2002-06-04 City Council minutesPage No. 1
June 4, 2002
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, June 4,2002
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. The following members were present: Mayor Mertensotto, Councilmembers Dwyer,
Krebsbach, Schneeman and Vitelli.
AGENDA ADOPTION Councilmember Schneeman moved adoption of the revised agenda
for the meeting.
Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Schneeman moved approval of the minutes of the
regular meeting held on May 7, 2002.
Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Abstain: 1 Dwyer
CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Dwyer moved approval of the consent calendar for
the meeting, revised to move items 5f, Joint Airport Zoning Board,
and 5i, Developer Negotiation Extension, to the regular agenda,
along with authorization for execution of any necessary documents
contained therein.
a. Acknowledgment of the minutes of the May 14, 2002 Parks and
Recreation Commission meeting.
b. Acknowledgment of the unreviewed/unapproved minutes of the
May 28, 2002 Planning Commission meeting.
c. Acknowledgment of the Building Activity Report for May.
d. Acknowledgment of the Treasurer's monthly report for May.
e. Approval of the appointment of Brent Larson as a temporary
career development Engineering Aide for the duration of the
2002 summer construction season at an hourly rate of $12.00.
Page No. 2
June 4, 2002
f. Authorization for the Code Enforcement Officer to issue the
required permits for an addition to the Applied Coating
Technology building at 2411 Pilot Knob Road, contingent upon
compliance with all applicable codes.
g. Approval of exemptions from the Wetlands Conservation Act for
basins B and C (Town Center) and authorization for the Public
Works Director to execute a "Notice of Wetland Act Decision"
and forward the form to the appropriate agencies.
h. Adoption of Ordinance No. 370, "AN ORDINANCE
PROHIBITING PARKING ON MENDOTA HEIGHTS ROAD
BETWEEN TH55 AND MEDALLION DRIVE," and Ordinance
No. 371, "AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING PARKING ON
THE EAST SIDE OF NORTHLAND DRIVE EXTENDING
SOUTH FROM THAT PART OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
ROAD LYING EAST OF TH55 FOR 850 FEET SOUTH AND
PROHIBITING PARKING ON THE WEST SIDE OF
NORTHLAND DRIVE FROM MENDOTA HEIGHTS ROAD
LYING EAST OF TH55 FOR 480 FEET SOUTH."
i. Approval of the list of contractor licenses dated June 4, 2002.
j. Approval of the List of Claims dated June 4, 2002 and totaling Cl
$85,843.57.
Councihnember Krebsbach seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
JOINT AIRPORT ZONING Council acknowledged a memo from Administrator Lindberg
regarding her appointment as an alternate to the reconvened Joint
Airport Zoning Board.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she asked that the item be
placed on the agenda because she felt that Administrator Lindberg
should be appointed as an alternate and there should also be a second
alternate in the event that both she and Councilmember Dwyer were
unavailable for a meeting. She will not be present at the June 20
meeting.
Councilmember Schneeman expressed a desire to be appointed to the
board. She has been following the activities of the board and if there
comes a time when Councilmember Dwyer or Krebsbach cannot
attend a meeting, she would like to attend.
Page No. 3)
Z:�
June 4, 2002
comes a time when Councilmember Dwyer or Krebsbach cannot
attend a meeting, she would like to attend.
Mayor Mertensotto felt that a member of the city's Airport Relations
Commission should be appointed as an alternate.
Councilmember Vitelli supported Councilmember Schneeman's
request, pointed out that she is interested and she is also a Council
member.
Mayor Mertensotto felt that it would not be appropriate to have three
Council members appointed to the board.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated that Eagan has someone from their
airport commission and their city administrator as board members,
Bloomington has two members and an alternate. The board is
getting to the point where voting will begin and she wants Mendota
Heights to be able to exercise both of its votes. She has been
meeting with Administrator Lindberg and keeping her informed on
board activities.
