Loading...
2017-01-17 Council MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, January 17, 2017 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 Garlock thanked all those present for their patience as the City Council concluded a closed session, causing a delay in the start of this meeting. He then called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL The following members were present: Mayor Garlock, Councilmembers Duggan, Miller, Paper, and Petschel. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The City Council, the audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA ADOPTION Mayor Garlock presented the agenda for adoption. Councilmember Duggan moved adoption of the agenda. Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 SWEARING IN OF POLICE CHIEF KELLY MCCARTHY City Administrator Mark McNeill presided over the swearing in of Police Chief Kelly McCarthy. January 17, 2017 Mendota Heights City Council Page 1 APPOINT DAVID DREELAN AS FIRE CHIEF; APPROVE PROCESS TO FILL ASSISTANT CHIEF POSITION Councilmember Duggan moved, since all interested parties were present, that this item be moved up on the agenda. Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 City Administrator Mark McNeill explained that Fire Chief John Maczko announced his retirement effective February 28, 2017. Two applicants from within the department were interviewed. The Selection Committee is recommending for appointment Assistant Chief David Dreelan to fill the vacancy effective March 1, 2017. Administrator McNeill shared the background, experience, and qualifications of Mr. Dreelan; noting he is also Deputy Chief for the City of Plymouth's Fire Department. If appointed, staff recommended that a notice of vacancy for the Assistant Fire Chief be posted through February 3, and that the same selection committee used for the Fire Chief position be reconvened to make the recommendation on the Assistant Chief position to the Council on February 21, 2017. Councilmember Duggan moved to direct that the notice of vacancy for the Assistant Chief position be posted through February 3rd, and that the Selection Committee be reconvened to hold interviews and make a recommendation to the Council on February 21, 2017 for the Assistant Fire Chief position. Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilmember Paper moved to appoint David Dreelan as Mendota Heights Fire Chief effective March 1, 2017. Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilmember Duggan commented on the tradition of the Dreelan family and their commitment to the City of Mendota Heights. New Fire Chief David Dreelan expressed his appreciation at being chosen for such an honor and gave a brief history of an event that took place with his father, Mr. Paul Dreelan, who retired from the Mendota Heights Fire Department after 21 years of service. January 17, 2017 Mendota Heights City Council Page 2 CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Garlock 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 b) Approval of January 5, 2017 Council Workshop Minutes and d) Approve Reappointments to Commissions. a. Approval of January 3, 2017 City Council Minutes b. Approval of January 5, 2017 Council Workshop Minutes c. Approve Council Meeting Dates & Times d. Approve Reappointments to Commissions e. Award of Professional Services Contract for the Dodd Road Trail Project f. Approve Purchase of Bobcat Skid -Steer Loader g. Approve Vacation Accrual for Assistant City Administrator h. Approve Hiring of Community Development Director i. Approve Resolution 2017-13 Application for 2017 Dakota County Community Development Block Grant Funding j. Approve Resolution 2017-12 Adopting Dakota County All -Hazard Mitigation Plan and Authorize Submittal of Adopted Plan to HSEM and FEMA k. Approve Extension of JPA With Dakota County for Emergency Management Services 1. Approve City Hall Landscaping Project m. Approve December 2016 Fire Synopsis n. Approve October & November 2016 Treasurer's Report o. Approve of Claims List Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS B) APPROVAL OF JANUARY 5, 2017 COUNCIL WORKSHOP MINUTES Mayor Garlock noted that on Thursday, January 5, 2017, the City Council went into closed session for the purpose of an on-going litigation. By law, a summary is to be publically made at the next open meeting of the City Council. Therefore, he reported to the public that no action was taken during that closed session. Councilmember Petschel moved to approve the January 5, 2017 Council Workshop Minutes with the statement as read by Mayor Garlock. Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 January 17, 2017 Mendota Heights City Council Page 3 D) APPROVE REAPPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS City Administrator Mark McNeill stated that interviews for two openings on the Parks and Recreation Commission were held at a workshop prior to this meeting. He announced that Mr. Bob Klepperich and Mr. Steve Goldade would be the appointees to fill the two vacancies. Councilmember Petschel moved to make the following reappointments: • Commissioner David Sloan to the Noise Oversight Committee -6-25-2017 through 6-25-2019 • Student Representatives Myles Bowen and Clair Dunham to the Parks and Recreation Commission -2-1-2017 through 2-1-2019 And to make the following new appointments: • Bob Klepperich and Steve Goldade to the Parks and Recreation Commission Councilmember Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 There were no public comments. No items scheduled. No items scheduled. PUBLIC COMMENTS PRESENTATIONS PUBLIC HEARING NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT FOR PILOT KNOB ROAD IMPROVEMENTS WITH DAKOTA COUNTY & ORDINANCE NO. 507 ESTABLISHING "NO PARKING" ZONES Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained the proposed Joint Powers Agreement with Dakota County and Ordinance 507, establishing "no parking" zones. Dakota County is proposing to widen Mendota Heights Road from 1,000 feet west of CSAH 31 (Pilot Knob Road) to 800 feet east of CSAH 31 to create left turn lanes, signal revisions at CSAH 31 and Mendota Heights Road, and the conversion of the CSAH 31 and Northland Drive intersection to a 3/4 intersection. The project also requires the establishment of "No Parking" zones. January 17, 2017 Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 The "No Parking" zone currently on Mendota Heights Road is from Northland Drive to Pilot Knob Road; however, the project would require that be expanded to the east. Also, Northland Drive would have an established "No Parking" zone within 250 feet of Pilot Knob Road. Currently, the east side of Northland Drive is posted as "No Parking"; however, it is not identified in the city code. Dakota County has secured federal funding of over $700,000 for this project. The remaining portion of the project would be divided with the County paying 55% and the City paying 45%. It is estimated that construction costs are $35,000 and approximately $42,900 for engineering. There will also be some minor right-of-way acquisitions at the intersection of Pilot Knob Road and Mendota Heights Road for the new turn signals to be installed. The County held a business engagement open house on January 12 with three people attending representing two businesses. No written comments have been received. Mayor Garlock noted that there have been a high number of crashes at the affected intersection and that completion of this project would help to minimize those. Councilmember Petschel asked if this was before the Council previously. Mr. Ruzek replied that the former Council tabled this item and desired to have the new Council be the decision maker. Councilmember Petschel stated that the issue was that the vacant property in this area has been almost impossible to develop because of the traffic movement. This proposed project would make it more difficult. The purpose of tabling was to be able to reach out to a previous developer that was interested in this vacant lot, to see if they would still be interested if this project were to occur. Mr. Ruzek replied that staff did not reach out to a particular developer as there is no one individual developer tied to the vacant lot. Councilmember Miller asked if the signals being changed at Northland Drive meant that travelers could no longer cross Pilot Knob Road. Mr. Ruzek replied in the affirmative. Councilmember Miller then asked where drivers could make a U-turn. Mr. Ruzek stated that traffic coming out and heading west on Northland Drive would have to go north on Pilot Knob Road and immediately make a U-turn back to get onto I-494. Councilmember Duggan asked if signage would be installed informing drivers that it was no longer a through -road. Mr. Ruzek replied that the project would include all appropriate signage. Councilmember Miller asked why a stoplight was not being installed. Mr. Ruzek replied that it would be too close to I-494. The State of Minnesota would likely deny permission to have a new stoplight in close proximity to two existing ones. Councilmember Petschel asked what reason is being given for wanting to do this. Mr. Ruzek replied that it is the frequency of crashes in this area. Traffic waits to head southbound on Pilot Knob Road, then tends to make unsafe turning movements which results in a high crash volume. January 17, 2017 Mendota Heights City Council Page 5 Councilmember Miller asked if the primary focus of this project was to redo Mendota Heights Road and the signal or is it to prevent cars from crossing Pilot Knob Road. Mr. Ruzek replied that it would be a combination of both. Mr. Tom Anton, Design Engineer from Dakota County, noted that this project started out as a result of a study done by the Traffic Group, who identified the Northland Drive