1999-06-01 Council minutesPage No. I
June 1, 1999
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, June 1, 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.
Acting Mayor Krebsbach called the meeting to order at 7:30 o'clock P.M. The following members were
present: Councilinembers Dwyer, Huber, Krebsbach and Schneeman. Mayor Mertensotto had notified
the Council that he would be absent.
AGENDA ADOPTION Councilmember Schneeman moved adoption of the revised agenda
for the meeting.
Councilmember Dwyer seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Dwyer moved approval of the minutes of the regular
meeting held on May 18, 1999.
Councilmember Schneeman seconded the motion.
Ayes: 3
Nays: 0
Abstain: Huber
CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Schneeman moved approval of the consent calendar
for the meeting, amended to move item a, Parks and Recreation
Commission minutes, and g., Information Regarding Previous
Council Decisions, to the regular agenda, along with authorization
for execution of any necessary documents contained therein.
a. Acknowledgment of the minutes of the May 19, 1999 Airport
Relations Commission meeting.
b. Acknowledgment of the minutes of the May 25, 1999 Planning
Commission meeting.
c. Acknowledgment of the unapproved minutes of the April 7 and
May 5 NDC4 Commission meetings.
d. Acknowledgment of the building activity report for May.
Page No. 2
June 1, 1999
e. Acknowledgment of information regarding the judgment in the
Sampson Properties law suit.
f. Acknowledgment of Metropolitan Council population
projections.
g. Acknowledgment of an update on the Lexington Avenue trail
issue.
h. Adoption of Resolution No. 99 -26, "A RESOLUTION
REQUESTING AN EXTENSION OF TIME FOR THE
COMPLETION OF THE MENDOTA HEIGHTS
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN."
i. Adoption of Resolution No. 99 -27, "RESOLUTION
ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR
BITUMINOUS DRIVEWAY RECONSTRUCTION AND
APPURTENANT WORK IN THE AREA REFERRED TO AS
CHERRY HILL ADDITION AND SURROUNDING AREAS.:
j. Approval of the list of contractor licenses dated June 1, 1999 and
attached hereto.
k. Approval of the List of Claims dated June 1, 1999 and totaling
$261,600.74.
Councilmember Huber seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
PARKS AND RECREATION Referring to the Capital Improvement Plan discussion in the
COMMISSION MINUTES minutes of the May 11 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting,
Councilmember Schneeman asked why the Special Park Fund
balance is $100,000 short of what the Commission understood it to
be.
Assistant Hollister responded that there were a number of items for
which funds had been allocated but for which the expenditure had
not yet been made. He stated that he will give Council a report at the
next Council meeting on what those expenditures are.
Councilmember Huber noted in the minutes that Commissioner
Liberacki wants to freeze the Special Park Fund at $300,000. He
stated that he presumes that the Commission wants the paving of the
Page No. 3
June 1, 1999
Wentworth rink and the warming houses to come from the capitol
funding process.
Assistant Hollister responded that he understood that the
Commission wants those items to be part of the capitol improvement
plan but Parks Project Manager Kullander thinks the commission
wants them to be funded by the General Fund. He stated that he will
get clarification for the next Council meeting.
Councilmember Schneeman moved to acknowledge the minutes of
the May 11, 1999 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting.
Councilmember Dwyer seconded the motion. He stated that he
presumes that the Commission wants the paving of the Wentworth
rink and the warming houses to come from the capitol funding
process.
Assistant Hollister responded that he understood that the
Commission wants those items to be part of the capitol improvement
plan but Parks Project Manager Kullander thinks the commission
wants them to be funded by the General Fund. He stated that he will
get clarification for the next Council meeting.
Councilmember Schneeman moved to acknowledge the minutes of
the May 11, 1999 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting.
Councilmember Dwyer seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
PLANNING DECISIONS Acting Mayor Krebsbach acknowledged a memo from Assistant
Hollister regarding preferences of the Planning Commission Chair
regarding previous Council decisions on the Salz and Jacobs
planning cases. With respect to the Salz case, Chair Duggan asks
Council to reconsider its stance on the variance and refund the fee.
She pointed out that the Commission had presented Council with
two options (making a finding that no variance was needed or
granting a variance) and Council granted the variance. She informed
Council that she would like the decision to stand.
Councilmember Dwyer agreed. He stated that the result is the same
for the applicant and the only difference between the two options
was a refund of the application fee. He felt Council should let its
action stand. He pointed out that Council had all of the information
in front of them when the action was taken and felt the variance was
justified.
