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2000-11-21 City Council minutesPage No. 1 November 21, 2000 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, November 21, 2000 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. Mayor Mertensotto called the meeting to order at 7:30 o'clock P.M. The following members were present: Mayor Mertensotto, Councilmembers Dwyer, Krebsbach and Schneeman. Councilmember Huber had notified Council that he was ill and would not be in attendance. MEETING DATE CHANGE Mayor Mertensotto stated that since the first regular meeting in January is so close to the holidays, he felt that it would be appropriate to reschedule the meeting date to allow staff sufficient time to prepare for the meeting. After brief discussion, Councilmember Dwyer moved to reschedule the January 2, 2001 meeting to Thursday, January 4, 2001. Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 AGENDA ADOPTION Councilmember Schneeman moved adoption of the revised agenda for the meeting. Councilmember Dwyer seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Krebsbach moved approval of the consent calendar for the meeting, revised to move items i., Copperfield signs, l., Sale of Securities, n., traffic calming, to the regular agenda, along with authorization for execution of any necessary documents contained therein. a. Acknowledgment of the November 16, 2000 Town Center Focus Meeting notes. b. Acknowledgment of the minutes of the October 24, 2000 Planning Commission meeting. Page No. 2 November 21, 2000 c. Acknowledgment of the unapproved minutes of the October 11, 2000 NDC4 Commission meeting. d. Acknowledgment of the Treasurer's monthly report for October. e. Acknowledgment of the Fire Department monthly report for October. f. Acknowledgment of a National League of Cities membership invitation. g. Authorization for the issuance of a building permit to St. Paul's United Methodist Church to replace the front of the cross on the Church building. h. Authorization for the issuance of a temporary wine license to Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church for December 16, 2000 in conjunction with its Christmas Concert fund raising event, along with waiver of the license fee. i. Acceptance of a letter of resignation from Police Investigator Larry Bridger, effective on his retirement date of January 15, 2001, with appreciation and best wishes on his retirement, and authorization for the Police Department to begin the recruitment process for the replacement of two patrol officers. Adoption of Resolution No. 00 -93, "A RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO APPOINT JILL SMITH TO THEIR TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMISSION." k. Acceptance of the resignation of David Bell from the Fire Department and appreciation for his three years of service on the department. 1. Approval of the list of contractor licenses dated November 21, 2000. m. Approval of the List of Claims dated November 21, 2000 and totaling $532,046.92. Councilmember Dwyer seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Page No. 3 November 21, 2000 COPPERFIELD SIGNS Council acknowledged a memo from Interim Administrator Danielson relative to continued discussion on a request from homeowners in Copperfield for authorization to remove Copperfield monument signs from their properties. Mayor Mertensotto stated that the signs were placed on the lots under a developers' agreement at the time the developer owned the lots. The three property owners are asking for permission to remove the signs. Once the developer has completed the development, this type of authority would rest with the homeowners' association, but he does not believe an association exists. Councilmember Dwyer, a resident of Copperfield, stated that he has checked with other Copperfield residents and no one knows that a homeowners' association exists. He pointed out that the city has published notices with respect to the request for sign removal authorization and no responses have been received. Mayor Mertensotto pointed out that Council does not have ownership rights, nor are the signs a benefit to the city. The city can notify the homeowners that the city published notices with respect to their request to remove the signs and no one responded or appeared before Council, and further notify them that the city is neutral on the issue. The land owners can exercise their own discretion with respect to removal. Councilmember Schneeman moved to notify the homeowners that the city published notices and received no responses, that the city is neutral on the issue, and that the land owners can exercise their own discretion with respect to removal of the signs. TRAFFIC CALMING Council acknowledged a memo from Interim City Administrator Danielson regarding traffic calming recommendations for Decorah Lane. Mr. Danielson stated that staff brought the traffic calming recommendations to the Planning Commission and Park and Recreation Commission after traffic calming was discussed with a traffic engineer. Councilmember Krebsbach asked if there was a committee of neighbors and others involved. Mr. Danielson responded that there has been no committee involvement because staff was not under the impression after the last Page No. 4 November 21, 2000 discussion that Council desired a committee. He stated that the Planning Commission did not recommend force city trimming of landscaping on the property owners, but otherwise adopted the recommendations. Mayor Mertensotto stated that he recalls that someone from the -- -- — -- - -neighborhood indicated that he would be a-spokespersol for the __._ neighborhood. He stated that staff should send a copy of the report to that individual and place the matter on the next Council agenda. Staff was directed to mail a notice to the individuals who appeared for the Council discussion relative to the removal of the stop sign on Decorah at Ocala Lane. RECOGNITION OF Council acknowledged a memo from Fire Chief Maczko regarding DONATIONS significant donations made by Mendota Heights residents to the City for the purchase of thermal imaging cameras for the Fire Department. Chief Maczko was present for the discussion. Chief Maczko stated that Council had expressed that when the department receives the thermal imaging cameras, the donors should be recognized. He introduced and recognized Mr. Tom Dolan, for a $10,000 donation in the form of a