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1996-02-20 Council minutesPage No. 1 February 20, 1996 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, February 20, 1996 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 Krebsbach and Smith. Councilmembers Huber and Koch had notified Council that they would be absent. AGENDA ADOPTION Councilmember Smith moved adoption of the revised agenda for the meeting, further revised to move item 6d earlier in the agenda. Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion. Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Krebsbach moved approval of the consent calendar for the meeting, revised to move item j, aerial photos, to the regular agenda, along with authorization for execution of any necessary documents contained therein. a. Acknowledgment of the minutes of the February 13 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. b. Acknowledgment of information on microphone use in the Council Chambers. c. Acknowledgment of the unapproved minutes of the January 3 NDC -4 meeting. d. Acknowledgment of the Treasurer's monthly report for January. e. Acknowledgment of the Fire Department monthly report for January. f. Approval of the appointment of Code Enforcement Officer Dick Gill as Assistant Weed Inspector for 1996. g. Acknowledgment of an engineering department update on the Wentworth watermain project. Page No. 2 February 20, 1996 h. Adoption of Resolution No. 96 -08, "RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR PIPE MATERIALS FOR THE WENTWORTH WATER PROJECT (IMPROVEMENT NO. 95, PROJECT NO. 4A)." i. Adoption of Resolution No. 96 -09, "A RESOLUTION DENYING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR US WEST CELLULAR FOR A CELLULAR TOWER AT 750 HIGHWAY 110." j. Approval of the purchase of file cabinets and office equipment from Facility Systems, Inc., for $2,045, funding to come from the City Hall fund. k. Acknowledgment of receipt of information from the Dakota County HRA responding to Council questions regarding the proposed senior housing project. 1. Adoption of Resolution No. 96 -10, "RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR STREET IMPROVEMENTS TO SERVE CURLEY'S VALLEY VIEW, CURLEY' S VALLEY VIEW REPLAT AND SURROUNDING AREAS (IMPROVEMENT NO. 93, PROJECT NO. 4)." m. Approval of the list of contractor licenses dated February 20, 1996, and attached hereto. n. Approval of the List of Claims dated February 20, 1996 and totaling $ 148,100.98. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY Council acknowledged a memo from Public Works Director Danielson regarding an amendment to the aerial photography /GIS agreement with Dakota County. Councilmember Krebsbach expressed her concern with GIS or any other system that builds a data base, or in this case, aerial photography. She stated that she sees no protection for the residents as to who has access to the data, and was concerned over what kind Page No. 3 February 20, 1996 of information will be available on the residents. She stated that cities and counties are providing information in data bases and residents do now know how much information on their property is available to real estate people and others. She further stated that she will continue to take this stand whenever this type of issue arises. Mayor Mertensotto pointed out that the information is available now and it is amazing how much information is available on individuals as public data. Councilmember Krebsbach responded that there is never anything stated in the agreements about control over who has access to information. She stated that she raises the issue whenever such a matter comes before Council because she has a consistent concern about the information that is available to anyone who wishes to buy it. She was also concerned about who gets to sell the information and how much they get for it. Mayor Mertensotto stated that the information is currently available through the County and the Economic Development Partnership. Councilmember Krebsbach asked Public Works Director Danielson to contact Mr. Scott Beckman, of the Economic Development Partnership, to ask how the information is distributed, who uses it, how much the individual property owners know is available and who has control over who gets the revenues. Public Works Director Danielson informed Council that city engineering staff use the aerial photography extensively for planning and engineering purposes. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she is concerned that there are no safeguards and that she would like a response from Mr. Beckman before any action is taken. Further discussion on the matter was tabled to March 7. ROYAL REDEEMER Council acknowledged a memo from Public Works Director PARKING LOT LIGHTS Danielson regarding continued discussion on a request from Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church for approval of the installation of four NSP lights in the church parking lot. It was noted that the church cannot meet the second condition of approval - that the lights be on a timer and turned off at midnight - because they have been informed by NSP that it does not able to put the lights on a timer. Page No. 4 February 20, 1996 Mayor Mertensotto stated that Council cannot deny the church the right to have lights because they are photo cell as long as they are no more than 18 feet in height. He pointed out that the Dakota Children's facility's lights are photo cell. He suggested that Council remove the restriction that the lights be on a timer and turned off no later than midnight. Councilmembers Krebsbach and Smith asked if the neighboring property owners who signed a consent letter are aware that the lights cannot be turned off at midnight. Mayor Mertensotto suggested that Council approve an amendment to the February 6 Council approval of the light installation, deleting the requirement for a timer and that the lights be turned off at midnight, subject to the city engineering staff contacting the three home owners to the north to ask if they are aware that the lights will be on photo cell and burn all night. He further stated that if the property owners confirm their consent, the approval can stand but if they do not, the request must be brought back to Council on March 7. Councihnember Krebsbach moved to amend Council's approval ' ) action on February 6 to delete the second condition, subject to the awareness of the three property owners who have given their consent, and with the understanding that absent their consent the action would be inappropriate. