2018-05-15 Council MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, May 15, 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 Duggan, Miller, Paper, and Petschel
were also present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council, the audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
Mayor Garlock explained that the week of May 15th is recognized as National Police Week, which pays
special recognition to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Those
individuals are being remembered during a 24 hour vigil at the state capitol. Included in that roll call is
Officer Scott Patrick of the Mendota Heights Police Department. The City will also remember him on
July 30, 2018, at the anniversary of his death that occurred four years ago.
Mayor Garlock asked everyone to rise for a moment of silence to honor those brave men and women.
AGENDA ADOPTION
Mayor Garlock presented the agenda for adoption. Councilor Petschel moved adoption of the agenda,
moving item 7a. PRESENTATION OF JERRY MURPHY COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
RECIPIENTS to be next on the agenda.
Councilor Duggan seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
PRESENTATIONS
A) PRESENTATION OF JERRY MURPHY COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS
Mayor Garlock noted his experience working with Jerry Murphy, who served the Police Department for
more than 45 years. Mr. Murphy was a member of the Civil Defense team, a reserve officer, and a
licensed part-time Police Officer. Mayor Garlock stated that Jerry was always dependable and loyal to
the City.
Councilor Petschel acknowledged the sponsors for this award including the Mendota Heights Criminal
Apprehension Fund, the City of Mendota Heights, the Holiday Station, Sean Hoffman with the BP
Station, and friends of Jerry Murphy.
The recipients of the Jerry Murphy Community Service Award for outstanding volunteerism in the
Mendota Heights community were:
• Susan Light and Cindy Johnson — certified Master Gardeners. They were instrumental in helping
to get Mendota Heights designated as a "Pollinator Friendly" community. The award was
presented by former Public Works Director John Mazzitello.
• Ron Katzenmaier — served 17 years on the Mendota Heights Fire Department and during much of
that time he led the fire prevention and education activities. He was instrumental in the creation of
the Mendota Heights Fire Department Reserve program and continues to serve as Captain of the
Fire Reserves. The award was presented by former Fire Chief John Maczko.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Garlock presented the consent calendar and explained the procedure for discussion and approval.
Councilor Petschel moved approval of the consent calendar, pulling items b) Approval of Change Order
for Fiber Installation; c) Master Services Agreement — KLJ Engineering; and e) Approve Resolution 2018-
37 Requesting Extension to Complete the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update.
a. Approval of May 1, 2018 City Council Minutes
b. Approval of Change Order for Fiber Installation
c. Master Services Agreement — KLJ Engineering
d. Approve Resolution 2018-36 Supporting the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Grant Program
e. Approve Resolution 2018-37 Request Extension to Complete the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update
f. Acknowledge Building Activity Report
g. Approval of Claims List
Councilor Miller seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEM
B) APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDER FOR FIBER INSTALLATION
Councilor Duggan asked for a definition of 'hand hole' and how it was deten iined that it was not at the
location originally indicated.
Ms. Cheryl Jacobson, Assistant City Administrator, explained that a 'hand hole' is a connection point
for where the city would connect to Dakota County fiber. It is a small plastic vault in the ground with a
plastic cover.
She stated that this fiber installation is part of the larger fiber I -net network and Dakota County has
worked with vendors to identify where fiber already is. LOGIS, acting as the city's project manager, was
going off Dakota County mapping where their fiber was supposed to be. However, when the city's
contractor installed the backbone fiber down Lexington Avenue, it discovered that the Dakota County
connection was not there. This created a need to extend the fiber down Mendota Heights Road to
connect at Medallion Drive.
May 15, 2018 Mendota Heights City Council Meeting Page 2 of 12
Councilor Paper asked how many feet further they had to go to reach the connection? Ms. Jacobson
replied that the distance was from the corner of Lexington Avenue to Medallion Drive. The amount
listed in the change order is for the additional distance; however, the city has a cost share agreement
with Dakota County. Staff will submit the invoice to the County under the cost share agreement.
