2009-01-20 City Council meetingPursuant to due call and
Heights, Minnesota was
Heights, Minnesota.
CALL TO ORDER
January 20, 2009
Page 1
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, January 20, 2008
notice thereof, the regular meeting of the City Council, City of Mendota
held at 7:00 o'clock p.m. at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AGENDA ADOPTION
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Huber called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
The following members were present: Councilmembers
Duggan, Krebsbach, Schneeman and Vitelli.
Council, the audience and staff recited the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Councilmember Duggan moved adoption of the agenda
as corrected. Councilmerber Schneeman seconded the
motion.
Mayor Huber tabled the approval of the minutes of the
January 6, 2009 City Council meeting to the next
Council meeting.
Councihnember Duggan moved approval of the consent
calendar as presented, pulling items e and i for further
discussion, and authorization for execution of any
necessary documents contained therein.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
Acknowledgement of the NDC4 Meeting Minutes
and Agenda.
Acknowledgement of the Minutes from the January
13, 2009 Parks and Recreation Meeting.
Acknowledgement of the December 2008
Treasurer's Report.
Acknowledgement of the December 2008 Fire
Department Monthly Report.
Acknowledgement of School District 197's 150th
Birthday Update.
Authorization for Purchase of Turnout Gear.
Authorization for Purchase of Thermal Imaging
Camera.
Approval of Sign Permit for 2365 Waters Drive.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
January 20, 2009
Page 2
i. Adoption of Ordinance 420, "AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING TITLE 12 CHAPTER 4 OF THE
CITY CODE." (Airport Noise)
j. Approval of the List of Contractors dated January
15, 2009.
k. Approval of the List of Claims, dated January 20,
2009, totaling $1,210,388.68.
Councilmember Duggan asked to have item e pulled
and said that this is a significant event and that the City
should contact the school district to let them know of
the support the city is giving them and to offer
assistance with this celebration.
Councilmember Duggan moved approval of the
acknowledgement of Independent School District 197's
150th Birthday Update as presented.
Councilmember Schneeman seconded the motion.
Councilmember Krebsbach asked to have item i pulled
and asked if this applies to new construction only. City
Administrator Jim Danielson said that is correct and
pointed out a small language change. Councilmember
Krebsbach said she would like to hold this item for
further discussion during Council's goal setting
workshop.
Councilmember Krebsbach moved to table the
discussion on the adoption of proposed Ordinance 420.
Councilmember Sclnleeman seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
BLOOD DRIVE Ms. Jude Rikala, from St. Paul's United Methodist
Church, talked about the upcoming blood drive at the
church on Saturday, January 31st from 9:00 am to 2:00
pin. The church is located at 700 Wesley Lane,
Mendota Heights. For more information, residents
should contact the church at 651- 452 -5683 or check the
website at www.givbloodgivelife.org, and enter 6499.
ALLEY VACATION REQUEST
Assistant to the City Administrator Jake Sedlacek
introduced for discussion a request from Brian and Kim
Burnett, 591 Hiawatha Avenue, for an alley vacation.
He reviewed a map showing the Burnett parcel and
stated that in this neighborhood, an alley was platted
between the homes, and in addition, a stretch of
roadway was platted known as Eugenia Avenue. It is
January 20, 2009
Page 3
noted that these roadways are unused. Mr. Sedlacek
said there are a number of residents who would be
affected by this and typically the neighbors are
contacted to see if there is are agreeable, and if so, the
city would split the property evenly.
In this case, if the alley is vacated, alley area would be
turned back to the homeowners on each side of the
alley. If Council decides to pursue this action, a utility
easement should be retained and a public hearing will
be set up for residents' comments.
Councilmember Vitelli asked if property taxes increase
when the land is granted to the homeowners. Mr.
Sedlacek said that was correct, that this property would
be put back on the tax rolls.
Councilmember Vitelli asked if there are any trees in
this area. Mr. Sedlacek said it is mostly clear.
Councilmember Schneeman asked who owns the pine
trees. Mr. Burnett said they are on his lot.
