2009-11-17 City Council minutesPursuant to due call and
Heights, Minnesota was
Heights, Minnesota.
CALL TO ORDER
November 17, 2009
Page 1
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, November 17, 2009
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
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
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
presented.
Councilmember Vitelli seconded the motion.
Councilmember Duggan moved approval of the minutes of
the regular meeting held on November 3, 2009 as
presented.
Councilmember Vitelli seconded the motion.
Councilmember Duggan moved approval of the consent
calendar as presented, pulling items e, h, and j for further
discussion, and authorization for execution of any
necessary documents contained therein.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Acknowledgement of the Minutes from the November
10, 2009 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting.
Acknowledgement of the October 2009 Treasurer's
Report.
Acknowledgement of the October 2009 Fire
Department Report.
Authorization for Cancellation of December Advisory
Commission Meetings.
Authorization for Installation of Security Light in Ivy
Hill Park.
Authorization of Purchase Order for Squad Car Set Up.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
November 17, 2009
Page 2
g. Approval of Emergency Lighting and Computer for
Assistant Chief's New Vehicle.
h. Approval of Fence Permit for 1520 Commerce Drive.
i. Approval of Monument Sign Replacement on Existing
Base at 1191 Northland Drive.
j. Adoption of Resolution No. 09 -101, "A RESOLUTION
FOR AGENCY AGREEMENT FOR VISITATION
DRIVE AND MENDOTA HEIGHTS ROAD
ROUNDABOUT PROJECT (PROJECT #200711)."
k. Adoption of Resolution No. 09 -102: "A RESOLUTION
SEEKING FUNDING FROM DAKOTA COUNTY
FOR CONTINUATION OF THE COMMUNITY
LANDFILL ABATEMENT PROGRAM."
1. Adoption of Ordinance No. 427: "AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING TITLE 6, CHAPTER 3, SECTION 3 OF
THE CITY CODE." (NO PARKING)
m. Approval of Contractors List, dated November 12,
2009.
n. Approval of the List of Claims, dated November 17,
2009, totaling $239,302.97.
Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion.
SECURITY LIGHT IN IVY HILL PARK Mayor Huber noted the costs have been reduced for getting
the land ready for the recently approved skating rink. He
asked if the Council wants to spend $4,500 now to install a
security light or if it should be delayed one year, after more
is known about the level of use for the skating rink.
Councilmember Vitelli asked if citizens requested the
security light. Councilmember Schneeman stated the Park
Commission requested the light.
Assistant City Administrator Sedlacek explained there had
been no security light in the park since the previous
warming house was removed. Operations and Projects
Coordinator Kullander had identified the need for this
project and the Park Commission debated if it was an
amenity for the skating rink or a light that would usually be
available at a City park.
Councilmember Krebsbach asked whether this was the best
location for a security light. Mr. Sedlacek stated that was
not discussed but the suggested location is where the
electrical conduit is available.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
FENCE PERMIT FOR
1520 COMMERCE DRIVE
November 17, 2009
Page 3
Councilmember Duggan noted the Park Commission
supports a security light and he thinks it makes sense
because it would allow use of the skating rink for longer
hours, beyond when ambient light is available. He
questioned why the city would spend the money to
establish a rink that is only available for use until 5:00 p.m.
Mayor Huber asked if the light would be installed if the
rink had not been built. Mr. Sedlacek stated the grading
cost $500 and it is anticipated to cost $2,200 to create the
ice, for a total of $2,700. He stated it may not have been
realized there was a need for the light had the skating rink
not been installed. He advised of Mr. Kullander's
comment that this was a logical location for a light given
the proximity to the tennis court, basketball court, and
parking.
Councilmember Krebsbach noted a comment from Mr.
Kullander's original memo about a temporary light that
could be installed for this year; however, the City does not
want something that is substandard.
