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2021-06-01 Council MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, June 1, 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, and Mazzitello were also present. Councilor Miller was absent. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council, the audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA ADOPTION Mayor Levine presented the agenda for adoption. Councilor Duggan moved adoption of the agenda. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Levine presented the consent calendar and explained the procedure for discussion and approval. Councilor Mazzitello moved approval of the consent calendar as presented, pulling items a., g., a. n.. ,..i ,.Pert,.. i o mi 0:4. 0,....,,.a rrt:.o.. b. Approval of May 24, 2021 City Council Closed Session Minutes c. Acknowledge March 17, 2021 Airport Relations Commission Meeting Minutes d. Acknowledge the April 27, 2021 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes e. Approve Renewal of the 2021-2022 Liquor Licenses f. Approve Resolution 202143 Authorizing the Disposal of Obsolete Computers, Cellular and Electronic Storage Devices and Accessories n_a:.,,,nee NE). 567Ammend 2021 Fee Schedule Add n..,. 3 c,...:Rr PAW p,,,.,. h. Approve Resolution 2021 49 joint Powers Agreement with Dakota County to Opefate Residential Organics Drop Off Site i. Approve Resolution 2021-45 Authorizing the Disposal of Obsolete Equipment j. Approve Temporary Authorization of the Police Department's Sworn Staff to 21 and Hiring of 2 Police Officers k. Approve April 2021 Treasurer's Report Councilor Duggan seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS A) APPROVAL OF MAY 185 2021 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Councilor Duggan noted on page seven, it should state, "...existing lights at Marie Park..." Councilor Duggan moved to approve MAY 18, 2021 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES AS AMENDED. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS G) APPROVE ORDINANCE NO, 567 AMEND 2021 FEE SCHEDULE — ADD PAR 3 SENIOR GOLF PASS Mayor Levine asked the definition of senior for the golf pass. Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence replied that seniors are categorized as those 65 and above. Councilor Duggan moved to approve ORDINANCE NO. 567 AMEND 2021 FEE SCHEDULE —ADD PAR 3 SENIOR GOLF PASS. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS H) APPROVE RESOLUTION 2021-49 JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT WITH DAKOTA COUNTY TO OPERATE A RESIDENTIAL ORGANICS DROP-OFF SITE Mayor Levine stated that she is excited about this program. She stated that the packet mentioned a grand opening of July 15�h and wanted to ensure the public is made aware of that date. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek stated that there is not an event being planned, but the dumpsters will be dropped off on that date and organics drop-off will begin on that date. Mayor Levine encouraged residents to participate, noting that it helped her household reduce their trash by half. Councilor Duggan asked how it would be controlled to prevent mixing of trash and organics. Jzine !, 2021 Mendota Heights City Council Page 2 of 13 Mayor Levine commented that when you sign up there is a packet of educational materials provided to assist users with using the program correctly. Councilor Duggan moved to approve RESOLUTION 2021-49 JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT WITH DAKOTA COUNTY TO OPERATE A RESIDENTIAL ORGANICS DROP-OFF SITE. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS K) APPROVAL OF CLAIMS LIST Councilor Duggan referenced the workers compensation insurance payment and asked who it covers. Finance Director Kristen Schabacker replied that the coverage applies to all full-time City employees. Councilor Duggan referenced a mention of property taxes paid and asked for clarification. Ms. Schabacker provided additional details on the two properties the City purchased and has to pay property taxes on for this year. She stated that the properties will then be reclassified, and the City will not be required to pay property taxes on those parcels next year. Councilor Duggan moved to approve the CLAIMS LIST. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENTS No one from the public wished to be heard. PUBLIC HEARING A) RESOLUTION 2021-40 PUBLIC HEARING ON RIGHT-OF-WAY VACATION FOR MENDOTA HEIGHTS ROAD — CONTINUATION Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that the Council was being asked to continue a public hearing on a right -of --way vacation commenced by petition. This public hearing was opened at the City Council meeting on May 18, 2021 and continued to tonight's meeting. The right of way is located just to the west of Condon Court. Mr. Ruzek explained that the developer of the property is wanting to move three oaks trees out of the right of way to preserve them. Adequate right of way width would be retained by the city for any future street and utility needs. Councilor Duggan asked if there are protective measures that can be put in place to ensure the health of the trees during transit. Mr. Ruzek commented that currently if something happens to the trees, it is the responsibility of the City. He stated that if they are moved to private property, the health and maintenance of the trees would be responsibility of the private property owner. Jm7e 1, 2021 Mendota Heights City Council Page 3 of 13 Councilor Duggan moved to continue the public hearing. