2017-05-02 Council MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, May 2, 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 Duggan, Miller, Petschel, and
Paper were also present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council, the audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADOPTION
Mayor Garlock presented the agenda for adoption. Councilmember Petschel moved adoption of the
agenda.
Councilmember Paper seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
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 necessaxy documents contained therein, pulling items a) Approval of April 18, 2017
City Council Minutes, b) Approve Personnel Action — Acceptance of Police Officer Resignation, e)
Rogers Lake Aquatic Weed Treatment, and with the correction of the typo in g) Approve Ordinance 509
Amending City Code Section 7-2 Fire Code.
a. Approval of April 18, 2017 City Council Minutes
b. Approve Personnel Action — Acceptance of Police Officer Resignation - Jennifer Fordham
c. Approve Resolution 2017-34 Master Partnership Contract with the Minnesota Department of
Transportation
d. Approve Resolution 2017-33 Calling for Public Hearing on MnDOT Highway 149 Rehabilitation
Proj ect
e. Rogers Lake Aquatic Weed Treatment
£ Approve Out of State Travel Request — Fire Chief
g. Approve Ordinance 509 Amending City Code Section 7-2 Fire Code
h. Acknowledge March 2017 Building Activity Report
i. Approval of March 2017 Treasurer's Report
j. Approval of Claims List
Councilmember Miller seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEM
A) APPROVAL OF APRIL 18, 2017 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Councilmember Duggan noted that he felt that a lot of material shared at the meeting was omitted from
the minutes, in particular comments made by Councilmembers and the audience that should be
recognized.
Councilmember Petschel requested that Councilmember Duggan work with staff to have the comments
he felt should be included added to the minutes. Councilmember Duggan agreed.
Councilmember Petschel moved approval of the minutes with amendments to be made by
Councilmember Duggan.
Mayor Garlock seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
B) APPROVE PERSONNEL ACTION — ACCEPTANCE OF POLICE OFFICER RESIGNATION
Councilmember Petschel commented that it is with much sadness that the Council accepts the
resignation of Police Officer Jennifer (Fordham) Larrive effective May 12, 2017. She noted that Officer
Fordham has been one of the finest school resource officers that this City and school district have had.
Councilmember Miller, having worked with Officer Fordham in her capacity as a school liaison officer
at Henry Sibley, echoed Councilmember Petschel's comments and noted that she will be missed by staff
and the students at Henry Sibley.
Councilmember Petschel moved to accept with regret the resignation of Jennifer (Fordham) Larrive as
Police Officer for the City of Mendota Heights, effective May 12, 2017.
Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
E) ROGERS LAKE AQUATIC WEED TREATMENT
Councilmember Miller asked Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek to comment on why the Rogers Lake
homeowners association was dissatisfied with the previous year's water treatment. Mr. Ruzek replied
May 2, 2017 Me�zdota Heights Cit}� Council Page 2 of 12
that he had spoken with the president of the Rogers Lake Property Owners Association, who reported
that they felt that some of the treatments on their individual lots were lacking. Mr. Ruzek said that as a
City, staff has noticed good weed prevention in some of navigable waters and along the fishing pier. The
City received quotes from licensed applicators through the DNR; those quotes were provided to the
Rogers Lake Property Owners Association. The homeowners association chose to go with a new
company to see if it would work for them.
Councilmember Petschel stated that this is a line item in the City's budget and is something to review
this year depending on satisfaction with the treatments and costs. Mr. Ruzek noted that the water quality
of Rogers Lake is being monitored and if staff starts to see deterioration, the City would immediately
cease the treatments.
Councilmember Miller asked if the City has looked at expanding a similar program to other ponds. Mr.
Ruzek replied that ponds are green because of nutrients which get into them. He said that previous
Councils have discussed expanding the treatments, but have limited it to three lakes and not individual
ponds due to budget constraints. He said that homeowners are welcome to form their own neighborhood
groups and apply for a DNR permit, but they would not be sponsored by the City on local ponds.
