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2022-03-01 Council MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, March 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 Paper, Mazzitello, and Miller (arrived at 6:04 p.m.) were also present. Councilor Duggan 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 Mazzitello moved adoption of the agenda. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 RECOGNITION OF PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSIONER STEVE GOLDADE Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence presented the recognition of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Steve Goldade, highlighting the values and expertise he added to the Commission. Mayor Levine commented that some members of the Council have had the opportunity to serve with Mr. Goldade on the Parks and Recreation Commission. She stated that it was an honor to serve with him. Councilor Miller arrived at the meeting. Councilor Paper thanked Mr. Goldade for the time and effort he put into his service, noting that the Commission is in a better place than when he started. Councilor Miller thanked Mr. Goldade for his service. Councilor Mazzitello thanked Mr. Goldade and recognized the commitment that is required to serve. Mr. Goldade thanked his family for allowing him to serve and to the Council for their service to the community. 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, pulling items b., E, and g. •W I • • • 1 b. Approval of February 17, 2022 Council Wor-k Session Minutes Approve the eb2022 City Council Work Session Minutes d. Acknowledge1 Approve Amended Parental LeavePolicy Orderf. Approve the Hiring of the Park and Reer-eation Manager and Authorize Posting figr Reereatifcn OheyawaheiPilot Knob Preservation Site. h. Approve the Use of American Rescue Plan Act Funds for Ridge Place Sewer Project i. Approve the January 2022 Treasurer's Report j. Approval of Claims List Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS B) APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 17, 2022 COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES Councilor Paper noted that he did not see this set of minutes in his packet and just received them today. He asked if this action could be delayed to the next meeting. Councilor Mazzitello moved to table CONSIDERATION OF THE FEBRUARY 17, 2022 COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES TO THE NEXT MEETING. Councilor Miller seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 F) APPROVE HIRING OF THE PARK AND RECREATION MANAGER AND AUTHORIZE POSTING FOR RECREATION PROGRAM COORDINATOR Mayor Levine congratulated Meredith Lawrence on the new position. Councilor Miller moved to approve HIRING OF THE PARK AND RECREATION MANAGER AND AUTHORIZE POSTING FOR RECREATION PROGRAM COORDINATOR. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 March 1, 2022 dIendata Heights City Council Page 2 of8 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS G) AUTHORIZE PURCHASE ORDER FOR CONTROL OF INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES AND RESTORATION AT OHEYAWAHE/PILOT KNOB PRESERVATION SITE Mayor Levine commented that she wanted the public to lrnow that the City is focused on the Pilot Knob site which is an important historical site and greenspace for the community. She stated the City has a bonding request in at the legislature, asking for enhancements for the site. She encouraged residents to each out to their representatives. Councilor Miller moved to authorize a PURCHASE ORDER FOR CONTROL OF INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES AND RESTORATION AT OHEYAWAHE/PILOT KNOB PRESERVATION SITE. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENTS No one from the public wished to be heard. PRESENTATIONS A) ROGERS LAKE WATER QUALITY REPORT BY SAINT THOMAS ACADEMY Tony Kinsley, Saint Thomas Academy, stated that four students, representing five Environmental AP classes, are here to present the yearly Rogers Lake Water Quality Report. Ben McKinley commented on the importance of water quality. He stated that this study included 31 groups of students conducting nine tests at nine different sites for a total of over 2,000 data points. Evan Lloyd provided the results of the tests for dissolved oxygen, fecal coliform, pH, biochemical oxygen demand over five days, and change in temperature. Jack Fyten provided the results of the tests for total phosphates, nitrate, turbidity, and total solids. He stated that the overall score for Rogers Lake was 79.4 which falls into the good range. He noted that there has been a slight decrease in the rating over the past five years, but it still falls within the good range. Jack Dzubnar reviewed the overall scores for Rogers Lake for the past 28 years. He stated that six of the tests are better or equal to the results from the preview year. He noted that eight of the tests were within the acceptable range. He stated that there were three lower quality tests and reviewed things that could be done to improve those scores. He thanked the Council for allowing them to present their results. Councilor Mazzitello thanked the students for the presentation. He asked if the weed control done by the City has been a contributor to BOD5. Mr. Dzubnar stated that they did not look at those factors. d�arch 1, 2022 Mendota Hetghts City Coa�ncil Page 3 oj8 Councilor Mazzitello commented on the weed removal the City has been doing in a loop on Rogers Lake for the past several years, which is a chemical treatment causing dead leaves to fall to the bottom and decompose. He stated that perhaps that could be looked into in future years. Councilor Paper asked when the trolling motors began to be allowed on the lake. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek believed that was allowed about eight years ago. Councilor Paper asked if the boating activity could have contributed to the increase in turbidity. He asked if the temperature testing is done at all sites. The students commented that the trolling motor activity could account for an increase in total solids. They also explained that the temperate readings are done at two sites. Councilor Miller commented that he enjoys the presentations by the students each year. Mayor Levine thanked the students for the presentation and wished them well in their continued studies. She recognized the work of the Rogers Lake Association as well. No items scheduled. PUBLIC HEARING NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) RESOLUTION 2022-18 APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR NEW CELLULAR EQUIPMENT TO EXISTING TOWER — 894 SIBLEY MEMORIAL HIGHWAY (DISH WIRELESS — PLANNING CASE NO, 2022-02) Community Development Director Tim Benetti explained that the Council was being asked to approve a conditional use permit (CUP) for DISH Wireless, approving the addition of a new cellular communication antennas and equipment to an existing cellular tower, located at 894 Sibley Memorial Highway. The property is owned by NCWPCS MPL 27YR Site Tower Holdings, LLC of St. Louis, MO. Councilor Paper asked if the fence would be a security fence with barbs on top. Director Benetti replied that the metal fence would be six feet in height with screening slats, and is meant for safety and screening. Councilor Paper asked for details on service improvements. Jay Serrano, representing the applicant, replied that DISH is a new carrier, therefore this will not improve any existing service. He stated that this will provide brand new coverage for DISH customers. Councilor Paper asked if small cell wireless is going to help with coverage in the area. Mr. Serrano explained how small cells work with macro sites to fill in areas where it is not feasible to put in a new macro site. He stated that DISH does not have that coverage at this time. He noted that DISH will begin service June Ist March 1, 2022 h2endata Heights City Council Page 4 of 8 Councilor Paper asked if the market areas were shown for informational purposes. Mr. Serrano replied that most frequencies are based in markets, and this is the Minneapolis/St. Paul market. He stated that the counties listed are the areas where DISH has licensed frequencies. Mayor Levine commended the Planning Commission for its through review. She acknowledged there is a problem with cellular service in the area but noted that it is not caused by DISH. Councilor Paper moved to approve RESOLUTION 2022-18 APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW THE ADDITION OF NEW CELLULAR/WIRELESS EQUIPMENT AND ANTENNAS TO AN EXISTING WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS TOWER, LOCATED AT 894 SIBLEY MEMORIAL HIGHWAY. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 B) JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT WITH THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION FOR THE LAKE AUGUSTA FEASIBILITY STUDY Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek stated the Council was asked to approve a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) with Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization (LMRWMO) for the Lake Augusta Feasibility Study. Councilor Miller stated that he is pleased this is moving forward. He recalled Lake Augusta being a lot cleaner in years past and therefore finding the source of the issue is a step in finding a resolution. Councilor Mazzitello stated that one issue that has been theorized for Lake Augusta is that it cannot turn over and asked if that would be part of the study. Director Ruzek commented that it is known that the lake is not mixing and provided details on the different studies that would be done by Barr Engineering. Councilor Mazzitello stated that if an outlet is designated as part of the study, he would hope that they would not send the problems of Lake Augusta to another lake. Mayor Levine stated that there are two lake quality data studies and noted that she had difficulty in comparing those results to results from other lakes, such as Rogers Lake. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek commented that he did not believe these results were part of the Rogers Lake study. Mr. Kinsley provided additional details on the different results that were shown for Lake Augusta. He noted that while some of the types of tests would be similar to the Rogers Lake study, they would not be comparable without conversion. Mayor Levine recognized that this is an impaired lake and noted that it would be nice to have apples to apples comparison to other lakes. March 1, 2022 Alendota Heights City Council Page 5 oJ8 Councilor Miller moved to approve PARTICIPATION IN THE JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT WITH THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION (LMRWMO). Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 C) USE OF LIGHTS FOR NIGHTTIME PICKLEBALL PLAY AT FRIENDLY HILLS Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence provided information on the use of lights at pickleball courts and explained that staff has been approached by residents who are interested in the City utilizing the existing hockey lights at Friendly Hills Park to enable nighttime pickleball play. Councilor Paper asked if the nets are movable or whether there is a post in the ground. Manager Lawrence stated that these would be courts similar to those at Marie Park, Mayor Levine asked what the cost would be to install on/off switches, to allow the lights to be turned on for a set time. She noted this would prevent the lights from being on when no one is using the courts. Manager Lawrence stated that she reached out to neighboring cities that use that technology and estimated a cost of about $5,000 per park. Mayor Levine stated that this could be a good investment to allow use of the lights when needed rather than at all times. She asked if the Council would be supportive of directing staff to obtain quotes for that purpose. Councilor Paper stated that he would be interested in the cost but is not looking to add more lighting. He noted this would be helpful for the ice rinks also. He stated that he is not in favor of lighting the pickleball courts at Friendly Hills Park. Councilor Miller commented that anything that can be done to manage resources responsibly would be a good thing. He stated that he does not believe it comparable to the pilot program at Marie