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1999-06-15 Council minutesPage No. 1 June 15, 1999 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, June 15, 1999 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 would be absent. AGENDA ADOPTION Councilmember Dwyer moved adoption of the revised agenda for the meeting, with the understanding that item 8c, Burow Farm pre - application, has been removed from the agenda at the request of the applicant. Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays:0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Krebsbach moved approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held on June 1, 1999 as amended. Councilmember Dwyer seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Schnee' eman moved approval of the consent calendar for the meeting, along with authorization for execution of any necessary documents contained therein. a. Acknowledgment of the Treasurer's Report for May, 1999. b. Acknowledgment of an update from the League of Minnesota Cities regarding membership dues for the year 2000. c. Acknowledgment of a memo from Assistant Hollister regarding the status of the Special Park Fund. d. Acknowledgment ,of a memo from Public Works Director Danielson regarding landscaping improvements to the center islands at Centre Pointe Business Park. Page No. 2 June 15, 1999 e. Acknowledgment of a memo from Administrator Batchelder regarding the Fourth of July fireworks display. • _� _C ash_ C • g. Approval of the list of contractor licenses dated June 15, 1999 and attached hereto. h. Approval of the List of Claims dated June 15, 1999 and totaling $336,433.84. Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENTS Ms. Cici Welsh, 1839 "Rolling Green Curve, stated that a number of residents were present regarding the proposed use of the Burow Farm land. She informed Council that she proposes to be the designated contact person on the issue for the Rolling Green neighborhood. Ms. Welsh stated that the neighborhood opposes multi - family use on the Burow property and would like to see the property remain as single family use. Mr. Bruce Bengtsen, 1848 Rolling Green Curve, stated that R -1 zoning appears to be appropriate to all of the residents. Ms. Mary Roszak, 988 Stratford Road, stated that she would like Council to consider the development of the pond in terms of the community and not just the neighborhood in terms of what it represents. She stated that to many residents, the farm represents what Mendota Heights was historically and what it means to people coming into the area. Mayor Mertensotto responded that the property is zoned R -1 and there had been recommendations made in the past to preserve the farm in its current condition, but neither the Historical Society nor any other non - profit agency has come forward to preserve the farm. He explained that it is a difficult piece of property because it drops off, and pointed out that the land is in private ownership and there will be some development proposed for it. He also pointed out that the city has an easement for storm water holding purposes and one of Page No. 3 June 15, 1999 the requests from the developer is that the city change its easement. He informed the audience that there was a similar request for a Best Western hotel development in Centre Point, to change the configuration of a holding pond, so that it could meet setbacks. Council denied the development application and the district court upheld the city's decision, and that he is sure that the same provision would apply in. this case. Ms. Roszak informed Council that she has been speaking with Mr. Carlee at Dodge Nature Center and Mr. Eric Salverda has been speaking with Mr. Burow over the past four years with respect to developing the farm as a learning farm.. Mr. Carlee would like to be put in touch with people in terms of Dodge holding the farm in a temporary setting to buy time to insure proper development. She stated that the property lines are different from Copperfield. The Rolling Green properties only own to the shoreline and not into the pond, so they have an interest in what happens to the Burow property and are also concerned about drainage during storms. Responding to a question from Mayor Mertensotto, Ms. Roszak stated that Dodge Nature Center would hold the property in trust and maintain it. She stated that the neighbors respect the fact that the property is in private ownership. Responding to a question from Councilmember Krebsbach, Ms. Roszak stated that the Burow farm dates back to 1850 and is an asset to Mendota Heights like the Sibley House is to Mendota. The farm was deeded by Henry Sibley to Mr. Burow's parents. HAZARDOUS WASTE DROP Assistant Hollister informed Council and the audience that the City OFF SITE of West St. Paul will be sponsoring a household hazardous waste drop off event at the West St. Paul Public Works Garage on Saturday. He stated that the event is open to all Dakota County residents. INTRODUCTIONS Newly appointed Metropolitan Council District 15 representative Carolyn Rodriguez introduced herself to the Council and audience. She stated that she has already met with Administrator Batchelder regarding airport noise issues. She also stated that the comprehensive plan update deadline has been extended to the end of the year. Council discussed airport and noise related issues with Ms. Rodriguez. Page No. 4 June 15, 1999 Ms. Rodriguez stated that the only other comment she has to make is that she plans to continue