1998-12-01 Council minutes�! 1 11 1
MINIMUM
111013 1
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, December 1, 1998
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, Huber, Krebsbach (arrived at 7:35 p.m.)
and Smith.
AGENDA ADOPTION Councilmember Huber moved adoption of the revised
agenda for the meeting.
Councilmember Smith seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
APPROVAL OF MINUTE Councilmember Smith moved approval of the minutes of th
regular meeting held on November 3, 1998 as amended o
Page 1, Approval of Minutes, change "Kobpka" to
"Koepke "; Page 4, Paragraph 3, add after Sentence 1,
"From the District's previous comments at the 1993
Conditional Use Permit extension, the District estimated
they would use the facility for just a few more years."
Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Councilmember Krebsbach moved approval of the minutes
of the Election Canvassing Board held on November 4,
1998 as amended on Page 2, Adjourn, Sentence 1, change
"Huber" to "Krebsbach."
Councilmember Smith seconded the motion.
Ayes: 3
Nays: 0
Abstain: 2 (Huber and
Dwyer) Councilmember Smith moved approval of the minutes of th
Page No. 2
December 1, 1998
regular meeting held on November 17, 1998 as amended o
Page 10, Paragraph 4, change "frontage road" to "area of
the parking lot designed for car parking." Page 11,
Paragraph 6, change "left" to "was excused from".
Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Dwyer moved approval of the consent
calendar for the meeting, with the exception of Item "h",
along with authorization for execution of any necessary
documents contained herein.
a. Acknowledgement of the November 24, 1998
Planning Commission Minutes
b. Acknowledge Receipt of the Unapproved Minutes
from the November 4th Full NDC4 Commission
Meeting and December 2nd Meeting Agenda
C. Acknowledge Receipt of an Update regarding Radi
System Consultant Study
d. Acknowledge Receipt of Information regarding the
Inspection of Lee's Educational Service located at
Mendota Plaza
e. Authorization to Retain Council Recording Secretar
through the Month of December 1998
f. Approval of Winterhaven Final Plat -
RESOLUTION NO. 98 -87 - "A RESOLUTION
APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT FOR
WINTERHAVEN"
g. Approval of Mendota Technology Center 2nd
Addition Final Plat - RESOLUTION NO. 98 -88 -
"A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FINAL
PLAT FOR MENDOTA TECHNOLOGY
Page No. 3
December 1, 1998
I'll DION W p) t I I J) 0 M
L
h. THIS ITEM WAS REMOVED FROM THE
CONSENT CALENDAR FOR FURTHER
DISCUSSION. Approval of Comprehensive Plan
Proposal for Services
i. Approval of CAO-98-05: Bolin - Modified Site Pla
Approval
Approval of Delinquent Utility Resolution -
RESOLUTION NO. 98-89 - "A RESOLUTION
CERTIFYING DELINQUENT UTILITY
CHARGES TO THE DAKOTA COUNTY
AUDITOR FOR COLLECTION WITH REAL
ESTATE TAXES" and RESOLUTION NO. 98-90
- "A RESOLUTION CERTIFYING UNPAID
WEED CUTTING CHARGES"
k. Approval of the List of Contractors
Approval of the List of Claims
in. Acknowledge Receipt of a Letter from NDC4
regarding Breakout of Franchise Fee on Cable
Television Subscriber Bills
Councilmember Smith seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
ITEM H - APPROVAL OF Councilmember Krebsbach requested this item be remove
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN from the Consent Calendar for further discussion. She
PROPOSAL FOR noted Northwest Associated Consultants is planning to
SERVICES revisit the issue identification inventory and asked whethe
they are planning to use the same process as outlined in th
most recent proposal.
City Administrator Kevin Batchelder explained the
consultant does not intend to do everything outlined in the
i
Page No. 4
December 1, 1998
issue identification phase since much of that work has bee
completed.
Councilmember Krebsbach requested with respect to issue
identification, in terms of visiting agencies, that the Counci
be provided with a report of the groups which the consultan
plans to revisit. She also asked whether any community
meetings will be held. Mayor Mertensotto did not feel
community meetings would be scheduled until such time a
a preliminary draft has been completed.
Councilmember Krebsbach also felt it to be important that
the consultant utilize factual information which has alread
been gathered.
Councilmember Huber commented if the consultant plans t
contact the property owners again, the Council should
discuss this in view of the fact the private property owners
have already been contacted relative to this issue.
