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2021-01-19 Council MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, January 19, 2021 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the regular meeting of the City Council, City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota was held at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota. Mayor Levine called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Councilors Duggan, Paper, Mazzitello, and Miller, were also present via teleconferencing. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council, the audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA ADOPTION Mayor Levine presented the agenda for adoption. Councilor Miller moved adoption of the agenda. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Councilor Mazzitello aye Councilor Miller aye Councilor Paper aye Mayor Levine aye Councilor Duggan aye PRESENTATIONS A) INTRODUCTION OF DAKOTA COUNTY COMMISSIONER LAURIE HALVERSON Mayor Levine introduced and provided background information on Dakota County Commissioner Laurie Halverson. Dakota County Commissioner Laurie Halverson stated that she has a passion for local government and appreciates the work that the Council does for the community. She welcomed any comments or questions from the Council. Councilor Miller welcomed Commissioner Halverson and stated that he looks forward to working with her. City Administrator Mark McNeill commented that he and Mayor Levine met virtually with Commissioner Halverson the previous week to discuss potential partnerships between the City and County. He commented that it was a productive meeting and appreciated Commissioner Halverson taking that time to meet with them. Dakota County Commissioner Laurie Halverson commented that COVID-19 continues to be a large focus with a priority of vaccinating first responders. She stated that they are working to create a legislative agenda in order to determine what they will advocate for on the state level with a focus on capital projects and transportation. She commented on the large geographic area and differences within Dakota County and noted that it is important that the State recognize that. She noted that pedestrian and bike safety is also a priority for her. She commented that Mendota Heights is a unique community because it has a small town feel but is close in proximity to major highways. She stated that she would be interested on input on how the community feels it would be best served by the County and State roadways. Councilor Duggan commented that he would like to continue to maintain, preserve and protect the small town feel of Mendota Heights, Councilor Miller commented that with the increasing populations to the south, Delaware is posed to be a major throughfare and could benefit from a different perspective. Councilor Paper welcomed Commissioner Halverson and stated that he is looking forward to meeting with her one on one to discuss the needs of the community. Mayor Levine thanked Commissioner Halverson for attending tonight, noting that this was an introduction and the beginning of this partnership. K�7►T.y��M1[tl_�11�1�17_l� Mayor Levine presented the consent calendar and explained the procedure for discussion and approval. Councilor Duggan moved approval of the consent calendar as presented. a. Approval VT 12, 2021 City Council Minutes b. Approval of 2021 Pay Equity Compliance Report c. Approval of Resolution 2021-10 Final Payment -Acceptance of Fire Station Addition/Remodel d. Approval of December 2020 Building Activity Report e. Approval of Claims List Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Councilor Miller aye Councilor Paper aye Mayor Levine aye Councilor Duggan aye Councilor Mazzitello aye January 19, 2021 zl�endota Heights City Council Page 2 of 8 PUBLIC COMMENTS No one from the public wished to be heard. No items scheduled. PUBLIC HEARINGS NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) DISCUSSION OF THE PROPOSED TAX INCREMENT FINANCING (TIF) DISTRICT NO. 3 — 2393 PILOT KNOB ROAD (LLOYD'S BBQ) Community Development Director Tim Benetti explained that the City received a request for tax increment financing (TIF) assistance from Endeavor Development to facilitate the development of a 75,000 square foot industrial facility in Mendota Heights. The proposed project, located at 2393 Pilot Knob Road, is being built on a site which requires the construction of a new road/road extension to allow access to the site (Perron Road East). Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers, provided a review of the memorandum which provides details on the need for TIE assistance based on the analysis of the developer's project budget and projections, generally known as a pro forma. Based on the review of the developer's pro forma and current market conditions, the proposed development may not reasonably be expected to occur solely through private investment within the reasonably near future. Due to the costs associated with Perron Road, this project is feasible only through assistance, in part, from City contributions. Councilor Paper asked if Perron Road would become a public road. Community Development Director Tim Benetti commented that it would still be considered a public road. He explained that the road would be improved with this assistance, if approved. Councilor Paper asked who would be responsible for maintenance of the road. Community Development Director Tim Benetti commented that Southview Design currently maintains that road and the maintenance would still be handled by that party and the applicant. Councilor Paper asked who would be responsible for a mill and overlay when that is needed. City Administrator Mark McNeill commented that staff would need to discuss that detail and could report back to the Council. Councilor Mazzitello commented that typically there is a development review and development agreement that would