to meet with Administrator Batchelder and would also like to continue to meet with the Council as often as Council desires. Councilmember Krebsbach announced that she has been appointed to chair a committee of the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities and has served on the Board for one year. CASE NO. 99-13, HRA Council acknowledged an application from the Dakota County HRA for rezoning and conditional use permit for land reclamation for a townhome development on Lexington Avenue. Council also acknowledged associated staff reports. Mr. Mark Ulfers, Executive Director of the HRA, Mr. Bob Doffing, HRA Commissioner, and Dakota County Commissioner Patrice Bataglia were present for the discussion. Mr. Ulfers reviewed the Livable Communities Act and informed Council that the HRA has worked with Mendota Heights and eleven other Dakota County communities, as a cluster, to jointly address affordable housing needs and meet the goals of the Livable Communities Act. He informed Council on the affordable housing situation in Dakota County, stating that rents in Dakota County are $1,030 on average for a three bedroom apartment and $778 for a two bedroom apartment. The rates are being driven by a severe shortage in available housing. The application from HRA involves a strong partnership between city, HRA, county government and the private sector, which the HRA calls its family housing partnership program. and to date seven of the townhome developments have been completed in Dakota County communities, creating 215 units available. The partnership involves financing by a limited partner, who is a local business corporation, that has an interest in investing in housing. They are a 99% owner. The McKnight Foundation is also involved as a chief financial partner. Even though the HRA owns .1: 6/o, it acts as the general partner, lender and manager of the properties. Mayor Mertensotto asked if the HRA is the acquiring agency so that when the LIRA. enters into the developer's agreement with the city, the HRA will be the only underlying fee owner and will have the right to enter into the agreement. Mr. Ulfers 'responded it is his understanding that the HRA is the fee owner. The property will be on the tax rolls, since a corporation is Page No. 5 June 15, 1999 created, with a partnership agreement that gives the HRA those responsibilities and gives the HRA the option to purchase the property at the end of the agreement. He informed Council that he has been assured by the county's attorneys that the HRA has the authority to bind the conditions for development. Mr. Ulfers informed Council that the people who live in these developments are working people with incomes between $25,000 and $35,000, except the 3% who are not working are handicapped individuals who reside in the handicapped units. Rent will be $440 to $465 per month for a two bedroom unit and $490 to $515 for three bedroom units, which is about half of what market rate rents are. He informed Council that the HRA has received architectural awards for some of its developments and that after the LIRA. development was completed in Eagan, a,subdivision of executive homes costing $250,000 to $400,000 was built across the street, so the HRA developments to not have detrimental impacts. He showed sketches of the Eagan and Hastings developments and informed Council that there will be brick on the exterior of the Mendota Heights units. Mr. Ulfers reviewed the changes that have been made to the plan since Council's last review. The site plan has been reduced from 26 to 24 units: there will be six buildings with four units in each building. The HRA has made sure that parking and garage areas totally comply with the Zoning Ordinance. Play areas have been provided, and there will be a management office on site and resident caretakers. The buildings have been changed to provide variations in the roof lines as council had requested. Brick has been added as was requested, and landscaping has been increased throughout the site. Responding to a question from Mayor Mertensotto, Mr. Ulfers stated that the HRA has used both steel and aluminum siding on its developments and will use whichever Council prefers. Mayor Mertensotto responded that steel is preferable because aluminum is not always installed properly and can deteriorate, and because steel holds up better over time. Mr. Ulfers responded that the HRA will agree to a stipulation for steel siding. in the developer's agreement if that is Council's preference. He further stated that the HRA wants to meet community standards. Page No. 6 June 15, 1999 Councilmember Dwyer stated that the community standard was established by the HRA when it constructed the beautiful senior housing development in the city. He stated that his desire would be that this new development have an equal square foot cost. Mr. Ulfers stated that on a per unit basis, what is being proposed here is considerably more expensive. He stated that the HRA would like to meet the same mix of brick and siding in this development. He stated that he has also talked to the MAC consultant who is looking at noise issues and he will provide input on what MAC's experience has been with windows, etc., so that the development is as enjoyable and livable as possible. Project Architect Kim Bretheim reviewed the site plan for the 24 unit development, which includes two accessible units (one 1- bedroom and one 2= bedroom) There will be six three bedroom units and the balance are two bedroom units. He