intersection as a problem intersection. In 2015, Dakota County applied for Highway Safety Funding. This project includes the 3/4 intersection at Pilot Knob Road and Northland Drive. Knowing that those left -turning vehicles would be diverted to Mendota Heights Road, they included the widening of Mendota Heights Road for dedicated left -turn lane. Mr. Anton stated that Dakota County has been successful in acquiring the right-of-ways needed for the project. The County is wishing to move forward with their plans and is looking for approval from the Council to begin construction this summer Councilmember Miller asked what a 3/4 intersection is. Mr. Anton replied that this is an engineering term for a partial access intersection. If you were to take a right-angle intersection with all movements allowed, by creating a center median you would effectively reduce the conflict points and have a 3/4 intersection. Councilmember Miller asked if there were any other comparable projects completed within the County and what were the results. Mr. Anton answered that there have been several projects where they have installed a center median to restrict movements at problem intersections and they have been successful. Councilmember Duggan moved to approve the Joint Powers Agreement for with Dakota County. Councilmember Miller seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilmember Duggan moved to approve ORDINANCE NO. 507 AMENDING TITLE 6, CHAPTER 3, SECTION 3 OF THE CITY CODE AMENDING PROHIBITED PARKING ON NORTHLAND DRIVE AND MENDOTA HEIGHTS ROAD. Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 C) APPROVE SHARED RECYCLING COORDINATOR POSITION City Administrator Mark McNeil explained that this is an opportunity for Council to consider a shared - employee that would help the City with promoting recycling. Currently, the City receives money from Dakota County to facilitate recycling at least among its municipal waste, including city buildings, parks, etc. This was part of the job responsibility of the Planner position; however, after Mr. Wall's departure and a reorganization of duties was completed, it is now the responsibility of the Public Works Director. January 17, 2017 Mendota Heights City Council Page 6 The City participated in preliminary discussions with the cities of Inver Grove Heights, South St. Paul, and West St. Paul to talk about a shared position. None of those cities are large enough to warrant a full- time position. In the end, Inver Grove Heights decided not to participate; but South St. Paul and West St. Paul each have committed 10 hours a week to a shared position. They have made an offer to an individual who would be paid in the $17-$18/hour range. The City of Mendota Heights has included monies in the budget this year if they wanted to participate. After discussions with the other two cities it was discovered that we could have a morning or afternoon a week [4 hours per week] use of this person. Funding for this would come to approximately $4,000/year. The City could use this position to coordinate Clean-up Day activities and they would also be available to residents and businesses that have questions about recycling. If approved, a Joint Powers Agreement memorializing the details will be presented at a future meeting for consideration. Councilmember Miller asked for specifics on what this person would be doing. Administrator McNeill replied that this person would work for the City on-site for four hours per week. Duties would include attendance at the Dakota County Solid Waste meetings on behalf of the City; they would look at the Clean-up Day contract and organize that event, and other activities that could be done better to serve the community in terms of recycling. Councilmember Miller asked if this person would be responsible for ensuring that recycling is truly getting to the right channels. Administrator McNeill replied that this would be the responsibility of the solid waste haulers at the residential property level since the City has an open -system. However, the Coordinator would make sure that those opportunities are being fully utilized at the City level. Councilmember Duggan asked when they anticipate this position would start. Administrator McNeill estimated that within 30 days, the Joint Powers Agreement would be before the Council for approval. Councilmember Duggan asked if one City would be coordinating this individual. Administrator McNeill replied that the City of West St. Paul would be the lead city handling this position. Councilmember Miller asked if this person would also be responsible for grant applications. Administrator McNeill replied that if there are grants available the City would be very happy for them to pursue that. Councilmember Duggan moved to authorize participation in a shared recycling position with the Cities of West St. Paul and South St. Paul for four hours per week. Councilmember