Page No. 4
June 1, 1999
Acting Mayor Krebsbach stated that the second item was the Jacobs
case. She stated that the Commission is asking that Council deduct
any city costs from the conditional use permit fee.
Councilmember Schneeman stated that it was Council's discussion
that consideration will be given to refunding the fee in September if
Mr. Jacobs complies with the condition that the shed be removed by
September 15.
Councilmember Dwyer stated that if there are actual costs that the
city can itemize and charge against the application fee, that can be
considered in September. He pointed out that the applicant is
expecting Council to discuss the fee refund in September.
Councilmember Dwyer moved to acknowledge the memo regarding
preferences of the Planning Commission Chair on previous Council
decisions.
Councilmember Schneeman seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
PUBLIC COMMENTS Ms. Angela Thornberg, 1205 Sylvandale Road, informed Council
i that she was present at the invitation of Acting Mayor Krebsbach to
inform Council and the audience about what is being done at
Somerset Elementary School. She explained that there are two parts
to the campaign, fund raising and work being done by volunteers
from the community to restore the building and keep the school
going.
Principal Don Moore gave Council a history of Somerset Elementary
and stated that when the vandalism occurred at the school last year,
there was intensive interest in the school and he has seen a strong
spirit of community. The campaign is to raise funding for capitol
repairs, and about $15,000 has already been donated. Additionally, a
group of 42 volunteers worked at the school last weekend and he
expects a similar number of people to do volunteer repair work this
weekend.
Ms. Thornberg stated that there have been many pledges in addition
to the $15,000 in cash that has been collected, and what has been
received in free labor, supplies and equipment would cost about
$20,000. She introduced Mr. John Longtin, the new Superintendent
of Schools for District 197.
Page No. 5
June 1, 1999
Mr. Longtin commended the people who have worked on Somerset
School. He informed Council that he has been in Mendota Heights
for the past four years and is very proud to be a part of a community
that comes together and works together with pride. He stated that he
looks forward to working closely with the Council in the years to
come.
RECREATION PROGRAMS Recreation Programmer Mary Hapka was present to give Council an
update on the summer recreation programs.
Councilmember Dwyer expressed concern about the lack of satellite
facilities in the parks.
Public Works Director Danielson responded that staff is trying to
figure out how to solve the problem of vandalism. He explained that
the units were being tipped over daily, so the satellites have been
taken out so that staff can work with the installer to see how they can
be permanently attached.
Councilmember Schneeman stated that the Police Chief has
informed her that having officers on bicycle patrol may help. She
suggested that the city do some publicity about the repercussions and
make it a big issue.
Chief Johnson stated that vandalism to the satellites has been a big
problem. Last year vandals burned the satellites. He agreed that
there should be publicity and stated that he thinks the city should
start a park watch program, wherein neighborhoods would be
organized to watch the parks.
Councilmember Dwyer stated that the Kensington Park comfort
station is not being opened because of past damage to that facility.
The Parks and Recreation Commission is even recommending that
all of the plumbing be pulled out of the comfort station. He stated
that the facility is badly needed in this heavily used park.
Councilmember Huber suggested that keys could be given to the
coaches so that they can open and lock the comfort station before
and after games.
LIQUOR LICENSE HEARINGS Acting Mayor Krebsbach opened the meeting for the purpose of a
i public hearing on an application from Mendota Liquor for renewal of
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Ayes:4
Nays: 0
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Page No. 6
June 1, 1999
its off -sale liquor license. She asked for questions and comments
from the audience.
There being no questions or comments, Councilmember Huber
moved that the hearing be closed.
Councilmember Dwyer seconded the motion.
Councilmember Huber moved to approve the renewal of an Off -Sale
Liquor License for Mendota Liquor.
Councilmember Dwyer seconded the motion.
Acting Mayor Krebsbach 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. She asked for questions and comments
from the audience.
There being no questions or comments, Councihnember Dwyer
moved that the hearing be closed.
Councilmember Huber seconded the motion.
Councilmember Dwyer moved to approve the renewal of On -Sale
Hotel and Special Sunday On -Sale Liquor Licenses for the
Courtyard by Marriott Hotel.
Councilmember Huber seconded the motion.
Acting Mayor Krebsbach opened the meeting for the purpose of a
public hearing on an application from the Heritage Inn of Mendota
Heights for renewal of its Limited Service Hotel and Special Sunday
On -Sale Liquor Licenses. She asked for questions and comments
from the audience.