Councilmember Schneeman stated that she would have no objection
to appoint ARC Chairperson Scott Beatty as the second alternate, but
she would like to be considered in the future.
Councilmember Schneeman moved to appoint Administrator
Lindberg as first alternate to the Joint Airport Zoning Board and
Scott Beatty as second alternate.
Councilmember Dwyer seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
TOWN CENTER DEVELOPER Council acknowledged a memo from Administrator Lindberg
regarding an extension of the exclusive negotiation period with RMF
regarding
Entities as the developer for Town Center.
Administrator Lindberg briefly reviewed her memo. She stated that
staff and Mr. Feffiercorn need a bit more time to review the proposed
development aureement, and the negotiation period expired on June
1.
Councilmember Vitelli stated that Council could just let things be
the way they are. That does not keep Council from contintilng the
discussions with Mr. Feffercorn.
Page No. 4
June 4, 2002
Administrator Lindberg stated that Mr. Feffercorn's attorney
prepared the resolution. The six week extension that is being
requested will give the attorneys time to review the agreement.
City Attorney Schleck stated that he has no reason to believe he
cannot finish the developer's agreement in six weeks.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she would like to see a
comparison with the original developers agreement or the language
Council reviewed about six months ago. She would like to see what
changes have been made since the last Council review.
Administrator Lindberg responded that the document is brand new
and has never come before Council. There was a preliminary
developers agreement that Council approved in November, and she
will provide a copy of that document to Council.
Councilmember Dwyer asked whether Council should be concerned
about another 60 day delay, and if the review can be quicker than
sixty days.
Attorney Schleck responded that he can turn the document around
pretty quickly but timing depends on review by Mr. Feffercorn and
his counsel. Mr. Feffercorn is currently out of the country.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that the real issue is when will the final
plat be available for filing so the CDA can begin on the senior
building.
Mr. Schleck responded that the same attorneys who are working with
Mr. Feffercorn are working for the CDA and they have not even
done a draft yet.
Administrator Lindberg responded that the CDA is still confident it
can start construction this year. They have hired an architect and are
working on design for the building.
Councilmember Dwyer- stated that the sooner Council makes a
decision about who the developer will be, the sooner construction
can start.
Councilmember Dwyer moved adoption of Resolution No. 02 -28,
"RESOLUTION GRANTING EXTENSION OF EXCLUSIVE
NEGOTIATION PERIOD WITH RMF AS THE DEVELOPER
FOR THE MENDOTA HEIGHTS TOWN CENTER
DEVELOPMENT," revised to provide for a thirty day extension.
Page No. 5
June 4, 2002
Councilmember Vitelli asked staff to notify Mr. Feffercorn that it is
urgent that the agreement be ready in 30 days.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that if the seniors building gets started this
year, the developer can begin construction on the residential portion
of Town Center next year. Otherwise, it will e another year before
the residential component can start.
Councilmember Dwyer stated that the motion was for a thirty day
extension and he hopes the matter can be before Council at least by
the first meeting in July. He asked Attorney Schleck if there is a
possibility he can get the agreement back to Council in two weeks.
Attorney Schleck responded that he had to supply a significant
number of comments on the agreement and it will take time for Mr.
Feffercorn to review them.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that staff should prepare a time schedule
and see what can be done to get the senior building started this year.
He asked when the final plat will be ready for filing.
Public Works Director Danielson responded that the Landform
surveyor quit, so there has been a delay in getting the final plat to the
city. Landform hired a new surveyor and he indicated the survey is
about ready to be finalized, but they still need to put street names on
the plat.
Councilmember Vitelli suggested to Attorney Schleck that he advise
Mr. Feffercorn's attorney that he should transmit a copy of either the
changes or the city's responses to Mr. Feffercorn in Europe so that
his review of the documents does not have to wait until his return
next week.
HEARINGS: LIQUOR Mayor Mertensotto opened the meeting for the purpose of a public
LICENSE RENEWALS hearing on applications from Mendakota Country Club and Somerset
Country Club for renewal of their Club On -Sale liquor licenses and
Sunday On -Sale Liquor Licenses. He asked for questions and
comments from the audience.
