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2022-07-19 City Council MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, July 19, 2022 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. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council, the audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance. MOMENT OF SILENCE — IN MEMORY OF OFFICER SCOTT PATRICK (EOW JULY 30, 2014) The Council, audience, and staff held a moment of silence in memory of Officer Scott Patrick whose end of watch was July 30, 2014. Mayor Levine stated that people will gather at the corner of Smith and Dodd on July 30t' at 12:20 p.m. to honor the memory of Officer Scott Patrick. AGENDA ADOPTION Mayor Levine presented the agenda for adoption. Councilor Mazzitello moved adoption of the agenda. Councilor Miller seconded the motion. Further discussion: Mayor Levine suggested moving Item C to be considered as Item A under New and Unfinished Business. Councilor Mazzitello moved the approval of the amendment to the agenda. Councilor Duggan seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 There were no presentations. PRESENTATIONS 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, C, H, I, and O. LL. Approval , 2022 City Cotmeil Minutes b. Acknowledge the .Tune 8, 2022 Natural Resources Commission Meeting Minutes d. Adopt Resolution 2022-54 Approving an Administrative MRCCA Permit for New Fence at 1129 Orchard Circle (Planning Case No. 2022-15) e. Adopt Resolution 2022-55 Approving an Administrative MRCCA Permit for New Fence at 1125 Orchard Circle (Planning Case No. 2022-16) f. Adopt Resolution 2022-56 Approving an Administrative MRCCA Permit for New Fence at 1901 Glenhill Road (Planning Case No. 2022-17) g. Acknowledge the May Par 3 Financial Report h. Approve Pur-ehase of 2017 Ford Explore i. joint Powers Agr-eement (JPA) Between the City of Mendota Heights and the City of West Sa Paul Relating to 1SP 197 Aquatie Center- Sanitar-y Sewer- Billing j. Approve Communications Coordinator Hire k. Approve Purchase of Fire Department Thermal Imaging Cameras 1. Accept Wetland Delineation Report for the River Greenway Project m. Approve the Banking Authorization Signatory Changes n. Approve June 2022 Building Activity Report e. Appr-eval of Claims List. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS A) APPROVAL OF THE JULY 5, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Councilor Duggan noted on page nine, the very top, it should state, "... staff to draw a clearer map showing the new property divisions for residents." On page nine, the fourth paragraph under New Business, it should state, "...to protect the community in relation to the pool." Under Budget Memo for Meeting Dates, it should state, "...end at 6:15..." Councilor Duggan moved to approve THE DULY 5, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES WITH THE NOTED CHANGES. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 C) ACKNOWLEDGE THE JUNE 14, 2022 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES July 19, 2022 Mendota Heights City Council Page 2 of 9 Councilor Duggan noted on page 16, the middle of the page, it states that Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek stated that he had not received official notification from the DNR. He asked staff for a follow up on that item. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that the DNR has accepted the amendment and signatures were needed from the City Clerk and Mayor. He stated that the City should be receiving the full grant amount for Wentworth Park. Councilor Duggan moved to acknowledge THE JUNE 14, 2022 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 H) APPROVE PURCHASE OF 2017 FORD EXPLORER Councilor Duggan stated that item exceeds $10,000 and thought that required approval. He asked if this was a purchase or transfer. Finance Director Kristen Schabacker stated that this is a request to purchase the 2017 Ford Explorer which is currently a leased vehicle. Councilor Duggan commented that it was his belief that an item over $10,000 should not be included on the Consent Agenda and therefore pulled it out for discussion. He stated that he is not opposed to the purchase. Councilor Duggan moved to approve PURCHASE OF 2017 FORD EXPLORER. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 I) JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS AND THE CITY OF WEST SAINT PAUL RELATING TO ISD 197 AQUATIC CENTER SANITARY SEWER BILLING Councilor Duggan asked who would benefit from this, as the school district is larger than the two communities within the JPA. He asked if the school district would have other obligations outside of this agreement. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that Mendota Heights may receive a benefit as the usage rate is higher than the West Saint Paul billing rate. He noted that the property is located within Mendota Heights but connected to the West Saint Paul sanitary sewer system. He stated that this agreement will reimburse the City of West Saint Paul for the billing that Mendota Heights collects for the site. Councilor Duggan asked if Saint Paul Regional Water Supply is also involved. July 19, 2022 Mendota Heights City Council Page 3 of 9 Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that users are billed based on the water usage and provided details on that billing process. Councilor Duggan moved to approve JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS AND THE CITY OF WEST SAINT PAUL RELATING TO ISD 197 AQUATIC CENTER SANITARY SEWER BILLING. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 O) APPROVAL OF CLAIMS LIST Councilor Duggan stated that he was pleased to see costs included related to trees removed or serviced. He referenced the iPads for the election and asked what would happen to the iPads after the election. Assistant City Administrator Kelly Torkelson stated that the City would have many options noting that the iPads could be stored for the next election or repurposed for use by City staff. Councilor Duggan moved to approve THE CLAIMS LIST. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENTS No one from the public wished to be heard. PUBLIC HEARING No items scheduled. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN ACCEPTANCE Natural Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter provided background on this item. The Council was being asked to accept the final draft of the Natural Resources Management Plan (NRMP) Update as provided by Resource Environmental Solutions (RES). Councilor Duggan moved to accept THE UPDATED NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN. Councilor Miller seconded the motion. Further discussion: Councilor Duggan thanked Natural Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter and the committee for their work and the work yet to come. Ayes: 5 July 19, 2022 Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 of 9 Nays: 0 B) STREETLIGHT REVIEW AT HUNTER LANE AND VERONICA LANE Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that the Council was being asked to review a request to remove a streetlight on the corner of Hunter Lane and Veronica Lane. Councilor Miller asked if there would be any safety concerns in removing the light as the streets do not exactly align. He commented that he would think that could be a problematic area. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that most of the lights the City has do occur at an intersection. He stated that the City promotes that pedestrians wear reflective clothing when walking in the evening. He would hope that any vehicle would be using its headlights at night and therefore did not see an issue with traffic safety. He believed the concerns would relate more towards pedestrian safety and a possible school bus stop. He was unsure if there was a current school bus stop in this location. Councilor Duggan asked the cost to reinstate the light if it were to be removed and complaints were received. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek did not believe there would be a cost under the Xcel lease. He stated there would be a petition required with a threshold of signatures to consider installing a light. He noted that many cities require a two-year waiting period if the light is requested for removal and then requested for reinstallation. Councilor Duggan asked about the efforts to shield or dim the light. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that the feedback received from the requesting resident was that was not a successful endeavor. Councilor Duggan asked if there would be additional options to drape or shield the light rather than remove it. Mayor Levine invited any members of the public to speak. Weston Cutter, 1169 Veronica Lane, commented that the City has done a great job on the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and referenced language found within the goals of the plan. He commented on the traffic counts for that area and projected traffic counts. He noted that since the roads in this area have been repaired, more vehicles are choosing to take this route and are traveling at higher speeds. He was concerned that there could be an issue with safety if the light is removed. He believed that removing the light would create a hazard for the neighborhood. Isadore Sadie, 1940 Hunter Lane, commented that this light was originally setup for the children in the community as that is where the school bus stop was. He noted that the buses now pickup children at their homes and that corner is no longer used for that purpose. He commented that in other small neighborhoods there are not streetlights within the development, only on the main streets. He stated that although there are people walking in the neighborhood, they usually do not walk late at night and did not see a purpose July 19, 2022 Mendota Heights City Council Page 5 of 9 for the light. He stated that light impacts the bedroom in his home, even with curtains. He asked that the light be removed. Councilor Mazzitello commented that it appears the issue is the light shining onto the 1940 property, but two other nearby properties have requested the light to remain. He asked if Xcel would charge if the light were moved from this location to Culligan. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that there would be major charges if the pole were needed to be relocated, estimating about $4,000. Councilor Duggan asked if the City could work with Xcel and the concerned resident to better direct the light. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that those attempts have already been tried. Councilor Paper stated that he is concerned with the potential of removing a light as there are few in the community. He commented that it is difficult to get a light into a neighborhood and there are kids in that neighborhood. He noted that the light provides safety and security and believed it would be for the greater good of the neighborhood to keep the light. He stated that only one homeowner has stated that they do not want the light while two have requested it stay. He stated that he would be interested in hearing more input from residents requesting to remove the light before he could support that action. Councilor Miller agreed. He noted that there are several children that live in that neighborhood and therefore he would be concerned with removing the light. He stated that busing is nine months out of 12 months and acknowledged the bus routes change, therefore just because that is not used as a stop at this time does not mean it would not be a stop in the future. He commented that there does not seem to be widespread support on either side of the issue and therefore he is inclined to keep the light as is. Councilor Duggan also agreed the light should be left as is. Councilor Mazzitello and Mayor Levine also agreed the light should be left in place. Councilor Duggan commented that because no action was taken, this could come back to the Council in the future if desired. Mayor Levine commented on how difficult it is to obtain a light in a neighborhood. She stated that if the neighbors all want the light removed, the request could come back to the Council in the future. C) RESOLUTION 2022-57 SANITARY SEWER UTILITY BILLING RATE STRUCTURE Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek provided a brief background on this item. The Council was being asked to approve Resolution 2022-57 providing for a new Sanitary Sewer Utility Billing Rate for 2022. Councilor Duggan mentioned the three large water using businesses that staff has met with to discuss the three-year phased proposal and asked if those businesses are comfortable with that plan. July 19, 2022 Mendota Heights City Council Page 6 of 9 Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek confirmed that those businesses are comfortable with the plan as proposed. Councilor Duggan commented that there will be a reduction in the base rate for most water users in Mendota Heights, which is exciting. Councilor Paper used the scenario that a backyard rink is flooded in January and asked if that would have an impact. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that could be a consideration if the water were metered, noting that it would not go into the sewer. Councilor Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION NO.2022-57 AUTHORIZING SANITARY SEWER UTILITY RATES BEGINNING IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2022. Councilor Miller seconded the motion. Further discussion: Mayor Levine noted the recommended phase in for the three largest water users. Mayor Levine moved to include in the motion the recommended phasing plan for the three noted largest water users. Councilor Duggan seconded the motion. Further discussion: Councilor Mazzitello commented that this is a huge win for the water users and stops the subsidization of the larger water users. He stated that he has been advocating for this for some time and is glad to see it move forward. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilmember Paper excused himself at 6:52 p.m. and left the meeting. D) WEBSITE REDESIGN AND HOSTING PROPOSAL Assistant City Administrator Kelly Torkelson provided background information on this item. Included in the 2022 budget is a website redesign project in order to update the City's website. Staff developed a Request for Information (RFI) for the project and received three proposals to review. Staff is recommending the City Council move forward with accepting the proposal from Civic Engage for both the redesign of the City website as well as the ongoing maintenance and hosting of the City website. Councilor Duggan asked when the City last contracted for new website services. Assistant City Administrator Kelly Torkelson replied that the City went through a similar bid process with vendors in 2017 but did not change providers at that time. She noted that the current vendor did not submit a proposal in response to the City's RFI. July 19, 2022 Mendota Heights City Council Page 7 of 9 Councilor Duggan commented that it seems that the enthusiasm of staff, the services offered, and allowance within the budget would support this moving forward. He believed that this would provide a better opportunity to serve the community. He asked for details on the $2,000 discount that was offered. Assistant City Administrator Kelly Torkelson replied that the City has worked with Civic Engage on the parks and recreation platform and that relationship was leveraged to gain the $2,000 savings. Mayor Levine commented that this service had been planned and the cost is significantly under budget. She noted that she visited the West Saint Paul site and was able to easily navigate it. She commented that she is thrilled that the City will be updating its website and was excited for the City to work with this vendor. She asked for details on the timeline for implementation. Assistant City Administrator Kelly Torkelson replied that the timeline is dependent on the availability of City staff to work with the vendor to ensure accurate information is provided and the goals and vision of the City are reflected. She stated that her goal is to have the implementation complete by the end of the year. Councilor Mazzitello stated that typically contracts are awarded on a not to exceed basis but did not see that language included. Assistant City Administrator Kelly Torkelson replied that the contract did not include that language but confirmed that it was a firm quote. Councilor Duggan asked how user friendly this would be for someone that is not computer savvy. Assistant City Administrator Kelly Torkelson replied that there are many different people with varying levels of skill that will use the City website. She stated that the search feature will allow users to seek for the information they are finding. Councilor Duggan asked if the website would include the Comprehensive Plan. Assistant City Administrator Kelly Torkelson confirmed that the Comprehensive Plan would be posted on the City website. Councilor Mazzitello moved to accept THE PROPOSAL FOR CITY WEBSITE REDESIGN AND WEBSITE HOSTING FROM CIVIC ENGAGE FOR AN IMPLEMENTATION COST OF NOT TO EXCEED $35,445 IN YEAR ONE WITH ONGOING MAINTENANCE COSTS NOT TO EXCEED $8847 EACH YEAR FOR FOUR ADDITIONAL YEARS. Councilor Miller seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 E) REVIEW OF SECOND QUARTER CITY COUNCIL STRATEGIC PRIORITIES City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson provided the Council with a strategic priorities update for the second quarter. July 19, 2022 Mendota Heights City Council Page 8 of9 COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson announced upcoming community events and activities. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Mazzitello commented that the Natural Resources Management Plan is now adopted and thanked everyone that worked to develop that plan. He stated that it was nice to hear from a member of the public tonight complimenting the City's Comprehensive Plan. He stated that earlier in the day he met with MnDOT to discuss their State Transportation Improvement Plan and believed the City's committee should pay attention to the details in that plan that could impact the City's transportation plans as well. He referenced planned improvements that will have an impact on how traffic moves within the community. Councilor Miller stated that the deadline for Night to Unite parties is approaching and encouraged residents to participate. He stated that it is fun for the Fire Department to visit neighborhood parties as well and meet residents outside of an emergency situation. Councilor Duggan commented that Neighbors Inc. is celebrating 50 years, which will be celebrated on September 16 and 17. He provided details on the organization that provides benefit within the community and noted that residents can contribute clothing or donations to assist others that may need help. Mayor Levine thanked the Council and staff for a meeting that accomplished a lot. She commented that the sanitary sewer study had been in the works for a long time, and it is nice to see that come to fruition. She stated that almost everyone in the room was touched by the loss of an Officer in the line of duty and again wanted to acknowledge Officer Scott Patrick. ADJOURN Councilor Duggan moved to adjourn. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 7:13 p.m. h / Stephanie Levine Mayor ATTES Christine I City Clerk July 19, 2022 Mendota Heights City Council Page 9 of 9