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2019-06-18 Council MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, June 18, 2019 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 PRESENTATIONS UPDATE ON FIRE STATION EXPANSION/REMODEL BY PAUL OBERHAUS, CPMI Mr. Paul Oberhaus, CPMI, is the construction manager of the Fire Station Expansion/Remodel project. He stated that they have the majority of the site cleared and the foundation is in the ground for the majority of the building addition. They have started the HealthEast addition. They are hoping that this week the Xcel power line will be rerouted and that grading on the north side can start next week. They are a few weeks behind schedule, however, it is early in the project. They will make up the time if they have good weather. He pointed out that even though they have had a slow start, they have procured the materials needed for the job. All of the shop drawings have been submitted and approved. The plotters are working on fabricating the steel. The masonry and brick has been ordered. Councilor Duggan asked if they were having any challenges with the contractors in relation to having the work force to do the work. Mr. Oberhaus replied in the negative. B) 2019 LEGISLATIVE SESSION REVIEW BY STATE REPRESENTATIVE RUTH RICHARD S ON Minnesota Representative Ruth Richardson provided a brief recap of the legislative session. She was appointed to three committees: the Transportation, Finance and Policy Division; the Education Finance Division; and Commerce. She was also appointed to the Pensions Commission. There were over 2,500 bills that were introduced this session. As one of two divided legislatures in the U.S., they had an interesting session in terms of being able to find some common ground. Transportation In terms of what the Transportation Omnibus Bill ended up looking like that Governor Walz signed into law, it really was a status quo bill. Things will stay much the same for Mendota Heights in terms of municipal state aid. With those MnDOT commission orders, it is just over $600,000 that would continue to flow to Mendota Heights for maintenance and construction. She was thankful for the help in getting the Mendota Heights Fire Station sales and use tax exemption passed. She thanked City Administrator McNeill, Mayor Garlock, and Fire Chief Dreelan for coming down to testify before the committee to help get that passed. She also appreciated the support from Representative Rick Hansen and Senator Matt Klein. The estimated cost savings is $190,000. There was also a Sales & Use Tax Exemption for the Dakota County SMART Center that passed. That will have some impact for Mendota Heights and has an estimated cost savings of $260,000. Friiinatinn District 197 is going to see an approximate 1.8% increase over its base in fiscal 2020. In fiscal 2021, they will be seeing an increase of 3.6%. They were also able to preserve all of the Pre -K slots in District 197. One of the challenges faced this session was the lack of a bonding bill that was agreed to. There is talk of a special session in September 2019. If this occurs, it is possible that a bonding bill could potentially be discussed. Additional Items Representative Rick Hansen took a leadership role in securing funding for Chronic Wasting Disease of approximately $6.8M; Aquatic Invasive Species secured approximately $6M; and $1M for Emerald Ash Borer was secured. In July, she will be attending an Energy Summit in Dusseldorf, Germany. She will be able to learn about what a number of cities are doing in terms of cleaner forms of energy. She will provide an update when she returns. June 18, 2019 Mendota Heights City Council Page 2 of 10 Councilor Petschel asked for clarification that the Bonding Bill is also referred to as the Infrastructure Bill. Representative Richardson replied that `infrastructure' is used in a few different ways. In terms of the Transportation Infrastructure Bill, with bonding, there is also infrastructure that is included. Councilor Duggan expressed gratefulness for the sales tax exemption on the materials to be used for the fire station addition and remodel. Representative Richardson concluded by explaining that the next session would be a shorter session as it is a policy year. There could potentially be a supplemental budget so if there are any issues that the city was thinking about potentially moving forward, she would be available this summer to talk about them. If the city wants to have a good chance of moving something forward, they would need to get those bills drafted now so they are ready for the shorter session. City Administrator Mark McNeill reminded the public about a meeting scheduled for June 24, 2019, in the Mendota Heights Council Chambers. Representative Hansen, Senator Klein, and Representative Richardson will be providing a recap of the legislative session. They will also be hosting Representative Frank Hornstein, who will be speaking about the transportation policy. 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 e.) Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Participation, h.) Accept Retirement Notice of Firefighter John Boland from the Mendota Heights Fire Department, j,) Approve Invoice from Saint Paul Regional Water for the Dodd Road Watermain Offset, and k.) Approval of Resolution 2019-38 Accepting Donations for City Events. a. Approval of June 4, 2019 City Council Minutes b. Approval of June 4, 2019 Council Work Session Minutes c. Acknowledge the May 14, 2019 Parks/Rec Commission Minutes d. Acknowledge the May 23, 2019 Parks/Ree Work Session Minutes e. Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Participation f. Acknowledge the 2020 Budget Timeline g. Approve the Liquor License for Haiku MH Inc. dba Haiku Japanese Bistro h. Accept Retirement Notice of Firefighter John Boland from the Mendota Heights Fire Department i. Approve Public Works Lead Worker Appointment j. Approve Invoice from Saint Paul Regional Water for the Dodd Road Watermain Offset k. Approval of Resolution 2019-38 Accepting Donations for City Events 1. Approval of Claims List Councilor Miller seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 June 18, 2019 Mendota Heights Cady Council Page 3 of 10 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS E) BEYOND THE YELLOW RIBBON (BTYR) PARTICIPATION Mayor Garlock explained that this item was brought to the city's attention by a former member of the West St. Paul City Council, who is a member of the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Chapter there. He noted that this involves the active duty, retired, former, and disabled veterans. If a problem becomes known for a service person or their families, they would help the person or their family at no cost. Beyond the Yellow Ribbon would raise funds through local businesses and it would be a non-profit organization. Mayor Garlock noted that the Red Bull Infantry Division is going to be deployed. It is anticipated that needs could arise while they are deployed. Mayor Garlock has volunteered to serve on the steering committee and would recruit other individuals who are interested in veterans and military affairs to volunteer their time. Councilor Duggan moved to endorse the formation of a joint Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Committee with the cities of Mendota, Lilydale, and West St. Paul, and to authorize staff support. Councilor Miller seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 H) ACCEPT RETIREMENT NOTICE OF FIREFIGHTER JOHN BOLAND FROM THE MENDOTA HEIGHTS FIRE DEPARTMENT Councilor Miller took this opportunity to recognize Firefighter John Boland for his contributions and service to the Fire Department. John has been a member of the Mendota Heights Fire Department for 21 years. During that time, he filled the roles of Captain and Vice -President of the Board of Trustees. John is unique in that he brings calmness throughout the department. Councilor Duggan noted that he knew John Boland's father, Mike Boland who was a teacher at Cretin Durham. He could see where that even temperament flowed from father to son. Councilor Petschel moved to accept, with reluctance, the retirement of John Boland from the Fire Department and to formally thank John for his 21 years of service as a firefighter. Councilor Miller seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 J) APPROVE INVOICE FROM SAINT PAUL REGIONAL WATER FOR THE DODD ROAD WATERMAIN OFFSET Councilor Petschel noted the memo received from Saint Paul Regional Water (SPRW) and that they are not going to adjust the invoice any further than they already have for the watermain offset and valve relocation on Dodd Road. She requested that the City Attorney look at the City's agreement with SPRW and make sure that the two directives noted in the memo are in the agreement, and, if not, they are to be added to the agreement. June 18, 2019 Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 of 10 Councilor Duggan stated there is an onus on the part of SPRW, as well as the city engineering department, to be sure that things are done right. SPRW has not communicated to the city in a timely manner. Councilor Duggan also reminded the Council that the city needs a representative on the Saint Paul Regional Water Board. Councilor Petschel moved to authorize payment of the invoice from St. Paul Regional Water Services for watermain offset and valve relocation on Dodd Road and directed staff and the City Attorney to assure that the two suggested addendums are in the agreement if they are not already. Councilor Duggan seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 K) APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 2019-38 ACCEPTING DONATIONS FOR EVENTS Mayor Garlock noted the revised resolution presented. There were 90+ people who donated prizes to the Officer Scott Patrick Memorial 5K walk/run. He noted $5,000 received from the Mendota American Veterans Post l; $2,500 received from Robert Brackey, who probably has donated more than anyone in the history of the 5K for 14 years; and $1,000 received from Gateway Bank, the initial sponsor of the 5K. They also provided the post -race pizza party in the amount $919.94. Councilor Duggan suggested that someone take the t -shirts for the previous 5K's and create a special prize to raffle off. Councilor Petschel noted that it would be interesting if a quilt could be made out of them and then auction it off. Councilor Petschel moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2019-38 ACKNOWLEDGING THE RECEIPT OF DONATIONS TO THE CITY FOR THE OFFICER SCOTT PATRICK MEMORIAL 5K RACE, THE PARKS CELEBRATION, AND THE CLIFF TIMM MEMORIAL FISHING DERBY. Councilor Miller seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Jason Eggers, 2260 Wagon Wheel Court, noted a large amount of buckthorn on his property, which he has been trying to clear. He requested the use of goats which he would rent from a company. He knows that they have been used on public land with success and asked the Council to consider this as a non -herbicide alternative to help clear the buckthorn because he feels he is fighting a losing battle. Councilor Petschel noted that the city has used goats on the Pilot Knob site. One of her concerns would be the goats defecating into the wetlands, where this property is located. She would be interested in learning more about private individuals renting goats. June 18, 2019 Mendota Heights City Council Page 5 of 10 Councilor Duggan noted that he would be supportive of the idea. City Administrator Mark McNeill stated that staff would