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2016-11-01 Council minutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, November 1, 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. ROLL CALL 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 City Administrator Mark McNeill recommended that item 9a.RESOLUTION 2016-87 PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF $1,020,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2016A be addressed before the Planning Cases, and item 8d. RESOLUTION 2016-86 APPROVING COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT AND REZONING AT 1787 LEXINGTON AVENUE be tabled to a future Council meeting at the request of the applicant. Councilmember Duggan moved to adopt the revised agenda. Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 5. 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. Approve Resolution 2016-78 Defer Assessment at 599 Highway 110 for the Mendota Road Neighborhood Improvement Project and h. Warming House Hours of Operation. a. Approval of October 18, 2016 City Council Minutes b. Acknowledge October 25, 2016 Planning Commission Minutes November 1, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 1 c. Approve Resolution 2016-78 Defer Assessment at 599 Highway 110 for the Mendota Road Neighborhood Improvement Project d. Approve Resolution 2016-79 Order Preparation of Feasibility Report for Mendota Heights Rd Improvements e. Approve Resolution 2016-80 Order Preparation of Feasibility Report for Kensington Neighborhood Improvements f. Approve Resolution 2016-81 Accepting Work and Approving Final Payment for the Mendota Road Neighborhood Improvement Project (Project No. 201507) g. Approve Resolution 2016-82 Call for a Public Hearing on Right -of -Way Vacation between Block 4 and Block 7, TT Smiths Subdivision No. 4 h. Warming House Hours of Operation i. Approve Resolution 2016-89 Declaring Surplus Equipment — 2003 Ford Ranger j. Authorize Release of Reserve Car k. Approve Donation of Bikes 1. Approval of Low Bid for City Hall Wireless Coverage Enhancements m. Approve the Hiring of a .5 FTE Clerk -Receptionist n. Approval of Claims List Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEM C) APPROVE RESOLUTION 2016-78 DEFER ASSESSMENT AT 599 HIGHWAY 110 FOR THE MENDOTA ROAD NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Councilmember Duggan noted that the resolution reads "1. That the assessment roll for said improvements be corrected to defer the making of an assessment at this time against the property of Sylvia Glewwe-Wentworth (Parcel No. 270250004022)" – the word `corrected' should be `changed'. Councilmember Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2016-78 DEFER ASSESSMENT AT 599 HIGHWAY 110 FOR THE MENDOTA ROAD NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT as amended. Councilmember Norton seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 H) WARMING HOUSE HOURS OF OPERATION Councilmember Duggan wished for residents to be aware that the warming house hours of operation are being changed from last year. The new hours are 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday; 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays; 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays; and non -school days and holidays are 12:00 noon to 9:00 p.m. This information can also be found on the City's website. November 1, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 2 Councilmember Duggan moved to accept the warming house hours of operation. Councilmember Norton seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments. PRESENTATIONS A) PRESENTATION OF SHADOW BOX TO THE FAMILY OF GAROLD "JERRY" MURPHY Mayor Krebsbach explained that it was an honor to present the family of Garold "Jerry" Murphy with a shadow box for his role with the Mendota Heights Police Department. Chief Aschenbrener shared a brief background on Jerry's time with the Mendota Heights Police Department, which began in August 1967 as a volunteer and ended with his passing in November 2015. Mayor Krebsbach announced the creation of the Garold "Jerry" Murphy Community Service Award to be awarded annually in April that coincides with the Volunteer Month. Information on the nomination process and deadline can be found on the City's website. B) SWEARING IN OF NEW POLICE DEPARTMENT STAFF Mayor Krebsbach and Chief of Police Michael Aschenbrener presided over the swearing in of Community Service Officer Eric Hagelee, Police Officer Frank LaNasa, and Captain Kelly McCarthy. Each officer recited the Code of Conduct and took the Oath of Office. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION RESOLUTION 2016-87 PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF $1,020,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2016A Mr. Jason Aarsvold of Ehlers and Associates explained that the action was to consider the awarding the sale of bonds in the amount of $1,020,000. The bonds were being issued to finance some of the City's 2016 road reconstruction projects. Mr. Aarsvold reviewed the Sale Day Report, which summarized the bond sale results. Standard and Poors confirmed the City's AAA rating and indicated in the report that they view the City as having a stable outlook. There were three bids received with United Bankers Bank being the lowest bidder at a true interest cost of 2.0174%. November 1, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 3 Councilmember Petschel moved to adopt Resolution 2016-87 RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF $1,020,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2016A, PLEDGING SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR THE SECURITY THEREOF AND LEVYING A TAX FOR THE PAYMENT THEREOF. Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Mayor Krebsbach noted that the review is on the City's website from bond counsel in terms of the stability of management, both the professional management and the elected management. There is also a complete review of the finances of the City, including Fiscal Disparities. PLANNING CASES A) RESOLUTION 2016-83 APPROVING VARIANCE AT 548 BUTLER AVENUE WEST Consulting Planner Phil Carlson, AICP explained that this application was for a variance at 548 Butler Avenue West to build a new garage. He shared an aerial image of the existing house and garage with the surrounding streets indicated. He then shared a graphic showing the location of the proposed garage, which would be roughly in the same area as the existing garage, but larger. He also explained that if the garage were to be built completely within the allowable setback area it would leave very little buildable area. To meet those setbacks, a garage the size of what the applicant is proposing would have to be pushed all of the way up the yard and almost abut the house itself. Planner Carlson showed photos of the house and existing garage, showing that the house sits higher than the existing driveway and garage. There is also some topography issues indicating that the property does drop off significantly to the west. If a garage were to be built in the area not requiring a variance, they would have to grade the slopes quite a bit in order to fit the garage in that area. The Planning Commission found that this variance request does meet the tests in the code required to allow a variance of this type. They recommended approval of this variance request. Councilmember Duggan asked for the proposed height of the new garage. Planner Carlson replied that information was not in the application; it is merely a request to replace the garage. When the building permit is applied for then the review of the dimensions and height would be taken into account. One of the conditions of approval is that it meets the City's height limits Councilmember Duggan asked if the new garage would be painted a similar color as the existing house. Planner Carlson was unable to answer that question. The applicant, Ms. Kathleen Casper, indicated that it would be white just like the house is. Councilmember Duggan challenged Findings of Fact #lb that reads, "The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner... " by stating that the landowner is coming before the Council to request a new garage and a new driveway and that this first sentence is unnecessary and should be removed. November 1, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 Mayor Krebsbach requested feedback from City Attorney Tom Lehmann, as the City typically does not issue a variance if the landowners have caused the problem themselves. Attorney Lehmann replied that the language that is set forth in this is the law and so they would have to meet that requirement. This is why that language is used in pretty much all variance requests. Councilmember Petschel commented that it was her understanding, after listening to the Planning Commission, that the topography of the lot, particularly the slope, creates a hardship for the owner. Mayor Krebsbach also commented that this sentence in the resolution is well phrased and should remain. Councilmember Petschel commented that when getting into the established residential lots, this 10 -foot setback rule fits the more rural lots in Mendota Heights. If they were to move the garage up to the house, they would lose all of their windows and doors in the back of the house. Councilmember Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2016-83 APPROVING A VARIANCE AT 548 BUTLER AVENUE WEST. Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 B) RESOLUTION 2016-84 APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AT 1450 MENDOTA HEIGHTS ROAD Consulting Planner Phil Carlson, AICP explained that this application is a request for a Conditional Use Permit for a solar energy system array in the side and rear yards of the Minnesota Knits facility. These types of systems are allowed by Conditional Use Permits. The property is located on Northland Drive and Mendota Heights Road and backs up to Highway 13 (Sibley Memorial Highway) in the Mendota Heights Industrial Park. Planner Carlson shared images of the subject property and indicated where they are proposing to install the solar energy system. The information in the packet materials points out the size of the system and indicates that the total size meets the intent of the code for solar systems. The array would be 60 kilowatts total, would