Councilmember Miller asked if the ponds abutting parklands could be considered for treatment by the
City. Mr. Ruzek replied that residents could approach the City in those situations and that would be
reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Councilmember Duggan noted that 10 to 12 years ago, a survey was completed of all of the ponds and
the total came to approximately 96. The Council considered treatment to the top 25 (approx.) and that
was not desirable either. It was decided to treat only the three lakes. Another question raised at that time
was where to start the treatments--closer to the river, or closer to the beginning of the water flow? That
was never answered satisfactorily.
Councilmember Petschel clarified that approximately six years ago, the City completed random pond
testing. If a pond is functioning as it should, it may not look as attractive as someone thinks it should but
from a water quality testing aspect it could be functioning quite well. The ponds tested were all
functioning with a passing grade.
More recently, she said that there have been changes at the state level as far as possible regulations to
impose on cities. The Council has been reluctant to spend money on ponds until we know what the state
mandates are going to be. When new state guidelines are set, that is something the City will have to deal
with.
Councilmember Petschel noted that the residents around Stone Lake did their own treatments.
Councilmember Duggan noted that the organization that does the treatments, uses a natural enzyme that
does not degrade the water quality, and that the lake is now not too bad.
Mr. Ruzek added that consultant WSB and Associates is completing a surface water management plan
for the City. Part of this surface water management plan is evaluating the efficiency of every single pond
in the City. Once this report is finished, it will be presented to Council for comment. This report is timed
with the Comprehensive Plan updates.
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Councilmember Petschel moved to continue the weed control program with the cost share proposed by
the RLPOA, as proposed by Lake Improvement Consulting, LLC, for the total cost of $4,535; with the
city paying $1,535, and the homeowners association paying $3,000
Councilmember Miller seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
PRESENTATIONS
No items scheduled.
PUBLIC HEARING
No items scheduled.
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
RESOLUTION 2017-35 CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING
REGARDING THE CREATION OF A REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
FOR THE MENDOTA MOTEL/LARSON GREENHOUSE SITE
City Administrator Mark McNeill explained that this Redevelopment District is for two adjacent
properties; the Mendota Motel and the former Larson Greenhouse. The properties are located at 2160
and 2180 Highway 13. The properties would be consolidated into a single Redevelopment District. The
City has been working with a potential developer, Michael Development, towards renovation of the site
that would involve site acquisition and soil cleanup. The development costs make this financially
unfeasible; therefore, the developer is requesting assistance from the City by way of tax increment
financing.
Staff anticipates that there would be 10 years of tax forgoing on the part of the City, the school district,
and the county. Those dollars would go to reimburse the developer for his up-front costs in redeveloping
the property.
The action before the Council is a request to pass a resolution calling for a public hearing. The public
hearing would take place on June 20, 2017, with a notice sent to the school district and to Dakota
County so they are able to submit any comments.
Councilmember Duggan asked, referring to "the proposed modification to the Development Program for
Municipal Development District No. 1, the proposed establishment of Tax Increment Financing District
No. 2" as stated in the proposed resolution, if maps would be made available so the Council knows
where is District 1 and where is District 2. Administrator McNeill pointed out the location and explained
that whatever maps the Council needs would be provided.
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Referring to the Schedule of Events that reads, "City Council approves the Modification to the
Development Program for Municipal Development District No. 1", Councilmember Duggan asked if
Council would receive a copy of the development program. Administrator McNeill replied in the
affirmative.
Councilmember Duggan suggested that somewhere along the line, referencing to the schedule of events,
that someone create a seven to ten history of the taxes on both properties for consideration — to help the
Council make a determination. Administrator McNeill replied that this information would be provided
as requested.
Councilmember Duggan, referencing the schedule of events, asked what an Inter-fund Loan is.
Administrator McNeill replied that an Inter-fund Loan would allow the City to set up tax increment
financing and get reimbursed for some of its expenses.
Councilmember Duggan would also appreciate it if the Finance Director could keep separate records of
all of the legal costs involved that the City would pay. Administrator McNeill replied that this is why the
City is establishing a tax increment district, so that the City can get reimbursed for its costs.
Councilmember Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2017-35, CALLING FOR A PUBLIC
HEARING ON THE PROPOSED MODIFICATION TO THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR
MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 AND THE PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF
TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT NO. 2 THERElN AND THE ADOPTION OF THE TAX
1NCREMENT FINANCING PLAN THEREFOR.