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 FIRE TRUCK Council acknowledged a memo from Fire Chief Maczko requesting authorizing advertisement for bids for a new 1500 GPM pumper fire truck to replace to existing pumpers. Chief Maczko and members of the fire truck committee were present for the discussion. Chief Maczko stated that the proposed unit is a 1500 gallon per minute pumper with a 65 to 75 foot aerial ladder and telescoping water tower with rescue capabilities. Mayor Mertensotto stated that he has asked that the delivery date of the truck be no earlier than September 1, 1997 for financing purposes and also that the only loose equipment in the specification is the ladders and pipe hose. Page No. 5 February 20, 1996 Chief Maczko responded that the specifications reflect those directions. Also responding to a question from Mayor Mertensotto, he stated that trade -in of the two existing pumpers is an alternate in the bid form to allow the city the opportunity to decide on whether to trade or sell the equipment depending on the trade -in quotation. Councilmember Krebsbach moved to adopt Resolution No. 96 -11, "RESOLUTION APPROVING SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR THE 1500 G.P.M. PUMPER WITH 65 -75 FOOT TELESCOPIC WATER TOWER/AERIAL LADDER." Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 MENDAKOTA PARK LIGHTS Council acknowledged a memo from Administrative Intern Hollister regarding lighting of the Mendakota Park ball fields, along with a feasibility study for ballfield lighting, memos from Interim Administrator Batchelder, letters of objection from Ms. Mary Lou Johnson and Mr. Michael Black, and a petition opposing the proposed lights. Mr. Jim Kilburg, representing the softball organizations, stated that he has been a resident for ten years, member of the Fire Department for 14 years, and a softball player for 20 years. He stated that he is also a member of the Mendota Heights Athletic Association, has been a coach and athletic director for the association, and has two children who are involved in association programs. Mr. Kilburg informed the audience that he was a member of the citizens park referendum committee, and all of the community recreation needs were addressed in the referendum which was approved. He explained that he was a member of the ball field committee, and at the time the Mendakota complex was designed the committee knew, because the city was running out of land for ballfields, there would come the time when additional fields would be needed. For this reason, the option for future lighting was put in because it was acknowledged that some day more field space would be needed for children. He stated that last year the Council directed the city staff to work with the adult softball group and the athletic association on scheduling. He explained that the working group looked at many options, and lights at Mendakota was the last option. The other options, including revising schedules, using open fields, acquiring extra fields were unsuccessful and it became more apparent to the r! group that the most economical and sound decision would be to light the Mendakota fields. Youth teams would use the fields early and Page No. 6 February 20, 1996 adults would use the fields for games at 7:45 and 8:30 p.m., which would allow the adult programs to continue and still accommodate youths. He felt that buying land for fields would not solve the immediate issue of lack of fields. He informed the audience that the working group had a workshop with the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council to review all potentials for coming up with field space and arrived at the conclusion that lighting is the best solution. He stated that he did not think that lighting would be a big issue to the neighborhood, and stated that the adult softball people are sensitive to the neighborhood concerns. He then addressed the concerns which were listed in the petition, which related to lights shining into windows until late evening, noise from softball players and fans until late evening, increased traffic congestion, rowdy behavior and drinking by softball players and fans, insufficient enforcement of park hours, and use of city resources to improve fields solely for adult softball players and adult softball players from other cities. He stated that he has also heard that there is concern over how the lights will look. Mayor Mertensotto stated that the Planning Commission suggested using the least number of poles and lights as possible and the lowest height poles as possible, and that city staff is doing research on those matters. He stated that the city would not install any more poles and lights than are needed. Mr. Kilburg stated that there has been a question about why the fields cannot be used during the day. He explained that in most cases, both parents work and there is no feasible way to conduct youth games in the day time unless the city regulates and runs the program. Mayor Mertensotto stated that the other question is that MHAA has been notified that they will lose the four fields at Grass Jr. High when the new middle school is built there and West St. Paul has definitely said Sibley High School will have to give it the use of two fields at the high