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2016-09-20 Council minutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, September 20, 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 7:00 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 Duggan moved approval of the consent calendar as presented and authorization for execution of any necessary documents contained therein, pulling items c.) Approval of Resolution 2016-69 Approval of Quitclaim Deed to the Minnesota Department of Transportation — 804 Ridge Place, e.) Accept Resignation of Nolan Wall, Planner. a. Approval of September 6, 2016 City Council Minutes b. Approval of September 6, 2016 Council Workshop Minutes c. Approval of Resolution 2016-69, Approval of Quitclaim Deed to the Minnesota Department of Transportation — 804 Ridge Place d. Item Deleted e. Accept Resignation of Nolan Wall, Planner f. Appointment of Police Officer Frank LaNasa g. Approval of Claims List September 20, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 1 Councilmember Norton seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEM C) APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 2016-69, APPROVAL OF QUITCLAIM DEED TO THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION — 804 RIDGE PLACE City Attorney Tom Lehmann explained that there is an issue that has risen relative to the landowner regarding an indemnification clause that he was asking for from the City. City Attorney Lehmann talked with the landowner and with former City Engineer John Mazzitello and discovered that this is not something the City has done in the past, and he is not recommending the City approve it. It does not have an effect on the quitclaim deed being discussed. Assistant City Engineer Ryan Ruzek explained that the City extended an existing MnDOT culvert in the early 1990's and at that time it required an easement from the private landowner. The City only owns the extension of that pipe. MnDOT is now replacing the entire pipe and for them to do their work, it requires an easement from the City. They also need an additional area and have worked to negotiate that with the landowner. The City's trail is in MnDOT's right-of-way under a limited use permit which does indemnify the State from any accidents or claims that may happen within that area. The landowner was looking for that same indemnification. City Attorney Lehmann stated the indemnification adds liability to the City if something were to happen on the trail. However, it would be difficult for the City to grant it since this is a MnDOT project. Assistant Engineer Ruzek noted that MnDOT says that time is of the essence on this because of their condemnation proceedings. Mayor Krebsbach asked whose land is being quitclaimed. Assistant Engineer Ruzek replied that the City has an easement that they would be quitclaiming to MnDOT. MnDOT has been acquiring additional easement rights from the landowner but they need the City's easement to expand upon. Councilmember Petschel stated that she sees no need to table this since the indemnification is really a separate issue. Councilmember Norton asked if anyone was aware of any other indemnification provisions in any other easements within the City. Assistant Engineer Ruzek replied that he is unaware of any. Mr. John Steenberg, 804 Ridge Place, stated that he has an indemnification easement on 350 feet of the creek from when the City lowered the creek in 1968. He explained the State could not put the indemnification in this document because it would create a two party agreement. They suggested that he ask the City for a separate indemnification agreement. He continued by stating that the State is creating a dangerous situation for bikers by installing riffraff on the slope along the trail. September 20, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 2 City Attorney Lehmann suggested that Mr. Steenberg speak with MnDOT to determine what they will or will not indemnify. If the State were to indemnify the City, then the City would have no problems issuing an indemnification to Mr. Steenberg. Mayor Krebsbach suggested this item be tabled to a special meeting to gain clarification on the issue. Assistant Engineer Ruzek replied that the City could adopt the resolution approving the quitclaim deed and the indemnification could be in a stand-alone document. Mayor Krebsbach asked if the Council were to approve this tonight, would they would be silent on the indemnification. City Attorney Lehmann noted that Mr. Steenberg is in negotiations with MnDOT over the easement that he would be granting them. He could certainly withdraw that. Mr. Steenberg noted that he could withdraw the issuance of the easement to MnDOT and they would have to go through a complete condemnation action. He noted that this is only a 20 -foot by 40 -foot piece of land; however, he really does not want to lose any part of his property as it has been in his family for 60 years. Councilmember Norton noted that there are numerous issues that need to be resolved between the City, MnDOT, and Mr. Steenberg. It makes sense to table this until it can be worked out. Councilmember Norton moved to table RESOLUTION 2016-69 APPROVING A QUITCLAIM DEED TO THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION. Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 E) ACCEPT RESIGNATION OF NOLAN WALL, PLANNER Councilmembers expressed their appreciation to Mr. Nolan Wall for his service as the Planner for the City of Mendota Heights. Mr. Wall noted that he recently accepted the Community Development Director position with the City of Vadnais Heights. This was a job opportunity he was fortunate enough to obtain. He expressed his enjoyment of working with the City. Mayor Krebsbach stated that the Council could trust that everything was going to be legal, appropriate, thorough, and for the benefit of the City and not at the cost of the applicant. Councilmember Petschel noted that Mr. Wall is ethical, moral, smart, and she has never spoken with a resident who has not come away saying that Mr. Wall did everything possible to accommodate them. Councilmember Duggan noted that with all of the planners he has worked with Mr. Wall has been the best, the most thorough, and yet able to communicate the intricacies of engineering, road detailing, building, elevation, etc. so that it made sense. September 20, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 3 Councilmember Povolny moved to accept with regret the resignation of Nolan Wall as Planner for the City of Mendota Heights, effective October 6, 2016. Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. William Manwarren, representing the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, explained that this chapter is the largest chapter of the University Alumni Association. There are 21,000 alumni living in Dakota County. He explained that the chapter provides advocacy for the University of Minnesota. They have the following speakers lined up to speak: • October 5 at 7:00 p.m.: Dr. Lars Oddsson will talk about 21st century medical technology innovation and how it can help improve quality of life during aging. • November 30 at 7:00 p.m.: Dr. Ezra Golberstein will talk about Healthcare Reform Post Election. PRESENTATIONS A) CHICKENS IN RESIDENTIAL ZONED DISTRICTS City Administrator Mark McNeill explained that staff received a request from resident Mr. Patrick Watson to make a presentation on potentially changing the City Code to allow for the keeping of chickens in residential neighborhoods. Mr. Patrick Watson provided a report on healthy eating that provided suggestions for cities on how to encourage their own residents' healthy eating habits, including the ability to keep chickens for egg laying. He explained that they are requesting an amendment to the City Code to define domestic chickens as a domestic animal, not an agricultural animal. After researching this topic more thoroughly, Mr. Watson does not understand the resistance to this topic as they have a number of supporters. He listed the following concerns: 1) Odor - the City allows people to have dogs, cats, rabbits, snakes, birds, which they have to clean up after. If they are not cleaned up after, there is a nuisance ordinance that covers that. 2) Noise - there is an existing noise ordinance. He would be fine with foregoing roosters, so is looking for hens to be approved. 3) Vermin - he feeds the birds and knows that many of his neighbors do as well and that can attract more vermin than chickens would. There is a really good nuisance ordinance in the City that would cover such an event. 4) Predators - the City already has a large coyote population, a healthy population of foxes, hawks, owls, etc. He can tell from the large number of missing dog and cat posters he sees. Having chickens would not attract any more predators than what are already here. September 20, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 He also noted that all of the surrounding communities have adopted ordinances to allow for the keeping of domestic chickens. Ms. Rachel Quick, resident of Junction Lane, stated she is proud of the community support they have for this issue. There is clear demand for backyard chickens. She stated the current ordinance can be modified to allow chickens as pets and all issues related to nuisance or cleanliness can be addressed under the current ordinance. She requested the Council support this change. She wants to teach her son about the care of animals and provide him with fresh eggs. Ms. Abby Gotham and Mr. Andrew Gotham, 1533 Dodd Road, members of the Eagan/Elkhorn 4-H Club, stated they would like to be able to raise chickens for a 4-H project. The animal science projects teach life skills, including Sportsmanship, Responsibility, Decision-making, Attention to Detail, Pride and a Sense of Accomplishment. A 4-H chicken project is a low impact way for 4-H members to experience livestock projects. Councilmember Duggan acknowledged the two young people, as this was probably the best presentation he has seen in many years. He complimented them on a job well done. Ms. Nissa Tupper, James Road, stated that she moved to the community last fall. They have a huge back yard and were dismayed when they heard that they could not have backyard chickens. All of their previous neighbors in Minneapolis had chickens. She is very interested in having her children learn where their food comes from and how to care for animals. As a landscape architect, she would really like to have an architecturally designed chicken coop. It seems that many of the risks have been taken out of the issue by reviewing the neighboring communities' policies. Mayor Krebsbach explained to the two 4-H students that one of the reasons she has not supported backyard chickens is because of the list of other livestock they mentioned. The Council has had requests to allow goats, llamas, and pigeons in the city, so it becomes difficult. Personally, her cousin is in charge of 5 million hens for one of the major food producing companies. One of the challenges is with the illnesses chickens get because of the small backyard chickens. You cannot control their health like you can in a major endeavor. However, she believes that 4-H is terrific. Councilmember Duggan stated that he would support having the Planning Commission review this item. Mayor Krebsbach reiterated that she would