stock certificate and Mr. & Mrs. Bob Vince for their donation of $25,000. He informed Council that Mr. & Mr. Vince had seen a television documentary on thermal imaging cameras and their benefits to fire departments, and Mr. Vince called him the next day to say that he and Mrs. Vince would like to make a donation of a camera. The camera cost less than the Vinces had desired to donate. He stated that a second camera was critical do doing things safely and they offered to donate the full $25,000 and use the remainder to assist in the purchase of a second camera. Mr. Dolan read about the Vince donation and generously offered to donate the balance of the cost. He informed Council that Mr. Dolan also made a donation to the police department a number of years ago for the purchase of bullet -proof vests. He gave Council and the audience a demonstration, using the cameras, and explained their importance to firefighters when they must enter a smoke filled room. Mayor Mertensotto and the Council personally recognized and congratulated Mr. & Mrs. Vince for their $25,000 donation and Mr. Dolan for his gift of $10,000 in stock certificates. Page No. 5 November 21, 2000 Chief Maczko pointed out that none of the three individuals wanted any public recognition for their donations and only appear before Council this evening because he urged them to. Councilmember Dwyer moved to adopt Resolution No. 00 -93, "RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SALE OF SECURITIES," and authorize the Treasurer to convert the stock to monetary funds. _ Councilmember Schneeman seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 CASE NO. 00 -41, BLAESER Council acknowledged an application from Mr. & Mrs. Brett Blaeser for a three foot height variance and opacity variance to allow installation of a six foot tail board on board privacy fence at 2350 Copperfield Drive. Council also acknowledged associated staff reports. Ms. Blaeser was present for the discussion. Ms. Blaeser stated that the property's side yard faces Delaware Avenue and she proposes a board on board fence running behind the existing spruce trees. The fence would be between the trees and the roadway, and although it would be six foot tail, there is a slope on the property and the fence will not be viewed from the roadway. She further stated that more trees and landscaping will be added to further screen the fence. Councilmember Krebsbach noted that where Council has approved board on board fences where there is landscaping, no objections have been received. Councilmember Krebsbach moved adoption of Resolution No. 00- 95, "A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN APPLICATION FOR A THREE FOOT HEIGHT VARIANCE AND AN OPACITY VARIANCE FOR A PRIVACY FENCE AT 2350 COPPERFIELD DRIVE," based on the hardships determined by the Planning Commission. Councilmember Dwyer seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 STREET LIGHT REQUEST Council acknowledged a memo from Interim Administrator Danielson regarding a request for a street light at the intersection of Victoria Road and Douglas Road. Mr. Carl Sievers stated that he owns a home on the southwest corner of the intersection and has taken a poll of the individuals who would Page No. 6 November 21, 2000 be directly impacted by the street light. He stated that he opposes the light and his poll results were that the light would detract from the neighborhood, would decrease the value of abutting property, would create a corner to congregate which is unadvisable on a busy street; there are already enough lights in the area at private homes on the east side of the street; there is no record of an existing safety problem, and residents living on the east have a trail and do not need - to cross the street at this point. He stated that he has heard that the request was made because someone had a fear of the darkness, and he suggested that person put a light on his own property. He stated that everyone he spoke to thinks lights like the one proposed are terrible. He further stated that he loves where he lives and he does not want a light shining in his yard. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that the request originally came to her. It was for the safety of the intersection, to allow people to read the street signs. There was no comment about fear of darkness. She stated that the city does not have many street lights but when Council receives a street light request based on a safety concern, Council considers them. Mrs. Sievers stated that she believes the street signs on Victoria and Douglas are probably years old and should be replaced. She stated that she has seen Mendota Heights go from a township to a village to a city, and the majority of people who come from urban areas to Mendota Heights expect street lights, etc. Mendota Heights is an oasis and she values its character. She feels that people moving in from the city have brought their fears with them. She stated that she wants to feel that she is in Mendota Heights and not in an extension of St. Paul, and the more lights that are installed, the more the city loses its character. Mr. Tom Krueger, 1731 Victoria Road, stated that he does not want lights. Mayor Mertensotto stated that, based on the comments, there is no urgent need for a light at the intersection. Councilmember Krebsbach responded that she asked that the neighborhood be polled before doing anything and stated that she would like to table the matter so that it can be reviewed again if there is another request based on safety. Mayor Mertensotto responded that the matter should be closed and that Council should review any future requests as they occur. Page No. 7 November 21, 2000 Councilmember Schneeman stated that she has driven the intersection several times recently to see what it is like and she did not think it is any worse than any other area of the city. Councilmember Krebsbach responded that the individual who made the request to her was concerned about safety because it is so difficult to read the Douglas Road signage. Councilmember Dwyer stated that he travels north on Victoria and onto Douglas often for ball games at the Victoria Highlands park and it is difficult to find Douglas even in the daytime. He did not feel that lack of lighting is the problem. Staff was directed to replace the street sign on Douglas Road at Victoria. CDBG FUNDING Council acknowledged a memo from Interim Administrator