Councilmember Schneeman stated the Council authorized
$5,000 but she felt the cost for the light is outrageous and a
lower bid could be obtained. She noted it does get dark
early, but it is not known what the winter will be like or if
ice can be made. Councilmember Schneeman felt the
entire project could be completed for $5,000, noting
children would probably not be allowed to come to this
park after dark anyway.
Councilmember Vitelli agreed and stated the City should
also ask nearby neighbors if they would like a light.
Councilmember Duggan moved to authorize the installation
of a security light in Ivy Hill Parlc, if the total project cost
remains within the $5,000 authorized for this project, and
to appropriately shield the light so light is not cast on
nearby homes.
Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion.
The Council questioned the color of the proposed fence.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
AGENCY AGREEMENT
(ROUNDABOUT)
November 17, 2009
Page 4
Mr. Sedlacek presented the cross section plan of the
proposed fence, noting it is a six -foot high galvanized chain
link fence. This fence section will be on the north side of
the yard, between the contractor yard and office parking.
Mr. Sedlacek noted there is ornamental fencing on the east
side and a cedar fence on the south side of the property. He
stated the applicant had proposed ornamental fence and he
does not remember the Council addressing the color of the
chain link fence at that time.
Councilmember Duggan asked about screening with shrubs
or trees so the fence appearance concern may be moot. Mr.
Sedlacek stated that fairly substantial trees will be planted.
Councilmember Duggan referenced the plan, noting a
corner of Commerce Drive that identifies six trees will be
on the outside of the fence and the next six trees will be on
the inside of the fence. Mr. Sedlacek agreed that is how the
plan appears. Councilmember Duggan stated his support
since it would break up the magnitude of the fence. He
stated he would have preferred a black colored chain link
fence but it appears that was not indicated when the request
was originally made.
Councilmember Schneeinan moved to grant staff the
authority to issue the requested fence /gates permit for RJ
Ryan Construction at 1520 Commerce Drive, Bituminous
Roadways site, as presented.
Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion.
Councilmember Krebsbach asked who would cover cost
overruns beyond what the federal government provides.
Acting City Engineer Ruzek explained the agreement under
consideration would be with Mn/DOT to obtain federal
funds for the project and does not relate to the actual project
costs.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated this agreement puts it
into play and while the City has a 90 -day cancellation time,
it would make the City responsible for any cost overruns.
Mayor Huber noted that Public Works Director Mazzitello
was confident there would be no cost overruns and with the
November 17, 2009
Page 5
way the project had been designed, the cost estimate would
be adequate to get the project done.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated, for the record, that this
contract would make the City responsible for any cost
overruns and management and employment requirements.
She stated she would like the Council to review the project
budget at the next meeting so there are no surprises. She
noted the City is also responsible to pay for the audit.
Councilmember Duggan asked if the Council should
publicly discuss the project budget if it is going out for
bids. Councilmember Krebsbach noted the budget is
already in the public record.
City Administrator McKnight stated this language is typical
for a City construction project and assured the Council that
staff will keep them updated on a regular basis.
Councilmember Krebsbach asked if the cost for the audit
was included in the budget. Finance Director Schabacker
explained a single audit is required for receipt of more than
$500,000 of federal funds. At this time, the project does
not meet that threshold so a single audit would not be
required.
Councilmember Duggan referenced the cover letter and
asked what is meant by a "certified" resolution. City Clerk
Swanson explained a certification statement would be
drafted indicating the resolution that will be submitted is a
true and correct copy of the original resolution.
Councilmember Duggan referenced agreement language
indicating the City will "sell the plan." Mr. Ruzek
explained it is a standard practice to recover some of the
costs to print and send out the plans. He advised that it will
cost the bidders $75 for this set of plans and specifications.
Councilmember Duggan referenced agreement language
indicating the City "will document quantities." Mr. Ruzek
explained the bid tabulation includes pay items and the
amount paid for quantities.