research this idea and report back to Council. No items scheduled. PUBLIC HEARING NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS RESOLUTION 2019-37 ACCEPT FEASIBILITY REPORT AND CALL FOR PUBLIC HEARING ON THE TOWN CENTER VILLAGE RETAINING WALL IMPROVEMENTS Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that the Council was being asked to accept the feasibility report for the Town CenterNillage of Mendota Heights Boulder Wall Improvement Project. This would schedule the public hearing for July 16, 2019. Mr. Ruzek also asked the Council which kind of wall style they would desire. The consulting engineering firm recommended a small block wall as they are concerned that there may be a need for a larger crane for the boulder wall and the space is very tight. The cost difference for a boulder wall over a small block wall is approximately $18,000. Councilor Duggan asked if the wall behind Walgreens along Dodd Road is nine feet in height. The response was that that wall gets taller in the corner near the Gemini Medical Building. Councilor Duggan recommended that if the small block is used, that maybe it could be tiered or staggered. He stated he would prefer the boulder wall. Councilor Duggan asked if the additional cost for the boulder wall was included in the estimate before the Council. Mr. Ruzek replied in the affirmative. Councilor Miller asked if the boulder wall option is chosen, would the current boulders already on site be repurposed and used. Mr. Ruzek replied that the city owns those boulders, so if they wanted to repurpose them, they could. Councilor Petschel stated she was glad to hear that the homeowners association was allowed to give their opinion on what they would like to see. She asked if everyone was aware of the proposed assessments for this project. Mr. Ruzek replied that he had shared this report with their property management company and with their board. Upon a question from Councilor Duggan, Mr. Ruzek stated that there are 53 property identification numbers. This report shows 53 individual assessments to the residential homeowners association. There is one person who owns a double unit and a single unit; they would receive two assessments. June 18, 2019 Mendota Heights Cit) Council Page 6 of 10 Councilor Miller stated that, from an aesthetic standpoint, he would prefer the look of the boulder wall. He also believed it would last longer over time. Councilor Paper stated that he would prefer the boulder wall because of the longevity. Mayor Garlock was also in favor of the boulder wall. Councilor Duggan asked if this included the Victoria Road — Walsh Lane retaining wall reconstruction. Mr. Ruzek replied that the intention was to have this bid as an alternate item in the design phase. A public hearing is not required for the Victoria Road — Walsh Lane retaining wall, so it would be set up as an alternate bid. Once the bids are opened, staff would decide how to proceed. Councilor Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2019-37 ACCEPTING FEASIBILITY REPORT AND CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE TOWN CENTER/VILLAGE OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS BOULDER RETAINING WALL IMPROVEMENTS (PROJECT #201810). Councilor Miller seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 AWARD HAGSTROM KING PARK PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek reminded the Council that at their March 19th meeting, he presented a proposed layout for the Hagstrom King Park playground. It is proposed to be a larger playground than what is currently there. A dual zip line feature is being proposed and some of the existing equipment would be salvaged. Another item discussed at the March 19th meeting was the style of the container to hold in the mulch. The existing container was a plastic border which has not held up. The other parks have composite that looks like timber (8 parks) and concrete (3 parks). Councilor Petschel noted that she would prefer the composite border as it appears there is only a $3,000 difference. Councilor Miller concurred. Councilor Petschel asked if any trees were proposed to be planted. Mr. Ruzek replied that there are two trees to the west. The container would be moved 10-15 feet to the west to take advantage of the shade they provide. There are also a couple of spots inside the playground where trees could be planted. Councilor Duggan asked if any consideration had been given to installing triangular sunscreens. Mr. Ruzek replied that staff did consider that option, but the vendor had some concerns with adding manufactured shade structures and they recommended the planting of trees within the playground. June 18, 2019 Mendota Heights City Council Page 7 of 10 Councilor Duggan asked if the Minnesota Safety Council had a preference for the manufactured shading versus natural trees. Mr. Ruzek replied that the state would not weigh in with a preference as shading is not a requirement. Councilor Paper asked what the difference was between the new swings and the ones there now. Mr. Ruzek replied that the current swings are wobbly. Also, when speaking with the vendors, the cost of rehabilitating the current swings and installing new is almost the same. Councilor Paper asked what would be done with the existing play equipment that would be replaced. Mr. Ruzek replied that is undetermined at this point. The project costs include demolition and disposal by the vendor. Councilor Paper asked if the city was allowed to donate the equipment. Mr. Ruzek replied that both vendors indicated that there was not a local market for donated equipment. There is a company that ships the equipment to other countries. He stated that staff could call around to see if one of the local churches has any interest in the equipment. Councilor Paper asked