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1998-05-19 Council minutesPage No. 1 May 19, 1998 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday May 19, 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 Huber, Koch, Krebsbach and Smith. AGENDA ADOPTION Councilmember Koch moved adoption of the revised agenda for the meeting. Councilmember Huber seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Krebsbach moved approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held on April 7, 1998 as amended. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilmember Koch moved approval of the minutes of the annual Board of Review meeting held on April 21, 1998. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Abstain: Krebsbach Councilmember Smith moved approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held on April 21, 1998 as amended. Councilmember Koch seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilmember Koch moved approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held on May 5, 1998 as amended. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Page No. 2 May 19, 1998 CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Krebsbach moved approval of the consent calendar for the meeting, revised to move item f, CAD 98 -02, Hunter, and g, Outlot B monument sign, to the regular agenda, along with authorization for execution of any necessary documents contained therein. a. Acknowledgement of the minutes of the April 14, 1998 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. b. Acknowledgment of the Treasurer's monthly report for April. c. Acknowledgment of the Fire Department monthly report for April. d. Approval to hire Ross Bintner as a temporary engineering aide, effective on May 26 through the end of the summer construction season, at the rate of $9.00 per hour. e. Approval to participate in the Entitlement CDBG Program for 1999 -2001. f. Approval of the list of contractor licenses dated May 19, 1998 and attached hereto. g. Approval of the List of Claims dated May 19, 1998 and totaling $463,027.17. Councilmember Koch seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 CASE NO. CAO 98 -02, Council acknowledged an application from Keith Heaver for a HEAVER modified Critical Area site plan to allow for construction of a kitchen addition at 1889 Hunter Lane. Council also acknowledged related staff reports. Mr. Heaver was present for the discussion. Mayor Mertensotto stated that his only question is that staff has recommended refunding the $100 critical area fee if the conditions of the conditions imposed on a modified critical area site plan approval for the same house on September 5, 1995 have been met. He pointed out that there could be a number of unfinished items relating to that approval, and stated that he would condition refunding the application fee on verification that all of the conditions appended to the September 5, 1995 approval have been met. Page No. 3 May 19, 1998 Mr. Heaver responded that all of those items were completed two years ago and this addition is on the other side of the building. He stated that it would be fine with him if Council directs staff to verify that everything has been completed before making the refund. Councilmember Huber moved to approve the modified critical area site plan for a kitchen addition at 1889 Hunter Lane and refund of the $100 application fee if all outstanding conditions have been met as established in CAO Case File No. 95 -03. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 OUTLOT B SIGN Council acknowledged a memo from Public Works Director Danielson regarding requests for proposals for design of an entrance sign/monument for Outlot B on Dodd Road at 1 -494. Mr. Danielson explained that although two RFP's had been sent to consultants, only one proposal was received. That proposal was from Signa Design, for a proposed fee of $5,250. Mayor Mertensotto recommended that the contract be approved, with a $5,250 cap subject to the following conditions: 1. That billing be made monthly so that Council can see the progress that is being made; 2. That reimbursement for expenses shall not exceed 10% of the monthly billing amount and any reimbursement billing exceeding 10% of the monthly billing will require prior Council approval. Councilmember Smith stated that she would want to be sure that special care is taken in siting the sign. She pointed out that some maintenance and landscaping will be required around the sign. She further stated that she would like to see the landscaping plan. Public Works Director Danielson responded tht Signa is planning to have several meetings with Council and the first meeting will be to discuss those types of issues. Councilmember Koch moved to approve the proposal for a contract with Signa Design, Inc., with the following conditions: 1. that billings be made monthly; 2. that a statement be added to the agreement to stipulate tht reimbursement expenses shall not exceed 10% of the monthly Page No. 4 May 19, 1998 billing amount and any amounts in excess of the 10% will require prior City Council approval. Councilmember Huber seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. & Mrs. Sanford Bemel were present to speak to Council about a problem they have regarding their neighbor's property. Mrs. Bemel stated that the issue relates to a ten foot deep, five foot wide hole on the adjoining lot. She stated that it is her understanding that the city's position is that this is a private matter and the city cannot intervene, but that she disagrees with that position. She stated that the situation presents an unsightly nuisance and a "jungle trap," and that she and her husband have been trying to