Councilmember Schneeman said this would be a good
thing to do and would recommend having a public
hearing. If the City continues to hold on to this
property the city would have to continue the
maintenance on it.
Mayor Huber asked if the lot to the southeast of Sibley
Memorial Highway at Eugenia would become
subdividable if some of the Eugenia right -of -way land
gets turned back. Mr. Sedlacek said it could be possible
that the Blaesers (the property owners) could make a
request to subdivide.
Mayor Huber said he is fine with a public hearing, but
that he typically refrains from supporting a turnback
that would result in a lot becoming subdividable that is
not currently subdividable. He could perhaps support
the vacation of the alley without the vacation of
Eugenia, but he would not support creating a condition
that would allow one neighbor to benefit in that regard.
City Attorney Tari Dielnn said she will look into
creating a condition in that regard and will provide
more information at the time of the public hearing.
Councilmember Vitelli asked what the result would be
of the land increase in terms of subdividability if just
January 20, 2009
Page 4
the alley is vacated. Mr. Sedlacek said they will have
that information at the next meeting as well.
Councilmember Duggan asked what the size of the lot
is before the possible vacation of Eugenia (606 Sibley
Memorial). Mr. Sedlacek said it is currently 26,600 sq.
ft. With the vacation of Eugenia Avenue and the alley,
the total area would be 34,700 sq. ft. Councilmember
Duggan asked if there were any challenges or
requirements in relation to the bluff. Mr. Sedlacek said
it is within the critical area and a subdivision would
require a critical area permit. This is zoned R -1.
Brian Burnett, 591 Hiawatha, said he has been
maintaining this piece of Eugenia and would like to
plant some trees in this area to create more privacy for
his family. Mr. Burnett said he would like to continue
maintaining it.
Councilmember Duggan asked if Eugenia would be
divided. Mr. Sedlacek said the whole property was
platted as part of the development to the north, and
therefore would be given to properties to the north.
Councilmember Duggan suggested that Staff include
the residents to the south in the public hearing
notification.
Councilmember Schneeman moved to conduct a public
hearing on February 3.
Councilmember Vitelli seconded the motion.
Assistant to the City Administrator Jake Sedlacek said
the materials submitted at this time are supplemental
materials and not a replacement for the materials that
were discussed previously.
This application is a request for a preliminary plat and
preliminary PUD, request for rezoning, wetlands permit
and a conditional use permit for grading. The site is
located on the southeast corner of Highway 110 and
Dodd Road. The zoning is a combination of B -4, R -1-
A, and R -3. The site is designed in two phases. The
first phase contains Walgreens (14,000 sq. ft), the
remodeled existing building, a restaurant building
(8,000 sq. ft. that may house one or two restaurants),
and a retail building at 12,000 sq. ft that can hold up to
seven tenants. The second phase will include a three
January 20, 2009
Page 5
story office building, a four -story residential building,
and child care facility.
Mr. Sedlacek reviewed the history of this process, and
stated that at the January 6111 Council meeting, there
were nine items that the applicant and Council decided
were the remaining items to be addressed.
1) Housing design details and renderings. The
applicant was directed to provide some elevations.
The applicant has provided those in the newly
submitted materials.
2) Revised landscaping along Dodd Road and
Highway 110. The landscape plan has been updated
accordingly.
3) More information was requested on the plant
material in the ditch area, specifically to have some
variation of the heights of the plantings. The new
landscaping plan does show the material as
requested.
4) Blade signs on retail. In the newly submitted
materials, renderings of what the signs will look
like have been described. The blade signs will be
incorporated into the design standards in the
Development Agreement.
5) Pylon signs — the third pylon has now been replaced
with an 8 ft. tall monument sign.
6) Four story housing views from the Friendly Hills
neighborhood and the CDA building. The applicant
has provided some ground level perspectives from
different sights along South Plaza Drive.
7) Fencing along Dodd Road atop the retaining wall.
Council directed the applicant to update that
material to not be black vinyl chain link fencing.
