Loading...
2016-12-06 Council minutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, December 6, 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, and Petschel. Councilmember Norton arrived at 7:03 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council, the audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA ADOPTION Mayor Krebsbach presented the agenda for adoption. She stated that item 9b. Personnel Action Item — will be added to the agenda. Councilmember Petschel moved adoption of the revised agenda. Councilmember Duggan 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) Declaring Surplus Property, f) Approve Resolution 2016-92 Employment Agreement with Kelly McCarthy, h) Approve Assistant City Administrator Hire, j) Approve Dakota County JPA for the Pilot Knob Road Improvements, 1) Approve Resolution 2016-93 Congratulating St. Thomas Academy — 2016 Boys State Soccer Championship, m) Approve Bourn Lane House Demolition Activities, n) Approve Floating Holiday Use For Employees and Close City Hall On December 23, 2016, o) Approve Resolution 2016- 99 Certifying Delinquent Sewer Accounts, p) Approve Resolution 2016-100 Certifying Delinquent Water Accounts, and q) Approve Resolution 2016-101 Certifying Delinquent Weed Cutting Fees. a. Approval of November 15,2016 City Council Minutes b. Acknowledgement of October 2016 Fire Synopsis c. Approval of Resolution 2016-96 2017 Pay Classification Plan for Non -Union Employees d. Declaring Surplus Property from the Police Department e. Approve Resolution 2016-98 Rescind Res 2006-69 Penalties for Liquor Sale Violations December 6, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 1 f. Approve Resolution 2016-92 Employment Agreement with Kelly McCarthy g. Authorize the Purchase of Ammunition h. Approve Assistant City Administrator Hire i. Approve Building Official Contract j. Approve Dakota County JPA for the Pilot Knob Road Improvements k. Approve Resolution 2016-97 Waste Abatement Community Funding 1. Approve Resolution 2016-93 Congratulating St. Thomas Academy -2016 Boys State Soccer Championship m. Approve Bourn Lane House Demolition Activities n. Approve Floating Holiday Use for Employees and the Closing of City Hall on December 23, 2016 o. Approve Resolution 2016-99 Certifying Delinquent Sewer Accounts p. Approve Resolution 2016-100 Certifying Delinquent Water Accounts q. Approve Resolution 2016-101 Certifying Delinquent Weed Cutting Fees r. Approval of Claims List Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEM D) DECLARING SURPLUS PROPERTY FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT Councilmember Duggan stated that as he was reviewing the listed items he noted that there were 25 police department service handguns but then there were also 39 listings by individuals of gun ownership or gun use. He inquired about what that meant. City Administrator Mark McNeill replied that both lists of guns are being traded in to Keeprs for a credit of $7,400. Councilmember Duggan moved to authorize the sale of guns as listed. Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 F) APPROVE RESOLUTION 2016-92 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH KELLY MCCARTHY Councilmember Duggan noted that he had some language concerns. It was noted that City Administrator Mark McNeill and City Attorney Tom Lehmann approved of the proposed changes in paragraph 1. DUTIES, to delete the word `minimum' and add 'as approved by the City Council on October 4, 2016'. Councilmember Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2016-92 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH KELLY MCCARTHY. Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 December 6, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 2 H) APPROVE ASSISTANT CITY ADMINISTRATOR HIRE City Administrator Mark McNeill explained that the position of Assistant to the City Administrator/HR Coordinator has been vacant since July 2016. The position has been upgraded to Assistant City Administrator. Interviews were conducted and the position has been offered to Ms. Cheryl Jacobson. Ms. Jacobson has 15 years of experience with Dakota County Community Development. She also has been the associate director of community services for Olmstead County for the past two years. She comes highly recommended. Councilmember Duggan moved to hire Ms. Cheryl Jacobson as Assistant City Administrator effective December 27, 2016. Councilmember Norton seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 J) APPROVE DAKOTA COUNTY JPA FOR THE PILOT KNOB ROAD IMPROVEMENTS Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that Dakota County is proposing to relocate the north curb line of Mendota Heights Road to the north approximately 80 feet to add left turn lanes at the intersection with Pilot Knob Road, with signal improvements for the dedicated left turn lanes. Dakota County is also proposing to restrict certain movements at the Northland Drive/Pilot Knob Road intersection. Traffic going north or south on Pilot Knob Road will be able to make a left or right turn onto Northland Drive. However, traffic on Northland Drive will not be able to make a left turn onto Pilot Knob Road. The purpose of this restriction is to lessen the frequency of crashes at this intersection. Mayor Krebsbach asked Mr. Ruzek to identify the businesses that are in this area. He