Miller seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 January 17, 2017 Mendota Heights City Council Page 7 D) APPROVE PURCHASE OF REPLACEMENT 800 MHz RADIOS Police Sergeant Eric Petersen explained a request to replace the Police Department's portable radios. These radios will no longer be supported by the manufacturer. Funds have been set aside annually for the past 7-9 years for this purchase. A bid was received from Ancom - Motorola, based on the State Contract, for the purchase of 25 APX 6000 800 Mhz portable radios for $4,238 per radio. Also, the vendor is willing to reimburse the City $500 per radio traded in. The vendor would be responsible for destroying the old radios. The total cost would be $93,456.25. Councilmember Duggan asked if the purchase price includes the sellback credit. Sergeant Petersen replied that the overall price quote does have the sellback credit included. Mayor Garlock asked if all of the programming was through the DCC [Dakota County Communications] free of charge. Sergeant Petersen replied in the affirmative. Councilmember Paper asked if would be a maintenance agreement on the radios. Sergeant Petersen replied that this price includes a 2 -year repair service. After two years, an extended warranty can be purchased through the Dakota County Communications Center. Councilmember Miller asked if they anticipate getting 10 -years worth of service out of these radios. Sergeant Petersen replied that this is the industry standard and that is what they are anticipating. He then asked if the price increase at the end of January was for a newer model. Sergeant Petersen replied that it is not a newer model. The 2016 State Contract pricing has been extended through January 2017. Councilmember Duggan asked if there was any sales tax involved or if they were exempt. Sergeant Petersen stated that he believes that the department is exempt since it is a government agency. Councilmember Miller asked if in 5-6 years would the department be able to purchase new replacement radios and integrate them with the existing radios. Sergeant Petersen noted that there are several different models of police radios that are typically used. The model proposed is most similar to the one they are using now. However, since technology is always changing, there is the possibility that the new radios would not be compatible. Councilmember Petschel asked if the department would start saving money again after this purchase in anticipation of future purchases. Sergeant Petersen replied in the affirmative. Councilmember Duggan moved to authorize staff to sign the purchase agreement with Ancom for the purchase of 25 portable radios. Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 January 17, 2017 Mendota Heights City Council Page 8 COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Duggan congratulated Police Chief Kelly McCarthy now that she has been officially sworn in. He also congratulated Ms. Cheryl Jacobson, Assistant City Administrator, Mr. Timothy Benetti, Community Development Director, and Fire Chief David Dreelan. He then suggested that there be a brief overview of these people in the Heights Highlights. He also suggested that the City Commissions be highlighted in the newsletter, letting the public know who these people are and what they do. He expressed his appreciation to those who applied for the Parks and Recreation Commission and encouraged those who were not selected to try again in the future. Councilmember Miller congratulated Chief McCarthy, Fire Chief Dreelan, and Fire Chief Maczko for all of his years of service. He congratulated Mr. Bob Klepperich and Mr. Steve Goldade in their appointments to the Parks and Recreation Commission and expressed his appreciation to all of the other commissioners who serve in a volunteer capacity. Councilmember Paper expressed his appreciation to Fire Chief Maczko for his 39 years worth of service to the Fire Department. He extended congratulations and support to Dave Dreelan on his new appointment as Fire Chief. And he extended his congratulations to Chief McCarthy. Councilmember Petschel expressed her appreciation to the Public Works department for the salting and the plowing in the midst of all the winter weather events. The quality of the roads in Mendota Heights is much better than other municipalities she travels through. She received feedback from a resident that, in the process of plowing, public works destroyed his mailbox and before he could lodge a complaint, the public works people were in his yard replacing it. He wanted to be sure they were recognized for the wonderful job they do and how grateful he was. ADJOURN Councilmember Duggan moved to adjourn. Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Mayor Garlock adjourned the meeting at 8:22 p.m. ATTEST: .2„.0 Lorri Smith City Clerk Neil Garlock Mayor January 17, 2017 Mendota Heights City Council Page 9