There being no questions or comments, Councilmember Dwyer
moved that the hearing be closed.
Councilmember Huber seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Councilmember Huber moved to approve the renewal of On -Sale
Hotel and Special Sunday On -Sale Liquor Licenses for the Heritage
Inn of Mendota Heights.
Councilmember Dwyer seconded the motion.
Page No. 7
June 1, 1999
Acting Mayor Krebsbach opened the meeting for the purpose of a
public 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.
There being no questions or comments, Councilmember Huber
moved that the hearing be closed.
Councilmember Schneeman seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Councilmember Huber moved to approve the renewal of Club On-
Sale and Special Sunday On -Sale Liquor Licenses for Somerset
Country Club.
Councilmember Dwyer seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Councilmember Schneeman moved to approve the renewal of Club
On -Sale and Special Sunday On -Sale Liquor Licenses for
Mendakota Country Club.
Councilmember Huber seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays:0
CASE NO. 99-15, EDSTROM Council acknowledged an application from Mr. Paul Edstrom for a
conditional use permit to construct a detached garage at 1021
Chippewa. Council also acknowledged associated staff reports. Mr.
Edstrom was present for the discussion.
Mr. Edstrom reviewed his plans for Council, explaining that he plans
to replace his existing 20 by 12 foot one car detached garage with a
30 by 25 foot detached garage.
Councilmember Schneeman stated that she looked at the site and
feels the new garage will be a great addition to the property.
Acting Mayor Krebsbach stated that it should be noted that Mr.
Edstrom is planning to build a one -story garage even though he had
showed an option for a two story structure.
Mr. Edstrom responded that he would like a two story structure but
knows that it would not get approval.
Page No. 8
June 1, 1999
Councilmember Dwyer pointed out that the new garage will be set
back ten feet from the nearest property line, whereas the existing
garage is four feet from the side property line.
Councilmember Dwyer moved adoption of Resolution No. 99 -28,
"A RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT FOR A DETACHED GARAGE AT 1021 CHIPPEWA
AVENUE," subject to the conditions recommended by the Planning
Commission and included within the resolution.
Councilmember Schneeman seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
CASE NO. 99 -16, MAY Council acknowledged an application from Mr. David May for a
conditional use permit and sideyard setback variance to allow
construction of a detached garage at 987 Delaware Avenue. Council
also acknowledged associated staff reports. Mr. & Mrs. May were
present for the discussion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Mr. May informed Council that he presently has an 18 by 18 foot
garage and would like to replace it with a 28 by 28 foot garage in the
same location, two feet from his property line.
Acting Mayor Krebsbach stated that the Planning Commission
recommended approval of the application with the same conditions
as the Edstrom conditional use permit. The difference is that in this
case, Council would be granting a 7.5 foot variance.
Councilmember Dwyer responded that Council would be granting
the variance because the old garage was set back 2.5 feet from the
side lot line.
Acting Mayor Krebsbach noted that the house is located in the older
area of the city, where there are narrow lots, and the May lot is only
50 feet wide.
Councilmember Schneeman moved adoption of Resolution No. 99-
29, "A RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT AND A 7.5 FOOT SIDE YARD SETBACK VARIANCE
FOR A DETACHED GARAGE AT 987 DELAWARE AVENUE."
Councilmember Dwyer seconded the motion.
Mr. May stated that he does not feel that the fee for conditional use
permit for a detached garage should be borne by the homeowner, and
Page No. 9
June 1, 1999
that he could use the $350 application fee to help build his garage
and pay for the building permit. He father stated that last year his
neighbor, Mr. Horner, was given his application fee back, and all of
his neighbors are in the same situation because of their narrow lots.
Administrator Batchelder responded that Council had requested that
Mr. Horner upgrade the material on the exterior of the garage to
stucco to match the house and recommended return of the
application fee if the owners would upgrade the exterior finish to
stucco.
Mr. May stated that he does not feel a conditional use permit for a
garage for a resident is something that is necessary and that he
considers a conditional use to be for a commercial purpose — setting
conditions on what a property could be used for. He further stated
that to upgrade his property he should not have to pay a conditional
use permit fee and that he will be using his garage for the same
purpose as other residents who would be building attached garages.
Councilmember Dwyer responded that a conditional use permit for
detached garages was initiated by the city because without the
process, large structures would be put up all over the city. He
informed Mr. May that the conditional use application also takes
much staff time.
