2009-09-01 City Council minutesSeptember 1, 2009
Page 1
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the regular meeting of the City Council, City of Mendota
Heights, Minnesota was held at 7:00 o'clock p.m. at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota
Heights, Minnesota.
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AGENDA ADOPTION
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
CONSENT CALENDAR
Acting Mayor Schneeman called the meeting to order at
7:00 p.m. The following members were present:
Councilmembers Duggan, Krebsbach, and Vitelli. Mayor
Huber was absent.
Council, the audience and staff recited the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Acting Mayor Schneeman stated that Matthew
Cuiminghain (Planning Case No. 09 -31) has requested that
discussion on his planning application be tabled to the next
meeting.
Councilmember Vitelli moved adoption of the agenda as
revised.
Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion.
Councilmember Duggan moved approval of the minutes of
the regular meeting held on August 18, 2009 as corrected.
Councilmember Vitelli seconded the motion.
Councilmember Duggan moved approval of the consent
calendar as presented, pulling items 1 and p for further
discussion, and authorization for execution of any
necessary documents contained therein.
a. Acknowledgment of the Minutes from the August 11,
2009 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting.
September 1, 2009
Page 2
b. Acknowledgement of the Minutes from the August 25,
2009 Planning Commission.
c. Acknowledgement of the July 2009 Building Activity
Report.
d. Acknowledgement of the July 2009 Fire Department
Report.
e. Authorization for Issuance of Temporary Liquor
License for St. Thomas Academy.
f. Authorization for Retaining Recording Secretary.
g. Authorization for Change in Date for September
Airports Relations Commission Meeting.
h. Approval of the Completion of Probationary period for
John Mazzitello, Director of Public Works.
i. Approval of the Completion of Probationary Period for
Andy Quinlan, Maintenance II Worker.
j Approval of the Permanent Non - Probationary Status for
Half -Time Support Specialist Sue Donovan.
k. Approval of Firefighters Completion of Probationary
Period.
1. Approval of Exterior Building Modifications for 800
South Plaza Drive.
m. Approval of Sign Permit Request 880 Sibley Memorial
Highway.
n. Approval of Purchase Order for Gartzke Construction
for Storm Sewer Repair on Chippewa Avenue and
Junction Lane Project No. 200911.
o. Adoption of Resolution No. 09 -69: "RESOLUTION
FORMALLY ACKNOWLEDGING THE RECEIPT
OF THE GIFTS FROM MIKE AND SHANNON
PARKOS TO THE CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS ".
p. Adoption of Resolution No. 09 -70: "RESOLUTION
REQUESTING OPTION A — SINGLE
DISTRIBUTION AS MENDOTA HEIGHTS'
CHOICE FOR THEIR SHARE OF THE
DISTRIBUTION OF THE DCC UNDESIGNATED
FUND BALANCE ".
q. Approval of Contractors List, dated August 26, 2009.
r. Approval of the List of Claims, dated August 27, 2009,
totaling $120,559.17
Councilmeinber Vitelli seconded the motion.
Acting Mayor Schneeman asked to pull item I and said
Firefighter Tom Shields has been a firefighter for 20 years
and is retiring because he has an expanding family, and he
September 1, 2009
Page 3
will be very much missed. Councilmember Krebsbach
expressed her congratulations to Mr. Shields.
Councilmember Duggan asked to have item p pulled and
asked to make a typographical correction.
Councilmember Duggan moved adoption of Resolution No.
09 -70, "RESOLUTION REQUESTING OPTION A —
SINGLE DISTRIBUTION AS MENDOTA HEIGHTS'
CHOICE FOR THEIR SHARE OF THE DISTRIBUTION
OF THE DCC UNDESIGNATED FUND BALANCE" and
to accept, with regret, the letter of resignation of Firefighter
Tom Shields.
Councilmember Vitelli seconded the motion.
Gail Llewellyn and Linda Brown presented some
information and an invitation regarding an event being
planned at Pilot Knob on Sunday, October 411, which will
be a public dedication and Dakota spirit ceremonial event.