Danielson regarding consideration of the city's CDBG Grant application for 2001. Mayor Mertensotto stated that at one time the city used its CDBG to purchase land for the senior housing facility on South Plaza Drive. He stated that he would like to dedicate future CDBG to buy the highway easement rights for the property that is adjacent to the Dodge Nature Center to develop and build a community center just north of the senior housing facility. He stated that the city could extend South Plaza Drive to T.H. 110 to allow traffic going east from the Mendota Plaza to exit onto T.H. 110. The city could build a small number of parking places and use some of the shopping center parking for the community center. He felt that this location would be excellent for a community building, and that perhaps revenues from the AT &T antenna tower could be used to finance the building. He informed Council that he has mentioned this idea to the owner of the shopping center. Councilmember Dwyer stated that the request before Council by the Dakota County CDA is to use the funds to benefit the proposed senior housing facility in Town Center. Mayor Mertensotto responded that the city has $4.5 million in TIF, and after the site is cleared it will be sold to developers. Council could reserve some of the land for the Community Development Agency. He did not want the CDBG funds to go into the senior housing building. Page No. 8 November 21, 2000 Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she has received a request from someone that there be balconies on the senior housing facility. She noted that apparently the city must pay for upgrades to the facility. Mayor Mertensotto responded that the city can use TIF money for upgrades, and that he does not want to mingle CDBG money with TIF. Councilmember Schneeman felt that using the CDBG for a community center is a great idea and that the location is wonderful. Councilmember Krebsbach pointed out that over the years Council has discussed a community center that would be centrally located. When Council discussed the hockey /community center proposal for the St. Thomas Academy property, she was concerned because there had never been any discussion about a community center any place other than the center of the city. Councilmember Dwyer stated that he does not want to rule out any further discussion with St. Thomas about a hockey facility that has other amenities. Mayor Mertensotto asked if the city can fund $500,000 to $600,000 for a community center. Interim Administrator Danielson stated that Council needs to now designate how it wishes to use the CDBG for 2001 but can change that designation in the future. CDBG money can be pooled from year to year. He stated that he will contact the CDA to see if the city can use unexpended CDBG from 2000 (funding that has been designated for housing rehabilitation loans). Mayor Mertensotto informed Council that Paster Enterprises has been trying to interest a Kowalski's into locating a grocery store in the shopping center, but Kowalski's needs more than the 20,000 square feet of space that is available. He stated that he suggested that Mr. Paster contact MnDOT regarding acquiring right -of -way. Kowalski's cannot use the existing space and would have to build another building. Councilmember Dwyer stated that there is another proposal by representatives of MHAA and others to convert vacant shopping center space into an athletic facility. Page No. 9 November 21, 2000 INTRODUCTIONS Mayor Mertensotto invited boy scouts who were present for the meeting to introduce themselves. Matt Gilbertson, Sam Sergeant and Ryan Sergeant introduced themselves and informed Council that they were present because they are working on merit badges. TRUTH IN TAXATION Councilmember Schneeman moved to conduct the annual Truth in Taxation meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, December 4. Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 CITY ADMINISTRATOR Mayor Mertensotto informed Council that he has spoken with the APPOINTMENT final candidate for the City Administrator position and she has given notice to her present employer. He informed the audience that Council has selected Ms. Cari Lindberg to fill the position. He recommended a starting salary of $65,000 /year with a one year probation and a starting date of December 30. Benefits would include three weeks of vacation, a $175 /month car allowance, salary review after six months, and other benefits consistent with the benefit package offered to all other city employees. A permanent employment contract will be negotiated after satisfactory completion of the one year probationary period. Councilmember Krebsbach moved to grant probationary appointment as City Administrator to Cari Lindberg with the salary and conditions as stated. Councilmember Schneeman seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Krebsbach commended Police Chief Johnson, city staff and the fire department on how the city represented itself at Patrol Officer Jeff Menden's services on Friday and Saturday. She informed the audience that a memorial fiuzd has been established at Dakota Bank to assist Officer Menden's family and encouraged residents to make generous donations. Mayor Mertensotto commended the West St. Paul Police Department, the Dakota County Sheriffs Department and the state patrol for covering the city during Officer Menden's funeral and also for traffic control for the funeral cortege. He expressed appreciation to the Burnsville and Eagan Police Departments and the State Patrol for outstanding traffic control and the honor guards from the Page No. 10 November 21, 2000 Minnesota Law Enforcement Agency et al. He stated that the participation by everyone was a real tribute to Officer Menden. Mayor Mertensotto informed Council that the city has received an assessment appeal from Mr. Charles Noel and that Ace Blacktop has agreed to look at Mr. Noel's driveway in the spring. Mr. Noel has ----indicated that if the work is satisfactory his appeal-will be dismissed.- - - - ADJOURN There being no further business to come before Council, Councilmember Krebsbach moved that the meeting be adjourned to closed session for labor negotiations, with subsequent adjournment to the Truth in Taxation hearing. Councilmember Dwyer seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 8:59 p.m. Ka/thleen M. Swanson City Cleric ATTEST: Charles E. Mertensotto Mayor