There being no questions or comments, Councilmember Dwyer
moved that the hearing be closed
Councilmember Vitelli seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Page No. 6
June 4, 2002
Councilmember Krebsbach moved to approve the renewal of Club
On -Sale and Special Sunday On -Sale Liquor Licenses for Mendakota
Country Club and Somerset Country Club.
Councilmember Schneeman seconded the motion.
Mayor Mertensotto opened the meeting for the purpose of a public
on an application from Mendota Liquor for renewal of its Off -Sale
Liquor License. He asked for questions and comments from the
audience.
There being no questions or comments, Councilmember Krebsbach
moved that the hearing be closed.
Councilmember Schneeman seconded the motion.
Councilmember Dwyer moved to approve the renewal of an Off -Sale
Liquor License for Mendota Liquor.
Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion.
Mayor Mertensotto opened the meeting for the purpose of a public
hearing on an application from the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel for
renewal of its Limited Service Hotel and Special Sunday On -Sale
liquor licenses. He asked for questions and comments from the
audience.
There being no questions or comments, Councilmember Vitelli
moved that the hearing be closed.
Councilmember Schneeman seconded the motion.
Councilmember Vitelli moved to approve the renewal of On -Sale
Hotel and Special Sunday On -Sale Liquor Licenses for the Courtyard
by Marriott Hotel.
Councilmember Dwyer seconded the motion.
Mayor Mertensotto opened the meeting for the purpose of a public
hearing on an application from Brown College for renewal of its On-
Sale Wine License for the Minnesota Room.
Mayor Mertensotto asked for questions and comments from the
audience.
Page No. 7
June 4, 2002
There being no questions or comments, Councilmember Krebsbach
moved that the hearing be closed.
Councilmember Vitelli seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Councilmember Krebsbach moved to approve the renewal of an On-
Sale Wine License for Brown Institute for the Minnesota Room and
to authorize the reduced license fee of $250 that will become
effective for on-sale wine institutional licenses on July 15.
Councilmember Vitelli seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
HEARING — CLUB LIQUOR Mayor Mertensotto opened the meeting for the purpose of a
LICENSE FEE public hearing on a proposed increase in the fee for Club Liquor
Licenses. Council acknowledged a memo from the City Clerk.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
City Clerk Swanson informed Council that notice were sent to both
license holders about the proposed increase from $200 to $350 per
year, and she had not received a response from either Somerset or
Mendakota Country Club.
Mayor, Mertensotto asked for questions and comments from the
audience.
There being no questions or comments, Councilmember Schneeman
moved that the hearing be closed.
Councilmember Vitelli seconded the motion.
Council directed the City Clerk to prepare a resolution approving the
increased fee for Council adoption at the next meeting.
CASE NO. 02-20, NAJERLA_N Council acknowledged an application from Mr. Paul Najarian for a
three foot sideyard setback variance to allow a second story to be
added to the attached garage at 1480 Cherry Hill Road. Council also
acknowledged associated staff reports.
Mr. Najarian explained that he would like to add a second story to
the garage to create a master bedroom and bathroom. The variance
is needed because his home encroaches three feet into the setback.
The addition will use the same materials and will look the same as
the house.
Page No. 8
June 4, 2002
Councilmember Vitelli moved adoption of Resolution No. 02 -29, "A
RESOLUTION APPROVING A THREE -FOOT SIDE YARD
SETBACK VARIANCE FOR A SECOND STORY FOR THE
ATTACHED GARAGE AT 1480 CHERRY HILL ROAD."
Councilmember Dwyer seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
CASE NO. 02 -19, TOLLEFSON Council acknowledged a memo from Assistant Hollister regarding
concept plan review for Tollefson Development. Council also
acknowledged a report from the City Planner and a letter from the
Metropolitan Council. Mr. Matt Weiland was present on behalf of
Tollefson. Mr. Roy Fuhrman, from the MAC, was present for the
discussion.
