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2024 01 09 CC MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, January 9, 2024 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 7:05 p.m. Councilors Lorberbaum, 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 Lorberbaum seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENTS No one from the public wished to be heard. 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 H, I, and K. a. Approval of December 19, 2023 City Council Minutes b. Approval of December 19, 2023 Council Work Session Minutes c. Acknowledge October 24, 2023 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes d. Acknowledge November 28, 2023 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes e. Designate Official Newspaper f. Designate Acting Mayor g. ResoIution 2024-01 Approving Appointments to the Mendota Heights Fire Relief Association Board of Trustees h. Approve the Purchase of Fire Extinguisher Training System for Public Education i. Approve 2024 Financial Items and Authorize Finance Director to Execute Electronic Payment) 2. Adopt Resolution 2021 03- Accepting Pledged Securities for 2024 j. Approve Massage Therapist Licenses k. Approve Professional Service Change Order for the Emerson Avenue Street Improvement., 1. Approve Purchase of Parks Department Pickup Truck m. Approve Purchase of Streets Department Pickup Truck n. Approve Purchase of Natural Resources Pickup Truck o. Approve Contract for Tree Removal Bids p. Approval of Claims List Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS H) APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER TRAINING SYSTEM FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION Mayor Levine recognized this purchase as she believes that this is important for residents to know about. Councilor Miller commented that this opportunity has been awarded to the Fire Department through generous donations from the Coss Family. He stated that these funds will be used to purchase a simulator that will help to educate firefighters and the community on how to use fire extinguishers. He stated that this is an investment in the Fire Department and the community as they will be able to educate people on how to safely put out fires. Councilor Miller moved to approve THE PURCHASE OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER TRAINING SYSTEM FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 I) APPROVE 2024 FINANCIAL ITEMS AND AUTHORIZE FINANCE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS AND PREPAY CLAIMS 1. ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-02 ESTABLISHING 2024 CITY DEPOSITORIES OF FUNDS 2. ADOPT RESOLUTION 2024-03 ACCEPTING PLEDGED SECURITIES FOR 2024 Councilor Lorberbaum recused herself from this item. Councilor Miller moved to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2024-02 ESTABLISHING 2024 CITY DEPOSITORIES OF FUNDS AND RESOLUTION NO. 2024-03 ACCEPTING PLEDGED SECURITIES FOR 2024. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 January 9, 2024 Mendota Heights Ciry Council Page 2 of 7 Nays: 0 Councilor Lorberbaum rejoined the Council. K) APPROVE PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CHANGE ORDER FOR EMERSON AVENUE STREET IMPROVEMENTS Councilor Lorberbaum commented that the report mentions that the vendor will begin work at 6:00 a.m. but after speaking with staff she has discovered that suggested start time is related to a subcontractor and work will not begin in the neighborhood at 6:00 a.m. Councilor Lorberbaum moved to approve PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CHANGE ORDER FOR EMERSON AVENUE STREET IMPROVEMENTS. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PRESENTATIONS No items scheduled. PUBLIC HEARING No items scheduled. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) RESOLUTION 2024-04 APPROVING A WETLANDS PERMIT AT 947 WAGON WHEEL TRAIL (PLANNING CASE NO. 2023-29) Community Development Manager Sarah Madden explained that the Council was being asked to adopt Resolution 2024-04 approving a Wetlands Permit to allow the permitting and construction of a new single- family dwelling at 947 Wagon Wheel Trail. Councilor Lorberbaum asked why there were two votes of opposition from the Planning Commission and whether those were related to the lack of landscaping plan. Community Development Manager Sarah Madden replied that the discussion was heavily focused on the landscaping plan and that there was not a separate document identified as a landscaping plan. She confirmed that the two votes in opposition were from Commissioners that desired a separate landscaping plan rather than references to landscaping on other plans. She confirmed that a separate landscaping plan has since been provided. Councilor Paper referenced the garage doors and commented that those seem too wide. Councilor Lorberbaum commented that the home itself is not being approved at this time, as the request is for the Wetlands Permit. January 9, 2024 Mendota Heights City Council Page 3 of 7 Community Development Manager Sarah Madden confirmed that the home itself will come forward at a future time to be reviewed during the building permit process. Councilor Paper asked how far irrigation would go, whether that would just be for the sod, or extend further. Sean Doyle, applicant, commented that they plan to irrigate the whole yard although they have not laid out the arrangement yet but confirmed that the area that will be hydroseeded will be irrigated. Councilor Paper moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2024-04 APPROVING A WETLANDS PERMIT FOR 947 WAGON WHEEL TRAIL — PLANNING CASE 2023-29. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 B) UTILITY FRANCHISE FEES 1. APPROVE ORDINANCE 583 — GAS FRANCHISE AGREEMENT AMENDMENT, ORDINANCE 584 — GAS FRANCHISE FEE ORDINANCE AND SUMMARY PUBLICATION 2. APPROVE ORDINANCE 585 — ELECTRIC FRANCHISE AGREEMENT AMENDMENT, ORDINANCE 586 — ELECTRIC FRANCHISE FEE ORDINANCE AND SUMMARY PUBLICATION City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson provided background on this item. The Council was being asked to consider ordinances implementing Utility Franchise Fees in the City of Mendota Heights. Councilor Mazzitello thanked Xcel Energy for their assistance and support throughout this process. Councilor Miller moved to adopt ORDINANCE NO. 583 APPROVING GAS FRANCHISE AGREEMENT AMENDMENT, ORDINANCE NO. 584 APPROVING THE GAS FRANCHISE FEE ORDINANCE, ORDINANCE NO. 585 APPROVING ELECTRIC FRANCHISE AGREEMENT AMENDMENT, AND ORDINANCE NO. 586 APPROVING ELECTRIC FRANCHISE FEE ORDINANCE. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Further discussion: Councilor Mazzitello commented that this topic was extensively discussed through a series of workshop meetings which is why there is not much discussion tonight. He believed that this is a good agreement that will help the City diversify its revenue stream. Mayor Levine agreed, noting that most residents will see an annual fee of $24 while even the largest commercial/industrial user would see no more than $600 annually. She stated that this will also put Mendota Heights in -line with the other communities that have established franchise fees. She also made the comment that this is a small way for the City to diversify its revenue. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 January 9, 2024 Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 of 7 Councilor Mazzitello moved to approve SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF THE AFORMENTIONED AND ADOPTED ORDINANCES. Councilor Miller seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 C) AUTHORIZE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT FOR THE PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence provided background information and explained that the Council is asked to authorize a professional services contract with Confluence/PROS for the development of a city-wide Park System Master Plan for a not to exceed amount of $85,970. Councilor Paper asked for more information on the equity analysis. Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence explained that the equity analysis would look at the city as a whole, where people live, and where their access to parks and recreation would be. She stated that this would look to expand park opportunities to all residents to ensure there are recreation activities within walking distance_ Councilor asked the range of the bids received. Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence provided the range of base bids along with the alternate bids. Councilor asked what was lacking in the second proposal. Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence replied that each bidder had something that stood out. She commented that the recommended bid stood out because of their knowledge and expertise in parks planning along with the financial piece. Mayor Levine commented that this would be about $11,000 over the budgeted amount. She agreed that the financial component is important and was unsure why that was not included in the base bid. She also believed that implementation and prioritization is important but also is linked to the equity analysis as that would determine the priority. She asked how prioritization could be completed without the equity analysis. Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence replied that the financial piece was included in the RFP, but the RFP did not include a dollar amount. She stated that consultants then reached out asking the budget which staff provided. She stated that piece of the financial element were included in the RFPs but this stood out as it included more detail and information. She recognized that there are a lot of desires but those are dependent on the budget. She stated that equity would be completed at the beginning of the project so that those results could be tied into the remainder of the process. She stated that although equity was stated as something that was important, it was not a requirement. She stated that the equity analysis would go deeper than the requirements of the RFP. January 9, 2024 Mendota Heights City Council Page 5 of 7 Councilor Miller asked if there is thoughts as to where the additional $11,000 could come from. Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence replied that this funding would come from the special parks fund. She stated that two projects were recently bid that use that fund and both were under budget, therefore that provides the necessary funding. She noted that having this master plan in place will also make the City more eligible for outside grant funding opportunities as that is often a requirement. Councilor Lorberbaum moved to authorize PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH CONFLUENCE/PROS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CITY-WIDE PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN FOR A NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $85,970. Councilor Miller seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson announced upcoming community events and activities. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Paper commented that public works has done a great job on the trails and the system remains exceptional. Councilor Lorberbaum commented that interviews were held for the vacant position on the Natural Resources Commission. She expressed gratitude for the number of qualified individuals that applied and hoped that those not chosen would continue to apply for positions that arise. Councilor Miller wished everyone a happy new year. Councilor Mazzitello noted the upcoming Coffee with the Council at which he and Councilor Lorberbaum will be available to have informal conversations with residents and encouraged residents to attend. He also noted the upcoming Future Cities Competition which will be held on January 20`h. He also noted the passing of Sue Polka, who was a city staff member from 2003 through 2008 and served a long and recognized career in public service and public works. Mayor Levine commented that the temperatures are going to drop in the coming week and encouraged residents to pull out winter clothing and to be safe. She also encouraged residents walking in the evening to wear reflective clothing. ADJOURN Councilor Mazzitello moved to adjourn. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 January 9, 204 Mendota Heights City Council Page 6 of 7 Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 8:07 p.m. ATTEST: XB.14#14; vti� StepLevine Mayor January 9, 2024 Mendota Heights City Council Page 7 of 7