Councilmember Duggan apologized for being abrupt to
Acting Mayor Schneeman and staff during some recent
conversations regarding matters on tonight's agenda.
Ross Fefercorn updated the Council on recent activities
at The Village. Some of those activities included:
• New Tenants:
o Relax N Tan
o Perfect Polished Nails
o Expert Hearing and Audiology
o Olive Grove
o St. Paul Oral Surgery
o WNB Trust
o MSP Travel
o Dr. Robert Eng, Orthodontist
o Clear Story Financial Advisors
• AT &T wireless equipment and clock installations
• Proposed physical therapy group is in process
Mr. Fefercorn said he will be moving his offices to The
Village soon.
September 1, 2009
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Mr. Fefercorn talked about some of the past and future
social/musical events at The Village.
Mr. Fefercorn updated Council on some of the events
taking place in the housing sector of the project. With the
slow marketing environment, they are seeing some activity,
including the sale of two units in the condominium building
(to be combined into one large unit). Current inventory
includes five unsold townhoines and thirteen
condominiums.
Councilmember Duggan expressed his appreciation for the
activities taking place, and for Mr. Fefercorn's regular
reports.
Councilmember Krebsbach said she is very pleased with
The Village and suggested getting some type of destination
business such as a bread store that would complement the
Olive Grove.
Councilmember Vitelli gave his compliments on the
activities at the Village.
Acting Mayor Schneeman said she has received some
phone calls regarding the watering system near the walking
path as residents are asking for the timing to be done
differently. Councilmember Krebsbach expressed a
concern about the water fountain.
Assistant to the City Administrator Jake Sedlacek
reviewed a map showing the Mendota Heights Business
Park 4th Addition. The request is for vacation of an unused
roadway and utility Easement.
Acting Mayor Schneeman said this vacation is necessary
for Bituminous Roadways to complete the land and
construct its project.
Acting Mayor Schneeman opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one come forward wishing to speak, Acting
Mayor Schneeman asked for a motion to close the public
hearing.
Councilmember Vitelli moved to close the public hearing.
Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion.
September 1, 2009
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Councilmember Duggan moved adoption of Resolution No.
09 -71, "RESOLUTION APPROVING A VACATION OF
AN UNUSED ROADWAY AND UTILITY EASEMENT
AT LOT 2, BLOCK 1, MENDOTA HEIGHTS BUSINESS
PARK, 4TH ADDITION."
Councilmember Vitelli seconded the motion.
Councilmember Duggan said he was wondering about the
language in the resolution that talks about "abandon in
place" and asked what this means. Civil Engineer Ryan
Ruzik said the plans show that the water main and storm
sewer were removed, the sanitary sewer manholes were
removed down to the base section and were abandoned in
place, filled with sand and plugged at the end.
Councilmember Duggan asked if there are any safety
issues. Mr. Ruzik said there should be no issues.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
EXPERT HEARING AND AUDIOLOGY Acting Mayor Schneernan said this discussion
SIGN PERMIT is in response to Councilmember Krebsbach's request
for more discussion on this issue. Councilmember
Krebsbach said she is not sure that the proposed signage
was in keeping with the character of the existing blade
signs in The Village.
Mr. Sedlacek said staff visited the site and looked at the
existing signage, noting that this sign is consistent in size
and color with the other signs in The Village.
Councilmember Krebsbach said the other signs have a little
more shape to them.
Mr. Fefercorn stated that in the design covenants, the
developer ultimately approves each sign, working with the
tenants in the development of these signs. Most tenants
have not had much experience in other developments with
this, and Mr. Fefercorn has made allowances within the
lease and design covenents to offer a number of shapes that
are allowed. Although this is the only rectangular shape, he
is not aware of any one else proposing such shape. Given
the pre- existing logo and graphic of the company and the
size they wanted to use within the constraints of the sign,
the owners felt they wanted to have more of the rectangular
presence. Mr. Fefercorn said he does not want to ask the
tenant to change their signage at this point.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
CASE NO. 09 -20, KERN
WETLANDS PERMIT
September 1, 2009
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Councilmember Krebsbach said the sign looked larger in
the materials that were presented previously, and agreed
that the sign will be attractive.