Councilmember Duggan asked if Mn/DOT takes a small
percentage of the total funds received for handling the
November 17, 2009
Page 6
project. Mr. Ruzek stated the City is allocated to receive
$350,000 and he would have to check but believes
Mn/DOT's portion would come from the federal portion.
Councilmember Duggan referenced the duties of Mn/DOT
and asked what is meant by "DB participation." Tom
Madigan, Foth Infrastructure, advised it means
"disadvantaged business."
Councilmember Vitelli stated he has confidence in staff's
estimate and budgeting of this project. He stated staff has
always provided good estimates and he is confident in
letting staff manage this project, as they normally do.
Councilmember Duggan moved adoption of Resolution No.
09 -101, "A RESOLUTION FOR AGENCY
AGREEMENT FOR VISITATION DRIVE AND
MENDOTA HEIGHTS ROAD ROUNDABOUT
PROJECT (PROJECT #200711)."
Councilmember Vitelli seconded the motion.
Ross Fefercorn, RMF Entities, Ltd., updated the Council on
a newly signed lease with New Heights Physical Therapy,
which will be opening shortly after January 1st. In addition,
they sold a townhouse this week that will close next week
and closed the sale of two condominiums that will be
combined into one unit. Mr. Fefercorn advised of new
businesses including Perfect Polish Nails, Expert Hearing
and Audiology, and The Olive Grove.
Mr. Fefercorn announced the 4th annual Mendota Lights
event on December 5, 2009, 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and
advised of sponsors and activities that will occur as part of
that celebration. He indicated information is available on
their website as well as a schedule and photos of
businesses.
Councilmember Duggan asked if the information is posted
on the City's website. Mr. Fefercorn advised a link is
available on the City's website.
Mr. Fefercorn stated they are in discussion with additional
tenants and excited that people are finding them from other
locations.
November 17, 2009
Page 7
Natalie Jaeger, The Olive Grove, stated they are newly
opened and offer a European olive oil bar, a healthy
product that has experienced a high percentage of sales
increase. She advised of her research to find a location for
this business and stated her business had been featured on
FOX 9 News, and in the Pioneer Press and Highland
Villager, which brought in customers from all over the
metro area and the state, and Wisconsin. Ms. Jaeger stated
the grand opening on Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00
p.m., resulted in 187 transactions, which she found to be
incredible. She displayed pictures of the olive oil bar and
described how the oil is procured from around the world,
displayed, sampled from the spout, bottled, and sold. She
stated they also sell gift boxes, baskets, food items, and
kitchenwares.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated she went to the store on
Saturday and it was packed with customers.
Councilmember Duggan asked if The Olive Grove featured
an olive oil for Thanksgiving. Ms. Jaeger answered it is
wild mushroom and sage extra virgin olive oil.
Mayor Huber asked Ms. Jaeger to relate the story about her
husband. Ms. Jaeger explained that her husband is in the
insurance business and very conservative. When they
relocated from Chicago for his work, she could not find a
job so in January she decided to open an olive oil store.
Her husband asked her to write a business plan, which she
did after researching library books. Her husband reviewed
the 21 -page plan and said it looked good but now she
needed to convince the bank and if the bank got on board,
he would get on board. Ms. Jaeger stated she pitched the
offer to four banks and all four presented offers.
PRESENTATION Mayor Huber welcomed Dick Spicer to provide a Par 3
PAR 3 UPDATE update.
Dick Spicer, Chair of the Par 3 Greens Committee, thanked
the Council for the opportunity to provide a Par 3 update on
their tremendous success over the past year. He advised
they have met all goals for this year: an increase in the
number of players, an increase in youth golf, and improved
the structure of the golf course itself. Mr. Spicer noted that
November 17, 2009
Page 8
last year, when they had only one -half a year, Par 3 had
12,500 rounds, generating almost $150,000 in gross
revenue, which was way up from previous years. He stated
that even after doing a variety of spectacular improvements
a surplus remains to carry over to next year.
