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2013-03-19 Council minutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, March 19, 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. CALL TO ORDER Acting Mayor Petschel called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following members were present: Councilmembers Duggan, Povolny, and Norton. Mayor Krebsbach was absent. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council, the audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA ADOPTION Acting Mayor Petschel presented the agenda for adoption. Councilmember Duggan moved adoption of the revised agenda with the addition of Item 8C. Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Krebsbach) CONSENT CALENDAR Acting Mayor Petschel 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, pulling Items G) Approval of Resolution 2013-20, Renewal of Agreement with ISD 197 for School Resource Officer Contract for Services; and L) Approval of Invasive Plant Removal Contract in Valley Park. a. Acknowledgement of March 5, 2013 City Council Minutes b. Acknowledgement of March 12, 2013 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes c. Acknowledgement of March 13, 2013 Airport Relations Commission Minutes d. Receipt of February 2013 Fire Department Synopsis Report e. Approval of Temporary On-Sale Liquor License, St. Thomas Academy f. Approval of Resolution 2013-19, Conditional Use Permit Extension for Linder's Flower Marts, Mendota Plaza g. Approval of Resolution 2013-20, Renewal of Agreement with ISD 197 for School Resource Officer Contract for Services March 19, 2013 Mendota Heights City Council Page 1 h. Approval of 2013 Street Sweeping Contract i. Approval of Personnel Action Report j. Approval of Sign Pelinit, Intradyn, 1355 Mendota Heights Road, Suite 300 k. Approval of Purchase of Engineering Department Pickup Truck 1. Approval of Invasive Plant Removal Contract in Valley Park m. Approval of Portable Generator Modifications n. Approval of Contractor List o. Approval of Claims List Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Krebsbach) PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEM G) APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 2013-20, RENEWAL OF AGREEMENT WITH ISD 197 FOR SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER CONTRACT FOR SERVICES Councilmember Duggan commented that he is in favor of the contract but had some changes that he would like to recommend, some of them being language changes but others he felt were substantive. Councilmember Duggan moved to approve Resolution 2013 -20 and the contract to provide service to ISD 197; "SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER CONTRACT FOR SERVICE" with the changes outlined. Councilmember Norton seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Krebsbach) PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEM L) APPROVAL OF INVASIVE PLANT REMOVAL CONTRACT IN VALLEY PARK Councilmember Duggan asked for clarification that this removal service would be available to other areas of the community that have invasive plants besides just Valley Park. Assistant City Engineer Ryan Ruzek replied that in 2002 the City hired a consultant to complete a resources management plan for the City. Staff hopes to one day have a five year plan for removal of invasive plants, the same as they do for streets, trails, and sewer maintenance. Acting Mayor Petschel commented that some buckthorn removal has been done around Copperfield Pond. Assistant City Engineer Ruzek answered that there have been some volunteers who have requested pelinission to remove buckthorn, which was granted. Councilmember Duggan moved to authorize the City Administrator to issue a not -to- exceed' purchase order in the amount of $10,000.00 to Great River Greening to begin immediately on invasive plant removals and control. Councilmember Norton seconded the motion. March 19, 2013 Mendota Heights City Council Page 2 Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Krebsbach) PRESENTATION A) NORTH URBAN REGIONAL TRAIL (NURT) GREENWAYS STUDY Mr. Chris Hartzell, Dakota County's project manager for the North Urban Regional Trail (NURT), gave an overview of the NURT alignment study, the alignment alternatives under consideration, reviewed trail alignment options one and two which are located within the City of Mendota Heights, and provided an opportunity for the Council to provide input. He explained that the NURT is on the north end of the county; connects four schools in five communities, including South St. Paul, West St. Paul, Sunfish Lake, Mendota Heights, and Lilydale; and connects seven community parks. Since the creation of the NURT, Dakota County created the Greenway Collaborative Vision with the goals of that vision being to create trails that would be away from the streets 80% of the time, provide a ten -foot wide trail, have an aesthetic or natural design signature, grade separated tunnels at arterial roads, and controlled intersections at collector roads. When and where the trail meets regional trail standards, Dakota County would take over the maintenance. The overall deadline for the project in order to capitalize on the federal funding would be to deliver the project by March 2014. The alignment study is focused around the Dodge Nature Center. They have expressed concerns regarding