school to replace the ones it will lose at Grass. He further stated that MHAA also received notice from the City of Eagan that six of the nine of fields MHAA has been using in Eagan will not be available to MHAA. He explained that MHAA needs thirty fields a week and Mendota Heights does not have that many fields, which is why there is a crisis. He stated that he does not know how the crisis will be addressed this year, as the feasibility report indicates that the fields could not be lit until late summer. Page No. 7 February 20, 1996 Mr. Mike Bezell, President of the MHAA, distributed and reviewed information on the number of children involved in the MHAA ball programs. He explained that there has been a 54% increase in the program since 1990 and an 11% increase is anticipated in 1996, twelve additional teams, to bring the number of children playing ball to 1,380. With respect to the impact of lights on neighbors, he stated that he lives across from the lighted hockey fields at Marie Park and that the other hockey rinks in the city also have lights. He stated that he would be lying to say that the lights do not bother him at 9:00 p.m. but every time he sees children using the rink, he thinks about what it would be like for the children if there were no lighted rinks for them. He commented that he did not think the Mendakota Park issue sets a precedent, as the city is getting the maximum benefit out of its hockey and figure skating rinks by lighting them. An audience member asked if the extra field time cannot be made available at Mendakota whether the association has done any back up work on scheduling. Mr. Bezell responded that the down side will be limiting the number of participants in the ball program. He stated that the association cannot get coaches or volunteers to come before 6:00 p.m., so games cannot start before 6:30. He responded that the MHAA cannot expect people to show up at 5:00 p.m. to start a double shift of games. The next possibility is to look at what vacant land is available, but there is no land that is groomed or ready for ball games. Mayor Mertensotto stated that there are so many participants who play ball and it is his understanding that each participant pays a fee to participate in an individual sport. He asked where those revenues go. Mr. Bezell responded that each sport pays for its own expenses and the money goes for uniforms, trophies, umpires, insurance, etc. He informed Council that there is only one paid position in MHAA, an executive director, and the salary is just over $20,000 per year. He stated that the association budget is $250,000 a year. He informed Council that 1,400 families and 72% of the participants in the spring programs are Mendota Heights residents. Mayor Mertensotto asked if the association has a fall back position regarding scheduling. Page No. 8 February 20, 1996 Mr. Bezell stated that most of the house teams play twice a week, either Tuesday /Thursday or Monday /Wednesday. MHAA has also begun scheduling games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Mr. Charlie Godbout, also representing MHAA, informed Council that the other fall -back position is week -end play, which means that not al of the children can play because of family activities and the other option is that each participant will play fewer games and less often. Regarding the Eagan fields, he stated that there are a number of Eagan children in the program and the association had 12 or 16 games in Eagan last year. There were supposed to be four fields available in Eagan this year, however Eagan has not responded to MHAA's request for fields. He stated that the West St. Paul Athletic Association will be losing the fields it had at Grass and approached the school district, telling them that West St. Paul gave up fields at Sibley last year to MHAA and needs them back. He explained that the fields West St. Paul wants are at Sibley High School (not the fields that are part of the Sibley Park). He also informed Council that MHAA had used fields at St. Croix Lutheran School but has lost them because the West St. Paul association made arrangements to do some work on the fields and use them. Mr. Mike Black, 904 Mendakota Court, stated that he is present to represent a number of neighborhood residents. He stated that the original petition he had submitted included 59 signatures and he now has 109 signatures - after contacting Friendly Hills residents. He submitted the petition to Council. Mr. Black stated that he prepared the petition based on information he received in press releases, which was the only notice that anyone received. He stated that he has learned much since that time by attending the Park and Recreation Commission meeting and talking to other members of the community about their concerns. He explained that the overriding concern is that the neighborhood has not been part of the process. He stated that he learned at the Park and Recreation Commission meeting that this has been a year long process and the competing interests have been limited to the youth association and softball players but nowhere in the mix of interest has consideration been given to the concerns of the neighborhood. He stated that there is virtually unanimous support in the petition from the owners on Mendakota Court and a number of signatures from the people at the end of the cul -de -sacs on Rogers Court, Swan Court and Alice Lane. Mr. Black stated that after two or three hours of canvassing the Friendly Hills neighborhood he received signatures of about 95% of those he contacted to sign the petition and most had little Page No. 9 February 20, 1996 information on the proposal. He further stated that some people thought there was a guarantee in the process of developing Mendakota Park that there would not be lights at the park and people were given that perception when they invested in their homes. He stated that the neighborhood has