Mr. May stated that he is more than willing to sign a paper that says
he is going to use the structure as a garage, and the city building
official should be able to approve it. He stated that he had to put in a
lot of time getting plans and information together and is not being
compensated for that time. He felt that the fee is unfair and there
are other means to accomplish the city's purpose of not having
people put up unwanted accessory structures.
Councilmember Huber stated that if Council sets rules and says that
one person on city staff has the authority to deviate from the rules, it
would open the city up to many inconsistencies. He further stated
that he is sure that Council would be willing to make the same offer
it made to Mr. Horner — to refund the $350 fee if Mr. May upgrades
his garage exterior to stucco to match his house.
Acting Mayor Krebsbach stated if Mr. May wants to do that, Council
could consider the same offer. She informed Mr. May that Council
appreciates his comments, and that Council's approval of the
conditional use permit was based on the fact that there are no options
other than detached garages in Mr. May's neighborhood.
Page No. 10
June 1, 1999
Mr. May responded that he is only asking that the city reconsider
requiring the conditional use permit fee.
Administrator Batchelder stated that the Council has dealt with a
number of very controversial detached structures in the past ten
years, and that sometimes the city gets proposals for detached
garages where an entire neighborhood comes out against the request.
He pointed out that these were not easy cases over the years, and that
he believes the ordinance was amended in 1992. Prior to that time,
the city required conditional use permits for detached garages over a
certain size, but that was changed in 1992 to apply to all detached
structures because there had been so many problems.
Councilmember Schneeman stated that in the same sense, they could
not attach a garage to their house, and sometimes Council needs to
look at those things and make a different judgment.
Administrator Batchelder responded that the policy in 1992 was that
all detached garages would require a conditional use permit because
that had been known in the past to have potential impact on the
neighbors and it was decided that there should be a hearing for
neighborhood impact. He stated that Council could revisit that issue.
Acting Mayor Krebsbach stated that Mr. May's existing garage is
not stucco and if Mr. May would like to stucco the front, Council
would make the same offer it did to Mr. Horner on refund of the
application fee. She further stated that Council will revisit the
ordinance regarding conditional use permit requirements for
detached garages in this neighborhood.
FRIENDLY HILLS SUMMER Council acknowledged a memo from Recreation Programmer
PROGRAM Mary Hapka regarding liability questions raised by Council during
the recent discussion of Mr. Scott Miller's request that the Friendly
Hills Park warming house be kept open during the summer and that
the city provide an attendant at the warming house. Council also
acknowledged a letter from Mr. Kevin Balfanz, from Berkley Risk
Services, regarding liability loss control.
Ms. Hapka reviewed her memo, stating that the Mr. Balfanz
reviewed the proposal and advised staff on how to reduce liability.
He also reviewed staffing of the facility and recommend background
checks on anyone over the age of 18. He recommended that there be
signage on the building saying that the person is there only to
maintain the equipment and provide it for the children, that staff will
Page No. 11
June 1, 1999
not referee games and will be required to stay at the warming house.
Children should not be allowed in the facility, and there should be
signage on use of the equipment.
Responding to a question from Acting Mayor Krebsbach, Ms.
Hapka stated that the facility will only be used as a storage facility.
Acting Mayor Krebsbach stated the staff position will be that of
equipment manager. She noted that all of Councilmember Dwyer's
concerns over liability have been addressed and that Council has
seen the report from Berkley. She recommended that Council adopt
the recommendations as the procedure Council wants in terms of
guidance on how the position must work. The risk manager also
recommended that a log be kept, and Acting Mayor Krebsbach also
recommended that Council be given an interim report in mid-
summer.
Councilmember Schneeman stated that she would like the city to
explore the possibility of getting a senior citizen for the position.
Councilmember Huber asked how the role of the staff person would
be different from that of a warming house attendant. There are many
things on the risk manager's report that he does not want the
attendant to do that the city wants warming house attendants to do.
Ms. Hapka responded that staff did review that issue and discussed it
with the representative from Berkley Risk Services. She stated that
Mr. Miller wants an open sand lot situation and did not want
someone supervising games, etc.
Assistant Hollister informed Council that he and Ms. Hapka visited
the Friendly Hills warming house with Mr. Balfanz, and one of the
things they concluded was that Mr. Balfanz should come back to
specifically talk about rink attendants. He stated that the equipment
manager's role will be constrained as much as possible, whereas the
city is asking rink attendants to do much more.
