Loading...
2018-03-06 Council MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, March 6, 2018 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. Councilors Paper, Miller, and Petschel were also present. Councilor Duggan was absent. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council, the audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA ADOPTION Mayor Garlock presented the agenda for adoption. Councilor Petschel moved adoption of the agenda. Councilor Miller 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. Councilor Petschel moved approval of the consent calendar as presented and authorization for execution of any necessary documents contained therein, pulling items d.) Approve Resolution 2018-19 Accept Bids and Award Contract for the Ivy Hill Park Pond Improvements. a. Approval of February 20, 2018 City Council Minutes b. Approval of February 22, 2018 Council Work Session Minutes c. Acknowledge January 23, 2018 Planning Commission Minutes d. Approve Resolution 2018-19 Accept Bids and Award Contract for the Ivy Hill Park Pond Improvements e. Approval of Claims List Mayor Garlock seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Duggan) PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEM D) APPROVE RESOLUTION 2018-19 ACCEPT BIDS AND AWARD CONTRACT FOR THE IVY HILL PARK POND IMPROVEMENTS Councilor Miller asked what the desired outcome was for this project. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that staff was hoping to restore the pond to its original design elevations so it can provide treatment for the water entering it. Currently, the pond has filled up with sediment. An orifice plate would be added so smaller amounts of rain water will stay in the pond longer and provide some additional treatment. Councilor Miller asked how staff is measuring its effectiveness. Mr. Ruzek answered that staff would monitor the pond in the future. The City typically does not do quality monitoring of the local ponds. Councilor Paper asked what would be done with the spoils. Mr. Ruzek replied that staff would discuss options with the contractor at the pre -construction meeting. They have an option to spoil 500 of the 1200 yards that are being removed on the north end of the project. There is a low area there that is ponding water and has drowned out a couple of trees. If this is not feasible, then the contractor would be required to remove the material. Councilor Paper asked if this would change the pricing. Mr. Ruzek replied that the pricing would most likely be the same. Councilor Petschel moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2018-19 ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR THE IVY HILLS PARK POND IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (201709). Councilor Miller seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Duggan) PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments. PRESENTATIONS A) ROGERS LAKE WATER QUALITY REPORT - SAINT THOMAS ACADEMY Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek introduced Mr. Tony Kinzley, Advanced Placement Environmental Sciences Instructor at Saint Thomas Academy. Mr. Kinzley introduced four students to present their findings of the Rogers Lake Water Quality research. Since 1993, the overall trend of the lake has been improving. The 2018 Overall Rating was at its historical best. The areas of continued focus are for residents to maintain a buffer zone — do not mow all the way to the lake; responsible fertilizer use; and pick up organic materials — pet waste, yard waste, and goose feces. Councilor Miller asked if the turbidity rate had any influence on the desired water temperature. The response was that the turbidity rate, since it changed so little, probably did not have a huge impact on the water temperature. It is more likely due to the amount of water in the shade and in the sun. March 6, 2018 Mendota Heights City Council Page 2 of 12 Councilor Petschel asked Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek, in regards to the residences in the area, if there were any left with a drain field. Mr. Ruzek replied that all of the properties around the lake are on city sewer systems. Councilor Petschel noted that the city does televising of the sewer lines on a regular basis and cleaning, relining, and maintaining them as necessary; thereby assisting in keeping the city's lakes and ponds clean. The city has also installed barrier curbs to funnel the water into the storm sewer. Councilor Petschel asked if there was a way, in terms of the total solids, to differentiate between soil erosion, organic waste input, and road salt. Mr. Kinzley replied that the turbidity is the clarity of the water and total solids are the suspended and dissolved solids — including the clarity part but also road salts. If total solids are bad and turbidity is good, it means it is a road salt issue. Councilor Petschel asked if there was anything that could be done to address the number of geese in the area. Mr Kinzley replied that the geese are not affecting the lake. The 2016 fecal coliform reading of 0.0 col/100m1 is almost unheard of, and the 2017 reading of 0.8 col/100m1 is essentially the same. This is because of the buffer zones which prevent this fecal matter from entering the lake. Councilor Paper asked if there has been any outreach to property owners that do not have a buffer zone. Mr Kinzley replied that they have not done that for a few years. Councilor Paper asked if the students involved in this class have a say in the school's fertilizer program. Mr Kinzley replied that they have not gotten into that; however, it is a good idea. Mr. Paul Solmon, Director of Facilities at Saint Thomas Academy, stated the Academy only fertilizes the athletic fields; which virtually all drain to the south. Councilor Paper asked if the class kept to a pretty specific time range for their tests year over year. Mr. Kinzley replied in the affirmative. PUBLIC HEARING No items scheduled. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) ONE YEAR REVIEW OF DOMESTIC CHICKENS ORDINANCE Community Development Director Tim Benetti explained that in March 2017, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 508 — Regarding the Keeping of Domestic Chickens, and asked for a review after one year. The fee for a domestic chickens permit is $25, with an annual $25 renewal fee. Since its adoption, the City has received more than ten inquiries and has officially approved five permits. Mr. Benetti inspected all five permit holder's properties and found that all of the coops were in good condition. No violations were noted. Mr. Benetti reviewed the regulation requirements including a limit of 4 chickens, roosters are prohibited, slaughtering of chickens is prohibited, no sale of eggs, eggs are for personal consumption only, chickens cannot be raised or kept for fighting, food materials stored outside must be in a closed container with a lid, March 6, 2018 Mendota Heights City Council Page 3 of 12 coops must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, fecal waste shall be removed to prevent odors and must be double bagged and disposed of, chickens shall not be kept in a manner to cause a public nuisance, and any chicken coop and run authorized under this section may be inspected at any reasonable time by Zoning Administration, the animal warden, or their designee. Some of the feedback the City has received includes requests to allow for the composting of chicken waste, increasing the limit to six chickens, reducing the permit fee, consideration of a larger size allowance for a coop or a larger coop/shed combination, objection to inspection of the coop without the homeowner's permission. Councilor Miller asked how many complaints had been received in the last year regarding chickens. Mr. Benetti replied that no complaints have been received. Councilor Miller pointed out the ordinance language "... The animal warden or any police officer may enter the premises where any animal is kept in a reportedly cruel or inhumane manner ..." and asked if the city had not received any complaints, why staff did not work with the homeowners to schedule the inspections. He also asked what the annual cost is to license a dog. Staff replied that the license fee for a neutered or spayed dog is $10/annually or $15/annually for a non -neutered or non -spayed dog. Councilor Miller stated that the $25/annual fee for chickens seems to be excessive. Councilor Petschel stated that the license fee for a dog does not include an inspection of where the pet lives; however, the keeping of chickens requires an annual inspection and the higher priced fee would cover the cost of staff time. Councilor Miller then asked how much staff time was put into the annual inspections. Mr. Benetti replied that it took him approximately four hours to inspect all of the sites and complete the follow-up work. Councilor Paper asked if it was necessary to inspect annually going forward since the results of this first year were so positive. Mr. Benetti expressed his agreement but would do whatever the Council decided. However, he would like to be able to inspect a property without causing undue angst from the property owner. Mayor Garlock stated that if Mr. Benetti feels comfortable inspecting only upon receipt of a complaint, then that would be fine with him. He suggested that for a first-time permit holder, a one-year inspection should be completed, then inspect on a complaint basis only. The Councilors expressed their agreement to that suggestion. Councilor Petschel expressed concern about allowing the composting of the chicken manure. In the literature she has read, if composting is taking place and the weather gets very hot or rainy, there can be a considerable odor. She is also concerned with the risk of salmonella. Even the Center for Disease Control acknowledges this risk. The City of Eagan requires double bagging for this reason. Councilor Miller stated he appreciates those concerns, however, he believes the permit holders would do their best to mitigate the hazards. From an environmental standpoint, to be able to compost makes sense. Councilor Paper agreed and noted that if composting is not done in a thoughtful and intelligent manner, then there would be complaints and the right to compost could be taken away. Councilor Petschel stated she could only support this if there is language in the ordinance that would give staff the backing they need to enforce the removal of the privilege to compost from that resident. March 6, 2018 Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 of 12 Mayor Garlock recapped the direction to staff: • Increase the number of allowable chickens from four to six • Reduce the annual permit to $15 per chicken coop • Increase the maximum allowable size of backyard structures with a chicken coop to 200 square feet, with the provision that if the coop use is removed, then the structure must be removed as well. • One year inspection for first-time permit holders and complaint -driven inspections thereafter. • Composting will be allowed unless there is a complaint