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2003-12-16 City Council minutesPage No. 1 December 16, 2003 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, December 16, 2003 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 Mayor Huber called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. The following members were present: Mayor Huber, Councilmembers Duggan, Krebsbach, Schneeman and Vitelli. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The City Council, audience and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA ADOPTION Councilmember Duggan moved adoption of the revised agenda for the meeting. Councilmember Schneeman seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Vitelli moved approval of the amended minutes of CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Duggan moved approval of the consent calendar for the meeting, revised to remove 6a, ARC minutes for November 12, 2003 and.refer them back to the commission for clarification, and to move items 6f, Third Parallel Runway Contract, 6h, fence permit, the regular meeting held on November 18, 2003.. Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilmember Duggan moved approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held on November 24, 2003. Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilmember Duggan moved approval of the amended minutes of the regular meeting held on December 2,-2003. Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Duggan moved approval of the consent calendar for the meeting, revised to remove 6a, ARC minutes for November 12, 2003 and.refer them back to the commission for clarification, and to move items 6f, Third Parallel Runway Contract, 6h, fence permit, Page No. 2 December 16, 2003 and 6k, sign permit, to the regular agenda, along with authorization for execution of any necessary documents contained therein. a. Acknowledgment of the NDC 4 meeting minutes for October 1 and November 5 and the agenda for December 3. b. Acknowledgment of the Treasurer's Report for November. c. Acknowledgment of the Building Activity Report for November. d. Acknowledgment of the Fire Department monthly report for November. e. Approval of the plans and specifications for Mendota Heights Road Lift Station Rehabilitation/Reconstruction and authorization to advertise for bids. f. Authorization for the issuance of a building permit for construction of an exterior vehicle ramp and a concrete accessible route for tenant space at 2360 Pilot Knob Road, contingent upon conformance with the city's requirement for parking stall length, ADA guidelines and any other applicable codes. g. Authorization for the issuance of a purchase order to Dell Computer Corporation for acquisition of a computer workstation for the administration department at a cost not to exceed $1,600. h. Adoption of Resolution No. 03-123 "RESOLUTION APPROVING THE APPLICATION OF THE CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004 DAKOTA COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING." i. Adoption of Resolution No. 03-124 "A RESOLUTION AMENDING PAY CLASSIFICATION SCHEDULE FOR NON ORGANIZED EMPLOYEES TO REFLECT A 3.0 PERCENT ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT FOR 2004," and Resolution No. 03- 125 "RESOLUTION ADOPTING A SCHEDULE OF COMPENSATION FOR CERTAIN EMPLOYEES FOR 2003 AND ESTABLISHING CERTAIN OTHER BENEFITS." j. Adoption of Resolution No. 03-126 "RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A LIMITED DEER CONTROL BOW HUNT Page No. 3 December 16, 2003 ON PRIVATE PROPERTY DURING THE 2003 STATE DEER HUNTING SEASON." k. Approval of the list of contractor licenses dated December 16, 2003. 1. Approval of the List of Claims dated December 16, 2003 and totaling $3.81,575.61. Councilmember Schneeman seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 THIRD PARALLEL RUNWAY Council acknowledged a memo from Administrator Danielson regarding the Third Parallel Runway Contract. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she did not talk to anyone from the City of Minneapolis but did talk to ARC member Roszak, who felt the contract would have more strength if it was recorded against the property. Attorney Schleck responded that in a normal real estate situation that would probably be correct. The purpose of recording any document other than a transfer of real estate puts everyone on notice that someone other than the owner has rights to the property. From that standpoint, he did not know whether the document would benefit the city, because it is unlikely that MAC will be selling the property. Also, the airport is federal property and the city would be staking a claim to its rights to prevent construction of a third parallel runway. There are many questions over when a city can confront the federal government on a land issue. For the city to try to enforce this as a property right would not give the city much benefit in terms of construction of a runway in the future. If Council adopts the resolution and MAC adopts the resolution, any claim the city would level against the MAC would be just as strong as recording a document against the property. The city could institute a contract claim in the future. Also, it would be difficult to file the document against the property, and he did not think it would benefit the city in the future. Administrator Danielson stated that