spell out those details. Community Development Director Tim Benetti confirmed that a separate development agreement would follow. He stated that staff would also work to ensure that Southview Design would be able to utilize the roadway for their purposes as well. Ja�auary 19, 2021 A�endota Ileighds City Council Page 3 of 8 Councilor Mazzitello commented that there is also an access to the property to the immediate east that has access from this right-of-way, therefore three parcels would need access from this roadway. He suggested that staff review the details of the development agreement for Southview Design, as he believed that right- of-way and access was mentioned. Councilor Duggan suggested that a meeting occur between the different parties to discuss their expectations with the City. Community Development Director Tim Benetti commented that the intent of staff would be that the agreement not only bind the developer but include access for Southview Design as well. He noted that the parties have been receptive to working together thus far. Councilor Miller asked what the developer would do if the Council does not approve the TIF. Josh Budish, Endeavor Development, commented that they do not have a backup plan. He stated that if this proposal is not accepted, they would need to start over with other potential uses for the site. Councilor Duggan asked if the applicant has strong prospective clients for the spaces. Mr. Budish confirmed that he has a letter of intent signed from one business that would create 20 jobs and has prospects for the rest of the building. City Administrator Mark McNeill commented that the applicant has paid the fee for Ehlers to complete the analysis. Community Development Director Tim Benetti stated that if directed by the Council, he would work with Ehlers to begin Lou notification process and a public hearing would come forward at a later date to formally consider the TIF. Ms. Kvilvang stated that process would typically run along with the development review so that the TIF could be approved when the development plans are reviewed and approved. Councilor Paper moved to DIRECT STAFF TO WORK WITH EHLERS AND THE DEVELOPER TO PROCEED WITH DEVELOPING THE NECESSARY PLANS NEEDED TO MOVE FORWARD TO A PUBLIC HEARING PHASE, Councilor Duggan seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Councilor Paper aye Mayor Levine aye Councilor Duggan aye Councilor Mazzitello aye Councilor Miller nay January 19, 2021 Mendota Heights Ciry Council Page 4 of8 B) DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE CHANGE TO CITY CODE TO ALLOW FOR CHARITABLE GAMBLING IN MENDOTA HEIGHTS City Administrator Mark McNeill explained that the Council was being asked to discuss the possibility of modifying the City Code to allow for charitable gambling to take place in the city. Councilor Duggan asked if there is an estimate for the amount of City staff time would be needed for operating this type of activity and whether that could be recouped. City Administrator Mark McNeill reviewed the different types of expenses the City could incur including review of the reports submitted by the operators as to how the funds are spent. He commented that he does not have an estimate on the amount of staff time that would be needed to monitor gambling, but if there is support for this, staff could check with neighboring communities. Councilor Duggan stated that it was mentioned that the revenue could be expended within the retail trade area which would include West Saint Paul noting that he would be concerned that more revenue would be likely to be spent outside Mendota Heights. He asked if staff had information on the percentage of revenue that would be spent within the city compared to the other communities. City Administrator Mark McNeill commented that staff does not have that answer tonight. Councilor Mazzitello commented that there is a group of residents that are attempting to form a Mendota Heights Foundation, and he asked if that foundation could benefit from this activity. City Administrator Mark McNeill confirmed that would be true. Mayor Levine commented that she has dealt with the generosity of the hockey boosters that have made a lot of money through charitable gambling pull -tabs, as well as donations to the School District through dollars for scholars. She stated that gambling happens in the neighboring communities and pull -tabs are available in the cities of Mendota or West Saint Paul. She stated that only half of the restaurants polled were interested and therefore she does not see that as being overwhelming support. She stated that in order to support this, she would need to see more support from the community. She stated that she does not feel that she would direct staff to expend their resources to gather additional information on this topic. Councilor Miller echoed the comments of the Mayor as he also has concerns. He stated that the Fire Department Relief Association has discussed this as a potential revenue opportunity and therefore he would abstain from any votes on this topic. He stated that to date he has only received one comment and it was against this issue, therefore he has not seen a lot of support from the community. Councilor Mazzitello stated that he would want to see a direct benefit to Mendota Heights. He stated that this service is available in the immediate area and is not something the City needs to pursue with haste. Councilor Paper stated that his position has been consistent and has not changed. He stated that he would want to see a restaurant owner come forward with demonstrated benefit and until that occurs, he does not want to pursue this issue. He commented that the City polled restaurant owners and received a lukewarm response. January 19, 2021 Mendota Heights City Coeuxctl Page S oj8 Councilor Duggan agreed that this is not something Mendota Heights needs at this time and would not want to expend