Mayor Garlock seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Councilmember Petschel moved to call for a Council work session to be held at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday,
May 16, 2017, to discuss this item further.
Councilmember Miller seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
RESOLUTION 2017-31 APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR
RANDY AND BECKY PENTEL, 815 DEER TRAIL COURT
Community Development Director Tim Benetti explained that this request was for a Conditional Use
Permit by Randy and Becky Pentel, 815 Deer Trail Court. The Pentel residence consists of just over 0.67
acres with a 4,670 square foot dwelling with a 784 square foot, 3 car attached garage. The Pentels are
looking at adding a 690 square foot addition to their existing garage from 784 square feet to 1,473
square feet. As part of the City's ordinance, a single family home is allowed up to 1,200 square feet of
garage space without any special provisions or permissions; 1,200 —1,500 square feet requires a
Conditional Use Permit.
May 2, 2017 Mendota Heights City Council Page S of 12
Director Benetti explained that the plan is to add the additional space on the east side of the existing
garage. They intend to remove the 9-foot wide door, add the addition, and install a second 16-foot wide
door. Currently, the code says that a resident can have up to 361inear feet of garage doors.
Director Benetti also noted that the garage would have an upper level and a lower level. They plan to
excavate under the existing garage space and under the new garage space, allowing for additional
storage under the garage. It was indicated that no part of the bottom level could be used as `garage'
space. The plan is to add an access point to the bottom level from the basement level of their home.
Councilmember Miller asked if the neighbors were notified. Director Benetti confirmed that the
neighbors had been informed and staff has not received any comments, either for or against.
Councilmember Duggan asked if this requires an earth movement permit. Director Benetti replied that
usually that type of permit would be required if they were spreading the excavated dirt out, changing the
grade or elevations around the new addition. However, this could be easily handled under the
requirements of the new building permit.
Councilmember Duggan noted that on the east side, the land drops off. He asked if this would cause a
problem. Director Benetti replied that it does not at this point.
Councilmember Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2017-31, APPROVING A CONDITIONAL
USE PERMIT TO RANDY & BECKY PENTEL AT 815 DEER TRAIL COURT.
Councilmember Miller seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
RESOLUTION 2017-32 APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT OF
THE OAKS OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, 2511 — 2525 CONDON COURT
Community Development Director Tim Benetti explained that this request was submitted by Mr. Dick
Bjorklund. The property is located at 2511 and 2525 Condon Court, consisting of two parcels. On July
27, 2015 a Preliminary Plat had been approved to accommodate for two twin-home parcels and a single-
family parcel. The only change added was a request to Mr. Bjorklund to modify the corner of the parcel
from the northern lot that he plans to keep and build his own home on, to accommodate for additional
utilities.
He said that the delay from 2015 to now was that the owner needed to bring utilities to the site. He has
worked that out, so all of the sanitary, electrical, and utilities will be provided for as part of this project.
Councilmember Duggan asked for clariiication of item 2 in the resolution that reads, "The proposed
final plat meets the purpose and intent of the Zonzng Code, including proposed uses, lot size, lot width
and setbacks"; however, the next sentence reads, "The lot widths for Lots 1, 2, and 3 meet the intent of
the Code in terms of access and adequate spacing, even though they do not meet the letter of the Code
definition." Director Benetti replied that he believed that the access points onto Condon Court were
smaller than the code requires. However, the approval was made back in 2015 to allow for developer to
May 2, 2017 Me�zdota Heights City Council Page 6 of 12
acquire a segment of land from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) in order make
the individual lots meet the minimum lot size, and which also provide adequate frontage space along
Condon Court. Staff believes that this is still consistent with the Preliminary Plat.
Councilmember Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2017-32, APPROVING FINAL PLAT FOR
THE OAKS OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS 2511 AND 2525 CONDON COURT.
Mayor Garlock seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Mr. Dick Bjorklund came forward and expressed his appreciation to the Council for approving the Final
Plat as it took four years to get to this point. He also noted that it was a pleasure to work with Public
Works Director Ryan Ruzek and Community Development Director Tim Benetti.
