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2022-11-01 City Council MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, November 1, 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 welcomed Cub Scout Pack 37 in attendance at the meeting. Mayor Levine called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Councilors Paper, Mazzitello, and Miller, 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 Miller 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 item I. a. Approval of October 18, 2022 City Council Minutes b. Approval of October 18, 2022 Council Work Session Minutes c. Acknowledge the September 13, 2022 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes d. Acknowledge the August 23, 2022 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes e. Approve Summary of the City Administrator's Annual Performance Evaluation f. Approval of Training Assistant Appointment with the Mendota Heights Fire Department g. Resolution 202241 Accepting Parks and Recreation Donation h. Approve 2022-2023 Insurance Renewal and Elect to Not Waive Statutory Limits i. Approve Purchase of Radar ➢ee4baek Speed Limit Coign. j. Authorize Vacation of Private Watermain Agreement for Mendota Plaza Expansion k. Resolution 2022-83 Accepting Project and Approving Final Payment for the Ridge Place Sanitary Sewer and Streambank Repairs 1. Resolution 2022-84 Approving the Re -Execution of the Joint Powers Agreement Establishing a Watershed Management Organization for the Lower Mississippi River Watershed m. Approve Massage Therapist License n. Approval of September 2022 Treasurer's Report o. Approval of Claims List Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEM I) APPROVE PURCHASE OF RADAR FEEDBACK SPEED LIMIT SIGNS Councilor Mazzitello commented that the signs are well liked in the neighborhoods and asked if the sign would be available to be moved around. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that the City has criteria to use the signs on higher volume roadways that are striped. He noted that this sign would be permanently installed on Emerson Avenue. He noted that the City has a sign that could be mobile upon request. He explained that staff likes to have one extra sign in the case a repair is needed. He stated that staff could add one additional sign onto this purchase order which would ensure that a sign is available for rotation. Councilor Mazzitello commented that he would approve the purchase order as proposed with the potential to add a third in the spring which would provide time to develop a rotational schedule. Councilor Mazzitello moved to approve PURCHASE OF RADAR FEEDBACK SPEED LIMIT SIGNS. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Further discussion: Councilor Paper asked where the sign would be placed on Emerson. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that they attempt to find the most efficient location, where sun is available as the sign is solar powered. He noted that the exact location has not yet been determined. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENTS Denice Marruffo 537 Simard Street, stated that she is present to ask the cooperation of the City to partner with West and South Saint Paul to build a community center. She commented that there is a need in northern Dakota County for such a facility. She commented on the benefits of a year-round community center that would serve persons of all ages. She asked that the Mayor and Council communicate its desire to partner with West Saint Paul in the building of a community center. Dave Hanson, 1333 Delaware Avenue, thanked the Council for installing the pickleball courts at Marie Park which are heavily used He commented that he has a list of 80 people that he communicates with November 1, 2022 Mendoda Heights City Cozu2ci! Page 2 of 7 related to pickleball for Marie Park. He stated that it would be great to have a community center to play pickleball in the community in the winter months. Jack Fcc 1660 James Road, echoed the comments of the previous speakers. He commented on the 3,500 to 4,000 new apartments that could benefit from the community center. He stated that the West Saint Paul Mayor stated that the decision was a financial situation but noted the sponsorship of professional and local sports teams. He believed that sponsorship would be a solution to funding a community center as well. Tica Hanson, 1015 Windwood Court, stated that she is part of the pickleball group that regularly plays at Marie Park and would enjoy a community center. She stated that when her children were growing up, they were able to afford participation in sports clubs. She stated that the reason Mendota Heights has a low crime rate is because children are occupied in sports. She commented on some of the changing demographics and noted the benefit that would be provided through a community center that would provide opportunities for residents of all ages. She commented that the Eagan center is a first-class facility and believed there would be benefit in the City coming together with West Saint Paul to provide its residents with a community center. Darlene Kluznik, 1015 Sibley Memorial Highway in Lilydale, agreed with the comments made thus far. She commented that the investment in people and community is one of the best investments that can be