what the timeframe is for this project. Mr. Ruzek replied that they would be looking at late August or early September for installation. Councilor Paper stated the city could then have time to advertise the old equipment. Mr. Ruzek agreed. Councilor Paper suggested that staff take the time to find a place to donate the equipment to, rather than see it demolished. Mayor Garlock agreed with the idea of donating the equipment to a local organization. Councilor Duggan moved to award the Playground Improvement Contract to Mn-Wi Playground for a not -to -exceed amount of $160,000, that efforts be made to donate the existing play equipment to a non-profit for their use, and that trees be planted within the new playground. Councilor Miller seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 HAGSTROM KING PARK PORTABLE TOILET LOCATION Councilor Paper noted that there has been lengthy discussions over the location of the portable toilet at Hagstrom King Park. He understands that the cleaning trucks cannot drive on the trail and residents within the area do not want the toilet located in the parking lot. If it were moved to the place being proposed, between the second and third trees, it would be more out of sight for the neighbors. He also understands that there is a smell when they are being cleaned, however, regular cleaning keeps the smell at a minimum — the city has their portable toilets serviced weekly. Councilor Paper commented that determining a location has taken more effort than expected. To build a shelter around this structure is a waste of money because this is a temporary, several months of the year, portable bathroom. June 18, 2019 Mendota Heights City Council Page 8 of 10 Ms. Orapat Sivatanpisit, 600 Hampshire Drive, stated that when she looks out from her home, she sees a portable toilet and it is not a welcome site. When she first heard about the new playground, she believed the city would find an accessible spot from the ballfield and the playground. It had been at the same location for 20+ years, and now that location is not ADA compliant. She stated that having a portable toilet greeting visitors to Hagstrom King Park would not be aesthetically pleasing. Councilor Miller interjected that everyone agrees that placing this in an ADA compliant spot is a good thing. He asked about the possibility of planting a tree or two to screen the facility. Mr. Ruzek replied that this recommendation was included in the staff memo. Councilor Paper moved to confirm the location of the portable toilet facility, between the second and third trees on the south side of the trail from the parking lot to the playground and to screen it with coniferous trees. Councilor Duggan seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Mark McNeill announced that the Teddy Bear Band will perform in Mendakota Park on June 19th. Bogey with the Red and Blue is scheduled for June 23rd at the Par 3. This is an opportunity for residents to golf with members of the Fire and Police Departments. The Marie Park Tennis Court Grand Opening for the refurbished tennis courts will be held on June 25th. Members of the USTA will be in attendance. A grant for $20,000 was received from them, which covered almost one-fourth of the refurbishing costs. The July 4th fireworks display will be held at dusk and will be shooting from the usual location of Mendakota Country Club. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Duggan wished everyone a happy summer. Councilor Paper expressed his appreciation to Public Works employee Rich Burrows who rescued seven ducklings from the storm sewer line. He expressed his appreciation to the Police Department who responds to everything. He thanked John Boland for his 21 years of service on the Fire Department, and he congratulated Terry Blum for nearly 45 years of service to the city. Councilor Miller mentioned the golfing event with the Police and Fire departments will be held this Sunday at the Par 3. He encouraged residents to attend. Mayor Garlock expressed his appreciation to Public Works for a situation they rectified this past weekend when construction crews failed to put a stop sign up for westbound traffic to southbound Hwy 13. June 18, 2019 Mendota Heights City Council Page 9 of 10 Councilor Petschel stated that she attended the first quarterly meeting to assist the Metropolitan Airport Commission in developing their 2040 Long-term Comprehensive Plan. They had representatives attend from the communities surrounding the airport, Sun Country, UPS, Delta, area cities' Chambers of Commerce, a representative from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, representatives from major corporations, and representatives from Americans with Disabilities. These representatives were asked to give their input on what they thought the challenges were going to be at MSP going forward, and what would be the best way to meet those challenges. She had three major takeaways from the meeting. The air freight business is going to be a rapidly growing business. Delta does not see an increase in their operations, however, they do see a steep increase in the number of passengers they are going to bring through the airport, riding on larger planes which may require changes to the jet ways and runways. And, the City of Bloomington owns their Park `n Rides and they are taking the licenses away from the businesses who operate them because their land is so valuable. There may be businesses looking for new areas to relocate the Park `n Rides to — like our Industrial Park. ADJOURN Councilor Petschel moved to adjourn. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Mayor Garlock adjourned the meeting at 8:14 p.m. ATTES ti Lorri Smith City Clerk f Neil Garlock Mayor June 18, 2019 Mendota Heights City Council Page 10 of 10