COUNCIL DIRECTION OF A PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO ALLOW
PYLON/FREESTANDING SIGNS IN THE B-1 AND B-lA COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS
Community Development Director Tim Benetti explained that this was a request from staff for Council
direction. Staff received a request from a local business owner located in the B-lA zone. He owns an
office building and has requested a pylon or free-standing sign for his business. Staff realized that the
code does not allow free-standing signs in the B-lA district. However, there axe a number of these signs
located in the B-1 and B-lA districts. The current code does allow pylon or freestanding signs in the B-
2, B3, and B-4 districts.
Director Benetti shared an image of where the B-1 and B-lA zoning districts are located and shared
images of various pylon/free-standing signs. If the Code change is recommended, approval of this
would be presented at a public hearing at the May 23, 2017 Planning Commission meeting and, if
approval is recommended, it would be brought back to the City Council for adoption on June 6, 2017.
Councilmember Petschel commented that there has been growing pains in the City in regards to signage
and gave various examples. She expressed her hope that Director Benetti would address size, materials,
setbacks, and lighting as part of this ordinance change.
Councilmember Duggan requested to see what other areas of the City include B-1 and B-lA zones that
would be impacted. Director Benetti shared the City's Official Zoning Map and pointed out the five
areas. Councilmember Duggan asked if there was a way of distinguishing between a pylon or
freestanding sign and a monument sign in the ordinance. Director Benetti replied that the ordinance
could be written in any way chosen and be amended in any way chosen.
Councilmember Petschel moved to direct staff to proceed with a proposed zoning ordinance amendment
to certain parts of City Code Title 12-1D-15: Signs, specifically allowing pylon or freestanding signs in
the B-1 Limited Business and B-lA Business Park Districts.
Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
May 2, 2017 �l7endota Heights City Cou�zcil Page 7 of 12
AUTHORIZE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE COMPLETION OF
A JOB CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION STUDY
Assistant City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson presented a request to authorize a Request for Proposal
(RFP) for the completion of a classification and compensation study. She further noted that as part of
complying with the Local Government Pay Equity Act, the City is required to maintain a Classification
and Compensation Plan to serve as the basis for pay equity. She said that every three years the City is
required to analyze its pay structure for evidence of inequities and to report to Minnesota Department of
Management and Budget the results of this analysis. The City's next pay equity report is due in January,
2018.
While the City has been in compliance in previous pay equity reports, a comprehensive classification
and compensation review has not been completed for a number of years. The City is currently using a
job evaluation system that was retired in the 1980's. As new job classifications and job descriptions
have been received, staff has modified the job evaluation system incrementally to account for those
changes.
The RFP would invite qualified consultants to submit responses for the completion of a study. The scope
of the services include review of the current job descriptions as well as the classifications, the
establishment of a job evaluation system, a review of its internal equity, as well as its market
competitiveness with comparable cities within the area. The RFP also asks the selected consultant to
complete the City's Pay Equity Report for submittal in January 2018, which would allow the City to test
out the new job evaluation system and the new points system for classification against the pay equity
requirements.
If approved, the project would start in June, 2017 and be completed in October, 2017. Assistant
Administrator Jacobson noted that any changes recommended from the study would need to be
implemented by the end of the year.
Councilmember Petschel asked if the Pay Equity Report is due in January 2018, then when would salary
adjustments become effective? City Administrator McNeill replied that if the City does have to make
modifications, it can be done as late as December 31, 2017 and still be in compliance for the January
reporting time. An allocation for salary adjustments will be put into the 2018 budget. He also stated that
the four unions are up for negotiations later this year.
Councilmember Duggan asked if the evaluation would only be for non-union positions or for all
employees. Assistant Administrator Jacobson replied that the RFP is looking at non-union positions. The
City is required to inform and be transparent with the labor unions with any changes that are made. The
pay structure for the union positions is a result of negotiations.
Councilmember Duggan asked if the Employee Demographics, under the section titled Background,
that indicates that the City currently employs 3 8 full-time employees and 6 part-time employees — are
these the people that are being addressed in relation to this RFP. Assistant Administrator Jacobson
replied that that is the full count of staff and is an overview of what the City employment looks like.
May 2, 2017 Mendota Heights Cdty Council Page 8 of 12
Councilmember Duggan suggested a`not to exceed' built into the RFP. Administrator McNeill noted
that staff would like to ensure that they get a functioning project. Assistant Administrator Jacobson
noted that under the cost proposal description, a`not to exceed' cost breakdown of the firm's rates is
included.