stated that Alltech Corporation, Mendota Heights Business Park, TBS, and a vacant lot are in this area. An open house will be held at City Hall on January 12, 2017 between 4:30 — 6:30 p.m. to receive feedback from the affected businesses on the proposed design. The County may make alterations to the plan, if necessary. Additional discussion was had as to why an additional signal is not viable, it being too close the I-494. Dakota County has asked the City Council to approve the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA), which has been adopted by the county board. The agreement outlays who is responsible for what, who is liable for what and not liable for what. The City would pay approximately $78,000 ($35,100 for construction and $42,900 for engineering) of the total project cost of $875,333. In addition, Dakota County has secured Federal funding in the amount of $702,000. The City is proposing to pay their portion of the project with Municipal State Aid (MSA) funds, which are sufficient to cover this expense. By approving the JPA, the City is approving working with the County but not necessarily the specifics of the plan. Most of this project is in the County's right-of-way and would be at their expense. The portion the City is asked to help fund is the improvements along Mendota Heights Road that extends out of the County's right-of-way. December 6, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 3 Councilmember Petschel noted that meetings and talks have occurred with a developer interested in the vacant lot at the intersection of Northland Drive and Pilot Knob Road. She raised concerns about how the restrictions will affect any future developments on that vacant lot. She asked Mr. Ruzek to relay those concerns to the County to see if there is anything they could do in terms of the design for that intersection to accommodate future development. Mayor Krebsbach stated that she was not going to vote for this, as she believes a future Council needs to give it more thought. She does not want to lock the City into a no left-hand turn. Councilmember Duggan asked that the City staff inform anyone who has expressed an interest in the vacant lot over the last few years so they have an opportunity to be heard at the open house. Councilmember Duggan moved to approve the Joint Powers Agreement with Dakota County for Pilot Knob Road Improvements. The motion failed for lack of a second. As no other motion was made, action on this item was deferred, and may be brought back at a future Council meeting. L) APPROVE RESOLUTION 2016-93 CONGRATULATING ST. THOMAS ACADEMY — 2016 BOYS STATE SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP Councilmember Duggan suggested that a letter be sent to institutions in Mendota Heights about the City's desire to recognize outstanding performance at both the athletic and academic levels. Mayor Krebsbach recommended that the City develop guidelines for recognizing state championships and other state awards. She commended St. Thomas Academy Soccer Team for winning the Boy's Class A State Championship. Councilmember Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2016-93 CONGRATULATING ST. THOMAS ACADEMY FOR WINNING THE 2016 BOYS STATE SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP. Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 M) APPROVE BOURN LANE HOUSE DEMOLITION ACTIVITIES Councilmember Duggan asked how the City could recoup the unanticipated costs from removing the hazardous material. He also raised a concern as to why the first inspection did not find the hazardous material found in the second inspection found. City Administrator Mark McNeill replied that the second inspection found additional hazardous material after moving cabinetry, and payment would have had to have been made following either abatement. The costs would be paid for from Fund 13, which has been used for Economic Development. If the Council chooses to develop this property, those proceeds could reimburse Fund 13. December 6, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 Councilmember Petschel moved to authorize payment of $7,075 to Red Pine Industries for hazardous materials abatement work. Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilmember Petschel moved to award a contract for demolition/cleanup to PAC Company for $11,950. Councilmember Norton seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 N) APPROVE CLOSING OF CITY HALL ON DECEMBER 23, 2016 Administrator Mark McNeill explained that City Hall would be observing Christmas Day on December 26, 2016 and would be closed. Several employees have requested to use a floating holiday on December 23. The City Council is asked to designate a floating holiday and close City Hall on December 23, 2016. Councilmember Petschel moved to declare City Hall be closed for business on December 23, 2016. Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 0) APPROVE RESOLUTION 2016-99 CERTIFYING DELINQUENT SEWER ACCOUNTS P) APPROVE RESOLUTION 2016-100 CERTIFYING DELINQUENT WATER ACCOUNTS Q) APPROVE RESOLUTION 2016-101 CERTIFYING DELINQUENT WEED CUTTING FEES Councilmember Petschel noted that there have been adjustments to the documents; some of the delinquent accounts have been paid. Councilmember Petschel moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2016-99 CERTIFYING DELINQUENT UTILITY CHARGES TO THE DAKOTA COUNTY AUDITOR FOR COLLECTION WITH REAL ESTATE TAXES; and RESOLUTION 2016-100 CERTIFYING DELINQUENT WATER CHARGES TO THE DAKOTA COUNTY AUDITORS FOR COLLECTION WITH REAL ESTATE TAXES; and RESOLUTION 2016-101 CERTIFYING DELINQUENT WEED CUTTING CHARGES TO THE DAKOTA COUNTY AUDITOR FOR COLLECTION WITH REAL ESTATE TAXES as amended. Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Decenzber 6, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 5 PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. David Hiner, 1295 Kenden Lane, asked why the City purchased the Bourn house. Administrator McNeill replied that it was purchased for about $170,000, and that the City hopes to redevelop this area. Mr. Hiner stated that there is a lot of value to the properties in the Furlong Neighborhood. He raised concerns about the Mendota Heights Motel. He noted that the police surveillance has disappeared in the last few weeks. He asked what the City plans on doing about that motel. Councilmember Petschel noted that there was Police activity at the motel just during the past week and a significant arrest was made. She stated the Police have not disappeared from the site. Mayor Krebsbach also noted that she did receive a report on recent police activity at the motel and this report can be made available to Mr. Hiner. She encouraged the future Council to make sure the future development of this area has the same quality and standards as the rest of the City so that it is a good fit for the neighborhood. PRESENTATIONS A) RESOLUTION 2016-95 2017 BUDGET PRESENTATION AND ADOPTION OF LEVY Finance Director Kristen Schabacker presented the proposed 2017 budget and levy. In November Dakota County mailed out 2017 proposed property tax statements to the residents. Ms. Schabacker stated that the 2017 final levy is proposed to be $7,990,330 — a 7.88% increase over 2016. The 2017 budget for all funds is proposed to be $12,751,022. The taxable market value for the City in 2017 is $1,875,224,106; an increase of 1.87% over 2016. The proposed city tax rate is 37.508%, comparable to 2016 at 35.247%. The average residential home value increased approximately 1.4%. A home valued in 2016 at $337,980 would have paid $1,235 in City taxes; that same home would be valued in 2017 at $343,050 and pay $1,331 in City taxes. An approximately 7.82% increase in the City's portion of the property taxes. The median home value for the City is approximately $326,384. Ms. Schabacker noted the major items included the 2017 budget as being the Police Department added a captain position and a part time community service officer position; the Engineering department was moved from project -based operations to one that will be funded by the General Fund; the increase in the City's contribution to the Firefighter Pension; and a salary study to be conducted in 2017. Councilmember Duggan asked how the City might set aside maintenance funds for the upkeep of the fire department building. Ms. Schabacker replied that there was some discussion at the budget workshop about improvements that need to be made to the fire department building. The most immediate maintenance needs were included in the 2017 budget and would be paid for out of the water tower fund. Councilmember Duggan commended Ms. Schabacker for the great work she has done. December 6, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 6 Mayor Krebsbach commended the Council for their due diligence during the financial summit last winter and the budget workshops this year. These are not easy decisions. Councilmember Duggan pointed out that Mendota Heights is right in line with other communities like Bloomington and others in relation to their budget increases. Councilmember Petschel made the observation that one of the things the Council identified upcoming capital expenses so the City now has a 5 -year plan of anticipated expenses. This budget now includes savings accounts for those upcoming capital expenses. Mayor Krebsbach noted that the Council has worked very hard on making decisions on the finances. The City has moved through some very significant issues with the water tower, with looking at limiting our debt, the engineering department was a big decision, and then maintaining the AAA bond rating since 2010. She is pleased that she is leaving the finances in good shape for the next Council. Mr. Bruce Bobbitt, 2455 Hampshire Court, stated that his property tax rate came in at the projected 7% - plus, and the reason he came to the meeting was to discover why. In regards to the comments made by Councilmember Petschel, he asked if the Council believes the rate is going to stabilize in terms of increases. He believes there needs to be a reserve and what he heard this evening is good. Councilmember Petschel noted the way the Council projected it out with the bonding firm is that it may take a year or two of increases to get those savings accounts up. Then the City could fall back to what had been the previous level of funding. Also, items no longer included in the projected capital expenses are the water mains The City is trying to do everything it can to mitigate those kinds of expenses. Mr. Bobbitt made his final comment by stating that he is aware that some of the Councilmembers are leaving and expressed his appreciation for all that they have done. Councilmember Duggan stated that the City does have a healthy reserve and the Council has done its best to protect it. The City is now getting its Police Department up to the numbers where it should have been. That will make a huge difference; however, it does cost more. In response to a question raised by Mr. Bobbitt, Mayor Krebsbach noted that the amount in the reserve is 75% of the levy; just shy of $6M (as recommended by the bond company to maintain the AAA rating). Councilmember Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2016-95 APPROVING FINAL 2016 TAX LEVY COLLECTIBLE IN 2017 AND ADOPTING THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR 2017. Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 December 6, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 7 PUBLIC HEARING A) RESOLUTION 2016-91 PUBLIC HEARING FOR STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY VACATION Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that the City received a petition to have a small portion of an undeveloped right-of-way vacated. The right-of-way is located just east of Vandal Street, between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue. It was originally platted with the neighborhood but never developed and there are no opportunities for the City to extend a public street through this area. The property to the north potentially could be subdivided but they are choosing to keep their lot whole and have signed the petition. If vacated right-of-way would go to the adjacent property owners. It is proposed that the City would maintain an easement along the centerline of this right-of-way. The entire easement would be 20 -feet in width. This is standard practice with all new plats. Councilmember Norton requested additional information about the 20 -foot easement and why it would be necessary. Mr. Ruzek replied that this is standard practice on all new plats which are typically for drainage and utility purposes. Councilmember Duggan asked if all of the property owners affected have been notified of the easement requirements. Mr. Ruzek replied that notification for the public hearing was sent to all properties within 350 feet of the existing right-of-way and to all properties in the T T SMITH SUBDIVISION NO 4 plat. Councilmember Norton moved to open the public hearing. Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Mr. Patrick Noack, 669 Fourth Avenue, explained that he was the original applicant for this vacation. He showed the original platted area and explained that during the original subdivision there were actually eight lots that this right-of-way was intended to serve. He stated the adjoining property owners request the Council consider vacating the unnamed right-of-way without leaving the easement. Mr. Ruzek replied that the requested vacated right-of-way is 60 feet wide; however, the easement would be 20 -feet wide. The City is requesting an easement — the property owners will be the underlying fee owner of the entire right-of-way. He stated that if a property owner wishes to erect a shed or a fence, setbacks are from the property line — not from an easement. The property line would be down the center of that 60 -foot vacated right-of-way area. The City would have a 10 -foot easement on either side of that new property line. Mr. Ken Noack, 677 Fourth Avenue, spoke against having the 20 -foot easement as it clutters things up. There have not been any issues with drainage on that property. Councilmember Duggan moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember Norton seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 December 6, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 8 Councilmember Duggan asked if the City does anything to maintain the property within the easement. Mr. Ruzek replied that if a tree were to die or fall down within a right of way, the City would be responsible for removal of that tree. Councilmember Duggan asked if Resolution 2016-91 addresses the residents' concerns about the easement. Mr. Ruzek replied in the negative. The resolution requires the easement to be dedicated before the right-of-way vacation would be recorded at Dakota County. City Administrator Mark McNeill cautioned the Council that if they give up the easement it is forever. No one knows what the future needs may be. Councilmember Povolny stated that he believes the easement should stay, as it would not affect the ownership of the property. Councilmember Petschel supported Councilmember Povolny's comments as the residents are gaining the area at no cost and the easement does not affect the use or enjoyment of the property. Councilmember Povolny asked if language could be put into the Easement Agreement stating that if the City needed access to the property, they would restore the property to the way they found it. Mr. Ruzek replied that he included a template easement which does include that language. Mr. Patrick Noack and Mr. Ken Noack were asked if they had a choice between leaving the undeveloped right-of-way in place or having that right-of-way vacated but having a 20 -foot easement, which would they choose. They both replied that they were comfortable with the 20 -foot easement. Councilmember Petschel moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2016-91 APPROVING A STREET RIGHT- OF-WAY VACATION. Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) ORDINANCE 506 AMENDING WATER SURCHARGE FEE City Administrator Mark McNeill explained that the City recently transferred ownership of the water distribution system to St. Paul Regional Water Authority. During the time the City was responsible for City's municipal water system, they received a 10% surcharge to help fund the expenses of maintaining the system. Now that water system has been transferred to St. Paul Regional Water, the City no longer needs to retain as much and the surcharge can be reduced. Staff spoke with St. Paul Regional Water Authority and with other cities and discovered that the cities of Lauderdale, Lilydale, and Mendota do not have a surcharge; however, West St. Paul charges 1 %, Falcon Heights charges 6%, and Maplewood charges 7%. December 6, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 9 Staff recommended that the City of Mendota Heights reduce it previous 10% surcharge to 5%. That would generate approximately $110,000 per year which could be used to cover the expenses the City is still responsible for (i.e., removal or the relocation of fire hydrants). The reduction would save the average ratepayer approximately $18/year on their water bill. Councilmember Duggan moved to adopt ORDINANCE 506 AMENDING TITLE 10, CHAPTER 5, SECTION 6 OF THE CITY CODE CONCERNING A WATER SURCHARGE RATE. Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 B) PERSONNEL ITEM — ACCEPT RESIGNATION FROM CHIEF OF POLICE City Administrator Mark McNeill explained that the City received a letter of resignation from Police Chief Michael Aschenbrener who has served as chief since 2003. The effective date of the resignation is December 31, 2016. By state law, the City must have a Police Chief. Administrator McNeill recommended the Council appoint Captain Kelly McCarthy as the acting Police Chief effective December 20, 2016. Following that, the City can choose a process to provide for Chief Aschenbrener's successor. Councilmember Povolny commented that he believes Chief Aschenbrener has done a spectacular job. He commended Chief Aschenbrener for retiring and moving on. He expressed his appreciation to Chief Aschenbrener for his services. Councilmember Norton echoed Councilmember Povolny's comments. He has done a remarkable job and the City has a fantastic Police Department. He thanked Chief Aschenbrener. Councilmember Petschel expressed similar comments. She stated she believes that over the last few years the City Administration, working with the Chief, has made some outstanding hires in the Police Department. She believes that under his leadership the City has had outstanding development of leadership within the department. The Police Department made a quantum leap in teiuis of community policing, accountability, and being responsive to the residents. She is very impressed with where the department is today; a lot is owed to Chief Aschenbrener and his leadership. Councilmember Duggan stated that thirteen years ago the Council offered the position of Police Chief to Chief Aschenbrener and they were very happy that he accepted it. He still believes that it was a great hire. He believes some of the challenges that developed were challenging for the City as well. Wherever Chief Aschenbrener goes, they will receive an outstanding man and an outstanding, principled person. Mayor Krebsbach commended Chief Aschenbrener for his very responsible and professional work, certainly over the last six years that she has been mayor. She also commended the Police Department for always being professional in serving the residents, no matter what the situation, and working through this. Chief Aschenbrener built a strong and talented department. December 6, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 10 She also commended Chief Aschenbrener for making this choice at this point, in terms of the City needing to move on. She stated that she understands the spirit of his making this decision at this time is because of the responsibility he feels to the City. She expressed her appreciation for his always being there for the City and the residents. Councilmember Duggan moved to ACCEPT WITH REGRET THE RESIGNATION OF CHIEF OF POLICE MICHAEL ASCHENBRENER EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 20, 2016 WITH HIS LAST DAY WITH THE CITY BEING DECEMBER 31, 2016. Councilmember Norton seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilmember Petschel moved to APPOINT CAPTAIN KELLY MCCARTHY AS ACTING POLICE CHIEF EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 20, 2016. Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion. Councilmember Norton questioned, given that the City has recently hired Ms. McCarthy as the Captain, and his having been personally part of that process along with a number of community members, whether the Council needed to go through an interim period of time with her as the Chief? He asked why the Council does not just appoint her as the new Chief of Police? City Administrator Mark McNeill replied that he believes the correct thing to do would be to appoint an interim and explore what the opportunities are at that time. To appoint someone immediately would not be of service to her or to other potential candidates. He recommended appointing an interim chief. Councilmember Norton asked Chief Aschenbrener to address the question. Chief of Police Michael