Loading...
2024 03 19 CC MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, March 19, 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 7:00 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 Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENTS Jo Miller, 988 Kay Avenue, stated that her backyard faces Victoria Road, 62, and 35E and referenced the MnDOT cleazcutting that occurred the previous we She stated that natural vegetation was cleared along the southbound ramp from 35E to 62W. She stated that the clearcutting eliminated the screening and buffer that vegetation provided, which leaves the residents with a visual eyesore of the traffic. She stated that the removal of the vegetation also poses a safety risk to drivers along Victoria as it appears you are driving into oncoming traffic. She asked the City to assist the residents in advocating to MnDOT to immediately plant new vegetation to provide a visual and noise barrier for that neighborhood and provide safety for drivers. She was also concerned that Mendota Heights is losing the battle of noise pollution from 35E and 62 and asked the Council to request a new highway noise abatement study. She stated that neighborhoods adjacent to those roads are accosted by highway noise pollution. She thanked the Council for their service to the community. Karin Jacobson, 1900 Victoria Road S, commented that there are 17 units in her association, four of which directly face 35E. She commented that the value and enjoyment of the properties have decreased for the residents in that area and there is an increased concern with the level of noise from traffic. She echoed the comments of the previous speaker. Paul Kammer, 1951 Victoria Road S, commented that he is a 30-year resident of Mendota Heights and thanked the Mayor for her quick response to his email. He stated that in the past the residents have requested trees from MnDOT and residents volunteered to plant the trees. He believed that if that were to occur again, with MnDOT providing the trees and giving their approval, the residents would plant the trees and shrubs. He was concerned that MnDOT had not provided notification to the City that this would be done. Mayor Levine commented that when the cleazcutting happened it was a surprise to City staff along with the residents and staff has been in contact with MnDOT. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that staff is awaiting a response from MnDOT and thanked the residents for their input. He stated that he will ask MnDOT to investigate the different options. Colleen Wood, 1972 Walsh Lane, commented that she was also impacted by the cleazcutting and spoke with a representative at MnDOT today who stated that they did not have a plan to replace the vegetation at this time as the purpose of the clearcutting was to provide access to the fence. She stated that she is not satisfied with that response because it does create an eyesore. She stated that the MnDOT representative told her that 90 percent of the vegetation removed was buckthorn, which is inaccurate. Mayor Levine commented that staff will continue to work on this matter. Mayor Levine presented the consent calendaz and explained the procedure for discussion and approval. Councilor Lorberbaum moved approval of the consent calendar as presented. a. Approval of Mazch 6, 2024 City Council Minutes b. Approval of February 20, 2024 City Council Work Session Minutes c. Approve Hire for Office Support Assistant d. Approve Out of Metro Travel — Police e. Resolution 2024-10 Authorize the Disposal of Unclaimed Police Department Property f Approve January 2024 Treasurer's Report g. Approval of Claims List Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PRESENTATIONS A) PARKS AND RECREATION YEAR IN REVIEW Pazks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence presented the 2023 Year in Review video, which illustrates the City's accomplishments in relation to Pazks, Recreation and the Paz 3, in addition to outlining the department's plans for 2024. March 19, 2024 Mendota Heights City Council Page 2 of 9 Mayor Levine acknowledged the members of the Parks and Recreation Commission that were present at the meeting. Councilor Lorberbaum commented on the great quality of the video. Pazks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence reviewed the different ways the video will be released to the public. Mayor Levine commented that it was a great reminder to see how much is done in one year. She also thanked Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence and her staff for the great work they do. She noted the positive impact of the community events and encouraged residents to continue to attend upcoming events. PUBLIC HEARING No items scheduled. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) RESOLUTION 2024-09 APPROVING PLANS AND AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR THE EMERSON AVENUE STREET IMPROVEMENTS Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that the Council was being asked to approve Resolution 2024-09, approving the final plans and specifications and authorizing advertisement for bids for the Emerson Avenue Street Improvements. Councilor Paper asked if the posted speed on Emerson Avenue could be reduced from 30 mph to 25 mph. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that the City Council has the authority to change the posted speed on any City street. He stated that an engineering study would be required, however reducing the posted speed would not necessarily reduce the speed of traffic. He also doubted that there would be much in terms of enforcement. Councilor Paper referenced the proposed bid letting on April 10�' and asked if that would allow for competitive bids as road restrictions are about to drop if they have not already been lifted. He asked if this schedule would be considered to be behind because of the time of year to seek bids. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that he has not yet reviewed the trade journals and was not aware if other cities have already begun to bid their projects. He stated that this is an attractive project and would expect competitive bids. Councilor Paper asked why a speed table or speed bump was not considered. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that the City does not have those in any other location. He stated that while that tool may reduce traffic speed, it would also increase the response time for emergency services. He stated that the Police Department was potentially going to purchase a temporary one that could be moved around as a trial. He was not aware of any other city in Dakota County that uses that tool. March 19, 2024 Mendota Heights City Council Page 3 of 9 He was also unsure about liability that could exist if a vehicle is damaged. He stated that using that tool on this road would also open the door to requests from every neighborhood. Councilor Paper asked the estimated cost for something of that nature. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that the cost would perhaps be around $10,000. Councilor Paper commented that seems like a low cost to try that element in this project. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek stated that would also cause issues with snowplowing, therefore location would be important as well. Councilor Miller referenced the potential purchase of a temporary speed bump and asked for more information. Police Chief Kelly McCarthy replied that the department purchased two movable speed bumps. She stated that the goal was to address things like pop up street racing. She noted that an Officer needs to be on the road shining a light on the temporary bump because of the liability and therefore it is not suitable for daily use. She agreed that if the door is opened for speed humps or tables, that would lead to requests from every neighborhood and would diminish emergency response times. She stated that people that live adjacent to the speed bumps also have an impact from the noise that is created. She stated that in the studies that she has reviewed the negatives outweigh the positives. Councilor Miller asked for more information on the final top course that would be proposed for spring of 2025, Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied the typical paving process is done with four inches of bituminous and done in two lifts. A 2.5" bituminous base course is put down the first year of the project and the next year a 1.5" bituminous base course is put down. He stated that the roadway will still be black, smooth and drivable after the first 2.5" bituminous base course is put down. Councilor Mazzitello commented that Ramsey County has opened four bids already and has received favorable bids. He believed that this project will fit within the bid window for favorable bidding, but would not want to delay the bid opening into May. He stated that the speed data shows how drivers are traveling the road because of the design and curves and the posted speed will not change that. He stated that there is a center line striping proposed to be added to Emerson and they could review data post construction to determine if that assisted in lowering the speed at which vehicles are traveling. He did not believe the City should begin lowering speeds on individual residential roads, using the example of a neighboring city to the north. He stated that he would never endorse the use of a speed table or speed bump in Mendota Heights because of the damage they cause to vehicles, the difficulty with plowing, the increase in noise they cause, and the increase of road rage. He stated that at a recent Coffee with Council there was a fantastic conversation about this project, with some of the residents present tonight. He stated that some residents may be upset that bump outs/crosswalks were not added to the project. He stated that at the Coffee with Council they discussed the minimum standard of repairing the pavement, but noted that does not mean they are done reviewing the possibility of pedestrian and safety improvements. He Mmnh l9, 2024 Mendota Heights City Council page 4 of9 requested that the center line stripe proposed be extended all the way to Clement. He recognized that this is a unique corridor, and they can continue to look at options post construction. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek stated that staff did not want striping all along Emerson as the striping sometimes has the impact of making drivers feel they can drive at faster speeds, which is why only a small section of striping is proposed. Councilor Mazzitello commented that he has noticed that vehicles do not follow where lanes typically would be, perhaps because of the pavement conditions or to avoid cracks and potholes. He agreed they could begin with the smaller section of striping. Councilor Lorberbaum acknowledged that they would like to calm traffic where they can. She asked if stop signs would be added along with the s-curve sign. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that the addition of a stop sign would not be warranted from a traffic management standpoint. He stated that any added stop signs would be political, or Council decision. He believed that adding a stop sign would make conditions more dangerous as pedestrians could feel safe crossing, thinking that a vehicle is going to stop, but it may not stop. He stated that it would also add to noise increases as people would be braking and accelerating excessively. He noted that additional alternatives were reviewed but were deemed to make the situation more unsafe and therefore did not carry forward. Mayor Levine acknowledged that there has been a lot of public input thus faz through public hearings, open houses and other events along with emails and calls that have been received. She stated that she examined the speed data and found it more interesting that people speed more often when going up the hill, not down. She stated that there was also only data from one crash, which is good that there have not been a lot of crashes. She applauded staff for reviewing all the alternatives that could be considered. She hoped that the measures that have been added will assist in calming traffic as safety remains a top priority. Richard Holm, 1372 Knollwood Lane, stated that if people drive Highway 13 from 35E to Mendota the manhole