Councilor Duggan moved to approve the change order as submitted by Castrejon, for the installation of
conduit and fiber optic cable to complete the backbone connection to the Dakota County fiber ring, in
the amount of $17,840.00.
Councilor Paper seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
C) MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT — KLJ ENGINEERING
Councilor Miller asked for additional information on what this agreement would mean for the city from
a long-term standpoint. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that in 2016 the city developed a
consultant pool and selected nine different categories that contained multiple consultants. The idea was
that the city could send a work order request to one of the consultants within their area of expertise, get a
price, and award the contract. It saves time and money when the consulting firms have been pre -
approved.
Councilor Miller asked if that would entail using KLJ Engineering for any engineering project — large or
small? Mr. Ruzek replied that it could. Most of the large engineering projects would fall under the
General Municipal Services, which has five consultants listed; two with State Aid or MnDOT specialties
and three as general contracting. Staff is proposing to add a sixth — KLJ Engineering — because they
have a vast array of services they can provide.
Councilor Miller explained that he wanted to ensure the city was getting the best price available, and
also the best product. Mr. Ruzek noted that staff and the city would still be in control of who they would
like to invite to bid on any project proposals. The companies on the list are pre -approved; however, the
city could still ask for a proposal from a company that is not on the list.
Councilor Petschel noted that everyone on the pre -approved list is someone with which the city has had
a positive experience working. The contracts are a `not -to -exceed' contract, which further protects the
city.
Councilor Duggan, referencing item 2.6.5 in the agreement, asked if there would be responsibilities in
relation to all of the records. Mr. Ruzek replied that when utilities are installed, staff needs to know if
they were actually installed per design. Usually after something is installed it gets re -surveyed and a
record drawing is sent to the city.
Councilor Duggan, referencing item 3.1.6, asked who would be in charge of the record keeping
identified. Mr. Ruzek replied it would be supervised by the consultant; however, the city would be the
owner of any records that they request from the consultants.
May 15, 2018 Mendota Heights City Council Meeting Page 3 of 12
Referencing item 4.10, Councilor Duggan asked if a copy of the `supplemental agreement' would be
provided. Mr. Ruzek replied that all of the agreements signed in 2016 have supplemental agreements
and it would be provided.
Regarding item 4.11, Councilor Duggan asked if that should be a `licensed' person or a `professional'
person. Mr. Ruzek replied that the coordination of activities among the contractors is not necessarily a
licensed position that would be required to provide that work.
Councilor Duggan moved to approve the Master Services Agreement with KLJ Engineering.
Councilor Miller seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
E) RESOLUTION REQUESTING EXTENSION TO COMPLETE THE 2040 "DECENNIAL"
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE SUBMITTAL TO THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
Councilor Duggan asked if the City is cutting it too close to the deadline. He said that when looking at
the comprehensive plan, they need to have this by the end of May. He asked how much of this will be on
the website.
Community Development Director Tim Benetti replied that the latest plan is currently on the website,
along with all of the previous documents for the Comprehensive Plan Update. Any new plans that are
prepared by the consultant or by staff are placed on the website immediately.
He has spoken with the representative who explained that the due dates are very fluid. Giving the city
another few months is not going to hurt the city's ability to get the planning done. The goal was to get
the plan done by July 1, 2018 and then begin the 6 -month review process, and submit to the Met Council
by December 31, 2018. There are many cities that are asking for an extension.
Councilor Duggan noted that he read there is a blanket granting of the extension and wondered if the
Council needed to go through this process. Mr. Benetti replied that the city did need to go through this
process. According to the Met Council, the city needs to have an extension filed by May 31, 2018.
Councilor Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2018-37 REQUESTING ADDITIONAL TIME TO
COMPLETE 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN "DECENNIAL" REVIEW AND UPDATE
OBLIGATIONS FOR THE CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS.
Mayor Garlock seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
There were no public comments.