Mr. Weiland stated that the concept plan has been revised since its
last Council review. Tollefson has not been able to come to an
agreement with the Garron Corporation on reducing density, so the
concept plan is now just for the 15 acre Acacia site and fifty two
units. Tollefson is working with Hoffinan Homes, which is
developing Augusta Shores, because Hoffman Homes is aware of the
air noise problems and the materials needed for attenuation. The
units will sell for about $400,000 each. All of the roads are now
public.
Councilmember Dwyer stated that when Tollefson came before
Council last time, they had quite a bit more land to work with.. He
asked how many of the units there would be on the full property.
Mr. Weiland responded that there could be about 100 units, and now
the density is down to 3.7 units per acre and 52 units. All of the
buildings are twin homes, attached. There are about four different
footprints for the structures. Although the concept is for a PUD, the
project maybe able to fit under the city's R -2 zoning without a PUD
because it meets the city's minimum requirements for that district.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that any development of the entire site
would have to do a shadow development of the parcels that have
already been developed.
Mr. Weiland stated that Tollefson has talked to the property owners
and they are not interested in developing at this time.
C
Page No. 9
June 4, 2002
Mayor Mertensotto stated that the other problem is the Garron site.
The site is also guided for multi - family residential. He stated that he
understood that Tollefson had an option on the Garron site.
Mr. Weiland responded that Tollefson did have an option but could
not come to an agreement with the property owner over reduced
density.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that Mr. Weiland should show how the
Garron property and the city -owned property could be developed.
He pointed out that no commercial developer has come in and said
they want to develop the Garron site. The Tollefson property should
also be connected to the city's trail system. The homes should be an
artistic design so that they set a picturesque image for the city as
people drive in from the Mendota Bridge. There should also be an
entrance monument coming into the site. He stated that Mr. Weiland
should also show how surrounding properties could be worked in as
the land becomes available.
Councilmember Dwyer acknowledged the Planning Commission
discussion and stated that Council should back up a step and wrestle
with the idea of what is appropriate for the site. The city has heard a
lot from MAC Executive Director Jeff Hamiel that this site is
inappropriate for residential development.
Mayor Mertensotto asked why this site should be singled out. The
entire south half of the city is impacted by air noise.
Councilmember Schneeman stated that it would not be fair to the
people who would be buying these homes. The site will be much
noisier than any other site. When she read all the materials, she
wrote down some thoughts before she heard Mr. Hamiel's
comments. She felt that prevention of pollution is the most
important issue that Council faces, and airplane noise is a huge
factor. Airplane noise is pollution, RV's are visual pollution, and
substations are health pollution. She doubted that Council would
allow houses to be built under power lines. Council should learn
from past mistakes. She stated that she wishes that someone from
MAC had been present during Council's comprehensive plan
discussions about these sites. She did not think it is fair to anyone to
build homes under the flight pattern. She feels badly for the
developers since Council first told them they did not want
commercial development on the sites, and she would like to think the
Council could come up with a suitable solution other than
residential.
Page No. 10
June 4, 2002
Councilmember Krebsbach reviewed a map on which a circle had
been drawn around the airport, showing the developments in
Richfield and South Minneapolis that are the same distance from the
airport as the Garron site. She stated that it is onerous on Mendota
Heights to say that the site cannot be developed as residential. The
site is the same distance from the airport as the homes in the
Nokomis area. If the planes did not turn, they would not fly over the
Garron site. If they stayed in the corridor, there would not be a
problem. Mendota Heights plan to keep the site residential is in
keeping with development in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Richfield and
Bloomington.
Councilmember Schneeman asked how many of the neighborhoods
in those cities have a 100 decibel noise level. That is the level MAC
says this site will experience.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated that Mendota Heights asked for
close in departure but that was not granted. At least with the new
runway there will be more flights taking off over Bloomington.
