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2021-04-20 Council MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, April 20, 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 referenced the verdict in the Chauvin trial and made a statement that this verdict is not the end of the conversation related to police reform. Mayor Levine called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Councilors Duggan, Paper, Mazzitello, and Miller, were also present. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council, the audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA ADOPTION Mayor Levine presented the agenda for adoption. She commented that item 8b will be removed and will appear on a future agenda. Councilor Duggan moved adoption of the agenda. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Councilor Duggan aye Councilor Mazzitello aye Councilor Miller Ave Councilor Paper aye Mayor Levine aye CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Levine presented the consent calendar and explained the procedure for discussion and approval. Councilor Miller moved approval of the consent calendar as presented, with items c, h, i, and m. pulled for additional discussion. aI Approval of Apri16, 2021 City Council Minutes b. Acknowledge March 9, 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes c Approve Resolution 2021 32 Accept Park Bench Donation f Rogers rake U..«U d. Approve Ordinance 563 Amend City Code for Fire Code, and Approve the Summary Publication e. Approve Purchase of Police Department Patrol Vehicle f Approve Resolution 2021-29 Final Payment for Sewer Lining Contract g. Approve Resolution 2021-34 Calling for Public Hearing to Vacate Right -of -Way h. Approve Resolution 2021 33 Approve Plans, Authorize Ad for Bids Ivy Falls East impreirement i. Aeoept Natiee of Retirement, Authorize Recruitment of Part Time Office Support Assis j. Approve Ordinance 564 Amending 2021 Fee Schedule for Parks — Rec Fees — Tennis k. Approval of March 2021 Treasurer's Report 1. Approval of Claims List Councilor Duggan seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Councilor Mazzitello aye Councilor Miller aye Councilor Paper aye Mayor Levine aye Councilor Duggan aye PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS C) APPROVE, RESOLUTION 2021-32 ACCEPT PARK BENCH DONATION FOR ROGERS LAKE PARK Councilor Duggan commented that this is the second time this family has made a park bench donation. He thanked the family for their support and hopes other residents would consider a donation in the future. Councilor Duggan moved to approve RESOLUTION 2021-32 ACCEPT PARK BENCH DONATION FOR ROGERS LAKE PARK. Councilor Miller seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Councilor Miller aye Councilor Paper aye Mayor Levine aye Councilor Duggan aye Councilor Mazzitello aye Apri12Q 202L Mwadota F7eights City Council Page 2 of 8 H) APPROVE RESOLUTION 2021-33 APPROVE PLANS, AUTHORIZE AD FOR BIDS — IVY HILLS EAST IMPROVEMENTS Councilor Duggan asked when the last time was that these roads were improved or updated. He asked about the thickness of the substructure and driving surface. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek commented that the City reconstructed these streets in the early 1990's. He explained that the roadway is a minimum of four inches of pavement over six inches of aggregate base. Councilor Duggan moved to approve RESOLUTION 2021-33 APPROVE PLANS, AUTHORIZE AD FOR BIDS — IVY HILLS EAST IMPROVEMENTS. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Councilor Paper aye Mayor Levine aye Councilor Duggan aye Councilor Mazzitello aye Councilor Miller aye I) ACCEPT NOTICE OP RETIREMENT, AUTHORIZE RECRUITMENT FOR PART-TIME OFFICE SUPPORT ASSISTANT Councilor Duggan recognized Pam Deeb who has been the receptionist at City Hall for the past 15 years, and whose notice of resignation was being considered. Councilor Mazzitello commented that Ms. Deeb is the reason he is here. He stated that when purchasing his home, he came to City Hall to ask questions and was made aware of the open Public Works Director position. He stated that he is appreciative of her great work. Mayor Levine expressed thanks for the years of service. Councilor Duggan moved to accept NOTICE OF RETIREMENT, AUTHORIZE RECRUITMENT FOR PART-TIME OFFICE SUPPORT ASSISTANT. 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 �lpri[ 2Q 2021 Mendoza Heights City Councr�l Page 3 oJ'8 M) APPROVE BUILDING ACTIVITY REPORT Councilor Duggan commented that even with the limited opportunities communities have today, the City continues to outpace itself in building activity, which is encouraging and speaks well for the City, its staff, and all departments. Councilor Duggan moved to approve BUILDING ACTIVITY REPORT. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Councilor Duggan aye Councilor Mazzitello aye Councilor Miller aye Councilor Paper aye Mayor Levine aye PUBLIC COMMENTS Jason Eggers, 2260 Wagon Wheel Court, stated that he came before the Council 18 months ago to request an ordinance to allow for the temporary use of goats for brush clearing. He stated that he is present to request a follow up. He stated that he is interested in becoming a vendor for supplying goats, as he has property in Wisconsin where he could house the goats. He stated that he would propose to fence an area on his property, have six to eight goats, and have the Council review that as a demonstration example to determine how effective the goats are in removing invasive species. He stated that once completed, his wife would plan to plant native plants in the area. He stated that buckthorn removal is more effective if done in the spring or early summer. City Administrator Mark McNeill commented that staff can provide a status report at the next meeting. He stated that an ordinance amendment would be required. Community Development Director Tim Benetti explained that staff is looking at a temporary goat licensing program but noted a full ordinance amendment would be required. He stated that he intends to bring that forward to the Planning Commission on May 27"' and would follow to the Council on June I", if recommended for adoption by the Planning Commission. Mr. Benetti commented that a similar demonstration project was done at Pilot Knob in the past. He noted that there are a number of residents interested in this activity. No items scheduled. PUBLIC HEARING NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS Apri120, 2021 Mendota Heights Czty Coz�ncil Page 4 of8 A) RESOLUTION 2021-30 APPROVE ADMINISTRATIVE CRITICAL AREA PERMIT FOR 711 WOODRIDGE DRIVE Community Development Director Tim Benetti explained that the Council was being asked to consider a request for an Administrative Critical Area Permit for the property located at 711 Woodridge Drive, Councilor Duggan referenced language in the proposed resolution which states, "shed improvement" and noted that it would not be an improvement as the shed is not currently there. Mr. Benetti commented that this action would approve the open deck and porch and future shed. Councilor Duggan commented that it is difficuh to approve a shed with no details about it. Mayor Levine asked if sheds are typically approved without knowing the materials to be used. Community Development Director Tim Benetti reviewed the typical shed materials. He commented that the applicant could provide more input on those details. Councilor Duggan asked the distance between the rear of the shed and bluff line. Mr. Benetti replied that the distance is 50 feet or more from the bluff line which meets the City standards. Mayor Levine asked if there is a height limit for sheds. She commented that anyone could paint something a color they desire. Community Development Director Tim Benetti replied that a shed could be up to 15 feet in height. He confirmed that there are not architectural standards guiding things such as color. Councilor Mazzitello asked if there is a provision in the Critical Area Code requiring natural appearing exteriors. Mr. Benetti confirmed there is language which states that accessory structures should match the principal structure. Councilor Mazzitello commented that it appears the shed will abut a paved surface and asked whether the shed could act as a detached garage, storing a small vehicle. He asked for details on the proposed use of the shed. Sean Hoffman, applicant, provided details on the location of the shed, noting that it would not be large enough to store a vehicle. He stated that he plans to put his lawn tractor and those types of things in the shed. He stated that he plans to have a tin roof, similar to the roof on the porch addition, with hardy board siding. He stated that his home is brick. He confirmed that the shed would be similar in color to his home. Councilor Mazzitello asked if the shed would be standing in the future when he no longer owns the property. Mr. Hoffman commented that he does not plan to move. He stated that he plans to pour a cement slab for the shed as well. Councilor Paper commented that this is a perfect example of what the Council talked about when the moratorium was created, to allow for these small projects to come through. April 2Q 202! Mendota Heights City Council Page 5 of 8 Councilor Duggan asked for guidance on the fifth whereas statement and asked if there is better language to replace "shed improvement'. City Attorney Elliot Knetsch commented that the language could read "proposed deck, porch project and shed" eliminating the word improvement if that is of concern. He stated that it is clear that the application is for a deck, porch and shed. Councilor Duggan accepted that clarified language. Councilor Duggan moved to approve RESOLUTION 2021-30 APPROVING AN ADMINISTRATIVE CRITICAL AREA PERMIT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 711 WOODRIDGE DRIVE, as amended. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Councilor Mazzitello aye Councilor Miller aye Councilor Paper aye Mayor Levine aye Councilor Duggan aye Item removed from agenda. C) 2020 PARKS AND RECREATION YEAR EV REVIEW Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence presented a review of the 2020 accomplishments related to Parks. Recreation, and the Par 3 Golf Course. She also provided a preview of the upcoming recreation season and programming. Councilor Duggan asked if the Par 3 is currently open. Ms. Lawrence confirmed that the course opened on March 13`h. Councilor Duggan commended staff on the report and all the continued great work. Councilor Paper thanked staff for the thorough report. He asked if certain performers would be coming back. Ms. Lawrence commented that the details are still being worked out for some performing groups and provided additional details. Councilor Paper asked when the new sign would be installed at the Par 3. Ms. Lawrence replied that the sign is being delivered to the City later this week and should be installed next week. Councilor Paper asked if staff is aware of the number of rounds that have been played this year at the Par 3. Ms. Lawrence replied that the course was open for 19 days in March with over 700 rounds played. For April, the weather has not been ideal and she estimated about 900 rounds have played so far. Apri120, 2021 Mendota Heights City Coameal Page 6 of8 Councilor Paper asked for details on the irrigation that was done last summer. Ms. Lawrence commented that during the challenge with COVID last year, they watered the grass enough to keep it alive, but not in a manner that kept it healthy. Councilor Mazzitello commented that this is a fantastic report, and another reminder of the great job staff does. He commented that Ms. Lawrence is a recent graduate of the American Public Works Association Leadership Academy and asked for a brief update from her. Ms. Lawrence confirmed that she completed the program as part of her master's degree program. She stated that she found the most benefit in meeting public works directors and superintendents from the metro area to get input on the daily activities and challenges they face. She stated that after completion of the program she is more appreciative of the public works department and work they complete. Councilor Duggan suggested a masked ball for children as part of the summer programing. Mayor Levine thanked staff for the great presentation. She stated that as a previous member of the PRC she has a deep appreciation of the work parks and recreation does and the benefit that provides to the community. She recognized the achievement the City was able to accomplish in turning a profit on the Par 3 even without concessions and planning for the rebranding. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence stated that tree removal will be taking place at Wentworth Park on April 21st and the parking lot will be closed most of the day. On May V there will be a family golf season kickoff event at the Par 3 beginning at 9 a.m. On May 15th�, the See a Truck event wi11 be held at Mendakota Park at 10 a.m. Work continues on the Marie Park playground remodeling project, which has a completion date of June 1st COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Paper thanked staff for the parks presentation. He also expressed appreciation for the Mendota Heights Police Department, its leadership, and the Officers. Councilor Duggan commented that the City continues to show consideration for others in the streets and parks as well as awareness of neighbors. He thanked all responders, and the Police Department, for their service during these challenging times. He hoped that the city would have an in -person 5K this year. He stated that perhaps a wall plaque could hang at City Hall recognizing park bench donors. He thanked all that participated in the most recent Planning Commission, staff and attorney discussions related to the variances and challenges related to requests that come forward. Councilor Mazzitello stated that two weeks ago he was able to attend a memorial service for Tim Danielson, who served the City for 32 years. He reminded the Council of a previous discussion to honor Mr. Danielson. He stated that in respect to the events of today, regardless of how people feel about the Chauvin trial, he is hoping the results will be the first step in healing communities and that people are seen for who they are rather than what they are. AprY12Q 2021 Mendota Heights City Councl[ Page 7 of 8 Councilor Miller commented that he found Councilor Paper's comments to be on point and agrees with those comments. Mayor Levine recognized that communities are experiencing pain on top of a pandemic. She recognized the Police and Fire Departments who are serving additional hours. She recognized the additional contributions Police Chief Kelly McCarthy provides on a state level in terms of police licensing and standards. She stated that the City is two thirds of the way through the April My Water Pledge and she invited residents to participate. ADJOURN Councilor• Paper moved to adjourn. 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 Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 7:04 p.m. Stephanie Levine Mayor ATTEST: Lorri Smith City Clerk Apri�Z 20, 202! Mendota Ifeights City Council Page 8 of8