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2017-03-28 Council MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, March 28, 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 called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilmembers Miller, Petschel, and Paper were also present. Councilmember Duggan was absent. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council, the audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA ADOPTION Mayor Garlock added item 7a. Pilot Knob Historic Site Designation to the agenda. Councilmember Miller moved adoption of the agenda as amended. Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Duggan) CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Garlock presented the consent calendar and explained the procedure for discussion and approval. Councilmember Petschel moved approval of the consent calendar as presented and authorization for execution of any necessary documents contained therein. a. Approval of March 21, 2017 City Council Minutes b. Approval of March 21, 2017 Council Workshop Minutes c. Approval of Wine and 3.2% Malt Liquor License Transfer — King and I Thai Corporation d. Approve JPA with Dakota County for the Wetland Health Evaluation Program (WHEP) e. Approve Out of Metro Area Travel Request for Conference £ Approval of Claims List Councilmember Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Duggan) ATarch 28, 2017 Mendota Heights City Council Page 1 of S PUBLIC COMMENTS Ms. Mary Ann Bailey, 2132 Theresa Street, noted that she has lived in Mendota Heights for 37 years and has never been ashamed to admit that she lives here. However, she is concerned about recent events that continue to lead to embarrassing news stories about our police department. It is having a negative affect on the City's reputation. She feels those news stories were fueled by people in the community that have distributed misinformation and ignored significant facts. The new highly qualified and competent police chief deserves full support — not interference in the execution of her duties. She respectfully requested that the Councilmembers remember that they were elected to serve the citizens of Mendota Heights; not friends who are looking for their influence. As residents, the community deserves no less. PRESENTATIONS A) PILOT KNOB HISTORIC SITE PLACED ON NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES Ms. Gail Lewellan, 656 Sibley Memorial Highway, is the co-chair of the Pilot Knob Preservation Association. She explained that the Pilot Knob Natural Area has been added to the National Register of Historic Places due to its long-standing historical and sacred significance. This listing was based on an application that was submitted by the Pilot Knob Preservation Association. There are 112 acres of the hill that are listed in the nomination, including all of Acacia Park Cemetery, approximately 35 acres owned by the City of Mendota Heights, and additional private land. All of the landowners had been notified of the proposed listing and none filed objections during the public comment period. The residents of Mendota Heights have long known Pilot Knob as a place of stunning vistas and a lovely natural area. Before that, it was visited by the Dakota people and other Native Americans. It was known, very importantly, as a gathering place, a sacred ceremonial site, and burial ground. Ms. Lewellan then shared an image of a painting done by Mr. Seth Eastman, an officer in the army stationed at F�rt Snelling in the mid 18�' century, who thought this was an important site. In his relationship with the Dakota community, he also painted a picture of a ceremonial gathering on Pilot Knob (prints are available at the Historical Society). Ms. Lewellan shared other historical information on the Pilot Knob Natural Area, which were significant details in the awarding of this area being added to the National Register of Historic Places. She also noted that the Dakota people still find this an important place to visit. She read a brief statement from Ms. Darlene St. Clair, an associate professor at St. Cloud State University and a member of the Lower Sio� Indian Community. The Pilot Knob Preservation Association will be updating the pocket guide that is available. Ms. Lewellan expressed appreciation to everyone, including the City of Mendota Heights, for their support and recognition of this gem. March 28, 2017 Mendota Heights City Cou�acil Page 2 of 5 PUBLIC HEARING No items scheduled. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) MENDOTA PLAZA ACCESS ROADS IDENTIFIED AS PRIVATE ROADS Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that the businesses located in the Mendota Plaza site, at Dodd Road and Highway 110, are addressed off of State Highway 110. Currently, construction is taking place for an apartment building at this site, which would then have an address off Highway 110. In working with the apartment complex, they are requesting an address that is not based on a state highway. Staff suggested that the local access roads running through the Mendota Plaza Development be named as private streets. They would then be allowed to have an address that would be off of the private street. Paster Properties is proposing to name the main north/south road as South Plaza Way and the east/west access road as North Plaza Drive. These are based on an existing public street called South Plaza Drive, which is just south of the development property. One concern raised by staff is that there is similarity between South Plaza Drive and South Plaza Way. Councilmember Petschel asked what the status was of changing the name of Highway 110 to Highway 62 that was being considered by the State of Minnesota. Mr. Ruzek replied that the state contacted the city with a suggestion that they would like to change Highway 110 to Highway 62 designation. The state is looking