Councilmember Vitelli moved to approve the Sign Permit
Request for 750 Main Street, Suite 150 — Expert Hearing
and Audiology.
Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion.
Mr. Sedlacek introduced Case No. 09 -20 for a Wetland
Permit at 531 Marie Avenue West. The work that is in
question for the permit was a series of projects that were
completed on the site to improve a wetland area and some
of the drainage through that area.
Mr. Sedlacek said this work was brought to the city's
attention through a neighbor who was concerned about the
work being done without a permit. Staff visited the site and
verified that this work was done without such permit and
requested the property owner make application for the
wetland permit.
The scope of the work was to have a culvert constructed on
both sides of the pond, installing rip rap to control further
erosion at those points.
Concerns were expressed at the Planning Commission that
the soil was eroding significantly and the property owner's
intent was to contain the wetland and not to change the way
it functions, creating a clearer line between the wetland and
the manicured yard. The Planning Commission held a
public hearing on August 25th and there were no public
comments received. The Planning Commission
recommended approval of the wetland permit as the
application defines it.
Councilmember Krebsbach asked if the concerned neighbor
is satisfied. Mr. Sedlacek said the applicant is not present
at the time due to a scheduling conflict, and staff has not
heard any further feedback from the neighbor, who
neighbor has been kept apprised of what the process has
been so far.
September 1, 2009
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Mr. Ruzik explained the applicant was actually enlarging
and improving the wetland area, noting that this was a man-
made pond, doing emergency repair work to the pond. Mr.
Ruzik said the applicant should have come in for a permit,
however Mr. Ruzik feels that the work that was done is an
improvement to the overall quality of the city water and
storm water management.
Councilmember Krebsbach asked if this was a wetland
before the applicant created the pond. Mr. Ruzik said
Marie Creek used to run through this yard, and the
applicant made a pond and this is not viewed as a protected
wetland.
Councilmember Krebsbach asked City Attorney Taini
Dielun if there is some level of responsibility that the city
has going forward should the rip rap give way. Mr. Ruzik
said this is all on private property and there are no
easements over this area. Ms. Dielnn said the city does not
assume any liability by granting the permit.
Councilmember Krebsbach asked how deep the pond is.
Acting Mayor Schneeman said she does not believe it is
very deep and contains water coming from Sibley
Memorial Highway all the way down, sloping down to the
creeks, and she imagines this would be helpful to other
residents.
Councilmember Vitelli moved adoption of Resolution No.
09 -72, "RESOLUTION APPROVING A WETLANDS
PERMIT FOR DRAINAGE MANAGEMENT WORKA T
531 MARIE AVENUE WEST."
Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion.
Councilmember Duggan said that at the Planning
Commission meeting, Commission McManus had
questioned whether or not this is a part of the Hidden Creek
Estates creek and all the other wetland and waterway areas,
and Councilmember Krebsbach is asking a good question
as to what is the source of water to this in relation to
drainage in the area, and is it indeed part of that larger
wetlands. Maps should be better refined in relation to the
work that has been done, and assurance that this is a
wetland that does not impact other wetlands.
Councilmember Duggan said while he acknowledges the
September 1, 2009
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opinion of Planner Grittinan and city staff that this work is
a great improvement, he would like to have another
inspection done in light of what Councilmeiber Krebsbach
was asking, and have that information put in the record.
Mr. Ruzik said he has visited the site several times and
talked about how the creeks run in general, and having a
pond such as the one proposed will actually minimize the
erosion. The water in this case comes from the Dodge
Nature Center and West St. Paul.
Councilmember Krebsbach asked if the applicant in this
case is responsible for this wetland and maintenance, or
does he have the right to change it to a more natural setting.
Mr. Ruzik said there after a inamnade pond exists for 25
years it is considered a natural wetland. Mr. Sedlacek said
under the city ordinance, this pond is recognized as a
wetland and Mr. Kern would need a permit to fill it.