made. Ann Marie Giefer, 20 Hingham Circle, agreed with the statements about the community center. She commented that when the YMCA closed her children lost their opportunity to participate in swimming lessons. She supported the concept of a community center. She stated that she is also excited about the speed sign on Emerson, requesting the segment between Dodd and Delaware near the school. Edgar Herrera a West Saint Paul resident stated that since the YMCA closed that took away the opportunity for the community to gather together in a positive setting. He commented on the diversity of the population that typically uses a community center. He asked that Mendota Heights participate in the partnership. Joel Knoepfler, 1902 Duck Pond Drive in West Saint Paul, provided support for the Mendota Heights citizens in attempting to gain support for the partnership for a community center. He commented that it is not unusual for the cities to partner as they share a school district and partner on recreation opportunities. He commented that the group that has suffered the most since the YMCA closed has been the youth population. He stated that a community center provides a unique opportunity for people of all ages to come together. He stated that it is important for youth and more mature residents to interact together. Jennifer Haefner, 913 Gorman Avenue in West Saint Paul, commented that she fully supports consideration of a community center at the YMCA site as it offers a unique opportunity for different recreational opportunities. She commented that adding ice can add a revenue component. Mayor Levine thanked all the residents that provided input tonight, noting that the Council and staff will have follow up discussion on the topic. November 1, 2022 Mendota Heights City Council Page 3 of7 PRESENTATIONS A) CITY-WIDE BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek provided background information noting that the City Council awarded a professional services contract to HKGi at their February 15, 2022 meeting for development of a city-wide Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan. This plan is funded through a grant from the Minnesota Department of Health's State -Wide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) administered through the Dakota County Public Health Department. The Council is asked to accept the Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan, Gabrielle Grinde, HKGi, provided an overview of the plan including the introduction, issues and opportunities, recommendations, and implementation. She also reviewed the next steps in the process. Councilor Paper referenced a type of crosswalk and asked if that would be expensive to maintain. Ms. Grinde replied that while it would be a low upfront investment, it does not have a long lifespan. Councilor Paper referenced an example shown with bollards and asked if those would be permanent or seasonal. Ms. Grinde replied it could be done either way. Councilor Paper referenced the high priority project list and stated that only one of those mentioned states that it is not feasible. He asked how it was deemed not feasible. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that was based on input from City staff He stated that the City has tried to construct that segment twice in the past but with resident input they did not move forward. He stated that there is drastic topography that would require very expensive retaining walls along with permanent and temporary easements. He stated that there are also two homes that would potentially be impacted. Councilor Paper asked if there have been discussions with the cemetery as his concern would be with safetyI He recognized that an alternate route has been created. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that he views that trail section as very important. He stated that the County wants to release Lexington Avenue to the City and there would be required improvements prior to the City accepting the roadway. He noted that would be the time the trail would be requested as the County would then fund 90 percent of the cost. He commented that the cemetery has been a good partner, but they have not approached them with a trail as that would create a zigzag trail. Councilor Paper commented that it would probably be preferred to cross the road than to be hit by a vehicle. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that there are other ways to direct trail users to alternate routes. Noven¢ber 1, 2022 Mendota Heights Cary Co¢¢ncll Page 4 of 7 Mayor Levine referenced the protected bike lanes concept, noting that she was on the Dodd overlay committee when the initial overlay was done on Dodd and the preference at that time was for the green and bollards, but the State denied that request. She asked why that would be denied. Ms. Grinde stated that she cannot speak for MnDOT but perhaps the lane width was a concern. Mayor Levine commented that the roadway was expanded at that time. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzelc replied that MnDOT requires afive-foot shoulder on Dodd. He commented that the biggest issue would be with snowplowing and therefore the bollards would need to be removable. He noted that the green striping would also have a cost of about $200,000. He stated that he would not have City staff installing/removing bollards on Dodd Road, and they are unlikely to receive State approval for that either. Mayor Levine commented that she does see a viable alternative. She stated that while it may not be perfect, something is needed. She commented that people cannot get to Somerset School safely and was not understanding why a solution could not be found. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that the City underwent the Dodd Road study in 2016 and a trail can be built, although condemnation of some property would be required. He provided details on a proposed trail that would use Delaware and Wentworth that would fulfill a major gap. Councilor Paper moved to accept THE BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 No items scheduled. PUBLIC HEARING NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) RESOLUTION 2022-82 APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR COMMERCIAL RECREATION USE (TWIN CITY RACQUET &SQUASH CLUB) IN THE I -INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT —LOCATED AT 1415 MENDOTA HEIGHTS ROAD Community Development Director Tim Benetti explained that the Council was being asked to adopt a resolution approving a conditional use permit (CUP) to Twin City Racquet &Squash Club, which would approve a new commercial recreation use in the I -Industrial District, located at 1415 Mendota Heights Road, Councilor Paper referenced the scope of activities and asked what additional details would need to be known related to the golf simulators and fitness area. Noverovber 1, 2022 Meizdota Heights City Council Page S of 7 Community Development Director Tim Benetti replied that based upon the measured space of the fitness area, staff felt that 10 to 15 members would safely fit in that area. He commented that no more than one to two people would be within the golf simulator area at one time. Councilor Paper as and received confirmation that there would only be one golf simulator. He commented that the locker rooms seem to go into the office footprint. Community Development Director Tim Benetti confirmed that the locker rooms would be under that office portion. Councilor Paper referenced the entrances and asked for clarification as there does not appear to be parking on the north side. Community Development Director Tim Benetti identified the proposed entrances and available parking. Councilor Paper asked if there would be an elevator. Community Development Director Tim Benetti was unsure but noted that all City, State and ADA building codes would need to be met. He noted that only one of the loading docks is in operation. Councilor Paper referenced a fence and asked if there would be parking in that area. Community Development Director Tim Benetti confirmed that and identified the area where the fence and striped parking would be located. Councilor Paper commented that there would still be a loading dock and asked how a tractor trailer would access that area with vehicles parking in that area. Community Development Director Tim Benetti replied that only box trucks are using that loading dock. He stated that they feel that there is sufficient space fora truck to have space to maneuver and back up. Councilor Miller moved to approve RESOLUTION 2022-82 APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A COMMERCIAL RECREATION USE (TWIN CITY RACQUET &SQUASH CLUB) IN THE I -INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT, LOCATED AT 1415 MENDOTA HEIGHTS ROAD, Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Further discussion: The Council commented that this would be a good use of the facility. The applicant commented that they appreciate the approval of the request and believe this will be a welcome addition to the community. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS Novenebw1, 2022 N/endota Heights Ciry Couneal Page 6 oj7 City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson announced upcoming events and activities. CK�111►[�IQK� u]TirL�1�Y_K Councilor Paper recognized men health for the month of November. Councilor Miller hoped that everyone enjoyed a happy Halloween, even though they lost the opportunity to hold a community bonfire. He stated that he always enjoyed the bonfire which was a great opportunity for children of all ages to enjoy. He looked forward to an opportunity to find an event to replace that in the future. Councilor Mazzitello echoed some of the comments about the bonfire, noting that staff is already looking for a suitable site for a replacement event that may not be of the same magnitude it had been in the past. He stated that COVID eliminated that event for the past few years as the last bonfire was held in 2019 and was confident that they would be able to find a new venue. He highlighted some upcoming events including the Mendota Heights Derby on Thursday, election day on November 8, and Veterans Day. He commented that they honor all those that have served their country as that debt is paid with the lives of veterans, whether immediately or over time. He asked that the community thank a veteran for the liberties they enjoy every day. ADJOURN Councilor Mazzitello moved to adjourn. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 7:18 p.m. Stephanie Levine Mayor Ch ' e Lusian City Clerk November 1, 2022 Nleixdota Heights City Caaznci7 Page 7 of 7