2017-10-03 Council MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, October 3, 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, MN.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Garlocic called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilmembers Duggan, Paper, and Petschel
were also present. Absent: Councilmember Miller.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council, the audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADOPTION
Mayor Garlock presented the agenda for adoption. City Administrator Mark McNeill requested that item
6h be pulled and forwarded to the Traffic Safety Committee for their review. Councilmember Petschel
moved adoption of the revised agenda.
Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 (Miller)
FIlZE DEPARTMENT PINNING
City Administrator Mark McNeill stated that this is beginning a new tradition and firefighters would be
publicly recognized when they are promoted to an officer position.
Fire Chief Dave Dreelan explained that captains on the Fire Department are appointed to four year
terms. Any firefighter that meets the minimum requirements for the position is encouraged to apply.
This year, six individuals applied for the two open captain positions.
Chief Dreelan publicly recognized Captain Jeff Stenhaug who has been a member of the Mendota
Heights Fire Department for 37 years, and a Captain for 33 years. He was chosen by the selection
committee to retain his position of Captain for another four years.
At this time, Chief Dreelan introduced Firefighter Patrick Noack. He has been promoted to captain. Pat
is a third generation Mendota Heights Firefighter. Pat has been with the Mendota Heights Fire
Deparhnent for 10 years and is employed by the South Metro Fire Department as a career firefighter.
City Administrator Mark McNeill presided over the swearing in of Captain Patrick Noack. Mr. Noack's
wife pinned his Captain's pin to his uniform.
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 September 19, 2017 City Council Minutes
b. Acknowledge the August 22, 2017 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
c. Acknowledge the August 23, 2017 Planning Commission Special Minutes
d. Acknowledge the August 8, 2017 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
e. Acknowledge the August 9, 2017 Airport Relations Commission Minutes
f. Approval of Public Works Department Hires
g. Approval of the Purchase and Installation of Wireless Network Equipment for the Fire Station
h. Deferred to a later date
i. Approve Resolution 2017-86, Supporting Dakota County 2018-2022 Capital Improvement Plan
j. Authorize Installation of Electronic Door Access and Panic Button System for City Hall
k. Authorize Traffic Studies for Lake Drive and Delaware Avenue by KLJ Engineering
1. Acknowledgement of the August 2017 Building Activity Report
m. Acknowledgement of the August 2017 Fire Synopsis
n. Approval of the August 2017 Treasurer's Report
o. Approval of Claims List
Councilmember Paper seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 (Miller)
There were no public comments.
No items scheduled.
PUBLIC COMI��NTS
PRESENTATIONS
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A) RESOLUTION 2017-81, APPROVING A STREET VACATION OF HILLTOP AVENLJE
LYING EASTERLY OF STATE TRUNI� HIGHWAY NO. 13 ROW AND THE WESTERLY
ROW LINE OF THOMAS STREET (F/K/A MISSISSIPPI AVENt_JE) — MENDOTA HEIGHTS
APARTMENTS / MICHAEL DEVELOPMENT, LLC
Community Development Director Tim Benetti explained this was a public hearing on a street vacation
of Hilltop Avenue. The property is located between the former Larsen Garden Center site and the former
Mendota Motel site. This was originally platted as "Doughty Street" under the original Adelia Taylor's
Addition to the City of St. Paul in 1887. Later, it was replatted as Hilltop Avenue under the Furlong
Addition in 1946. There is no record of Hilltop Avenue ever serving any public purpose. The vacation is
approximately 415 feet long and 60 feet wide at its mid-point. It is unbuildable in its current form.
Michael Development requested this vacated parcel be added to Lot 1, Phase 1 of their development.
October 3, 2017 Mendota Heights Czty Council Page 2 of II
Mr. Benetti explained that State Statute 412.851 allows a City Council, by resolution to vacate any
street. When there has been no petition, the resolution may be adopted by a four-fifths vote of the
Council.
Mayor Garlock moved to open the public hearing.
Councilmember Paper seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 (Miller)
Mr. David Hiner, 1295 Kendon Lane, asked if the City owns this property, and has the City invested
money into the property. If yes, then the property should be sold to Michael Development. City
Administrator Mark McNeill replied that the City does not own title to this property. This had been
platted as a right-of-way for a future street only.
Councilmember Duggan moved to close the public hearing.
Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 (Miller)
Councilmember Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2017-81 APPROVING A STREET
VACATION OF HILLTOP AVENUE LYING EASTERLY OF HIGHWAY NO. 13 AND WEST OF
THOMAS STREET.
Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 (Miller)
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A) RESOLUTION 2017-82, APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO WOODSPRING
HOTELS FOR A NEW 122 ROOM WOODSPRING SUITES HOTEL FACILITY—LOCATED
AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF NORTHLAND DRIVE AND PILOT KNOB ROAD
(PLANNING CASE 2017-22)
Community Development Director Tim Benetti explained that WoodSpring Hotels of Wichita, KS has
applied for a Conditional Use Permit for a proposed 122 room, 4-story hotel on the vacant site generally
located on the southeast corner of the intersection of Northland Drive and Pilot Knob Road. The parcel
is currently zoned Industrial, is 3.76 acres in size, and is adjacent to the Courtyard by Marriott and the
Fairfield Inn. Industrial uses are to the west and the north of the site.
Mr. Benetti referenced the architectural drawings and explained how the height of the building is
determined. In the Industrial District, no building can exceed 45 feet in height. The code allows for the
measurement of the building height to be from the highest point to the lowest point of a gabled roo£ In
this case, it worked out to be 42 feet 5 inches.
October 3, 2017 Mendota Heights Ciry Council Page 3 of ll
Mr. Benetti explained that the footprint of the building is anticipated to be approximately 12,000 square
feet with a building-to-land ratio of 7.5%. The grading plan shows extensive grading for the eastern
edge and the southern edge of the property to tie into the grades off of the adjacent property to the east
and to the state right-of-way to the south. A new pond system would be installed and all utilities are
being brought in either from Northland Drive or from Pilot Knob Road.
A landscape plan was reviewed by the Planning Commission. The applicant is proposing 27 deciduous
type trees, 19 evergreen trees, 11 ornamentals, and a number of shrubs and perennials. The plan was
reviewed by the Dakota County Master Gardeners and they have made some recommendations.
All of the parking will take place in the front and along the sides of the building, with an access road in
the rear. Per City Code, one parking space per room is required. The plan shows a total of 135 parking
spaces, 13 more than the number of rooms.
Mr. Benetti reviewed the proposed signage plan which includes four small monument entry-type signs,
wall signs on each side of the building, a freestanding monument sign at the back of the building, and a
25 foot monopole sign which is 96.45 square feet. Mr. Benetti explained that Title 12-1D-15 Subpart I.4
Comprehensive Sign Plan provides an exception in that a comprehensive sign plan can be presented to
the Planning Commission for approval and the Council can grant extra allowances without approving it
through a variance request.
In response to a question from Councilmember Duggan, Mr. Benetti explained this is a Comprehensive
Sign Plan. Councilmember Duggan continued by stating that he believes that the plan is appropriate.
While reviewing the traffic analysis and the limitations inflicted by the Minnesota Department of
Transportation (MnDOT), Councilmember Petschel noted her major concern is that hotel guests may
have a difficult time when trying to return to the freeway. Mr. Benetti expressed his agreement but with
all of the mapping software available on cell phones, signage, and good communication from the hotel,
he was confident that the guests would find their way.
Councilmember Duggan asked what the distance was from the westerly exit of the proposed hotel
parking lot to the intersection with Pilot Knob. He and Mr. Benetti estimated it to be approximately 115
feet. Councilmember Duggan stated he has driven through the area and believed there is enough
spacing from that entrance to Pilot Knob Road. Councilmember Duggan suggested that the easterly exit
from the property may be the better.
Councilmember Duggan asked if a response had been received from MnDOT on their assessment of this
application. Mr. Benetti replied that if any permits are required from MnDOT, the applicant would
submit those separately.
Councilmember Petschel observed that this is a great location in regards to the Ma11 of America, the
Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport, and the Viking facility, all located nearby. She expressed her appreciation
of the nice look of the exterior of the building.
Mr. Scott Bixler, Senior Vice President of Development at WoodSpring Hotels, expressed his
appreciation for the positive comments. In regards to the entrance, it is approximately 150 feet from the
intersection. He believes that people will want to exit on the easterly side. They will figure out more
directive signage component to help. WoodSpring Hotels is excited about coming to Mendota Heights
and wants to get going on the project very soon.
October 3, 2017 Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 of ll
Councilmember Paper asked if there was going to be any type of ineeting room space in the hoteL Mr.
Bixler replied that there is a small meeting place near the front of the hotel, but no large meeting rooms.
Councilmember Duggan suggested that, as they make up the brochures to direct their guests on local
venues, they give a little preference to the businesses in Mendota Heights. Mr. Bixler agreed and stated
he feels it is important for their company to become part of the community.
