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2021-02-02 Council MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, February 2, 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, CALL TO ORDER Mayor Levine called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Councilors Duggan, Paper, Mazzitello, and Miller, were also present via WebEx. 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 Duggan seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Councilor Paper aye Councilor Duggan aye Councilor Mazzitello aye Councilor Miller aye Mayor Levine aye RECOGNITION OF OUTGOING COMMISSION MEMBERS Mayor Levine recognized Pat Hinderscheid for his service on the Parks and Recreation Commission and Mary Magnuson for her service on the Planning Commission. She noted that both members have served three full terms for each of the Commissions. Pat Hinderscheid commented that it has been a rewarding experience and he was fortunate to work with talented members of the community to bring about positive changes. Mary Magnuson commented that the ten years went by quickly and were rewarding. She stated that she has enjoyed getting to know city staff and members of the community during that time. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Levine presented the consent calendar and explained the procedure for discussion and approval. Councilor Paper moved approval of the consent calendar as presented. aI Approval of January 19, 2021 City Council Minutes b. Approval of January 27, 2021 Council Work Session Minutes a Approval of January 27, 2021 Council Special Meeting Minutes d. Approve Transfer of Fire Station Construction Management Responsibilities to CPMI, LLC e. Authorize Purchase Orders for the Control of Invasive Plant Species and Restoration within Valley Park, Rogers Lake Park, and Copperfield Ponds Park f Approve Final Payment for Pilot Knob Road Improvements with Dakota County g. Approve an Extension of a Leave of Absence without Pay for Anthony Patton h. Approve Fire Synopsis Report i. Approval of December 2020 Treasurer's Report j. Approval of Claims List Councilor Duggan seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Councilor Duggan aye Councilor Mazzitello aye Councilor Miller aye Mayor Levine aye Councilor Paper aye PUBLIC COMMENTS No one from the public wished to be heard. PUBLIC HEARINGS No items scheduled. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) DISCUSSION OF PHASE I, NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN —AWARD PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO APPLIED ECOLOGICAL SERVICES FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN, PHASE 2 Natural Resources Technician Krista Spreiter explained that the Council is asked to hear a report on Phase 1 of the Natural Resources Plan and accept a proposal submitted by Applied Ecological Services (AES) to begin the development of Phase 2 of the update to the Natural Resources Management Plan (NRMP). Febnaaxy 2, 2021 N/endota Heights City Counetl Page 2 of8 Kim Chapman, AES, reviewed the outline which was included in the original proposal, noting that a portion of these items have been addressed through Phase 1. He displayed the budget items included in the original proposal, which had been split into two phases as previously directed by the Council and split between 2020 and 2021. He provided an overview of the topics that were included in Phase 1 and those that will be included in the proposed Phase 2. He reviewed the City's Comprehensive Plan goals related to natural areas and noted that the NRMP will help to address those goals in a comprehensive manner with an understanding of the budget implications. He provided a summary of the review that was done of the City's Natural Resources and the findings. He identified the current priority natural areas within the City and reviewed the updated land cover mapping that was completed in 2020 by AES. He explained how ecological quality ranks are assigned and noted that about one third of the natural areas within the City could increase by one grade by completing one management activity. He provided details on the tree canopy analysis, the related findings, and how the data can be used as well as challenges, opportunities and strategies included in Phase 2. He moved to the Conservation Concept and stated that those 11 areas were then reviewed and ranked. He provided details on grant opportunities and identified the areas in which they will be submitting a grant proposal for. He then reviewed the next steps with the Council. Councilor Miller thanked Mr. Chapman and his staff for drafting this information. He referenced the tree canopy analysis that was completed and asked how accurate that technology is. Mr. Chapman replied that it would vary with the amount of information input into the reference and selection. He stated that they worked within the confines of the budget. He commented that while the sample size was not as large as he would prefer, he still estimated 80 to 90 percent accuracy for the common species range. Councilor Duggan commented that there was a previous inventory of water bodies, which was estimated at 150 acres. He was unsure that water bodies were included in the first phase but would hope that water bodies would be included in the future. Mr. Chapman replied that AES was not charged with evaluating water bodies within the proposal. He commented that water resource evaluation and plan development is an expensive undertaking. He stated that there are steps that can be taken towards that work which would begin with a Water Management Plan, noting that there are grant dollars available for that work. He commented that plan would be on a high level and would allow the City to focus in depth on certain tasks. Natural Resources Technician Krista Spreiter commented that the City does have a Local Surface Water Management Plan which is required to be updated every four years. Councilor Paper thanked Mr. Chapman for the report. He stated that he met with State Representative Hanson four years ago and was told that the City needed this information. He appreciated that the City now has this information as a base. He commented that the