2018-10-02 Council MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, October 2, 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, Paper, Miller, and Petschel
were also present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council, the audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADOPTION
Mayor Garlock presented the agenda for adoption. Councilor Petschel moved adoption of the agenda.
Councilor Miller seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
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, pulling items c) Approve
Resolution 2018-76 Supporting the Dakota County 2019-2023 Capital Improvement Plan and g) Approval
of August 2018 Treasurer's Report.
a. Approve September 18, 2018 City Council Minutes
b. Acknowledgement of June 20, 2018 Airport Relations Commission Meeting Minutes
c. Approve Resolution 2018-76 Supporting the Dakota County 2019-2023 Capital Improvement Plan
d. Authorize Storm Sewer Improvements at 531 Marie Avenue and Valley Park Trail
e. Approve Resolution 2018-75 Acknowledging The Receipt of a Donation to the City
f. Acknowledgement of August 2018 Fire Synopsis
g. Approval of August 2018 Treasurer's Report
h. Approval of Claims List
i. Authorize Grant Application for Fire Department Equipment
Councilor Miller seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEM
C) APPROVE RESOLUTION 2018-76 SUPPORTING THE DAKOTA COUNTY 2019-2023
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Councilor Duggan asked Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek to review how this plan would affect the
City of Mendota Heights. Mr. Ruzek explained that every year the city is asked to adopt a resolution
supporting the Dakota County Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). This year there are a number of projects
in the plan that will affect the City of Mendota Heights, the first two being:
• Resurfacing of Delaware Avenue from Marie Avenue to Dodd Road
• Resurfacing of Pilot Knob Road from I-494 to Highway 13
These projects are not identified individually on the CIP; however, the county has identified
approximately $6.4M in pavement preservation projects for 2019. The two overlays of Delaware
Avenue and Pilot Knob Road are a portion of that.
Dakota County is also looking at the interchange study at I-494 and Delaware. This would be for the
proposed realignment of Argenta Avenue at the existing Delaware Avenue/Argenta Avenue bridge.
They would also be updating the Regional Roadway System Vision Study that was originally completed
in 2009.
Dakota County is also reviewing the possible reconstruction of Delaware Avenue, from Marie Avenue
to Dodd Road. West St. Paul has been asking for a trail along that route and this project would look at
the feasibility of possibly constructing that in 2023.
In 2019, Dakota County is showing that they are looking at trail head improvements to the Big River
Regional Trail in Mendota Heights; this project would be approximately $1.3M. This would be at the
base of the Pilot Knob Preservation site.
In 2022, Dakota County is looking at possibly constructing an underpass under Dodd Road as part of the
River to River Greenway Trail.
Councilor Duggan noted that there was a decrease in charges to the city for services. Mr. Ruzek replied
that Dakota County readopted a new policy for funding projects. Previously, the costs of projects were
split 55% county/45% city. The new cost proposal for County work would be 75% county/25% city.
There are still certain projects that would remain at the 55%/45% cost share.
Councilor Petschel clarified that the I-494/Argenta interchange is different than the possible connection
at I-494 and Delaware. Mr. Ruzek confirmed and noted that Argenta Avenue veers west and turns into
Delaware Avenue. They are looking at realigning Argenta further to the east. Councilor Petschel then
asked if this was part of the improvements to Lone Oak Road, going into Inver Grove Heights, and
sorting out the traffic management there. Mr. Ruzek confirm that this was the case.
Councilor Petschel requested that an eye be kept on a spur off of Lone Oak going into the Viking Lake
development, as this would give another egress in and out of that facility and would be to our benefit.
October 2, 2018 Mendota Heights City Council Page 2 of 6
Councilor Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2018-76 SUPPORTING PROJECTS LISTED IN
THE DRAFT 2019-2023 DAKOTA COUNTY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN.
Mayor Garlock seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
G) APPROVE AUGUST 2017 TREASURER'S REPORT
Councilor Duggan complimented Finance Director Kristen Schabacker, as this is the first time he
noticed that the funds available at the end of August 2018 are slightly in excess of what was available at
the beginning of the year. He believed that her excellent management of funds has put the city in an
amiable position.
Councilor Duggan moved to approve the August 2017 Treasurer's Report.
Mayor Garlock seconded the motion
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No comments were received.
PUBLIC HEARING
No items scheduled.
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A) AUTHORIZE CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
FOR FIRE STATION REMODEL
Fire Chief Dave Dreelan explained that staff has spent a considerable amount of time over the last
several months discussing whether the city would be best served by having the Fire Station Project
managed by a general contractor or a construction management firm. It was determined that it would be
in the city's best interest to have a construction management firm oversee the project.
This model was favored as it allowed the city to pick a firm that has extensive experience in fire station
construction. It would provide an opportunity for a second set of eyes on the project as it goes through
the plan development phase, and most importantly, it would provide onsite daily supervision during the
project.