Mr. Spicer explained that this year, Mr. Sedlacek stepped
forward with an itinerary: two large bathrooms were put in
the clubhouse for ADA purposes, the building was re- sided,
trees and shrubs were planted, leaning trees were thinned
for safety purposes, and golf course equipment was
improved, all with funds generated by improving the play
of golf itself. Mr. Spicer felt the greatest thing they
accomplished was to bring in youth from other
communities for the Junior PGA tournament, showing that
Mendota Heights was a wonderful place to live. He stated
there are many more improvements that can be done and
they have plans for additional beautification, planting trees
and flowers, and to replace the monument. Mr. Spicer
advised that Jerry Murphy and staff did a wonderful job to
improve the golf course.
Councilmember Duggan stated he received a plaque for
placing a ball closest to the pin at the city tournament and
enjoys retrieving lost golf balls.
Mayor Huber asked Mr. Spicer how he feels about what is
going on. Mr. Spicer stated Paul Portz and Mr. Sedlacek
have done most of the work and part of the money made
helps fund staff salaries. He felt they had set reasonable
goals and then exceeded those goals. Mr. Spicer pointed
out that golf is down in most areas of the country but in
Mendota Heights, golf participation is up.
Mayor Huber stated the weather in October was not the best
for golfing but the numbers are still good and there are
remaining funds to carry forward to next year. He thanked
Mr. Spicer and staff for prudent management and
improving the golf experience to create repeat business.
Mayor Huber stated he is pleased with how it is turning out.
Councilmember Schneeman stated she is excited about the
golf course, as everyone is. She asked for suggestions on a
winter activity to get kids out of the house.
DAKOTA COUNTY REGIONAL
VISIONING STUDY UPDATE
November 17, 2009
Page 9
Mr. Spicer noted that at one time, the Park Commission
talked about cross - country skiing trails in Valley Park and
through the golf course. At that time, the golf course was
privately owned but they agreed to allow trails. Mr. Spicer
stated if a new roof is put on the club house so it is
winterized, Par 3 would be a perfect place for cross - country
skiing.
Councihnember Krebsbach stated she attended the PGA
tournament and spoke with Eden Prairie residents who held
Mendota Heights in high regard for keeping the Par 3 and
found it to be a kid- friendly course.
Mr. Spicer agreed the course promotes Mendota Heights,
noting there are very few par 3 courses left. He thanked the
Council for the opportunity to present the update.
City Administrator McKnight stated that at the November
3rd meeting, the Council had directed staff to track the
Dakota County Regional Visioning Study due to concerns
regarding the interchange. He explained that he and
Assistant City Engineer Ruzek met with Public Works
Director Mazzitello before his departure to discuss options.
It was felt that to do nothing different than in the past was
not feasible due to the concerns expressed by the Council.
It was also felt that the use of City staff to track the Study
was not feasible since he and Mr. Ruzek were new to their
positions and Public Works Director Mazzitello would be
gone for six to eight months. Mr. McKnight stated staff
recommends establishing an ad -hoc project committee
consisting of the following individuals to assure interests of
Mendota Heights are being adequately considered as the
Dakota County Regional Visioning Study moves forward:
Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC — primary role
would be technical analysis and critique of the Dakota
County consultant's assumptions, traffic modeling, and
recommendations. The City's consultant will report back
to the City Administrator and Acting Public Works
Director /Acting City Engineer with results of their analysis.
Acting Public Works Director /Acting City Engineer — to
provide technical support to the City's consultant along
with City engineering records and data, and to attend the
Technical Committee meetings.
November 17, 2009
Page 10
City Administrator — to act as the overall coordinator of
efforts among team members.
City Attorney — to provide legal support and advice on
issues surrounding the Visioning Study.
City Council Representative — to provide Council
perspective to the team and act as the team liaison with the
rest of the Council.