like this to go to the Planning Commission. Councilmember Petschel supported that recommendation and stated that in the document provided by staff there is a list of beginning issues that need to be addressed. Once consideration is given by the Planning Commission, there may be other issues raised that should be explored; i.e. licenses or permits, fees, budgetary adjustments, inspections, code enforcement, size of the flock, etc. Mr. Watson returned and stated that the Council has the benefit of researching neighboring cities that already allow backyard chickens. The City of Minneapolis just rolled back their requirements as they discovered they were not necessary. Councilmember Petschel noted that since this topic has been introduced, the City has received numerous emails from residents who were not in favor of chickens. The thing to do would be to write an ordinance September 20, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 5 that, although it may not make sense to the chicken owners, might make other residents more comfortable with accepting chickens in general. Councilmember Duggan moved that this item be forwarded to the Planning Commission for review. Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PUBLIC HEARING No items scheduled. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) RESOLUTION 2016-68, MENDOTA PLAZA SECOND ADDITION, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT AMENDMENT, PRELIMINARY/FINAL PLAT, AND WETLANDS PERMIT, PLANNING CASE 2016-16 Planner Nolan Wall explained that the applicant was seeking approval to amend a planned unit development final development plan, including preliminary/final plat, wetlands permit requests, and vacation of an existing drainage and utility easements. The Council was presented the development plans at their July 16, 2016 meeting for review and subsequently tabled action on the requests. Based on that discussion, the applicant did come before the City Council again on August 2, 2016 to present revised plans for continued discussion. At that time, due to the lack of the MnDOT right-of-way permit, no action was taken. The applicant did voluntarily extend the review period to September 23, 2016. The applicant now has written confirmation from the Department of Transportation that they will be issuing a right -in only access permit, which conditionally would be granted off of Highway 110. Mr. John Kohler from Paster Properties stated that this project has been a collaborative effort and a lot of credit goes to Planner Nolan Wall. Paster Properties has made a number of modifications based on the comments received from the Council and staff, the biggest of which was the elimination of ten units on the top floor. He then reviewed a few modifications that were made since the last meeting. • The retail building elevations changed but none of the square footage has changed. • There is now a right -in access off Highway 110 which is a single lane. • MnDOT also asked for a guardrail to be installed between the right -in access and the bike trail. • A realignment modification for through traffic traveling to South Plaza Drive. MnDOT believed it is further from the intersection of Highway 110/Dodd Road and would be safer. • One more parking stall in the commercial area was added, making the count 106 parking stalls. Mayor Krebsbach asked what the top speed would be on the curve coming into the right -in access. Mr. Kohler replied that he does not know the actual speed rate but that there is a long deceleration lane. September 20, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 6 Councilmember Duggan asked if there would be a right -out at this point. Mr. Kohler replied that there would not be a right -out. The access is for a right -in only. Mr. Kohler continued by stating the biggest modification made to the plan was in conjunction with the master gardeners. He shared the list of plant materials that were added to the plans. The gardeners also planned for native grasses to be planted in the boulevard. Another change noted was that outlot A will not be for storm water detention and will instead include landscaping. The storm water will be directed underground in a different area. Mayor Krebsbach recognized the stepped -back floor plan, to assure the residents the apartments will have a Dodge Nature Center look and feel instead of urban apartments. Councilmember Petschel asked if there would be any fenced in area for dogs for the apartment residents. Mr. Kohler replied that there is an area on the site plan for a potential dog area. Planner Wall noted the 35 conditions of approval listed in the resolution. He fielded questions from the Council on specific conditions: Condition 1. The applicant shall draft appropriate amendments to the existing Development Agreement and pay all fees and securities - Planner Wall stated there are many items to be addressed as part of the development agreement. Amendments to the currently existing development agreement would memorialize what plans are approved and set additional conditions. If this were to be approved, this would not be the last time that certain specifics of this project would be discussed. They would be included in the development agreement and brought forward for subsequent City Council approval. Condition 34. The applicant shall pay any required park dedication fees - Councilmember Duggan asked if the park dedication fee has been calculated. Planner Wall replied that staff has not done that analysis yet. Staff would review what was paid last time. It was noted that the City has increased their parkland dedication fees for residential. The amount would be included as part of the development agreement. Mayor