Councilmember Krebsbach moved authorizing staff to
execute a contract, as proposed, to Northwest Associated
Consultants, in an amount not to exceed $26,075, for the
completion of the Comprehensive Plan.
Councilmember Smith seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
FOJUW 1 1 R•e:
11101W101RIVOIDIRM.110
1
CASE NO. 98 -33: AMB Council acknowledged the memo of Administrative
PROPERTIES - REAR Assistant Patrick C. Hollister relative to the request of AM
YARD SETBACK for a 10 -foot rear yard setback variance for parking to allo
VARIANCE the addition of truck docks to the rear of the Rollerblade
building and shared access between the Rollerblade buildin
and the newly constructed Mendota Heights Gateway
Commons building.
Page No. 5
December 1, 1998
Todd Mohagen, Mohagen Architects, was in attendance an
explained a revised landscape plan has been completed
which provides a more even distribution of trees and
shrubbery.
Councilmember Dwyer inquired relative to the cost involve
in this revised landscape plan. Mr. Mohagen noted the
additional cost for this landscape plan was approximately
$25,000. Councilmember Dwyer asked that the Council
keep in mind that although this plan will create a nicer
project, the cost factor should not be forgotten.
Mayor Mertensotto felt the revised landscape plan to be ver
appropriate for this industrial area.
Councilmember Smith moved adopting RESOLUTION
NO. 98-91, "A RESOLUTION APPROVING BUILDIN
PERMIT AUTHORIZATION AND A 10 -FOOT REAR
YARD SETBACK VARIANCE FOR PARING FOR
2360 PILOT KNOB ROAD AND 2331 -2373 WATERS
DRIVE"
Councilmember Dwyer seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
CASE NO. 98 -35: Council acknowledged the memos of Administrative
CELLNET DATA Assistant Patrick Hollister relative to the requests of CellNe
SERVICES - CUP Data Services for a Conditional Use Permit and lease
agreement relative to the placement of 41 Micro Cell
Controllers on NSP utility poles throughout the City to
collect meter reading data, a Conditional Use Permit to
place an antenna and celhnaster equipment on and near the
existing NSP high tension tower on Outlot B, Mendakota
Estates, and a Conditional Use Permit to place an antenna
and cellmaster equipment on and near the existing ATT
tower at 894 Sibley Memorial Highway.
Mr. Klein of Northern States Power was in attendance to
address this matter. He explained the information which i
collected cannot be passed on to a third party without the
Page No. 6
December 1, 1998
consent of the homeowner.
Councilmember Krebsbach noted there are two copies of th
data created. Kevin Malloy, CellNet Data Services,
explained an archive copy is retained by CellNet for
recovery purposes in the event of a major catastrophe or
data loss.
Mayor Mertensotto inquired whether there would be any
problem with CellNet signing a Developer's Agreement
whereby they would acknowledge the data collected is for
private use and will not be sold, assigned or released to an
outside agency without expressly notifying the City of
Mendota Heights. Attorney Hart noted this could be
included as a provision of the Conditional Use Permit. If
this provision were to also include NSP, a Developer's
Agreement should be created between the City and NSP.
Councilmember Smith noted although the information
i cannot be disseminated as regulations exist today,
regulations do change and it is the continued interest of th
Council to protect the privacy of the residents of the City.
It was noted in the event regulations change, the
Conditional Use Permit will be revisited.
Councilmember Dwyer asked whether the black boxes are
year 2000 compliant. Mr. Malloy noted they are.
Councilmember Dwyer also inquired whether NSP has ha
a relationship with CellNet in other communities. Mr.
Klein explained NSP has worked with CellNet in other
communities with approximately 4,000 meters converted
and with the meters which will be converted in Mendota
Heights, there will be approximately 6,000 meters which
CellNet has converted.
Councilmember Dwyer asked Mr. Klein what NSP's
experience has been with CellNet. Mr. Klein related his
belief NSP is pleased with its relationship with CellNet,
although he noted issues do on occasion arise which have t
be addressed. In addition, NSP would not be making suc
an investment if it were not comfortable with the services o
CellNet.
Page No. 7
December 1, 1998
CASE NO. 98 -36: Susan Fauver, Leonard, Street & Deinard, appeared on
CELLNET DATA behalf ofCellNett. Mr. Mike Radovich, CellNet, was also
SERVICES - CUP in attendance.
Ms. Fauver noted her understanding there are two issues
with regard to the use of the water tower. One issue
concerns landscaping and the second issue is that of a
building at that site.