not been given a voice in the process and everyone he spoke to is skeptical of the process because there was a lack of participation and is skeptical that the lights will not be used after 10 p.m. or after August 1. Mr. Godbout responded that the youth program ends on July 20. Mr. Black stated that when people are left out they tend to be skeptical about assurances that the lights will not be on after 10 or after August 1. He further stated that there will be no mechanism in place that in the future use of the lights will not be extended beyond August 1. He informed Council that no one in the neighborhood believes they will have the right to participate when that issue is raised, and it is important that Council take into account that the neighborhood has been left out. Responding to a question from Mr. Black about the proposal for temporary fields at Resurrection Cemetery, Mayor Mertensotto stated that the cemetery board has not responded except that it did not materialize in the cemetery's 1995 comprehensive plan but might be raised in 1996. He explained that the door to the possibility has not been closed but nothing has been forthcoming. He stated that discussions over how to handle the field crisis has been going on for over a year by the Parks and Recreation Commission and the baseball and softball people, but the Council has only recently been involved. Mr. Black responded that much of the information he has heard as the justification for lights seems to change from week to week and speaker to speaker. He stated that he is not getting consistent reports and that tonight the audience was informed that there is a 55/45% ratio on softball residency. He stated that the feasibility report indicated that Mendota Heights residency was close to 70 %. He stated that the neighborhood would like to learn more about scheduling, and referred to Interim Administrator Batchelder's January 6 memo regarding flexible scheduling to accommodate play in 1996. He stated that the real point is that the Council does not need to rush into a decision on lights in February if the lights are not going on line until at least 1997, and if construction were done this year they would not be in place until at least August, which is after the MHAA season. He stated that his letter raised issues about Page No. 10 February 20, 1996 health and welfare, and whether lighting is a good expenditure of city funds. He felt that the Council has plenty of time to get productive information from people who surround the park. Mayor Mertensotto asked Mr. Black if he would be willing to volunteer to serve on a task force, and Mr. Black responded that he would. Ms. Jann Blesener stated that there are many neighbors and other interested parties who wish to speak, but they would like Council to table the matter, so that the neighborhood could be more involved in the discussions, and then hold a public hearing. She did not believe that the community feels that lighting the fields is a cost - effective use of city dollars, to play four additional games per night at that cost without looking at other alternatives. She asked why MHAA does not schedule games earlier. She stated that she understands there are problems with that but it is the first available option that comes up. She asked why the neighborhood was not invited to the discussions and suggested that the discussion be tabled to allow participation. Mayor Mertensotto responded that lighting is not a public j improvement project and public hearings re not required. He stated that it is obvious that Council cannot proceed tonight on the basis of the feasibility of the report. He expressed concern that $225,000 was not the original cost projection and he felt that there were more lights in the proposal than are absolutely necessary. He explained that a program cannot be put in place this year, and that Council has to address the need and will somehow come up with a plan to solve the field problem. He suggested that Ms. Blesener serve on a neighborhood committee with Mr. Black and others. Councilmember Smith stated that Council has heard different statements about what the expectations were about lighting. She stated that Ms. Blesener was on the referendum ball committee that recommended including lighting capability. She asked what changed Ms. Blesener's mind. Ms. Blesener responded that the fact that underground wiring accommodations were made was prudent for possible future needs, but by no means was lighting a foregone conclusion. Councilmember Smith stated that there must have been some intent of installing lights. Page No. 11 February 20, 1996 Ms. Blesener responded that accommodations were made in anticipation that lighting may be needed some time in the future. She did not feel that all alternatives have been fully explored at this time. She felt they are absolutely not needed at this time before all options are addressed. She stated that the Mendakota fields are grossly under- utilized and asked why more money should be put into them when they are free during the daytime and weekend hours. Councilmember Krebsbach requested that discussion be continued to the next meeting because the cost estimate for the lights is considerably higher than had been discussed at the joint workshop. She expressed concern over the order of decision making and concern that if the cost for lighting is too high there will be too much pressure to light into the fall. She felt that given the high estimated cost, Council needs new discussion to see if there are better options. Ms. Blesener stated that as a former Council member and chair of the park subcommittee that put the referendum package together, she has considerable background. She stated that she understands the pressure for more facilities but that she thinks there are alternative ways to meet the needs, including different methods of scheduling and handling recreation programs