be mounted in the ground, have a maximum height of nine feet, would be fifteen feet from all property lines, and thirty feet from neighboring dwellings. One of the things that were discussed in the Planning Report had to do with an ambiguity in the current code. In one place it reads that solar arrays are limited to the rear yard and in another place it describes the area allowed as 25% of the side or rear yards. Planner Carlson believes this to be an unintended ambiguity and would interpret it in favor of the applicant. On a side note, Planner Carlson recommended that this section of the code be reviewed and made consistent. The Planning Commission recommended conditions of approval; the applicant construct a fence or other form of visual screening along the south and west sides of the property, that trees are removed properly and in accordance with City standards, that the applicant provide property utility connections and safety documentation, and that the applicant applies for all additional required permits including a building permit. The Planning Commission then recommended approval of this request with conditions. November 1, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 5 Councilmember Duggan noted that when the Council was contemplating these solar panels the majority of the direction given was on roof -mounted systems as opposed to side yard and stand-alone systems. He asked, regarding Condition 1, what the opacity of that fence would be. Planner Carlson replied that the opacity was not stipulated but that a statement could be added that it be consistent with City standards. Mayor Krebsbach asked if they decided to install a landscape buffer if he would be the person who would specify what would be an appropriate landscape buffer. Planner Carlson replied that they would leave it to the applicant to make that proposal but they would then review it. Mr. Rich Ragatz from Ideal Energies stated that there are evergreens along Northland Drive that are a natural buffer for this. They are looking to install a fence more for security than for screening. The addition of trees could cause shading of the panels, which would not work out well. Councilmember Duggan asked about the opacity of the fence. Mr. Ragatz replied that they have not figured that out yet but it would not be a solid fence. Councilmember Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2016-84 APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AT 1450 MENDOTA HEIGHTS ROAD. Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilmember Petschel made a recommendation to staff that they clear up the language in the code on side yard and/or rear yard. C) RESOLUTION 2016-85 APPROVING CRITICAL AREA PERMIT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AT 1010 SIBLEY MEMORIAL HIGHWAY Consulting Planner Phil Carlson explained that this application was for a Critical Area and Conditional Use Permit, which are required in the critical area for cutting trees and any kind of disturbance of the ground. He shared images of the subject property and explained that they are requesting to remove some trees and underbrush. This property was also the subject of a lot split a couple of years ago so there is a second lot that has been created in the north part of the property. Planner Carlson shared an image showing the future home site building pad, the proposed tree/brush removal area, an existing bare ground area, and the location of the existing home. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on this request and received comments about work that had been done previously to the property and not related to this application. However, these concerns raised by the neighbors were about the hours of operation of heavy equipment as work done previously occurred late into the evening and caused noise and light disturbances. November 1, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 6 Mayor Krebsbach asked if a grading permit had been received for this previous work. Planner Carlson replied that there is no record of a grading permit being requested or granted. However there is a record of correspondence between Planner Wall and some of the neighbors with requests of that. Again, it is communication after the fact. Planner Carlson noted that there were two issues that the Council may want to deal with: 1. The request for the critical area permit and conditional use permit for the removal of trees and underbrush — recommended for approval by the Planning Commission with conditions 2. Having staff consult with the City Attorney to see what might be done about the previous work after -the -fact — looking at work that has already been done on the property Upon the request of Mayor Krebsbach, Planner Carlson stated the Council could work with the City Attorney and request the applicant come in with an after -the -fact permit request so the Council could see what was done and if there is a case to be made for re-establishment of growth; or at least some erosion sedimentation control. There could be a citation issued, in which case it would become a matter that the City Attorney might take up. Mayor Krebsbach asked why the Council would approve the