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1995-07-18 Council minutesPage No. 4478 July 18, 1995 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, July 18, 1995 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the regular meeting of the City Council, City of Mendota Heights, 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, Krebsbach and Smith. Councilmember Koch had notified Council that she would be absent. AGENDA ADOPTION Councilmember Smith moved adoption of the revised agenda for the meeting. Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Smith moved approval of the minutes of the July 6, 1995 regular meeting as amended. Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion. Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 Abstain: 1 Mertensotto CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Krebsbach moved approval of the consent calendar for the meeting, revised to delete item g, labor contract settlement, pending recommendation of the city's litigation attorney, and to move items a, Park & Recreation Commission minutes, e, sign permit, and h, final plat for Ivy Falls South, to the regular agenda, along with authorization for execution of any necessary documents contained therein. a. Acknowledgment of the Treasurer's monthly report for June. b. Acknowledgment of the unapproved minutes of the June 7 NDC -4 meeting. c. Acknowledgmentof an update on the water tower reconditioning project. d. Acceptance of the resignation of Police Officer Floyd Arndt and commendation for his 33 years of service to the city, along with authorization for the Police Department to begin the - process of replacing Officer Arndt. Page No. 4479 July 18, 1995 e. Authorization for the payment of a tee -ball subsidy of $4,005.00 to Mendota Heights Athletic Association as requested in a letter from MHAA Treasurer Norm Gellerman dated June 29, 1995. f. Approval of the list of contractor licenses dated July 18, 1995 and attached hereto. g. Approval of the list of claims dated July 18, 1995 and totaling $1,663,691.85. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PARK VANDALISM Council briefly discussed the section of the July 11 Park and Recreation Commission minutes relating to park vandalism. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she supports anything the Police Chief would like to do regarding signage. She asked staff to give. Council regular updates on vandalism, and asked what the repair schedule is at the Marie Park warming house. Public Works Director Danielson responded that vandalism is repaired as quickly as possible after it is discovered. With respect to Marie Park, he stated that the warming house has been repainted once and will be painted again soon. Councilmember Smith asked residents to notify the Police Department of anything suspicious as soon as possible to try to prevent vandalism. Mayor Mertensotto suggested that the police phone number be included on the signage and that the signs also encourage residents to phone the police if they see vandalism occurring. Councilmember Huber moved to acknowledged receipt of the minutes of the July 11 Park and Recreation Commission meeting. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 FINA SIGN Council acknowledged a memo from Code Enforcement Officer Berg regarding an application for permit from Fina to change the sign faces on its existing signs to Oasis Mart. is Page No. 4480 July 18, 1995 Councilmember Krebsbach stated that the history of the FinaMart was that it was a gas station which was expanded to include a convenience store. She stated that the store name is changing and while she would assume that the operation will be the same, she expressed concern that Council has not been informed whether there are other changes planned. Mayor Mertensotto responded that when the convenience store expansion was approved, Council placed a restriction on the facility such that it cannot be in direct competition with the Tom Thumb store, which was established first, to avoid the situation where two businesses cannot succeed. Administrator Lawell informed Council that there have been other conversions from Fina to Oasis in the Twin Cities area and it appears that the nature of the business inside the facilities has not changed at all. He explained that the gas service will remain Fina and the signage of the building will adopt the Oasis Mart colors. He stated that staff has had not representation from the owners that the operation will be the same. It was the consensus of Council to table action and request the applicant to appear before Council to discuss the color changes and the business operation. FINAL PLAT, IVY FALLS Council acknowledged the final plat for the Ivy Falls South SOUTH Addition, along with a memo from the Public Works Director, and proposed developer's agreement. Mayor Mertensotto stated that erosion control is Council's primary concern, because grading of the whole site is done at the same time and the elevation drops across the property. He asked the developer, Keith Heaver, -what he proposes to do about erosion control. Mr. Heaver responded that he proposes silt fencing around the entire site and midway