Councilmember Krebsbach said she wants to be sure that
the applicant understands this. Councilmember Duggan
suggested that staff send a letter to Mr. Kern with
information about this discussion and to let him know that
this is a wetland and any further work done needs to come
through the city in the future.
Councilmember Duggan asked to have a Friendly
Amendment added that the letter be sent to the applicant
informing him of the restrictions on further work.
Councilmember Vitelli accepted the Friendly Amendment.
Mr. Sedlacek introduced Case No. 09 -30 for a Zoning
Ordinance Text Amendment where the applicant wishes
to move his business into the former Checker Auto Parts
building. Materials Processing Corporation (MPC) is a
business that is currently located in the City of Eagan. Mr.
Sedlacek noted that this company helps the City of
Mendota Heights during their spring cleanup, collecting
electronic recyclables and processing them, boasting that
zero waste goes to the landfill. This type of operation is
allowed inside the industrial park, however the applicant
has a small retail function that they would like to have at
this property, located at 2300 Pilot Knob Road.
September 1, 2009
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The applicant is requesting an ordinance text amendment to
allow a conditional use permit for an accessory retail use.
The Planning Commission had concerns that this is
accessory to an allowed principal use of the facility and the
conditions listed in the ordinance draft are ways that the
city could find comfort or a level of confidence that this
will remain an accessory use and is appropriate for the
request. The conditions that the Planner recommended and
Planning Commission discussed at their August 25I
meeting were that it is enclosed within the existing building
of that principal use in the industrial district and that the
total retail area would be 5% of the gross floor area of the
principal use. This 5% was a recommendation by the
Planner as it will keep it only as an accessory use. There is
also office space within the industrial park. The applicant
is agreeable with that, but it is unknown how any future
applicants might feel about that thus this is the reason why
the 5% was determined.
The design shall be in compliance of code to make sure
retail does not create issues on the existing building, and
there must be adequate parking for retail use, and there
must be retail traffic parking separate from the industrial
users. Signage must meet code requirements so if a person
wants to have this conditional use permit, they have to have
the understanding that there is no special exceptions for
signage.
Landscaping shall be in compliance with the existing city
code. The Planning Commission set hours of operation to
be between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, and the proposed
language allows this to be seven days a week. The
applicant has stated that they would appreciate flexibility
on this. This would be a conditional use, and the time to
get the language correct in the code is now.
There was a public hearing held on August 25th and there
was one individual that is a Mendota Heights resident and
also works with retail spaces in industrial areas that felt this
was a good application and is consistent with what other
communities are offering for industrial users. The Planner
recommended approval of the language as drafted and the
Planning Commission supported that recommendation,
adding the hours of operation to the language.
September 1, 2009
Page 10
Councilmember Vitelli said this sounds like it would act as
a "city desk" and believes that this process has been around
a long time and is a good idea.
Councilmember Krebsbach asked if the retail that was
approved for the Hilton would be seven days a week. Mr.
Sedlacek said he does not recall if there were limited hours
of operation on that. Councilmember Duggan said it was
seven days a week and the hours of operation were from
7:00 am until 11:00 pm. Councilmember Krebsbach said
this is a different type of retail and she is fine with this.
Mr. Sedlacek said the applicant is currently operating from
11:00 am to 5:00 pm on Tuesday through Friday, and they
feel they need some flexibility as it is unknown what the
demands will be. Councilmember Duggan pointed out that
the Planning Commission had discussed and recommended
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Ms. Diehm said the item before the Council this evening is
an amendment to the zoning code. The applicant will
actually submit a conditional use pennit application
separately, and the only thing that needs consideration at
this time is the zoning ordinance change which will allow
the applicant to come forward later to make that
application. When looking at hours of operation, it is very
possible that they will only operate from 11:00 am to 5:00
pin, but the code needs to provide the broadest range that
the city would consider giving any applicant.
Councilmember Krebsbach said she wants to be sure that it
is very clear in the language that it is 5% of the square
footage, and to make sure that this is a business that is
directly related to what is going on in that building.
