Town Square Television — the Brian Wilson Program of Excellence Award from the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA). They also have a Regional Emmy and they are up for five awards. ADJOURN Councilmember Duggan moved to adjourn. Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Mayor Krebsbach adjourned the meeting at 8:52 p.m. ATTEST: Lorri Smith City Clerk Stndr /Krebsbach Mayor October 4, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 7