to ease some confusion around the airport. Councilmember Petschel moved to approve the designation of street names as North Plaza Drive and South Plaza Way for the new streets within Mendota Plaza. Councilmember Miller seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Duggan) B) APPROVE PLANS AND AUTHORIZE AN AD FOR BIDS FOR THE MENDOTA HEIGHTS ROAD STREET IMPROVEMENTS Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that the construction plans are complete for the Mendota Heights Road street improvements project. He explained the scope of the plan, which includes the rehabilitation of Mendota Heights Road from Lexington Avenue to Dodd Road (Highway 149), Condon Court, Bedford Court, Claremont Drive (reconstruction), Concord Way, Lockwood Drive, Stockbridge Road, and Whitfield Drive. This project also includes an extension of a sanitary sewer from Lake Drive to Condon Court. Near Lexington and Mendota Heights Road, the trail would be extended in front of the RJ Ryan property, allowing for a perpendicular crosswalk at the Lexington and Mendota Heights Road intersection. Restriping conf'igurations would also occur creating a right turn lane onto northbound Lexington Avenue. March 28, 2017 Me�zdota Heights City Council Page 3 of S Mr. Ruzek explained the proposed improvement project including reclamation of existing bituminous roadways in some areas, depth of bituminous base courses and bituminous wear courses, curb and gutter repairs, catch basin repairs, sanitary sewer extensions, trail improvements, and pedestrian curb ramps — for each section of the project. The total estimated cost of the project is $2,533,877. Funding sources would include $1,075,185 from assessments, $1,048,342 from municipal bonds, $300,000 from MSA funds, and $110,250 from utility funds. Mr. Ruzek explained how Henry Sibley High School was assessed in the 2016 project. Staff provided estimates of how St. Thomas Academy and Visitation High School would be assessed if they were assessed the same way as Henry Sibley High School. Mr. Ruzek noted that no formal action needs to be taken on any of the assessments amounts now; however, staff would appreciate direction from the Council regarding the assessment methods for the schools located on Mendota Heights Road. Councilmember Paper asked if staff would be tying completion dates for the project into the contract. Mr. Ruzek replied in the affirmative; however, the specifications are not complete. While exact dates have not been determined, Mr. Ruzek has worked with Park and Recreation Coordinator Sloan Wallgren, who has provided the dates of the summer soccer league. Staff will try to have the base course installed prior to the start of the summer soccer leagues. The final lift would not be installed until the completion of the soccer season. Councilmember Miller asked if there were any concerns with waiting to put the final lift on from a temperature standpoint. Mr. Ruzek replied that they do not anticipate any issues. Councilmember Petschel asked if staff was looking for direction in terms of uniformity of assessing procedures. Mr. Ruzek replied that the assessment policy has been brought up on previous projects. Councilmember Petschel noted that everyone should be treated the same — if staff assesses one school zoned residential one way, then the other schools that are zoned residential should also be assessed that same way. Councilmember Petschel also noted that new signage and/or parking restrictions should be considered to help the residents in this area during the soccer season. City Attorney Tom Lehmann stated that this action requires a four-fifths vote rather than the simple majority vote as indicated in the staff report. Councilmember Paper moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2016-28 APPROVING FINAL PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, AND AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR THE MENDOTA HEIGHTS ROAD & KENSINGTON STREET IMPROVEMENTS (PROJECT #201409 & 201616). Councilmember Miller seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 , Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Duggan) March 28, 2017 Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 of 5 Councilmember Petschel noted, in regards to the previous project, that she would like to see the City have a policy on roads being turned back to the City. She stated that what usually happens is that when the development is newly completed, the residents state that they want their road to be private. Then, when the road deteriorates to a certain point, the group decides that they no longer want the road to be private. She would like to have a policy on that. She suggested that this be put on the work plan for this year. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Paper congratulated the Pilot Knob Preservation Association on the new designation. It is well earned. Councilmember Miller publicly thanked the people who have sent him emails over the past week and he encouraged them to continue. He appreciates hearing the residents' comments and opinions on issues the Council talks about. Mayor Garlock thanked Ms. Lewellan for all of her hard work. He encouraged residents to visit the Pilot Knob historical site. Councilmember Petschel noted that there are school children that visit the Pilot Knob site. She expressed her appreciation, along with Councilmember Duggan's, for all of the hard work that went into proclaiming this a national historical site. Councilmember Petschel complimented the Police Department on their Facebook page. She stated she has received much positive feedback. ADJOURN Councilmember Paper moved to adjourn. Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Duggan) Mayor Garlock adjourned the meeting at 7:41 p.m. ��� �� Neil Garlock Mayor ATTEST: � Lorri Smith City Clerk Ma�~ch 28, 2017 Mendota Heigl2ts City Council Page 5 of 5