where the construction of this trail is located. The Dakota County Board asked that all of the possible regional alignments to get from Trunk Highway 110 to Marthaler Park be evaluated. In addition to the north/south alignment option that was in the 2008 transportation enhancement grant, the team compared the benefits and impacts of each of the alignments, solicited input, and recommended a preferred alignment for the Dakota County Board's consideration. The team came up with five potential feasible alternative alignments, which included three north/south alignment options. Options one and two are located in Mendota Heights. Mr. Hartzell noted that if Option 5 was chosen it would not meet the intent of the transportation enhancement grant and it would not meet the timing of when this project would need to be delivered. This would most likely result in the loss of federal funding for the trail. Mr. Hartzell then reviewed the different pedestrian crossing treatment options including signage and striping, crosswalk markings, bump -outs, advance warning flashing systems, and tunnels. The County is evaluating the trail by looking at whether it is economically viable, timing, compatibility of whether this works within the Dodge Nature Center and Sibley High School properties, wetland impacts, tree impacts, and technical feasibility. They will select an alignment by April 16h, with construction scheduled for late spring 2014 through 2015. Councilmembers asked questions regarding a chart matrix that was included in the agenda packet, the location of the right -of -way at Sibley High School, which option is the best scenic route, what the options would be if the Dodge Nature Center were to be intractable, the location of the trail in relation to the Garlough Environmental Magnet School, how the existing City trails would fit into the different March 19, 2013 Mendota Heights City Council Page 3 options, not allowing dogs in the nature center, maintenance of the trail, tracking usage of the trails in the future, and any oppositions to the greenway project. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A) CONTRACT WITH INVER WOOD GOLF COURSE FOR MAINTENANCE OF THE MENDOTA HEIGHTS PAR 3 Assistant to the City Administrator Jake Sedlacek explained that at the close of the 2012 golf season, staff began looking at maintenance options for the Mendota Heights Par 3. Staff spoke with a number of local golf courses, including Inver Wood Golf Course, and they are proposing to conduct all maintenance of the Par 3, including all materials except fuel. The proposed cost is in line with the City's 2013 budget for the Mendota Heights Par 3. The city of Inver Grove Heights sees this as a natural progression of their business and feels they have the knowledge and resources to complete this work. From the City's standpoint, they are proposing a turnkey operation and the City would not need to be supervising the staff. The contract would be for one year and the city will consider its options at the end of this golf season. Acting Mayor Petschel asked for confililiation that the agreement with Inver Wood includes a monthly report that the City of Mendota Heights would receive in terms of their operations and costs for that month. Sedlacek replied that they would provide a monthly report and a monthly invoice, but it would not be a detailed accounting. The report would include operation activities, what work has been completed, and what they see as upcoming maintenance needs. Sedlacek explained that this is a `not to exceed' contract, but that repairs to any city -owned equipment or the irrigation system over $500 would need City approval. Councilmember Norton asked if there had been any other written bids from local golf courses received. Assistant to the City Administrator Sedlacek replied that conversations took place with Mendakota Country Club and Somerset Country Club, but Inver Wood was the only one interested in submitting a bid. Councilmember Povolny feels this is a good agreement and would not cost the City any additional funds. Acting Mayor Petschel commented that the supervisory staff from Inver Wood Golf Course has a tremendous amount of technical expertise in terms of turf maintenance, fertilizers, running irrigation systems, and this would be a benefit to the City. March 19, 2013 Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 Councilmember Duggan asked if it was known what the impact would be on the current maintenance contract. Assistant City Administrator Sedlacek replied that this would replace that contract. Councilmember Duggan also asked if there is a proposal to consider a three-year contract. Sedlacek replied that at this point, both parties are more comfortable with the one-year contract to enable each to evaluate as the season goes on. Councilmember Duggan asked if the contract is with the City of Inver Grove Heights or with Inver Wood Golf Course. City Administrator Justin Miller replied that the agreement is actually with the City of Inver Grove Heights. It would be an agreement between cities, much like is done for other services. Councilmember Duggan moved to authorize staff to enter into a maintenance contract for the Par 3 Golf Course with the city of Inver Grove Heights — Inver Wood Golf Course. Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Krebsbach) B) RESOLUTION 2013-21 APPROVAL OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID, HUNTER/ORCHARD NEIGHBORHOOD STREET IMPROVEMENTS City Engineer John Mazzitello explained that staff has been working on the 2013 street reconstruction project as identified in the five-year street improvement plan. The project would reconstruct Hunter Lane, Orchard Place, and the rural section of Culligan Lane. It would also rehabilitate the urban sections of Culligan Lane, Glenhill Road, Orchard Circle, and Veronica Lane. The project also includes rehabilitating the Veronica Lane sanitary sewer lift station. In October 2012, City Council ordered preparation of plans and specifications for this project with a series of parameters. The proposed resolution would approve the final design plans and authorize advertisement for bids, with a bid opening tentatively scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 1, 2013. Councilmember Duggan complimented the engineering staff as this has been a very difficult project. Mr. John Dougherty, 1933 Hunter Lane, asked what the plan is for the drainage pipes located on his property and would anything be done to grade the existing areas on his property. Assistant City Engineer Ryan Ruzek replied that it is proposed that the pipes be removed and everything would be graded out. Councilmember Duggan moved to adopting Resolution 2013-21 APPROVING FINAL PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, AND AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR THE HUNTER AND ORCHARD NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENTS (PROJECT #200902). Councilmember Povolny seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Krebsbach) March 19, 2013 Mendota Heights City Council Page 5 C) CITY ATTORNEY RFP REVIEW COMMITTEE When the Request for Proposals (RFP) for City Attorney was approved in February 2013, it was suggested that two city councilmembers be named to the review committee. The deadline for submittals is Thursday, March 21, and the review committee would need to meet and make final recommendations by the end of March 2013, with interviews to be scheduled during the week of April 8, 2013. Staff has requested that the Councilmembers nominate and choose two participants. Acting Mayor Petschel nominated Councilmember Norton to the committee because of his legal background. She also removed her name from the nominations. Councilmember Duggan, although he would like to be part of the committee, expressed concerns about his ability to attend the meetings because of his schedule. Acting Mayor Petschel moved to proceed with the Committee Review Approach and nominated Councilmember Norton and Mayor Krebsbach to the City Attorney RFP Review Committee. Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Krebsbach) COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Duggan complimented City Engineer John Mazzitello for completing work towards his Master's Degree in Business Administration with straight A's. He also shared a photograph taken by local photographer Bernie Friel that has appeared in the Audubon Society's Magazine for January/February 2013. Councilmember Duggan also congratulated staff on their choice of a new Parks and Recreation Coordinator. He also commented on the dangerous ice at the comer of Dodd Road and Highway 110. City Engineer John Mazzitello replied that this comer has historically had drainage problems. It is believed that currently there is an ice dam inside the culvert. MnDOT will address this issue when the intersection is reconfigured this summer. Councilmember Povolny congratulated St. Thomas on their State High School Hockey Championship. He also congratulated his neighbor who is the Assistant Coach of the Edina Hockey Team. Councilmember Povolny wished his son a happy 16th birthday and hopes he does well on his driver's test. Councilmember Norton stated he had an excellent meeting with Dakota County Commissioner Egan and looks forward to working with him. March 19, 2013 Mendota Heights City Council Page 6 Acting Mayor Petschel shared that last week radio station 107.1 FM was at the Olive Grove Olive Oil Store in the Village and thinks it is great that news of the store and The Village is getting out. She and Mayor Krebsbach were at the University of St. Thomas and Calvin boy's basketball playoff game, which St. Thomas won 63 to 62. The crucial three point score was made by a former Henry Sibley student. Acting Mayor Petschel also reminded residents of the Mendota Heights Moms Club blood drive taking place on March 23. City Administrator Justin Miller reminded residents that the summer program registrations for rec programs have opened up. Also, he and Assistant to the City Administrator Jake Sedlacek attended a meeting of the Dakota County CDA and the city was officially awarded a planning grant for the Fischerville site. Councilmember Duggan suggested that the City and staff think about the greenhouse property as it is up for sale. Acting Mayor Petschel suggested it be added as a topic of discussion at the May workshop meeting. ADJOURN Councilmember Duggan moved to adjourn. Councilmember Norton seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Krebsbach) Acting Mayor Petschel adjourned the meeting at 8:18 p.m. /6z fe44di Liz Petschel Acting Mayor ATTEST: Lorri Smith City Clerk March 19, 2013 Mendota Heights City Council Page 7