Ms. Diehrn said the language is that the retail sales portion
of the business shall be an accessory use to any permitted
or conditionally permitted use in the I- Industrial district.
Councilmember Krebsbach said she would like the
language to be stronger. Ms. Diehm said the language also
refers to 5% of the principal use, but language could be
added that says the retail sales portion of the business shall
be an accessory use to the use of that building only.
Ms. Diehm recommended that the change simply be to
reflect the following: "the retail sales portion of the
September 1, 2009
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business shall be an accessory use to any the permitted or
conditionally permitted use.
Councilmember Vitelli moved to adoption of Ordinance
424, "AN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TITLE 12,
CHAPTER 1 OF THE CITY CODE, THE CITY'S
ZONING ORDINANCE, TO ALLOW RETAIL SALES
AS A CONDITIONAL USE IN THE I- INDUSTRIAL
DISTRICT ".
Councihmember Duggan seconded the motion.
Councilmember Krebsbach asked that staff see if there is
any more that can be added to ensure that the retail store is
directly related to the business operating in the facility.
Councilmember Duggan said that is a separate issue and
this is a general text amendment to reflect all areas of the
industrial district. Councilmember Vitelli said he believes
this is a clear definition. Acting Mayor Schnieeman said she
believes this is fine as well as it is stated.
Councilmember Duggan said during discussions with the
Hilton project, it was discussed that the retail space had to
be within a certain distance of the freeway and does the city
have any control here in relation to the proximity to major
roads. Ms. Diehm said this amendment does not include
any restrictions.
Mr. Sedlacek said there was a difference with the Hilton as
the Hilton was a standalone commercial use. It could be
added as a condition.
Councilmember Krebsbach said she is fine with this
application.
Acting Mayor Schneeman asked Ms. Diehin if she was
satisfied with the amendment. Ms. Dielun said she is.
Councilmember Duggan said this is an industrial area and
in relation to the hours of operation, would this allow retail
businesses to be open on Sundays, suggesting that the hours
be limited to Monday through Saturday. Councilmember
Vitelli said it should be seven days a week because if there
is a market, the business would want to be open to serve the
community, and if the market is down, they can scale back
their hours.
September 1, 2009
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Ms. Diehrn asked for clarification that the hours be from
8:00 am to 5:00 pin or 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Councilmember Vitelli said he would be comfortable with
8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Councilmember Krebsbach said she appreciates the hard
work from the Planning Commission.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
CASE NO. 09 -31, CUNNINGHAM Mr. Sedlacek said the applicant was not available
this evening and asked that this case be tabled.
CASE NO. 09 -32, ADEMITE
Mr. Sedlacek stated that the applicant is requesting a 5'
variance to the front yard setback for a covered front entry
and bay window at 804 Park Place. Mr. Sedlacek said
there was some confusion at the Planning Commission over
the drawings that indicated the front yard setback and noted
that Exhibit A is the correct drawing.
The applicant feels that the hardship is the placement of the
home combined with the exposure to the west created a
damaging condition to the front of the home and the entry
had to be replaced three times since the home was
constructed in 1991. The owners feel that an entry with
closed sides would stop the damage from happening The
unique condition is that the home was constructed right on
the front yard setback so no improvements can be made on
this home without a variance. In the past, the City Council
and the Planning Commission have considered a number of
these requests and found that a covered front entry is a
reasonable use however the Planner noted that these
applications included open sided entries.
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on August
25th and after much debate, agreed to the Planners
recommendation to approve the 5' variance to the front
yard setback.
Councilmember Krebsbach asked how deep the entrance
was. Mr. Sedlacek said it is 4' 9" and added that the sides
are closed.
Councilmember Vitelli said he was at the Planning
Commission meeting and there was a long discussion, and
September 1, 2009
Page 13
that he supports this request as it would be an improvement
to the appearance of the home and seems appropriate. The
applicant discussed some of the damage that has been done
over the past ten years because of the wind.