Councilmember Petschel moved to authorize the Request for Proposals for the completion of a Job
Classification and Compensation Study.
Mayor Garlock seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
SET CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP DATE FOR GOAL SETTING SESSION
City Administrator McNeill recommended the Council have a facilitated goal setting session, to identify
and prioritize goals through December 2018. He noted that a colleague of his has offered to facilitate
this goal setting session for the City at no cost. That individual has done this for another city and
produced a product that Administrator McNeill feels the Council would be happy with.
Mayor Garlock noted that since three Councilmembers are relatively new, this goal setting session
would be a good idea.
Administrator McNeill noted that the suggested timeframe for this meeting would be four hours. The
Councilmembers set the date/time for this goal setting session for Monday, May 22 from 1:00 p.m. to
5:00 p.m.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Duggan applauded the Council for the in depth discussions that were had over the last
three months. He met a couple of Police Officers that came to his house. He was very impressed that the
officers showed up to check on his home. He acknowledged Police Chief McCarthy for the progress in
the Police Department.
Councilmember Duggan suggested that staff give an update on the Mendota Plaza construction.
He said that he has paid close attention several times to the discussion on the group homes and he felt
that a lot of comments were made were not included in the minutes. It's a challenging situation and the
Council is somewhat limited in what they can do. He pointed out that the City can make changes to
these ordinances and languages that come from the state; they just have to be done in the right way. He
suggested a letter be sent to our legislators expressing the City's concerns.
He pointed out that Mr. Tom Novitsky has gone through a lot of trouble to review state statute language.
Councilmember Duggan has gone to many Metropolitan Council meetings and this has always been a
bone of contention; however, no one seems to be willing to take a leadership role. He believed
May 2, 2017 Mendota Heights Ciry Council Page 9 of 12
something could be done to alleviate the situation. He believes the City does have a case — especially
when the concept of neighborhood is thought of. He said that limits on the number of residential
facilities could be set; however, the City has to work through the legislature to get that to happen. He
believes Minneapolis has a separate agreement whereby group homes cannot be closer than a quarter of
a mile apart.
Councilmember Duggan expressed his thoughts on The Village development. He was glad that the
Council had the fortitude to say no to a five-story building in a residential area. If the character of a
neighborhood is going to change dramatically, as he felt that a five story building would have, then that
is against all of the people that have come to live in Mendota Heights. He felt that that has to be taken
into consideration. The answer he gets from most people is that they like the design of The Village; the
challenge is how to fit in the rest of it.
He believes the Council needs to establish a traffic report of Dodd and 110; particularly north of 110, so
the Council could then compare what is now and also take into consideration a large development at The
Village. "Livability and Walkability" is how and why The Village was developed initially.
He continued by stating that `misinformation' was mentioned during the discussion about The Village
and noted that one of the things that should be remembered is that if someone were to establish a
business, they should be expected to expend funds for studies, feasibility, and other reports in relation to
establishing a business. That is part of the cost of doing business. It would be reflected in the rents they
charge or however they se11 their product.
He said that Mr. (Greg) Konat and others made excellent points at the previous meeting, and he has
asked the Council to review and work with the comments that were made at the meeting so that
everyone could have them going forward to another meeting.
He asked what the Council is going to do to preserve and maintain the city that they love. The Council
needs to be thinking along those terms; and the community needs to be invited to join in those
discussions. Sometimes developers do not like what the City tells them they have to do or should do. He
believes it is appropriate for the City to do that because it is `our' city.
Councilmember Duggan stated he still believes Mendota Heights is a`gem of a city'. However, he does
not believe it is the task of the City to provide retirement homes, active homes or otherwise, in the
community for everyone who wants to retire there. He said that that is not the goal, the job, or the
challenge of a city.
Councilmember Paper congratulated Henry Sibley High School for making the top 30 in the US News &
World Report in academics.
He also expressed his appreciation to Police Officer Jennifer (Fordham) Larrive for her service and
wished her luck at the state level.
Councilmember Miller echoed Councilmember Paper's comments about Officer Larrive as she will be
missed and he wished her the best as well.