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Sue Laughlin, 2535 Condon Court, reviewed the neighboring uses and stated that her property is located at the end of the cul-de-sac. She stated that the only property owners on the cul-de-sac are her property and Mr. Bjorklund. She stated that they received notice about the hearing and the interest in vacating the right-of-way and were confused about the language, "property to be acquired". She stated that it was explained by City staff that the property would be purchased by Mr. Bjorklund and the City is working with Mr. Bjorklund on a development he would like to create. She stated that it seems that the City is willing to assist Mr. Bjorklund to move forward with his development with no regard to the consequences that will happen to her property. She stated that she and her husband purchased the property in 2001 and then rezoned the property and received a Conditional Use Permit to allow a residential treatment facility on the property. She stated that they leased to a tenant that operates the residential treatment facility and had no issues for 14 years. She stated that in 2015 Mr. Bjorklund decided to put in an upscale development with three buildings: two twin homes and one single-family home. She stated that most upscale buildings do not want a residential treatment facility adjacent and believed that there have been actions since 2015 that are meant to push her business out and welcome the development Mr. Bjorklund is proposing. She provided examples of projects that have been completed in the area over the past five years that eventually pushed out the tenant they leased to for 14 years. She stated that last year there was a request to rezone her property which would not allow her to sell the property to someone that wanted to operate a residential treatment facility. She stated that she did have two offers on her property, which were lost because of the problem with the sewer line. She stated that they ultimately agreed to pay the assessment and they hired a contractor to complete the work, but the work could not be completed because dirt was dumped by the applicant in an area needed by the contractor to secure access. She stated that there is a problem with the sewer line that they cannot get resolved and it is costing them money and opportunities. She resented the fact that she is being held up on her property, but the City is accommodating requests from Mr. Bjorklund. She requested that the item be tabled tonight until this can all be solved. She stated that if this cannot be solved, she will push forward to litigation. Dick Bjorklund, applicant, identified the lots on the street that he owns on Condon Court. He stated that he has worked to make his properties better. He stated the development will be 65 feet from the neighboring property and there will be additional trees planted for screening. He stated that he is planning to build a home on lot one for himself. He noted that he has been maintaining the right-of-way since the 1980's. The vacation of the right-of-way would allow the home to be moved five feet and would allow space for additional trees. He commented on the expenses he has paid for the extension of water and sewer to the site. He stated that he is just trying to improve his properties. Mr. Laughlin commented that he and his wife paid $51,000 for the sewer assessment and also paid for the water connection to their site. He stated that the level of the sewer was raised eight feet, which means that the sewer can only be placed one foot underground which is a liability. June 1, 2021 Mendota Heights City Councid Page 4 of 13 Mayor Levine commented that the comments being made are outside of the subject of the public hearing and she asked staff to follow up with the residents to resolve the issues. She stated that any comments made will have to be directed to the right-of-way request. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek commented that staff would be happy to work with the residents. He agreed that there is not a gravity sewer connection for the property at 2535 and staff would still like to work with the property owners to rectify those issues. He displayed the plat for The Oaks of Mendota Heights. He explained the intent of the right-of-way and stated that the City did not purchase any of it. He stated that the request is to vacate a portion of the right-of-way easement along Mendota Heights Road. He explained that this would allow the home to be constructed to be moved slightly further from the adjacent lot but would not make the lot large enough to subdivide. He provided details of the road improvement and utility projects that occurred and the related assessments. He stated that the request would vacate the portion of right-of-way north of lot one. He stated that staff believes the existing right- of-way exceeds the needs of the City but would recommend a blanket drainage and utility easement remarn. There being no one else coming forward to speak, Councilor Paper moved to close the public hearing. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Councilor Mazzitello asked if the installation of the watermain occurred after Saint Paul Regional Water (SPRWS) took possession of the water system. Mr. Ruzek replied that the developer was required to install the watermain because this was a new development. He stated that SPRWS required the watermain to be located under the roadway rather than in the backyards. He stated that the water connection was provided to the curb at 2535 Condon Court and that property owner chose to pay a contractor to complete the connection to service their property rather than continue to use well water. Councilor Mazzitello stated that as an engineer, he would volunteer to work with the Laughlins and staff to come to a resolution that would make that property sellable, if acceptable by the Council. Councilor Duggan asked if there is urgency in malting a decision on the right -of way as some questions have been raised that he does not feel there are answers to. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek stated that it would not be critical to the development that is already occurring on the site but noted that he would defer to the applicant. Councilor Duggan commented that if deferring the right -of --way decision would not impact either property owner, he would believe it appropriate for the issues to be resolved first. Councilor Mazzitello commented that the two issues are not linked and therefore he believes the right- of-way vacation could occur. He commented that it would still be important for the City to work with the Laughlins to have the sewer connected and he believed it would be important for everyone to work together to resolve that issue. Jti�ne 1, 2027 Mwxdota Heights City Council Page 5 of 13 Councilor Paper commented that Mr. Bjorklund stated that the right-of-way was his, the City took it and is now looking to give it back. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek commented that both Condon Court and Mendota Heights Road existed prior to the platting of The Oaks of Mendota Heights. He provided details on the platting process and the work that was done related to identifying right-of-way for the property. He stated that the right-of-way dedicated was excessive and is not needed on both roads. Mr. Ruzek noted that the final platting occurred in 2015/20161 Councilor Paper asked why an appropriate right -of --way size was not platted selected at the time. Mr. Ruzek commented that the developer used the old meets and bounds description and attempted to match those in the dedication. He stated that during platting the City focused more on the proposed lots and not whether there was excessive right -of --way. Councilor Paper asked if one of the conditions of a deferred assessment is that the assessment would need to be paid upon sale of the property. Mr. Ruzek reviewed the three conditions that would have required payment of the assessment. He stated that each lot was assessed $42,000 and then the difference would be the accrued interest. Councilor Paper asked what was provided to the property owners for the $42,000 assessment. Mr. Ruzek commented that the City installed the sewer line under Mendota Heights Road. He stated that because a gravity connection could not be provided, staff supported the deferral. Mayor Levine commented that these are two very different problems, aright -of --way vacation request, and an engineering problem. She asked if the connection to the sewer is solvable in a reasonable way. Mr. Ruzek commented that there are a number of ways to handle the connection to the property at 2535 Condon Court. He stated that staff would be happy to discuss those options with the Laughlin and Councilor Mazzitello, Mayor Levine commented that issue is not related to this request and therefore believes that the resolution should be considered separately and staff and Councilor Mazzitello should work with the Laughlin to address the sewer connection issue. Councilor Duggan stated that if there is assurance that moving forward on this issue would not impede the others from working together on the sewer connection issue, he could move forward tonight. Councilor Mazzitello moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2021-40 APPROVING ARIGHT -OF -WAY VACATION COMMENCED BY PETITION. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 June 1, 2027 Mendota Heights City Council Page 6 ojL3 B) ORDINANCE NO. 565 AMENDING PARTS OF TITLE 12 — ZONING REGARDING ACCESSORY STRUCTURES (PLANNING CASE NO, 2021-06) Community Development Director Tim Ben presented an ordinance which would amend City Code Title 12 — Zoning, specifically Section 12-1D-3: Accessory Structures. The ordinance would amend and revise certain design standards and allowances for various accessory structures in the city. Councilor Duggan expressed a concern that removing "residential use" would open up the ability for a non-resident to use space within a garage of a Mendota Heights resident. Councilor Paper used the example of a resident from Mendota Heights allowing their brother in-law, who lives in another community, to store a boat in their garage for the winter. He asked what the problem would be as that does occur. Councilor Duggan commented that he appreciates that point of view and noted that he was simply comparing the difference between private and residential. He stated that he does not have a problem with thelanguage. Mayor Levine stated that the language does say non-commercial use, which would