between where the road will be and at the southwest part of the site. He informed Council that he is working with engineers and a grading contractor to look at ways to create ponding areas on site if there are any heavy rains. Mayor Mertensotto asked Mr. Heaver if he could do some added protection to keep soil out of the storm sewer after the streets are in and to prevent any soil from washing down onto the properties in Cherry Hills. He informed Mr. Heaver that before he commences Page No. 4481 July 18, 1995 with grading there should be an understanding that erosion control is the city's main concern. Councilmember Smith stated that she is concerned that there are sufficient obstacles to prevent a sheet of water coming down to the properties in Cherry Hills. She asked Mr. Heaver to create a grading plan to prevent that and further asked if he would be willing to work with the city if problems occur in the future as well. Mr. Heaver responded that he will work with engineers and the city staff before grading occurs and will continue to work with the city. Mayor Mertensotto pointed out that if there are dry periods, the odd - even sprinkling system, which has been used in past years, will be implemented. BALLFIELD BACKSTOPS Council acknowledged a. memo from Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander regarding bids received for backstop extensions in Mendakota Park. Mr. Kullander gave a brief presentation about the proposed ten foot height extension on the existing 16 foot high by 80 foot long backstops. He that the galvanized fence should last for 20 to 30 years. Responding to a question from Councilmember Smith regarding what type of play.which will be suitable after the backstop Councilmember Krebsbach moved adoption of Resolution No. 95- 33-;A,"RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL PLAT FOR IVY FALLS SOUTH." Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Councilmember Smith moved adoption of Resolution No. 95 -34, "RESOLUTION APPROVING DEVELOPER'S AGREEMENT FOR IVY FALLS SOUTH," dated July 12, 1995 and amended to include a 19th condition stating that the responsibility for coordinating, adopting and implementing erosion control procedures is the sole responsibility, of the developer. Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 WATER TOWER Public Works Director Danielson gave a brief oral report on the status of the water tower reconditioning project, informing Council and the audience that, subject to passing an incubation test, the tank should be put back hi operation on July 24. Mayor Mertensotto pointed out that if there are dry periods, the odd - even sprinkling system, which has been used in past years, will be implemented. BALLFIELD BACKSTOPS Council acknowledged a. memo from Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander regarding bids received for backstop extensions in Mendakota Park. Mr. Kullander gave a brief presentation about the proposed ten foot height extension on the existing 16 foot high by 80 foot long backstops. He that the galvanized fence should last for 20 to 30 years. Responding to a question from Councilmember Smith regarding what type of play.which will be suitable after the backstop Page No. 4482 July 18, 1995 extension is completed, he stated that the Mendakota fields are still adult softball fields and the extension gives more protection from foul balls, regardless of what type of ball is played on the fields. He stated that there are also signs which make people aware of foul balls. Mayor Mertensotto informed the audience that Council has asked the recreation programmer to look at scheduling to allow baseball up to age 12 to provide greater utilization of the fields. Councilmember Smith moved to authorize issuance of a purchase order to Century Fence for its low bid of $8,189 to extend the backstops at Mendota Park, with the condition that construction must not interfere with regular field play. Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 CURLEY ADDITION Mayor Mertensotto opened the meeting for the purpose of a public IMPROVEMENTS hearing on proposed street and storm sewer improvements to serve the Curley Addition.'' Council acknowledged a feasibility report on the proposed improvements, along with letters from Dr. Stephen Liston, 2132 Theresa St., supporting the full street reconstruction, and Ms. Debbie Smith, 1088 William Court, supporting street reconstruction without curb and gutter. Engineer Marc Mogan reviewed the proposed project for Council and the, audience.. He explained that the recommended project is to upgrade existing streets to city standards, including curb and gutter and storm sewer. He gave a history of the improvements that are in place in the neighborhood and a description of the proposed improvements, and discussed the financing package. He explained that under the city's street rehabilitation/reconstruction policy, approximately 46% of the cost for the complete project would be assessed. He stated that the existing streets are 30 feet wide, and adding curb and gutter would increase them by 4 feet, four inches, which would be divided equally on both sides of the street. He explained that Cullen Avenue, between