stated that a question had been raised by the city about providing two curb cuts, but Dakota County will only approve one curb cut. The LIRA has revised the site plan to make the entrance wider in the center of the site to accommodate emergency vehicle access. Mr. Bretheim reviewed the building elevations. He stated that a pathway is proposed along Lexington, and the HRA will provide an easement for the path and will provide grading for the pedway. Councilmember Dwyer asked if the trail easement is in lieu of the required park contribution. Mayor Mertensotto stated that it will not be his position to substitute the easement for the park contribution. Mr. Bretheim stated that the buildings will be set back forty feet from the property line so that there is room the easement and the trail will be sufficiently removed from the dwellings so that there is privacy for the dwellings. Councilmember Dwyer asked how many people will reside in the development. Mr. Ulfers responded that the HRA's lease agreement restricts the number of people who can live in the units. If there are children over of different genders, and one of them is over age 5, they have to have separate rooms. There could be a maximum of six people per unit. The average number of people per unit in the HRA Page No. 7 June 15, 1999 developments is 3.3 per unit, and that is in developments with much higher percentages of 3 bedroom units. Responding to a question from Councilmember Schneeman , Mr. Ulfers stated that people generally live in this type of HRA developments for less than two years. Because the rates are so much lower than market rate, people are able to save for down payments on homes. The HRA also offers a first -time home buyer program at a current interest rate of 5.9 %, and the HRA works with residents of its developments to help them buy their first homes. Mr. Bretheim informed Council that each unit will have an attached single car garage and one guest parking stall. An additional twelve parking stalls are provided throughout the site for guests. There will be no patios on the units that will back onto Lexington, and they will not have patio doors. ,There is a tot lot on the site and a blacktopped basketball court. There will be a covered area outside the front entry of each of the units that provides space for lawn chairs and grilling. Mayor Mertensotto stated that he feels a better job could be done on landscaping, to provide some screening between the pedway and the buildings so that the residents have more privacy and to screen some of the noise from Lexington. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she appreciates the common space around the units but that she is concerned about the quality of life in the development, and there is a lot of blacktop around the buildings. Councilmember Schneeman stated that she has visited some of the other HRA sites and they do a good job of providing a feeling that there is room to put lawn chairs, etc. Mr. Bretheim stated that at each of the entrance sidewalk areas there will be foundation plantings. He pointed out that there is also a covered gazebo with two picnic tables and two barbecues for the residents. Councilmember Krebsbach asked Mr. Bretheim to soften the appearance of the development as much as possible. She also asked if it would be possible to add shutters, stating that she feels shutters will make the buildings homier and less institutional. Mr. Bretheim responded that the Planning Commission made a similar comment, and the HRA has addressed the issue by adding Page No. 8 June 15, 1999 substantially more, trees and more foundation landscaping on the Lexington Avenue side of the development. Mr. Ulfers stated that if Council feels that shutters will be an attractive element, he would be open to adding them. Councilmember Dwyer stated that Council is concerned that the new residents are living in a livable area and to establish a standard for future developments. Mr. Ulfers stated that the HRA would agree to putting shutters on the lower levels and that he will have Mr. Bretheim do colored drawings that shows the buildings with and without shutters and Council can choose which it prefers. Mayor Mertensotto asked Councilmembers Krebsbach and Schneeman to be Council's representatives to discuss the issue with the HRA. He stated that Council will defer to Councilmembers Krebsbach and Schneeman on shutters. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that if the interior court has a little more green area and if there is a picnic area with a gazebo, it will be i a comfortable place for the residents. Mayor Mertensotto stated that the Planning Commission recommended that. Council not approve a conditional use permit for a planned unit development because Council has not approved a planned unit development under five acres. He pointed out that Council does have the authority to grant a variance to the property size requirement for a PUD for good reason. The Planning Commission recommended approval of rezoning and conditional use permit for land reclamation. The HRA has indicated they will agree to signing a developers agreement either way - for rezoning or planned unit development. Also, the city has never taken a trail easement as park contribution. He pointed out that the trail would be a joint project between the city and the county, using MSA funds, and he felt the HRA should pay the $750 per unit park contribution in addition to granting the easement. Mr. Ulfers responded that the HRA will agree to paying the park contribution in addition to granting the easement. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that Council assumes that the residents will be using the city parks and welcomes their use of the parks and their participation in park programs. Page No. 10 June 15, 1999 NDC -4 Council acknowledged a memo from Administrator Batchelder regarding the draft NDC -4 joint powers agreement. Ms. Jodie Miller, Executive Director of NDC -4 was present for the discussion. Ms. Miller stated that a draft agreement that represented the consensus of the commission members was discussed by the Council at its last meeting. She stated that NDC -4 is asking for Council feedback from all of its communities. Since the last meeting, the commission has received and accepted a notice from West St. Paul stating its intent to withdraw. Mayor Mertensotto sated that although the resolution from West St. Paul expressed its intent to withdraw, NDC -4 did accept the. withdrawal, and West St. Paul will not be a member after March, 2000. Councilmember Schneeman stated that the June 4 letter from West St. Paul to NDC -4 states that it is the intent and wish of Wet St. Paul that discussion continue between member cities and that they remain hopeful that agreement will be reached. Ms. Miller responded that West St. Paul did leave the door open. Mayor Mertensotto stated that in the NDC -4 communication to Council, Ms. Miller says that there have been many recommendations and suggestions made by individual communities and commission members. He asked whether Ms. Miller would document what the reasons were for the proposed revisions and what the members requested be amended. He stated there is discontinuity in the agreement and that the overall concerns should be addressed rather than going through the draft piecemeal He felt that what the members are requesting be amended should be laid out, along with the reasons for the proposed amendments. He stated that there must be some reason that someone feels that Mendota, Sunfish Lake and Lilydale should not have the same voting power as the other communities. Miss Millerxesponded that weighted voting was one area that was discussed quite a bit. Without having received feedback from all of the communities, she knows that weighted voting is of West St. Paul The agreement that has been in place since the beginning of NDC -4 cites four situations where weighted voting is used, and they are all major items: admitting new members to the group, approval of the needs assessment report related to franchise renewal, approval of the draft of the new franchise ordinance, and any amendment to the Page No. 11 June 15, 1999 bylaws. The' consensus of most of the members is that the language should remain the same in the new agreement as in the existing agreement. Mayor Mertensotto stated that there are problems with weighted voting. In the absence of one director of a city, the other director can cast, 611 of the weighted votes, but if both of the directors are missing, the weighted condition means nothing. Ms. Miller responded that in general the agreement seems to be that for operational types of decisions, the commission is working together as ,a management board and the six volunteers from the small cities spend the same amount of time and contribute the same in terms of management. The commission seems to feel that there should continue to be one vote per person in those situations. Mayor Mertensotto stated that the language on weighted voting should be simplified so that it is easier to understand. If there is to be weighted voting, the method of how is should be done should be set forth in the agreement. He stated that there are also other issues that present problems. There are six member cities, and if one of the cities withdraws, what are the rights of the other cities as far as the joint powers agreement. He stated that it is his understanding that the commission retains all of the franchise fees for the balance of the franchise. If Mendota Heights, for example, were to leave, it would have the right to enter into a franchise agreement with any other cable provider. Ms Miller responded that the city's franchise ordinance would remain in place with the operator and the city would be responsible individually to enforce it with the operator. When NDC -4 sends out a draft of the franchise ordinance at the end of this year, each of the cities would adopt the same franchise ordinance. If a city leaves the group, it would have a franchise ordinance in place, would administer it, and would collect the 5% franchise fee. The revised Councilmember Dwyer referred to the portion of the draft, on page 16, relating to the collection of franchise fees. Ms. Miller stated that there are currently two options for withdrawal in the. discussion draft agreement (on pages 15 and 16). Option one, which is the recommendation of the commission, is that all of the cities remain members of the agreement for the term of the newly renewed franchise. The second option retains language similar to the existing'agreement, where members have the annual opportunity to Page No. 12 June 15, 1999 withdraw, but tries to spell out more specifically what would happen in terms of the assets and contributions made in the past and the on -. going services the member city should be entitled to receive. The existing agreement does not address one city pulling out and the others staying together. Mayor Mertensotto stated that in one respect a city agrees to stay for the term of the agreement and all of a sudden there is a withdrawal provision. Ms. Miller pointed out that only one of the two options will be in the final draft. She stated that the agreement must receive unanimous approval of all of the cities. If the City Council wants everyone to be committed to stay, that is what Council should recommend. Mayor Mertensotto stated that there must be other joint powers agreement,that can' be used as a guide so that the commission does not have to reinvent the wheel. Ms. Miller, stated that the city has two representatives who have sat through many meetings where all of the details have been discussed. She stated that she would be happy to provide a cover sheet or step by step explanation on all of the red lining that has taken place. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she has read the commission minutes that discuss how the changes evolved, and that perhaps it would be good to summarize that discussion. Ms. Miller stated that the commission has reviewed other joint powers agreements and its attorney has reviewed them as well. Councilmember Schneeman stated that Councilmember Huber and Mr. Sokol stated that they agonized over the issues, and they had recommendations at the last Council meeting. She suggested Council take their recommendations. Councilmember Dwyer stated that Council is at a disadvantage because Mayor Mertensotto was not present for the last discussion and Council 'member Huber is absent this evening. Ms. Miller stated that in light of the fact that the commission has received the resolution from West St. Paul, there is more time to work on the agreement. She stated that it is unrealistic now to think that an agreement can be approved by July. Page No. 13 June 15, 1999 Mayor Mertensotto asked Ms. Miller to prepare a summary of the requests that were made and the reason for the amendments that were proposed. He stated that.he does not want to blindly approve something he knows little about. Ms. Miller responded that she is here this evening to get direction and to see if Council has any strong feelings on the agreement, especially on weighted votes and on the recommendation that members must commit for the length of the agreement. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that at the last meeting, Council basically concurred with Option One on withdrawal and on the weighted voting and had a general consensus that it agreed with the 15% franchise fee, but held the matter over so that Mayor Mertensotto would have a chance to review the draft agreement and give input. Ms. Miller stated that Mendota Heights is the first city she has I. visited and that it may be helpful for all of the cities if she frames the issues in a summary. Mayor Mertensotto stated that Council is looking for harmony and j the best thing would be if West St. Paul were a part of the agreement. The ultimate objective is to focus on what can be done collectively to unison back and have the seven cities operate in harmony. He felt that perhaps there should be a subcommittee to meet with West St. Paul to look at their concerns. Ms. Miller stated that she will work on a summary. She also stated that the,commission will also be working on some financial models as 'it addresses the questions and concerns of West St. Paul. Mayor Mertensotto stated that he would like to see some of the franchise agreements of other cities, and that he would like to know why the amendments were proposed to the draft agreement. Ms. Miller stated that the commission has reviewed other franchise agreements and that if Council is interested in the detail, she would be happy to provide it to Council. She stated that she would send materials to Council towards the end of the month. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she would also recommend that the -minutes of the two meetings that lead up to the draft agreement be copied to Council again. Page No. 14 June 15, 1999 FIRE TANKER Council acknowledged a memo from Fire Chief Maczko regarding fire tanker replacement. Chief Maczko was present for the discussion. Chief Maczko stated that he is present to request approval to replace the existing 2,000 gallon tanker with a tanker that is available through the Northfield Rural Fire Association. He stated that the Fire Department has been planning to replace the tanker since the department capitol improvement program was done in 1993, although the truck was not included in the budget proposal for 1999 because he understood that it would not be available until the year 2001. The rural association has a program of replacing trucks every seven to eight years, and in March of this year, Chief Maczko received a call from their chief and was told that the association got approval to replace the tanker this year. He was given the first right of refusal on the truck, which has 4,800 miles on it and is six years old. Chief Maczko reviewed his memo in detail, informing Council on the needs assessment and other advantages to replacing the existing tanker with the Northfield tanker. He reviewed the tanker's capabilities and showed Council pictures of the unit. He explained that the only thing the department would need to have done to the tanker is to paint a white stripe down its side for visibility at night and to remove the existing lettering and letter it for Mendota Heights. The bumper would also need to be extended in order to add the big siren to it. The cost for the tanker would be $119,000 versus $165,000 to $175,000 for a new tanker. Mayor Mertensotto stated that he totally disagrees with purchasing the tanker. He stated that the city is currently paying $115,000 a year through the year 2002 for the ladder truck and there is no money budgeted for a tanker. He pointed out that the tanker is not first line equipment, and if the existing tanker is not good, he would authorize its disposal right now. He did not feel it is appropriate to buy used equipment and felt that Northfield is disposing of the tanker for a reason. He did not see where the department has anything to gain by buying a tanker primarily to serve Mendota and Sunfish Lake. He stated that he does not know why an extraordinary expenditure should be made outside of the budget for second hand equipment, and if there is justification for purchasing a tanker he would have no problem authorizing the department to put together specifications for a new tanker. He stated that he did not agree with the purchase of the 1979 chassis and installing a new cab and compartments on it and stated that you get what you pay for. He stated that if specifications are well designed and a fire truck is well maintained, it should last for 25 years. He did not think the Page No. 15 June 15, 1999 department has made a case to substantiate buying a used tanker. He pointed out that Inver Grove Heights and Eagan have tankers, and when there is a structural fire in Sunfish Lake, Eagan and Inver Grove Heights are put on notice immediately. Chief Maczko responded that the department needs a tanker to provide water to the non - hydrant areas of the city's service area. He cited examples of need in Lilydale and in the residential areas of Mendota and Sunfish Lake. He stated that the fire department cannot gamble on not taking a tanker on an alarm by anticipating that it will be a false alarm. If the department does not have the tanker capacity on a call, it will not have the time to get equipment out if the call turns out to be a fire. He stated that the existing tanker had to be used at the Pool and Yacht Club and a car fire on T.H. 13. The tanker had been planned for since 1993 based on the premise that the department needs to protect the freeway system and portions of Mendota Heights as well as in the contract areas. He stated that a tanker is an integral link in fighting fires. It is the second truck out in the winter because the department cannot count on hydrants being clear, and it is a front line truck in all responses to Sunfish Lake and Mendota. Purchasing the Northfield tanker would provide the opportunity to meet that role and at the same time save money. The city's existing tanker would have some value for small or rural departments and would be advertised in trade periodicals. Councilmember Dwyer asked why Northfield is turning the tanker over so quickly. Chief Maczko responded that the Northfield department relies heavily"on'tankers for its rural fire protection and did a cost analysis on when it is best to dispose of a piece of equipment found that seven to eight years is the break even point. This is the fourth time they have turned tankers over in the past 24 years. The last tanker was sold to Wayzata, and the next opportunity Mendota Heights would have to purchase a used tanker from Northfield would be seven to eight years from now. He explained that Northfield is selling the tanker now because of a the manufacturer of the tankers had a special purchase arrangement . He stated that he has spoken with the Wayzata Chief, who told him that the department is very happy with the truck they purchased from Northfield. He stated that there are four years remaining on the ten year manufacturer's warranty on the tank. Responding to a question from Councilmember Dwyer, Chief Macz;ko stated that replacement of the tanker was planned for 1998. Page No. 16 June 15, 1999 He became aware of Northfield's replacement program in 1997 and talked to the Northfield Chief, who gave Mendota Heights the first right of refusal for this tanker. He stated that the equipment will meet the department's needs and will save the city money. Responding to a question from Councilmember Krebsbach, Chief Maczko stated that the current tanker was purchased in 1982 and has a 1977 chassis. The truck was purchased used with over 100,000 miles on it. A tank, siren and cabinets were installed on the chassis, and the city took deliver of the unit in 1982. There are currently 114,000 miles on the unit. Councilmember Krebsbach asked if West St. Paul and South St. Paul are mutual aid. Chief Maczko responded that they are mutual aid but do not have tankers: Treasurer Shaughnessy reviewed the fire contract financing for Council, stating that the cost of a truck is depreciated, as part of the contracts, over ten years. The contract cities pay a total of about 17 to 18% of the city's annual fire budget. Responding to a question from Councilmember Krebsbach, Chief Maczko stated that the Northfield truck has a Ford chassis and the truck was manufactured by Kustom Fire. It has a Ford diesel engine with a five speed automatic transmission and a 300 gallon per minute Waterous pump. He stated that if the city were to prepare specif cations for a brand new truck, the truck would not look much different from the Northfield truck, and purchasing this unit would save the city considerable money. Responding to a question from Councilmember Krebsbach, Chief Maczko reviewed the department's current equipment: a 1,500 gallon per minute pumper; a 1978 1,250 