removal of more trees right now. Planner Carlson replied that staff is honoring the request that was made according to code. Applicant Mr. Jerry Trooien, 1010 Sibley Memorial Highway, came forward and stated that this site has hardly any good trees on it, other than the spruce trees they planted. They received approval for a lot split; now they need to be able to get into the lot. They are in the position where they need to either build on the lot or sell it. The trees they are requesting to remove are not good trees; they are dead or dying. He also commented that they have done a fair amount of landscaping work already and would like to put in more, as well as sod. Mayor Krebsbach asked City Attorney Tom Lehmann what he would recommend at this point regarding this property. Attorney Lehmann replied that there have been issues with people not following through with regards to obtaining permits in this area; which is one of the concerns that were raised by neighbors. There are issues that would be applicable to both areas in the sense of erosion control, what trees would need to be replanted. He believes it would make more sense to sit down with Mr. Trooien or his attorney and come up with a response that would meet both of these areas. In trying to be responsive and trying to get this done as expeditiously as possible, it would make sense to table this request, have the applicant and his attorney meet with the City Attorney, Planner Carlson, and Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek and come up with a plan to address all of the area. This could then come back to the Council at a future meeting. Councilmember Duggan moved to table RESOLUTION 2016-85 APPROVING A CRITICAL AREA PERMIT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AT 1010 SIBLEY MEMORIAL HIGHWAY Councilmember Norton seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 November 1, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 7 Councilmember Duggan voiced his concern with the fact that, in reading the critical area ordinance, a person can only have staggered removal of material on bluff areas. He would like to know what the size of the bare area is. In light of the heavy rains this last summer, he would like to know the likelihood that this could wash down to Highway 13. Mr. Trooien replied that there is no likelihood of that happening. Councilmember Duggan explained that the ordinances have been established for the critical areas for a reason. Residents have to maintain the properties to the standards. Mr. Trooien explained that he is improving the lot. Councilmember Duggan replied that because they did not go through the proper steps the City has no way of knowing that. Councilmember Norton stated that a comprehensive plan needs to be created, a step by step understanding of what is going to occur; to get to the best point possible with what is available to make sure Mr. Trooien is complying with the ordinances, laws, etc. and that the City is doing what they need to do to make sure that he is doing that. Mayor Krebsbach asked for confirmation that Attorney Lehmann understood what was being asked of him He replied that he did understand and that he would wait for Mr. Trooien's attorney to contact him to schedule a meeting and that he and staff would work expeditiously to get this taken care of. Councilmember Duggan reiterated that those who violate the rules and regulations by going forward without permits should experience some financial results with the City; and that could occur for Mr. Trooien. Mr. Ken Herrmann, 995 Caren Court, noted that work was done until almost midnight. There were confrontations between other neighbors and Mr. Trooien regarding the timing. He asked for clarification of the building pad size for a house on the lot. Mr. Herrmann asked if there was an image available showing the entire 1.4 -acre lot. Planner Carlson shared an image of the new 1.4 -acre lot. Mr. Daren Carlson, 992 Caren Court, shared a spatial view of the area impacted by the work done during the summer and fall of 2015 that he pulled from Minnesota Geospatial Commons. He shared another spatial view from 2014 and noted that there was more than minimal removal of trees and underbrush. Councilmember Petschel requested that he leave the images with the City. D) RESOLUTION 2016-86 APPROVING COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT AND REZONING AT 1787 LEXINGTON AVENUE This item was tabled at the request of the applicant. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS B) RESOLUTION 2016-88 ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR THE 35E & MARIE AVENUE STORM SEWER IMPROVEMENTS (PROJECT NO. 201615) Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that in 1973 the City of Mendota Heights connected to an old metal pipe that was owned by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) underneath November 1, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 8 the 35E and Marie Avenue overpass. This pipe has since deteriorated where it has caused a sinkhole in the trail on the north side of Marie Avenue. MnDOT has done some research and determined that the 15 -inch pipe cannot handle the state's water and the city's water and is requiring the City to separate their stormwater connection from their system. Staff has developed a plan and obtained bids, with the low bidder being Didion Contracting Inc. at $70,419.50. Staff would be abandoning a 16 -foot section of the pipe and would be constructing a new manhole, two new catch basin structures, and an outlet into the MnDOT ditch, where then a larger diameter concrete pipe that MnDOT does maintain would pick up the water. Staff is looking to begin this project possibly later this week and hoping for a quick completion of the project. Mayor Krebsbach took this opportunity to address concerns raised by the residents that the City's infrastructure is in trouble by requesting Mr. Ruzek to speak to it. Mr. Ruzek replied that the deteriorated pipe is owned by MnDOT; staff tries to keep on top of the infrastructure so every five years they televise and clean every sanitary sewer main line in the City. They have a street pavement index and they had a consultant assess every street and create a rating curve that staff will be using to streamline a capital improvement plan projecting some of the projects over the next five to ten years. The City has an extensive system of trails that staff maintains in conjunction with capital improvement projects or as other funds are available. Staff inspects 20% of the stormwater ponds each year. The City and staff are maintaining the infrastructure to the best of their abilities at this time. Staff tries to do as many maintenance projects that they can to prevent a major infrastructure breakdown from ever happening. Councilmember Duggan asked if MnDOT was interested in sharing any of the cost of this project. Mr. Ruzek replied that he did approach MnDOT on this but as far as funding sources, the City is proposing to fund this project through the City's stormwater utility fund. MnDOT stated that they might be willing to pay up to 30% of the street repair. However, if they ever have to do improvements to the interstate the City may be on the hook for some of those. Therefore, he decided that instead of tying the City to any future possible expenses along the interstate that the City would take on this project on its own. Councilmember Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2016-88 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR THE 35E & MARIE AVENUE STORM SEWER IMPROVEMENTS (PROJECT #201615). Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilmember Petschel asked if the City had done another large project in that same area relatively recently. Mr. Ruzek replied in the affirmative. This project is on the northwest quadrant of the 35E and Marie Avenue; in 2013 the City installed this system on the northeast quadrant of 35E and Marie Avenue. MnDOT did pay 30% of that project. November 1, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 9 C) APPROVE THE REVISED 6TH AMENDMENT TO THE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH MENDOTA MALL ASSOCIATES — OUTLOTS, LLP City Administrator Mark McNeill explained that the Council is being asked to approve the 6th Amendment to the Planned Unit Development Agreement by and between the Mendota Mall Associates-Outlots, LLP and the City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota. This is for a 139 unit residential apartment and a commercial development of approximately 12,000 square feet. Staff spoke to MnDOT regarding the level of service C or level of service D measure of traffic flow on Dodd Road and staff provided a chart that they use for it. Either is an acceptable level of service. Staff also spoke with MnDOT about the possibility of doing some pre -work for a possible right lane going outbound of the development onto Trunk Highway 110; they were told firmly that is not something they would consider in the future. The only changes to the agreement from the last meeting were those in paragraph 14; Section 4.11 Traffic Improvements, including South and North Plaza Drive/Dodd Road (TH 149) Intersection, which clarifies that the noted Section refers to the original 2009 Development Agreement. It also includes clarification that if traffic conditions falls to an overall Level Service F at either North or South Plaza Drive as a direct result of this development it would be up to the developer to pick up the City share of the improvements. Mr. John Kohler from Paster Properties gave a brief overview and background on the project. Councilmember Duggan asked if there was any way to add weight or size restrictions on the right in from Highway 110 to get into the center. Mr. Kohler replied that there are no size restrictions; however the actual lane is clear with striping on either side to keep cars within that lane but it also allows the rear tandem tires of trucks, which do not necessarily follow the front tires, it allows room for that. Councilmember Duggan asked if the building of the bridge over the creek would be for pedestrians and bicycles only or would it also be for cars. Mr. Kohler replied that there would be a vehicle access and adjacent to that there would be a sidewalk and walking area that connects. Councilmember Duggan raised his concerns, as