Lexington and Theresa, and William Court, between 989 and 1013 would be constructed at 25 feet wide, and parking would be prohibited in those areas. Mayor Mertensotto asked if parking would need to be prohibited on both sides of the street. i Page No. 4483 July 18, 1995 Public Works Director Danielson responded that he had received a letter from the fire marshal today regarding access for public safety vehicles, and that parking could be allowed on one side of the street. Mayor Mertensotto stated that the streets should be made wide enough so that parking can be allowed on one side and although it may be necessary to keep Cullen at 25 feet wide, it could be wider along the freeway. Engineer Mogan responded that the lots are deep along the freeway, so the property owners can achieve off - street parking in their driveways. He further stated that it may be possible to create a parking bay. Mayor Mertensotto asked for questions and comments from the audience. Mrs. Mary Blanchard, 1049 William Court, submitted a petition in opposition to the full restoration project. She stated that those on the petition hope that Council considers the petition as it did the petition which initiated the project in 1993. Mayor Mertensotto stated that Friendly Hills is an example of the project proposed - it is a:similar project with urban street sections, as was constructed in the London/Downing area, and people are very happy with the projects. He informed the audience that because fewer than 35% of the property owners are not petitioning for the project, four of the five Council members must vote to order the project in. He explained that if Council supports this evening's petition Council would be looking at a simple overlay project which would be assessed at an estimated $1,500 per lot. Ms. Blanchard responded that she understands that the Friendly Hills residents initially fought the full reconstruction and that Council reduced the cost to the residents. Mayor Mertensotto stated that the residents must bear in mind that the Friendly Hills lots are much smaller, so there are more assessments - this cannot be equated with the larger lots in the Curley neighborhood, which also has wider streets. He explained that the project would improve 1.6 miles of street and 107 homes would be assessed. He stated that Council would like the residents to think about the full project, stating that there are many streets in the city which are 24 to 25 years old and need reconstruction. ; Page No. 4484 July 18, 1995 Mr. Blanchard stated that everyone wants new streets, but the people on the petition are objecting to curb and gutter and storm sewer. Mayor Mertensotto responded that Council hears many people say they moved to Mendota Heights years ago because it had a rural character, but this is 1995, not the 50's or 60's. He stated that the city still has a rural atmosphere because of the minimum lot widths and because much open space has been provided. He informed the audience that wherever a full reconstruction project has been done, with curb and gutter, it is a stimulus to upgrade yards and homes, improves neighborhoods and keeps property values up. Mrs. Blanchard stated that residents are worried about increased property taxes. Treasurer Shaughnessy responded that if there is in an increase in market values after a project it is because sales have increased. He explained that Dakota County relates market values to resales of homes and does not increase values because of the improvements but rather values are increased because of the affects of the improvements on sales three or four years later. Mr. Robert Langford, 21.38:Theresa, stated that a number of houses on his block have very little drainage to the street as it currently exists. He informed Council that his concern is that if the existing level of the street is not lowered, drainage will be coming back to the houses. Engineer Mogan responded that if drainage can get out to the driveways when the project is done, that might suffice, but if it does not the curb is suppressed to an elevation that will get the drainage off the properties. He stated that staff would like input from the neighborhood about specific concerns. He informed the audience that part of the reason the project costs are higher than Friendly Hills is that there are more specific problems to deal with in Curley's, and if the curb must be depressed, additional cost is added to the project. Mr. Mark Kaupaun, 2099 Theresa, asked how a simple overlay would last. Engineer Mogan responded that the existing street surface lasted 20 years but doing an overlay will not give another 20 years of life. He explained that putting a lip on the side of the street helps the water run and on a typical overlay about 2" would be added to the center portion of the roadway. In the Curley case, about 1 1/2 inches of depth would have to be milled off for several feet so avoid creating drainage problems along the road. The surface of the street would probably only be 1/2" higher that it is now, which does not solve any Page No. 4485 July 18, 1995 underlying problems with the aggregate base that now exists. He explained that if the base has become