Planes should not be flying directly over this site.
Councilmember Dwyer asked how putting 52 homes on this site
solves the problem. He stated that Council would just be making 52
more home owners miserable.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated that the people who live in the TH
55 corridor still live there. Their homes have been attenuated.
Councilmember Dwyer stated that he agrees that Mendota Heights
has borne way more of the noise than is fair, but he does not see the
logic in putting 52 homes where it is really loud. All that does is
make 52 people miserable and angry with the city.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated that planes turn over the Garron
site and they do not have to turn. If they did not, they would be
turning over neighborhoods in Eagan. Her point is that people
continue to live in the Nokomis area. This is a very picturesque site
and people do want to live there. It could be an acceptable place to
live. The houses would be noise abated houses with a picturesque
view. If the property doesn't develop as residential, Council would
just be acquiescing to MAC.
Councilmember Schneeman stated that to tell future homeowners
that this would not be deleterious to their peace of mind would not
be honest.
Page No. 11
June 4, 2002
Mayor Mertensotto stated that the MAC bought out 76 homes in the
Furlong area. If 76 homes were put on this property it would add
$19 million to the city's tax base. MAC is asking the city to
sacrifice that tax base by not building homes there. He pointed out
that the airport does not give the city a subsidy. He stated that he has
lived under the flight pattern since 1959. Mendota Heights was the
only city in the seven county metro area to adopt the noise
attenuation ordinance. Council had this discussion during the two
years the comprehensive plan was discussed. Now Council is
vacillating because the airport says not to put homes on the site.
Considerable tax base was lost in Mendota Heights when the MAC
bought out the homes. The units that Tollefson builds can be
attenuated. Hoffman Homes had no problem selling its 46 homes in
Augusta Shores.
Councilmember Dwyer stated that his concern is that by approving
this project, Council would invite 52 families there. He is trying to
avoid a situation where there would be 52 families very irate with the
city because the city allowed homes to be built there.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated that when the Copperfield and
Centex developments were being discussed, the MAC said that part
of the city should not be developed. She sees the Acacia and Garron
property as the final piece of residential development in the city and
Mendota Heights should be treated like every other city that circles
the airport.
Councilmember Dwyer responded that none of the neighborhoods in
the other cities were built in the last five years. This is an on going
discussion Council will have if and when Tollefson brings the plan
forward.
Dr. Dan Salzman stated that he chose the Culligan neighborhood to
live in because it is central to the hospitals he serves at. There are
two sources of noise to his neighborhood — aircraft taking off over
his neighborhood and the reverse thrust noise from the airport.
Council needs to get very tough with the airport about limiting
Mendota Heights development. Hush kits need to be added the
planes, there should be a sound wall at the back of the airports and
no reverse thrust. The city should get tough with the MAC and
airport so that noise is abated at the source.
With respect to the lost tax base issue, Councilmember Schneeman
stated that commercial development also pays taxes.
Page No. 12
June 4, 2002
Mr. Fuhnnan stated that there is a lot of depth of issues. With regard
to the circles that were drawn on the map, the area of Bloomington
that is included is about 6000 feet off the end of the runway. There
are closer developed areas, but those homes have been sound
insulated. MAC has spent about $200 million on noise attenuation
and will spend a total of $400 million before it is done. The city has
concerns from home owners about being confined in their homes in
areas like this. Their houses are attenuated but they cannot go
outside. This area is impacted by 100 decibels. Homes that already
exist in the area cannot be prevented, they can only be mitigated.
With regard to preventing noise at the source, all of the planes have
been hush kilted to Stage 3. Stage 4 standards have already been
developed, and will take effect ten to fifteen years from now. The
DC 9s will eventually go away, but will continue in operation until
they reach their useful life. As far as reverse thrust, tractors are used
to pull the planes but some do reverse thrust. Planes must use
reverse thrust on landing. Putting up a noise wall would be
ineffective at this distance.
Mayor Mertensotto asked why MAC expanded the airport if it knew
all of these affects.
