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2024 11 19 CC Regular MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, November 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, and Mazzitello, were also present. Councilor Miller was absent. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council, the audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance which was led by Cub Scouts Pack 37. AGENDA ADOPTION Mayor Levine presented the agenda for adoption. Councilor Mazzitello moved the adoption of the agenda. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENTS Daniel Kloos, 669 Laura Court, stated that with the water works replacement process the roads were tom up and took a while. He commented that there were roads that were blocked during the process and vehicles were still driving fast, causing a safety issue. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Levine presented the consent agenda and explained the procedure for discussion and approval. Councilor Lorberbaum moved approval of the consent agenda as presented. a. Approval of October 30, 2024, City Council Minutes b. Approval of November 6, 2024, City Council Minutes c. Approval of November 12, 2024, City Council Work Session Minutes d. Approval of November 12, 2024, Special City Council Minutes e. Approve 2025 Tobacco License Renewal f. Approve Massage Therapist License g. Approve Purchase Order for Victoria Road Storm Sewer Improvement h. Resolution 2024-67 Approving Support for a Noise Wall along Victoria Road i. Resolution 202442 Certifying Delinquent Sewer Accounts j. Resolution 2024-73 Certifying Delinquent Water Accounts k. Acknowledge September 2024 Fire Synopsis I. Approval of Claims List Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PRESENTATIONS A) METRO TRANSIT NETWORK NOW CONCEPT PLAN Cyndi Harper, Metro Transit, presented information on Metro Transit ridership, service, and the Network Now concept plan. Mayor Lavine commented that when driving in her vehicle she is still experiencing the same, or worse, level of traffic post -pandemic. Ms. Harper commented that the traffic patterns she displayed were reflective of transit ridership. She commented that in terms of suburb traffic that remains the same, while the traffic within the major cities has changed. She explained that there is increased flexibility in the times people are in the office during the day, and on days of the week. Councilor Paper asked how the ridership of Metro Transit compares to other transit in the area, such as Minnesota Valley. Ms. Harper commented that Metro Transit is the largest provider in the twin cities but is not the only provider. She stated that the other providers have seen even more of a shift as they were bringing riders from park and rides to downtown Minneapolis. She explained that in that scenario those people have vehicles are choosing to use transit to avoid congestion or to avoid paying for parking, something that would make driving inconvenient. She stated that with the exception of Minnesota Valley, the other smaller providers have moved to the micro -transit model and do not provide all -day service. Councilor Paper asked if any of the routes go to the industrial park. Ms. Harper confirmed that the area was covered and described the paths of the different routes that traveled through Mendota Heights. Councilor Paper asked if the buses for the Mendota Heights microservice would stay within the zone. Ms. Harper confirmed that the buses would stay within the zones. She stated that they would have at least five vehicles and they would aim to keep wait times under 30 minutes. She stated that after the first six months in North Minneapolis, they were able to increase the size of the zone as they had more information on ridership and patterns. She anticipated that the additional zones would be able to expand as well. November 19, 1014 Mendota Heights City Council Page 2 of !0 Councilor Paper commented that this looks like a reasonable service for this community as it will make things more accessible, and it is more tailored to needs. Ms. Harper commented that this service would run seven days per week from early in the morning to late in the evening. She stated that the buses would use the payment services, including the tap system, and riders could then connect to the other Metro Transit routes that would travel outside of the zone. She commented that the app would handle the entire scheduling process from one service to another. Councilor Paper asked if a rider could reach Target Field Station. Ms. Harper commented that the fastest route would be on the blue line. She provided some options riders could take. Councilor Paper asked for details on people who maybe interested in employment and whether a CDL is required. Ms. Harper commented that they will train applicants for their CDL. She stated that jobs are posted on the Metro Transit website, noting that they are hiring. There are retention bonuses and people would receive paid training to receive their CDL. Councilor Mazzitello asked if it would be possible to stretch the bubble to Fort Snelling, Ms. Harper commented that while they would like to do that, that is not something she can commit to as of yet. Councilor Mazzitello noted that on one of the maps, there was a light red or orange line that runs across Highway 62 from the G line station to the airport and asked for more information. Ms. Harper replied that is tentatively called Route 354, which is a new route, and described the path that route would take. Councilor Lorberbaum commented on the media attention that has been received stating that light rail service is not safe. Shea es microservice would seem to be seen as a safer option. Ms. Harper commented that is the perspective they have heard from others as well. She stated that Metro Transit has an extensive safety plan. She stated that microservice requires an account to book a ride, which would provide the service with contact information. She commented that the microservice provides an appropriate type of service in areas where there is not the best pedestrian walkway environment. Mayor Lavine commented that it has always been difficult to get good data. She stated that people who do not have a car simply cannot live here because of the lack of transit access. She commented that previously it would take 2.5 hours to get from her home to downtown St. Paul because the route goes