Mr. Radovich noted it is CellNet's intention to not construc
a building at the ATT site. The options would be to instal
a six to eight foot utility pole or mount the equipment on a
table like structure on concrete slab. He stated either optio
would be satisfactory.
Councilmember Smith inquired relative to the height of th
equipment. Mr. Radovich estimated the total height woul
be five to six feet above the ground. With the concrete sla
option, given the utilities which need to come in, the heigh
would be approximately the same. Mr. Radovich provide
photographs of both options for the Council's review.
Councilmember Dwyer asked whether a fence will be
necessary for safety or security. Mr. Radovich stated it is
not needed for safety, however, a fence would be used to
deter vandalism.
Mayor Mertensotto requested Police Chief Johnson speak t
this issue. Chief Johnson stated he would prefer a fence
with open slatting to discourage the possibility of graffiti.
CASE NO. 98 -37: Mayor Mertensotto noted Mr. Klein had indicated some
CELLNET DATA cities are charging an annual rental fee relative to the
SERVICES - CUP location of this equipment on city property. Ms. Fauver
explained only one other city has a situation similar to that
of Mendota Heights and a one time payment was made to
the City of Cottage Grove with an easement then being
granted.
Ms. Fauver stated there are two options, either a ground
lease or an easement with a one time fee.
Page No. 8
December 1, 1998
Mayor Mertensotto felt the preference would be for a
ground lease. Councilmember Huber felt this should be a
renewable lease in the event there would be a change in
ownership of CellNet. Mayor Mertensotto noted a
provision could be included relative to a change in
ownership. He felt an annual or semi - annual fee would be
preferable.
Ms. Fauver explained any agreement would be for a specifi
period of time and would include a one time up front fee fo
that period of time.
Mayor Mertensotto expressed concern the City receive a fai
fee for the use of this site. He noted the same equipment i
being installed on City property as is being placed on the
ATT site. Mayor Mertensotto asked whether CellNet woul
be willing to pay the City an equivalent amount which is
being paid to ATT.
Mr. Malloy explained ATT is paid for tower space and he
would not be willing to commit to this arrangement. He
stated he would be willing to work with City Attorney Har
to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement.
Councilmember Smith noted she has worked with CellNet
in another city and this was a positive experience.
Councilmember Dwyer moved adopting RESOLUTION
NO. 98 -92, "A RESOLUTION APPROVING A
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO PLACE 41 MICR
CELL CONTROLLERS (NICCS) ON NSP UTILITY
POLES THROUGHOUT THE CITY TO COLLECT
METER READING DATA AT SPECIFIED
LOCATIONS" and RESOLUTION NO. 98 -93, "A
RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT TO PLACE AN ANTENNA AND
CELLMASTER EQUIPMENT ON AND NEAR THE
EXISTING NSP HIGH TENSION TOWER ON
OUTLOT B, MENDAKOTA ESTATES, subject to the
use a concrete slab which is fenced with plastic slatting, an
RESOLUTION NO. 98 -94, "A RESOLUTION
1
Page No. 9
December 1, 1998
APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND
15 -FOOT HEIGHT VARIANCE TO PLACE AN
ANTENNA AND CELLMASTER EQUIPMENT ON
AND NEAR THE EXISTING AT &T TOWER AT 894
SIBLEY MEMORIAL HIGHWAY."
Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
CASE NO. 98 -30: APT - Council acknowledged the memo from Public Works
CUP Director James Danielson regarding the request of APT fo
a Conditional Use Permit and Lease Agreement to add a
third set of cell phone antennas to the City's water tower.
Attorney Hart noted he has discussed this matter with Mr.
Steven Katkov. The insurance provisions were discussed
and the City will be named as an additional insured to the
extent of the indemnity which is being provided by APT.
The lease is otherwise consistent with the leases the City ha
entered into in the past.
Mayor Mertensotto directed staff to investigate the physica
capacity of the water tower from an aesthetics standpoint.
Councilmember Smith felt there would be less impact to th
community if the antennae were to be located on the water
tower, although Mayor Mertensotto pointed out this
increases the costs of refurbishing the tower.
Councilmember Smith suggested it would be wise to
approve the specific equipment being utilized within the
lease agreement. She noted through the CUP process, the
community would be notified and could voice any concern
relative to proposed changes in the equipment.
Councilmember Smith felt if the equipment or scope of us
were to change, the City and surrounding property owners
would. need to be advised of those changes.
Mayor Mertensotto suggested a requirement that anyone
installing an antenna on the water tower would notify all
Page No. 10
December 1, 1998
commercial properties to assure there will be no impact o
their business as a result of any change which is made.