Councilmember Duggan asked if there has been any thought of including a coffee shop for their guests.
Mr. Bixler replied that one of the strategies behind their concept is to try to be simple and
straightforward, to keep the costs down for the consumers. However, hotels are always evolving and
they could take that into consideration. This concept going in here is relatively new.
Councilmember Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2017-82, APPROVING A CONDITIONAL
USE PERMIT TO WOODSPRING HOTELS LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF
NORTHLAND DRIVE AND PILOT KNOB ROAD.
Mayor Garlock seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 (Miller)
B) RESOLUTION 2017-83, APPROVING A WETLANDS PERMIT FOR TIM DYR�IAUG AT
1773 SUTTON LANE (PLANNING CASE 2017-24)
Community Development Director Tim Benetti explained Mr. Tim Dyrhaug has submitted an
application for a Wetlands Permit to help facilitate the removal and replacement of retaining wall
systems in the back of his home; replacement/repair of a concrete footing pier; and the select removal of
dead or diseased trees and invasive/noxious vegetation in and around the area of work.
The property is located just south of Marie Avenue, with three city-owned lots located to the south of
Mr. Dyrhaug's residence, each being approximately 0.5 acres in size. There is an existing 1.75 story
single-family home on the property. As part of this application, Mr. Dyrhaug requested temporary
construction access through the city parcel for a clear access to the backyard.
Mr. Benetti shared images of the retaining walls and concrete footing piers that show signs of
deterioration, and vegetation that needs to be removed. The current wood retaining walls would be
replaced with natural field stones in a range of sizes, to be professionally installed. Most of the work
being done would be up next to the existing home and would not impact the wetland area in any way.
Councilmember Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2017-83 APPROVING A WETLANDS
PERMIT TO ALLOW CERTAIN SITE IMPROVEMENTS, REPAIRS AND VEGETATION
REMOVAL FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1773 SUTTON LANE.
Mayor Garlock seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 (Miller)
October 3, 2017 Merrdota Heights City Council Page S of II
C) RESOLUTION 2017-84, APPROVING A WETLANDS PERMIT FOR JIM CARLSON AT
1562 WACHTLER AVENLTE (PLANNING CASE 2017-25)
Community Development Director Tim Benetti explained that this is an "After-the-Fact" Wetlands
Permit as the work had already begun when staff became aware of it. The permit would approve some
site grading work that had already taken place near a creek at the back of the property. The property is a
1.77 acre site, zoned R-1, with an existing 5,300 square foot single-family home.
On August 22, 2017 staff inet with Mr. Carlson on his property, walked the site, and took photographs.
Mr. Benetti shared images of the work. The footbridge that Mr. Carlson built over the creek was to
allow mower access to his rear yard across the creek. Before he purchased the property, a neighbor had
been maintaining that rear yard area and had planted trees. As the property owner, Mr. Carlson had no
access to it before the installation of the footbridge.
Mr. Carlson has agreed to replant, reseed, and re-vegetate the area around the creek. He is also asking
for the opportunity to put down some crushed rock or gravel surfacing leading to the footbridge to gain
some traction for the mower.
Councilmember Duggan requested that a condition be added that states that the City is indemnified, not
having inspected the footbridge. City Attorney Tom Lehmann replied that they could add that; however,
he questioned if the City inspects bridges on private properties. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek
replied that the building official, Mr. Mike Andrejka, does not have any codes to refer to, so there was
not an inspection of the bridge. Councilmember Duggan noted that, if the applicant is accepting of it,
that the indemnification clause still be added.
The applicant was not available for comment.
Councilmember Petschel stated that the City does not inspect bridges and that this is on private property.
She asked if they make a note that the bridge is on private property and its long term use and structural
integrity would be the responsibility of the property owner. Counsel Lehmann indicated that
Councilmember Petschel's suggestion would be less of a burden on the homeowner than a clause of
indemnification. Councilmember Duggan noted that he would be comfortable with that.
Councilmember Duggan asked, referencing Condition #2 that reads "Owner/Applicant must establish a
wild growth buffer area at least 25 feet in width from the established creek edge", if that included both
sides of the creek. Mr. Benetti replied in the affirmative. Councilmember Duggan suggested that
clarification be added.
Councilmember Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2017-84 APPROVING A WETLANDS
PERMIT [AFTER-THE-FACT] TO ALLOW CERTAIN SITE GRADING, IMPROVEMENTS AND
VEGETATION REMOVAL FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1562 WACHTLER AVEN[JE
WITH THE AGREED UPON REVISIONS.