Mr. Benetti suggested this ordinance be reviewed by the Council in one year. The Council agreed. Ms. Rachel Quick, 554 Junction Lane, provided a brief update on the experience her family has had since they received their chickens. From the minute the chickens joined her family, it had been a positive experience. The family has learned a lot through the process of getting a coop and a run built. They eagerly waited for their first eggs. They participated in the annual Twin Cities Coop Tour and had approximately 100 people visit their home. She expressed her appreciation for the recommended ordinance changes. A proposed ordinance to update the Code language will be brought back to the Council at a future meeting. B) RESOLUTION 2018-20 APPROVING A CRITICAL AREA PERMIT 1991 HUNTER LANE (PLANNING CASE NO. 2018-03) Community Development Director Tim Benetti explained that Mr. Chris Robichaud, 1991 Hunter Lane, requested a Critical Area Permit to construct an addition to his existing two car garage and single family home. The property is located in the Mississippi River Corridor Area. Mr. Benetti explained that there were no comments received at the public hearing. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the permit with conditions and findings of fact as stated in the resolution. Councilor Petschel asked if there would be any changes to the drainage on the property. Mr. Benetti replied that there would no changes to the drainage. Mr. John Dougherty, 1933 Hunter Lane, stated that he had no complaints about the addition. He explained that currently, when the snow melts, a pond develops between the subject property and his property. He asked what effect this new addition would have on that low area. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that after looking at the drainage contours, it appears that Mr. Dougherty's property has a higher elevation than the subject property and there may be some low grades in the area. The applicant's proposal does not show any improved grading or drainage in that area. Mr. Dougherty pointed out a Norway pine tree that is located on the property and asked if it would remain. Mr. Ruzek replied that the proposal shows that he is not going to disturb that tree. Mayor Garlock moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2018-20 APPROVING A CRITICAL AREA PERMIT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1991 HUNTER LANE (PLANNING CASE NO. 2018-03). Councilor Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Duggan) March 6, 2018 Mendota Heights City Council Page 5 of 12 C) RESOLUTION 2018-21 DENYING A VARIANCE REQUEST FOR SHIRLEY HETHERINGTON AT 2144 THERESA STREET (PLANNING CASE NO. 2018-04) Community Development Director Tim Benetti explained that Ms. Shirley Hetherington, 2144 Theresa Street, requested a variance to build a single -car garage addition to an existing two car attached garage structure. This addition would reduce the setback along the north side of the dwelling to seven feet from the north property line. Under the city's zoning standards, a ten foot side -yard setback is required. Mr. Benetti shared images of the subject property which shows the house is centered on the lot. Currently, all setbacks meet city code requirements. Ms. Hetherington is requesting to build a 9 x 22 foot addition on the north end of the existing two -car garage and expand the driveway. This would decrease the setback from the current 16 feet to 7 feet; thereby creating a 3 foot encroachment. Mr. Benetti explained that the city applies a `practical difficulty' standard when considering variances. The Council has the right to grant a variance based on what they determine to be `practical difficulties'. The three point test is: • Can the property be used in a reasonable manner • Is the plight due to circumstances unique to the property and the variance would not alter the general characteristics or essential character of the neighborhood • Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulty He said that these are guidelines and they do not all have to be met. However, actions by the Council must be constitutional, rational, and in some way related to protecting the health, safety and general welfare of the community. Any impacts on traffic; light and air; danger of fire, risk, or safety to the public safety; the effect on the value of properties in the surrounding area; and the effect of the proposed variance upon the Comprehensive Plan must be considered. Staff believed that there would not be any impacts to the neighboring property, felt it would be considered a reasonable request, and indicated that this request was unique because if the house had been originally built slightly to the south, then this variance would not be required. Since the original builder centered it on the lot, it created a unique situation for the current property owner. Mr. Benetti also pointed out that Ms. Hetherington obtained peiiuission from all of her neighbors and they all are in support of this application. The Planning Commission did recommend denial by a vote of 6-1 on the fact that, in their opinion, this request did not meet the `practical difficulties' test. Councilor Petschel asked City Attorney Tom Lehmann to explain the change in the law and what the standards are for giving a variance. Mr. Lehmann explained that what Mr. Benetti indicated is the correct standards for practical difficulties. Prior to 2011, the statute talked about the undue hardship, which was creating a lot of problems for municipalities. There is still a three -pronged test where the Council has to find that there is reasonableness, uniqueness, and does not change the essential character of the neighborhood. The overall idea is the statute gives the city a little more discretion to make these kinds of decisions. He believed that under these circumstances, it seems like this is a reasonable request where Council could grant the variance in this situation. March 6, 2018 Mendota Heights City Council Page 6 of 12 Councilor Petschel stated that it is important that everybody who appears before the Council is treated the same. Attorney Lehmann replied that with a variance, there will always be unique factors with each request. The bottom line is that they have to meet the three prong test. That is why the courts require the city to approve a resolution that outlines the findings of fact and the conditions. Councilor Petschel noted the challenge with this lot was the way the builder chose to center the home on the lot. This is a standard size lot and a variance should not be necessary. She suggested a statement for the findings of fact— `circumstances unique to the property not caused by the landowner'. Mr. Benetti shared the original Fact #2 "The Applicant has demonstrated a reasonable and practical difficulty for allowing a reduced setback standard in order to construct a new garage addition, which will be in compliance with all other applicable codes". Councilor Petschel asked that this Fact be more specific and reference the initial siting of the home on the lot creates a unique circumstance not created by the current homeowner. Mayor Garlock moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2018-21 APPROVING A VARIANCE TO ALLOW REDUCED SETBACKS FROM SIDE -YARD SETBACKS FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2144 THERESA STREET (PLANNING CASE NO. 2018-04). Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Duggan) Councilor Petschel suggested that at a future Planning Commission meeting, Attorney Lehmann review the law change and what the standards are for approving a variance so the Commission is very clear on it. Mr. Benetti replied that Attorney Lehmann has been invited to the March 27, 2018 meeting. D)RESOLUTION 2018-22 APPROVE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND WETLANDS PERMIT REQUEST FOR MCDONALD'S AT 2020 DODD ROAD (PLANNING CASE NO. 2018-05) Community Development Director Tim Benetti explained this request from McDonald's USA, LLC, for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and Wetlands Permit to remodel and construct a new small building addition to the existing McDonald's restaurant site located at 2020 Dodd Road. He shared the requirements for a Conditional Use Permit and a Wetlands Permit. He also shared images of the current site and noted that it is a 2.26 acre site. This site is not part of the Plaza PUD and so is not subject to that; it is still under the B-4 Shopping Center District. The restaurant is surrounded by the BP Gas Station Auto Service, a shopping center, Walgreens, and The Reserve at Mendota Village apartments. McDonald's is currently a 4,232 square foot restaurant with 61 parking spaces. The original CUP for the restaurant was approved in October 1975. A second CUP was approved in December 1993 for an outdoor cashier's booth and drive through, which was never built. Essentially they would remove and replace the entire exterior finishes and materials of the facility and perform a full remodel of the interior area, including dining, food preparation/service, and restrooms. They would also like to add a small addition for a freezer/cooler. There would be no change to the signage at this time. They also plan to replace the bituminous trail from the site to Dodd Road with a concrete walkway. March 6, 2018 Mendota Heights City Council Page 7 of 12 Mr. Benetti shared the requirement for the number of parking spaces (one space for each 15 square feet of gross floor area of the building) and noted that the current 61 spaces falls short of that requirement of 283 stalls. However, staff was unsure if this standard was in effect when the building was constructed. He suggested that since there does not appear to be any parking problems on the site, that the reduced number of spaces be grandfathered in. Because of the drive-thru area and the proximity of The Reserve apartments being built to the east, as part of the screening or diffusing of noise from the intercom system, staff did ask for some new plantings and the applicant has provided trees as part of a planting plan. A wetlands permit was required because the work on the backside of the property is within 100 feet of the wetland area. However, because there would be no impact to the wetland feature, staff has no conditions or added comments at this time. Councilor Paper asked, if the city is worried about diffusing noise on the eastern side of the lot, why the proposal to plant over -story trees? Mr. Benetti replied that he would work with the applicant to come up with a more desirable solution. Councilor Petschel asked if the exterior brick would match the brick used at The Plaza. Mr. Benetti replied that the brick was to be brown in color but he did not know if it would match. Councilor Petschel recommended this be suggested to McDonald's. Councilor Petschel moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2018-22 APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND WETLANDS PERMIT FOR MCDONALD'S PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2020 DODD ROAD (PLANNING CASE NO. 2018-05). Mayor