bad over time, an overlay might not last ten years. Mr. Kaupaun responded that the overlay would cost $1,500 per lot. He asked if the neighborhood would get more for reconstruction. Engineer Mogan responded that the streets would have a 20 year life and the project would be assessed over 19 years versus a 10 year assessment for simple overlay. Councilmember Krebsbach asked why the 33 foot street width is proposed. Public Works Director Danielson responded that 33 feet is the standard for city streets - 30 feet of blacktop with curb and gutter alongside of it. He stated that wherever curb and gutter is not installed, streets are constructed 30 feet wide. Mr. Bernard Carlson, 2091 Theresa, asked the payment term for the $1,500 overlay assessment and the $3,500 total construction assessment. He also asked if the assessment rate is based on household or on lot footage. Engineer Mogan responded.that the overlay, assessed over 10 years at 7% interest, would cost about $17.50 per month. The reconstruction, assessed over 19 years at 7% interest, would cost about $26.40 per month. He explained that the assessable costs are proposed to be divided by the number of lots to be assessed rather than on a frontage basis. Ms. Barb Thompson, 2121 Theresa, stated that she came to support the full project. She asked if there is an option for constructing new streets without curb and gutter. Engineer Mogan responded that staff looked at that option for Friendly Hills and the cost to reclaim the existing surface and relay it was about $2,500 per lot. He expected that the cost would be similar for the Curley streets. Mr. Sam Shepard, 2141,' 141 `Theresa, asked if $3,500 is a firm figure. He asked whether the city will contribute more to the project. Mayor Mertensotto responded that Council made an agreement with Friendly Hills that once an amount was set Council would stick with Page No. 4486 July 18, 1995 it. With respect to city contribution, he stated that the city will be contributing 54% to the project, versus 46% by the residents. Mr. Shepard stated that he feels the full project is a good idea but questioned whether the residents will be able to sell their houses for more money after the project and whether they will get their investments back. Mayor Mertensotto responded that Council is not trying to force the project on the neighborhood. He stated that 37 of the homeowners signed the petition submitted this evening, and given that kind of opposition Council would probably put the project on hold and do other projects in the city. He stated that if the residents want to petition for a street overlay project, Council would likely order that project. Mr. John McShane, 2061 Theresa, asked who is responsible for regrading yards if the road is raised because of the curbs. Mayor Mertensotto responded that lawn restoration and regrading is part of the project. Mr. Carl Yaeger, 2068 Patricia, stated that he has lived in the neighborhood for 40 years and that he does not think people realize the difference in the elevation of the neighborhood compared to Friendly Hills. He stated that the neighborhood is one of the highest elevations in Minnesota, 1,000 feet above sea level, and he did not think anyone needs to worry about drainage and storm sewers. He was in favor of an overlay and opposed to curb and storm sewers. Councilmember Krebsbach asked if the petition is in opposition to any street improvements. Mr. Kaupaun responded that it is only in opposition to the curb and gutter - the neighborhood is very much in favor of street improvements and wants the streets repaired. Ms. Thompson stated that she thinks people who signed the petition think they would be getting new streets without curb when really it is an overlay. Mr. Langford stated that if the city is willing to contribute so much money, he is more in favor of the total project than he was. Mr. Shepard stated that he had thought the curb and gutter project would cost $4,500 per household rather than $3,500. Page No. 4487 July 18, 1995 Mr. F.B. Daniel, 2056 Timmy, stated that he doubts there is any question whether the streets need to be improved. He further stated that he does not feel the neighborhood would be better off with an overlay that would last 10 years and then having to do it over. He felt that with the full project, with its permanence and the improvement to the neighborhood, there is no question that prospective buyers would be more interested. He stated that in 10 years, when the overlay would have to be repeated, it will cost more and would get the residents back to the $3,500 for the permanent project. He further stated that he seriously questions the practicality for any of the Curley property owners to want to go for an overlay and then another overlay in the same period of time that the curb and gutter will last and give a better and more attractive project. Mr. Wes Anderson, 2980 Timmy, stated that he thinks the Curley Addition is the sloppiest neighborhood in Mendota Heights and curb and gutter is what is needed. He supported Mr. Daniels' comments. Mr. Brad Alkan, 2036 Timmy, stated he has had a lot of damage from snow plows and curb and gutter is not a bad idea. He