No items scheduled.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
PUBLIC HEARING
May 15, 2018 Mendota Heights City Council Meeting Page 4 of 12
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A) ORDINANCE 522 AMENDING CITY CODE SECTION 3-2 TOBACCO SALES AND
SUMMARY PUBLICATION
City Administrator Mark McNeill said that the Council had heard a proposal to eliminate flavored
tobacco sales within the city limits. At that time, the consensus of the Council was to move this forward,
and to convene a meeting of the six licensees who sell tobacco products in Mendota Heights, to explain
the proposed changes.
The proposed changes include:
1. Prohibiting the sale of flavored tobacco; however, it would not prohibit the flavors of tobacco,
wintergreen, mint, or menthol
2. Add a definition for e -cigarettes
3. Identifies minors as persons under 18 years of age
4. Makes penalties for violations of this ordinance consistent with State Statutes
Comments from the public included:
Dr. Andy Grande, 813 Park Place Drive, grew up in Mendota Heights and returned after his
neurosurgical training in Cincinnati to raise his family. As a parent, community member, and a
physician, he fully supports the ordinance He believed this to be the simplest and most effective way to
prevent tobacco initiation in the community. He then listed the negative health effects of tobacco and
noted that one of his practice and research areas is the treatment of strokes. There are only two factors
for a stroke that a person can truly change to prevent stroke — diet and smoking. Smoking makes it twice
as likely to die from stroke; the more a person smokes the greater the risk of having a stroke. Direct
evidence of a link between e -cigarette use and heart disease emerged this year. The use of e -cigarettes
was independently associated with a 79% increase in heart attack risk.
She said that young people seemed to think that using e -cigarettes or vaping comes without these
negative health risks, and they are just inhaling the taste of cotton candy, grape or any other sweet
flavors. It is known that almost all flavored tobacco products contain nicotine, including e -cigarettes. No
amount of nicotine is safe for our youth. Nicotine is harmful to the development of the adolescent brain.
Research suggests that nicotine exposure in adolescents interferes with brain maturation and can have
long-term effects on development, cognitive ability, mental health, and even personality.
Ms. Barb Krovitz Neren, 1860 Eagle Ridge Drive, has been a youth and parenting advocate for more
than 35 years, working with youth, adolescents, and parents. She coaches parents of teens and young
adults who are chemically dependent and have mental health challenges. Four years ago she did research
by interviewing 300 recovering teens and young adults. She asked them what they would do different if
they were parents. 99% of the kids she surveyed shared with her that they wanted a relationship with
their parents and need them to be in charge. Addiction affects the whole family.
She said that when one hears the word `addiction' they often think of heroin and opiates, but there are
many other drugs. Tobacco is one of the most heavily used addictive products in the United States.
Nearly all smokers begin using nicotine before the age of 21. The younger that someone is when they
start using tobacco, the more likely that they will become addicted. Studies have shown that tobacco use
can lead teens to more substantial drug and alcohol abuse and addiction.
May 15, 2018 Mendota Heights City Council Meeting Page 5 of 12
She echoed the previous statement that nicotine is dangerous to the teens' forming brains. Even more
disturbing is that youth tobacco use in Minnesota rose for the first time in 17 years. More than one in
four Minnesota high school students use tobacco products. Tobacco products play a key role in infecting
new users, particularly kids.
Education and information alone cannot prevent youth from using tobacco as that is only one part of the
puzzle. Public policy is a key aspect of preventing young people from starting down the path of
addiction. Adopting this regulation will minimize the availability and accessibility of tobacco to youth
and help prevent a lifetime of addiction. She urged the Council to adopt the proposed ordinance to
prohibit retail sales of flavored tobacco products.
Brittany, a student at Henry Sibley High School, asked the Council to please vote to take flavored
tobacco products out of stores in Mendota Heights. She sees her peers use e-cigs and vape. Almost every
day, kids are vaping in the bathrooms at school. It smells like cotton candy and strawberries. Other kids
post videos of themselves smoking or vaping, which they do to fit in. What they do not realize is that
one smoke or vape of these tempting products could lead to addiction. This ordinance would make a
positive impact on the school and help her peers and future generations from becoming addicted.