Mayor Garlock seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 (Miller)
October 3, 2017 Mendota Heights City Council Page 6 of II
D) MENDOTA HEIGHTS ROAD & KENSINGTON STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT —
CHANGE ORDER #2
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that Council was being asked to approve Change Order #2
with Stantec, the consulting engineer on the Mendota Heights Road & Kensington street improvement
project. The Council was reminded that the contractor had discovered an underground lake and a
number of other issues on the Mendota Heights Road portion of the project, all of which had caused a
delay in the project being completed. Additional surveying work was necessary, underground
exploratory work by the geotechnical engineer American Engineering and Testing (AET), replacement
of some larger curb lines that required grade stakes ,as well as grading the center line of the street for
construction of an adequate crown for drainage.
Stantec determined that this work would be an additional $26,800 on the $1,823,171.87 project,
equating to approxiinately 7.3% of the contract amount. The original contract with Stantec was $90,744
and that they had subcontracted with AET for an additional $15,000. The new contract amount with
Stantec would therefore be $111,834, and the new subcontract with AET would be $20,709.65.
Councilmember Petschel asked how much of a contingency fund was set up to accommodate unforeseen
circumstances. Mr. Ruzek replied that at the feasibility phase, the estimate was $2,111,564 — based on
general unit costs and quantities for the project area. That estimate gets more refined as the plans are
developed and the hope is to obtain good bids on the contract. In this case, the City did receive very
favorable bids. With the contract amount and the change orders, the cost is just over $1.8 million.
Councilmember Petschel clariiied by noting that she is aware that when the estimates are done for a
project, the City builds in a certain amount of a buffer for unforeseen circumstances. She then asked if
the City had built this into the budget. Mr. Ruzek replied that staff generally increases the actual
bituminous and gravel estimates by 10% - 20%. There would be some savings that would be seen if the
City does not meet those quantity amounts, that would accommodate this extra expense.
Councilmember Petschel requested that Mr. Ruzek provide his assessment of how things have gone with
the project, and what he would do differently. Mr. Ruzek noted that the assessment hearing on this
project will be held in a couple of weeks, and then staff would have a better idea on the quantities.
Councilmember Paper asked why the Mendota Heights Road portion of the project started so late; why
weren't they shovel ready right when school let out. Mr. Chad Davison, Project Manager from Stantec,
replied that when they were ready to go out for bids, The Oaks developer requested that there be a water
main added into the project. This addition to the project had to go before St. Paul Regional Water for its
approval. Therefore, with the redevelopment of the plans and this approval process, it set the project
back three weeks. Mr. Ruzek noted that the contractor had a Notice to Proceed in early June, however,
with other projects going on they submitted a start date after July 4tn
Councilmember Petschel asked why the addition of the water main was added to the project after the
plans had already been completed. Mr. Davison replied that they had planned to put the water main in an
easement in the backyards of the development, but that was unacceptable to St. Paul Water.
Councilmember Petschel stated that this should have been cleared last May. Mr. Davison expressed his
agreement. She then asked why that did not occur. Mr. Ruzek replied that when the developinent was
originally approved, there were other staff inembers in their positions. As soon as St. Paul Water was
able to review the plans, they said the water main has to be located in the right-of-way.
October 3, 2017 Mendota Heights City Council Page 7 of 11
Councilmember Paper asked for clarification that this whole project was delayed because of a private
developer. Mr. Ruzek replied that they would have been able to achieve the September 1, 2017 date had
they not discovered the underground lalce. Councilmember Paper noted that if they had started closer to
the end of school, it would have left the City the time buffer it needed.
Councilmember Paper explained the frustration is that there were two things that were discussed before
this project started; the importance of getting this project done before school started, and in the
Kensington neighborhood there was discussion about the need to get this done before the start of soccer.
This is not fair to the contractor, with all of the cars coming in at the end of their workday and making it
harder for them. At the same token, the contractor was parking vehicles in the parking lot. That left no
parking for the soccer participants. He said that it created a mess.
Councilmember Paper again asked why the project did not start sooner. Mr. Davison replied that he
believes they were at another project site.
Councilmember Duggan asked for clarification on the water main. Staff explained that the sanitary
sewer goes through an easement in the rear yards of the lots in the development. The developer planned
to install the water main 10 feet off of that sanitary sewer; however, St. Paul Regional Water would not
allow it. Therefore, the water main was installed underneath Condon Court.