technology available to survey the tree canopy is amazing. He referenced the comment that was made that you would want to see three or four layers in a forest/canopy and asked for more clarification on what a layer would be. Mr. Chapman replied that a forest has trees up high which is the canopy layer, then has herbs and seedlings which make up the ground layer. Typical forests have two additional layers between the canopy and ground levels and provided additional details on the composition of the shrubs and sub canopy levels. Councilor Paper asked if a controlled burn for Valley Park would be a viable option. Mr. Chapman replied that he does believe that would be a viable option. He believed that it would be a viable option to begin to control buckthorn, noting that the ultimate goal would be to have the natural ground layer succeed in competing against buckthorn. February 2, 2021 Mendota Heights City Council Page 3 of 8 Councilor Paper thanked Natural Resources Technician Krista Spreiter for her work on this. Councilor Mazzitello thanked Mr. Chapman for this work as this is not easily undertaken. He stated that the Council is being asked to approve a proposal and authorize AES to develop Phase 2. He asked if that would include approval of Phase 1. Natural Resources Technician Krista Spreiter commented that she did not believe that was part of the action tonight. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek agreed that this action would not include approval of Phase 1 in its final form, noting that some of the Phase 1 tasks are still underway. He stated that completion of Phase 1 and Phase 2 would develop the full Natural Resources Management Plan, which would then come forward in the future for formal consideration and adoption. Councilor Mazzitello stated that the staff memorandum includes seven tasks for Phase 2 while the proposal identifies eight and asked for clarification. Natural Resources Technician Krista Spreiter commented that additional field work will be needed for Phase 2, therefore the City would pay for the field work done in Phase 1 and then will consider the field work for Phase 2 separately. Councilor Duggan commented that this is the first time in his recollection that the Council is being presented with a product that was developed by qualified consultants. He stated that he is pleased to see an expert providing recommendations on what the City should proceed on in the next three to five years. Mayor Levine opened the floor to receive comment from the public. Beth Pearlman, resident, commented that she is impressed by the report and the work that has been done. She thanked members of the Council that enabled this work to occur. She stated that it sounds like one of the biggest obstacles is staffing, not in the quality but that there is not enough. She suggested that a Natural Resources Commission be created as there are interested citizens in Mendota Heights that would be willing and happy to serve in that capacity. She commented that she believed that the Commission would be a way to assist staff in carrying forward the implementation actions from the final report. Mayor Levine referenced the proximity of the Xcel natural gas line near the area being discussed for a controlled burn but noted that she would leave those details to the experts. She thanked everyone involved in this process, which has been a long time coming. She referenced the Steering Committee and recognized the members that volunteered their time. She recognized the amazing depth of knowledge that members of the community hold and that are willing to donate their time to benefit the City. She referenced Phase 2 and the proposed deliverables and asked if revising three to five ordinances as mentioned in the report would be accurate to address the intentions of the plan. Councilor Mazzitello commented that it would be dependent upon how you write the ordinance. A large ordinance could address multiple issues or multiple ordinances could be drafted addressing each item. Natural Resources Technician Krista Spreiter agreed and believed that three to five would be a good start. Mr. Chapman stated that they did a quick review of the City's ordinances to determine a logical start. He stated that the tree ordinance would be an obvious start along with the weed and development ordinances. Febrazary 2, 2021 Mendota Heights City Coamci[ Page 4 of8 Mayor Levine stated that there is so little new development in the City and would perhaps the better opportunity would be redevelopment opportunities. She stated that she is excited about the work. Councilor Duggan moved to authorize THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO ISSUE A "NOT TO EXCEED" PURCHASE ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $54,161 TO APPLIED ECOLOGICAL SERVICES, FOR PHASE 2 OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN, Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Councilor Mazzitello aye Councilor Miller aye Mayor Levine aye Councilor Paper aye Councilor Duggan aye B) RESOLUTION 2021-13 APPOINTMENTS TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION City Administrator Mark McNeill explained that the Council is being asked to make appointments for vacancies on the Planning Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission, Councilor Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2021-13 APPOINTING RESIDENT JAFFREY BLANKS TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION, AND RESIDENTS CINDY JOHNSON AND SALLY LORBERBAUM TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION. Councilor Miller seconded the motion. Further discussion: Councilor Paper thanked everyone who applied. He encouraged interested individuals to continue to apply. Mayor Levine stated that the City is fortunate that it has a willing and talented population that continues to step up to serve their community. Shes e s action creates a vacancy on the Airport Relations Commission, with the appointment of Sally Lorberbaum to the Planning Commission. She encouraged those who are interested in serving on the ARC to apply. A roll call vote was performed: Councilor Miller aye Mayor Levine aye Councilor Paper aye Councilor Duggan aye