2020-05-19 Council MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the regular meeting of the City Council, City of Mendota Heights,
Minnesota was held at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Garlock called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Councilors Duggan, Paper, and Petschel were also
present via teleconferencing. Councilor Miller was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council, the audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Mayor Garlock presented the agenda for adoption. Councilor Petschel moved adoption of the agenda.
Mayor Garlock seconded the motion.
A roll call vote was performed:
Councilor Duggan
aye
Councilor Paper
aye
Councilor Petschel
aye
Mayor Garlock
aye
Motion carried.
PRESENTATION
A) UPDATE ON FIRE STATION EXPANSION/REMODEL BY PAUL OBERHAUS, CPMI
City Administrator Mark McNeill reported the monthly progress report received from Paul Oberhaus on
the Fire Station expansion/remodel. He stated that the schedule still shows an August completion.
B) ISD 197 UPDATE FROM SUPERINTENDENT PETER OLSON SKOG
Mr. Peter Olson Skog, Superintendent ISD 197, provided an update on the activity at the schools. He
thanked the community for its support and collaboration during this trying time. He reviewed background
information on the requirement from the Governor for schools to convert to distance learning and provided
an update on the distance learning process, including software, curriculum, and the availability of internet
access. He stated that the school district has also provided childcare for emergency workers throughout
this time. He provided an update on food distribution and transportation.
Mr. Olson Skog explained that because of the closures of schools, the construction crews have been able
progress with the construction projects at a faster pace. He highlighted the progress of the different
construction projects.
The Council thanked Mr. Olson Skog for providing an update.
Councilor Duggan stated that he would suspect that the school district is starting to think about how
sanitizing could be completed in the fall.
City Administrator Mark McNeill asked what is being done to recognize the graduating class of 2020.
Mr. Olson Skog stated that the graduates will not be defined by what they lost but how they worked
through this. He stated that the Minnesota Department of Health and Department of Education provided
guidelines for a distance learning type graduation. It would perhaps be a video that could be played with
commencement and student speeches. He stated that the community and families raised funds to create
signs that could be placed in lawns to recognize a graduating student. There is a tentative date set for an
in-person graduation ceremony on August 5th but they are not certain that activity will be allowed. He
thanked the community for its financial support that allowed the construction projects to move forward to
improve the schools.
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 May 5, 2020 City Council Minutes
b. Approval of May 11, 2020 Council Work Session Minutes
c. Approve April 2020 Treasurer's Report
d. Approval of Claims List
Councilor Duggan seconded the motion.
A roll call vote was performed:
Councilor Paper
aye
Councilor Petschel
aye
Mayor Garlock
aye
Councilor Duggan
aye
Motion carried.
May 19, 2020 Mendota Heights City Council Page 2 of
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No one from the public wished to be heard.
PUBLIC HEARING
No items scheduled.
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A) APPROVE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT FOR NATURAL RESOURCES
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that the Council was being asked to accept the proposal
submitted by Applied Ecological Services (AES), and begin development of Phase I of the update to the
City's Natural Resources Management Plan (NRMP).
Councilor Paper stated that when the budget discussions occur, he wants to ensure that funds are included
for Phase 2 because this is an important document that could open a lot of doors for the City throughout
the next ten years.
Councilor Duggan asked for details on the monitoring and implementation mentioned in the scope.
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek stated that the company would develop a process that the City would
monitor and implement into the future.
Councilor Duggan stated that there is a lot of support in the community for this. He referenced tree
preservation and hoped that the City could establish a tree preservation ordinance.
Councilor Petschel asked if staff is satisfied with the amendment that the consultant developed related to
the template for grant applications.
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek stated that he is comfortable with that. He stated that there are
different grant opportunities and it is not specified as to the agency that the template would be developed
for. He stated that the overall plan would assist the City in requesting additional State funding.
Mayor Garlock complimented everyone that participated in this process.
Councilor Petschel moved to AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO ISSUE A "NOT
TO EXCEED" PURCHASE ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $71,276 TO APPLIED ECOLOGICAL
SERVICES.
Councilor Paper seconded the motion.
Further discussion: Councilor Duggan stated that he supports the not to exceed purchase order. He stated
that the budget will have to continue to be monitored during this challenging time.
May 19, 2020 Mendota Heights City Couned Page 3 of 7
A roll call vote was performed:
Councilor Petschel
aye
Mayor Garlock
aye
Councilor Duggan
aye
Councilor Paper
aye
Motion carried.
B) APPROVE LETTER TO MAC NOISE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
City Administrator Mark McNeill stated that the Council is asked to approve a letter to be sent to the
Metropolitan Airports Commission Noise Oversight Committee (NOC). This is in response to a request
for action requested by a neighboring city which could shift airport traffic over Mendota Heights and other
cities.