Councilmember Petschel expressed her disappointment and stated she feels the City needs to start
adding in time for catastrophic occurrences. She shared Councilmember Paper's frustration.
Councilmember Paper reiterated that he just does not understand why the project didn't start sooner;
maybe the City needs to push a little harder to make sure the contractor understands the importance.
Councilmember Petschel moved to approve MENDOTA HEIGHTS ROAD & KENSINGTON STREET
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT — CHANGE ORDER #2.
Mayor Garlock seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 (Miller)
E) AWARD CONTRACTS FOR FIBER EXTENSION 1NSTALLATION AND LATERAL
CONNECTIONS AT CITY HALL AND PUBLIC WORKS BUILDINGS
Assistant City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson explained this request was to continue the work to
connect to the Dakota County fiber ring. Staff requested to award contracts for the installation of conduit
and fiber optics to complete the extension, as well as two lateral connections from the fiber to City Hall
and Public Works.
The primary request was to do the fiber extension from Mendota Heights Road to City Hall, which is
approximately LS miles in length. Current Dakota County fiber exists on Mendota Heights Road, and it
would be brought down Lexington to City Hall.
The bids received reflected the revised request to include the contribution from Dakota County. Staff
worked with Dakota County and came to an agreement that Dakota County would contribute the
materials for the extension, as well as pay two-thirds of the project costs.
October 3, 2017 Mendota Heights City Council Page 8 of II
With that, LOGIS sought requests for quotations (RFQ), and received four responses. The lowest quote
was submitted by Castrejon, in the amount of $67,800.
The second and third piece of the fiber project include the lateral connections from the fiber extension to
the Public Works building, as well as to City Hall. The lateral connections are the responsibility of the
City. For the lateral connection to City Hall, the lowest bid was submitted by Castrejon in the amount of
$8,714. For the lateral connection to the Public Works building, the lowest bid was from ComLink in the
amount of $10,494.
Additional costs will be realized as the City connects to Dakota County fiber in regards to the
installation or replacement of switches that are needed. For City Hall, LOGIS has proposed a cost of
$6,000 for those new switches and a cost proposal of $1,000 for Public Works.
In addition, staff requested that the City be authorized to continue to work with LOGIS as the project
manager. LOGIS is proposing a project management cost of not more than 20 hours per project, at $115
per hour.
Overall, Ms. Jacobson said that the total investment on these three projects would be $55,706.
Councilmember Duggan expressed appreciation and thanks to the partners in Dakota County for helping
defray some of the costs. He said that they have been a good partner for many years.
Councilmember Petschel stated that a recent near-catastrophic event emphasized the need of this project.
Councilmember Duggan moved to 1) AWARD A CONTRACT FOR THE INSTALLATION OF
CONDUIT AND FIBER OPTIC CABLE TO COMPLETE THE FIBER BACKBONE EXTENSION 1N
AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $67,800 AND A CONTRACT FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE
LATERAL CONNECTION FROM THE DAKOTA COUNTY FIBER RING TO CITY HALL IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $8,714 TO CASTREJON; AND
2) AWARD A CONTRACT FOR COMPLETION OF THE LATERAL CONNECTION FROM THE
DAKOTA COUNTY FIBER RING TO PUBLIC WORKS TO COMLINK,IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED $10,494; AND
3) AUTHORIZE LOGIS TO CONTINUE TO SERVE AS PROJECT MANAGER WITH BILLABLE
HOURS NOT TO EXCEED 20 HOURS PER PROJECT AT A RATE OF $115 PER HOUR; AND
4) AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE AND 1NSTALLATION OF NEW AND REPLACEMENT
SWITCHES FOR USE IN THE COMPLETION OF LATERAL CONNECTIONS TO CITY HALL
AND PUBLIC WORKS BUILDINGS TOTALING $7,000 AND TO BE INSTALLED BY LOGIS.
Mayor Garlock seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 (Miller)
F) RESOLUTION 2017-85, ACCEPT BIDS AND AWARD CONTRACT FOR THE 2017 CITY
HALL LOWER LEVEL REMODELING/EXTERIOR WALL MASONRY REPAIR PROJECT
City Administrator Mark McNeill explained that staff opened bids on the remodeling project on
September 28, 2017. He reminded Council that the three purposes of this project were to make the
Police Department more functional, repair damage from previous water intrusion, and to make masonry
repairs to eliminate another source of future water leaks.