Aschenbrener stated that he would recommend that the Council do as they see fit. They just went through a very substantial process that would be equivalent to any chief process that could be completed. He believes that the City has received one of the top talents in the metro that is available. The only thing he would encourage is that the Council considers appointing someone to serve in the Captain's role. There was much effort put into this study over the last five years to convince the Council that the department needs to have consistent supervision across all shifts. Further, he said that there needs to be accountability and follow-up in all areas throughout the Police Department. Councilmember Povolny supported Councilmember Norton's suggestion of appointing Ms. McCarthy as Chief. This is an opportunity to put someone in that position that is solid. He was on the hiring committee with Councilmember Norton and believes that Ms. McCarthy is solid and she would be a chief candidate anywhere. The City does not need any instability in the Police Department. Mayor Krebsbach noted that she was not on the interview committee; however, she did have the opportunity to speak with Ms. McCarthy and believes her to be outstanding — she understands policing and was very respected at Lino Lakes. She then asked Councilmember Petschel if she would be willing to withdraw her motion. Councilmember Petschel withdrew her motion. December 6, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 11 Mayor Krebsbach moved to APPOINT CAPTAIN KELLY MCCARTHY AS THE NEW CHIEF OF POLICE FOR THE CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 20, 2016. Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion. Councilmember Norton asked for confirmation from Chief Aschenbrener that Captain McCarthy came from an organization where she was already managing, supervising, and running a team of people that was larger than the City's current Police Department. Chief Aschenbrener confirmed. She was the head of all public safety – police and fire—for the City of Lino Lakes. Councilmember Duggan voiced his concern that there will be new members on the Council starting in January. He supports Ms. McCarthy being acting chief until such time as the new Council has a chance to consider the appointment of a chief. Mayor Krebsbach called for the vote. Ayes: 4 Nays: 1 (Duggan) Mayor Krebsbach made the recommendation that Captain position be continued but that Chief of Police Kelly McCarthy make the recommendation for who would be the Captain. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Mark McNeill made the following announcements: • The ice rinks will be flooded next week. They should be open during school's winter break. • A reception open to the public will be held December 20, 2016 to honor the three Councilmembers that will be going off the Council. The reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. • Councilmember Duggan, as requested by John Matzo, stated that two long-time residents, Ms. Janet Stenhaug and Ms. Theresa Redding, have passed away. He wished to recognize their contributions to the City. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Duggan noted that Councilmember Norton has been recognized by both the Star Tribune and by the LA Times as being the "Realtor of Note for Prince's Estate". He expressed congratulations to the incoming elected officials; Neil Garlock, Joel Paper, and Jay Miller. He noted Ms. Theresa Gangelhoff, who used to work for the City, won a regional baking contest. The Dakota County Chamber of Commerce recognized Ms. Deb McConnell as Businesswoman of the Year. Councilmember Petschel noted that it has been a busy week for the Fire Department and wished to recognize them for their handling of a significant structure fire on the corner of Rogers and Lake Drive. The Council received a letter from former Councilmember Dwyer in terms of the Fire Department's response to his home as being prompt, professional, and he is very grateful. December 6, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 12 She expressed her congratulations to Councilmember Norton at this astounding accomplishment. Councilmember Povolny asked, "What did a wise man once say ... he didn't say anything. What did a wiser man say ... even less". Mayor Krebsbach stated, in case Councilmember Povolny is not at the next Council meeting, that it has been great serving with him. He is very straight forward. Mayor Krebsbach explained that the next meeting would be her last and she would certainly appreciate saying hello to people that come by the reception. She wished the next Council the best and believes that this Council is leaving the City in very good shape. She said that the tree lighting ceremony at IThe Village of Mendota occurred last Saturday, which was fun. It was a wonderful event. The University of Minnesota Lecture Series was recently held here and 80 people attended. She expressed her appreciation to the Council for another challenging meeting but everyone invested in it. She thanked the staff and Chief Aschenbrener for his service. ADJOURN Councilmember Duggan moved to adjourn. Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Mayor Krebsbach adjourned the meeting at 8:52 p.m. ATTEST: Lorri Smith City Clerk Sandra Krebsbach Mayor December 6, 2016 Mendota Heights City Council Page 13