The applicant is now proposing to use the same
ornamental fence that is proposed along the plaza
and the creek. The applicant was also directed to
provide elevations of the office and day care
buildings. Those materials have been provided.
The next steps after approval of the resolutions for this
case will be to further negotiate the Development
Agreement. A draft of this agreement has been
provided for review of the many issues at hand. The
draft that was provided at the January 6 meeting is the
most reliable working draft.
Another step is that if there were a motion to move
ahead with this project there is the final plat and the
January 20, 2009
Page 6
final PUD approval which is to define more of what
will make the Council more comfortable with this
proj ect.
After final approval, the. planning application will be in
the public record showing the design criteria,
Development Agreement, final PUD and final plat.
The Development Agreement and final PUD approval
will include bonds to ensure performance.
Other steps down the road will be to grant the necessary
building permits which will be reviewed by the
Council.
Councilmember Schneernan asked for confirmation that
the pylon signs on Highway 110 had gone from 35 ft. to
25 ft. Mr. Sedlacek said that was true on January 6.
The applicant has now proposed a monument sign. The
current proposal is to keep the two existing signs at
their current heights and sizes, and these signs will be
re- skinned. The applicant is not proposing to lower
these signs.
Councilmember Krebsbach asked for clarification on
what will be in the ditch area. Mr. Sedlacek said the
developer is proposing river birch. Councilmember
Krebsbach said she wants the minutes to show that she
does not want the volunteer trees to be removed.
Responding to a question from Councilmember
Krebsbach about errors in the January 6 minutes,
Attorney Diehm stated that the minutes do not become
public record until they are adopted and adoption has
been tabled to the next meeting.
Councilmember Krebsbach said there has not been a lot
of discussion on the residential and she would not be in
favor of a four story residential building and does not
know why the Council would want a four story
building. Mayor Huber said he would like to have
some clear thoughts on the table about the absolute
height of that building. Four story may work if it is
constructed like the Summit but four stories would be
out of bounds if it is with a pitched roof.
Mr. Sedlacek said the applicant has provided
information that shows this building at 65feet high at
the top. That is an item that could be put into the
January 20, 2009
Page 7
developers agreement. Councilmember Duggan asked
what the ordinance permits for the existing zoning. Mr.
Sedlacek noted that this is a PUD and Council can
determine any height they feel is appropriate. Ms.
Diehm said the code says that no limit shall be placed
in the R -3 district. Mr. Sedlacek said on an absolute
basis the height of the CDA building is 55 -ft, and
although the proposed building is higher, the CDA
building is on a higher base since it is on a hill. He said
that it might be good to get a mean sea level because
grading might change. There could be something
placed in the final developers agreement and final PUD
or a final plat requirement if the city could identify
what the appropriate height of the building should be.
Then it is easier to look at the grading documents to
determine the mean sea level.
Councilmember Krebsbach commented about the
largeness of the residential building and expressed her
concern that the housing be in scale with the other
buildings.
Councilmember Schneeinan asked how high the CDA
building is. Mr. Sedlacek said it is three stories.
Councilmember Duggan said that the CDA contended
that it would be just as economical to add third story at
the time of this development and the Planning
Commission at that time felt there were no concerns
about the three stories.
Councilmember Vitelli said there may be a need for
balance between the four stories and what is
economically feasible. He feels that if the Council tells
the developer that they do not want four stories, the
developer will say it would not be feasible without that
fourth floor. The CDA is a government building, and
this being a private development, there would be no
govermnent assistance.
Councilmember Duggan said there is language in the
PUD that says the feasibility of the project should not
be dependent on the dollars and /or dollar profits.
Mayor Huber said he could live with four stories, but it
is the absolute height that he is worried about.
Councilmember Krebsbach said she does not see the
curved wall behind the Walgreens depicted on the
plans. Public Works Director John Mazzitello said
January 20, 2009
Page 8
those photographs were forwarded to him via email and
are not a part of the packet at this time. Mr. Sedlacek
said the current wall is a straight wall along Dodd
Road, and gets to be about 17 -ft. The applicant feels
this wall has been designed this way to preserve as
much green space on the top of the wall as possible.