he contacted the Minneapolis principal planner, who told him that Minneapolis did not record the agreement and that all they did was file the agreement in their files. Page No. 4 December 16, 2003 Councilmember Duggan asked whether someone should check to see if Item 7 is still in the Minneapolis contract before the agreement is signed. Administrator Danielson responded that the item was time sensitive and the date has lapsed. Attorney Schleck stated that Section 1111, Item 1 talks about the term of the agreement being 2050. This is a fairly simple agreement, and he did not know if Item 7 would grant any additional power to Minneapolis, but he can review it. After brief discussion, Councilmember Krebsbach moved to authorize execution of the agreement based on a comparison with the Minneapolis agreement that shows they are one and the same. Councilmember Vitelli seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 HEALTH PARTNERS Council acknowledged a memo from Assistant Hollister relative FENCE PERMIT to an application from Welsh Partners for Health Partners for a permit to install a six foot high fence at the rear of their new building in Centre Pointe. Mr. David Collins, the project architect, was present for the discussion. Councilmember Schneeman stated that she was concerned that Health Partners was proposing to fence the area to create a smoking area, and that did not make sense to her. Mr. Collins responded that there will be no smoking in the building or on the property at all. Councilmember Schneeman moved to authorize the Code Enforcement Officer to issue the necessary fence permit contingent upon compliance with all applicable codes. Councilmember Vitelli seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 LAND AMERICA SIGN Council acknowledged a memo from Code Enforcement Officer Berg regarding an application for a permit for a 32 square foot sign to be installed at 1155 Centre Pointe Drive for the Land America Company. Page No. 5 December 16, 2003 Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she asked that the matter be pulled from the consent calendar because she thought the sign was back lit. She wanted to make sure it will not be any more visible than the SuperAmerica sign. Councilmember Krebsbach moved to authorize issuance of the sign permit, subject to plan review and approval by the Code Enforcement Officer. Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Huber informed the audience that he had received a letter from Jordan Reichenbach asking about the possibility of curb and gutter on Wagon Wheel Trail, and a letter from Andrew Reichenbach expressing a concern over trash pick up on Wagon Wheel by Rogers Lake. The letters were referred to staff. AIRPORT NOISE Mr. Guy Heide, Secretary for the Rogers Lake East Airport Noise Reduction Committee, was present to discuss air noise topics of concern to his committee. Council also acknowledged a letter from Mr. Heide. Responding to a question from Councilmember Krebsbach, Mayor Huber stated that Council will listen to Mr. Heide's presentation but will take no action. If Council feels something should have action, that should be referred to the Airport Relations Commission. Councilmember Krebsbach asked Mr. Heide if his group is taking legal action against the FAA and if Mr. Heide is present to update Council on that action. She would like to know what Council's role is. Mr. Heide responded that it is not a lawsuit, but as an individual citizen. Attorney Schleck stated that Council is not taking any role with respect to the action. Mr. Heide is present to bring Council up to date on a matter he has going on. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she thinks the discussion would be more appropriate as public comments rather than an agenda item if Council does not have a role in his action. Page No. 6 December 16, 2003 Councilmember Duggan stated that since Council has already adopted the agenda, Mr. Heide should go forward with his presentation. Mr. Heide reviewed the 1996 DNL contours and asked that Council request Councilmember Vitelli, as the city's NOC representative, to come back to Council with MAC's plan to carry out its obligations to Mendota Heights residents as undertaken in the 2010 plan. The MAC is going to a new Part 150 process and he would like to find out from Councilmember Vitelli how his neighbors interests are going to be preserved. MAC took on the obligation to insulate the homes in the 60 contour, which would go from Rogers Lake to Dodd Road, to Friendly Hills along Huber Drive and to Delaware. He stated that he wants to know how that obligation will be preserved under the new Part 150 process. Councilmember Vitelli responded that the first question in a letter Mr. Heide had written to him was whether MAC forwarded Mr. Heide's two issues to the NOC, and the answer is no. He stated that Mr. Heide addressed the MAC on April 21, and the discussion is in the MAC meeting minutes. MAC seems to be frustrated with the numerous inquiries and data practices requests. The have received 73 letters and 22 data practices act requests from Mr. Heide and they have responded to them with 51 letters. He also pointed out that MAC representative McKasy found the issues have been effectively aired and should be laid to rest. Mr. Heide stated that the MAC refused to give him a copy of the meeting minutes. Councilmember