differently. She stated that as a tax payer she feels it would be a premature decision to spend so much money on lighting for a limited return on the investment. She felt that using the lighting for one to one and one -half hour per night from May through mid -July does not give enough of a return, and there is no question there would be expanded use of lighting. She was also very concerned about traffic, pointing out that there are many children darting between parked cars and every time there is a change over between games, traffic on the street and parking lot will double. Mr. Black stated that people park on both sides of the street even though one side is posted for no parking. Ms. Blesener stated that people even park on the street in the neighborhoods to the south and walk through private yards to get to the park and playground when the parking lot is full. She stated that noise is also a concern, and as an architect and planner, she is very concerned about the aesthetics of lighting. She stated that there is no other place in the city that has anywhere near the proposed level of lighting and it would look like a K -Mart parking lot. Mr. Black stated that he can see the St. Thomas field lights from his house on Mendakota Court. Page No. 12 February 20, 1996 Ms. Blesener stated that one of the issues the city should look into is the double standard. She stated that putting lights anywhere in the city has been a major struggle and all have been scrutinized extensively, including St. Thomas. She further stated that the school district was strongly discouraged from lighting its fields when they were developed. Councilmember Smith stated that Council accommodated St. Thomas Academy's request for lighting in a short time -frame because of a requirement by the contributor of its funding. She further stated that Council is working on a stadium ordinance that would include lighting of fields, and she thinks it should include lighting at any facility in the city, not just schools. Ms. Blesener stated that there are many others in the audience who can speak to the issue She stated that when the referendum package was put together, committee members and the Council had to make hard choices on what the resources were and what could be provided. She stated that Council must decide what kind of resources should be reasonably provided and that there are other alternatives to providing additional resources. Mayor Mertensotto stated that there are 116 signatures on the opposition petition versus 1,300 to 1,400 homes represented by MHAA programs. Ms. Blesener again asked that discussion be tabled so that all residents can be part of the discussion. Mr. Jim Bader, 910 Mendakota Court, stated that last year, all summer long, he and his wife walked past the fields every day, and he can certify that the fields were not utilized every week day. He further stated that he has spoken to MHAA commissioner Norton, who also commented that he had driven past the fields and found that they were not completely utilized. He felt that it is valid that Council consider the fact that the fields are extremely under- utilized. Mr. Bader informed Council that on occasion he has had to drive through to his house down Mendakota Drive when cars were parked on both sides of the street in violation of the no- parking restriction. He stated that he has had to dodge cars coming from the parking lot whose drivers could not see because of the cars parked along the road. Page No. 13 February 20, 1996 Mrs. Bader stated that she has experienced the same problems even 1 when cars were only parked on one side of the street, and if the problem is extended into the dark hours and there are no street lights, the situation will only be worse. Mr. Bader stated that he is not opposed to MHAA or youth baseball and that his concern is that if the problem is as dire as has been indicated, lighting the fields for 45 minutes is not going to solve the problem. He felt that the issue would surface again in five years and the discussion would be on expending additional funds for land over and above the $250,000 for lights. He also pointed that there has not been any discussion over maintenance costs for the lights. Mayor Mertensotto responded that until this year MHAA has not been able to use the Mendakota fields - they were just used for adult softball and MHAA tournaments. Mrs. Bader stated that she attended that Park and Recreation Commission meeting and was told that the MHAA did not want to fully utilize the fields on weekends because people wanted to go to their cabins and do other activities and did not want their children to play ball games on weekends. She stated that it is not fair to ask for a $250,000 investment because it is inconvenient for people to play ball on weekends. She further stated that if there is a 10 p.m. cut off, that is when the people playing softball start to leave the fields and they will not be gone until 10:30 or 11:00 at night. She also stated that there is a lot of drinking done at softball games. Mayor Mertensotto responded that the police department has been closely monitoring activities and has not had any complaints about drinking. Mrs. Bader stated that if the lights are shut off at 10:00 it will be 10:30 or 11:00 all summer before she will be able to get her children to sleep. Mr. Fred Freedman, 906 Mendakota Court, stated that he has a hard time buying all of the numbers he has heard and the cost for the lights. He asked if the children from West St. Paul and Eagan will still be allowed to participate in MHAA activities that if the MHAA loses fields from Eagan and West St. Paul. Mayor Mertensotto responded that there is an overlap in school district boundaries, and Mendota Heights uses school district fields, so children from those communities must be accommodated. Page No. 14 February 20, 1996 Mr. Freedman stated that at some point the city's responsibility