Councilmember Duggan said he has asked staff to support
and justify numbers 3 and 4 in the resolution. Mr.
Sedlacek said staff does not support those
recommendations. It is matter for the Council to decide the
validity of these findings as proposed. Mr. Sedlacek said
these are the findings that Planner Grittinan extracted from
the application materials. Councilmember Duggan asked
that the legal staff take a look at these items as he does not
think they are necessary. Ms. Diehm said under the "undue
hardship" statute when it comes to variance procedures, the
reasonable use is sometimes confused and the proper
analysis is whether or not the request that has been made is
reasonable — is it reasonable that the applicant would like to
add this entryway to their house. This does not mean there
is no other reasonable use. The resolution in this case
would be defensible without this, but having it in there
would not hurt the city at all.
Councilmember Krebsbach said she is in support of this
and believes that number 4 implies that the house was built
in the 30 -ft setback so no adjustments can be made without
a variance. Councilmember Duggan said that was the
choice of the builder.
Councilmember Krebsbach said there is no way a
protective entrance can be constructed without a variance.
Councilmember Duggan said an awning could provide
some protection. Councilmember Krebsbach said she will
support this and if the Council wants to change item 4, she
would have it included that the house is on the 30 -ft.
setback and there is no other option. Without a variance it
is not possible to have any kind of protected entrance.
Councilmember Vitelli moved adoption of Resolution No.
09 -73, "RESOLUTION APPROVING A 5' VARIANCE
TO THE FRONT YARD SETBACK FOR A COVERED
FRONT ENTRY AND BAY WINDOW AT 804 PARK
PLACE DRIVE."
Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion.
September 1, 2009
Page 14
Councilmember Duggan said when he reviewed the
variance ordinance challenges, he questioned where it talks
about the conditions allowed by Chapter 1, 12.1.02 and
does not see how it applies to the language within the
ordinance in relation to the variance and does not have any
substance going forward. Councilmember Duggan said he
believes that in this case an awning would serve a purpose
and would prefer to use the word diininimis.
Councilmember Krebsbach said in this climate, the
applicant is providing a sheltered entrance to their home
which could not be done with an awning.
Mr. Sedlacek introduced Case No. 09 -33 for a Zoning
Ordinance Amendment to allow customized assisted
living facilities as a conditional use in the R -1 Family
residential district.
Mr. Sedlacek said this is a request for a conditional use
permit language in the zone to allow up to seven
individuals to reside in an assisted living facility if a certain
number of conditions are met.
Currently, the City of Mendota Heights allows up to six
individuals as defined in state law and the city needs to
treat that as a single family home. There are a number of
such facilities in the city which have not created a problem,
recognizing concerns from neighbors when such facilities
are started.
This would answer the question that comes up over what
happens when a house has one room available and there is
a couple where one individual needs assisted living.
There have been concerns raised that some elderly couples
are being split up when one or both are in need of assisted
living care, which is becoming an increasing trend in the
community. Councilmember Vitelli has had some personal
experiences on how this impacts on families. City staff has
been working on these concerns with current providers of
Heart to Home assisted living facilities.
The language in the proposed amendment would allow
seven individuals under the conditions that:
September 1, 2009
Page 15
• the assisted living facility maintains a state license for
such care,
• the facility can have no more than six sleeping rooms,
including the rooms utilized by the host /manager or
personal care attendants,
• of those seven individuals two of the facility occupants
are legally married and share a room,
• the facility residents shall be 65 years of age or older
(years of age is mandated by the state),
• the applicant must provide proof that the room size
meets current state licensing standards for two persons
(this condition was added by the Planning
Commission),
• facility shall be constructed or altered in a manner that
is consistent with single family residential character of
the neighborhood,
• all applicable requirements of the state building and fire
codes are satisfied,
• the emission of noise shall be in compliance and
regulated by the State of Minnesota pollution control
standards,
• the property shall at all tunes be compliant with the
city's property maintenance code as well as other
implacable municipal codes.