Vitelli responded that MAC Chair Hamiel stated at the meeting that the accusations by the Rogers Lake group are troubling and call into question the integrity of the commission. There was a unanimous motion that the MAC staff send a letter to the Rogers Lake committee that the MAC is currently in the process of updating the contours and will forward the information to the Rogers Lake committee upon completion. The MAC has reviewed Mr. Heide's request and finds there is no merit and will take no action on the old issues. In Mr. Heide's letter, he asked Councilmember Vitelli (as a member of the NOC) to request an investigation by the NOC. He stated that the NOC operates to serve the MAC. He further stated that he is not going to make the request because the MAC has said they are not going to take any more action on this. He stated that he thinks that, speaking as a member of the City Council and perhaps for the Council, that the Council is doing Page No. 7 December 16, 2003 its best to represent the residents of Mendota Heights, and in particular, the residents of Mendota Heights who live under the path of Runways 121 and 12R. Just tonight, Council discussed and adopted an agreement whereby a third parallel runway cannot possibly be built until 2050. Secondly, the NOC has just received preliminary projections on the number of take-offs on Runway 12L when the north/south runway opens in 2005. Today, 21 % of all takeoffs from MSP go off of 12L, which comes right over the Rogers Lake area. When the north/south runway is completed, the takeoffs over Rogers Lake will be reduced from 21% to 8.5%. Council, the NOC and MAC are doing their best to mitigate noise over Mendota Heights. Mr. Heide stated that he is also requesting the investigation of Noise Abatement Measure NA-12. NA 12 is missing from the Runway Use System document. He asked why the measure is missing. NA- 12 was a plan to increase Runway 422 by a half mile and change the runway use system to incrase noise over Bloomington and South Richfield. The effect was to shrink the contour in Mendota Heights, because they projected more noise would go over Bloomington. Ninety homes in Mendota Heights moved out of the 65 DNL contour and into the 60 DNL. The FAA disapproved NA -12 for purposes of Part 150. The 60 DNL was based on NA-12 and it should be revised. He stated that from what he can find, the MAC has not disclosed the disapproval of NA-12. If they had made the disclosure, they would have had to revise the 1996 map. He asked if MAC is really responsible if they are depriving 90 homes in Mendota Heights from noise insulation. He stated that he is asking that the NOC investigate the issue because they are an oversight committee. Attorney Schleck stated that Mr. Heide's letter to Council indicated that he was going to update Council on the status of his group's case against the MAC. Mr. Heide responded that it is a petition for review and it has been filed and accepted. The briefs are due on February 6. It would be about six weeks from that date before it is heard. He stated that he wants to call to Council's attention the MAC failure to disclose the disapproval of NA-12 and was also going to ask Councilmember Vitelli to have the NOC investigate that. Mayor Huber stated that Mr. Heide has been persistent and it appears that he is in the process of getting his day in court. Page No. 8 December 16, 2003 Mi. Heide stated that the case is only questioning the FONSI for the new Runway 17 departure procedure. TOWN CENTER UPDATE Mr. Ross Feffercorn, from RMF Entities, was present to update Council on the status of the Village at Mendota Heights (Town Center). In January he will come to Council to discuss planning the public improvement design. He is working with his attorney and lender and is discussing the business subsidy agreement with the city attorney. He hopes to begin breaking ground for the townhomes on January 7. Also in January, he will come to Council with the plans for the Gateway Bank. He has priced the loft condominiums and is currently offering them for sale, and he is working on the association documents. Mayor Huber stated that the livable communities grant was approved by a Metropolitan Council subcommittee yesterday and will be before the full Council tomorrow. Mr. Feffercorn stated that he hopes to begin construction on the loft condominiums next spring. Before beginning construction he needs eight to ten pre-sales, and there are five pre-sales now. He reviewed the site plan and elevations for the bank, stating that it will be between 5,000 and 6,000 square feet. Responding to a question from Councilmember Vitelli, he stated that the building will be worth about $1.5 million. He will own the real estate and lease the land to the bank and they will own the building. That is so he can control the design of the building and the landscaping. The lease runs for the life of the building if the bank does not buy the land. Councilmember Duggan asked how safe the entrance is from T.H. 110 for people who may come into the entrance quickly. Councilmember Schneeman responded that she drives it all the time and it is great. Case No. 03-59, ALINE Council acknowledged an memo from Assistant Hollister regarding continued discussion on an application from Mr. Timothy Aune for a wetlands permit for a fence at 554 Foxwood Lane. Mayor Huber stated that the applicant has amended his request, since the December 2 discussion, such that the fence now will not be in the scenic easement. Mr. Aune reviewed photographs of where the fence will be located and where the prior location was proposed to be. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 MENDOTA PLAZA PUD Page No. 9 December 16, 2003 City Attorney Schleck stated that the new plan for moving the fence outside of the scenic easement is sound. He would just add that he thinks there needs to be some additional language in the approving resolution. As he read Mr. Aune's letter, he thinks some trees have been removed from the property and replaced, and that should be addressed in the resolution. Mr. Aune stated that he removed Buckthorn and dead Elm trees. Attorney Schleck recommended that a finding be added to the resolution to state that the previous work that was done with respect to removal and replacement of trees, was done in the best interest of the community and is an improvement to the scenic easement. Councilmember Duggan moved adoption of Resolution No. 03-127, "A RESOLUTION APPROVING A WETLANDS PERMIT FOR A FOUR-FOOT HIGH FENCE AT 554 FOXWOOD LANE" as amended to include the language recommended by the City Attorney. Councilmember Schneeman seconded the motion. Council acknowledged a memo from Assistant Hollister relative to a request from Paster Enterprises for a minor PUD amendment and modification to the sign criteria for the Mendota Plaza to permit minor adjustments to the existing building for the purpose of leasing space to a hardware store tenant. Mr. Ken Henk, from Paster Enterprises, was present for the discussion. Mr. Henk stated that Paster Enterprises has looked for a quality tenant for the space at the east end of the building for four years. Mr. Jim Solen, owner of the Grand Avenue Hardware Store, proposes to open and manage a Do It Best hardware store in that space. Mr. Henk stated that what he is proposing is to create an exterior entrance for the hardware store. There will be brick pilasters to match the other brick columns in the center. Rather than sign fascia like the other shops, it is proposed to use stucco type material for an overhead facscia that will project up two feet and extend three feet out from the building to present a 3D look. He is also proposing to revise the sip criteria to allow a client space of this size to have larger sips. Page No. 10 December 16, 2003 Councilmember Vitelli stated that he fully supports the proposal. He felt the store will be an outstanding addition to the shopping center and will be good for the community. Councihnember Vitelli moved adoption of Resolution No. 03 -128, "A RESOLUTION APPROVING A MINOR PUD AMENDMENT FOR MENDOTA PLAZA." Councilmember Schneeman seconded the motion. Councilmember Duggan stated that when one enters the existing doors to the atrium, there is about 72 feet of glass wall that was the entrance to the space the hardware store will use. The proposal would close the wall, which will make the area very dark. He asked if it would be possible to consider three window sized displays or something that would break up the 72 feet. He stated that he is thrilled with the rest of the plan and feels it is an excellent addition to the city. His major concern will be that something be done to break up the long wall. Mr. Henk responded that, looking at some old plans that were made even before Mr. Paster owned the shopping center, the mall was intended to be much larger. The hair dresser has an entrance to the back parking lot and the dentist uses the south entrance. He stated that Paster Enterprises is talking about leasing the mall space out and is negotiating with another national retailer to take over that space and the former dance studio space and eliminate the corridor. Councilmember Duggan stated that he supports what has been proposed. Councilmember Krebsbach asked what the impact would be on the shopping center in terms of future signs if Council approves this request. Assistant Hollister responded that what is being proposed is that the sign criteria be modified to allow a taller signage for a tenant of this size. There is only room for one tenant of this size, and this is a unique circumstance. He did not think it would have any impact on other tenants in the center. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that this would start to change to look of the Plaza in terms of additional peripheral signage. One of the points for the larger sign is that it is a larger facility, but what about peripheral signage. C. Page No. 11 December 16, 2003 Assistant Hollister stated that staff and the planner feel this PUD 1 amendment would be just for this tenant. There are other tenants in the center with secondary signage. Ayes: 4 Nays: 1 Krebsbach Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she would be fine with the larger sign but not the peripheral signage. Council is very sensitive to having lighted signs on at night and, also, the signage faces the Town Center development. She stated that she would not want to see the peripheral signage but has no problem with the large sign. Responding to a Council question, Mr. Henk stated that the total signage is 300 square feet. He stated that as he drove through Bloomington today, he noted that the national tenants had secondary product signage. Assistant