Asa, a student at Henry Sibley High School and a member of ALMAS, expressed her appreciation to the
city for allowing the ALMAS group to attend. She knows that many of her friends think that vaping is
safer than smoking because of the flavors; however, these products contain nicotine, which is highly
addictive. These products have become popular in her school. She was very happy to see that Mendota
Heights can take action to keep flavored tobacco out of the hands of kids.
Mr. Robert Hansen, a teacher at Henry Sibley High School and coordinator of ALMAS, stated that as a
teacher at Henry Sibley, he polled the kids in his class regarding vaping and e -cigarettes. All of them
know someone in school who is vaping in school and outside of school. There have been kids caught
vaping multiple times. There are consequences and they are still being caught. That is what addiction is.
If children are addicted, then that is all they think about in class — not the subject being taught.
As a parent, his son was in the video shared with the Council at the March 20th meeting, about flavored
tobacco. After they were done with making the video, his youngest son saw a little bottle of e -cigarette
juice in his favorite ice cream flavor — he wanted to taste it. He knew it was nicotine but he still wanted
to taste it. That is the reality kids are facing when they see the flavors and they are able to get these
products. He expressed his appreciation to the Council for taking a look at this problem and for
considering the passing of this ordinance.
Councilor Miller expressed appreciation to Councilor Paper for bringing in the ALMAS group initially
and spearheading this. He said that this is the right thing to do and is long overdue. The Council has an
opportunity here to stop this before kids ever have an opportunity to try it. While nothing is completely
failsafe or kid -proof, this decision tonight can go a long way to help mitigate the opportunities and
access to flavored tobacco. He expressed his excitement in voting in favor of this ordinance.
Councilor Petschel stated that she believes the Council has had a lesson in civics over the last few
months. The Council has received an example of a grass roots movement that began when Mr. Hansen
and his class were so articulate. She said that she has received more letters and phone calls regarding
this subject than any other since she has been on the Council. It has been positive and constructive. The
students and members of ALMAS should be very proud of themselves.
May 15, 2018 Mendota Heights City Council Meeting Page 6 of 12
Councilor Paper noted that when he first had a discussion about this, he had no knowledge of flavored
tobaccos. He was stunned by what is available. He does not know of any adult that smokes grape
flavored cigars — it is not what his peer group does. He has received at least 46 letters and emails in
support of this resolution. This is something that is very impactful to the entire community.
Councilor Duggan congratulated everyone for bringing this to the Council. He stated that if ALMAS
wants to make a bigger impact, they should walk in the 5K Walk/Run on June 2nd, wearing their bright
green t -shirts. He also invited Town Square Television to televise the event. He also encouraged the city
to work with the surrounding communities to prevent the sale of these types of tobacco products to
persons under 18 years of age. He suggested the Council look at increasing the age limit to 21.
Mayor Garlock personally thanked everyone who sent him messages and letters. He knows the city is
doing the right thing here.
Councilor Duggan referenced the following sections of the proposed ordinance and made editing
suggestions:
Section 3-2-1: reads "... marketing and public health research and tobacco industry documents reveal
that tobacco companies have used fruit, candy, and alcohol flavors as a way to target persons under 18
years of age and that the presence of flavors ..." asked if it shouldn't read "... presence of all flavors.
." Councilor Paper replied that they had discussed this and did not want to include menthol. Ms. Elyse
Less, representing Tobacco Free Alliance, replied that her group worked with City Council, looked at
best practices from the Public Health Law Center, and looked at where the city was with flavors versus
menthol. The problem sometimes with menthol is that the tobacco industry may try to intimidate small
communities with threatening letters. The Council decided to start with flavors at this point.
