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2013-01-15 Council minutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, January 15, 2013 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the regular meeting of the City Council, City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota was held at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota. OATH OF OFFICE — MAYOR SANDRA KREBSBACH City Administrator Justin Miller administered the Oath of Office to Mayor Sandra Krebsbach. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Krebsbach called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following members were present: Councilmembers Duggan, Petschel, and Norton. Councilmember Povolny was absent. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council, the audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA ADOPTION Mayor Krebsbach presented the agenda for adoption. Councilmember Petschel moved adoption of the agenda. Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Povolny) PRESENTATIONS A) RECOGNITION OF EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARDS The following employees were recognized for their years of service and were presented a certificate by Mayor Krebsbach: Peyton Fleming, Police Officer Rick Griep, Fire Department Michelle Parker, Fire Department John Ambrose, Public Works Rich Burrows, Fire Department John Boland, Fire Department Tracy Wilcziek, Fire Department Nancy Bauer, Public Works and Fire Department Five Years Ten Years Ten Years Fifteen Years Fifteen Years Fifteen Years Fifteen Years Twenty-five Years January 15, 2013 Mendota Heights City Council Page 1 B) RECOGNITION OF POLICE DEPARTMENT AWARDS Chief of Police Michael Aschenbrener recognized Ms. Sandie Ristine who was with the Police Department for six years and retired last fall. She was presented with a plaque that included the two badges that she wore. Sergeant Brian Convery recognized the Volunteer Reserve Officers for another year of exemplary service. In 2012, the reserve unit volunteered 3,029 hours of volunteer support to the Police Department. This impressive donation of time was accomplished by Volunteer Reserve Captain Jerry Murphy as well as Reserve Officers Randy Pentel, Jesse Mettner, George Castillo, Jim Knox, Jeffrey Parker, and Volunteer Coordinator Becky Pentel. In December 2012, Reserve Officer Jesse Mettner accepted a full-time job as a police officer with the City of West St. Paul. He started as an intern for the Police Department in 2008 and in 2009 he was appointed as a Reserve Officer. During that time he has assisted with training for the Reserve Officers and the revamping of the Field Training Officer Program. He has earned the Presidential Volunteer Service Bronze Award in 2011 and 2012. He was presented with a memorabilia of the badges he wore for the city. Sergeant Convery explained that the President's Volunteer Service Award is the award presented through President Obama's office and recognizes individuals and groups that achieved a certain standard of volunteer service measured by the volunteer hours they provide. The following awards were presented: Becky Pentel — Presidential Bronze (185 hours) George Castillo — Presidential Bronze (110 hours) Jesse Mettner — Presidential Bronze (110 hours) Jerry Murphy — Presidential Bronze (213 hours) Jeff Parker — Presidential Silver (253 hours) Jim Knox — Presidential Gold (1026 hours) Randy Pentel — Presidential Gold (1085 hours) Jerry Murphy was also presented with the Lifetime Service Award from the Office of President Obama in recognition of his forty-five years of volunteer service to the City of Mendota Heights. Fire Chief John Maczko introduced the two newest members of the Mendota Heights Fire Department, Daniel Bogg and Daniel Ober. Chief of Police Michael Aschenbrener gave plaques and letters of conunendation to Jeff Parker, Peyton Fleming, and Randy Pentel for their efforts in putting together the celebration for the 50th Anniversary of the Police Department. A letter of commendation was given to Tanner Spicer for his patience and training that resulted in the successful outcome of a chase and possible suicide situation. Mayor Krebsbach, on behalf of the Council, stated they are proud of the Police and Fire Departments. This commendation is indicative of the quality of service the City of Mendota Heights has. January 15, 2013 Mendota Heights City Council Page 2 CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Krebsbach presented the consent calendar and explained the procedure for discussion and approval. Councilmember Duggan moved approval of the consent calendar as presented and authorization for execution of any necessary documents contained therein. a. Acknowledgement of January 8, 2013 City Council Minutes b. Acknowledgement of January 8, 2013 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes c. Approval of 2012 Audit Engagement Letter d. Approval of Wetland Health Evaluation Program (WHEP) JPA with Dakota County e. Approval of Personnel Action Report f. Accept Retirement of Firefighter Rick Griep g. Approval of 2012 Contractor List h. Approval of 2013 Contractor List i. Approval of Claims List Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Povolny) PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A) RESOLUTION 2013 -07 HIGHWAY 110 / DODD ROAD INTERSECTION PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS UPDATE AND APPROVAL OF FINAL PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS City Engineer John Mazzitello explained that staff has been working with SRF Consulting Group (SRF) on design plans for pedestrian safety improvements at the intersection of Highway 110 and Highway 149, which is also known as Dodd Road. On September 18, 2012 SRF presented to the Council a preliminary report of the improvements being planned. Since that time there has been extensive coordination with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. This is the intersection of two state highways so anything that the City desires to do needs to be reviewed and approved by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Mr. Matt Hansen from SRF was present to go over the design plans. Mr. Hansen gave a brief project description, updated Council on the status of the project, and explained some of the details so the Council and the Mayor had a good understanding of the project. He gave an update on the project