Hollister stated that since the shopping center is a PUD, it is not bound by the sign restrictions of the zoning ordinance. Councilmember Vitelli stated that he does not have a problem with the signage. Council is so picky about signage that the city will have a hard time getting retailers. The hardware store has to put up signs that they carry paint, etc. If Council wants there to be a hardware store, it must have signs like what are proposed. Councilmember Dugan stated that he would hope the lights on the small signs would go off by 11:00 p.m. He stated that he is very comfortable with what has been proposed. Mr. Henk stated that the sign lights will go off automatically when the other signs go off. Councilmember Duggan stated that Council needs to do its best to make retailers feel welcome but must also consider the image of the community, which is the reason for the question about the signs. Mr. Solen stated that all of his market studies have reinforced his vision to come in with an upscale houseware department, upscale lawn and garden department and upscale paint and decorating. Those will be the major departments in the store. Many people do not know Do It Best. He stated that his store in St. Paul was an Ace Hardware until a month ago. He stated that he feels residents in Mendota Heights will be proud to come to the store to shop, and he will be sending a questionnaire to the residents to see what they would like the store to carry. He hopes to open the store by April 1. Page No. 12 December 16, 2003 HEADWATERS CAMPUS Council acknowledged a memo from Assistant Hollister relative to a request from United Properties for interpretation of the "I" Zone uses. Council also acknowledged a letter from United Properties and a report from the City Planner. Mr. Scott Moe was present on behalf of United Properties. Mr. Moe stated that he believes the zoning that is in place for the Mendota Heights Business Center fits perfectly with what is being proposed. He stated that United Properties represents the Teachers Retirement Fund, which owns the property. Dr. Kristofer Lund is a renowned physician who specializes in Type 2 diabetes. Physicians have to restrict their visits, and he would like to get back to having time to coach in instruct people in health and well being. He is proposing to start a wellness center. It is strictly an educational facility and there will not be any traditional medical practices at the facility. He stated that the building has a four to one parking ratio, which will easily manage the parking. The turn over will be constant, and activity at the wellness center will not stress the parking. The traffic impact will be minimal. People will be coming at intervals, and traffic will be significantly lower than many of the uses in the park. Councilmember Schneeman asked whether this will be covered by health insurance. I Mr. Moe responded that it is, but that the wellness center is a for profit organization and they will be a substantial tax payer. Councilmember Schneeman asked what else Dr. Lund is planning to branch out into — she got that impression from the information that was submitted. Mr. Moe reviewed the proposal. He stated that Brown College and Le Cordon Bleu occupy his competitor's building. Sun Country has its flight attendant training facility and pilot training facility in a much more industrial looking building in the industrial park. Brown is much more of an industrial building than the Mendota Heights Business Center. Kinkos has its material training center in the industrial park, and that is strictly an educational facility. Cray does a tremendous amount of training in its facility. Councilmember Vitelli stated that he fully supports the proposal. He understands that the allowable use in industrial zoning is for trade schools and professional offices. Brown is not a trade school any Page No. 13 December 16, 2003 more. He stated that he would suggest that Council add trade and training schools to the district uses. Training is being done already. Councilmember Duggan stated that Mr. Moe was before Council three months ago with a similar project. He felt that use fit the permitted uses, and this is such an important area and to find someone willing to risk establishing a diabetes education facility is wonderful. Mayor Huber suggested sending the matter back to staff and have staff come up with the appropriate way to allow the use. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that what is proposed is somewhat of a conference center as well. She asked whether people would be trained to use insulin pumps. Dr. Lund stated that he would be dealing with Type 2 diabetes, so there would be no training on use of the pumps. Administrator Danielson stated that as he sees it, the zoning ordinance would be amended to include training centers in the industrial district. That could be reviewed with the planner at his next meeting. Mr. Moe stated that the delay in time to amend the ordinance could kill the proposal and that he would like to have things done sooner. Mayor Huber stated that staff could hopefully craft language to adopt at the next Council meeting. Attorney Schleck responded that there would need to be a hearing before the Planning Commission in January, with ten days published notice. The commission would forward their recommendation to Council at the first Council