Mr. McKnight stated staff further recommends that the
Council discuss a Joint Powers Agreement with the City of
Sunfish Lake and come to an agreement whereby the City
of Sunfish Lake can participate with and share in costs
incurred with this proposal from the City of Mendota
Heights' team. He explained if it is the wish of the Council
to implement staffs recommendation, they should pass a
motion authorizing the establishment of the Dakota County
Regional Visioning Study Ad -Hoc Team as recommended
by staff and further authorizing staff to obtain a work order
estimate from Foth Infrastructure & Environmental LLC
for services anticipated for their role in the team.
Mayor Huber stated staff's recommendation looks like a
good overall plan.
Councilmember Krebsbach asked if this team would be
used for lobbying. Mayor Huber stated if, at some point,
the City thinks there is a need for pure lobbying assistance,
it could go with that route. Mr. McKnight advised that
Tom Madigan of Foth Infrastructure & Environmental LLC
has indicated he would advise the City if a lobbyist is
needed.
Mayor Huber stated any good communication strategy has
to be backed up with good facts, technical information, and
advice. In addition, contacts need to be used. Mayor
Huber stated an ad -hoc committee is a good place to start.
Councilmember Krebsbach asked how all the groups would
communicate. Mayor Huber stated the community is
intensely interested in this issue and he thinks Sunfish Lake
Mayor Park will also be involved. As a demonstration of
how serious the Council takes this matter, he requested to
be appointed as the Council representative. In terms of
November 17, 2009
Page 11
making sure that communication occurs, Mayor Huber
stated he would look to Mr. McKnight to draft
communications to all parties. Mayor Huber stated this
will probably be a regular item on the agenda so there will
be ample opportunity to provide input.
Councilmember Krebsbach agreed there should be regular
briefings and the Council deployed, as needed. She stated
support for Mayor Huber to represent the Council on the
ad -hoc committee, which shows the weight and importance
of this issue. Councilmember Krebsbach stated the Council
should, when they have the opportunity, discuss this matter
with their contacts.
Councilmember Schneeman asked if there should be an
alternate representative in case Mayor Huber is not
available. Mayor Huber stated Mendota Heights always
needs a Council representation at the meetings and if he is
not available, he will make that known so another can
attend. Councilmember Krebsbach stated with notice she
can remain flexible to fill in, if needed.
Mayor Huber noted that the Council is getting a number of
e -mails from concerned citizens and been replying to
reaffirm the City is united in its position. He stated the
City needs a plan on how to advise citizens they can have a
role so their voice is heard and concerns brought forth.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated the citizens' e -mails have
been effective, thoughtful, and asked good questions.
Councilmember Schneeman noted that 179 people attended
the visioning meeting with the majority being from
Mendota Heights. She agreed that many animated,
knowledgeable, and interested people were in attendance.
Councilmember Duggan stated both he and Michael
Noonan had distributed flyers. The end result was terrific
attendance and representation by Mendota Heights. He
stated that Mike Walsh knows some people in Washington
D.C., so he urged Mr. Walsh to call them. Councilmember
Duggan stated that due to the high attendance, Dakota
County was made aware of the great interest in this study.
November 17, 2009
Page 12
Councilmember Vitelli stated he fully supports staff s
recommendation and that the Mayor take the lead in
representing the City. He recommended the ad -hoc
committee prepare memos to the City's legislative
representatives indicating residents and business people
find it very easy to list the negatives of the proposal and ask
them to advise of the positives for Mendota Heights, which
they represent. Councilmember Vitelli stated he sees no
positives and the City needs to find out who is directing
this matter, possibly motivation from landowners.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated she talked with
Commissioner Tom Egan at the open house and directly
asked him to oppose this on behalf of Mendota Heights.
She also talked to Mark Krebsbach (no relation) who said it
was early in the process. She suggested the more the City
Council voices its opinions as an elected body, the more
effective it will be.