Councilor Mazzitello aye Mayor Levine welcomed the new members of the Planning Commission and Park and Recreation Commission. February 2, 2027 Mendota Heights City Council Page 5 of 8 C) SE"r DATE FOR JOINT TRAINING MEETING FOR COMMISSIONERS AND CITY COUNCIL City Administrator Mark McNeill stated that the Council is asked to set a date to hold a meeting to train and orient members of the Council and the City's Commissions. Councilor Paper suggested that the Council not choose the date that interferes with the Skate Park Work Group, as that group has worked hard to find a date that works for them. He suggested Wednesday, February 24`h. It was the consensus of the Council to hold the training on February 24th, starting at 7:00 p.m. D) ORDINANCE 562 PLACING A MORATORIUM FOR DEVELOPMENT OF PROPERTIES IN THE CRITICAL AREA OVERLAY DISTRICT AND APPROVE THE SUMMARY PUBLICATION Community Development Director Tim Benetti provided a brief background on this item. The Council is being asked to consider placing a moratorium on the development of properties in the Critical Area Overlay District. He noted that if desired, staff could notice this as a public hearing and bring it back for consideration at the February 16th meeting of the Council. Councilor Paper commented that this came forward several months ago noting that he was not comfortable at that time as there were three open applications. He stated that there are currently no open applications, which makes him feel more comfortable but noted that he would still prefer to continue this to the next meeting to ensure members of the public are notified and the process is transparent and open. Councilor Miller noted that it is a fair point that the community should be provided notification before a decision is made by the Council. He stated that he brought this forward to City staff as he believed this was the right time. He stated that he would support pushing this to the next Council meeting to allow an additional notice to the public. Councilor Mazzitello noted that in addition to providing notice, he would also like additional time to review what would and would not be included in the moratorium. He stated that his concern would be related to activities such as residing, installation of a fence, or other minor activities and whether those could continue to be approved outside of the moratorium. City Administrator Mark McNeill confirmed that staff could provide additional clarification between minor and major activities at the next meeting. Councilor Duggan agreed that this should be continued to the next meeting. He referenced the use of the word irreversible within the draft language and stated that he would not want to see that word used in the ordinance. City Administrator Mark McNeill confirmed that that word could be removed without impacting the intent of the language. F'ebrz�ary 2, 2021 Mendota Heights City Coanctl Page 6 of 8 Councilor Miller moved to CONSIDER ORDINANCE 562 PLACING A MORATORIUM FOR DEVELOPMENT OF PROPERTIES IN THE CRITICAL AREA OVERLAY DISTRICT AT THE FEBRUARY 16, 2021 COUNCIL MEETING. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Mayor Levine aye Councilor Paper aye Councilor Duggan aye Councilor Mazzitello aye Councilor Miller aye COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Mark McNeill announced an upcoming hockey camp that will be held on Presidents Day. He noted that ice rinks are open but will close on days the temperature is below zero. He advised that updates can be found on the City hotline. He noted that City Hall will be closed on Presidents Day, COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Duggan had no additional comments. Councilor Miller thanked outgoing Commissioners Magnuson and Hinderscheid for their service. He also thanked the Natural Resources Steering Committee for their efforts. Councilor Mazzitello thanked outgoing Commissioners Magnuson and Hinderscheid for their years of service. He stated that, as a former member of the Planning Commission, he appreciated the outlook and experience that Mary Magnuson brought to the Commission. He stated that he would support looking at all the City assets in a long-term range in order to continually assess the condition and develop a plan of how those assets can be managed over time. He stated that he is excited to dive into the goal setting session next week to continue that work. Councilor Paper thanked the outgoing Commissioners noting that he enjoyed working with Pat Hinderscheid on the Parks and Recreation Commission. He commented on the control and precision in which Mary Magnuson ran the Planning Commission meetings. He again thanked everyone that applied to serve on the Commissions, acknowledging how difficult it is to make the appointments because of all of the qualified individuals that apply. He encouraged residents to continue to apply for vacant positions and continue to volunteer to serve the community. He stated that he is happy that the work on the Natural Resources Management Plan is coming to fruition and will continue to open additional opportunities for the City. Mayor Levine thanked neighbors around the City that continue to clear the fire hydrants, which allows the Fire Department to be efficient with its time when incidents occur. She welcomed the youngest learners back to public school as some students have returned to in person learning. She stated that with decreased case numbers, older learners may be able to return to in person learning later this month. She Febreiary 2, 2021 Mendota Heights City Coanncil Page 7 of8 encouraged the community to continue to practice social distancing in order to allow for those students to continue learning in person. She stated that a group of seniors have created a new form of pickleball at Marie Court which was featured on Fox 9 News. I:�l�Z�17J 7►i Councilor Mazzitello moved to adjourn. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Councilor Paper aye Councilor Duggan aye Councilor Mazzitello aye Councilor Miller aye Mayor Levine aye Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 7:38 p.m. Step anie evine Mayor Lorri Smith City Clerk Febn�ary 2, 2021 Mwxdota Heights City Council Page 8 of 8