expressed at the last meeting, about the Level of Service C or Level of Service D and noted that the agreement now says something about a Level of Service F. Mr. Kohler replied that the agreement stated that if the Level of Service were to reach F, then they would be responsible to make remedies to raise it to a Level of Service D. Councilmember Duggan stated he was uncomfortable with the Level of Service D, as opposed to the Level of Service C in the 2009 agreement. In response, Mr. Kohler noted that when going through the Levels of Service there are ranges; so he thinks that what the traffic engineer was getting at was you could be at the bottom of a Level of Service C and be one car different than the highest level in a D. So when they say that the difference is very minimal, that is what they are referring to. A Level of Service D is still a very acceptable level of traffic for MnDOT and the County. If it hits an F, then they have to improve it — if it is caused by this development. Mayor Krebsbach recapped by stating that if the Level of Service reaches an F as a direct result of this development, then Paster Properties must pay for the remedy necessary to reach a Level of Service D. November 1, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 10 Councilmember Petschel moved to approve the revised 6th Amendment to the Planned Unit Development Agreement dated April 30, 2009, by and between the Mendota Mall Associates--Outlots, LLP, and the City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota. Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion. Councilmember Duggan, referencing paragraph 8c that reads, "The owner, commercial 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 identified on the approved site or landscape plan (as part of the Plans) and which have died shall be replaced as soon as seasonal or weather conditions allow", noted that the word, "which" after ground cover, is unnecessary. Councilmember Petschel suggested the addition of the word "are" after which. Mayor Krebsbach suggested that it be left as is, which everyone agreed to. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Mark McNeill made the following announcements: • The Fireman's Dance is scheduled for November 11, 2016 at the Mall of America Hilton. • Thanks to everyone who made the bonfire a success and thanks to Paster Properties for donating the site. • Residents wishing to absentee vote can come to City Hall and they will be able to insert their ballot into the tabulator machine. • The construction seen on the south side of City Hall is to install exterior drainage system for the building. Access to the upper level lobby should be open through Election Day. However, there will be some time when residents will need to access the building through the Police lobby. • City Hall will be closed on November 11, 2016 for Veterans Day. • Par 3 is remaining open as weather permits COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Norton congratulated the St. Thomas Academy soccer team for going to play in the State championship on Thursday morning against Northfield. He also noted that Council received an email from someone who works at Living Well Disability Services and they are relocating from Eagan to Mendota Heights. He then read the email aloud. Councilmember Petschel stated that a pelican appeared in the lake in the Lily property of the Dodge Nature Center and appeared to be injured. Animal rescue came in and will be taking it into treatment before it can be released back into the wild. She also reminded residents that at the next City Council Meeting on November 15, 2016 they would have the Metropolitan Airport Commission staff and the FAA, who currently run the airport tower, at November 1, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 11 the meeting to discuss the very challenging issue of converting runway operations at the airport and how it is currently affecting the City of Mendota Heights. Councilmember Povolny shared that he had a great time at the bonfire. Councilmember Duggan noted that trick -or -treaters were down from 66 to 48, which was a surprise. He expressed thanks to staff with all of the extra duties they are performing for the election. No parking from 2:00 am to 6:00 am until the 31st of March in relation to snowplowing. Thanks to everyone who are raking up their leaves and keeping them in their yards as opposed to in the street. Mayor Krebsbach noted that she received questions from residents about fire pits. She stated that they are permitted; however there should be no burning of landscaping and construction debris. The Recreation Fire Rules can be found on the City's website. Mayor Krebsbach noted there were over 40 kids during the MEA break that went horseback riding at Andover. She stated that the happiest leaf blowers are the millennials. She would bet that 5% of the houses are now being occupied by millennials. ADJOURN Councilmember Duggan moved to adjourn. Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Mayor Krebsbach adjourned the meeting at 8:56 p.m. S . dra Krebsbach Mayor Lorri Smith City Clerk November 1, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 12