Mayor Mertensotto suggested a provision requiring a ten
day notice to adjoining property owners within 300 to 350
feet of the site. In addition, notice of the installation woul
be required 10 days prior to the actual installation.
Attorney Hart explained the lease itself incorporates specifi
criteria and specifications for the equipment. He pointed on
it his belief the lease does not allow any changing of the
equipment without the City's permission.
Attorney Hart will incorporate a provision requiring notic
of any material change in the manner of use of the installe
equipment. Notice must also be given to the City informin
when notice was given and the manner in which it was
given.
Councilmember Smith noted APT was very cooperative in
working with the surrounding property owners.
Councilmember Smith commented the site plan is based o
the parameters the companies feel are appropriate. She
expressed concern relative to placement of equipment on th
ground and the proximity to the property line.
Councilmember Smith also noted the cabinets are propose
without screening.
Mr. Danielson explained the Public Works Department
would be concerned with screening which would create
additional maintenance of the site. Councilmember Smith
suggested Mr. Danielson work with APT to arrive at an
acceptable landscape plan.
Councilmember Dwyer moved adopting RESOLUTION
NO. 95 -95, "A RESOLUTION APPROVING A
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO PLACE THREE
BANKS OF FOUR ANTENNAE EACH ON THE
MUNICIPAL WATER TOWER ON LEXINGTON
AVENUE AND TO INSTALL ACCESSORY
Page No. 11
December 1, 1998
EQUIPMENT OUTSIDE THE TOWER" and approving
the lease agreement, subject to a landscape plan which is
approved by the Director of Engineering.
Councihmember Krebsbach seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Abstain: 1 (Smith)
DISCUSS FREEWAY Council acknowledged the memo from City Administrator
ROAD REDEVELOPMEN Kevin Batchelder regarding the Freeway Road
PLANS Redevelopment Site.
Mayor Mertensotto explained the Council has determined
that the potential redevelopment of the Freeway Road site i
a high priority issue for the City. The Council has held
workshops to address this topic and developed a consensu
on a concept plan for the possible redevelopment of the site
The Council also determined that it would be necessary fo
the City to obtain professional consulting advice to best
guide the City in developing the proper mixed use Planne
Development District that would control the development o
the site.
In order to proceed with this issue, the Council must
identify the area for the redevelopment site known as the
Freeway Road site; confirm the draft Concept Plan as
discussed at previous workshops; and consider directing
staff to discuss the scope of services with an identified
professional consulting team.
Councilmember Krebsbach asked what services Mr.
Fefercorn will provide. Mayor Mertensotto explained Mr
Fefercorn will be the leader /moderator of the group and wil
return with a proposed development plan including a
schematic layout.
Mayor Mertensotto explained the entire 22 acres will be
studied which is bounded on the south by TH 110, on the
west by TH 149 (Dodd Road) and to the northerly boundar
of the Hohenstein property. Each boundary will come dow
where it will parallel the two adjoining aspects of the port
Page No. 12
December 1, 1998
and south freeway.
Councilmember Krebsbach noted with respect to Freeway
Road, one of the directives of the Council is that this road
be realigned, eventually running parallel to TH 110.
Councilmember Krebsbach asked that Mr. Fefercorn be
advised of the prior consensus of the Council regarding th
Freeway Road area that single family, townhomes and
limited commercial would be desirable for this area. In
addition, a realtor in the Mendota Heights area has
determined there is a market for single family homes and
townhomes in this area.
Mayor Mertensotto felt this may limit the consulting team
and suggested allowing the team to discuss this matter
without limitations.
Councilmember Smith noted this process puts the City in
position to prepare a plan which is favorable to the city
rather than reacting to a plan which is developed without
City input.
Councilmember Krebsbach pointed out the redevelopment
of Freeway. Road has been a point of discussion for over tw
years and consensus has been reached on a couple of points
With respect to the proposed resolution in this matter, it wa
agreed to delete "or any intersection with South Plaza
Drive," from Sentence No. 2 of Item No. 5.
Councilmember Dwyer noted the primary assumption is tha
the City will deal with this tract of land as one parcel.
Mayor Mertensotto stated there have been some discussion
that Tom Thumb may be willing to sell their building and
relocate. It is unknown at this time what the situation is
with the Mendota Heights Animal Hospital. He commente
this area will be a Planned Unit Development and the City
will develop a master plan for that northeast location..