stated that if the project is constructed with curb and gutter two feet would be added on each side and everything would need to be relocated. Engineer Mogan responded that relocation of mail boxes, etc., is included in the project cost. Ms. Arvilla Beckman, 2125 Timmy, stated that her husband could not attend the meeting but wanted to be present because they strongly want the project. She submitted a letter to Council, and stated that snow does not always get plowed right away and freezes and creates ruts. She was hopeful that the project goes through there will be less of an icing problem and they will not have to resod their lot corner every spring to repair snow plow damage. Mayor Mertensotto stated that there are 37 to 38 property owners who singed the petition but it is apparent by the discussion that many residents did not fully understand what was proposed. He stated that Council would not order in the complete project with that many petition signatures but that he is unsure, because of the apparent misunderstandings, whether those on the petition would be opposed to the project. He stated that the question is whether to proceed based on the petition and deny the project or order in an overlay or whether Council should continue the matter to allow the neighborhood to discuss it. Page No. 4488 July 18, 1995 Mr. Dave Ayers, 2121 'Theresa, stated that his concern is that the people may not have "been fWly advised. He informed Council that he would be interested in asking the audience members who signed the petition if they wish they had not signed it. He felt that a majority of the neighborhood favor curb and gutter. He asked how the curb and gutter project was constructed in Friendly Hills when there was so much neighborhood objection. Councilmember Smith responded that a Friendly Hills task force was created to make a recommendation for what they felt was best for their neighborhood. Mr. Ayers stated that a majority of the neighborhood want some improvement and he was concerned that if the project is tabled tonight it will sit on the back burner and no project will be done. He asked Council to continue the discussion so that he can circulate a petition and try to come to a greater consensus. He felt that the neighborhood understands the proposed project better now. An audience member asked why the city will not participate in street construction that does not include curb and gutter. Councilmember Smith responded that if the residents decide on the overlay project there, will not be direct city support, but it will cost the city more in terms of maintenance, so the city is financially participating no matter which project is constructed. She pointed out that streets without curb an gutter are more costly to maintain. A gentleman in the audience stated that if there are additional costs for the overlay it will cost the property owners more since the city would not be participating, but there is a cap of $3,500 per lot for a new street with curbzn&pautter. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she was a strong supporter of keeping the country style streets in Friendly Hills because that was what the residents wanted, but the people took the time to get together to make the decision for curb and gutters. She encouraged the Curley residents to think about their neighborhood compared to other neighborhoods in the city. She stated there are very few homes in Mendota Heights that do not have curb and gutter and the residents must consider that when people are looking for a home, they are likely to look more at neighborhoods with curb and gutter. Mayor Mertensotto stated that Council has no vested interest other than to protect the residents' interests. He informed the audience that the owners have the choice between an overlay and full Page No. 4489 July 18, 1995 reconstruction, and stated that Council does not want to divide the neighborhood and can continue the discussion. He stated that there are two reasons it is important to have neighborhood support - if there are fewer than 35% of the property owners petitioning the project, it must be approved by a 4/5 vote of Council. He further stated that the other important aspect is that Council does not just go in where there are 30% of the house holds objecting and install a project. Mr. Kaupaun stated that there are many people who are not present this evening but support curb and gutter. He informed Council that he received his letter about the project but obviously other people did not. He felt that people thought there would be discussion tonight on the differences in the projects and people would discuss that information and make a decision at a later meeting. Public Works Director Danielson offered staff services for help and discussion of individual neighborhood concerns. Council encouraged the residents to call city engineering if they want a copy of the feasibility or have any questions or concerns. It was the consensus to continue the hearing to August 15. RECESS Mayor Mertensotto called a recess at 9:47 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 10:02 p.m. AIRPORT RELATIONS Council acknowledged the Airport Noise Plan of Action and a