Loading...
2023-07-05 CC MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Wednesday, July 5, 2023 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the regular meeting of the City Council, City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota was held at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota, CALL TO ORDER Mayor Levine called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilors Lorberbaum, 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 Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Levine presented the consent calendar and explained the procedure for discussion and approval. Councilor Lorberbaum moved approval of the consent calendar as presented. a. Approval of Time 20, 2023 City Council Minutes b. Approval of June 20, 2023 Council Work Session Minutes c. Approve June 6, 2023 City Council Closed Work Session Minutes d. Acknowledge April 11, 2023 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes e. Acknowledge May 9, 2023 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Session Minutes f. Acknowledge May 10, 2023 Natural Resources Commission Minutes g. Acknowledge June 1, 2023 Natural Resources Commission Work Session Minutes h. Approve Massage Licenses i. Approve Purchase of Replacement BolaWrap Restraint Devices j. Accept Oheyawahe Task Force Resignation and Appointment of Replacement Task Force Member k. Approve May and April 2023 Treasurer's Report 1. Approval of Claims List Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENTS No one from the public wished to be heard. PRESENTATIONS A) OHEYAWAHE/PILOT KNOB FUNDING RECOGNITION Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek introduced the Chair of the Oheyawahe Task Force. He reported that the City was awarded $1,800,000 for improvements at Oheyawahe. Gail Lewellan provided background information on Oheyawahe, the importance to the Dakota people, and its historical declaration. She explained how the Task Force was formed, recognized its members, and the contributions that they have made. She commented on previous grants they have received from the Minnesota Historical Society, Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek thanked the state representatives that assisted in the City gaining the funding. He displayed the vision from the Task Force that was presented to the legislature and reviewed the proposed improvements. Councilor Lorberbaum asked the timeline. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek commented that the City has four years to use the funds. He anticipated that the RFP process for consultants would soon begin to finalize the plans for implementation and construction could begin in two years. Councilor Paper asked if the County would be a partner in this project. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that Dakota County would be involved in the natural resources workI He commented that the County would fund 90 percent of those improvements. Councilor Paper asked and received confirmation that there would be two bathrooms at the shelter. He asked if the bathrooms would be similar to those at the scenic overlook. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that is being used as the model. He noted that they would be seasonal bathrooms and would not be open during the winter months. Mayor Levine thanked the members of the Task Force, City staff, and the state representatives that worked on this effort. She recognized the members of the Task Force in attendance and the contributions that they make. PUBLIC HEARING No items scheduled. July 5, 2023 Mendota Heights City Council Page 2 of 7 NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) RESOLUTION 2023-39 ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR THE ROGERS LAKE SKATE PARK Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that the Council was being asked to approve Resolution 2023-39 accepting bids and awarding a contract for the concrete base and site work for the Rogers Lake Skate Park Improvements, Councilor Paper asked the low bid in the last bids received. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek was not sure of the exact amount but believed it to be around $240,000 without an alternate. Councilor Paper asked what was done to change the plans. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that the elevation of the pad was raised to reduce excavation, the concrete pad was reduced from six inches to five inches, and the steel rebar was replaced with fiber mesh. Councilor Paper commented that he agrees with adding the additional space as the incremental cost is less than $13 per foot and that will make this a better project. Councilor Mazzitello commended staff for the revision of plans and specifications and agreed that they would not get a better price than this and should include the alternate. He believed they should move forward with the recommendation at this time. Councilor Paper moved to approve RESOLUTION 2023-39 ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR THE ROGERS LAKE SKATE PARK, INCLUDING THE BID ALTERNATE. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Further discussion: Councilor Paper asked the timeline for the proj ect. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that the project timeline is July 31St through October 27th. He stated that the features will hopefully be installed in November but could be delayed until spring. Councilor Paper asked what would be done with the current equipment. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek commented that it will be decided feature by feature and noted the process the City would need to follow to declare surplus equipment and then to have a public bid process. He stated that they will be determining if the mini ramp could be salvaged. Councilor Paper agreed that it would be nice to reuse the pieces if possible. Mayor Levine recognized that many members of the public have advocated for a fully concrete park, and because of the cost of concrete that would be very expensive. She commented that they would have a July S, 2023 Mendota Heights Clry Council Page 3 of 7 concrete pad with modular features, which will be appreciated by users while also being fiscally responsible. She noted that she believes the additional cost would be eligible for funding through the special parks fund. Councilor Paper asked what could be done to ensure people do not go on the concrete while it is drying. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek commented that they will be using orange construction fencing and they will have signs up. He noted that if people go on the concrete that will decrease the lifespan of that feature. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 B) AWARD A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT FOR THE MARIE AVENUE BRIDGE ANALYSIS Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek provided a brief background on this item. The Council was being asked to authorize a professional services contract for analyzing two issues with the Marie Avenue Bridge, Councilor Mazzitello asked if the void under the bridge is contributing to the noise complaints. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that the issues are completely separate. Councilor Lorberbaum moved to AUTHORIZE STAFF TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH BOLTON & MENK FOR $25,455. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Further discussion: Councilor Lorberbaum commented that she would like to hear from residents present if they would like to speak. Tom Hastings, 776 Marie Avemie, commented that he built his home in 19&9 and stated that he did not have issues with noise prior to the overlay done in 2020. He commented that when vehicles travel at speeds higher than 30 mph, the noise increases and there is noise from the expansion joints. He believed the solution would be to do something with the surface of the bridge. Kevin Manly, 766 Marie Avenue, commented that his family has lived in the property since 2013 and spend a lot of time outside. He noted that the sound issue is important to his family. He stated that previously the top concern was with speed and not noise, but once the concrete surface was added, the noise became an issue. He stated that when vehicles travel under 30 mph the noise is not that bad but increases as the speed increases. He thanked Police Chief McCarthy and her department for their patrols. He noted that the issue seems to have been the change from asphalt to concrete and the noise with the expansion joints. He stated that the noise has gotten so bad that they have started looking at different homes. He thanked those that were present at the listening session and for addressing this issue. He commented that they would be pleased if something could be done to address the noise as they love their home and would like to stay there. July 5, 2023 Mendota Heights Ciry Council Page 4 oJ'7 Harvey Arbit, 1782 Trail Road, commented that he has lived in his home since 1982 and it has been a quiet neighborhood until the concrete surface was added a few years ago. He commented that the noise interferes with their ability to enjoy their property. Councilor Paper as what was one differently to the expansion joints. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that the expansion joints were replaced as the old joints were not maintained. Ile commented that the speed limits were mandated by the State, but the City now does have the ability to create a consistent speed along the corridor, although vehicles may still travel at higher speeds. Councilor Lorberbaum thanked staff for allowing her to reach out to determine what could be done about this issue. She was unsure if something could be done but noted that this step will review whether there is something that could be done to make this better. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 C) TWO RIVERS ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (TRAA) TOURNAMENT FEE REDUCTION REQUEST Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence presented background information to the Council and explained that the Two Rivers Association (TRAA) has requested a financial reduction in field reservation and field preparation fees for traveling baseball/softball tournaments held in May and June. Councilor Paper commented that this process was guided to the local youth athletic association directing them to bring forward a request each year. City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson confirmed that TRAA would need to make a request each year for tournament fees and noted that requests are considered on a case -by -case basis. Councilor Lorberbaum asked why the budget does not reflect this if it is known that they are going to reduce the tournament cost for TRAA each year. Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence stated that staff uses the fee schedule for revenue projections, noting that the City does not make money from the tournaments, but it is an attempt to recoup some of the costs. She commented that the fee schedule is set on an annual basis, and by priority groups. Councilor Lorberbaum commented that the fees have been reduced for at least two years in a row and asked if that could be reflected in the budget. City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson commented that this could be considered dining the fee schedule discussion. She commented that in the past they have only received waiver requests from baseball and softball while the other users have paid the tournament fees. Councilor Lorberbaum asked if different fees could be set for this user. July 5, 2023 Mendota Heights Ciry Council Page 5 of 7 City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson replied that TRAA is included in priority group three as an athletic association and not just for baseball/softball. She commented that separating out baseball/softball would complicate that and could bring forward additional waiver requests from other sports. Councilor Lorberbaum commented if this charge would be comparable to other cities. Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence stated that she did pull comparable fees in 2021 and could do that again. She noted that each city has its own relationship with athletic associations and therefore the fees are not always comparable. She noted that some cities have higher fees while others have lower fees. She commented that she is not aware of other cities that do waiver requests. Mayor Levine asked if this is the same number of tournaments requested as the previous year. Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence commented that she believed there were two or three tournaments last year. Mayor Levine recognized that this is a service to the athletic association but also wanted to be mindful that this is a subsidy and does not want to continue to see this number of tournaments in the waiver request increase significantly. Councilor Mazzitello recognized the statement that the fees do not cover the costs the City incurs for maintenance and tournament setup. He noted that priority group three already receives a reduced fee and therefore this would be yet another cost reduction/subsidy. He asked if the reduction of 50 percent is typical to what has been awarded in previous years. Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence replied that the request is in line with the previous requests. Councilor Paper noted the additional tournament that was added and commented that softball had been holding its tournament ino er locations and it is coming back. He commented that following two of the tournaments, he walked the field the Monday after and the cleanup was exceptional considering the amount of people at the fields. He commented that there are a lot of people coming through the community for these tournaments and was impressed with the time and effort that TRAA puts in to clean up the facility after the event. He commented that the challenge today is related to club sports that have unlimited funds, where TRAA is a volunteer organization for the community. He explained that the waiver process was developed because the City cannot call out these users separately in the fee schedule. Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence clarified that the new tournament is baseball. Councilor Paper moved to approve A FEE REDUCTION TO THE TWO RIVERS ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (TRAA) IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,023 FOR MAY AND JUKE TRAVELING BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL TOURNAMENTS, Councilor Lorberbaum seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 July S, 2023 Mendota Heights City Council Page 6 of 7 D) SET CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING DATES FOR FY24 BUDGET REVIEW City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson stated that the City Council is asked to establish three work session dates in August to discuss proposals for the FY2024 budget. The Council set the following dates for work sessions for the FY24 budget review: August 15 at 3 p.m., August 17 at 3 p.m., and August 22 at 4 p.m. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson announced upcoming events and activities. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Paper commented that the Cliff Tim fishing derby is a great event. He thanked those involved in the $1,8500,000 the City received for improvements to Oheyawahe. Councilor Lorberbaum echoed those two comments. She commented that she participated in two ride alongs this month and thanked the officers that she rode with, noting that was a learning opportunity. She commented that one person can do a lot, noting the residents that came forward with their complaints about the bridge. Councilor Mazzitello commented on discussion of a previous meeting where park grants were discussed and noted that the intention was to make the program open to all. He noted the passing of Dr. Charles Chrutchfield, a Mendota Heights resident. ADJOURN Councilor Mazzitello moved to adjourn. Councilor Lorberbaum seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 832 p.m. Stephanie T3. Levine Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk July 5, 2023 Mendota Heights City Council Page 7 of 7