schedule. The construction plans have been completed and were thoroughly reviewed by MnDOT. After Council approval, the plans will go back to MnDOT for their final signature. January 15, 2013 Mendota Heights City Council Page 3 In general, the project includes improving the pedestrian crossing at the intersection, aesthetic improvements, and realignment of the Interstate Valley Creek Trail. City Engineer John Mazzitello pointed out that the trail realignment would be bid with this project; however it is not federally funded, only the intersection is. Mr. Hansen explained that the entire intersection would get a new surface of pavement. The existing pavement that is rough and rutted in spots would be milled off and a new surface installed; including new striping. Currently, there are pedestrian crossings at all four legs of the intersection. It was determined that it would be best and an improvement to safety to eliminate pedestrian crossings on the west leg of the intersection and the south leg of the intersection. With the amenities and trails that are in the area, there is obviously the connection with the Interstate Valley Creek Trail, as well as improvements to the north and south of Highway 110. The design is to make the improvements such that the allowed pedestrian movements are only two legs of the intersection rather than all four. Mr. Hansen then shared some visual representations of the planned improvements. The project is scheduled to start in May 2013 and be completed by August 2013. Councilmember Duggan asked if the issues and concerns raised by Council have been included in the project. City Engineer Mazzitello replied that all of the Council's concerns were discussed with the Department of Transportation engineering staff, specifically those responsible for pedestrian safety, and those that were able to be included were included in the final plans. Councilmember Duggan asked for confirmation that the landscaping planned for the center island would not impede sight lines for cars turning left. Mr. Hansen replied that SRF identified plant materials that would be hardy, low maintenance, and low to the ground. None of the planned landscape materials would exceed twenty -four inches in height at maturity. Councilmember Duggan asked if the new signage on the southeast comer and the center island would be sequenced. Mr. Hansen confirmed that those signal operations would be sequenced. He also noted that all of the movements that would be crossing Highway 110 would be sequenced. Councilmember Duggan asked if the right turn traffic on the northeast corner would have any signage to make drivers aware of the pedestrian crossing. Mr. Robert Levi of SRF answered that the Department of Transportation would not allow it as it is not something they would typically install on a state highway. Councilmember Duggan requested that SRF ask MnDOT about installing a cautionary sign indicating that the turn is twenty -five miles per hour as opposed to the forty-five mile per hour speed on the road. Mr. Levi indicated that they could do that. City Engineer Mazzitello stated that this point was discussed quite extensively with MnDOT and it not part of their policy to put such signage on state highways for free right turns. The safety enhancements to be seen at that particular movement location — the island, where pedestrians have their safe haven, would be slightly larger than the one that exists now. There would be new curbing, a new island, and it would be lit — where it is currently not lit. Staff and SRF did try to get some type of advance warning system, whatever MnDOT would allow, but it will remain, per MnDOT policy, the way it is currently. January 15, 2013 Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 Councilmember Duggan then asked, in regards to the white striping for pedestrian crossings, if there could be striping that would indicate a crossing from the north island across to the trail. Mr. Hansen replied that MnDOT would not allow that. Mayor Krebsbach asked if there is another step that MnDOT would take to protect or mark the northeast corner pedestrian crossing. She also pointed out that for pedestrians to make that crossing they would be navigating to two islands, one being totally on their own. Mr. Hansen stated they are willing to bring up the question again to MnDOT and explain that the City Council is very adamant that there be some additional protection provided. Councilmember Petschel expressed her agreement that this should be pursued further. She also suggested that the Council write letters in support of this suggestion to their representatives. Councilmember Norton indicated that the aerial photo shared with the Council shows that the area is striped for a pedestrian crossing. Councilmember Norton asked if it could be changed from a free right turn to a regular right -hand turn lane. City Engineer Mazzitello answered that the reason that the westbound to northbound, as well as the eastbound to southbound, turning movements have those free rights is because Dodd crosses Highway 110 at an angle. When two state highways meet at something other than a ninety degree angle, it is a very common practice to provide those free rights. With respect to striping the crosswalk, he suggested the Council approve this project as is — without striping. City staff could work through Representative Hansen as well as the South Area Manager to do their best lobbying effort to get that striping added before they go to construction in May. Councilmember Duggan asked if the area is currently striped, what would be wrong with just improving the striping as opposed to indicating that they would be removing it. City Engineer Mazzitello replied that in order for the City to receive the federal fluids through the Transportation Enhancement Grant, the State Department of Transportation must approve these plans to their current policies. The City must abide by those policies in order to get the project awarded and moving towards construction. City Administrator Justin Miller also noted that there would probably be a post construction inspection by the State of Minnesota and should they see something like that, it could be cause to withhold the funds. Mayor Krebsbach asked which suggestions from the Council did not go forward. City Engineer Mazzitello replied that, other than the signage for the free right turn, there was an inquiry as to whether