Mayor Mertensotto further explained a mixed use concept
for the site includes a village concept of residential use
which would serve as a transition from the adjacent
Page No. 13
December 1, 1998
residential land use with small scale retail services near th
Dodd Road /TH 110 intersection which will serve as a
transition from the intersection to the proposed residential
uses.
Mayor Mertensotto commented if the City adopts this
district and puts it into a proposed Planned Unit
Development and is then looking for an action plan,
MNDOT would have to be restricted from releasing any o
the right -of -way until that plan is developed.
Councilmember Smith suggested Item Nos. 6 and 7 be
included in the plan for the southwest area since they
address the area south of TH 110. Item Nos. 6 and 7
should, therefore, be deleted from this Concept Plan for th
Freeway Road Redevelopment Site. Mayor Mertensotto
noted his agreement.
Councilmember Krebsbach felt single family would be an
important concept in this project. Councilmember Dwyer
stated he would be interested in a mixed use concept.
Councilmember Smith felt the plan should include a mix o
single family and multi - family residential with light retail
which would compliment the existing land uses and be
characteristic of the City of Mendota Heights.
Mayor Mertensotto and Councilmember Huber noted they
are in agreement with the outline as written.
Councilmember Dwyer emphasized the point it is the
consensus of the Council that the northeast quadrant of T
110 and Dodd Road will be developed independently of th
southeast quadrant. Mayor Mertensotto confirmed this.
Dr. Tom Koepke was in attendance and suggested the Cit
purchase Ms. Hohenstein's parcel No. 5 which is a drainag
area and not developable. He stated he would like to see
Freeway Road come into Dodd Road which would
necessitate the removal of Tom Thumb. He noted Dodd
Road to be a very difficult intersection.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Page No. 14
December 1, 1998
Dr. Koepke explained the parking spaces are inadequate fo
the square footage of the south side of the animal hospital
building. He stated the owner of the building may be
interested in acquiring additional land if Tom Thumb were
to cease to exist. Currently the parking lot at Tom Thumb
has been used for overflow parking for the animal hospital
building.
Mayor Mertensotto directed this information be forwarded
to the consulting team, including Dr. Koepke's comments
relative to drainage.
Councilmember Smith clarified relative to Item No. 5, ther
will be no new at grade crossing of TH 110 and asked this
item be amended to reflect this.
Councilmember Dwyer moved establishing and identifyin
the area for the redevelopment site known as the Freeway
Road site, confirming the draft Concept Plan as discussed a
previous workshops and directing staff to discuss the scop
of services with Mr. Ross Fefercorn of Country Homes.
Councilmember Huber seconded the motion.
Council acknowledged the memo of Administrative
Assistant Patrick Hollister relative to the building permit
application of Custom Deck & Cabinet, Inc., located at 120
Mendota Heights Road.
Plans have been submitted for exterior modifications to th
Batesville Casket Building to accommodate CDI, the new
occupant.
The proposed changes include the conversion of a portion o
the building into office space, the addition of parking, the
closing off of one access point to Mendota Heights Road,
and the addition of sod and manufacturing /warehouse spac
and 4,100 square feet of office space.
Page No. 15
December 1, 1998
Mr. Philip Johnson, architect for Custom Deck & Cabinet
Inc., was in attendance to discuss this matter with the
Council.
Mayor Mertensotto questioned whether the building has a
sprinkler system. Mr. Johnson stated he is uncertain at thi
time.
Mayor Mertensotto suggested this request be reviewed by
the Fire Marshall to ensure the building is up to code.
City Administrator Batchelder explained the Building
Inspector and the Fire Marshal review all plans in which a
building permit is being requested.
Mayor Mertensotto questioned whether there is a significan
amount of shipping involved in this business. Mr. Johnso
explained the company utilizes United Van Lines and ther
would be six or seven trucks in an out of the site throughou
the day.
Councilmember Smith asked whether any of these trucks
will be parked on the site. Mr. Johnson did not feel this
would occur.
Councilmember Smith pointed out the emphasis appears to
be on employee parking rather than truck parking and Mr.
Johnson acknowledged this to be the case.
Councilmember Krebsbach suggested larger semis not
utilize Mendota Heights Road to access 494. She felt it
would be more appropriate for semis to use Pilot Knob Roa
to access the industrial area rather than utilizing Mendota
Heights Road which has a high volume of student traffic
given the proximity to the schools.
Mayor Mertensotto suggested a traffic pattern impact stud
be completed. Mr. Batchelder stated he will contact the
CEO of the company and emphasize Pilot Knob Road be
used when giving directions to truck drivers to reach his
business.