Councilmember Vitelli asked Staff if there are any
glaring issues from Staff's point of view of what the
Council has requested over time. Mr. Sedlacek said
the applicants appear to have provided materials for all
the questions that the Planning Coininission and
Council have raised. The Council now needs to
determine if these materials are appropriate for the
community. Councilmember Vitelli asked for Mr.
Mazzitello's opinion. Mr. Mazzitello said he concurs
with the statements made by Mr. Sedlacek.
Mayor Huber asked if Staff is comfortable with the
pictures provided in relation to Walgreens. Mr.
Sedlacek said Staff feels that the way the wall was
described in the application materials was sufficient for
review but with the understanding that Council needed
more detail on this.
Mayor Huber said his main concern about the wall is
that the materials bring character and texture. Mr.
Mazzitello said the photographs that were presented
were to show the kind of product that is to be used, for
a retaining wall stone block that has a cracked stone
finish on the exposed face of the block that can be
stained. When the product will be installed, it will have
the appearance of a limestone block wall, with some
backward relief.
Councilmember Duggan said he was taken aback when
learning of the height of this wall with the addition of
the fencing along the top and asked if it could be
staggered. Mr. Sedlacek said parking will have to be
reduced if the wall is staggered and that the applicant is
already below what is required by code in the number
of parking spaces.
Councilmember Duggan said there has not been a lot of
discussion on these areas, and wondered if the parking
space requirement could be further lessened by having
only two floors on the office building instead of three.
January 20, 2009
Page 9
Councilmember Duggan said he is not comfortable with
this phase of the project as these items have just now
been provided to the Council and there has not been
enough discussion, and is not comfortable with the
height of this wall.
Councilmember Krebsbach asked for more information
on the timetable for grading. Mr. Mazzitello said the
grading activity is planned to commence in May, 2009
and be complete by November, 2009, moving from the
east property line to the proposed access to Highway
110, along with some removal just east of Dodd Road,
as well as the excavation of storm water ponds and that
dirt can be placed on either side of the greenway as well
as the land bridge crossing.
Councilmember Duggan commented that there will be
about 250,000 cubic yards of earth movement for
underground parking for the residential. Mr. Mazzitello
said when Lot 6 is developed; the excavation will be
taking place at that time. Councilmember Duggan said
that the movement taking place at this time is only for
this phase.
Mr. Ken Henk, Paster Enterprises, gave a brief history
of the process they have gone through. Mayor Huber
asked Mr. Henk if they were prepared to respond to the
residential. Mr. Henk said they were, and that this is a
four story building with a maximum height of 65 -ft that
will have a similar footprint to the CDA building and
the one at The Village. Mayor Huber said he feels this
is important because the pitch of the roof sometimes
blocks views of other residents.
Councilmember Vitelli said he does not have a problem
with the height of this building, as it is only l0 -ft higher
than the building at The Village and the CDA building.
Councilmember Vitelli said he does not have a problem
with the 17 -ft wall either.
Mr. John Dietrich, RLK Inc., is the landscape architect
for the Mendota Mall Associates. Mr. Dietrich said
they heard the Council clearly on January 6th about the
number of questions and number of issues.
Mr. Dietrich said a few changes they made included
additional landscaping along Highway 110, and in the
decorative walls in the center area. In relation to the
January 20, 2009
Page 10
retaining walls in the southwest corner, it is their intent
to make these walls seem less like a plain concrete wall
and will be adding landscaping along the top along with
a steel decorative fencing. There will also be some
curvature in the wall on the southwest corner.
Mr. Dietrich talked about the River Birch trees that will
be along the waterway, growing in the 25 -ft to 30
height range, and talked about the other native plants in
that area. Certain plants will be taken out, such as elm
and buckthorn. If it is a good tree, it will be left to
grow. Councilmember Krebsbach asked that some
language be included in the Development Agreement to
address the maintenance. Mr. Dietrich said they will be
acceptable to this language.