Michael Noonan stated he had attended the earlier open
house at Sibley and been following the process. He stated
that he had received a notice several weeks prior to the
open house. Mr. Noonan stated he lives adjacent to
Delaware and will be directly impacted. However, his
neighbors were not aware of the matter so he prepared a
circular, printed and delivered it. He stated that open
houses are wonderful to provide basic information but a
comprehensive set of facts have not been provided to the
community. Mr. Noonan stated he met with Mr. Sorenson
individually and got answers but he failed to find a
comprehensive situation that talks about impacts to
Mendota Heights and Sunfish Lake, steep topography,
wetlands and mature vegetation, when you "drill it down."
Mr. Noonan asked how the road is going to change if the
unpleasant happens and an interchange is constructed at
Delaware and 1-494. When those basic questions were
asked, they were not answered because Dakota County said
it was not yet known. Mr. Noonan stated he believes there
will be direct impacts and the fear of the unknown "fans the
flames" and makes it a bigger deal than what it may be. He
stated the City should impress upon the visioning group
that there needs to be better community consultation so all
have the same understanding about the impact. Then
citizens can make an informed judgment. Otherwise, all
November 17, 2009
Page 13
trend to rush to judgment and become characterized as
NIMBYs (Not In My Back Yard).
Mr. Noonan stated he wants to be an informed citizen and
while change will happen, it has to be change for the good
and not just growth taking place in Inver Grove Heights
and Eagan that is thrust onto Mendota Heights. He felt
those cities have to assume the responsibility for their own
growth and take the impacts, not thrust it onto areas north
of I -494. Mr. Noonan urged the City to develop a program
but to not lose sight of the tremendous resource of citizens
in Mendota Heights and Sunfish Lake. He stated he has
been corresponding with other residents, individuals who
will stand behind the Councils of both cities to make sure
the right thing is done.
Mr. Noonan asked the City to impress on Dakota County
the need to provide all the facts, costs, timing, and
alternatives. He stated it is difficult for residents to fully
understand five alternatives because you do not know what
to concentrate on and residents want to talk about what is
real and immediate. Mr. Noonan offered to do what he can,
noting there is a core of interested residents in the City,
Copperfield neighborhood, and Sunfish Lake to help the
Council and staff.
Mayor Huber stated the City wants to use all resources,
which will absolutely include Mendota Heights and Sunfish
Lake residents.
The Honorable Molly Park, Mayor of Sunfish Lake, stated
it is a pleasure to appear before the Council, noting they are
"brothers and sisters" living side -by -side and this issue
calls them to work together and collaborate, sharing
resources and ideas for the good of community and
citizens. Mayor Park explained that two years ago, Sunfish
Lake began forming an ad -hoc conunittee to deal with a
possible interchange at Delaware and I -494. However, they
were unable to use the Sunfish Lake attorney and engineer
since they also represented Inver Grove Heights. Mayor
Park stated that Sunfish Lake hired a land use attorney and
a number of citizens who live close to the freeway served
on their ad -hoc committee. She explained that in Sunfish
Lake, any committee formed with staff and council
contains at least one citizen, which is important
November 17, 2009
Page 14
symbolically. Mayor Park stated that Inver Grove Heights
has the right to develop its land and she hopes they can sort
out the "wants" and "needs" in their development. But if
their "wants" impinge on Sunfish Lake and Mendota
Heights, the cities have to work out a resolution that is
good for all.
Councilmember Vitelli asked Mayor Park why they don't
hire a different city attorney if there is a conflict of interest.
Mayor Park explained their attorney and engineer recuse
themselves from both sides when dealing with this issue.
Councilmember Vitelli recommended they use the Mendota
Heights City Attorney. Mayor Park stated she will have to
talk with her council further about this matter.
Mayor Parlc stated they may come to a point to talk about a
not -to- exceed budget at a later time.