Mr. Sedlacek said the state licenses these facilities in terms
of staffing, room size, code compliance and the idea of
having these clauses in the amendment gives the city a
chance to review on a case by case basis. The standard of
seven residents is a city standard and will not change even
if the state standard changes.
Mr. Sedlacek said the Planning Commission expressed
concerns about the timelines and processes that these
residents will have to go through when choosing to move
into such facility, therefore the city may want to allow this
as a permitted use instead of conditional use. If the city
chooses to make this a permitted use, there would be no
opportunity to review each case on a case by case basis.
The benefit of a permitted use would be that the city would
not need to publish a notification as there would be for a
conditional use permit, and many times there is a fear of the
unknown, creating a firestorm of residents that receive such
notification.
September 1, 2009
Page 16
Ms. Diehm said a conditional use permit when approve,
attached to the property. This way, the city is providing a
conditional use permit for that property. It is possible that
an applicant can apply for and receive a conditional use
permit to give themselves the flexibility to allow that 7th
person, even if they have no need for it, to stay with their
spouse and move into a shared room with that spouse. That
property then has that ability to take advantage of that '7th
person whenever they need to. The conditional use permit
is not particular to that person wanting to move in.
Councilmember Vitelli said the state license makes it
unnecessary for the facility to come to the Planning
Commission and the City Council each time, but perhaps
the city could require a license to give the city some control
and to allow city staff to check in periodically and bring
forth any issues that need addressing. Ms. Diehm said
these facilities are already licensed by the state and should
there be a municipal level of licensing, it would be to
request verification from the facility that state standards
have been met. Ms. Diehin added that the licensing would
be applied to each individual structure. Ms. Diehm said the
city can issue as many licenses that they wish to.
Councilmember Krebsbach said she would rather stay with
the conditional use permit.
Mr. Sedlacek said the city can also issue as many
conditional use permits also.
Councilmember Duggan said the conditional use permit
gives the city more control as a city and as a City Council.
Councilmember Duggan said in looking at the conditional
use language, he has found that the language talks about
impact of the use on the neighboring land and public land
and talks about an application for a conditional use permit
needs to have site development, floor area ratio, dimensions
of the home, sewer and water information, grading and
landscaping. This may be already in place in a home that
has approached the state to receive a license. Would this
then bypass the city's process of dimensions, landscaping,
grading, etc. which have already been in place.
Councilmember Duggan said he is much more ready to stay
with the conditional use process, and this process according
September 1, 2009
Page 17
to Planner Grittman can be changed to a permitted use
should the Council wish to.
Councilmember Vitelli said he agrees with the conditional
use process.
Councilmember Krebsbach said she will support this as
well.
Councilmember Krebsbach moved to adopt the Ordinance
Number 415, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 12,
CHAPTER 1 OF THE CITY CODE, THE CITY'S
ZONING ORDINANCE, TO ADD CUSTOMIZED
(ASSISTED) LIVING FACILITIES AS A
CONDITIONAL USE IN THE R -1, ONE - FAMILY
Residential District," amended to .
Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion.
Councilmember Duggan said under number 10, the
language says that the property shall at all times be found
in compliance with the city's property maintenance code as
well as all other applicable municipal codes, and he would
like to add a condition that the parking requirement of four
cars per driveway be included in the language. Ms. Diehm
said language could be added at the end of item 9 to say
"including but not limited to the minimum parking
requirements." It was the consensus to add the language.
Councilmember Vitelli invited some staff members of one
of the city's assisted living facilities to come to address any
questions the Council may have. Co- owners of this
particular facility introduced themselves as Paulette
Vernon, Director of Nursing and Amy Knutson, Director of
Housing. Ms. Vernon and Ms. Knutson asked for
clarification from staff on the conditional use permit
process. Ms. Diehm reviewed the process.
Councilmember Vitelli said his parents are now living at
the Pagel facility and this type of facility is much needed in
the community, and said this program is fantastic. These
facilities are tremendous assets to the conununity and they
should be encouraged.
September 1, 2009
Page 18
Councilmember Duggan asked if it would be appropriate
for these facilities to have brochures available at City Hall.