gallon per minute pumper from which the Squrt was removed and which was refurbished in 1993; a 1986 Ford pumper with a 1,250 gallon permit pump on it; and a 2,000 gallon Ford tanker, which is a 1977 chassis to which a tank was added in 1982. Prior to delivery of the pumper in 1996, the department had a 1960 1,000 gallon per minute pumper with a 500 gallon tank and a 1970 1,000 gallon per minute pumper with a 1,000 gallon. tank, and both of those were traded in 1996. Mayor Mertensotto asked how many times the tanker was taken out in 1998 for fire calls. Page No. 17 June 15, 1999 Chief Maczko responded that it was probably taken out at least a dozen times. He stated that when the fire department goes out, about 80% of the calls they respond to are fire calls. They may be alarm calls that turn out to be false after the department gets there, but about 25 to 27% of the calls are fires. The remainder of the calls are generally alarm calls or assists. He stated that the department always responds as if a call is an actual fire. Mayor Mertensotto pointed out that each call costs money. He asked what the department is doing about dealing with false alarm calls. Chief Maczko responded that the department is doing a lot of public education about maintaining alarm systems and has been very aggressive this year about alarm companies that do not call the department when they are doing maintenance work. He informed Council That the department went on 134 chargeable false alarms; in 128 cases they were single alarms without being repeated. The department only responded to six of those homes more than once. He stated that the community has grown significantly over the years but the number of alarm calls has not grown proportionately. Commercial alarms have been curbed significantly over the past few years. Councilmember Schneeman suggested that perhaps the fine for false alarms should be raised. Chief Maczko stated that there is no charge for a false alarm until the third alarm per year. Councilmember Schneeman stated that if the city gets enough money for fines, it would help to pay the cost of sending firefighters and equipment out. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she does not think people would object to paying a fine. She asked Treasurer Shaughnessy about financing. Treasurer Shaughnessy stated that the only costs that have been committed in the equipment reserve fund are the $72,000 for police computers and the radio system. Councilmember Dwyer stated that it is difficult to make a decision of such magnitude on such short notice. Page No. 18 June 15, 1999 Mayor Mertensotto stated that he would prefer to buy a new truck, if there is a need, than to buy someone else's trouble. Chief Maczko stated that he believes strongly that there is a need. He statedT that the opportunity is available to the city to purchase a piece of equipment that is not going to be a maintenance headache, based on past equipment of this type that the city has, and save the city $40,000. He also stated that the Northfield Chief stated they have not had any maintenance problems and if Mendota Heights purchases the equipment and has problems with it, Northfield will take care of them. He stated that unlike a pumper, tankers generally do not idle for any lengths of time because they either responding to a fire or shuttling water back and forth. Also, diesel engines are designed to run and idle for long periods of time. Councilmember Krebsbach agreed with Councilmember Dwyer that it is difficult to make decisions of this magnitude under these conditions. She stated that in her mind this appears to be a good investment and that she believes in good, basic equipment and appreciates that Chief Maczko has not been coming before Council minor things that might be nice to have but are not necessary. Based on Chief Maczko's recommendation, if in fact the city is due to purchase the equipment in the next two years, if in fact the miles on the truck actually reflect its use in relationship to going to and from fires, the pump capacity is sufficient and the hours of use of the pump is not excessive and if its purchase will not deplete the equipment reserve fund, she would support its purchase. Chief Maczko responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Krebsbach moved to authorize the purchase of the tanker from the Northfield Rural fire Association for a purchase price of $119,000. Councilmember Schneeman seconded the motion. Ayes: 3 Nays: 1 Mertensotto Councilmember Dwyer moved to authorize advertising for the sale of the existing tanker truck. Councilmember Schneeman seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 TOBACCO ORDINANCE Council acknowledged a memo from Police Chief Johnson along with a proposed Uniform Tobacco Ordinance. Page No. 19 June 15, 1999 Mayor Mgrtensotto stated that Council was instrumental in saying that there should be one uniform tobacco ordinance in Dakota County. He stated that if Council adopts the ordinance, the city will be the enforcing authority. He further stated that he would like to regard this as the first reading of the ordinance and hold a second reading at the next meeting, with subsequent adoption two weeks after the next meeting: RESURRECTION APPRAISAL Council acknowledged a memo from Public Works Director Danielson regarding the appraisal on the parcel of property (Lot 42) that the city proposes to purchase from Resurrection Cemetery for use as a disposal site for street sweeping sand. Councilmember Schneeman