or not a barricade could be installed at the nose of the center median. MnDOT would not allow that for vehicle safety purposes. The curbing on the raised median in the center would suffice as a safety measure for the pedestrians. Councilmember Duggan moved adoption of Resolution 2013 -07, "A RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL DESIGN PLANS FOR THE TRUNK HIGHWAY 110 AND TRUNK HIGHWAY 149 INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING SOLICITATION OF BIDS FOR CONSTRUCTION" with the addition of letters from staff to Representative Rick Hansen and Senator Jim Metzen requesting they support the City in getting the appropriate striping at the northeast comer on Highway 110 crossing onto Dodd Road, recognizing that this has been striped in the past. Councilmember Norton seconded the motion. January 15, 2013 Mendota Heights City Council Page 5 Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Povolny) B) RESOLUTION 2013 -06 APPROVING DAKOTA COUNTY CDA REDEVELOPMENT PLANNING GRANT APPLICATION Assistant to the City Administrator Jake Sedlacek explained that staff has been in conversations with the broker representing the Fisherville property. The Fisherville Coffee Shop has once again closed and the building is on the market. Upon learning this, staff talked with the Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA) as they have a redevelopment planning grant to determine if this would be an eligible project. CDA indicated that this would be an eligible project and encouraged the City to apply and that application was brought before the Council. This would be simply a planning grant and does not imply any sort of action other than studying the Fisherville site and the adjacent city -owned sites and coming up with a plan for how that site might be developed. This would include a plan with market analysis, considering best uses, and hopefully some kind of design around how a building footprint, parking, and run -off would all work on this site. As the application needs to be submitted very soon, staff moved this request forward without having an idea of what that actual RFP would look like. Should Council support the application, staff would submit it to the CDA. Then upon any notice of grant, should it be awarded, staff would then meet with the property owner and the current real estate agents and develop an RFP for a concept plan for the site. The site under review includes the former site of the Fisherville Coffee Shop, Bella Boutique, and an abandoned service station. These three sites together, a total of 1.31 acres, compile the old fire hall site that was demolished in the early 1990's. Councilmember Duggan suggested that both references to affordable housing be removed from the resolution because the current zoning does not call for housing at this time. Mayor Krebsbach stated she is interested in looking at redevelopment in terms of a business at this site. She then requested that City Administrator Justin Miller give a little more description of this application. City Administrator Miller requested that Council remember that the Community Development Agency is predominantly a housing agency and their funds are usually guided toward that. However, they do have grants for redevelopment, which staff is not applying for at this point. Mayor Krebsbach asked for confirmation that the city is not applying for a redevelopment grant. City Administrator Miller replied that this grant is for a planning grant. Mayor Krebsbach asked why the fifth Whereas section is needed. Assistant City Administrator Sedlacek replied that this is required language by the CDA in order to apply for the grant. This language does not in any way require the City to spend money in any certain way. January 15, 2013 ILlendota Heights City Council Page 6 Mayor Krebsbach asked for more information about the basis on which they would grant this application. Sedlacek stated this is a grant to be used to assess the site and that is the intent of this application. It is simply to assess the site for best use and develop some form of a plan to move forward. Councilmember Petschel asked for clarification that this is the first step and is not the final step for development. It is to determine what we have, what the sites' challenges are, what would be needed in this area in terms of market analysis, and then what might be the best use of this property. She viewed this as a broad assessment of the site to receive recommendations. Assistant City Administrator Sedlacek confirmed. Councilmember Duggan moved adoption of Resolution 2013-06 "A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN APPLICATION FOR A REDEVELOPMENT PLANNING GRANT FROM THE DAKOTA COUNTY COMMIJNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY". Councilmember Petschel seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Povolny) COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Norton commented he is happy to see that the city is taking an active role in looking at the former Fisherville site because it is an opportunity for there to be something special there that makes the residents happy, as well as a private business happy. Mayor Krebsbach commended staff in terms of the documentation that was put together for the FEMA award. City Administrator Justin Miller explained that the City of Mendota Heights has received a majority of the payment from FEMA that was requested for the clean-up from the June storm that totaled $111,000+. He gave credit to Chief Aschenbrener for the well-organized infolination that was provided. He also recognized Finance Director Kristen Schabacker, Nancy Bauer, and Tom Olund for their assistance in putting together the documentation necessary. Councilmember Duggan noted that the City of Mendota Heights should be proud that the next Mr. Pat (Grand Marshall) for this year's St. Paul St. Patrick's Day Parade is a resident of Mendota Heights by the name of Kevin Moore, a retired police sergeant from the St. Paul Police Department. Councilmember Duggan read a poem in honor of his father-in-law's ninety-second birthday. ADJOURN Councilmember Petschel moved to adjourn. Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Povolny) January 15, 2013 Mendota Heights City Council Page 7 Mayor Krebsbach adjourned the meeting at 8:16 p.m. ATTEST: 0-1-A-AZ Lorri S nith City Clerk a Krebsbach Mayor January 15, 2013 Mendota Heights City Council Page 8