has to top out, since this is a baseball issue. He stated that if the city had thirty more fields and still hear that more were needed. He stated that public safety services are needs and baseball fields are "wants" and Council must look at that. Mr. Baker, 2300 Pagel Road, asked what the cost difference between building more fields and lighting the Mendakota fields. He asked how the cost compares to building fields behind the Plaza and whether Visitation School has its own facilities. He stated that he understands that Visitation uses Mendakota for girls' fast pitch games. Mayor Mertensotto responded that the fields proposed at the Plaza were for younger children. He stated that he could be that Visitation uses the city's fields and that the city uses Visitation's soccer fields. He stated that the city bought the Mendakota Park land for $55,000 an acre and spent nearly a million dollars developing it. He compared the acquisition cost to the Tousignant property on Mendota Heights Road, which is for sale for $88 a square foot now. He informed the audience that the city did not want to spend any money on fields at the Plaza fields unless there would be a five year guarantee. He stated that the city was informed by the owner of the shopping that there was a potential client for the portion of the property where the fields would be located. Mr. Dennis McCormick, 902 Mendakota Court, stated that he first heard about lighting nine days ago and is not prepared to comment. He stated that he would like to learn more about the issues and would be willing to serve on a task force. Mr. Edgar, 887 Mendakota Court, asked what the city's lighting policy is right now. Mayor Mertensotto responded that street lights have generally been approved in the past but that policy is rapidly changing. Mr. Edgar stated that 27 poles and 126 fixtures, at a cost of $200,000 to $210,000 appears to be acceptable because of the needs of the city's children and adult softball players. He felt that there is a different issue - the limitation in the number of fields. He stated that 27 poles at 70 feet tall and 126 fixtures will cause light pollution in the Mendakota area, Friendly Hills, etc. He stated that when there is a game at St. Thomas he can hear the noise and see the lights. He Page No. 15 February 20, 1996 informed Council that he voted in favor of the referendum to build the park, but if Council listens to the overall revenues - $6,000 a year from adult leagues is the revenue received from the fields- it will take 40 years to pay for the cost of the lights. He stated that the community made a decision to build the facility, the Park Commission made a decision to build a concession stand with a wood roof and an automatic sprinkler system for the park. He asked if the fields are adequate for adults, and what the adults will do if children are allowed to play on the fields. Mayor Mertensotto responded that Council has told the MHAA that the fields could only be used for baseball players under age 13, as players older than that hit the all to far. He stated that the fields are perfectly adequate for adult softball. Mr. Edgar stated that he does not want to live in an area where fields are lighted five nights a week for four months because of the lights and traffic. He felt that there are areas where compromise can be reached. Counci]member Krebsbach asked if the neighborhood would be interested in having the park used during the weekends. She also asked how they would feel about using the fields four nights a week for ten weeks. Mr. Edgar responded that he has not been bothered by the fields being used on the weekends for tournaments. He felt that lighting the fields four nights a week would be excessive. He stated that he lives next to Mendakota Country Club and their lights are on all night and light up the neighborhood. He informed Council that he fords those lights offensive and that he feels lighting the Mendakota fields would be a major deviation from policy. He agreed with the softball players that there is not excessive drinking at their games. He noted that the feasibility report discussed a possible PA system, and he does not want to listen to the noise from a PA system. Interim Administrator Batchelder stated that a schedule for Mendakota Park has been worked out but he does not know whether MHAA has worked out a schedule for all of their games. He explained that staff and the Park and Recreation Commission have been working with MHAA and the softball groups for over a year to address needs and demands. He stated that there has been discussion about adjusting the adult schedules to accommodate youth baseball, and discussion in the summer and fall was over what could be done, including inventorying all available fields in Page No. 16 February 20, 1996 Mendota Heights and other cities. He explained that the adult softball interests have given up some of their field space at Mendakota so that the city can schedule youth baseball, and MHAA has agreed to schedule some games on weekends. At the time it was determined that something could be done for the 1996 season, the MHAA and softball groups requested a joint meeting with the Park and Recreation Commission and Council. He explained that in December MHAA found out it would be losing a number of fields for the 1996 schedule. That problem was discussed with the Park Commission and it was then that the lighting issue was first discussed. He stated that the feasibility study was presented to the Park Commission in January, and the city has only been considering this issue for about a month. Interim Administrator Batchelder stated that only 45% of the MHAA fields are supplied by Mendota Heights, and what the memo says is that the city has worked out an accommodation to provide fields in 1996 in Mendakota Park after working with both the MHAA and softball interests. Mr. John Carl, 765 Lower Colonial, stated