Krebsbach asked if this could be calculated by October 4. Planner Wall replied that it would be. Planner Wall noted that a lot of the conditions are basically reiterations of things that are already required by the code; however, it made sense, in order to be very specific about the required conditions, that they be included in the resolution. He pointed out, in relation to parking, Condition 3. Condition 3. As part of the proposed high-density residential use, the applicant shall make at least 20 underground spaces available for visitor/guest parking — the applicant would determine how those become available and how those would be used from an operational standpoint. This will be addressed in the amended development agreement. Condition 4. The proposed commercial development shall be limited to an appropriate square footage of restaurant space to accommodate off-street parking demand - Planner Wall stated that they have provided a potential maximum amount of square footage that was used to analyze the number of parking spaces that they proposed. Therefore, in order to avoid additional restaurant square footage being added in the future that could compromise the proposed parking that is being planned as part of this development, they have agreed to a September 20, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 7 maximum amount. That maximum amount is what they are proposing now and what staff is recommending. Condition 31. Identify the parking proposed within the Development Plan being 106 commercial, 237 residential, including 40 visitor spaces - Councilmember Duggan asked if the 40 visitor spaces included the 20 underground. Planner Wall replied that there would be 20 above ground and 20 underground visitor spaces, of the total 237 residential spaces. Councilmember Duggan asked if they would be marked as visitor parking. Planner Wall believes that would be up to the developer. Ms. Leanna Stefaniak, representing At Home Apartments, came forward and noted they took into consideration concerns about the guest parking, making sure that their guests did not spill over into the commercial parking. They took the first level of underground parking and made it an open first- come/first-serve basis for all of their guests and residents free of charge. The second level would be the reserved parking marked specifically for residents. Planner Wall noted that a number of the conditions were code requirements that are already in place. Condition 15. A MnDOT Right -of -Way Access Permit shall be obtained for the proposed access prior to issuance of any building permits. Planner Wall noted that they would have to provide that before staff would be willing to issue any building permits. In reference to Condition 10 that reads 'The owner, tenant and their respective agents shall be jointly and severally responsible for the maintenance of all landscaping in a condition presenting a healthy, neat and orderly appearance and free from refuse and debris. Plants and ground cover which are required by an approved site or landscape plan and which have died shall be replaced as soon as seasonal or weather conditions allow', Councilmember Duggan asked if the word `tenant' really needs to be in there. Planner Wall replied that this language is directly from the code. Councilmember Petschel noted that it was her understanding that `tenant' in this case would not be the tenants of the apartment building but the tenants of the two outbuildings. Planner Wall concurred as this clause came from the additional requirements for business and industrial uses. Mayor Krebsbach recommended that the code reference be included somewhere in the resolution. Councilmember Norton noted that he believes that the code language is clear enough and, if the code language changes it would be better that the language is written rather than referencing the code. Mayor Krebsbach agreed with that explanation, as this would prevail if the code were to change. Councilmember Duggan suggested that if the term `tenant' refers to a commercial tenant and not a residential tenant that it should be spelled out that way. Staff agreed to that change in the condition. Planner Wall concluded by stating the final plat needs to be filed with Dakota County before the issuance of any building permits. They are required to pay park dedication fees and any subsequent amendments to this proposed final development plan would be reviewed as required. Councilmember Duggan, referring to Condition 17, that reads in part 'The proposed common sanitary sewer line ... ` asked `common' to whom and who would be responsible for it. Planner Wall replied September 20, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 8 that it would be internal to the developer and that staff could add the clause 'the proposed private common sanitary sewer line serving both commercial buildings'. Council agreed. Councilmember Duggan, referring to Condition 28 that reads, 'The proposed underground storm water structures shall support fire equipment weight', asked if there should be an engineer that certifies to the City that it is meeting the conditions. Planner Wall noted that this has been raised by the fire department and the applicant has stressed that it would be accommodated. Mayor Krebsbach suggested that this be added to the development agreement, which staff agreed to do. Councilmember Duggan, referring to Condition 19 discussing the trail, referenced the written agreement and asked what the written agreement would state. Planner Wall noted that the trail project is a separate project to this development. The offer was made to connect the trail to the development. The intent is to prove that there are