Mr. Dietrich talked about the landscaping that will be
done at the Highway 110 entrance.
Mr. Dietrich shared a rendering looking southwest to
compare the height of the existing building to the
proposed residential building.
Councihnember Krebsbach said the residential building
is an impressive building, but fears that it may dominate
the rest of the site. Councihnember Duggan pointed out
the difference in height between the retail (24 -ft) and
the residential (65 -ft.) being a 41 -ft difference.
Councihnember Krebsbach asked if the residential,
should it not become an assisted living type facility,
would become an apartment building. Mr. Amdel,
KKE Architects, said this question would have to be
addressed by Mr. Henk.
Mr. Amdel clarified the plans for the signage, with two
existing pylon signs (Dodd Road and along Highway
110). Mr. Amdel pointed out several monument signs
that will be placed, with one of them being at the
Highway 110 entrance. This particular sign would be
8 -ft high and will barely be visible from the roadway.
Mr. Amdel explained the design and materials of the
sign, which will be internally illuminated. The sign on
Dodd Road will be, after remodeling, about 27 -ft high.
Major modifications will be made to the existing signs.
January 20, 2009
Page 11
Mr. Amdel presented samples of the blade signs that are
available and said they will be using signage similar to
what The Village has (using the coffee shop sign in the
examples).
Mr. Amdel reviewed drawings of future phase buildings
including the single story office building (Lot 5) which
will be similar to the restaurant and retail building.
Councihnember Duggan said he likes all the glass that
is being used on these buildings.
Councihmember Schneeman said this building looks
very attractive.
Mr. Amdel reviewed the buildings on Lot 8 that include
the three story office building, noting the tinted
windows that are common for office buildings.
Mr. Amdel reviewed the one level day care center with
an outdoor play area located on Lot 7.
Councilmerber Krebsbach asked if there will be
another remodeling of this,shopping center.
Councihnember Duggan said it will be 15 years from
now according to their information. Mr. Amdel said
retail tends to reinvent itself on a schedule and there
would be an aggressive remodeling. Councihnember
Schneeinan said it makes it interesting to have different
designs.
Councilmember Duggan referred to the applicant's
proposal and asked about the number of classrooms that
will be available at the daycare. Councihnember
Duggan asked if this is more of a school than a day care
center. Mr. Amdel said at this point, they do not have a
tenant assigned to this and it will depend on who comes
in there. Mr. Amdel said he believes that the maximum
of children would be 120.
Councihmember Duggan asked if the fencing and
landscaping around the day care fenced in area will
compliment the rest of the site's railings and fencing.
Mr. Amdel said they will compliment them well, and
that it is typical to enclose a day care yard with 5 -ft.
high vinyl coated chain link for safety purposes.
Mr. Amdel reviewed the sketches and plans for the
housing unit; showing balconies and chimney accents.
January 20, 2009
Page 12
Councilmember Duggan asked whether, should this go
forward with approval, the applicant would be willing
to discuss the design of this building with the Council
in more detail (color renditions, roofing, etc.) since this
is the first time the Council has seen this.
Councilrnernber Duggan said he would be
uncomfortable approving this tonight with what has
been shown as this is a very massive building.
Councilrnernber Duggan said he would like to see more
options to make it look less noticeable. Plans show this
to be a higher end senior residence building.
Councilmember Duggan asked if there will be
fireplaces in any of the units.
Mr. Amdel said that would be market driven, and may
be an option. The chimneys would serve more as vents
for plumbing stacks. There would also be a mixture of
studio, one bedroom and two bedroom units. The units
will most likely have forced air heat, and air
conditioning, with the furnace /air conditioning in a
closet in each unit. There will be intake grills outside
the unit, hidden by the balconies.
Councilmember Duggan said the plans show 55 units
for independent living, 35 for assisted living, and 10 for
memory care. Councilmember Duggan asked where
the memory care units will be. Mr. Amdel said that is
yet to be determined, but it is his experience that they
would be on the first floor as there are some life safety
issues.