additional staff time on this matter. City Administrator Mark McNeill confirmed the consensus of the Council to not pursue this topic further. Councilor Paper clarified that he is not ruling this out forever but would want to see the request driven by the users rather than the City. C) UPDATE ON COMMISSION CANDIDATES City Administrator Mark McNeill provided an update on the results of the Councilor ranked preferences for candidates for the Parks and Recreation and Planning Commission. These individuals will be invited to interview on January 27th. Councilor Miller commented that there was a groundswell of interest, which speaks to the level of interest in City government in the community. He thanked everyone that submitted an application and noted he is looking forward to the interviews. Councilor Paper commented that if the interviewees are going to receive the questions ahead of time perhaps there would be a different format that could be used for the interviews. He suggested that perhaps the written answers to the questions be submitted ahead of time for review. City Administrator Mark McNeill noted that this will be the first fully virtual interview process and therefore staff is open to discussing the process. He stated that staff could ask interviewees to respond in writing but then there would be a question as to what the face-to-face interview process would provide. Councilor Paper stated that he did not have any other suggestions. Councilor Mazzitello suggested that half of the questions be provided in advance and the other half of the questions be as at the interview. City Administrator Mark McNeill stated that could be done but that will create a disadvantage if the subsequent applicants hear the questions asked of the earlier applicants. Assistant City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson stated that candidates could be held in a virtual lobby but it is an open meeting so staff cannot guarantee that the applicants would not join the open meeting virtually. Mayor Levine stated that the School Board went through a similar process and acknowledged that the first candidate was at a disadvantage because the subsequent applicants could hear the questions as it was an open meeting. She suggested that the questions be provided to the applicants ahead of time. She stated that she believes there is still benefit in hearing the applicants speak the answers rather than submitting written answers. Janumy 19, 2021 Mendota Heights Ciry Counei[ Page 6 of 8 Councilor Duggan asked if this process would permit or allow for follow up questions during the interview process. City Administrator Mark McNeill noted that a follow up question could be asked if it relates to the question/answer. Mayor Levine commented that the Council would have a hard time providing those opportunities with the number of applicants. City Administrator McNeill stated that there are no right or wrong answers for the questions as the questions are meant to provide the applicant an opportunity to share their opinion on the matter Mayor Levine confirmed the consensus of the Council to provide the applicants with the prepared questions in advance of the interviews, which will be held virtually. Mayor Levine thanked everyone that applied, noting that it was an incredible group of applicants. She expressed appreciation to those willing to serve and noted that there will continue to be volunteer opportunities within the community. Councilor Duggan suggested that staff and/or the Mayor call the applicants who were not chosen for an interview and thank them for applying for the position. Mayor Levine confirmed that she would complete that activity. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Mark McNeill announced that the two warming houses are now open. He stated that the City is offering recreational camps on Presidents Day and encouraged residents to check the City website for details. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Miller commented that he participated in a virtual meeting representing the Fire Department related to vaccination roll out. He stated that the County has taken the leadership role and noted that meeting helped to ease his concerns. He encouraged everyone to thank the members of the County participating in this process as it will require a lot of work. He referenced the recent mail theft and noted that he has setup a trail camera in an attempt to catch the person. Councilor Duggan thanked public works for the great work they are doing to clear roads, to the Fire Department for their efforts, to those tasked with the vaccination administration, and to Recreation Coordinator Meredith Lawrence for the Quarantine Cup program. He commented that he is also sad to hear that Mendoberri is closing. Councilor Mazzitello commented that the local businesses have struggled with the closing and changes to their rules and encouraged residents to patronize them to ensure they can survive. He stated that he has noticed a lot of people walking around the community at dusk and encouraged residents to wear reflective clothing that is easy for vehicles to see. January 19, 2027 Mendota Heights City Council Page 7 of8 Councilor Paper thanked the Public Works department, noting that the ice rinks are in terrific shape and well used. He thanked them for providing picnic tables for the skaters to use. He also thanked City staff for organizing these virtual meetings. Mayor Levine echoed the comments of the Council and thanked Dakota County Commissioner Laurie Halverson for attending tonight. Councilor Paper moved to adjourn. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Mayor Levine aye Councilor Duggan aye Councilor Mazzitello aye Councilor Miller aye Councilor Paper aye Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 7:16 p.m. A 2L /j Step anie Levine Mayor ATTEST Lorri Smith City Clerk .Tanuary 19, 2021 Mendota Heights Cary Council Page 8 oj8