May 2, 2017 Mendota Heiglats City Cou�acil Page 10 of 12
He pointed out that Friday is Cinco de Mayo and reminded residents of a great Mexican restaurant just
down the street, Teresa's at The Plaza.
Mayor Gaxlock commented that he worked with Police Officer Jennifer (Fordham) Larrive for 13 years.
She served at Henry Sibley for ten yeaxs. Her work at Henry Sibley High School and with Special
Olympics should not go unnoticed. She will be deeply missed.
Councilmember Petschel mentioned Jimmy Reagan, and his parents Brian and Peg Reagan who live in
our community. She said that Jimmy was diagnosed with autism when he was two. After many years of
struggling with his physical and mental health, almost completely by accident, he was introduced to
painting. Through painting, Jimmy found his voice. He loved painting and studying various painters. If
one sees his work they will see that he has been very much influenced by Vincent Van Gogh in terms of
the way he lays paint on his canvases and the way that he uses color. His works have been displayed
locally, nationally, and internationally. There is also a Facebook page that is called "Through Jimmy's
Eyes". This is the way for him to tell everyone this is how he sees the world.
She announced that as of May 18, at a store called Debut in the Mall of America, there are various
accessories for sale that have been created using Jimmy's artwork. She encouraged everyone to stop in.
She also expressed her appreciation to the legal team of Eckberg & Lammers, who put on a wonderful
seminar on April 27t1i, which encompassed everything the City has been dealing with — code
enforcement, street assessments, and guidelines on how to deal with these issues and making dealing
with them perhaps in a more uniformed way. The nice thing was that the other cities they represent were
all present. She noted that there is nothing that Mendota Heights has experienced that is not experienced
in other cities. She took notes and there are a couple of things she would like to follow-up on in terms
of code enforcement and assessments during the goal setting session.
Councilmember Petschel also shared that a number of years ago (2014), MSP airport was struggling
with the whole concept of Area Navigation, which is precision navigation — flying by computer and
GPS. The FAA had some ideas for implementing precision navigation departures here and it was met
with resistance from the surrounding communities. However, that is a federal mandate. The Noise
Oversight Committee (NOC) drafted a document of what the FAA needed to accomplish if they were
going to implement Area Navigation. The FAA was also asked to consider implementing `continuous
descent approach', which is precision navigation on the landings.
The MAC is very proud of this document; it passed unanimously at the NOC, passed unanimously at the
MAC, was not unanimously supported by the ARC (Airport Relations Commission) and was not
unanimously supported by the City Council. Since that time, that document has become a roadmap for
every other city in the United States in terms of how do we implement Area Navigation over their city.
As of today, 80% of the planes approaching our airport are using continuous descent procedure. The
belief is that since they are gliding, they are using less fuel and it reduces the carbon footprint.
She said that the Noise Oversight Committee had charged the MAC staff with finding ways to prove the
fuel savings and the reduction in the carbon footprint. MAC developed a"Slope Tool", which is now
May 2, 2017 Alendota HezgJats City Council Page 11 of 12
going to be used nationally, to assess who is using continuous descent approach, which aircraft, and how
much fuel is being saved, and how much carbon is not being put in the atmosphere.
The results are out and the information can now be quantified. As a result, the slope tool itself and the
efforts made by the MAC staff received an award from the Airports Council of America, an
international award from the Airport Council International, and the Environmental Achievement Award.
They are now saving 29 million gallons of fuel a year and they are burning 28,465 fewer metric tons of
carbon emissions in to the atmosphere surrounding the airport.
She said that she is very proud of this accomplishment. She said that it is a story of — do you really have
convictions and are you willing to see those convictions through despite push backs, if you really are
convinced this is for the great good of the metro area or the City of Mendota Heights.
She expressed her admiration for the staff or elected representatives that she served with. It was one of
the most honorable, honest, candid, talented group of people that she has ever worked with. Councilor
Petschel said that she is a different person because of that experience.
ADJOURN
Councilmember Petschel moved to adj ourn.
Councilmember Miller seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Mayor Garlock adjourned the meeting at 8:27 p.m.
I ��
Neil Garlock
Mayor
ATTES •
• �
Lorri Smith
City Clerk
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