Councilmember Duggan asked if there is a minimum
floor space size for residential units. Ms. Diehm said
there is a minimum size in the R -3 zoning district but
through the PUD proposal, this can be varied.
Councilmember Vitelli said he believes this is an
excellent proposal and likes the looks of the building.
Councilmember Vitelli said there has been plenty of
detail provided and suggested to move ahead.
Mr. Dietrich reviewed elevations of the property with
the neighboring properties, showing site lines between
the buildings and neighboring buildings.
Councilmember Vitelli said he does not have a problem
with this size of a building, and noted that the CDA
building does not stand out while driving past it.
January 20, 2009
Page 13
Councilmember Vitelli said this information has been
very helpful and the developer has responded very well
to the Council's request. Councilmember Vitelli said
he sees absolutely no problem with the 65 -ft sloped
roof. This is an excellent plan.
In response to Councilmember Krebsbach's request,
Mr. Dietrich reviewed the pedestrian movement system.
Councilmember Duggan suggested something be done
to better identify the walkways to ensure the safety of
the pedestrians.
Councilmember Duggan referred to the pathway
between the office building and day care center, noting
this is a steep area and asked if there will be some
leveling done. Mr. Dietrich said this slope will meet
the ADA quality standards of 5% or less slope.
Mr. Henk said the Developers Agreement is showing
the senior housing as having 55 units for independent
living, 35 for assisted living, and 10 for memory care;
this being based on the best market conditions they see
at this time.
Councilmember Krebsbach asked if the developer will
sell this building. Mr. Henk talked about conferring
with other senior housing facilities on what the needs
are, and how to deal with this kind of usage, as well as
partnering with other facilities — this will not be a
wholly owned facility.
Councilmember Krebsbach asked if there is anything in
the Developer's Agreement should this not become
senior housing. Ms. Diehm said the agreement
currently has an a section where the City can impose
certain restrictions on the housing, depending on the
level of details; and all the plans are attached to the
Development Agreement. If the developer were to
come back with something different, it would be
considered an amendment to this agreement and would
have to come before the Council.
Councilmember Duggan referred to the document with
the project narrative from December 22" d and revised
January 14th'; asking if they can make the creek
meander. Mr. Henk said the existing creek is a
designated wetland and they are not touching it other
than where the roadway crosses over. In addition, there
January 20, 2009
Page 14
is just 6 inches of fall from one corner to the other, and
they want to keep the water running through. If they
alter it, that may not happen.
Councilmember Duggan asked who maintains the three
water bodies. Mr. Henk said the developer will
maintain them.
Councilmember Duggan asked if the construction
trucks will be coming in and out of South Plaza Drive.
Mr. Henk said they will discuss that more during the
pre - construction meetings with the building officials
and city staff. They will want to put in the bridge first
as they may be able to use that as a temporary access.
They do not want any construction traffic interfering
with the customer traffic.
Councilrnernber Duggan asked if the trees along Dodd
on top of the retaining wall in the southwest corner will
be evergreens. Councilmember Duggan believes these
will provide better screening.
Mr. Henk said he noticed that the conifers along the
golf course may provide adequate screening from the
golf course.
Mr. Dietrich said the trees along the wall will be a
combination of indigenous and coniferous trees.
Councilmember Vitelli said he is excited about this plan
and is ready to approve it (all five resolutions).
Councilmember Vitelli said this has been a long process
and he thinks that Paster Enterprises has responded now
completely to all the Council's requests and this is an
excellent plan. Councilmember Vitelli said he is
anxious to move ahead and assumes that when this has
been approved, all the detail will be contained in the
documents so a year from now, one can refer back to
these discussions.
Councilrnernber Krebsbach said she is prepared to
support this proposal. Councilmember Krebsbach
asked about the consideration for a pedestrian crossover
from The Village, and asked if any easements would
need to be obtained. Mr. Mazzitello said the exact
location of any proposed overpass has not been
determined, and the intention would be to bring the
people down from the overpass within MnDOT's right
January 20, 2009
Page 15
of way. Mr. Henk indicated on the map where these
areas would be.