Mr. Fuhrman responded that the legislature makes the decision on
-where an airport should be built or stay.
Mayor Mertensotto asked in what other communities has the MAC
spoken about development.
Mr. Fuuhrman responded that MAC representatives have been to
several other communities that have new development within the
contour. They have been out to lots of reliever airports where
development is occurring and have also been to Eagan and
Burnsville.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that the city is running out of areas for
development.' Council is limited in its forecast on how the tax base
can be expanded. This project, 76 homes, would generate $19
million. The proposed American Lung Association development
would have only contributed $6 million if it in fact leased part of the
building.
Mr. Furhman responded that MAC just wants to express concern
over the contacts it receives. Mr. Hamiel received a call from
- someone from Augusta Shores complaining about the noise. MAC
Page No. 13
June 4, 2002
receives complaints on an on -going basis from people on all sides of
the airport, and feels the proposed development is inconsistent.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated that if MAC were to impose the
same standard on Minneapolis and Richfield they would have to
remove the houses. They were all grandfathered in. They were not
removed because it would have removed so much tax basis from
Minneapolis. The MAC is doing that to Mendota Heights and is not
giving the city any compensation. MAC is imposing a more onerous
standard on Mendota Heights than on Minneapolis or Richfield.
Mr. Fuhrman responded that MAC does get requests from cities to
acquire properties under Part 150.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated that if the MAC really felt it could
not have homes within that distance, MAC would have removed the
homes rather than abating them.
Mr. Fuhrman responded that homes within the 75 decibel level
would be removed on the edge of the Acacia property.
Councilmember Krebsbach asked if the MAC can produce the
document under which the tower sends planes over Mendota Heights
since the 1950's.
Mr. Fuhrman responded that he cannot produce a document like that
but can produce the current document.
Councilmember Krebsbach asked Mr. Fuhrman if he can produce a
written tower order that says plans cannot turn over Eagan.
Mr. Fuhrman responded that the corridor is still in existence because
of the tower order.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that there should never be a 100 decibel
event over the Garron site.
Mr. Fuhrman disagreed, stating that some aircraft are as low as 500
feet, and there are still some DC 9s in service. This is new
development. If the houses were built and attenuation takes place,
the calls will come to the MAC offices.
Councilmember Dwyer stated that if Mr. Fuhrman is urging the city
not to develop the site as proposed and the city suffers a measurable
loss in tax revenue, why should the MAC not come forward and
Page No. 14
June 4, 2002
make it economical for the city not to develop the site. He asked
why Council does not consider inverse condemnation.
Mr. Fuh man responded that MAC cannot control everything from
the airport's perspective. MAC does not have zoning authority. The
MAC staff feels there is either commercial or industrial activity that
could go on the site, that would be more compatible, and that would
continue to give the city tax base.
Mayor Mertensotto responded that the site has been guided
residential, and will continue to be guided residential until there is
good sound reason to change it.
Mr. Weiland stated that he will go through the process. He
understands that the property is guided residential and has next step
would be to file for rezoning consistent with the comprehensive plan.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that it should be a PUD, that it should
show shadow development for the remainder of the land, trails
should be put in, the city property should be considered,
consideration should be given to what should be developed on the
Garron site because there should be a transfer of density.
Councilmember Vitelli stated that ideally, the Garron property
should be in this development plan.
Councihnember Krebsbach stated that she would see a band of trees
around the bluff. This a very significant gateway and needs green
relief
VISITATION SCHOOL Council acknowledged a memo from Assistant Hollister regarding
site plan review for an addition to the Visitation School middle
school and a memo from Treasurer Shaughnessy regarding industrial
revenue bond financing. Mr. Gary Ostberg, project architect, Sister
Mary Denise, Rich Davern, business manager, and Ms. Dawn
Nichols, school administrator, were present on behalf of Visitation.
Mr. Ostberg informed Council that Visitation has a real need for
classrooms for the middle and upper school. There will not be an
increase in students — this is being done to accommodate scheduling.
