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2024 09 03 CC MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, September 3, 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, 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 Lorberbaum seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENTS No one from the public wished to be heard. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Levine presented the consent agenda and explained the procedure for discussion and approval. Councilor Mazzitello moved approval of the consent agenda as presented, pulling item F. a. Approval of August 20, 2024, City Council Minutes b. Approval of August 12, 2024, Council Work Session Minutes c. Approval of August 20, 2024, Council Work Session Minutes d. Authorize Internal Posting for Fire Chief Position e. Approval of July 2024 Treasurer's Report Avenue iffiProvements g. Approve Contract to Grind Brush at Transfer Site h. Approve Trail Easement for 1445 Knollwood Lane Approval of Claims List Councilor Lorberbaum seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS F) APPROVE QUOTE FOR THE INSTALLATION OF RAIN GUARDIAN BUNKERS AND RAIN GARDENS FOR EMERSON AVENUE IMPROVEMENTS Councilor Paper asked for more information on this item. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek commented that one rain guardian is proposed in the original contract and explained how a rain guardian bunker works within the proposed rain garden. He commented that the cost within the original contract seemed excessive and therefore has been removed. He provided an example of a rain guardian that exists on the City Hall campus. He stated that the City had already purchased the rain guardians, and the contractor would be installing them. Councilor Paper moved to approve QUOTE FOR THE INSTALLATION OF RAIN GUARDIAN BUNKERS AND RAIN GARDENS FOR EMERSON AVENUE IMPROVEMENTS, Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PRESENTATIONS A) METROPOLITAN COUNCILMEMBER TENZIN DOLKAR Metropolitan Councilmember Tenzin Dolkar introduced herself and provided a brief presentation to the City Council on the Metropolitan Council and her role and responsibilities as the community's district representative. Councilor Paper commented that Metropolitan Councilmember Dolkar sits on the transportation committee, and asked how the City could obtain more frequent, and regular, bus stops. He stated that more regular stops and frequency would assist employers in attracting employees. Metropolitan Councilmember Dolkar replied that Minnesota is fortunate with the transit system that exists but recognized that there is still room to grow. She provided data on the transit opportunities within the seven counties and noted that the Met Council was reviewing transit services. She stated that they think of transit as a partnership with local government, as municipalities know their areas of growth best and therefore can propose routes. She recognized that currently, bus routes are not the most efficient form of transit, as often, people can drive and get to their destination faster. Councilor Paper commented that Mendota Heights is a fully built -out community that still has challenges with transit opportunities. Councilor Lorberbaum asked for her personal and Metropolitan Council goals for affordable housing. September 3, 2024, Mendota heights CiryCouncil Page 2 of 5 Metropolitan Councilmember Dolkar commented that the growth for the region by 2050 is 610,000. She stated that she is still learning about affordable housing but noted that the Metropolitan Council does have funding available to support the goal of affordable housing. She stated that in her previous work as a social worker, she knows that there is a spectrum of housing that is needed in each community regarding affordable housing and workforce housing. Councilor Mazzitello commented in previous discussions about express routes that would come through Mendota Heights it was suggested that it should serve the industrial park and retail center. He stated that there was previously a transit line that went down Dodd Road to downtown St. Paul, but that no longer exists. He stated that perhaps it would be helpful to have information on how the Metropolitan Council makes determinations on where lines run and when routes are terminated, as well as ridership data. He recognized that she would not have that information on hand but could provide a follow-up. Metropolitan Councilmember Dolkar replied that annually the Metropolitan Council completes an analysis of ridership and when the ridership threshold is not met, the route can be terminated. She confirmed that she could have someone follow up with the additional information. Mayor Levine recognized that it would be difficult to see the need that exists because this is a transit desert. She also commented on safety concerns during the early morning or late -night hours on the light rail. Councilor Mazzitello stated that one of the unsung services in the metro is provided by the Metropolitan Council, referencing the Met Council environmental services, noting that the wastewater treatment service is fantastic. Metropolitan Councilmember Dolkar thanked Councilor Mazzitello for that statement, noting that she would pass it on to staff. Mayor Levine thanked Metropolitan Councilmember Dolkar for her presentation tonight and the work that she is doing. PUBLIC HEARING No items scheduled. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) RESOLUTION 2024-48 APPROVING A WETLANDS PERMIT FOR 643 POND VIEW DRIVE — PLANNING CASE 2024-18 Community Development Manager Sarah Madden explained that the Council was being asked to approve Resolution 2024-48 approving a Wetlands Permit to authorize the permitting and construction of a new deck, site landscaping, and hardscaping improvements for the property located at 643 Pond View Drive. Councilor Mazzitello referenced the total impervious surface for the property which would be 26.9 percent, recognizing that is not currently a Code requirement. September 3, 2024, dlendota !!eights CihCo¢n¢ci! Page 3 of 5 Community Development Manager Sarah Madden confirmed that impervious surface is not currently a Code requirement and that was not required for the applicant to provide. She noted that staff determined that calculation. Councilor Mazzitello asked if that calculation took into accorurt the percentage of the site that is water. Community Development Manager Sarah Madden confirmed that was included in the calculation. Councilor Lorberbaum commented that it does not appear that the new improvement would go further towards the wetland but would simply be in a new location. Community Development Manager Sarah Madden replied that was correct, noting that this would shift slightly to the east but would still be attached to the home. Councilor Mazzitello moved to approve RESOLUTION 2024-48 APPROVING A WETLANDS PERMIT AT 643 POND VIEW DRIVE, PLANNING CASE 2024-18. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Further discussion: Mayor Levine acknowledged that the Planning Commission did a thorough review of this case, which makes the job of the Council easier. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson announced upcoming community events and activities. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Lorberbaum commented that the improvements on the concrete Marie Avenue bridge will be taking place on September 9'" and ] 0'". She noted that the road will remain open but may ereeduced to one lane at times. She advised of the Mendota Mdewakanton powwow and encouraged residents to attend. Councilor Paper stated that the West St. Paul Police Department has a K9 dog, and canine foundation, which supports that activity. He advised of an upcoming event that will raise funds for that purpose. He also advised of an upcoming local hockey fundraiser. Councilor Mazzitello commented that children have returned to school and encouraged residents to be cautious of students that may be running on the streets when trails are not available as well as students that are waiting for the bus. He stated that the previous day Labor Day was celebrated, which began in the late 1800s to celebrate achievements in wage equity and workplace safety. Mayor Levine thanked City staff for their efforts in the recent election. She congratulated everyone for a new school year for the students of the community Kelly Torkelson who welcomed her new son. She also congratulated Assistant City Administrator Septembw3, 2024, Me�adota Heights City Coaovcil Page 4 of 5 ODIUM Councilor Mazzitello moved to adjourn. Councilor Lorberbaum seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m. i Step anie . Levine Mayor ATTEST: N Ba er City Jerk September 3, 2024, Mendota Heights City Council Page 5 oj5