address any concern with renting space to others. She stated that the word residential was removed in order to resolve any confusion that could occur related to using a garage for residential/living space. Councilor Mazzitello asked how a story is defined. Mr. Benetti replied that he is unsure whether the Code defines that but noted that staff could differentiate between 1.5 and two stories. Mayor Levine commented that she would think the first story would be the ground level and the half story would be where plywood is added above as a floor for additional storage. Councilor Duggan referenced the proposed changes to the permitted sizes and asked who determined the additional allowed size of 2,000 square feet and what it was based on. Mr. Benetti replied that staff suggested that increase based on review of standards used by other communities. He stated that the Planning Commission helped to determine the CUP size of 2,400 square feet. Councilor Duggan asked for input from legal counsel, as he believed this could create a situation for someone that has a large lot and asked if this ordinance would satisfy one person. City Attorney Elliot Knetsch commented that there is more than one five -acre parcel in the community, therefore this would not apply to just one lot. Mr. Benetti commented that there are 21 parcels that would fall into that category. Councilor Duggan stated that this came about because of the request from Mike Cashill where he believed the variance criteria could not be met. Mr. Benetti commented that this began with a request to construct an oversized garage with variances for height and size. He stated that the Planning Commission felt that with an eight -acre parcel, the Commission made the suggestion to adjust the ordinance. He agreed that this adjustment would help the case of Mr. Cashill, but it will also help others in the community. Juwe 1, 2021 Mendota Heights City Cou�xcil Page 7 of 13 Councilor Duggan commented that it seems that treehouses were also mixed into these amendments. Mr. Benetti commented that with COVID last year he received a number of calls from parents wanting to put up a playhouse or treehouse, which is currently allowed at up to a small size. He stated that he proposed to include a slightly larger structure, but the Commission decided to remove that language from the ordinance and instead address that issue at a later date. Councilor Duggan moved to open the public hearing. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 There being no one coming forward to speak, Councilor Duggan moved to close the public hearing. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Councilor Mazzitello stated that the original ordinance was adopted in 2014 or 2015 and asked the number of building permits or CUPS have come forward since that ordinance was adopted. Mr. Benetti replied that there have not been many. He stated that most of the CUPS have been for larger attached garages. He stated that he could not find a 1,500 or 1,800 square foot detached garage on a 2.5-acre lot. Councilor Duggan commented that in 2015 he believed that the numbers adopted were slightly larger than those previously allowed. Councilor Mazzitello confirmed that the numbers were increased for attached garages. Councilor Duggan asked if there is language related to the combined size of the attached and detached garages on a property. Mr. Benetti stated that there is an allowance for permitted attached and detached garages, along with CUP guidelines and provided additional details. Councilor Duggan asked if there is language in the Code that states that the garage floor size cannot exceed the square footage of a home. Mr. Benetti replied that the Code states that the combined area of the garage cannot exceed the finished area of the principal structure. He stated that typically the garage floor space is limited to the first floor of a home. Councilor Mazzitello referenced the language related to habitable space and provided a suggested language change. Mr. Benetti confirmed that he would agree with that. Mayor Levine commented that accessory structures often include upper lofts used for habitable space. She stated that she would prefer to include language specifying that the upper lofts cannot be used for habitable space. Mayor Levine commented that the Code is something that changes over time based on the use of the land. She stated that the grid would provide more categories for the different sizes of lots rather than grouping all lots over 2.5 acres together. She commented that someone with eight acres would have different needs for their land and therefore needs more room for storage of equipment. June 1, 2021 Mendota Heights City Counei[ Page 8 of 13 She stated that this would be adding the last line to the chart, where it should be along with setbacks. She asked for the different types of accessory structures that could be allowed on a residential property. Mr. Benetti reviewed those allowed accessory structures. Mayor Levine commented that she likes the amendment to the height of the accessory structures of 144 square feet or less as well. Councilor Mazzitello commented that he was around when the original ordinance was adopted, and he did not like it then because he did not see the need for an accessory structure that large. He stated that while some communities have large pole barn type