Section 3-2-1: reads "...persons under 18 years of age and adult tobacco users to quit; and because
studies, which the city hereby accepts and adopts, ...", asked if the word because needed to be there. He
also asked about adding the word "...illegal use to tobacco ...". Councilor Petschel made the
observation that the Council worked with the Tobacco Free Alliance and with City Attorney Tom
Lehmann to write this proposed ordinance. She was loath to change the wording because everything in
there is best practices, best wording, and has been reviewed thoroughly. She understood Councilor
Duggan's wish to have it be perfect; but she wanted it to be able to withstand legal challenges and
believed that is why it was written that way; to make it more or less bulletproof.
Section 3-2-2: reads "Compliance checks shall involve the use of persons under 18 years of age as
authorized by this chapter. Compliance checks shall also mean the use of persons..."; he believed that
this should read "... shall also include..." City Attorney Tom Lehmann replied that he was not one to
quibble over the language. He does not know that it does mean include, but that it does mean the use of
those persons under 18 years of age who attempt to purchase tobacco. It is not only doing a compliance
check for the sale, but also for those who attempt. So it is using the same language — they really are
checking two things. The language included is pretty standard and is a boiler plate for what other
municipalities have adopted. He looked at the ordinance beforehand and was comfortable with the
language as presented.
May 15, 2018 Mendota Heights City Council Meeting Page 7 of 12
Section 3-2-2: RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT: reads "Any place of business where tobacco, tobacco
products, ... The phrase shall include, but not be limited to, grocery stores, convenience stores,
restaurants, and drugstores." He suggested adding `bars' to the list. Attorney Lehmann replied that the
way this is phrased - "...shall include, but not be limited to..." He would say that this language
specifically is used by the League of Minnesota Cities in their sample for ordinance. It is also contained
in a lot of municipalities that regulate this type of activity.
Section 3-2-3 F: reads "All licenses issued under this section shall be valid only on the premises for
which the license was issued and only for the person to whom the license was issued." He suggested this
include 'or employee'. Attorney Lehmann replied that he believed all city licenses to be issued to an
individual and, as such, most legal representatives would not even qualify for a license. He did not know
of any legal representative that would take on the responsibility of applying for a license on behalf of
their client. This is consistent with how all of the other licenses are held and issued within the city.
Section 3-2-6 B: reads "No person shall sell or offer for sale any flavored product in any retail
establishment as defined in section 3-2-2 of this chapter." He suggested this read flavored tobacco
product. Attorney Lehmann replied that this is defined but also becomes that some of this is not
necessarily tobacco all of the time. It may be a vaporizing of nicotine, which may not be defined as
tobacco. Ms. Less added that at the beginning of the ordinance, there is a definition of flavored product
that encompasses all of the different types of tobacco products, including e -cigarettes, and it excludes
menthol. One would want to use the term `flavored product' because that is the definition given — adding
the word tobacco changes it.
Section 3-2-7: reads "...shall either be stored behind a counter or other area not freely accessible to
customers or in a case or other storage unit ..." He asked if this shouldn't read display case. Attorney
Lehmann replied that the issue may be — display case may refer to a specific type and it may not be on
display — it may be in a case so they are leaving it broad enough to include anything.
Section 3-2-11: reads "Upon discovery of a suspected violation ..." but then the next sentence reads ". .
. a written notice of the civil violation". Attorney Lehmann replied that either way — the city clerk will
put in the notice what has been identified by the police department and it would ultimately be up to the
City Council as they have the final say as to whether or not it was a violation. Maybe it could be a
`written notice of the alleged civil violation' would be sufficient. If that word was not included,
Attorney Lehmann believed it would still be sufficient. The whole idea behind due process is notice and
an opportunity to be heard. This is giving them notice of what the violation is and then also letting them
know that if they do not agree they can request a hearing in front of the City Council. Mayor Garlock
agreed that it was fine as written.
Councilor Miller moved to adopt ORDINANCE 522 AMENDING CITY CODE SECTION 3-2
TOBACCO SALES as presented and approve the summary publication.