out of the way to get to the destination. She stated that it would be nice to have the microservice area expanded to get to the main hubs. She asked that the service area be reviewed to include the apartments and senior apartments. She expressed thanks to the representatives from Metro Transit who were present tonight. November !9, 2024 Mendoza Heights City Council Page 3 of /0 Scott Thompson, Metro Transit, commented that he started as an intern in 1976 and has been working mostly in St. Paul for the last 30 years. He commented that micro transit will do a better job of serving the needs of this community because of the lack of ridership for the larger routes. He reviewed his career experience with Metro Transit and stated that he is honored and grateful to have had the opportunity to work for this organization. Mayor Lavine thanked Mr. Thompson for his service to the community and stated that they were honored to be his last meeting before retirement. PUBLIC HEARING No items scheduled. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) ACCEPT THE RETIREMENT OF FIRE CHIEF DAVE DREELAND AND APPOINT DAN JOHNSON AS FIRE CHIEF City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson explained that the Council was being asked to accept the retirement notice of Fire Chief Dave Dreelan and appoint Dan Johnson as Fire Chief for the City of Mendota Heights. Fire Chief Dave Dreelan provided a story about his family's involvement with the Mendota Heights Fire Department as well as how he came to join the department himself. He stated that the fire department and fire service have defined who he is, and it was important to leave the department with a legacy to someone he knows and trusts. He thanked the citizens, the Council, City staff, as well as the past members of the department that have built this legacy. Fire Captain Dan Johnson thanked everyone for their support. He commented that as this process has come to a close and the information has become public, it provided him with the opportunity to reflect on his time in the department and the support he has received. He stated that the City Council has been exceptional in its support for the department. He recognized that he will have huge shoes to fill and the success they will achieve is because of the members in the department working together. He looked forward to working with everyone and continuing to uphold the standard of service they provide to the community. Mayor Levine thanked the gentleman for their words, recognizing that they were not anticipating speaking tonight. She stated that everyone in the community is thrilled with the service and leadership that the department provides, recognizing that there are three Chiefs in the audience tonight. Councilor Lorberbaum thanked the past, present and future Chiefs noting that the community not only depends on the fire department but also trusts them. Councilor Paper commented that these two gentleman are part of what makes the community great. Councilor Mazzitello moved to accept THE RETIREMENT NOTICE OF FIRE CHIEF DAVE DREELAN AND APPOINT DAN JOHNSON AS FIRE CHIEF FOR THE CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS. November 19, 1024 Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 of 10 Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 B) PAVEMENT REHABILITATION APPROACH FOR THE FRIENDLY ffiLLS NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENTS Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie provided a brief background on this item. The Council was being asked to provide staff with direction on the pavement rehabilitation approach within the Friendly Hills Neighborhood Improvements project. Mayor Levine thanked staff for the additional analysis that was completed following the questions from residents at the public hearing. Councilor Paper stated that the Council requested more data, which staff gathered and presented in a clear manner that will assist the Council in making their decision. Councilor Mazzitello echoed the thoughts of staff, noting that this was an outstanding data collection and presentation of information. He referenced the tables shown within the Council packet comparing the assessment estimates for the options and stated that with that information he did not think they would want to go with the split assessment type method. He noted the life expectancy for full -depth reclamation (FDR) of 20+ years, while the mill and overlay would have a life expectancy of 15 years. He commented that the street plan is a 25-year cycle, noting that the last cycle took 28 years to get through. He stated that the FDR would align with that cycle while the mill and overlay would have a ten-to45-year window before the street was repaired again, and only provide cost savings to residents of about $1,500 in the assessment amount, Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie stated that the assessment payment term would be ten years and therefore residents would only have a short break without assessment if the mill and overlay option were chosen. Councilor Mazzitello commented that he expected more residents to attend tonight and asked if there is another opportunity to explain this to residents. Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie replied that notice was not sent to residents directly for this meeting and the intent was to gather input from the Council and then hold a neighborhood meeting in January and again in April. Councilor Mazzitello stated that he would be interested in the input of residents if that is possible. Mayor Levine stated that if they were to proceed with the mill and overlay on some of the roads and equal assessments were done, they would be doing another mill and overlay on the same streets in 12 to 15 years and only the residents receiving the mill and overlay would be charged a second time which is not equitable. November 19, 2024 Mendota Heights City Council Page 5 of 10 Councilor Mazzitello commented that when they go back to the subdivision, a surface treatment would be done on the entire subdivision and not just the mill and overlay portion. He stated that the risk residents are being asked to take is a potential 12-year window of the pavement condition deteriorating very rapidly. Mayor Levine asked if Councilor Mazzitello would then not support the second mill and overlay. Councilor Mazzitello commented that would be up to the engineering staff and Council at that time. He noted that if they followed the plan they would not come back to this area for 25 years. Mayor Levine stated that Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie stated that if the mill and overlay were done, another mill and overlay would be needed in 2038 as the pavement would not last. Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie stated that if the mill and overlay timeframe were used, they would most likely need to work a second mill and overlay into their capital plan for 2038. He recognized that would add challenges to the plan and incorporate portions of streets for mill and overlay. He noted that if that were done, they would assess parcels that have driveway access on the street. He stated that it would be challenging to go with an equal assessment at this time and then only assess certain properties in 2038. Councilor Mazzitello commented that it is the double edge of the risk if the mill and overlay were chosen. He stated that the first risk is a potential assessment for a second mill and overlay in 13 years, or the roads would continue to deteriorate until the 25-year mark. Mayor Levine referenced the statement that the mill and overlay might be challenging because of the changes in depth throughout the project area. She stated that experts are stating the pavement is uneven, there would likely be a second mill and overlay in 2038, and a segment of the residents in that area would then be charged a second assessment. She stated that the Council is elected to make decisions for the community and requested that the Council make the decision based on the information presented by the experts. She stated that engineering is recommending the FDR, and she would recommend following that recommendation. Councilor Lorberbaum stated that the Council and staff have heard the requests of the neighborhood, have done the research, and it would then be appropriate to direct staff to proceed with a design they could present to residents. She suggested using the original design for 2025 and 2026. Councilor Paper stated that he would be inclined to move forward with the way the project was proposed based on the information presented. Councilor Mazzitello stated that he could support either design and construction methods. He stated that his only point was that the residents asked them to look into this and was unsure that the residents received the results. Councilor Lorberbaum commented that information can then be provided to the residents. Councilor Mazzitello commented that the residents will see the lesser assessment but perhaps may not understand what that means. He stated that the FDR will very likely get them through the 25-year window, November I9, 2024 Mendoto Heights City Council Pnge 6 of IO while the mill and overlay would most likely not. He stated that he just wanted to understand that the neighborhood understands the risk of taking the lesser assessment. Mayor Levine asked who would be requesting the smaller assessment. Councilor Mazzitello commented that most of the public does not understand the engineering of repairing a street and may simply desire the lesser -cost option. He stated that the Council can vote to move forward with a design process and then explain the design process at the next open house. Councilor Lorberbaum stated that is what she would propose. Mayor Levine invited a member of the public to speak. Councilor Paper commented that the mill and overlay will save money upfront to spend more later, noting that the cost that will be spent later is unknown. He stated that if it is stretched out this neighborhood would become patchwork again, with constant repairs. Councilor Mazzitello commented that the big reason this area needs these repairs is because of the decision made by the Council 25 years ago and the watermain work that has been done to repair breaks. John Maczko, Councilmember Elect, stated that he lives in this neighborhood and noted that he was the one at the public hearing who made the comment that drove this research. He stated that FDR is almost like a road reconstruction, which is very aggressive, and it is no doubt that it is the Cadillac of road restoration. He stated that most cities in the area do not complete an FDR after 25 years and simply do a mill and overlay. He stated that this was a great report presented by staff, but noted that there are many experts. He stated that this is about being fiscally right in what they do and how they make decisions. He stated that he agreed with Councilor Mazzitello and believed that any overlay would last more than 12 years. He noted that these are local residential streets with a lower volume of traffic. He stated that this project is larger than Friendly Hills with different streets of different ages and infrastructure needs. He provided information on the cycles of other communities. He did not doubt that an FDR would be the easiest and provide the best product but did not believe that is the standard needed every 20 years. He recognized that the ultimate decision is that of the Council and that he would not have a vote until January, but stated that if he had a vote, he would vote against an FDR. He stated that the original report from Braun did not recommend FDR and in the second report Braun was told that FDR would be the project, and the report was developed as such. He commented that $1,500 is a lot of savings for residents in the Friendly Hills area as those are not million -dollar homes. He stated that the mill and overlay option would result in a $1,100,000 savings between the assessments and City paid portion of the project. Councilor Lorberbaum asked how Mr. Maczko would address the varying assessment if FDR is not chosen. Mr. Maczko commented that they are all in this together and the neighborhood should be assessed equally regardless of the improvement that is completed. He stated that Delaware Crossing is an entirely different neighborhood but has been lumped into this project. He stated that his preference for mill and overlay is based on the practices of other communities and the Local Road Research Board, as well as his 40 years of experience. November l9, 2024 Mendota Heights City Council Page 7 of IO Councilor Mazzitello commented that he would hope it is not the intent of the City to reclaim a road every 25 years. He stated that if FDR were done, the subsequent project would be a mill and overlay. City