accessory structures that is not the character of Mendota Heights. He stated that an accessory structure of 2,400 square feet or more would be twice the size of his house. He stated that a normal lot in Mendota Heights is excluded from the ordinance, meaning a 15,000 square foot lot cannot have a detached garage. He stated that properties are treated differently in Mendota Heights. He stated that there was a lot about that ordinance that he did not like. He stated that he thinks he could support the Code change if the City is committed to looking at the garage Code when the overall ordinance review is completed to ensure it is fair to all. He appreciated the work the Planning Commission put into this ordinance. Councilor Paper commented that a five -acre property is unique and there is room to have a large, detached garage, as is an eight -acre property. He stated that there would still be control to ensure these structures are tastefully constructed. He stated that these lot should be treated differently because they are bigger, and they are different. He stated that people have rights to their property and should be allowed to make the most of it, therefore he supports this ordinance change. Mayor Levine commented that she is also supportive and commended the Planning Commission for the work it did. She agreed that the City should look at the review the Code, now that the Comprehensive Plan has been accepted by the Metropolitan Council. She commented that this is a good ordinance, and she likes the idea of looking at changing our zoning rather than issuing variances. Councilor Duggan asked if the allowed height of 18 feet would conflict with other Code language. Mr. Benetti commented that the Planning Commission made the determination that 18 feet would be allowed for those accessory structures over 2,000 square feet on parcels over five acres in size. Councilor Duggan referenced the 10-foot height limit for accessory structures of 144 square feet or less and stated that perhaps someone would want 11 feet. Community Development Director Tim Benetti commented that the height limit is the midpoint of 10 feet, which would mean the actual height could be a few feet more. Councilor Duggan commented that this would seem to be creating an ordinance to suit the changes in the community and he is uncomfortable with that. He believed that this would open the floodgates for requests. Tu�ae 1, 2021 Mendota Heig&ts City Council Page 9 oj13 Mayor Levine commented that this would be to make the most common structure, the shed of 144 square feet or less, a lower height as that has been an issue in the community. She stated that this would seem to be right sizing sheds and accessory structures and ensure people are not living in accessory structures. Councilor Paper moved to adopt ORDINANCE NO. 565 AMENDING PARTS OF TITLE 12 —ZONING REGARDING ACCESSORY STRUCTURES, amending C.1.C(6) to include sheds with an allowed upper story or loft area. Mayor Levine seconded the motion. Ayes: 3 Nays: 1 (Duggan) NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) RESOLUTION 2021-46 APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR 806 BACHELOR AVENUE; MIKE CASHILL — APPLICANT/OWNER (PLANNING CASE NO. 2021-02) Community Development Director Tim Benetti explained that the Council was being asked to consider a resolution approving a conditional use permit (CUP) to Mr. Mike Cashill, which would allow the construction of a new oversized detached garage at 806 Bachelor Avenue, Councilor Duggan asked and received confirmation that the setback would be 15 feet. He referenced the third condition which states that staff will work with the applicant to select the final location and asked if that should have been done already. Mr. Benetti stated that the area for the accessory structure is known, but staff will work with the applicant to site the structure in attempt to avoid tree loss in that area. Councilor Duggan noted concerns and that this originally came forward as a variance and instead came through as an amended ordinance in order to go forward with a CUP. Mr. Benetti stated that the amendment to the ordinance allows for a larger accessory structure for larger lots, which would mean a variance would no longer be required. Councilor Duggan commented that the rules begin for lots of 15,000 square feet and asked if the reverse could be done to add another category for smaller lots. Mr. Tim Benetti stated that the Code currently allows for any lot without a garage to have a 750 or 1,000 square foot garage. He stated that if the property already has a garage, they would be unable to request an additional garage with that sized lot. He agreed that there will be a review of the ordinance when staff begins the review process of the City Code. Councilor Paper commented that he walked the site and has seen the low area where the structure will be, noting that it will fit well into the treed area and will be a reasonable investment into the property. Councilor Duggan commented that Mr. Cashill has made great contributions to the community with The Reserve that he has built. He stated that he appreciates Mr. Cashill's patience with getting that done. He stated that he is still not comfortable with this process and will not support this request. Councilor Mazzitello moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2021-46 APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 806 BACHELOR AVENUE with the change to the setback from 10 to 15 feet. June 1, 2021 Mendota Heights Ciry Council Page 10 of 13 Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 3 Nays: 1 (Duggan) B) RESOLUTION 2021-47 APPROVING A VARIANCE FOR 662 IVY FALLS COURT; JOE OPACK — APPLICANT/OWNER (PLANNING CASE NO, 2021-05) Community Development Director Tim Benetti provided a brief background on this item. The Council was being asked to consider a resolution approving a variance to allow a new half -circle shaped driveway to the property located at 662 Ivy Falls Court. The applicant and property owner is Joe Opack. Councilor Duggan provided a scenario in which multiple vehicles are parked in the driveway and how the vehicles would get out without having to leave in the order they arrived. Mr. Benetti commented that the intent is simply to provide a narrow access to the front door for the applicant's elderly family members. Councilor Paper asked if 12 feet is wide enough or whether that is too restrictive. Mr. Benetti stated that the applicant provided the sketch. He stated that he would prefer to keep the openings at 12 feet but noted that once the front of the property line is passed, the driveway could flare out. Councilor Paper commented that this would be a great addition. Mr. Benetti stated that he would be amenable to having a hard surface near the home where the vehicle would park in order to provide stable ground for family members to get out of their vehicle. Mayor Levine commented that this is a reasonable design and would be a lovely addition. Joe Opack, the applicant, was present to address any questions the Council may have. Councilor Duggan stated that this is a variance and therefore the request would need to meet those criteria. Councilor Mazzitello stated that within the staff report there are findings related to the variance criteria and reviewed how this request meets those criteria. Councilor Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2021-47 APPROVING A VARIANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 662 IVY FALLS COURT. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 C) RESOLUTION 2021-48 ACCEPT BIDS, AWARD CONTRACT FOR THE IVY FALLS EAST NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENTS AND AWARD A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek stated that the Council is asked to approve Resolution 2021-48 accepting bids and awarding a contract for the Ivy Falls East Neighborhood Improvement Project. The Council is also asked to approve a professional services contract for construction management. June 1, 2021 Mendaka He[ghts CYry Coeincil Page 11 of13 Councilor Mazzitello commented that there is a landscaped bulb in a cul-de-sac and asked if that is maintained by the City or association. Mr. Ruzek replied that is not City maintained. Councilor Mazzitello asked if the plans and specifications were completed in-house or by a consultant. Mr. Ruzek replied that the plans and specifications were completed by staff. Councilor Mazzitello commended staff for their excellent work. Councilor Paper noted that the low bidder is a new contractor for the City and asked if staff vetted the contractor. Mr. Ruzek commented that staff did not call references but reviewed where the contractor has completed projects and where their work is scheduled for this year. He stated that staff did not find any reason the contract could not be awarded. Councilor Paper stated that he is looking forward to seeing this project completed, as is the neighborhood. Mayor Levine stated that she wants to see the project on time and on budget, as these projects are disruptive to residents. She asked that staff check on the references as well. Councilor Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2021-48 ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR THE IVY FALLS EAST NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENTS. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek noted that approval of the professional services is also needed. Councilor Mazzitello moved to approve A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO TKDA FOR THEIR NOT -TO -EXCEED QUOTE OF $130,000. Councilor Duggan seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Mark McNeill announced the Scott Patrick Memorial SK will take place this weekend. He further advised of the Movie in the Park taking place this Friday evening. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Duggan commented that it has been a great pleasure to watch his grandchildren play sports and found the condition of the fields wonderful. Councilor Paper stated that he is looking forward to the Scott Patrick Memorial SK this weekend and commended former Mayor Garlock for the work he puts into the event. June 1, 2021 Mendota Heights Ciry Council Page 12 of 13 Councilor Mazzitello stated that this past Monday was Memorial Day, which honors those that have fallen in combat in defense of the nation. He reviewed some quotes that he fords value in on Memorial Day. He asked that the community think of all veterans and not just those that have fallen in combat. ADJOURN Councilor Duggan moved to adjourn. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m. Stepfiani6 Levine Mayor Lorri Smith City Clerk June 1, 2021 Mendota Heights City Council Page 13 of 13