COMMISSION a memo from Administrator Lawell regarding a presentation by the Airport Relations Commission. Commission Chair Scott Beatty and Commission members Al Stein, Dave Olson and Joe Leuman were present for the discussion. Mr. Beatty reviewed the Plan of Action for Council and audience and responded to Council questions. Councilmember Smith asked that the Commission request demographic information on the difference between Stage III aircraft and hush -kilted aircraft. There was discussion over the FAA's role. Mayor Mertensotto stated that the FAA's charges to protect safety and to increase capacity are in conflict from the beginning. He stated that the city's position should be that the FAA should only be charged with flight safety. Page No. 4490 July 18, 1995 There was discussion over the new GPS technology. Council- member Smith stated that there is a need to constrain aircraft during the first three miles of a flight and felt that the GPS will be beneficial as it will allow for a narrowing of the flight corridor. Administrator Lawell briefly discussed the runway 4 -22 mediation. There was generally no Council interest in the city becoming involved in the mediation. Councilmember Smith spoke in favor of the Northern Dakota County Airport Relations Commission. She stated that while the city must watch out for own its interests, the coalition approach on airport issues could be more successful. Councilmember Krebsbach suggested that the Commission's 20 point list be published in the city newsletter. Administrator Lawell responded that the plan was adopted in August of 1994 and is being updated by the Commission. He stated that perhaps the outcome of the updating - the specific goals of the city and the Commission, can be published in the next newsletter. Mayor Mertensotto thanked the Commission members and stated that he is amazed at what the Commission has done over such a short period of time. MENDOTA PLAZA Council acknowledged a-memo from Public Works Director Danielson regarding city TIF participation in safety and beautification improvements to the Mendota Plaza parking lot. Mr. Ed Paster and Mr. John Streeter, from Paster Enterprises, along with the project engineer, Ron Roetzel, and the project landscape architect, P.J. Anderson, were present for the discussion. Mr. Streeter presented the final plans for the project, informing Council that the project was advertised in the Construction Bulletin and local papers, and four bids were received. He stated that the unit prices for the bids have been submitted to the city for city determination that the units are fair and equitable. He stated that the low bidder was Bituminous Roadways for $338,000. Engineering fees from Bolton and Menk are just over $18,000 at this time and will total $37,000 when the project is completed. The architectural landscaping fee from Damon Farber is $3,000 to date, and Mr. Streeter expected that the fee will exceed $5,000 after inspections, etc. He also expected that the city legal fee will be $1,500 and the Paster legal fees are in the neighborhood of $3,500. Mr. Street informed Council that there will be a construction superintendent present on the project for ten working weeks at a total cost of Page No. 4491 July 18, 1995 $10,000. The total anticipated cost for the project to date is $414,373.80. Mayor Mertensotto asked how the city stands on participating costs. Mr. Streeter responded that $260,000 of the items fall under the participating cost list and the city will participate up to $200,000, so it is well within the list. The landlord will finance about $214,000 of the cost. He stated that this is a variable and will vary some because it is a unit price bid and final costs will not be known until the project is done. Mr. Roetzel reviewed the storm sewer plans, informing Council that a leg of storm sewer has been added and a catch basin has been added in the turning lane. Mayor Mertensotto asked if the entire median which currently exists between the traveled portion of McDonald's and the shopping center will be removed. He pointed out that there are four or five green ash trees in that area. Mr. Roetzel responded that the plan is to not impact any of those trees. Councilmember Krebsbach asked what portion of the $200,000 is for storm sewer. Mr. Streeter responded that he has not computed the percentages but he will do so. Responding to Mayor Mertensotto's question, he stated that so as not to impact the row of trees that separates McDonald's from the shopping center, the pipe has been moved into the roadway curb line and a depressed catch basin has been added. Responding to a question from Councilmember Smith regarding Dodd Road drainage and catch basins, Mr. Streeter stated that the plan has been changed to not allow the mass of water to come across the entrance to the shopping center. He described the system, stating that the west portiowof the parking lot will be regraded, and the design of the entire storm sewer system is that there will not be any flat surface that has less than a 1% grade so that the water is carried into the storm sewer system. Mayor Mertensotto asked why all the water from the west is being brought into a