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2022-12-20 City Council Minutes CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, December 20, 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. AGENDA ADOPTION Mayor Levine presented the agenda for adoption. Councilor Mazzitello moved adoption of the agenda. Councilor Miller seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PRESENTATIONS/RECOGNITIONS A) RECOGNITION OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ULTAN DUGGAN Mayor Levine and Councilors Miller,Paper and Mazzitello presented a resolution recognizing the service of Councilor Duggan to the City of Mendota Heights. Councilor Mazzitello moved to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2022-98 PROCLAIMING THANKS FOR THE SERVICE OF ULTAN DUGGAN TO THE CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA Councilor Miller seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilor Duggan thanked everyone in attendance. He commented that it has been a distinct honor to serve the City and be elected by the residents to serve. He thanked the members of the councils that he has served with, the residents, and the staff members. He recognized his family that has allowed him to serve the community and support him. Mayor Levine acknowledged the leadership that Councilor Duggan has provided over the years. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Levine noted that Item A would be pulled as comment was received from a resident requesting amendment. She noted that staff will be reviewing the tape and will present those minutes at the next meeting for review. 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, I, J, K, and N. b. Approval of December 6, 2022 Council Closed Session Minutes c. Acknowledge the November 9, 2022 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes d. Acknowledge the December 1, 2022 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Session Minutes e. Acknowledge the October Par 3 Financial Report f. Resolution 2022-95 Agreement Appointing MnDOT as Agent for the City on Federally Funded Proj ects g. Approval of HVAC Replacement at the Mendota Heights Par 3 Community Golf Course Clubhouse h. Approval of Memorandum of Understanding with the City of West St. Paul for Joint Recycling Services 1. Resolution 2022-96 Adopting the 2023 Pay Classification Plan for Non-Union Employees m. Approval of Massage Therapist License o. Approval of November 2022 Treasurer's Report p. Approval of November 2022 Building Activity Report q. Approval of Claims List Councilor Miller seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS A) APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 6, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Mayor Levine noted that this item has been pulled for consideration at the next meeting. I) ACCEPT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR RESIGNATION AND AUTHORIZE POSITION POSTING December 20, 2022 Mendota Heights City Council Page 2 of 7 Councilor Duggan acknowledged Community Development Director Tim Benetti's consistency in the performance of his work. He expressed appreciation and a job well done. He thanked Mr. Benetti for his service and wished him the best of luck in his next endeavor. Councilor Duggan moved to accept COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR RESIGNATION AND AUTHORIZE POSITION POSTING. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Further discussion: Councilor Mazzitello wished the Community Development Director Tim Benetti the best of luck and encouraged him to stay in touch. He commented that he will be missed. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 J) ACCEPT RECREATION PROGRAM COORDINATOR RESIGNATION AND AUTHORIZE POSITION POSTING Councilor Duggan moved to accept RECREATION PROGRAM COORDINATOR RESIGNATION AND AUTHORIZE POSITION POSTING. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 K) ACCEPT FIRE MARSHAL RETIREMENT AND AUTHORIZE POSITION POSTING Councilor Mazzitello recognized the Fire Marshal noting that he has been a terrific public servant and wished him the best in his retirement. Councilor Duggan moved to accept FIRE MARSHAL RETIREMENT AND AUTHORIZE POSITION POSTING. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 N) APPROVE SANITARY SEWER CONNECTION AGREEMENT FOR THE RIVER BLUFFS DEVELOPMENT Councilor Duggan asked for an overview of the project. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek provided a brief overview of the development approved by the city of Lilydale at the Diamond Jim's/Moose Country site. He stated that the city has provided the sanitary sewer December 20, 2022 Mendota Heights City Council Page 3 of 7 connection to the site since the 1970's. He noted that the proposed agreement continues having the city of Mendota Heights provide the sanitary sewer service to the property. Councilor Duggan asked about working with the city of Lilydale on potential traffic impacts and what might be done. Public Works Director Ruzek stated that the city was not asked to comment on potential traffic impacts. He noted that the property is located on state highway 13 and that the state would have provided approvals. He noted that Mendota Heights was only asked to provide the sewer connection in relation to the development. Councilor Duggan asked about whether a traffic sign or traffic light at the bottom of Wachtler is considered. Public Works Director Ruzek noted potential traffic improvements that could occur in the future as proposed in the plans of MnDOT. Councilor Duggan moved to approve SANITARY SEWER CONNECTION AGREEMENT FOR THE RIVER BLUFFS DEVELOPMENT. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENTS Bernard Friel, an unidentified speaker, Jill Smith, John Maczko, and Thomas Smith expressed appreciation to Councilmember Duggan for his service. PUBLIC HEARING No items scheduled. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) RESOLUTION 2022-97 ACCEPTING FEASIBILITY REPORT AND CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE VICTORIA CURVE STREET IMPROVEMENTS Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek introduced Larry Poplar to provide the presentation on this item. Larry Poplar, TKDA, explained that the Council was being asked to approve the feasibility report and schedule a public hearing for the Victoria Curve Street Improvements. Councilor Paper asked for more details on what a truncated dome would be. Mr. Poplar described what a truncated dome would be for a pedestrian ramp, noting that it is a delineator for those with visual impairment. December 20, 2022 Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 of 7 Councilor Paper asked if there has been information on potential pricing for projects in 2023. Mr. Poplar stated that they have adjusted estimates based on the costs of this last year. He noted that a lot of work was completed last year, even with increased material costs. He noted that the labor costs may decrease while material prices increase. Councilor Duggan referenced the property at the intersection of Hunter Lane and Victoria Curve and asked for details on why that is not shown to be included. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek noted that property was assessed for the work on Hunter Lane as that is where their driveway resides. Councilor Duggan asked about the impact of the three units that would be known as the synagogue area. Mr. Poplar commented that there is wetland on the property which reduces the frontage to the three units. Councilor Duggan asked if that property has been made aware of that. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek noted that once the report is approved, they will have an idea of the costs and can move forward with sending the notices to properties. Councilor Mazzitello referenced the assessment amount and asked how that compares to similar projects in other neighborhoods. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek provided a comparison for a project completed in 2022 and estimates of previous years. He noted that in 2018/2019 the assessments were capped at$5,000. Councilor Mazzitello asked, if approved tonight, the assessment could not be increased but could be decreased. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that legally the assessment could be increased but informally the City has been conservative in its reports and assessments come in under the proposed amount. He stated that they are hoping for more competitive bids from the contractors. Councilor Mazzitello commented that the City made an effort to keep assessment amounts consistent over the years in order to be fair to residents. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek confirmed that would likely be the cap for the project. Mayor Levine asked the length of the reclamation roadway. Mr. Poplar replied that this total project area would be about 4,500 feet. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that this would basically be a brand-new street with a lifespan of 25 years that could be extended with proper maintenance. December 20, 2022 Mendota Heights City Council Page 5 of 7 Mayor Levine commented that in order to do this reclamation it would be $2,000,000 for less than one mile. She commented that this is more expensive than she thought it would be. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that the typical cost for a new roadway would be about $4,000,000 per mile. Mr. Poplar commented that this also includes a retaining wall which is expensive and noted that they can look to minimize that as the project moves forward. Mayor Levine asked if parking would be eliminated on the south side of the road. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that he anticipated that certain areas of the street have curb and gutter and he would keep the rural sections rural, which would leave parking available on the south side of the road. He noted that parking may be restricted across from City Hall. Mayor Levine commented that expansion is adding to the cost and asked if alternatives have been considered. She stated that on street parking should remain. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek commented that there would be issues with narrowing the roadway west of Hunter Lane would eliminate parking on that section of the roadway. He stated that both north and south parking is needed between Lexington and Hunter. He noted that the road is wider than it needs to be for the volume of traffic. He provided details on the existing trails and proposed connections. Councilor Miller asked if the narrowing and additional parking would satisfy the needs with the City Hall overflow parking as well as the synagogue. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that this is still feasibility design, and he could not say the exact number of spaces being used. He noted that most of the conflicts are between the athletic field usage and City Hall meetings. He stated that most of the synagogue traffic is on weekends or during business hours of the work week. Councilor Duggan asked the age of Victoria. Mr. Poplar was unsure. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that he could not find a single record on when the section in front of City Hall was constructed. He noted that from Hunter Lane to Highway 13, that was built by MnDOT in the early 1990s. He stated that there is substantial boring information available from that project. Councilor Mazzitello moved to approve RESOLUTION 2022-97 ACCEPTING FEASIBILITY REPORT AND CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE VICTORIA CURVE STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT 4202305. Councilor Miller seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 ADJOURN December 20, 2022 Mendota Heights City Council Page 6 of 7 Mayor Levine movc(] to w,tjoum. Councilor W7,zitello seconded the motiojl Ayes: 5 Nays., 0 Mayor Levine adJotimed the mecting at 7:19 p,rn, §tc , an' B Levine Mayor "S r u�s,i�a 1 41 ("ity Clerk December 20,2022 Mendota Heights City Council Page 7 of 7