Councilor Paper seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
May 15, 2018 Mendota Heights City Council Meeting Page 8 of 12
B) SUMP PUMP INSPECTION PROGRAM DISCUSSION
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that staff was seeking direction on the continuation of the
sump pump inspection program. Last year, staff inspected approximately half of the homes in Mendota
Heights for their sump pump connections. Of the 2,000 homes that were inspected, approximately 222
are currently labeled as non-compliant. However, 161 of those 222 did not respond to the notices that
were sent out. So approximately 45 homes were verified as non-compliant.
He said that the consultant that did the work in 2017 has provided a quote of $217,580 to complete the
remaining residential property inspections. The initial contract was under budget by approximately
$79,850. The city would be looking at an additional $110,098 to complete all residential properties.
He said that City staff had expected higher results through this inspection process. One positive note is
that the city recently received the estimated rates for 2019 from the Met Council service. They showed
that the flows in 2017 were reduced by 15 million gallons, or approximately 1% of the flow has been
reduced.
Staff asked the Council to discuss the following options and then provide direction to staff:
Option 1: complete the remaining residential home inspections and instill the $75 surcharge per quarter
to the non-compliant homes. The issue staff sees with that is that only half of the homes have been
inspected and so would be imposing a fee that would not be equal throughout all residential properties.
Option 2: put some of the money from the water fund into some additional lining projects. Currently, the
Met Council has a grant program. All of the work the city completes between now and October 2019 is
eligible for this grant program.
Councilor Petschel stated she was delighted to see the flow rate decrease, no matter the reason. Her
inclination would be to invest the money in additional lining work to gain the grant money. At the same
time, as the city is getting into more care and concern for the environment, she would like legal sump
pump connections to be as much a part of the natural resources plan as buckthorn removal is.
Councilor Miller stated that he suspected the lower flow to be an amalgamation of all of those things;
sump pump inspections and dryer weather. He asked if the heavy fines imposed by the Met Council
were accurate. Mr. Ruzek replied that Mendota Heights has not paid a fine to the Met Council. The Met
Council informed the city — approximately 6 years ago — that the city was exceeding its flows and
needed to either put this amount of money into the system every year or be fined this amount of money.
The city chose to make improvements to its system versus paying the surcharge to the Met Council.
Councilor Duggan asked about the large amounts of rain received. Mr. Ruzek replied that 2014 — 2017
is the wettest three-year period on record. Councilor Duggan stated that he supports the idea of
continuing the lining of pipes.
Councilor Petschel asked if the lining of pipes is a 'best practice'. Mr. Ruzek replied that the city has
been maintaining its systems quite well for the last decade. It is economical because there is no need for
surface restoration as far as streets, sod, and yards. However, the cost is equivalent to installing new
pipe.
May 15, 2018 Mendota Heights City Council Meeting Page 9 of 12
Mayor Garlock concurred with the comments made by the Councilors. The money should be spent on
the growing problems. He also saw no reason to impose the $75 non-compliant surcharge at this time.
Councilor Paper asked for confirmation that the grant money is for pipe lining Mr. Ruzek replied that
the grant money could be used for a number of things. If the city choses to do a study, 25% of what the
city pays for that study could be credited towards that grant; 50% of lining costs are credited towards
that grant; and 1 00% replacement costs can be put towards the grant. Different activities are only worth
a certain amount towards the grant.
Councilor Paper continued, saying that the unfortunate thing is that many residents have spent money to
bring their sump pumps into compliance because the city told them they were going to be inspected.
Now the city is contemplating not inspecting the remaining half of the residents. Mr. Ruzek replied that
the City could complete the sump pump inspections in the future.
Councilor Petschel stated that she understood the point Councilor Paper was making; however, the City
would not be abandoning inspections but putting the inspections on hold to divert some resources to
lining of the pipes.
Councilor Paper asked if there was data available on the age of the homes yet to be inspected. Mr.
Ruzek replied that he did not have that information readily available.
Councilor Petschel noted that the interceptor is a big project and if the city could get some grant money
for that — that would be a benefit to all residents.
Councilor Duggan moved to suspend the sump pump inspections program for now, and that the funds
for that program be dedicated towards additional sewer lining projects.