October 3, 2017 Mendota Heights City Council Page 9 of II
He said that eight bids were received, ranging from $228,000 to just over $358,000. The low bid was
submitted by Dering Pearson Group LLC of Rogers, MN. This bid price does include Alternates 2 and 3
(Alternate #2—Corrective masonry work and window sealant replacement on the north side of the City
Hall building; and Alternate #3—Same as #2, on the west side of the City Hall building). Staff
recommended not to accept Alternate #1, which would have removed showers in the two locker rooms
in order to provide for additional storage.
Mr. McNeill drew the Council's attention to the Budget Impact section in the materials provided to them
for the meeting and noted that the cost would be approximately $301,500 ($228,000 contract with
Dering Pearson, $68,500 for architectural services, and $5,000 for remaining mold remediation). He said
that earlier in the meeting, the Council had authorized the Door Security System in the amount of
$39,817. There are also some other items on the list that staff believed they could do themselves for less
cost. All in all, McNeill said that the total project cost is estimated to be $431,117. Funding to date
would come from the Water Tower Fund, which currently has a total balance of approximately
$500,000.
Councilmembet• Duggan noted that the resolution before them was for a`not to exceed' amount of
$228,000; however, the total project cost is estimated to be $431,117; and asked why the difference.
Mr. McNeill replied that the only item before Council for approval this evening is the accepting of bids
and awarding the proposed contract to Dering Pearson.
Councilmember Petschel asked if there were supposed to be weep holes behind the bricks. Mr. McNeill
replied that there are weep holes; however, the problem was that they were found to have been buried by
subsequent landscaping, so those were not able to function as designed.
Councilmember Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2017- 85 ACCEPTING BIDS AND
AWARDING CONTRACT FOR THE 2017 CITY HALL LOWER LEVEL REMODELING AND
EXTERIOR WALL MASONRY REPAIR PROJECT.
Mayor Garlock seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 (Miller)
RESOLUTION 2017-87, APPOINT CANDIDATE TO FILL VACANCY-
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMIS5ION
City Administrator Mark McNeill stated that the Council had interviewed six candidates for the open
position on the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Councilmember Duggan nominated Ms. Nissa Tupper, and noted that the breadth, scope, and quality of
all of the candidates as being a tribute to Mendota Heights.
Councilmember Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2017-87, APPOINTING CANDIDATE
NISSA TUPPER TO FILL THE VACANCY ON THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION.
Councilmember Paper seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 (Miller)
Octobe�° 3, 2017 Mendota Heights Ciry Council Page 10 of II
G) SET DATE FOR CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS LABORNEGOTIATIONS
City Administrator Mark McNeill explained that the City has four labor contracts coming up for renewal
at the end of the year. Staff has met with one of the contract representatives and another is scheduled to
meet the following week. Staff requested the Council set a date for a closed session for discussing labor
negotiation strategy.
After Council discussion, Mayor Garlock set the Council Closed Session to Discuss Strategy for Labor
Negotiations for Monday, October 16, 2017 starting at 1:30 p.m.
COMM[JNITY t1NNOUNCEMENTS
City Administrator Mark McNeill made the following announcements:
• Buckthorn Removal Education Session at Rogers Lake Park at October 7, 2017.
• Residents can drop off brush for the bonfire from October 26th through October 31, 2017.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Petschel stated that many people are aware of a near pedestrian fatality on Dodd Road,
near South Plaza Drive. There is a sidewalk that goes past the Fire Station and a crosswalk on Dodd
leading to Mendota Plaza. She requested that the Traffic Safety Committee review this area and see
what could be done to improve the safety for pedestrians.
She also noted that Mr. Chad Leqve, the MAC's Environment Department Director has received the
Randy Jones Award for Excellent in Airport Noise Mitigation, Abatement, and Management. This is the
highest award that can be achieved in Chad's iield of expertise.
Councilmember Duggan echoed the sentiments regarding Mr. Chad Leqve.
Mr. Duggan noted that the City is looking for a name for the new Highway 110 pedestrian tunnel.
Information on how residents can submit suggestions for names can be found on the City's website.
Councilmember Paper said "Happy New Year" and "Go Twins".
ADJOI.JRN
Mayor Garlock moved to adjourn.
Councilmember Paper seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 (Miller)
Mayor Garlock adjourned the meeting at 8:29 p.m.
ATTEST•
1 �
Lorri Smith
City Clerk
c�t�
Neil Garlock
Mayor
October 3, 2017 Mendota Heights Cit�� Council Page 11 of II