! Page No. 16
December 1, 1998
Councilmember Dwyer moved authorizing Staff to issue a
building permit subject to a review of the application of th
work to be performed.
Councilmember Huber seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
REVIEW PROPOSED
Council acknowledged the memo of Treasurer Lawrence
TRANSFERS AND
Shaughnessy regarding Transfers of Tax Increment
CONFIRM THEY
Agreements for United Properties and Northland Insuranc
QUALIFY AS
Property Sales and SuperAmerica Group.
PERMITTED TRANSFER
Mayor Mertensotto directed Attorney Hart to investigate th
ownership and transfer in connection with SuperAmerica.
Attorney Hart stated he would be interested in determinin
the percentages of ownership. He would also like to kno
whether this transaction relates to multiple properties rathe
than one specific property.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Councilmember Smith moved confirming Northland
Insurance Company and the Lennox Projects are permitted
transfers and reserving a decision relative to the merger of
SuperAmerica until investigated by the City Attorney.
Councilmember Huber seconded the motion.
Councilmember Krebsbach noted there was an initial
agreement with SuperAmerica relative to the placement of
signs which would not be permitted on the freeway. Mr.
Batchelder will investigate this matter.
Mayor Mertensotto noted the City of Inver Grove Heights
is constructing a Civic Center improvement financed
through the sale of bonds in a TIF district. He asked that
staff review this matter and report back to the Council.
ADOPTION OF Council acknowledged the memo of Fire Marshal Paul
It 1 1 1 11111N Al
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Page No. 17
December 1, 1998
Kaiser regarding the adoption of a Special Fire Suppressio
Chapter.
Mayor Mertensotto explained in 1985 the City of Mendota
Heights adopted the Special Fire Suppression Chapter of th
MN Uniform Building Code. Since this is an optional
chapter, it must be re- adopted at the local level when a ne
Building Code is adopted at the State level.
Councilmember Huber moved adopting ORDINANCE NO
326 - "AN ORDINANCE AMEENDING ORDINANCE
NO. 242."
Councilmember Smith seconded the motion.
COUNCIL CO1V AWNTS Mayor Mertensotto noted he will be unable to attend the
Truth -in- Taxation meeting scheduled for Monday,
December 7th.
Mayor Mertensotto asked when the existing cable franchis
agreement expires. Councilmember Huber noted this
agreement will expire in March of 2000.
Mayor Mertensotto noted the most prominent complaint o
residents relates to the necessity of a cable box since
televisions are now cable ready. He noted a cable box is
necessary when purchasing pay - per -view events. Resident
have indicated they would like to eliminate the necessity an
cost of the box.
Councilmember Huber commented this is not an issue whic
puts the cable company out of compliance with the franchis
agreement.
Councilmember Smith also felt this to be a priority issue.
Attorney Hart stated he would like to review the provision
of the franchise agreement relative to reasonable
technological upgrades.
Page No. 18
December 1, 1998
Councilmember Smith suggested if the company is unable t
convert to another system where the boxes would not be
required, there should be some pressure to reduce the cost
of the box. She noted the monthly cost of the cable box wa
initially 50 cents per box and has now increased to
approximately $2.00 per box.
Councilmember Krebsbach reported she received a reques
from neighbors in the Veronica Court area for the
installation of a light which would provide morning
illumination for children going to school.
Mr. Danielson explained these are generally electric eye
type mechanisms, however, he will investigate whether a
timer can be utilized.
Councilmember Smith noted a new civil defense siren has
been installed in Kensington Park and concern has been
raised by residents relative to the volume of the siren. Sh
asked whether the volume could be adjusted.
Chief Johnson noted the volume cannot be adjusted and
explained the City attempted to place the siren as far away
from the residents as possible, however, it is necessary fo
the residents to be able to hear this siren. It was noted the
next closest siren is located on the roof of the fire station o
Dodd Road.
ADJOURN There being no further business to come before the Council
Councilmember Krebsbach moved to adjourn the Truth -in
Taxation Hearing scheduled on Monday, December 7, 1998
at 7:30 p.m.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Councilmember Smith seconded the motion.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 10:00 p.m.
ATTEST:
Charles E. Mertensotto
Mayor
Page No. 19
December 1, 1998
Kathleen M. Swanson
City Clerk
Prepared by Cheryl Wallat, Recording Secretary
Timesaver Off -Site Secretarial, Inc.