that he thinks the situation is much deeper - the reason the MHAA is being squeezed for fields is that other cities are growing as Mendota Heights has grown. He felt that the Council needs to look at where the city is going to go in the next 15 years. Mayor Mertensotto responded that he has spent the last year looking at potential fields and will soon be talking to a contractor who was the benefactor of the St. Thomas fields. He stated that St. Thomas is the city's first experience with lighting and Council was pressed to act quickly because St. Thomas had to accept the contribution when it was offered or lose the money. He stated that he agrees with Councilmember Smith that there must be a uniform standard for athletic facilities. He pointed out that the city's demographics are changing, as are those of other cities, and demands are growing. He stated that the problem will not go away and Council must either support MHAA or there will be other repercussions. He stated that somebody has to live next to public facilities and not everyone can be insulated. He stated that he would hope people will be willing to serve on a task force if they are asked to do so, and that Council welcomes the residents' input. He explained that no decision will be made this evening. Mr. Leichter, 909 Mendakota Court, stated that he remembers when the proposal was made to build ballfields and there was no mention of lights. He further stated that when Mendakota Country Club was proposing to build the club house, he got a letter from the city asking Page No. 17 February 20, 1996 for input. He stated that was surprised he did not get any notice about field lighting, and it seems to be inconsistent. He stated that people have mentioned about hockey rinks being lighted, but they do not require the same amount of lighting. With respect to St. Thomas, he stated that its field is pretty much in an isolated area and affects few people. He suggested that, if the lighting cannot be done this year, the committee visit lighted parks in other cities to see if everyone is comfortable with them. He suggested taking the summer off and studying to see how best to do it. Mayor Mertensotto pointed out that field usage will increase this year because of joint use, but needs for fields will not reduce or go away. RECESS Mayor Mertensotto called a recess at 10:05 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 10:20 p.m. Mayor Mertensotto directed staff to develop a potential task force, like the Friendly Hills Task Force, consisting of fifteen members representing the Friendly Hills First Addition, Mendakota Court residents from Mendakota Estates, Friendly Hills and representatives of the adult softball and MHAA groups. He explained that the purpose of the group would be to address scheduling issues and concerns addressed this evening. Councilmember Smith stated that Council should make sure to deal with the proposal for a stadium ordinance and ballfield lighting at the same time. She stated that Council must develop standards before it can pass judgment on Mendakota Park lighting. Councilmember Krebsbach asked that the field lighting proposal be continued until at least the first meeting in April. Mayor Mertensotto agreed, stating that the task force should be up and running and meet with the Parks and Recreation Commission and staff before the matter comes back to Council. MENDOTA INTERCHANGE Council acknowledged a memo from Public Works Director LANDSCAPING Danielson regarding the proposed landscape plan for the Mendota Interchange Project. Council also acknowledged a set of landscape plans and a letter from Ms. Liz Walton, Mn/DOT landscape designer for the project. Ms. Walton was present for the discussion. Ms. Walton stated that she was present to introduce the planting plan along the Mendota Interchange. She reviewed the plans for plantings along T.H. 110 and 55, and T.H. 13 to I -494. Responding Page No. 18 February 20, 1996 to a Council request, she stated that there should be funding available to landscape along T.H. 55 to Mendota Heights Road. Mayor Mertensotto discussed the AT &T cellular tower site. Interim Administrator Batchelder stated that he believes AT &T has installed all of the plantings in the plan which was approved by the city. Ms. Walton explained the design intent and plant materials and gave a brief introduction to the project. She explained that she designed the plan, and that she wanted to develop some significant gateways or noticeable areas. She stated that she understands that a number of crab apples were lost and that one request from the city was to try to put back a number of them. She stated that crab apples are not salt tolerant, so they will be put back from the roadways, and other plants with similar features will also be used. She explained that a number of different types and sizes of plantings will be used in the plan. She informed Council that she has been asked by some residents and businesses to screen the roadway and she is working with those parties. She stated that she wants to keep plants that will survive and not need lots of maintenance. Mn/DOT has planted much of the corridor with natural plants and wild flowers, as Mn /DOT is moving much more towards minimum mowing. There has been one year of growth, and it takes two or three years before native plantings and wildflowers stop looking weedy. Mayor Mertensotto stated that he is not a fan of wild flowers because they always give the appearance of being unkempt or become trash collectors. He stated that this would be the last type of planting he would want to see as a gateway to the city. Ms. Walton responded that the native grasses and wildflowers are already in place and are not part of her landscaping plan. She stated that she can talk to the maintenance people and have some mowing done so that it will look just like grass. Responding to a question from Mayor Mertensotto