2007-04-03 City Council minutesApril 3, 2007
Page 1
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the regular meeting of the City Council, City of Mendota
Heights, Minnesota was held at 7:30 o'clock p.m. at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota
Heights, Minnesota.
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AGENDA ADOPTION
Ayes: 3
Nays: 0
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Huber called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. The
following members were present: Councilmembers
Krebsbach and Schneeman. Commissioners Duggan and
Vitelli had notified Council that they would be absent.
Council, the audience and staff recited the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Councilmember Krebsbach moved adoption of the agenda as
presented. Councilmember Schneeman seconded the
motion.
Councilmember Krebsbach moved approval of the consent
calendar as presented and authorization for execution of any
necessary documents contained therein.
a. Acknowledgement of the March 2007 Building Activity Report.
b. Authorization to Purchase Keyless Entry System for the Fire Station.
c. Authorization for Issuance of Building Permit for 1300 Mendota
Heights Road for Parking Lot Expansion.
d. Approval of Parking Lot Reconstruction at 2520 Pilot Knob Road.
e. Approval of Sidewalk Tables for Sage Market and Wine Bar.
f. Adoption of Resolution No. 07-24, "RESOLUTION RATIFYING
THE PROPOSED ISSUANCE AND SALE OF DAKOTA
COMMUNICATIONS CENTER PUBLIC SAFETY REVENUE
BONDS, PROVIDING FOR THE ALLOCATED SHARE OF THE
PAYMENT THEREOF."
Adoption of Resolution No. 07-25, "RESOLUTION APPROVING
FINAL PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, AND AUTHORIZING
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR KIPP ADDITION AND
IMPROVEMENTS."
h. Approval of the List of Contractor licenses.
1. Approval of the List of Claims.
g.
Councilmember Schneeman seconded the motion.
Ayes: 3
Nays: 0
PUBLIC COMMENTS
April 3, 2007
Page 2
William Rebanski spoke to the City Council to explain how
he is trying to complete his Eagle Scout Badge by attending
the City Council meeting, which is a requirement of the
badge award, and talked about his father who is currently
serving a second tour in Iraq.
DISCUSSION OF Chief Aschenbrener said effective the end of May, 2007,
PROMOTION AND HIRING Sergeant Donn Anderson will be retiring. The Police
PROCESS FOR POLICE Department is seeking to start a process to promote a new
DEPARTMENT Sergeant from the current eligible patrol officers.
Ayes: 3
Nays: 0
CIVIC CENTER BALLFIELD
IMPROVEMENTS
Councilmember Schneeman moved to authorize staff to
begin the promotion / hiring process and to appoint two
Council members to assist in the promotional process.
Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion.
Councilmember Schneeman and Councilmember Krebsbach
both agreed to assist with this process.
Operations and Project Manager Guy Kullander gave an
update on the design that for installation of batting cages
at the Civic Center ballfield.
Mr. Kullander said Option #1 is supported by MHAA. That
plan is to move the existing outfield fence and install two
batting cages — one behind the left field fence, the other cage
behind the right field fence.
Mr. Kullander said he consulted with Public Works Lead
Person Terry Blum, and they determined that from a
maintenance standpoint, this plan would fit best on the City
Hall site.
The cost estimate is $35,000. If the batting cages were
placed outside the existing fence line, without the need to
move the fence, the cost would be about $25,000.
Councilmember Krebsbach asked what the condition was of
the existing fence. Mr. Kullander said the existing fence is
about 25 years old and the galvanizing is coming off. The
current fence configuration in some areas makes it hard to
April 3, 2007
Page 3
mow, and some of the fencing has been damaged slightly
because of that.
Councilmember Krebsbach said she believes the City will
most likely have to replace this fence soon as it has been
there so long. Mr. Kullander said it currently serves its
function, and a new fence will last another 30 years.
Councilmember Krebsbach asked if the cost difference was
in the fence replacement. Mr. Kullander said that was true.
Councilmember Krebsbach said it's not as if the City would
be wasting money as this fence will need to be replaced
soon.
Mr. Kullander said the mowing strip on the fencing will not
be needed with this proposal and will save the City about
$4,000.
Councilmember Schneeman asked about the wetlands. Mr.
Kullander said that concern only come into play when
looking at putting the cages closer to them, and needing a
retaining wall. In Option #1, the cages will not interfere
with that area.
Mayor Huber asked Finance Director Kristen Schabacker
for clarification on financing. Ms. Schabacker said $21,000
will come out of the Special Park Fund and the rest of the
funding could come from cell tower revenue. Administrator
Danielson said he was in agreement with these
arrangements.
Mayor Huber said he is happy that some of the funds can
come out of another source other than the Special Park
Fund, and it's a good idea to replace the fence, even if a bit
prematurely.
Councilmember Schneeman said she is fine with the funding
options, and a lot of people put a lot of time and energy into
this plan which is well thought out and seems to be the best
option.
Mayor Huber asked if anyone in the audience wished to
speak against this funding proposal. No one came forward
wishing to speak.
Ayes: 3
Nays: 0
April 3, 2007
Page 4
Councilmember Schneeman moved to authorize Staff to
implement Option #1, using $21,000 out of the Special Park
Fund and the remaining costs out of the cell tower income.
Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion.
Mayor Huber thanked all those involved with this process for
their hard work and dedication.
COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Huber, on behalf of the City of Mendota Heights,
expressed condolences to Councilmember Schneeman on the
recent passing of her brother -in -law.
ADJOURN
Ayes: 3
Nays: 0
Councilmember Schneeman spoke about St. Thomas
Academy's championship win at the state AAA basketball
tournament.
Councilmember Krebsbach said she attended the game and it
was excellent; and wished everyone a pleasant holiday
season.
There being no further business to come before
Councilmember Schneeman, moved to adjourn the City
Council meeting to the Closed Session which will precede
the April 20th meeting. Councilmember Kresbach seconded
the motion.
Time of Adjournment: 7:45 p.m.
Rebecca '. ffer
Recording Secretary