Engineer Ryan Ruzek stated that the issue they have run into in the past with mill and overlay projects and the City assessment process is that residents feel they own the roadway. He commented that residents are extremely unhappy with the results of the mill and overlay as cracks appear within the first year, which is why the FDR was proposed. He stated that an overlay was not considered as they believed that all the water infrastructure was going to be replaced. He commented that staff will prepare the project for whatever option the Council chooses. He stated that he would be concerned with a mill and overlay on Decorah. He stated that staff still believe that FDR is the best treatment for this neighborhood. Mayor Levine referenced a statement from Mr. Maczko that a mill and overlay could last 20 years, but also recognized that the FDR could last over 25 years. Councilor Mazzitello stated that the geotechnical report is very conservative and states the lifespan of the FDR would be 20+ years while the mill and overlay would be 12 to 15 years. Mayor Levine commented that if the FDR were done, they would not need to touch those streets for another 25 years. She referenced a comment made by Mr. Maczko that the lifespan of a road is 40 years and stated that perhaps this project is then not needed. Councilor Mazzitello commented that according to the Local Road Research Board, the lifespan of a newly constructed road is 50 to 70 years. He stated that Friendly Hills did not make it for a number of reasons, which included the watermain breaks. He stated that another reason that lifespan was not reached is because it was not built well, noting varying pavement thicknesses. He stated that there is an argument for FDR and an argument for mill and overlay, noting that he could support either option but wants to make sure residents are informed of the information the Council received. Councilor Lorberbaum commented that the City has completed its cycle for the road repairs throughout the community and they are back to the start. She stated that based on very limited data, she as if this same decision would be presented for the next project or whether this project has uniqueness. City Engineer Ryan Ruzek commented that they will run into this decision quite frequently and the decision made tonight will be a precedent moving forward. He stated that the geotechnical reports are completed and a recommendation is provided by Braun for all projects, noting that staff does not dictate the type of project before that work is done to determine the needs. Councilor Lorberbaum stated that this is not just then a decision for this project but would set a precedent for the cycle. Mayor Levine commented that they are setting a policy, and the policy was an FDR after the 25-year cycle. She stated that the Council will need to make the determination if that policy is still what they want to follow. November 19, 2024 Mendota Heights City Council Page 8 of 10 Councilor Mazzitello commented that when looking at the 50-to40-year lifespan for the road, if the maintenance is completed, a mill and overlay is completed at ten to 12 years, again in another ten to 12 years, and then an FDR is done in the next ten to 12 years. He noted that there would then be two more mill and overlays completed in that cycle with reconstruction after that. He stated that Friendly Hills did not follow that lifespan, which is why they are where they are. Councilor Lorberbaum asked if the future roads have or have not followed that lifespan. Councilor Mazzitello commented that this question will come forward for probably the next six projects because he could not verify the construction quality of when they were built. He stated that the project should have had consistent pavement and aggregate thickness, which it did not. City Engineer Ryan Ruzek commented that each neighborhood will be unique in the geotechnical reports and utilities, but this could continue to be a factor. Councilor Mazzitello reviewed the mission of the City to provide a quality of life through services and infrastructure, which include premier infrastructure and services. He asked the quality answer in this scenario. He stated that unfortunately, that answers the question. He stated that for over 30 years he has watched governmental entities Band-Aid things. He highly doubted that every subdivision would require an FDR from here on out and believed the decision would be easy if they followed the mission statement of the City. Mayor Levine appreciated the input from everyone and summarized the consensus to direct staff to move forward with the FDR option as originally presented. She asked that the City be clear with its message on the decision to ensure residents are appropriately informed. She recognized that this is not a policy decision on future road improvement and that decisions will continue to be based on the data and recommendations for the best method of improvement. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson announced upcoming community events and activities. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Paper wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving. Councilor Lorberbaum stated that Townsquare continues to do a great job fulfilling its mission and providing exceptional service, noting recent awards received. She thanked the Executive Director for the service she has provided, recognizing a future retirement. She shared a quote for Thanksgiving. Councilor Mazzitello commented that there was a spirited discussion tonight which makes them such great decision makers. He stated that the first snowfall of the season may occur the following day and provided some words of wisdom for safe driving. He asked residents to shovel out hydrants for fire safety. He also shared information on the reason Veterans Day and Thanksgiving are so close together, reminding residents to be thankful for those who sacrificed for the freedoms they have. November 19, 2024 Mendota Heights City Council Page 9 of 10 Mayor Levine thanked Troop 37 for attending and leading the Pledge of Allegiance. She also thanked and congratulated Fire Chief Dave Dreelan and future Fire Chief Dan Johnson, ADJOURN Councilor Mazzitello moved to adjourn. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 9:14 p.m. Stephhni B.l vine Mayor ATTEST: / Ndncy Bauer City Clerk November 19, 2024 Mendota Heights City Council Page JO of /0