be preventive about it for months. Mr. Bemel stated that he has been told that the city could not do anything because it is a private matter but that he has talked to a neighbor who said he could not build a shed on his property because it is a man-made structure. He stated that his neighbor's structure is also man-made. He stated that he would at least like the city to say this is a hazard and that his neighbor should put up a fence or something to avoid the attractive hazard. Mrs. Bemel stated that she and her husband want to protect their children. Mayor Mertensotto responded that the city has no ordinance covering the situation. He stated that the situation is not like an in- ground pool which a property owner would be required to fence. He stated that Mr. And Mrs. Bemel are asking Council to intervene in how someone uses his property. He pointed out that there are four or five lots near the Bemels that have substantial drop -offs on the back half of the lots. He stated that the property to which the Bemels are referring has a wood retaining wall around a 100 year old cottonwood tree and there are at least two more lots nearby that have steep drop -offs (like the neighboring property). He informed the Bemels that Council cannot micromanage how people landscape their yards. He stated that the city has no ordinance in that regard and that he did not know that Council would have any justification for adopting an ordinance. He noted that while it appears tht the Bemels and their neighbor cannot work the matter out, their neighbor has a right to the property which she owns and pays taxes on. He informed the Bemels that their neighbor's main concern is that she does not want children trespassing on her property. Page No. 5 May 19, 1998 Mrs. Bemel responded that she sees it as a ten foot deep, five foot wide hole lined in wood and if a child fell down it, the child would be injured. She expressed disagreement with Mayor Mertensotto, stating that she and her husband are very upset with having to live next to the hole and just want Council to know they are unhappy with Council's decision. Councilmember Huber stated that if the Bemels get to the point that they wish to mediate with their neighbor, the city makes a contribution to a mediation service which would be available to them. ST. THOMAS ACADEMY Council acknowledged a report from the St. Thomas Academy ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY Environmental Studies Class on Rogers Lake water quality, along with an associated memo from Public Works Director Danielson. Class instructor Joe Reymann was present for the discussion along with the students who conducted the study. Council received a presentation on the study findings from Ms. Kara Olson, and from Cadets Joseph Keller and Scott Holmes. They reported their findings on several types of analysis, including phosphate, fecal coliform, dissolved solids, nitrates and turbidity and made comparisons with the results of the studies conducted since 1993. The students expressed concern that the level of dissolved oxygen is well below the standard to sustain diverse life. The recommended curbing the runoff into the lake to improve water quality and suggested that aeration would also be short term solution. The students responded to questions from Council. Mayor Mertensotto expressed Council's appreciation to Mr. Reymann and the students for the report and presentation. PARK SHELTERS Council acknowledged a memo from Park Project Manager Guy Kullander regarding Council action taken on April 21 to increase the construction contract with EnComm Midwest for Wentworth Park to add two shelters for Friendly Hills Park. Public Works Director Danielson informed Council that after the action was taken, Mr. Kullander became aware of the state's competitive biding guidelines which do not allow non - competitive bids exceeding $25,000. He stated that one shelter was added to the Wentworth contract through change order for $14,425 and bids were Page No. 6 May 19, 1998 requested for a second shelter for Friendly Hills. The only bid submitted was from EnComm Midwest for $14,425. Councilmember Huber moved to rescind action taken on April 21 regarding picnic shelters at the Friendly Hills Park and to adopt the staff recommendation to authorize a change order to the Wentworth Park shelter contract to add one shelter for Friendly Hills Park and to accept the bid of EnComm Midwest for one additional picnic shelter for Friendly Hills Park for its quote of $14,425. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 FRIENDLY HILLS TOT LOT Council acknowledged a memo from Parks Project Manager Kullander regarding a request from Lars and Cynthia Hesbjerg, 749 Decorah Lane, that the city dispose of the Friendly Hills tot lot to allow residential development. Mayor Mertensotto recommended that council set a public hearing date, published in both the Sun Current and Southwest Review, and that staff send a notice of the hearing to all home owners in the Friendly Hills Additions. He stated that Council would conduct the public hearing to determine if it is in the best interest of the city to dispose of the four lots that were originally set aside as a play area but which have become very costly for the city to maintain. He stated that if the city disposes of the lots and has them put into private development there could be four additional homes on the tax rolls. He pointed out that there is a city park within 500 feet of the tot lot. Councilmember Smith responded that the question of how many lots would be available for development is open for discussion, since they are undersized lots. Mayor Mertensotto recommended calling for the hearing to be held in August to allow enough time for residents to consider and discuss the issue before the hearing. He stated that in order to dispose of the lots Council would have to bring action to clear the title to remove the restrictions which apply to the lots. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she is interested in knowing the neighborhood preference on whether there should be three or four lots created. Page No. 7 May 19, 1998 Mayor Mertensotto responded that Council will certainly discuss that issue at the public hearing but that he would not solicit comments prior to the hearing. Councilmember Koch moved to conduct a public hearing on August 4 at 8:00 p.m. regarding disposition of the Friendly Hills Tot Lot and to direct staff to publish notices of the hearing in the Sun and Southwest Review, to publish press releases in both newspapers, and to mail individual copies of the published notice to all property owners in the Friendly Hills First, Second and Third Additions. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 RABANUS GARAGE Council acknowledged a memo from Assistant Hollister regarding the request from Mr. Richard Rabanus to allow a 1,500 square foot attached garage at 2520 Arbor Court. Council also acknowledged a draft Declaration of Restrictive Covenants proposed by Mr. & Mrs. Rabanus' legal counsel, Mr. Fred Kueppers. Mr. Rabanus and Mr. Kueppers were present for the discussion. Mr. Kueppers stated that he is present to ask Council consider this application for building permit be exempted from the moratorium adopted thirty days ago with respect to home plans which would have a garage in excess of 1000 square feet. He stated that the plan before the building inspector now in detail reflects a garage proposal of 1470 square feet. He stated that in other respects, it complies with the requests made by Mr. & Mrs. Ayd. He asked for approval in light of the revised plan and the conditions Mr. and Mrs. Rabanus have agreed to accept. Councilmember Smith stated that it is her understanding that the revised plan includes a 1500 square foot garage with alternate use of the excess space that had once been designated as garage. She further stated that it appears that the rear window of what had been garage now has been revised for what is now living space. Mr. Rabanus responded that in addition to those changes, an accent line has been added to the garage to match it to the front of the house. He stated that he will landscape and put money into an escrow with the city. He further stated that the window design has been changed and the exterior treatment will match the house, as Council asked. He informed Council that the Declaration of Restrictive Covenants is acceptable as recommended by City Attorney Hart. Page No. 8 May 19, 1998 ' l Responding to a question from Councilmember Huber, he stated that he will wait until July 1 to start because of the oak wilt concern, but that it is hardship for him to give on the point because he must sell his house before starting. Councilmember Smith stated that she made an inquiry and the season this year has been a little earlier than previous years and it is her understanding that it is possible that the oak wilt season may be over before the typical date of July 1. Administrator Batchelder stated that the city has reference materials and most of them talk about not harming oak trees between the end of April and mid -June and go on to say that to be safe two weeks should be added onto the end of the period to protect oak trees from construction damage or injury that would make them susceptible to the picnic beetle. He stated that as far as this season being different from another season, the city's park foreman has indicated that weed killer application is about three weeks ahead of schedule and trees bloomed three weeks ahead of normal. He stated that he would not make the inference that the turf season lends itself to the oak wilt . season. He stated that staff can check with a forester, but that it is likely a forester would say to stick with June 30. Councilmember Krebsbach encouraged that Mr. Rabanus to stay as close to the July 1 date in deference to the neighbors and everyone's concern for the woods, even if the season is a little ahead. Mayor Mertensotto asked who determines what is private residential and what is business use. Attorney Hart responded that the city will make the determination and seek to enforce the restrictive covenants if there were a dispute that there was an activity being conducted other than private residential use. He stated that private residential use is a term that has a common meaning that does not require a contractual definition. He farther stated that home occupation is not a private residential activity, and the restrictive covenants specifically exclude any business purpose. Mr. Kueppers stated that if the repair of cars would not be a home occupation unless it was for commercial purpose. He stated that if he was engaged in the business of buying cars and turning them over, that would constitute business purpose. Page No. 9 May 19, 1998 Attorney Hart stated that the exhibit to the Declarations must be revised to incorporate the new garage dimensions. Mr. Kueppers stated that the rear 500 feet of what was last proposed is now, in the new plan, permanently walled off. Councilmember Krebsbach asked if there is a certain standard a wall must be to be a garage wall. Mr. Rabanus responded that he believes there is a requirement with respect to thickness of sheet rock, etc., and that his plan meets those requirements. He stated that there will be a conventional fire wall between the garage and the exercise area. Mayor Mertensotto asked what the word "storage" has not been taken off the plan. He stated that if the area is garage area, it should be called garage. Mr. Kueppers responded that on the current plan, the word storage in the back part of the garage is actually garage but the contractor who drew it labeled it storage. The area north of it, labeled exercise, game and garden room, was garage but is no longer garage (about 500 square feet). Mayor Mertensotto asked that the word storage be removed. Mr. Kueppers responded that he would have no objection and that the area will be cross hatched in the final submission. Mr. Ayd, the adjoining property owner, stated that he no longer has an objection as long as construction does not start before July 1. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that the plan is much improved over the last plan and is acceptable to her. Mayor Mertensotto responded that the plan is contrary to the restrictive covenants for the development and once the city gives approval no court will ever do anything about the covenants. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that there is another garage in the neighborhood that is similar size. Mr. Rabanus responded that there is a garage of about 1300 square feet. Page No. 10 May 19, 1998 Councilmember Smith stated that she visited the lot and saw some stakes. She asked how far back the house will be place in relation to the house next door (Ayds'). Mr. Rabanus responded that the house be back 12 feet from the side property line and the front setback will be similar to the Ayds', in excess of 30 feet. Mr. Ayd stated that his driveway is about 120 feet and he did not think the Rabanus home would be set back that far but that the setback from the street is of no particular concern to him. Councilmember Krebsbach asked Mr. Ayd what the issues are from his perspective. He responded that the July 1 start date, use of the garage as a private garage, the windows, the landscaping and landscaping escrow in addition to and the standard escrow for drainage remediation are important. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that from her perspective, since there already is a significantly large garage in the neighborhood and the Rabanus proposal is similar to it she would be inclined to approve it. Mayor Mertensotto stated that the escrow requirement is worthless as has been proven with one home in the subdivision. The work has not been done and the city continues to hold the $1,000 escrow. Councilmember Smith responded that these are different parties and the escrow certainly promotes good faith for the person who is giving the escrow. Councilmember Huber stated that in the other situation, the remediation is more costly than $1,000. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she would hope that Mr. Rabanus will do as much landscaping as he can along the wall. She stated that it would be a good gesture on his part and would add back into the natural terrain and the more he could do to blend in the better. Councilmember Smith asked Mr. Rabanus if he has spoken to the Ayds about the kind of landscaping he has in mind, or if he would be willing discuss it with the Ayds. Page No. 11 May 19, 1998 Mr. Rabanus responded that his builder has a landscaper that he will use and who will do the landscape design. He stated that he believes there will be a number of trees that will remain between the properties. He pointed out that it was his offer to put the money into escrow — it was not requested by the Ayds — and he is willing to do SO. Councilmember Koch moved to exempt the Rabanus building permit application from the garage size moratorium conditioned upon the particular plan before Council this evening, and to authorize issuance of a building permit under the conditions agreed to by Mr. Rabanus on May 5 and subject to amending the exhibit to the Declaration of Restrictive Covenants to show the current configuration of the garage and submission of the $1000 landscaping escrow to the city, construction no earlier than July 1, plus the stucco accents and the window change. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 1 Mertensotto Mayor Mertensotto stated that he will not support the motion j because he thinks Council owes a duty to people who have made an investment in the residential areas of the city and he feels the proposal is contrary to that tenet. Councilmember Krebsbach responded that there is already a garage in the neighborhood that is about 1300 square feet in a similar configuration and that is the basis on which she will support the motion. Councilmember Huber agreed and stated that he feels the plan is much better than those that Mr. Rabanus has presented at prior discussions. Councilmember Smith stated that she believes that while Council has not yet discussed the potential limitation on garage sizes in the ordinance, the Rabanus proposal substantially reflects what Council's intention will be in the ordinance. CASE NO. 97 -24, Council acknowledged memos from Assistant Hollister regarding UNITED PROPERTIES a request from United Properties for a minor amendment to the Planned Unit Development for the Mendota Technology Center to add a third story to the office building in Phase II of the project. Council also acknowledged draft Cross Easement Agreement from Page No. 12 May 19, 1998 United Properties to allow shared use of driveways and parking areas. Mr. Dale Glowa was present on behalf of United Properties. Mr. Glowa informed Council that he is present to request approval of an amendment to allow an increase in the size of the Phase II project to allow a third story. He explained that he had originally proposed a two story, 60,000 square foot building