Acting Mayor Krebsbach stated that Council will revisit the issue in
mid July to see how it works. The purpose of the new program is to
make the use of the park more accessible. She stated that she would
prefer that this stay separate from the rink attendant issue. She stated
that the attendant would be paid $6.50 per hour, $1,300 for the
summer, and would be on duty from approximately 10:00 a.m. to
3:00 p.m. weekdays.
Page No. 12
June 1, 1999
Councilmember Schneeman asked if the city could pay $10 per hour
and three hours a day in order to get a more responsible person.
Acting Mayor Krebsbach responded that the total for the program is
$1,300, and Ms. Hapka could determine whether $6.50 per hour is
the average rate cities pay.
Councilmember Schneeman moved to authorize an expenditure of
$1,300 to fund the position, with the understanding that Council will
revisit the issue mid -July.
Councilmember Huber seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
CABLE COMMISSION Council acknowledged a memo from Administrator Batchelder
regarding the draft NDC4 Joint Powers agreement, along with a copy
of the draft agreement. Mr. Mike Sokol, citizen representative to
NDC4, was present for the discussion.
Mr. Sokol summarized the report for Council. He reviewed the two
withdrawal provision options. One option states that if a city is
involved in negotiations that lead to the new franchise ordinance, the
city is stuck as a member for the term of the franchise. That is what
the commission recommends. Option 2 allows a city to withdraw
but there is a question of what that city would be entitled to. The
overall commission consensus was that if a city was going to be
involved in negotiating an agreement it should be bound to be a
member for the term of the agreement. One city is a proponent of
Option 2.
Mr. Sokol then reviewed the weighted voting provisions. He stated
that what is being proposed at the insistence of West St. Paul is that
the commission go through weighted voting in more instances. He
reviewed the weighted voting concept and stated that what West St.
Paul is advocating is that they would like to see a weighted vote so
that the larger cities would have a much greater voice in what money
would be spent on (as an example). Mr. Sokol stated that he is
opposed to the provision, stating that as a resident of Mendota
Heights, if Mendota Heights only has six votes out of 44, even if the
three other small cities vote with Mendota Heights the three would
be in the minority when voting on major decisions like financing.
Mr. Sokol stated that technology impacts all the cities the same way.
l Over all of the years, the commission has bent over backwards to see
that even the smaller cities had availability of technology. West St.
Page No. 13
June 1, 1999
Paul wants to see more money from franchise fees go back to their
general fund for general purposes. He stated that while that is a
decision that the cities make, to him it places an additional tax on a
cable subscriber to fix a pothole when someone without cable would
not be paying. Federal law says a commission can ask for up to 5%
for a franchise fee, but that is not a tax — it is purely money that
comes from the subscribers to the commission for whatever purposes
the cities want to validate.
Mr. Sokol informed Council that there currently is weighted voting
in significant matters, but there has not been weighted voting on
such routine items as budgeting, etc.
Councilmember Huber stated that the Mendota Heights percentage
of the vote, whether there were weighted voting or not, is about the
same. If the commission goes to a fifteen year franchise, Inver
Grove Heights (because of its size) would have more than 75% of
the votes. Inver Grove Heights has suggested that weighted voting
change as the population changes over the years, and it is to their
credit that they capped it.
Mr. Sokol then discussed franchise fees. He stated that 15% of the
franchise fee was agreed to be spread out over the seven cities.
Mendota Heights' share of that was about $9,500 in 1998. In the
beginning, the cities were asked to give back the money so that it
could be used for programming that the commission wanted to do.
Every city but West St. Paul gave back the money and the
commission was able to start some access programs. Last year most
of the cities kept the money. Over the years, the amount of money
the commission has been able to pay to the nonprofit corporation has
been cut by $100,000. Two tenured employees have quit, and all of
a sudden the commission is confronted with the affect of the decision
made in the 90's to give back 15% of the franchise fees. It is now
having a significant impact on the commission's ability to staff the
programs and an impact on the progress of the access programs. He
asked for Council's support of what the commission is trying to do
and support the position that any fees NDC4 is able to get in
franchise fees stay in the cable pot.
Councilmember Dwyer asked if West St. Paul has announced its
consideration of withdrawing.
Mr. Sokol responded that they had to tell the commission by June 1
if they intend to withdraw this year and they did not.