Councilmember Duggan said he would like to include
the following language in the Development Agreement:
"the developer is prepared to preserve this trail corridor
and create a connection under the Plaza if the city and
county determines this is the appropriate location for
the regional trail ".
Mr. Henk said that has been discussed with Staff. Mr.
Mazzitello said either through a dedication to the city or
through a public access easement at the time they
prepare for construction.
Councihnember Duggan said the agreement talks about
the language for building signage where it talks about
"building signage being consistent with the requirement
of the underlying B -2 zoning requirements" and
believes this should indicate a B -4. Mr. Henk said the
mixed use designation is designed for B -1 and B -2, and
the existing shopping center is zoned for B -4. The
applicant wants to go to the B -2 zoning.
Councihnember Duggan referred to the Mendota Plaza
design standards, and said the council members do not
always see eye to eye with these standards, and wished
to note that this project is always subject to review by
the city. Mr. Henk said these design standards have
been incorporated as part of the development agreement
and in fact would become a part of the agreement as a
recorded document. Councilmeinber Duggan asked
what would happen if the Council is not comfortable
with these design standards (using the design standard
discussion in relation to "Do It Best" hardware store).
Mr. Henk said they did not have design guidelines at
that point. When the developer came in for a variance
because it did not follow the city ordinances, the
variance was approved 4 to 1. Shortly after, a new
tenant came in and wanted to change the signage.
Upon coming back to the Council for a new variance,
the Council did not agree and voted it down.
Mr. Henk offered his closing statements, stating this has
been a long process and there has been a lot of give and
take. Mr. Henk said he stated his reasons for approval
in his letter to the Council, and provided all the
necessary information for these five resolutions.
January 20, 2009
Page 16
Mayor Huber said there were some conditions that
came from the Planning Commission. Mr. Sedlacek
said legal counsel has recommended these conditions
should be included in the planned unit development
approval. Mr. Sedlacek said Ms. Diehm has drafted
some language that can be inserted, stating that these
conditions must be resolved.
Ms. Diehm said while there has been a lot of
discussion, and there is a lot of information on the
record as to what will be included in that Development
Agreement, it may make sense to add language that
says "the Development Agreement should be in a form
substantially similar to the Draft Development
Agreement which has been provided to the applicant,
and shall address the outstanding issues which have
been discussed with the applicant, including but not
limited to hours of operation for retail use, the complete
development schedule, the performance bond or other
security for completion of development and
landscaping, building height and material, building
setbacks, parking requirements, signage, lighting,
easements, traffic improvements, site landscaping and
maintenance, and park dedication." Ms. Diehin said
these are all items that have been discussed with the
developer.
Mr. Sedlacek said there are conditions that each of the
resolutions be conditioned upon approval of the
preliminary planned unit development. Each condition
should reference the final planned unit development.
Councilmember Vitelli moved adoption of Resolution
No. 09 -07: "A RESOLUTION APPROVING A
REZONING REQUEST FOR 750 HIGHWAY 110."
Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion.
Mayor Huber addressed Howard Paster and his
associates, saying this has been a long process, and he
believes everyone has gotten there. Mayor Huber said
everyone needs to know and respect the rights of the
landowner as well.
Councilmember Schneeman said she believes the applicant
has responded to all the comments she has made to her
satisfaction. Although she is not completely happy with the
treatment of the south side of the existing building, She is
January 20, 2009
Page 17
willing to give on that. Councilmember Schneeman said she
likes the monument signs and hopes that the applicant will
design the pylon signs to match the architecture and
ambience of the buildings. The greenway amenity has been
well thought out and certainly will add pleasure to anyone
who visits the project. She is happy with the River Birch
choice and it's fine with her that the applicant will retain the
rights to maintain the storm water ponds and waterway. This
will be a daunting job and the Council will continue to
monitor it.
Councilmember Schneeman said the plaza piece will be
amazing if indeed the applicant follows through on what has
been promised, noting that the trailway system is wonderful.