Councilor Miller seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
C) CHANGE TO HALLOWEEN BONFIRE
City Administrator Mark McNeill explained that the city has had a Halloween Bonfire tradition; one that
the residents look forward to and enjoy each year. However, it now may be impacted due to
development in the area.
The new Gemini Medical building will be occupied this summer and is located across the street from the
bum site. The Reserve apartment building, located less than a block away, will soon be occupied. In the
past, Mendota Heights' residents have been allowed to bring brush to the site as fuel for the fire. The
brush is sometimes green and wet and has a tendency to produce significant clouds of smoke.
If the desire is to continue a bonfire and provide for one that is less impactful on the neighborhood, Mr.
McNeill suggested a company in our city that generates a significant number of oak pallets. They could
be used as fuel for the bonfire. It was his understanding that oak burns with a cleaner and hotter fire. The
downside is that there are people that count on the Halloween Bonfire as a way to dispose of their brush.
May 15, 2018 Mendota Heights City Council Meeting Page 10 of 12
Councilor Duggan asked if the public works department had sufficient space to store the pallets.
Administrator McNeill replied that it would be a combination of indoors and outdoors storage. As the
time for the bonfire got closer, they could cover the outside pallets and let them dry out. Councilor
Duggan wished to do everything possible to preserve the life of the bonfire event.
Councilor Miller noted that the cleanup with the oak pallets for fuel would be easier since they burn
more cleanly.
Councilor Duggan noted that Gertens would accept brush from the residents. Council Petschel said that
Gertens is the designated Dakota County place to accept brush — for a small fee.
Mayor Garlock agreed that this would be a good first step in the evaluation of the bonfire.
Councilor Duggan moved to authorize staff to collect the oak pallets for use as fuel in the annual
Halloween Bonfire and to inform the public on alternatives to dispose of their brush.
Councilor Paper seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
D) CHANGE OF COUNCIL MEETING DATE FROM JULY 3, 2018 TO JULY 2, 2018
City Administrator Mark McNeill noted that Independence Day is on a Wednesday and asked the
Council if they would like to change their regular meeting date from July 3, 2018 to July 2, 2018.
Councilor Duggan moved to change the City Council meeting date from July 3, 2018 to July 2, 2018.
Mayor Garlock seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Administrator Mark McNeill announced that Clean-up Day was held on May 5th and there were 195
cars that came through. They collected 7.5 tons of trash, which included 40 bicycles, 18 tires, 27
mattresses, and 43 appliances.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilor Petschel recognized the Henry Sibley and the ALMAS group for the wonderful job they did
putting things in motion for the Council to be able to pass Ordinance 522. She gave kudos to Jamie
Jurkovich and the middle school at St. Thomas Academy for doing a major cleanup last weekend at Rogers
Lake. It was noted by the Rogers Lake Homeowners Association as being pretty spectacular.
Mayor Garlock noted the upcoming Officer Scott Patrick Memorial 5K Walk/Run scheduled for June 2,
2018. At last count, there were 463 participants signed up. The funds go to Special Olympics of Minnesota.
Councilor Miller congratulated City Attorney Tom Lehmann on his recent appointment to the Minnesota
Court system by Governor Dayton. He will be missed, and all wished him luck.
May 15, 2018 Mendota Heights City Council Meeting Page 11 of 12
He also reminded everyone of the meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 16 for discussion on the Natural
Resources Master Plan. He encouraged anyone interested in natural resources to attend.
Councilor Paper congratulated ALMAS and Mr. Hansen for supporting the flavored tobacco ban and for
bringing it to the attention of the Council.
Councilor Duggan noted that June 2, 2018 is the traditional celebration of the Mendota Heights Parks. He
encouraged all to participate in as many events as possible.
ADJOURN
Councilor Paper moved to adjourn.
Councilor Petschel seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Mayor Garlock adjourned the meeting at 8:51 p.m.
ATTEST:
Lorri Smith
City Clerk
fl
Neil Garlock
Mayor
May 15, 2018 Mendota Heights City Council Meeting Page 12 of 12