matching Phase I. He explained that the image of the building will match Phase I and the materials will be the same but it will be one story taller. Phase II will also have a partial basement, totally underground, for parking and storage. He requested approval of the final plat and issuance of a building permit, stating that no variances are required. He reviewed plans for Council and stated that parking has been increased to a ration of six per thousand. The size of the parcel has also been increased to accommodate the parking for the increased size of the building, which is why the plat has changed. Councilmember Krebsbach asked how the size of the subject parcel and adjacent parcel have changed. Mr. Glowa responded that Phase II was 5 acres but has been increased to 7.13 acres and that the remaining parcel is eleven acres. He informed Council that he will be back in a few weeks to present a proposal for Phase III. He explained that he originally looked at office /showroom use for the parcel but is now looking at a single story office building. Councilmember Smith stated that she has questions about the drainage in the area. She pointed out that two acres will be taken from the adjacent lot for Phase II and asked whether the lot to the west is included in the drainage pattern for the two parcels. Mr. Glowa responded that the ponds were designed with the city's assistance as the maximum needed in the area. He stated that he has discussed with staff the possibility of adding a third pond. Public Works Director Danielson stated that there was a new pond shown on the most recent documents but that he has not had yet had the opportunity to review it to see if it meets city requirements. He stated that Engineer Mogan has been working with the United Properties engineer to make sure that the outflow from this project does not exceed guidelines. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that her main concern is that Mr. Glowa not come back in the future and say that he cannot build an Page No. 13 May 19, 1998 office building on the adjacent parcel because there is insufficient land. Mr. Glowa responded that he will not do so and that there is enough land. He stated that everything is market driven and that he hopes to develop the lot with a nice office building. He informed Council that the site is being marked for a headquarters for a major company. Responding to a question from Councilmember Krebsbach about how large a building could be constructed on the adjacent lot, Mr. Glowa stated that the lot could be developed with a 100,000 square foot building which would be a four or five story structure. Councilmember Huber moved adoption of Resolution No. 98 -30, "A RESOLUTION APPROVING A MINOR AMENDMENT TO THE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT FOR MENDOTA TECHNOLOGY CENTER," along with preliminary and final plat approval for the lot line adjustment and authorization of a building permit for Phase Ii based on the representations that the decor and exterior materials will be a replica of Phase I except that it will be three stories and will have a partial basement for storage and parking. Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 GARAGE SIZE ORDINANCE Council acknowledged several memos from Assistant Hollister in reference to the proposed garage size ordinance, including a cross - municipal comparison of garage size limits. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she would be interested in statistics from Eden Prairie and Apple Valley. Mayor Mertensotto stated that he has always considered a 30 by 40 foot garage, a 1,200 square foot garage attached to a single family home, as more than ample. He stated that he would agree with a 1,200 square foot attached garage as a routine size. Councilmember Smith stated that she feels that 1,000 square feet (25 by 40 feet) is appropriate. She stated that if Council sets a maximum, it must have a rational basis. Councilmember Huber stated that a three car garage would have to be 50 feet wide. Page No. 14 May 19, 1998 Mayor Mertensotto responded that a garage with three doors with space in between would require about 42 feet . Councilmember Smith stated that Council may wish to include in the ordinance a maximum width of the garage as well as the number of doors. She stated that she would be comfortable with a 1,000 square foot permitted use, and a maximum of 1,500 as a conditional use. She further stated that Council would have to make it clear what the conditions are for a conditional use permit, including that there could be no use of the garage other than private residential use. City Attorney Hart responded that the only caution he would give is that if Council devises standards and the applicant meets those standards, Council would have no discretion. He stated that the city retains broad discretion in conditional use applications, but if the approval were to be by variance, City Council would have absolute discretion. Councilmember Smith asked about the possibility of having certain set standards, like a two to one ratio between the size of the residence and the size of the garage. She stated that Council would not want a 1,500 square foot garage paired up with a 1,000 square foot house. She asked if Council could set certain criteria that must be met before someone can apply for a conditional use permit. Attorney Hart responded that Council can set criteria and if the applicants meet the standards, the question will be how the garage will blend in with the neighborhood, etc., to protect the health, safety and welfare. Mayor Mertensotto stated that under the conditional use permit process, the city conducts a public hearing and that is the only opportunity the neighbors have to give their comments. He felt that the city should find a way to get the information that is now provided on abstractors certificates because the cost for abstractors certificates is so expensive. Councilmember Smith agreed, stating that the cost for abstractors certificates in Dakota County is excessive. She stated that an abstractors list in Washington County only costs $50 in comparison. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she would like information about the garage size limits in Apple Valley, Eden Prairie and Woodbury before setting a standard. Page No. 15 May 19, 1998 It was the consensus that the footprint of the garage be no greater than one -half of the square footage of the house, that the standard for all garages be the equivalent of three single - vehicle garages, that as a guideline, 1,200 square feet be the maximum permitted use. Councilmember Smith stated that the Planning Commission should recommend what the conditions are for the entitlements as well as for a conditional use permit, including ratio, doors, etc. STREET RECONSTRUCTION Council acknowledged a memo from Engineer Mogan regarding potential 1999 street reconstruction projects. Councilmember Smith suggested the following criteria for determining reconstruction: condition of the streets; whether any changes are anticipated in the neighborhood; community interest; auxiliary funding. Public Works Director Danielson stated that the streets in Cherry Hills are in the worst condition and those in Somerset View are a close second. Mayor Mertensotto suggested sending a survey, with return postage, to property owners in Cherry Hills and Somerset View asking if they would support street reconstruction. Councilmember Huber asked how Sunset Lane and Ivy Falls Avenue would be categorized. Mr. Danielson responded that there are many streets that do not fit into a neighborhood and will have to be picked up as part of another project. There was brief discussion about Lake Drive. Responding to a question from Councilmember Huber, Mr. Danielson stated that he believes that Cherry Hills and Somerset View could be done in one season because Cherry Hills is relatively small. It was the consensus to direct staff to do a postcard survey of Cherry Hills and Somerset View. DISPUTE RESOLUTION Council acknowledged a memo from Administrator Batchelder regarding a request form the Dispute Resolution Center for a financial contribution. Page No. 16 May 19, 1998 Mayor Mertensotto stated that Council authorized a $500 contribution last year with the understanding that it not be regarded as a "given" each year. He stated that he would not want to make a donation of more than $500. Responding to a question, Public Works Director Danielson stated that Dispute Resolution Center services were used in a neighborhood dispute over recreational vehicle storage. Councilmember Smith pointed out that unless the city gives some financial support, Council cannot recommend Dispute Resolution Center's mediation services to residents. Councilmember Krebsbach moved to authorize a $500 contribution to the Dispute Resolution Center out of the 1998 contingency amount and that Dispute Resolution Center be advised that this does not constitute an annual contribution. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 MNRRA CHAPTER, Council acknowledged a memo from Assistant Hollister requesting COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Council feedback to the city planner regarding the draft MNRRA Plan chapter of the revised Comprehensive Plan. Mayor Mertensotto stated that when the final version of the Comprehensive Plan is ready, he does not want to see any MFRA advertising on maps, etc. Councilmember Krebsbach asked to what extent changes have been made to the chapter since the last Council workshop. Assistant Hollister responded that it is exactly the same but some maps have been added. GOALS WORKSHOP Council acknowledged a memo from Administrator Batchelder regarding scheduling of the annual target issues /goal setting workshop. It was the consensus to tentatively schedule the workshop for Saturday, July 18. Page No. 17 May 19, 1998 COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Krebsbach commented that a resident in the Ivy Falls neighborhood had called her to comment to her that the park looks terrible. Mayor Mertensotto stated that the city's wildflower areas are not turning out as expected. The Councilmembers agreed that the wildflower area in the Ivy Falls Park looks terrible. Staff was directed to see if it can be rejuvenated. Public Works Director Danielson responded that the plantings will look nice in August even though they look bad now. He informed Council that there are some neighbors of the park who support the wildflowers. Administrator Batchelder recognized the emergency crews (police, fire and public works) for their efforts during a recent storm and taking care of damage resulting from the storm. Mayor Mertensotto recognized Patrick Hollister and all of the volunteers who helped with the recent city -wide clean up day. ADJOURN There being no further business to come before Council, Councilmember Huber moved that the meeting be adjourned. Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 10:43 p.m. athleen M. Swanson City Clerk Charles E. Mertensotto Mayor LIST OF CONTRACTORS TO BE APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL Max' 19, 1998 Concrete/Masonry Contractor License Dennis Ihle Concrete Einar Nelson & Sons Inc. Excavating Contractor License Frank's Bobcat Service Rayco Excavating, Inc. HVAC Contractor License CAS Mechanical Inc. General Contractor License Prestige Drywall, Inc. U S West Wireless