Loading...
2020-02-04 Council MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, February 4, 2020 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 RECOGNITION OF PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSIONER DAVID MILLER Mayor Garlock recognized Parks and Recreation Commissioner David Miller for his service and presented him with a plaque. 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 a. Approval of January 21, 2020 City Council Minutes b. Approval of January 21, 2020 Council Work Session Minutes c. Acknowledge the December 19, 2019 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes d. Approve Resolution 2020-09 Appoint Election Judges for Presidential Nomination Primary e. Approve Emerald Ash Borer Community Forest Response Tree Planting Grant Agreement f. Approve Policy for Donation of Surplus Equipment to Nonprofit Organizations g. Approve Resolution 2020-10 Disposal of Surplus Fire Department Materials h. Response to January 21St Citizen's Comments i. Approve Hire of Office Assistant Position j. Approve Labor and Employment Law Attorney — Kennedy and Graven k. Acknowledge December 2019 Fire Synopsis 1. Approve Claims List Councilor Miller seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENTS Bernie Friel, 750 Mohican Lane, thanked the Council and staff for the response to the citizen comments from the previous week. He stated that Saint Joseph's Hospital is speculated to close, which residents in this area regularly use. He stated that a County Commissioner has written a letter to the Hospital Board expressing concern with the hospital possibly closing. He asked the Council to draft a similar letter to the Hospital Board. He also referenced Ayd Mill Road changes, which are a concern. He stated that the proposal for that roadway does not provide adequate access to the midway area. He asked that the Council consider writing a letter to the City of St. Paul expressing concern about this project. No items scheduled. PUBLIC HEARING NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) ORDINANCE NO. 553 AMENDING CERTAIN REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS REGARDING THE KEEPING OF DOMESTIC CHICKENS IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS (PLANNING CASE NO. 2019-29) Community Development Director Tim Benetti explained that the Council was being asked to approve Ordinance No. 553 Amending Certain Regulations and Standards Regarding the Keeping of Domestic Chickens in Residential Districts. Councilor Petschel noted the journey this has taken, as there was some opposition to allowing chickens from some residents. She noted that the ordinance was written in a manner that allowed the City to have a trial and gather information which could then be used to update the ordinance. She stated that perhaps a similar path could be taken with the keeping of goats, when the City considers that topic. Councilor Petschel moved to approve ORDINANCE NO. 553 AMENDING CERTAIN REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS REGARDING THE KEEPING OF DOMESTIC CHICKENS IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS. Councilor Miller seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 February 4, 2020 Mendota Heights City Council Page 2 of 4 B) ESTABLISH COUNCIL WORK SESSION DATE/TIME City Administrator Mark McNeill provided a brief background on this item. The Council was being asked to establish a Council Work Session date and time. It was the consensus of the Council to hold a Work Session on Wednesday, February 18th starting at 4:15 p.m., with a 5:30 p.m. ending time. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Mark McNeill announced that the Recreation Division's Royal Ball has been canceled due to low registration numbers. He reported that Blade with the Blue will take place this Saturday at 1 p.m. at Friendly Hills Park. Registration for some summer recreation programming will begin on March 2nd City offices will be closed on February 17th for Presidents Day. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Petschel stated that she was very taken by Mr. Friel's comments related to Saint Joseph's Hospital, as that facility provides a great deal of care to residents in the northern portion of Dakota County. She asked if there would be consensus from the Council to bring the concerns to County Commissioner Egan to bring this concern forward. Councilor Miller stated that he witnessed great care given to his family at the hospital and would gladly support that action. Mayor Garlock stated that he also received outstanding care at the facility and would support that action. It was the consensus of the Council to direct staff to draft a letter to County Commissioner Egan related to Saint Joseph's Hospital. Councilor Petschel noted that the Council previously discussed concerns with Ayd Mill Road reconstruction that was mentioned during public comments by Mr. Friel. She stated that she would support a letter being written to the Metropolitan Council, which holds authority over regional transportation. The Council confirmed consensus with that action. City Administrator Mark McNeill confirmed the direction from the Council for staff to draft the two letters discussed to be signed by the Mayor and sent without requiring additional City Council approval. Councilor Miller thanked Public Works for keeping the trails and sidewalks clear during these winter months. February 4, 2020 Mendota Heights City Council Page 3 of 4 ADJOURN Mayor Garlock moved to adjourn. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Mayor Garlock adjourned the meeting at 7:23 p.m. Neil Garlock Mayor ATTES Lorri Smith City Clerk February 4, 2020 Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 of 4