five foot drop. Page No. 4492 July 18, 1995 Mr. Roetzel responded that the catch basin west of the cleaner's will just collect the water immediately west of the building. He stated that the system is designed for a 10 year storm - the existing is for 1 1/2 to 2 year storms.,, He'explained that two catch basins are being replaced and several are being added. Mr. Streeter explained that there is currently no catch basin in the parking lot west of the Subway and cleaners. Responding to a concern from Councilmember Krebsbach that not enough is being done to drain the area west of Subway, from where people drive into McDonald's and near Snyder's, Mr. Streeter stated that from Snyder's east only an overlay will be done as there are no drainage problems in that area of the parking lot. He stated that the major drainage problems are at the west and southwest corner of the shopping center. Councihnember Krebsbach stated that her primary reason for supporting TIF for the project is resolution of those drainage problems, and that she wants to be sure that constructing the project will keep the lot dry.' Mr. Streeter stated that he feels that the system has been designed to i drain the lot. He informed Council that the directive to the project engineer was to have no more than a 1 % grade, and everything else was put into a computer - the amount of blacktop, the amount of water, etc., to size the work. Mayor Mertensotto responded that he shares Councihnember Krebsbach's concern - the project is getting city support to correct the drainage problems. Public Works Director Danielson stated that staff is concerned that the water gets into the pipes, and one concern was that filling will be done in the low points in the front parking lot during the overlay. Councilmember Huber asked if there is any concern over winter ice buildup because there is too much of a slope coming out from Subway. Mr. Roetzel responded that it is a balance between steeper slopes to get the water out fast and lower slopes for pedestrians. He explained that the plans are regulated by the grade of Dodd, which must be matched, and the grade at the building. He stated that there is a five percent grade change between the high point at Dodd and the building. Page No. 4493 July 18, 1995 Mayor Mertensotto asked who will move the hydrant at Dodd Road, and at whose expense. Mr. Streeter responded that St. Paul Water must move the hydrant and Paster will pay for it. He stated that moving the hydrant is not on the project cost list. Also responding to a question from Mayor Mertensotto, he stated that the McDonald's drainage will be much improved. Councilmember Smith asked about the truck route. Mr. Roetzel responded that the route will be constructed of heavy bituminous for truck traffic and will be striped as a truck route. He stated that if the trucks do not follow the route signage or some type of a barrier will need to be installed. Councilmember Smith asked if the lighter bituminous in the parking lot will be strong enough to handle any truck traffic that may occur. Mr. Roetzel stated that it will not be strong enough to handle a regular flow of truck traffic, which is why the shopping center management will have to enforce the truck lane. Mr. Paster stated that busses have been a problem at the back side of the center, and that Mr. Streeter has asked the bus company for assistance in paving thafarea to a heavier bituminous but the MCTO refused. He explained that all of the bituminous behind the building will be heavy duty. Mr. Roetzel stated that a concrete pad and footings will be constructed next to the existing back entrance to the building and landscaping will be added to make it a primary entrance. He stated that this is the-area where the busses will make their pick -ups, and the shopping center is promoting it as the pick -up point because the area will have heavy duty pavement. Mayor Mertensotto expressed concern about ice buildup at the east side of the building because there is a low area and there is no drainage improvement proposed on that side. Mr. Roetzel responded that there will be an overlay in that area and the pavement will be built up, but drainage will be the same as exists now. Mr. Paster stated that the shopping center has not encouraged traffic into that area because it is a loading and unloading area for trucks. Page No. 4494 July 18, 1995 Mayor Mertensotto stated that something should be done because of the ice problem and to make the South Plaza Drive access more convenient for people. Mr. Streeter responded that the reason the area is a mess now is that the water is traveling along the rear of the center to a low point on the east side of the blacktop to an existing ditch. The area near the truck dock has deteriorated badly partly because of semis unloading at the loading dock to the former grocery store. He explained that a 1 1/2" overlay will be added to the existing surface. Mr. Streeter stated that the run off will be greatly alleviated because it will be picked up in a catch basin to the west and the water to the east of the building will be at an absolute minimum so the area will not ice up as it has. Mayor Mertensotto stated that hopefully