Loading...
2022-10-18 City Council MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, October 18, 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, 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 Mazzitello moved adoption of the agenda. Councilor Duggan seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Levine presented the consent calendar and explained the procedure for discussion and approval. Councilor Duggan moved approval of the consent calendar as presented. a. Approval of October 6, 2022 City Council Minutes b. Acknowledge September 14, 2022 Natural Resources Commission Meeting Minutes c. Acknowledge September 14, 2022 Natural Resources Commission Work Session Minutes d. Approve Purchase of Snow Plow Blade for Skid Steer e. Resolution 2022-77 Accepting AAA Traffic Safety Grant f. Acknowledge August 2022 Par 3 Financial Report g. Approval of September 2022 Building Activity Report h. Approval of Claims List Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENTS Bernard Friel, 750 Mohican Lane, commented that the previous week he was made aware of adoption of a resolution that has been circulated over the past year by the League of Minnesota Cities related to proposed House Bill 3256. He explained that the Bill encourages density, reduces open space, mandates that duplexes and accessory dwelling units be allowed in single-family areas, and limits the ability of the City to implement design and other building requirements. He expressed concern that this could limit the typical requirements and functions of municipalities. He noted that many metro cities have adopted the resolution and hoped that the Council would refer this matter to the Planning Commission so that a recommendation could be made to the Council to oppose the bill. PRESENTATIONS A) RESOLUTION 2022-78 PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF $21030,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION IMPROVEMENT BONDS, SERIES 2022A, PLEDGING FOR THE SECURITY THEREOF, SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS, AND LEVYING A TAX FOR THE PAYMENT THEREOF Finance Director Kristen Schabacker introduced the case and the representative from Ehlers and Associates. Keith Dahl, Ehlers and Associates, explained that at the September 20, 2022 City Council meeting, the Council authorized the public sale of $2,030,000 in General Obligation Improvement Bonds. The issue will be financing the Centre Pointe Street Improvement project. Standards and Poor's affirmed the City's AAA bond rating with a stable outlook. He presented the results of the bid opening noting that the bond amount was reduced to $1,880,000 in order to receive a lower interest rate. Mayor Levine commented that this is good news for taxpayers, and she remains proud of the City for having a long history of fiscally responsible behavior. Councilor Dugan asked if there is any better rating than AAA stable. Mr. Dahl replied that is the highest rating that can be obtained. Councilor Mazzitello moved to approve RESOLUTION 2022-79 PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF $1,88Q000 GENERAL OBLIGATION IMPROVEMENT BONDS, SERIES 2022A, PLEDGING FOR THE SECURITY THEREOF, SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS, AND LEVYING A TAX FOR THE PAYMENT THEREOF, Councilor Duggan seconded the motion. Further discussion: Councilor Duggan referenced the work of staff on this matter. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PUBLIC HEARING A) RESOLUTION 2022-80 ADOPTING ASSESSMENTS FOR THE CENTRE POINTE STREET IMPROVEMENTS October 18, 2022 Mendota Heights City Council Page 2 of 7 Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that the City contracted with TKDA on the project and introduced the representative present. Larry Poppler, TKDA, explained that the Council is asked to preside over an assessment hearing and adopt the assessment roll for the Centre Pointe Street Improvements, Councilor Duggan commented that typically the approximate charge to homeowners is estimated prior to the project and asked how close the estimate was to the actual assessment. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek referenced the assessment calculation information included in the report and explained that the mill and overlay and reconstruction areas saw savings while the assessments within the reclamation areas increased slightly. He noted that the reclamation assessments were about $400 more while the reconstruction areas saw a savings of $800 and the mill and overlay assessments would have seen a savings of just over $200 but those were capped at $3,000. Councilor Duggan commented that residents then would most likely not be shocked when they receive the bill. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that notices were sent to homeowners in early October alerting them to this hearing tonight. He stated that the numbers within those notices were higher than what is projected for assessment at this time. Councilor Paper referenced the cost per foot/per unit and asked for clarification on the commercial and residential rates. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that those are assumptions that were used based off the average City lot and provided more details. Councilor Paper asked the threshold for entire curb replacement rather than piecing together replacements. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that prior to the project staff makes an estimate on what they believe would be needed for curb replacement. He stated that in areas where a lot of curb replacement is needed, they ask for quotes on both methods to determine what the better cost would be. Councilor Paper asked if the work has been completed on Carmen. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek stated that the seeding or mulching should be complete, and staff is working with two homeowners on tree replacement. Councilor Paper commented that this work was done in one to two weeks and asked why that cannot be done on every project. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that was the timeline for Carmen Lane, but the entire project was completed in two to three months. October I8, 2022 Mendota Heights City Com�cil Page 3 of 7 Mr. Poppler explained that Carmen Lane is the only way in and out for those residents therefore they wanted to complete that segment quickly. He noted that the entire Carmen Lane project was not completed in that time, but the actual street work was. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that the incorrect assessment roll was provided but that has been corrected within the packet and is also reflected online. Councilor Duggan moved to open the public hearing. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 4 There being no one coming forward to speak, Councilor Duggan moved to close the public hearing. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Councilor Mazzitello moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2022-80 ADOPTING AND CONFIRMING ASSESSMENTS FOR THE CENTRE POINTE STREET IMPROVEMENTS. Councilor Duggan seconded the motion. Further discussion: Mayor Levine commented that there is no one present for the public hearing and perhaps there is a better method to engage residents. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) RESOLUTION 2022-79 APPROVING PLANS AND AUTHORIZING AN ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID FOR THE ROGERS LAKE AND PARK PLACE POND IMPROVEMENTS Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that the Council was being asked to approve plans and specifications and authorize an advertisement for bids for the Rogers Lake and Parlc Place Pond Improvements. Councilor Duggan asked if there were any steps staff would need to take with the contractors about the Blandings turtle. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek did not believe that would be an issue as the pond freezes solid in the winter and therefore would not be suitable environment for a turtle to winter in. Councilor Mazzitello asked and received confirmation that this project would be funded through the stormwater utility fund. Councilor Paper asked if the ponds are pumped prior to doing the dirt work, or whether the water freezes and then is scraped. October I8, 2022 Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 oj7 Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek commented that the water would freeze and provided details on that process. Councilor Paper recognized that these are two different projects and asked how long each would be anticipated and whether one project would be completed after the other. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that this is being bid as one project and staff would anticipate moving from one pond to the next. He stated that the previous pond work has taken three to four days and therefore would anticipate three to four days per pond. Councilor Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2022-79 APPROVING FINAL PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR THE ROGERS LAKE AND PARK PLACE POND IMPROVEMENTS. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 B) REVIEW OF THIRD QUARTER CITY COUNCIL STRATEGIC PRIORITIES AND SECOND QUARTER CITY FINANCIAL REPORT City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson provided an update on strategic priorities for the third quarter. Finance Director Kristen Schabacker reviewed the financial progress report for the second quarter. Councilor Duggan provided comments on the Par 3 bond payments and anticipated payoff of that. Finance Director Kristen Schabacker commented that the last payment will be made February 1, 2023, therefore an amount for those bonds was not included in the levy. Councilor Paper referenced the special park fund and asked for clarification on the amounts reflected. Finance Director Kristen Schabacker replied that the amounts reflected anticipated interest earnings for that fund. She stated that park dedication fees are not budgeted for as the City cannot anticipate what would be developed. Councilor Paper referenced an ongoing program to encourage partnership of programs to support local business and asked for more details. City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson explained that strategy was meant to provide outreach to businesses in response to COVID and its related shutdowns. She provided the example of takeout Tuesdays and explained that has taken a different direction now that those businesses are open. She stated that businesses were invited to participate in the upcoming Trick or Tee event in order to promote their businesses and make resident connections. Councilor Paper referenced the lodging tax which is parked and asked for an update. October 78, 2022 Mendota Heights City Council Page 5 of 7 City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson replied that the City has not yet pursued that conversation but noted that if directed by the Council staff could work on that more. She explained that a lodging tax would be used to promote the City. Councilor Paper asked if the lodging tax could be used to support the Police Department that responds to many calls for lodging. City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson replied that the use of those funds are statutorily defined and that is not an allowed use. Councilor Paper commented that he would like to pursue the lodging tax. He referenced the replacement of the Wentworth warming house and asked how much the City is able to use the special parks fund versus the general fund for that project. City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson provided details on how the special parks fund could be used and noted that anything above the size of the original structure could be funded from the special parks fund. Councilor Duggan referenced the protection of surface water quality and asked that staff remain alert about steps that may be taken with potential restrictions that may be imposed related to water usage. Mayor Levine appreciated the work of staff. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson announced upcoming events and activities. City Clerk Christine Lucian provided details on the opportunity for early voting. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Mazzitello commented that the Fire Department open house this past weekend was a great event, as was Dog Day held at the dog park. Hes e e Future Cities Program has kicked off its 15th year at Friendly Hills Middle School and provided details on the after -school program. He commented that there are three teams of students that will be competing the third weekend in January. He stated that those teams would like to come to City Hall in February to present their cities. Councilor Paper wished Councilor Miller good luck tonight in the section playoffs with his team. Councilor Duggan commented that the small village in his home of Ireland lost ten people as a result of a gas station explosion. He noted that is a huge loss in a community of 400. Mayor Levine commented that she had a great time at both Dog Day and the Fire Department open house. She commented that she is looking forward to the Trick or Tee event and encouraged residents to participate. ADJOURN October !8, 2022 Mendota Heights Ciry Council Page 6 of 7 Councilor Duggan moved to adjourn. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 7:08 p.m. Stephanie Levine Mayor ATTEST: Christine usian City Clerk October 18, 2022Mendota Heights Ctty Council Page 7 of 7