Page No. 14
June 1, 1999
Councilmember Huber stated that because the commission is
negotiating a new agreement, West St. Paul could still decide to drop
out during the first part of next year if they do not want to become
part of the new agreement.
Mr. Sokol stated that West St. Paul would have to give notice by
June 1, 2000.
Councilmember Huber stated that West St. Paul wants 50% of the
franchise fees to be returned to the cities. Mr. Sokol responded that
any increase over the 15% would be devastating to NDC4.
Treasurer Shaughnessy stated that the first year the commission gave
money back to Mendota Heights, they asked the city to return it for
Insight 7. The second year they asked for one -half back and did not
ask for any return after the second year. He stated that when he
asked them if they wanted the fee returned, NDC 4 said no.
With respect to weighted voting, Councilmember Huber stated that
he feels the way it is defined in the agreement is acceptable and
assuming it is kept narrowly defined and is not expanded to include
budgeting, he does not object. He stated that there has been
weighted voting in the past and there is no need to expand the list of
weighted voting items.
Mr. Sokol responded that the only concern he has is the reference to
special items and that is not defined.
Councilmember Huber stated that the weighted vote would remain
fixed for the term of the agreement. Freezing the votes is a good
deal for Mendota Heights.
Mr. Sokol stated that he agrees as long as the list of weighted uses is
not expanded.
Councilmember Dwyer stated that the only areas weighted voting
can be used is for special items, and those are the four items listed on
page 5 of the agreement.
Acting Mayor Krebsbach stated that she would like more
opportunity to review the agreement and allow Mayor Mertensotto to
review it. She stated that she likes the option 1 provision that the
cities would not be allowed to leave during the term of the
agreement. She informed Mr. Sokol that Council will act on the
agreement at the next Council meeting and that based on the
Page No. 15
June 1, 1999
discussion this evening, she thinks Council would be comfortable
approving the agreement as presented.
Mr. Sokol stated that the 15% franchise fee return to cities was an
arbitrary figure and to his knowledge there are only two people in
West St. Paul who are pushing for return of a larger portion of the
franchise fee to the cities.
MENDOTA MEADOWS Council acknowledged an update on the Mendota Meadows
landscape escrow matter from Public Works Director Danielson.
Public Works Director Danielson informed Council that Mr.
Mathern is asking for a 30 day extension on his letter of credit and
the homeowners association agrees. He recommended that Council
grant the thirty day extension.
Councilmember Schneeman moved to grant a thirty day extension
before the city calls the letter of credit with respect to Mendota
Meadows landscaping.
Ayes: 4 Councilmember Huber seconded the motion.
Nays: 0
COUNCIL WORKSHOPS Council acknowledged a memo from Administrator Batchelder
regarding scheduling workshops for discussion on the
comprehensive plan and Freeway Road.
Administrator Batchelder informed Council that the comprehensive
plan workshop scheduled for June 9 has to be cancelled because the
city's consultant has a conflict.
Acting Mayor Krebsbach stated that Council needs to know Mayor
Mertensotto's schedule before selecting firm dates. She asked if
Council could determine that the four dates suggested in the
Administrator's memo are acceptable and ask staff to let Mayor
Mertensotto know the dates and select the ones that fit his schedule.
Councilmember Huber stated that the only date he is available of the
four suggested is June 24.
Councilmember Schneeman suggested that perhaps Council could
consider holding the workshops at morning meetings between 7:00
and 8:30 a.m.
It was the consensus to hold the comprehensive plan workshop on
June 16 or 17 and the Freeway Road workshop on June 24. Staff
Page No. 16
June 1, 1999
was directed to verify that Mayor Mertensotto will be available and
then let the Council members know.
Councilmember Schneeman moved to cancel the comprehensive
plan workshop that had been scheduled for June 9.
Councilmember Dwyer seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Schneeman stated that she is a resident of the
Cherry Hills area, that the streets in the area are almost done, and
that Harddrives has done an excellent job on the project.
Councilmember Huber stated that there area a couple of neighbors
who are concerned that the depth of the concrete on their driveways
is not what was specified. The contract called for six inches of
concrete and a few of the property owners feel that six inches of
concrete was not installed.
Administrator Batchelder responded that staff will look into the
complaint.
ADJOURN There being no further business to come before Council,
Councilmember Huber moved that the meeting be adjourned.
Councilmember Dwyer seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:39 p.m.
ATTEST:
r
Charles E. Mertensotto
Mayor
athleen M. Swanson
City Clerk