meeting in February. Another option is that Council could waive the requirement for the matter to go to the Planning Commission, and Council could hold a hearing at the first meeting in January. Councilmember Vitelli asked Council could not just consider it a professional office. Dr. Lund informed Council that he has many people who are planning on joining him and he promised them that things could get going by April 1. If the determination on the use gets delayed, he will not meet that deadline. Ayes: 4 Nays: 1 Krebsbach Page No. 14 December 16, 2003 Assistant Hollister stated that if Council wants to make a declaration that the use fits the definition of business an professional offices, Council can do that and consider it a permitted use. Council could also consider this like other uses it has not seen before and direct Dr. Lund to apply for an ordinance amendment to make it a conditional use and apply for a conditional use permit. Attorney Schleck stated that he would want to be careful about findings in the resolution about why Council is saying this is an appropriate use. He stated that a resolution will be prepared for adoption at the next meeting. Councilmember Duggan moved to determine that the wellness center fits the category of professional office and direct staff to prepare a resolution supporting that determination for adoption at the next regular meeting. Councilmember Vitelli seconded the motion. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she thinks Council needs to give full consideration of finding the use as a professional office. Councilmember Vitelli suggested that the Planning Commission consider changing the industrial district uses to accommodate training. Brown College is now a college, not a trade school, and Mr. Moe described all of the training that is going on in the industrial park. The Planning Commission should be requested to look at the ordinance so that it reflects what is happening in the district. Attorney Schleck stated that the request for the Planning Commission to consider amending the ordinance would have no impact on this request since Council had determined that the use fits. "THE BLUFFS" Council acknowledged a memo from Administrator Danielson regarding "The Bluffs" EIS scoping costs. Council also acknowledged letters from the city attorney and from Mr. Tom Casey. Administrator Danielson stated that Minnstar held a meeting last night to discuss their plan with the stake holders, and he has not heard from Minnstar today. Since Minnstar has not submitted the funds estimated for the city's scoping costs, he recommended that the public scoping hearing be delayed until such time as the money is submitted. (` Page No. 15 December 16, 2003 Councilmember Duggan moved to follow the requirements of Rule 4410.6500, subpart 1, which states that the RGU is not required to begin the sco in gp rocess until the project P r oser pays the GU the reasonable estimated costs of scoping of the environmental impact statement. Councilmember Schneeman seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 COMMISSION Council acknowledged a memo from Administrator Danielson REAPPOINTMENTS regarding commissioner reappointments. Councilmember Vitelli stated that each of the current commissioners whose terms are expiring have asked for reappointment, and their attendance records are good. Councilmember Vitelli moved to reappoint Eric Hesse, Chris Dolan and Sally Lorberbaum to three year terms on the Planning Commission, Paul Portz and Dave Libra to three year terms on the Parks and Recreation Commission, and Vern Edstrom and John Roszak to three year terms on the Airport Relations Commission. Councilmember Duggan seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 CLOSED SESSION Council acknowledged a memo from Administrator Danielson recommending that Council adjourn the meeting to closed session for discussion of the Par Three litigation. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Vitelli stated that it appears that the Metropolitan Council will be granting the city an additional $300,000 in addition to the $860,000 it has already granted the city for Town Center. That is a substantial financial contribution to Town Center and a pat on the back by the Metropolitan Council that the city is doing the right thing. Councilmember Schneeman stated that she and Councilmember Krebsbach attended the opening of the St. Thomas Academy arena and it is beautiful. There will be open skating, on Sundays she believes. Mayor Huber stated that he and Councilmember Duggan were new on the Council in January, and there is a new city administrator, police chief, finance director, prosecuting attorney and audit firm, Page No. 16 December 16, 2003 and the city is now in the search process for a new city engineer. He stated that Council faced some big issues this year, including lost state aid, Pilot Knob development and the water issue. He stated that it has been a very busy year, and he complimented staff and Council. Councilmember Vitelli agreed, stating that through all the changes, it almost seems that no one skipped a beat. ADJOURN There being no further business to come before Council, Councilmember Duggan moved that the meeting be adjourned to closed session. Councilmember Vitelli seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 KatMeen M. Swanson City Clerk ATTE Jo a or