pointed out that once it is filled in, the property can be used for commercial property and can go back on the tax base. After discussion, Councilmember Schneeman moved to authorize the purchase of the 11,:2 acre parcel from Resurrection Cemetery, through TIF, for its appraised value of $863,000 and that the land be included as part of the.TIF project for redevelopment at a future time, with the purpose of serving as a landfill site for street sweepings until TIF development occurs. Councilmember Dwyer seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0y NSP ENVIRONMENTAL Council acknowledged a memo from Public Works Director WORKSHEET Danielson regarding an application from NSP to replace wooden power poles with mono pole metal structures in the city and a petition from Sunfish Lake residents to the EQB for an Environmental Assessment Worksheet. Mayor Mertensotto reviewed the memo and recommended that Council direct staff to notify NSP that it opposes the relocation of the transmission lines. He pointed out that NSP will need to appear before the city for approval to replace the poles and the city can place conditions on approval. Councilmember Dwyer stated that the city of Mendota Heights is not going to support a program that creates new problems in Mendota Heights in order to solve existing problems in Sunfish Lake. Page No. 20 June 15, 1999 Councilmember Krebsbach moved adoption of Resolution No. 99 -32 "A RESOLUTION PROVIDING COMMENTS TO THE MINNESOTA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY BOARD ON NORTHERN STATES POWER'S ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET." Councilmember Schneeman seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Krebsbach asked staff to be vigilant in monitoring the Copperfield Pond. She stated that residents have commented that water does not move fast enough between the upper and lower ponds and neighbors have been complaining about water coming into their yards. Engineer Mogan stated that he will investigate. He noted that the city holds a conservancy easement around the large pond and landscaping is restricted from the easement area. Councilmember Dwyer stated that he has received comments from residents about the T.H. 110/Delaware Avenue intersection asking what can be done about the confusing situation for traffic from the attempting to turn west and south traffic attempting to go east. Mayor Mertensotto stated that he sees the Burow Farm development pre - application as a process that will consume considerable staff time. He stated that it appears to him that the proposal will not receive much public support. If the applicants are proposing to ask for TIF for the project, which will pay no taxes, the city will not get its money back. He suggested that staff let the developers know that there does not appear to be a lot of Council support and that Council Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she would like to send a clear message that this is not an appropriate use for the land. Councilmember Dwyer agreed, stating that Council is not interested in coridibuting TIF and this is not an appropriate use for the site. ADJOURN There being no further business to come before Council, Councilmember Schneeman moved that the meeting be adjourned to Page No. 20 June 15, 1999 Councilmember Krebsbach moved adoption of Resolution No. 99 -32 "A RESOLUTION PROVIDING COMMENTS TO THE MINNESOTA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY BOARD ON NORTHERN STATES POWER'S ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET." Councilmember Schneeman seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Krebsbach asked staff to be vigilant in monitoring the Copperfield Pond. She stated that residents have commented that water does not move fast enough between the upper and lower ponds and neighbors have been complaining about water coming into their yards. Engineer Mogan stated that he will investigate. He noted that the city holds a conservancy easement around the large pond and landscaping is restricted from the easement area. Councilmember Dwyer stated that he has received comments from residents about the T.H. 110/Delaware Avenue intersection asking what can be done about the confusing situation for traffic from the attempting to turn west and south traffic attempting to go east. Mayor Mertensotto stated that he sees the Burow Farm development pre application as a process that will consume considerable staff time. He stated that it appears to him that the proposal will not receive much public support. If the applicants are proposing to ask for TIF for the project, which will pay no taxes, the city will not get its money back. He suggested that staff let the developers know that there does not appear to be a lot of Council support. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she would like to send a clear message that this is not an appropriate use for the land and Council will not support a rezoning. Councilmember Dwyer agreed,, stating that Council is not interested in contributing TIF and this is not an appropriate use for the site. ADJOURN There being no further business to come before Council, Councilmember Schneeman moved that the meeting be adjourned to Page No. 21 June 15, 1999 the comprehensive plan workshop to be held at 7:00 p.m. on June 16. Councilmember Dwyer seconded the motion. Ayes: 4: Nays: 0 TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 10:48 p.m. K thleen M. Swanson City Clerk ATTEST: Charles E. Mertensotto Mayor