Four local companies with experience in the construction of fire stations were invited to submit
proposals, which were reviewed by city staff and members of the building committee. Interviews were
conducted and the committee selected Cost, Planning & Management International, Inc. (CPMI) from
Eagan to oversee the project.
October 2, 2018 Mendota Heights City Council Page 3 of 6
This decision was based on CPMI's experience with fire stations, their tailored approach to the city's
needs, and their proposal was a good value. The Committee believed they were the right sized company
— large enough to have enough resources but small enough to know who they were helping.
CPMI's fee of $309,657.00 is expected to be offset by eliminating the overhead and profit costs of a
general contractor.
Councilor Paper asked if there was a particular fire department project that CPMI managed that would
be comparable to what the city is seeking or one that stood out. Chief Dreelan replied that their list of
projects included three St. Paul stations and extensive remodels in Superior, WI and Red Wing, MN.
What the city was looking for was a firm that had experience in both new and remodeled stations. CPMI
demonstrated several projects of remodels with additions and were able to keep the stations functional
during the construction and remodel phases.
Councilor Duggan moved to authorize the hire of CPMI as Construction Manager for the Mendota
Heights Fire Station Improvements project.
Councilor Petschel seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Councilor Petschel complemented Chief Dreelan and the Fire Captains for the extraordinary amount of
work that is being done on this project.
Councilor Paper asked when they anticipate breaking ground and how many months to completion.
Chief Dreelan answered that the timeline puts going out for bids immediately after the first of the year.
Ideally the bids would be back and awarded in February, and the ground breaking would be in late
March or early April (weather dependent). They are estimating a nine month process to build the
addition, after which they would move the administrative functions into the new space. They would then
begin the remodeling phases, which they anticipate to take four months.
Councilor Duggan complimented the station and everyone who did the preparations on a very successful
open house and their demonstration of teamwork — with current and past firefighters.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Administrator Mark McNeill made the following announcements:
• The Halloween Bonfire will be held on October 31. He reminded everyone that they would be
burning wood pallets. Residents are asked to NOT bring brush to the site as they have done in the
past.
• The Par 3 has gone to fall hours and fees.
• Registration for gymnastics, skating, MEA field trips, Fall Family Party, and winter break field
trips are now available online
• The Movie in the Park at Mendakota Park was well attended. Approximately 150 people watched
the movie.
October 2, 2018 Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 of 6
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilor Petschel wished two of the local high schools — Henry Sibley and St. Thomas Academy — who
are celebrating homecomings this weekend, to have wonderful festivities and football games.
Mayor Garlock noted that this past Saturday, he attended the Henry Sibley Warrior 5K, which was well
attended with approximately 300 participants; another 70 or 80 people donated but did not attend.
Councilor Miller expressed his appreciation to Public Works for the fine work they have done in the city's
parks this summer and, in particular, this fall with fields being lined and grass cut perfectly at Kensington
Park for all of the events that have taken place.
Councilor Paper noted that Mendakota Park fields look great with the stripes and field work. He also
commented that Henry Sibley has the homecoming parade on Friday evening. He also stated there is an
upcoming stroke event that is going to be held at the YMCA in West St. Paul on October 4. Amongst the
speakers will be Dr. Andy Grande, who is a resident and is a neurosurgeon at the U of MN, and is very
passionate about stroke awareness and prevention. State Senator Dr. Matt Kline will also be in attendance.
Councilor Duggan noted the dirt being moved from the Olin property to the city property is being
deposited everywhere but where it is supposed to go. He requested Public Works and/or staff to help with
the deliveries of the dirt and ensure they are cleaning up after themselves.
He also stated that the city has a newly named street — Mulberry — formerly known as Freeway Rd.
He noted a new magazine pertaining to Mendota Heights is coming out in November, dealing with
anything and everything the people of Mendota Heights might be interested in.
There is an event on October 1 1th at United Methodist Church on Dodd Road — a candidate forum for
those who are running for City Council.
Councilor Duggan asked if the materials shared at the Planning Commission meeting of September 24th,
regarding the 2040 Comprehensive Plan draft, and the concerns raised by the citizens would be available
on the city's website. Community Development Director Tim Benetti replied that the minutes would be
ready very soon and would be made available on the city's website. The video of the meeting is currently
available on Town Square Television.
ADJOURN
Councilor Paper moved to adjourn.
Mayor Garlock seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Mayor Garlock adjourned the meeting at 7:33 p.m.
October 2, 2018 Mendota Heights City Council Page 5 of 6
ATTEST:
Lorri Smith
City Clerk
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Neil Garlock
Mayor
October 2, 2018 Mendota Heights City Council Page 6 of 6