there will be a senior housing facility to the east and this will add traffic from the east. Mr. Streeter responded that it may be necessary for the shopping center to create a walkway in the future. Responding to a question from Councilmember Krebsbach regarding cost percentages, Mr. Streeter stated that as the project stands, of the total cost $317,071.95 would qualify for TIF participation and $97,301.85 does not. The total project cost is $414,373.80, and everything in the project outside of the turn lane is part of the infrastructure for the storm sewer. He stated that he is hopeful that the state will participate in the turn lane costs. He asked for city assistance in expediting the'permit from Mn/DOT. Responding to a question from Mayor Mertensotto, Mr. Streeter stated that he has met with Chuck Thomey, owner of the Amoco station, to discuss the project. He stated that the entrance to the station from the shopping center will be removed but Paster Enterprises will construct a special curb so that tractors and trailers hauling fuel can get to his pumps at night. He informed Council that Mr. Thomey has also requested that he be allowed to make an entrance to the center from the back of his lot, and Paster has agreed. Mr. Anderson reviewed the proposed landscaping plan. Councilmember Smith asked if some more permanent plantings can be added to the planters to make them softer in the winter. Mr. Andersonrespox}ded that he can change the shape and sizes of the planters to add evergreen plantings and perhaps ornamental trees at each of the planters at the entrance. He stated that the option Page No. 4495 July 18, 1995 would be either evergreens or flowers, and if evergreens are not added, he could plant annuals around the ornamentals. Councilmember Smith asked if the plantings will be replaced if they do not survive. Mr. Anderson responded that replacement is not in the contract but the plants will be irrigated. Mr. Streeter stated that the irrigation system is in place for four islands, and when he inspected the existing plantings last week they were beautiful. He further stated that irrigation will be added for the new shrub planting areas near the main entrance. Administrator Lawell stated that there are two options for planters. He asked which Council preferred, the larger planter for year around plantings or the smaller one. Councilmember Smith stated that the first priority must be year around attractiveness but she would like flowers as well as greenery. Mr. Anderson responded that he can put green plantings with flowers around them in the larger planters, or in winter pine boughs can be added to the smaller pots. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she thinks flowers are nice, and asked if there could be flowers with topped evergreens. She agreed with Councilmember Smith that there should be something green in the planters so that there is a year around effect. Mr. Streeter reminded Council that each time the plantings are changed in the spring and fall, it is the cost of the property owner. Mr. Paster stated that the smaller pot is 36" wide and the large pot is 72" wide and 36 inches tall, and the larger pot is generally associated with an institutional setting. He stated that at least 9 cubic feet of soil is needed to plant a tree, and in order to accomplish that and have the tree live, the 72 inch pots would be necessary. It was the consensus of Council that the smaller pots are preferred. Responding to questions from Mayor Mertensotto regarding the proposed entrance sign, Mr. Streeter stated that clearance from the bottom of the sign is called out by code and the sign meets the city's code except for its height, which received approval by Council in the past. He stated that the clearance from the ground line to the bottom of the sign is critical, and the island will be constructed around the pylon. He informed Council that the sign costs are not part of the I Page No. 4496 July 18, 1995 project, although he foundation for the sign is included within the $414,000. He also described improvements to the South Plaza Drive entrance. Mayor Mertensotto stated tated. that it is difficult to tell about the landscaping until it is in" He further stated that while Council can approve the plan, it may ask for changes at a later time. Mr. Roetzel reviewed the truck turning radii, and Mr. Streeter reviewed the truck route signage. Councilmember Smith stated that she is concerned about the safety of drivers if they happen to run into one of the concrete posts that will hold the truck signage. Responding to a Council question, Public Works Director Danielson stated that city staff has reviewed the plans and specifications and finds them to be acceptable. Councilmember Krebsbach,moved to approve the plans and specifications for the Mendota Plaza improvements as submitted and to authorize the project. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 ADJOURN There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilmember Huber moved that the meeting be adjourned. Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 12:50 o'clock A.M. Kathleen M. Swanson City Clerk ATTEST: Charles E. Mertensotto Mayor