Garlock seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Duggan) Councilor Petschel suggested that the Council look at the zoning code in regards to the parking regulations, before it comes up again. E) RESOLUTION 2018-23 APPROVING A CRITICAL AREA PERMIT REQUEST FOR PRECISION HOMES AT 796 SIBLEY MEMORIAL HIGHWAY (PLANNING CASE NO. 2018-06) F) RESOLUTION 2018-24 APPROVING A CRITICAL AREA PERMIT REQUEST FOR PRECISION HOMES AT 1224 WACHTLER AVENUE (PLANNING CASE NO. 2018-07) Community Development Director Tim Benetti explained that these requests were for Critical Area Permits for properties located at 796 Sibley Memorial Highway and 1224 Wachtler Avenue. There used to be one residence on these two lots. However, that home has been removed and the property is now considered two separate lots. The lots are legally described as Lot 6 and Lot 7, Goodrich Happy Hollow. Lot 6 is 1.08 acres in size and Lot 7 is 1.19 acres. Lot 6 will remain as 796 Sibley Memorial Highway and Lot 7 has been identified as 1224 Wachtler Avenue. March 6, 2018 Mendota Heights City Council Page 8 of 12 There are no changes to the topography of the lots and no impacts to the bluff line. The new home proposed for 796 Sibley Memorial Highway would be located 100 feet from Sibley Memorial Highway, 19.3 feet from the north lot line, 13.6 feet from the south lot line, and well over 300 feet from the back lot line. This would be a 2,440 square foot home, have cedar vertical and horizontal siding, natural stone and stucco. The new home proposed for 1224 Wachtler Avenue would have a 10 foot setback along the north, 25 foot setback from the south, and 100 foot setback from Wachtler Avenue, and meets all setback requirements. This home would be constructed of natural stone and stucco. There are some trees located on the sites that are proposed to be removed. As part of the conditions of approval, there is a 10 tree per lot replacement plan. Mr. Benetti noted some surface water management issues on these lots. Precision Homes has proposed to install a retaining wall of natural stone and a drainage way to take the drainage from the back side and filter it down to the west towards Wachtler. Mr. Ruzek will work with Precision Homes to remedy the situation. Mayor Garlock moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2018-23 APPROVING CRITICAL AREA PERMIT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 796 SIBLEY MEMORIAL HIGHWAY (PLANNING CASE NO. 2018-06). Councilor Miller seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Duggan) Mayor Garlock moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2018-24 APPROVING CRITICAL AREA PERMIT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1224 WACHTLER AVENUE (PLANNING CASE NO. 2018-07). Councilor Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Duggan) G) RESOLUTION 2018-25 APPROVING LOT SPLIT AND VARIANCE FOR PATTERSON DENTAL & ST. THOMAS ACADEMY AT 1031 & 949 MENDOTA HEIGHTS ROAD (PLANNING CASE NO. 2018-08) Community Development Director Tim Benetti explained the request from Patterson Dental Company and St. Thomas Academy, to adjust a lot line between the two properties to resolve an encroachment that has been in existence for a number of years. Mr. Benetti shared an image of the existing ballfield location and its proximity to Patterson Dental. The requested lot line adjustment does not create any buildable lots, however, it does require a variance for Patterson Dental for a reduction to the parking setback standards. The survey indicated that this is a 6 foot strip of ground running 1254 feet from the south end to the north end of Patterson Dental's lot. According to the standards, whenever any Business or Industrial District Use abuts a Residential District, which St. Thomas Academy is located in, it is required to have a 20 foot setback from the front and a 10 foot setback from the side. Currently, the parking lot is 14 feet from the existing lot line. After the removal of the 6 foot wide strip, that setback would be reduced to an 8 foot setback. Staff believes that this variance request meets all of the tests for approval. March 6, 2018 Mendota Heights City Council Page 9 of 12 Councilor Petschel asked for confirmation that the practical difficulty in this situation would be the cost for removing the long-standing cement structures and fencing that has been there for so long would be high. Mr. Benetti confirmed. Councilor Petschel asked how the lot line issue was discovered. Mr. Paul Solmon, Director of Facilities for St. Thomas Academy, stated that they updated their survey in 2008. In 2009, Patterson's Director of Facilities, St. Thomas' Business Manager, the St. Thomas Athletic Director, and Mr. Solmon met and realized there was a problem. Fundamentally, this goes back to the 1960's. Councilor Petschel moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2018-25 APPROVING A LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT AND VARIANCE FOR PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 1031 AND 949 MENDOTA HEIGHTS ROAD (PLANNING CASE NO. 2018-08). Mayor Garlock seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Duggan) H) RECREATON FEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Ms. Meredith Lawrence, Recreation Program Coordinator, explained the Recreation Fee Assistance Program for consideration. Currently, the City does not have a fee assistance or scholarship program available. Previous assistance was provided on a case-by-case basis. Staff has researched what other cities and school districts do