agreements in place for that trail connection so the City is aware the conditions. Councilmember Petschel noted that it was her understanding that the comprehensive signage plan comes before the Council at a later date and they are not approving any signage this evening. Planner Wall confirmed that. At this point they are proposing that the signs be included in the plan and those potential locations would be acceptable based on the approval of the Council. Councilmember Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2016-68 APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN AMENDMENT, PRELIMINARY/FINAL PLAT, VACATION OF EXISTING DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENTS, AND WETLANDS PERMIT AT 720-756 HIGHWAY 110, based on the findings of fact and conditions as stated in the resolution. Councilmember Norton seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 B) ADOPTING PRELIMINARY BUDGET AND LEVY Finance Director Kristen Schabacker explained the proposed preliminary budget, levy, and the final levy for the special taxing district. In July, staff and Council started the budget process by meeting with department heads and gathering information. Two workshop meetings were held by the Council. Some of the highlights of the proposed budget included: • The police department has added a Captain position and a Community Service Officer position • The engineering department will now be part of the General Fund • The budget includes an increase in the pension for the firefighters of $500 per firefighter per year • A salary study to be completed • The wages reflect a 2.5% cost of living adjustment • The City's insurance contribution was increased by 5% • A Capital Equipment Fund and a Capital Facilities Fund were established, although they are not part of the budget or the levy. Funds will be transferred from the water tower fund • Fire station safety repairs to be funded from the water tower fund • The General Fund is proposed to increase by 8.97% September 20, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 9 • The Preliminary Levy would increase 7.88% Mayor Krebsbach noted this is setting the maximum amount that the City can levy. The final budget and levy will come before the Council in December 2016. At that time, the Council could reduce the levy. Councilmember Duggan stated that with the establishment of the facilities fund, the water and mold issues should be fixed within the next year and not later. Councilmember Povolny stated that this project is being worked on at this time. City Administrator Mark McNeill noted this is a high priority for staff. Ms. Schabacker continued by stating the preliminary levy amount was $7,990,330. In December, the final budget and levy will come before the Council. At that point, residents will have received their notices from Dakota County and they can comment on any concerns they have. Councilmember Petschel noted that this year the budget is based on a study that was done by the City's bonding firm. The City has aging infrastructure and equipment needs. The bonding firm highlighted the needs of the city and estimated the cost. The levy is going to be higher in order to build up savings for a Capital Improvement Fund or for replacing equipment. The City now has a five-year plan to deal with those costs. Mayor Krebsbach stated that the fire department has always had a five-year plan. What is different now is that there is a comprehensive look at the entire City. As she has mentioned in the past, because of fiscal disparity, 40% of the commercial taxes go into a state pool that gets distributed to other cities. Councilmember Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2016-70 ADOPTING 2017 PRELIMINARY BUDGET. Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilmember Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2016-71 APPROVING PROPOSED 2016 LEVY COLLECTIBLE IN 2017. Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilmember Petschel moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2016-72 APPROVING FINAL 2016 TAX LEVY FOR SPECIAL TAXING DISTRICT NO. 1, COLLECTIBLE IN 2017. Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 C) PROPOSED REORGANIZATION OF CITY DEPARTMENTS City Administrator Mark McNeill explained that in the budget discussions, there was discussion about making the City's operations more streamlined. The Planner has resigned, adding to the positions that September 20, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 10 are currently vacant. Mr. McNeill has reviewed these vacancies and proposed some changes that would allow for the consolidation of responsibilities and allow for a better way of operating. Assistant City Administrator - The previous position, Assistant to the City Administrator/HR Coordinator, mostly handled Human Resources related tasks with a couple of other communication responsibilities. Administrator McNeill suggested making this an Assistant City Administrator position that would be responsible for Human Resources, and also have reporting to them IT, Recreation, Communications, and handling of special projects. Public Works Director - A lot of cities call this the Public Works Director/City Engineer but since it has to have a city engineer degree as a requirement, it can be called Public Works Director, responsible for Engineering, Public Works operations, and recycling. Community Development Director — This is the current Planner position and would continue to have that responsibility, along with Building Inspections and Code Enforcement. Other positions in the City include Finance Director, City Clerk, Police Chief, and Fire Chief. Administrator McNeill continued by explaining that pay grades would need to be looked at. The proposed budget includes money for that but Council would approve the position descriptions before authorization to advertise for these positions. Mayor Krebsbach noted that Council has discussed this in their meetings and one of the things spoken of was that these really become teams rather than just a reporting relationship. Councilmember Duggan stated that he has often noted in the past that sometimes the departments do not communicate with each other. He believes there should be an emphasis on building communication across all departments. Administrator McNeill agreed. Councilmember Norton moved to adopt the proposed reorganization plan. Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 City Administrator Mark McNeill presented two revised job descriptions; one for the Public Works Director and one for the Assistant City Administrator. As to the position of Public Works Director, Administrator McNeill recommended Mr. Ryan Ruzek be appointed to this position, based on the requirements of the job and Mr. Ruzek's experience with the City. If approved, this appointment would be effective September 21, 2016, with the standard one year probationary period. Councilmember Povolny moved to adopt the proposed job description for the Public Works Director position and to appoint Mr. Ryan Ruzek as the Public Works Director effective September 21, 2016. Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 September 20, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 11 Nays: 0 Councilmember Petschel moved to adopt the proposed job description for the Assistant City Administrator position. Councilmember Norton seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Mark McNeill made the following announcements: • Absentee ballots are available at City Hall or any County office on Friday, September 23, 2016. • Paster Properties has allowed the City to have the Halloween bonfire at the Plaza. Residents can drop off brush beginning October 26 through noon on Monday, October 31. • The City received a plaque as an award from the Pollinator Friendly Alliance in recognition of the pollinator friendly work that has been done in our city. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Norton reminded everyone, students in particular, to drive slowly and cautiously around schools. There have been some recent incidents where some were not driving so cautiously. Councilmember Norton also noted that US News came out ranking Henry Sibley High School as number 31 in Minnesota High Schools and 1,319 in the national rankings. One of the items noted was that 43% of the students participate in advanced placement courses. Councilmember Petschel noted that on September 21st, the Noise Oversight Committee for the airport will sign a memorandum that will go to the Metropolitan Airport Commission recommending that the FAA meet with the cities and have a high degree of transparency in terms of how they are currently using the airport in wake of the converging runway operations. It is also going to ask for a redo of the noise footprint to reflect the current change in operations. She reassured residents that they are on top of this and will pursue it to the bitter end. She also noted that she was out walking and saw three different cross-country teams out running the trails. It was such a beautiful day and the trails were beautiful, the skate park was full, it is truly a lovely community they live in. Councilmember Povolny commented that the daylight hours are shortening and people are moving around. He reminded residents to use reflective gear and lights so that you are seen by drivers.. Councilmember Duggan noted that the paper listed the National Merit Scholars and there was a large representation from Henry Sibley, St. Thomas Academy, and Visitation high schools. September 20, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 12 He also mentioned that a lot of people are concerned about the traffic from I-494 to Dodd. It will get worse before it gets better and everyone will need to be diligent about working with MnDOT to have appropriate signage on letting people know what is going on. He noted that Fresh & Natural is being challenged and he encouraged residents to go there and tell them what they would like offered at the store. To follow up on the comments about the traffic on Dodd Road (Hwy 149), Mayor Krebsbach stated that she sent a letter to the Commissioner in the spring about several items; one of them being to get Highway 55 connected to I-494. That will take traffic off of Highway 149 and it is really important that this happens with the Vikings new location. She received a call regarding speeding on Mendota Road. She asked Chief Aschenbrener to see what could be done. The caller requested a stop sign. She suggested they attend a traffic safety committee meeting. Mayor Krebsbach also wanted to reassure everyone that Mendota Heights is not going to be annexed by St. Paul just because residents are seeing St. Paul Regional Water trucks in the area. They now handle the City's water system. Mr. Ruzek explained that annually St. Paul Water flushes out the mains. He assured residents that the City has not paid for water breaks in the past and will not be paying for water breaks in the future. Mayor Krebsbach wished all of the Jewish residents a Happy New Year, Rosh Hashanah, which begins October 2 and ends October 3. ADJOURN Councilmember Duggan moved to adjourn. Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Mayor Krebsbach adjourned the meeting at 9:19 p.m. Sandra Krebsbach Mayor ATTEST: SY1-13 Lorri Smith City Clerk September 20, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 13