Councilmember Schneeman said she feels that the developer
will diligently pursue the housing component, having a
mixture of housing for seniors and not necessarily low
income. It is important to include the best possible uses
for seniors as they age, as there is a huge need for this in the
community. Councilmember Schneeman said she likes the
design team, and feels that the project has come a long way
with a lot of transferring of information. Councilmember
Schneeman advised the developer that they need to do as
they say they will, and that the city will also hold up its end
of the project. As the Planning Commission recommended
approval, Councilmember Schneeman said she will happily
endorse this project.
Councilmember Vitelli said he is happy with the plan as it is
and the applicant has done a fantastic job; offering his
compliments to Mr. Dietrich and Mr. Amdel, who has done a
lot of work on this project, and he is pleased to vote yes on
this application.
Councilmember Krebsbach feels this has come a long way
and the developer has hired an excellent team.
Councilmember Krebsbach feels that this project will be a
great amenity to the city, and appreciated having the
developer's staff work well with the city staff.
Councilmember Duggan said he met with Paster Enterprises
this afternoon with some concerns he still had, and that the
applicant's team did a pretty good job of telling him what
they are doing, and that this project is in the best interest of
Mendota Heights. Councilmember Duggan said he listened
respectfiilly to what would be presented this evening, with
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
FEASIBILITY STUDY
PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
January 20, 2009
Page 18
mixed emotions not sure of which way he would vote.
Councilmember Duggan said it's not a perfect plan, but he is
comfortable that the project is well on its way to having a
very successful Mendota Plaza.
Councilmember Vitelli moved adoption of Resolution
No. 09 -08: "A RESOLUTION APPROVING A
WETLANDS PERMIT FOR 750 HIGHWAY 110 ".
Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion.
Councilmember Krebsbach moved adoption of
Resolution No. 09 -09: "A RESOLUTION
APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR
750 HIGHWAY 110 ".
Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion.
Councilmember Schneeman moved adoption of
Resolution No. 09 -10: "A RESOLUTION
APPROVING A PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR 750
HIGHWAY 110 ".
Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion.
Councilmember Duggan moved adoption of Resolution
No. 09 -11: "A RESOLUTION APPROVING A
PRELIMINARY PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT
FOR 750 HIGHWAY 110."
Councilmember Vitelli seconded the motion.
Mr. Mazzitello submitted a memo to the Council, with
a resolution to award a contract for a feasibility study
for pedestrian improvements at the intersection of State
Trunk Highway 110 and Dodd Road, and providing
notice to proceed.
In Mr. Mazzitello's memo, he recommends that this
discussion be tabled until February to allow the Council
to discuss at the January 22nd Workshop.
Councilmember Duggan moved to table discussion to
the next City Council meeting.
Councilmember Vitelli the motion.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
ADJOURN
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
ATTEST:
January 20, 2009
Page 19
Mayor Huber reminded everyone of the workshop to be
held on Thursday morning, at 7:30 am.
Mayor Huber said he had lunch today with the new
MAC Commissioner, who has offered to come to a
Council meeting some time in the future. On behalf of
the Council, Mayor Huber accepted this offer.
Councilmember Krebsbach said she and her husband
recently attended the St. Thomas/Henry Sibley High
School basketball game and talked about being very
fortunate to have three high schools in Mendota Heights
that do a good job of practicing good sportsmanship
and coaching. Councilmember Krebsbach said one of
the player's fathers thanked her and the rest of the
Council for all that they do.
Councilmember Duggan thanked Planning Commission
members Bruce McManus, Mike Povolny and Doug
Hennes for sitting in on the last council meeting.
Councilmember Duggan said he is beginning his 34th
year as a Minnesotan.
Mr. Danielson said upon further reflection he recalled
that it was Keith Heaver who developed the land and
that Vern Cohen made a couple of runs at townhouses
before that.
There being no further business to come before the
Council, Councilmember Duggan moved to adjourn the
meeting.
Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion.
Time of Adjournment 9:50 p.m.
Rebecca Shaffer, R
i2ling Secretary