Assistant City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson provided background information on the agenda item that
will be considered at the NOC meeting in response to a request from the City of Eagan.
Councilor Petschel referenced a letter from the FAA to MAC, which states that moving the routes could
simply shift the noise from one area to another. She explained that one option would shift the runway
traffic from Eagan to Mendota Heights. She stated that the City should be on record with this letter. She
provided an update on the activity proposed to take place at the NOC meeting the following day which
would result in an alternate request to the FAA.
Councilor Duggan stated that he supports the letter. He stated that Mendota Heights has always worked
with the airport and surrounding cities to develop the best plan. He believed that this guidance would lead
towards the most equitable solution.
Councilor Paper thanked Councilor Petschel for the time and effort she has put in over the years with
airport issues in order to best serve the community and neighboring communities.
Mayor Garlock stated that he would also support the letter and proposed comments to be made the
following day at the NOC meeting.
Councilor Petschel moved to ENDORSE THE CONTENT COMMENTING ON THE CITY OF
EAGAN'S REQUEST TO THE FAA, AND HAVE IT DELIVERED FOR IMMEDIATE
CONSIDERATION BY THE MAC NOISE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE
ASSISTANT CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO MAKE AN ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION
THAT WHEN POSSIBLE FLIGHTS FROM RUNWAY 17 WOULD BE MOVED TO PARALLELS
TO SPLIT EQUALLY BETWEEN 12LEFT AND 12RIGHT AND THAT THOSE FLIGHTS MUST
USE THE CROSSING IN THE COORIDOR PROCEURE AND THE FAA FINDINGS WILL
PROVIDE METRICS FOR THEIR DECISION.
May 79, 2020 Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 of 7
Councilor Duggan seconded the motion.
A roll call vote was performed:
Mayor Garlock
aye
Councilor Duggan
aye
Councilor Paper
aye
Councilor Petschel
aye
Motion carried.
C) APPROVAL OF FIBER OPTIC INDEFEASIBLE RIGHT TO USE AGREEMENT
WITH CITY FIBER ASSETS
Assistant City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson stated that the Council is asked to approve a Fiber Optic
Indefeasible Right to Use Agreement between the City of Mendota Heights and Dakota Broadband Board.
Councilor Duggan asked if a Gopher One type call is required for contractors.
Assistant City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson replied that the fiber lines are part of the Gopher One
identification that is done.
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek stated that the City is responsible for identifying its utilities and
provided details on that process.
Councilor Duggan asked if there is an estimate for the repair costs for a fiber optic line.
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that he does not have any experience with damaged fiber optic
lines. He noted that most contractors work very carefully near fiber lines because the repairs are costly.
Councilor Petschel asked if large files can be sent through the fiber optic network in a shorter amount of
time.
Assistant City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson confirmed that there have been many benefits of the fiber
network, including a faster speed.
Mayor Garlock moved to approve THE FIBER OPTIC INDEFEASIBLE RIGHT TO USE
AGREEMENT FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF CERTAIN CITY FIBER
ASSETS BY THE DAKOTA BROADBAND BOARD (DBB).
Councilor Duggan seconded the motion.
May 19, 2020 Mendota Heights City Council Page 5 of
A roll call vote was performed:
Councilor Duggan
aye
Councilor Paper
aye
Councilor Petschel
aye
Mayor Garlock
aye
Motion carried.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Administrator Mark McNeill stated that Clean -Up Day, originally scheduled for May 2"d, was
rescheduled to October 3`d. He reported the Marie Avenue construction project will begin in a few weeks,
and that signs will be posted one week in advance. He provided an update on the project phasing and
related closures.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilor Petschel advised of a local business that is now open for takeout service. She reported that a
lost dog was recently found and stated that it was great to see residents working together for that positive
outcome.
Councilor Paper thanked the Public Works Department for the work they have accomplished this spring.
He also expressed thanks to the City staff that has been working from home.
Councilor Duggan stated that two of his brothers are priests and are celebrating their golden jubilees this
year and he salutes them, his parents, and all other priests that continue to do the best they can when
groups cannot be gathered in person.
Mayor Garlock stated that the meetings will continue in virtual format for some time, noting that the public
would be alerted as to when in person meetings will resume.
Mayor Garlock moved to adjourn.
Councilor Duggan seconded the motion.
A roll call vote was performed:
Councilor Paper
aye
Councilor Petschel
aye
Mayor Garlock
aye
Councilor Duggan
aye
Motion carried.
May 19, 2020 Mendota Heights City Council Page 6 of 7
Mayor Garlock adjourned the meeting at 6:16 p.m.
Neil Garlock
Mayor
ATTES
Lorri Smith
City Clerk
May 19, 2020 Mendota Heights City Council Page 7 of 7