covers are so recessed that they seem like potholes and hoped they could avoid that in this project. John Grosenick, 791 Emerson Avenue, thanked the Mayor for clarifying the speed data about the hill. He stated that he lives on one of the curves and witnesses the traffic daily. He stated that he has been in the auto insurance industry for 35 years and has never seen a vehicle damaged from properly going over a speed bump or table. He commented that the idea of what should be done or not be done to the street based on inattentive driving is puzzling as people have the duty to drive attentively. He stated that he agrees that a stop sign is not needed and did not believe it may create a false sense of safety. He stated that he would support a speed bump and does not care about the additional noise or other concerns. He stated that people go down the hill fast. He thanked the Council for the attention on this project and the extensive public input. Ann Steingraeber,1344 Knollwood Lane, commented that she has spoken to many of the Council members about her concerns with speeding on Emerson. She was heartened to hear about other creative ways to slow traffic on Emerson. She recognized that the bump outs have been controversial, but believed that other options could be pursued. She stated that she has young children, as do many people in the March 19, 2024 Mendota Hergh)s City Council Page 5 of 9 community, and children do need to cross the street to get to the park. She commented that Emerson is not safe for children and urged the Council to continue to consider ways to slow traffic. She stated that she was encouraged that the Council recognized that speeding is a huge issue on this corridor at the December meeting. She stated that the proposed plans do not prioritize pedestrian safety and traffic calming. Todd Johnson, 790 Emerson, supported the comments of the previous speakers that they should continue to look at creative measures to control speed. He noted that he has young children and keeps them from playing in the front yard because of the speed of vehicles. Councilor Mazzitello moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2024-09 APPROVING THE FINAL PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR THE EMERSON AVENUE STREET IMPROVEMENTS. Councilor Miller seconded the motion. Further discussion: Councilor Miller commented that he agrees with the comments of Councilor Mazzitello to continue to study this issue as they go along. He believed that they should continue to look at the impacts of the center stripe and determine whether that is effective. He stated that at this time he is relying on those that are experts in this area of traffic engineering and public safety. He stated that if this project does not calm the traffic, he would support continuing to investigate other options. Councilor Lorberbaum thanked the members of the public that have provided input throughout this process. She stated that the Council encourages public engagement and they have tried to address the issues. She acknowledged that they have spent more time on this project than most projects in the community and this is the solution for this time. She thanked everyone for their concern and respectfulness. Councilor Paper referenced the concept that would use bollards or slats. He noted that those were used on Dodd Road and asked the impact. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that he did not receive any comments and therefore would assume that it was positive as he typically only receives complaints. He stated that he did apply to MnDOT to install those again this summer as they were temporary as a trial, but has not yet received that permit. He stated that installation of that equipment is $4,000 beyond the original cost to purchase. He confirmed that those are installed in the spring and taken down in the fall. He acknowledged that the cost to install on Emerson would be lower as City staff could complete the installation, where a contractor is needed for Dodd Road. He stated that if they wanted to do a trial of that on Emerson, they could attempt to add that to the project cost. He stated that if that pilot were going to be done, he would suggest putting them on Knollwood as those crossings are offset. Councilor Paper stated that he would be interested in that type of pilot program. He recognized that a speed bump would not be a reasonable solution and perhaps this would be an option to consider. Mayor Levine asked for input from public safety. March 19, 2024 Mendota Heights City Council Page 6 of 9 Police Chief Kelly McCarthy commented that it is important to remember that the placement of those bollards on Dodd Road is not for pedestrian safety but to have an immediate penalty for cars passing on the shoulder. She commented that those do not offer a safe refuge, but more of a penalty to vehicles and therefore did not believe the information from Dodd Road could translate to Emerson. She recognized that also did not provide a reason not to try it. Councilor Mazzitello stated that personally he would like to see the strng and bollards at one intersection and then the other one. He commented that the neighborhood is not comfortable with bump outs and therefore that has not been incorporated, but the bollards could show how the bump outs would work. Mayor Levine commented that the pilot would be a minimal amount of money when in comparison to the overall project and confirmed the consensus of the Council to pursue the concept of the pilot program with the temporary bollards. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 B) RECREATION PROGRAM AND EVENT SPONSORSHIP POLICY Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence provided a brief background on this item. The Council was being asked to consider the City of Mendota Heights Recreation Program and Event Sponsorship Policy. Councilor Paper commented that this is terrific and believed this to include fair and reasonable pricing. He asked if they would be doing outreach to businesses or whether this would be intended as an inbound program. Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence commented that staff receives calls from people wanting to sponsor things. She commented that they also will continue to do the direct mailing to businesses that they do at certain times and will also publicize the program through multiple platforms. Councilor Paper asked if there is an opportunity for a sponsor to name an event. Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence replied that the policy does not allow that, outside of the Cliff Timm Fishing Derby, as the Council was not interested in naming rights. She stated that if that direction from the Council changes, the policy could be amended to allow that. Councilor Lorberbaum commented on the thorough job that the Parks and Recreation Commission does in its review, noting that during that meeting it was said that a sponsor would not be able to have something with their name and logo at the event. She was concerned about that, using the example of the Trick or Teeing event. She commented that the sponsors should have an opportunity to have their names seen and have people talk with them. Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence stated that the levels of sponsorship are outlined in the policy, noting that sponsor events and tables are allowed at Frozen Fun Fest. March 79, 2024 Mendota Heights City Council Page 7 of 9 City Attorney Amy Schmidt commented that she would not have any concerns with logos and names being used as long as the other elements of the policy are complied to. Councilor Lorberbaum commented that perhaps at the event they would have a sign showing the sponsors, but that is not always what a business is looking for as they want their name and logo to be seen and therefore perhaps something creative could be done to provide recognition in return for the sponsorship. Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence commented that they want to ensure that sponsors are recognized but also ensure that residents are not bombarded by marketing at City events. Councilor Lorberbaum referenced the pledge form and suggested that perhaps the year is specified to make things clearer. She asked what would happen if two businesses would like to sponsor the same event. Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence commented that three platinum sponsors are allowed per year while the other levels would be unlimited. She stated that they would unveil the sponsorship opportunities on the first business day of each calendar year. She recognized that this is a starting point, and they would continue to review this after the first year to determine any changes that may be needed. She clarified that there is only a cap on the number of platinum events and therefore there could be multiple gold and silver sponsors for each event. She stated that if the Council wishes, they could increase the number of platinum sponsors, but noted that level provides a table space at Frozen Fun Fest and therefore they would want to consider that to ensure there are not 100 business tables at the event, as there was not enough room for 100 tables. Mayor Levine suggested opening the opportunity for tables at the Parks Celebration as well but noted that would be a decision of the Parks and Recreation Commission. She stated that the Commission and staff have done a fantastic job on this policy. Councilor Lorberbaum moved to approve the City of Mendota Heights Recreation Progrun and Event Sponsorship Policy. Councilor Miller seconded the motion. Further discussion: Mayor Levine thanked staff and the Commission for their work on this as it provides businesses with an opportunity to support events, and residents the opportunity to support those businesses. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson announced upcoming community events and activities. COUNCIL COMMENTS March 19, 2024 Mendota Heights City Council Page 8 of 9 Councilor Mazzitello congratulated the Metropolitan Airport Commission, the airport, and its staff for its third -year ranking as the best airport in the United States. He also encouraged residents to pay attention to the activity at the capital and the proposed bills, noting that there are proposals that would limit the ability of the City to govern itself. He recognized the recent Saint Patrick's Day holiday and noted that today is the day recognizing the patron Saint of Italy. Councilor Miller commented that with the anticipated snow he asked residents to drive slower and work more cautiously through those conditions. He also asked that residents shovel around hydrants to ensure access by the Fire Department. Councilor Lorberbaum stated that she planned to mention the MnDOT clearing which was discussed during public comments. She commented that the clearing was planned by MnDOT and Public Works continues to work with MnDOT on the next steps and possible alternatives for mitigation. She stated that there was a Coffee with Council event this past week and it is always wonderful to have those discussions with residents on how to make the city better. She also recognized the airport for its ranking as the best airport, noting that fast place was a tie. She commented that MSP has received that award seven of the past eight years. Councilor Paper thanked everyone that attended the meeting to provide input tonight. He reminded veterans in need of services to reach out to Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, noting that spring yard cleanup is an available service for veterans. Mayor Levine commented that in the worksession the Council discussed short-term rentals and will be ready to proceed with a formal policy. She encouraged residents to reach out to staff if they have thoughts to add on short-term and long-term rentals. She asked residents to pay attention to the work of the legislature as they look to take away the authority of cities related to local zoning. She thanked City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson for her work, noting that the Council appreciates her continued great work. ADJOURN Councilor Miller moved to adjourn. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 8:46 p.m. Ste ani . Levine Mayor ATTEST: Clerk March 19, 2014 Mendotn Keights Cily Council Page 9 of 9