He reviewed the site and location for the addition of about 9,500
square feet on two floors. There will also be a lower level for
storage. The addition will keep the same character as the existing
buildings. There will also be an elevator. He stated that he hopes
Page No. 15
June 4, 2002
that the addition will be completed by the end of December, with
ground breaking on July 1.
Mr. Davern stated that the project will cost up to $2.5 million and
that Visitation will be requesting $2.1 to $2.4 million in revenue
bonds.
Mr. Ostberg stated that he would like to get a footing and foundation
permit and then apply for a full permit.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that Council could issue a footing and
foundation permit, but Visitation must still submit a landscaping
plan.
Mr. Ostberg stated that the school is working with the same
landscape architect who did the work for the last addition.
Mr. Davern stated that he is present should Council wish to talk
about the bonds.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that all that really can be discussed on
financing is the fee for the bonds. He stated that Mr. Davern should
work with Treasurer Shaughnessy, and that the fee will be nominal.
Council expressed its unanimous support for the addition.
RV SURVEY Council acknowledged a memo from Administrator Lindberg
regarding the proposed RV/1V4otor home survey.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that instead of a survey, he would like to
see what other cities are doing in terms of storage and parking of a
vehicle when it is not in use.
Administrator Lindberg stated that she has compiled a number of
ordinances from other cities and could put something together to
discuss at Council's goal setting session.
Councihnember Schneeman stated that she agrees that there should
not be a survey and that Council should discuss the issue at the goal
setting session. She receives many calls about the issue, and Council
really needs to address it.
AIRPORT ZONING ISSUES Council acknowledged a memo from Administrator Lindberg
regarding Joint Airport Zoning Board issues and a letter from Mr.
Page No. 16
June 4, 2002
Walter Rockenstein regarding the proposed one engine inoperative
departure surface.
Mayor Mertensotto asked what structures are around the airport that
MAC is concerned about coming off all the runways if they are
talking about putting a ring around the airport. The city's water
tower could be a problem.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated that it should not affect the water
tower. One engine out means that they stay within a certain box.
She did not see a problem with the one engine out surface.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that he would like to know what structures
the procedure focuses on.
Councilmember Dwyer stated that he understands that the issue
raised two weeks ago is Councilmember Krebsbach's and his
thought that if reasons exist to relax the safety zones for Richfield
and Bloomington, those same reasons exist to relax the zones for
Mendota Heights. This would be an opportunity for more tax base to
be generated in Mendota Heights. Bloomington and Richfield
representatives are in favor of Mendota Heights also getting the
relaxed safety zone provided Mendota Heights makes a presentation
on how the existing restrictions restrict current development. All he
and Councilmember Krebsbach are asking for is authorization to
commit some staff time.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated that they are looking at trading
density from the river bottoms to the lots yet to be developed near
Associated Bureaus. On June 20 the board will be voting on the one
engine out corridor, and Council needs to advise the city's
representatives on how they should vote.
Mayor Mertensotto responded that Council has not seen the
ordinance yet.
Councilmember Dwyer asked Administrator Lindberg to advise the
MAC that Council wants a copy of the proposed airport zoning
ordinance before the next Council meeting. He also asked the
Administrator to contact the MAC to find out when they expect the
city to give its presentation with respect to the request for variance.
COUCNIL COMMENTS Councilmember Schneeman informed Council that two park benches
have been put together, under the park bench donation program. One
C.
Page No. 17
June 4, 2002
will be on Wachtler Avenue and the other will be on Lexington
Avenue.
Councilmember Krebsbach congratulated the D.A.R.E. program
graduates.
ADJOURN There being no further business to come before Council,
Councilmember Dwyer moved that the meeting be adjourned.
Councilmember Vitelli seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:55 p.m.
XIZ
Kathleen M. Swanson
City Clerk
ATTEST:
,'.
Charles E. Mertensotto
Mayor