because of the differences in proximity of homes and topography. He stated that he does not support this request. Mayor Levine confirmed the consensus of the Council to direct staff to further research the cost of a push button lighting system for the parks in order to reduce light usage when people are not using the parks. Councilor Mazzitello referenced the draft minutes from the Park and Recreation meeting in which the Commission made a motion to delay action on the pilot program at Friendly Hills Park. Manager Lawrence replied that the Commission would like to reconsider this after staff researches the ability to install a natural buffer. She noted that it would be difficult to install a natural buffer because the area where trees could be planted is used for snow storage and trees could also cause issues for the pickleball courts. She stated that the Commission recommended denial of lighting the pickleball courts this spring. d/arch 1, 2022 Mendota heights Ciry Cocmcil Page 6 of 8 Councilor Mazzitello asked if staff received requests from the public for lighting of the courts at Friendly Hills. Manager Lawrence confirmed that staff did receive calls from residents requesting lights. Mayor Levine invited comments from the public. Mary Melzarek, 717 Navajo, (also speaking for her neighbor at 718 Navajo, who is present at the meeting) stated they both live across from Friendly Hills and experience the brunt of the lights. She stated that there are not many pickleball courts in Dakota County that have lights for evening play. She noted that lighting the courts in the evening could bring in people from other communities. She stated that Burnsville has courts that are lighted, but these courts have native screening in place and are lined with a material to mitigate the noise. She noted that they also have a switch for the lighting, available until 8 p.m. She stated that if lighting is allowed here for evening use, she would ask that all the lights be tested and adjusted. She commented that there are issues with glare from the lights and noise from the courts. Cindy Johnson, 1755 Victoria Road S, applauded the Parks and Recreation Commission for listening to the concerns of residents that live near Friendly Hills. She stated that Mendota Heights was built with the intention of having small neighborhood parks and community parks intended to serve the larger community. She commented that the intention of neighborhood parks was to serve the nearby residents. She commented that changes made to Marie Park have changed the function of the park. She noted that Marie Park is one of the smallest of the neighborhood parks and has the most residential properties touching the park property. She noted how sound carries in the area due to the topography. She stated that her home is at least 500 feet from the pickleball courts, and she can hear the noise. She noted the impact the lighting of the pickleball courts has had on the neighboring homes. She commented that pickleball noise begins at 6 a.m. and goes to 9 p.m. She stated that she is not anti-pickleball, noting that it is a great sport. She stated that pickleball needs attention to the placement of the courts. Councilor Paper commented he does not believe this is the right time to light the Friendly Hills pickleball courts because of the proximity to the homes. He commented this could be revisited at a later date. Councilor Mazzitello commented that a pickleball plan for the City would be a wonderful addition to the Strategic Plan for the parks. He noted that the City has placed pickleball courts which are a community asset into neighborhood parks, now on two occasions. He stated that if pickleball is going to be in neighborhood parks, it should be limited. He commented that tennis courts are not lit and perhaps if those courts are not being used, they could be converted to pickleball with a maximum of two courts per neighborhood park and more courts could be placed at community parks. He agreed that the topic could be revisited in the fall or in 2023. Mayor Levine commented that she believes the issue with lighting is also a winter issue and that is why she suggested the push button lighting system. She stated that because a native barrier can most likely not be installed, she would not support lighting the pickleball courts at Friendly Hills at this time. She acknowledged that the additional courts have been added to Friendly Hills and agreed that it would be helpful to review the issue of lights in parks as a whole. Councilor Paper stated there are LED lights at Friendly Hills and asked if staff could review the lighting to determine if there is a spillage problem occurring. Manager Lawrence commented that the lights have been adjusted by the installer. She stated that staff could look into a light shield option. Mm•cla I, 2022 Mendota Heights Ciry Council PaSe � oi8 Councilor Mazzitello moved to deny THE TRIAL PICKLEBALL LIGHTING PROGRAM AT FRIENDLY HILLS AND DIRECT STAFF TO INCLUDE A PICKLEBALL PLAN AND LIGHTING PLAN IN THE PARKS STRATEGIC PLAN, Councilor Miller seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS Assistant City Administrator Kelly Dumais had no further announcements. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Mazzitello commented that he will have his haircut by the next meeting. Councilor Miller commented that the spring high school sports season will begin in two weeks and urged drivers to be mindful of track and field students that may be running along the roads. Councilor Paper thanked the Saint Thomas Academy students for presenting, noting that he looks forward to the presentation each year. Mayor Levine also thanked the Saint Thomas Academy students. She recognized Steve Goldade for his service. She also cautioned residents about going on the lakes with the warmer temperatures. She thanked public safety workers for their assistance in responding to a fire that occurred in the community. • iJ7��1 Councilor Mazzitello moved to adjourn. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 7:44 p.m. t P// A v'"r' Stephanie Levine Mayor ATTE : Lorri Smith City Clerk March 1, 2022 NLendota Heights City Council Page 8 oJ8