Mr. Sedlacek said the city usually does not promote
businesses.
Finance Director Kristen Schabacker said on August 25th
the City Council held a budget workshop and the
adjustments have been made to the budget and the
preliminary levy for 2010. The preliminary levy is 1.665%
greater than 2009. The preliminary levy will be certified
by Dakota County prior to September 15th and in
November, the County will send out parcel specific notices
based on this preliminary levy to the residents. This year is
the first year that the city is not required to hold a separate
Truth In Taxation hearing. Instead, the city will discuss the
final budget and the final levy at its December 1St regular
City Council meeting and that information will be included
on the notices that the residents receive in November. The
residents will have an opportunity at that time to discuss
with the Council the city's portion of their property taxes.
It is estimated that the residents will see a slight decrease in
the city's portion of their taxes. After adoption of the
following resolutions, a certification will be sent to the
County.
Councilmember Duggan moved adoption of Resolution No.
09 -74: "RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2010
PROPOSED BUDGET," Resolution No. 09 -75,
"RESOLUTION APPROVING TENTATIVE 2009 LEVY
COLLECTIBLE IN 2010," and Resolution No. 09 -76,
"RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL 2009 TAX LEVY
FOR SPECIAL TAXING DISTRICT NO. 1
COLLECTIBLE IN 2010."
Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion.
Councilmember Vitelli said he is very proud of this city
and while working through the budgeting process recently,
he has found that it is so wonderful to see a city staff that
brings forth a budget that the City Council does not need to
chop away on. The Council had to make a few small
adjustments and it is encouraging to see everyone work
well together. After the budget meeting, Councilmember
Vitelli sat in on the Planning Commission meeting and it
September 1, 2009
Page 19
reminded him that these city commission members are very
dedicated.
Councilmember Duggan said he supports and endorses
Councilmember Vitelli's comments. Councilmember
Duggan said the Council's thanks also go back to previous
councils that have built up the reserves that allow the city
to continue. There is a lot of pride in this city that is
represented through the residents.
Councilmember Duggan reminded everyone of the
September 10th concert to be held at The Village.
Councilmember Duggan asked about the Haggerty case for
a fence and asked if the applicant is complying with the 60-
day rule. Mr. Sedlacek said Ms. Haggerty at 790 Ridge
Place had constructed a fence that did not meet code and a
building permit was not obtained. Staff sent a letter of
enforcement to Ms. Haggerty requiring that the fence either
be removed or have a planning application submitted in
time for the July Planning Commission meeting. That
requirement was met and the application was heard at the
July Planning Commission meeting and was tabled to
August. Just before the August Planning Commission
meeting, Ms. Haggerty's attorney became involved and
asked for additional time to allow the attorney to review the
case. The issues in place include a code enforcement
request contingent upon a planning application; this
application has been allowed due process before any action
is taken. The planning application was found to not be
technically complete and an administrative date for
completion was assigned. The applicant then requested an
extension of the 60 -day review, which expires on
September 13"'. Staff is now working on language to
assign that administrative date. Code enforcement action is
pending, planning application will be discussed at the
September 22 "d Planning Commission meeting.
Councilmember Krebsbach commended Acting Mayor
Schneeman for her chairing of the meeting.
Councilmember Krebsbach said there was a golf outing for
children on August 22 "d at the Par 3 and was well attended.
ADJOURN
ATT . ST:
Act
e Schneeman
Mayor
September 1, 2009
Page 20
Councilmember Krebsbach said she concurs with
Councihnember Vitelli on his comments about how well
the city is managed and there is a close working
relationship between Council and staff, and also among the
Council.
Acting Mayor Schneeman said she has received a phone
call regarding the flushing of the fire hydrants and
reminded residents to run their water for half an to clear the
lines.
Acting Mayor Schneeman said she had received a comment
today about how wonderful the city is and how well it is
run.
There being no further business to come before the
Council, Cotmcilnember Duggan moved to adjourn the
meeting.
Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion.
Time of Adjournment 8:45 p.m.
Rebecca Shaffer
Recording Secretary