for their scholarship and fee assistance programs. At the December 2017 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, staff recommended a program that would be eligible to Mendota Heights residents 18 and under. Those students would need to be on the free/reduced lunch program or have a parent on active duty in the military. Staff recommended a 15% reduction in registration fees and a limit of $100 per child each calendar year. The eligible programs would include skating, gymnastics, summer programs, tennis camp, and golf programs. The 15% reduction is based on what the school district offers for their program. The Parks and Recreation Commission recommended to the City Council a Recreation Fee Assistance Program that would offer an 85% reduction in the registration fee for the first class and then a 50% reduction in the registration for the second class — per child per calendar year. After the second class, additional requests in the same calendar year would not be considered. The Commission did not want to set a budget limit for the program; however, the eligible rec programs were the same as staff recommended. Councilor Paper asked for clarification on the reduction rate. Ms. Lawrence replied that staff had recommended to the Parks & Recreation Commission a 15% reduction; however, the Commission recommended an 85% reduction. She also noted that West St. Paul and most cities use a 50% reduction for their programs. Councilor Paper said he would be most comfortable with 50%. Councilor Petschel stated she is supportive of 50%, and suggested the Council review this program in one year. Councilor Miller concurred with the 50% reduction and reviewing the program in one year. March 6, 2018 Mendota Heights City Council Page 10 of 12 Ms. Lawrence asked if the Council would recommend 50% off of the first two programs or for an unlimited number of programs. The Council recommended a 50% reduction per class up to $150 limit per child; and a $3,000 total program budget limit. They also recommended the program be reviewed in one year. Councilor Petschel moved to accept the Recreation Fee Assistance Program with the 50% reduction per class up to $150 limit per child; and a $3,000 total budget cap; and to review the program in one year. Councilor Miller seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Duggan) I) HIRE OF POLICE CAPTAIN POSITION Police Chief Kelly McCarthy stated that staff recommends that the Council approve the hiring of Mr. Wayne Wegener, Jr. for the position of Police Captain. Chief McCarthy noted that because she had met previously with several people who were interested in applying for this position, she had had as little to do with this hiring process as possible. All of the applications were filtered through Human Resources. The first round of interviews were conducted by community members who had excessive background, leadership, and supervision experience in their own careers. The second round of interviews included elected officials, members of the department and city staff. Three finalists were selected and each underwent psychological testing. Chief McCarthy stated that the Captain would be required to supervise investigations, administration, and run the Department's in-house training program as part of the 2018 in-house goals. She said that Mr. Wegener currently holds the rank of Captain and has extensive supervisory experience in front office, investigations, as a member of the DEA Narcotics Task Force, is a graduate of the FBI National Academy as well as Northwestern University, and holds a Master's Degree from Hamline University in Public Administration. Councilor Petschel moved to approve the hiring of Wayne Wegener, Jr. as Police Captain. Councilor Miller seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Duggan) COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Mark McNeill announced that on March 7, a Pollinator Friendly Practices presentation will take place in the Council Chambers. On March 8, a presentation will be held on Invasive Plant Species and how to identify and manage them. He stated that registration for summer recreation activities is open. March 6, 2018 Mendota Heights City Council Page 11 of 12 COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Petschel recognized Ms. Sophie Redding from Henry Sibley for her remarkable accomplishment of finishing second overall at the State High School gymnastics competition. She complimented Meredith Lawrence on the recently -held Royal Ball event, and the partnership with the cities of West St. Paul and South St. Paul to hold this event. She hopes this opens up more opportunities for partnering with those cities in the future. Mayor Garlock announced that the Officer Scott Patrick Memorial 5K registration is open on the city's website. Councilor Miller extended a thank you to Mike and Mary Johnson for allowing the firefighters to use their backyard and pond all season to play boot hockey. The bonfire was always lit for the firefighters, and the ice had been shoveled. Councilor Paper reminded everyone of the School District 197 Open House on March 12 at Henry Sibley High School regarding the upcoming bond referendum. He expressed his appreciation to St. Thomas Academy for presenting their Rogers Lake study results. ADJOURN Councilor Paper moved to adjourn. Councilor Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Duggan) Mayor Garlock adjourned the meeting at 9:12 p.m. Neil Garlock, Mayor ATTES Lorri Smith City Clerk March 6, 2018 Mendota Heights City Council Page 12 of 12