Councilmember Duggan stated he supports Mayor Park's
comments about citizen participation and knows that
former Councilmember Jill Smith and Dave Herrick of
Huber Avenue are interested, as well as Mr. Noonan.
Mayor Huber stated support to start the ad -hoc committee
and then address where resources should be directed. He
suspected the City will want to contact legislators so a
group could coordinate that effort with the county, state,
and federal side.
Mayor Park again thanked the Council and stated she is
heartened that Mayor Huber will be representing the
Mendota Heights Council and joining her in this "family
affair."
Councihneinber Duggan suggested a report in the Heights
Highlights and maybe increasing publication to get the
message out since people do read it. Mayor Huber noted it
will also be on the City's website.
Terri Moore, Delaware Avenue, stated if Alternative C is
selected, her house will no longer be there. She thanked
the Council and Mr. Noonan for their support. Ms. Moore
stated she hopes that someone on the committee will
address east /west issues south of I -494.
November 17, 2009
Page 15
Brian Sorenson, Dakota County Transportation
Department, explained that most of the alternatives show
improvements to Lone Oak Road, which is the next
east /west road that is south of I -494. Other alternatives
show no access changes to I -494.
Mayor Huber stated there are alternatives to get people to
the northwest corner of Inver Grove Heights by getting off
on Dodd Road.
Councilmember Duggan referenced the Inver Grove
Heights AUAR, noting two significant points: a letter from
Mn/DOT indicating they don't believe there is adequate
analysis to support the need for a new interchange access
point at I -494 and Trunk Highway 63 (Argenta Trail); and,
plans for a 4 -lane highway on Delaware Avenue. On the
other hand, the AUAR talks about the need for more than
100,000 additional trips but the Metropolitan Council
indicates there is no way that will happen. Councilmember
Duggan stated that as Mendota Heights struggles to
complete its 2010 Comprehensive Plan, it appears that
Inver Grove Heights has a 2020 Comprehensive Plan. He
stated he would like to see a copy of their plan and
indicated that Inver Grove Heights needs newer ideas on
how to more centralize development within their own city.
Councilmember Vitelli moved to authorize the
establishment of the Dakota County Regional Visioning
Study Ad -Hoc Team as recommended by staff and to
authorize staff to obtain a work order estimate from Foth
Infrastructure & Environmental LLC for services
anticipated for their role in the team.
Councilmember Schneeman seconded the motion.
Councilmember Vitelli said he had no activities to report as
he just returned from taking his two granddaughters to
Florida, which was a perfect trip.
Councilmember Schneeman stated she attended the Holy
Family Maronite Church consecration, which was a
beautiful ceremony attended by a huge crowd, and
Lebanese dinner afterwards. She stated this church is a
wonderful addition to Mendota Heights.
ADJOURN
Ayes: 5
Nays:0
November 17, 2009
Page 16
Councilmember Schneeman recognized and welcomed two
students from Cretin Durham High School.
Councilmember Krebsbach said she attended the Sunday
service at the Holy Family Maronite Church, a wonderful
event, and met Bishop Shaheen.
Councilmember Krebsbach announced that Glencoe High
School, her alma mater, was in the tournament and beat De
La Salle High School in an incredible game at Macalester
College.
Councilmember Duggan offered a big "shout out" to the
great number of Mendota Heights and Sunfish Lake
citizens who attended the November 10th visioning open
house and were attentive to the presentations. He also
thanked Mr. Noonan for his efforts.
Councilmember Duggan stated that after a horrible year, he
is happy to announce that his son is well into recovery from
melanoma and thanked all for the prayers offered on his
behalf.
There being no further business to come before the
Council, Councilmember Krebsbach moved to adjourn the
meeting.
Councilmember Schneeman seconded the motion.
Time of Adjournment 8:18 p.m.
K. thleen M. Swanson
City Clerk
Prepared by Carla Worth, Recording Secretary