about the stretch of T.H. 110 from Lexington to the east end of the Mendota Bridge, she stated that as far as she knows, that will be mowed. She explained that the plan includes screening and softening the retaining wall with vines and shrubs. There are a couple of very rocky areas with little top soil, particularly near St. Peter's Church, and some seeping areas, which cause limitations. She informed Council that there are always safety setbacks which place restrictions on planting. She explained that the bid opening for the project is planned for the end of May, soil preparation will occur in September, and planting will be done in the spring. She stated that the contractor takes care of the plantings for Page No. 19 February 20, 1996 two years and after that time there will be no intensive maintenance of the plants, which is why only plants that can survive without lots of maintenance are planted. Reviewing the slides, she stated that the plan attempts to soften the existing ponds and add some trees and shrubs there and along paths. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that a stand of burr oaks was lost to construction, and only one of the trees remains. She stated that she would appreciate it if burr oaks can be planted in their place, and also if crab apples can be planted from the corner of Glenhill Road. Ms. Walton stated that she has tried to recreate a grove of oaks and hawthornes in the area where the grove stood. She also described where the crab apples will be and stated that it is her intent to plant all the highway edges but she cannot plant in the medians for safety reasons. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that with the massive reconstruction it would be nice to note some of the significant stands of trees to try to reconstruct. She stated that Mn/DOT should take not of what it takes out for construction. Ms. Walton responded that in the pre - construction stages a forester goes out to see what can be protected and Mn/DOT tries to move trees wherever possible, so there is an initial record of what existed. Mayor Mertensotto stated that Council's goal is to lessen the impact of the major freeways that cross the city. Councilmember Krebsbach asked Ms. Walton if she can do anything on the slopes towards the cemetery along Acacia Boulevard to mimic the evergreen and bridal wreath on the cemetery property. Ms. Walton stated that she will look at it, and that she is not going to finalize the drawings until mid - March. She stated that she is open to suggestions. Ms. Walton showed slides depicting the variety and diversity of plant types in the project. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that the plan should tie in to what already exists near St. Peter's Church and Acacia Park Cemetery. Ms. Walton responded that she will do as much as possible. Page No. 20 February 20, 1996 Mayor Mertensotto stated that everything looks like it is six months beyond maintenance when natural grasses are used. Ms. Walton responded that the plantings are not going to be maintained intensively, particularly by the ponds, and that the city's planner suggested and asked for some of the plants that are in the plan. Councilmember Smith asked what other types of ground cover has been used by Mn/DOT. Ms. Walton responded that in addition to natural grasses, Mn/DOT has used blue grasses and roma grass but they tend to brown out in the hot summer. She stated that if Council feels strongly about grasses, she will see what can be done. Mayor Mertensotto stated that in his opinion, waist high and knee high grasses are over - bearing, particularly along Highway 110. Ms. Walton responded that there will be some cutting, but the whole slopes will not be mowed. Responding to a question from Councilmember Smith, Ms. Walton stated that a typical planting has about one pound of flowers per acre of prairie grass, but this project will have two pounds of flowers per acre. She explained that the plan also creates large swaths of shrubs, and about 15 different types of flowers are being used to create color through fall. She stated that the proposed plan is estimated to cost $371,000 but that she can possibly spend up to $420,000. Mayor Mertensotto asked if Council can digest the information and get back to Ms. Walton. Ms. Walton stated that she intends to turn the plan in with no more changes by March 15 and would welcome input until that time. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she would like to see a concentration of a grove as you come across the bridge to T.H. 110 so that there is a real sense that you are entering Mendota Heights, and that she would also like to see good sized burr oak planted. Ms. Walton stated that the 10 feet tall and one caliper inch is the biggest that can be planted because anything larger will not live. Page No. 21 February 20, 1996 Councilmember Smith stated that she is concerned about the medians. She stated that there are safety concerns, but that she did not think the medians will look good. Ms. Walton responded that one requirement that Mn/DOT has is that there be a certain setback for safety standards, and anything that will grow to greater than 4 inches in caliper is considered unsafe. Also, the closer plantings get to the roadway, even salt tolerant plants will not survive. She stated that she would like to think that if they are not mowed, things that volunteer will grow, but she could not say with any confidence that anything that would be planted close to the roadway would survive. Councilmember Smith stated that with nothing in the median it really accentuates the freeway's massive width. Ms. Walton responded that she agrees, particularly along T.H. 110, but that she is not confident that anything would live there. Mayor Mertensotto stated that he is more concerned about T.H. 110 from Lexington to the east end of the bridge than any other highway in the city. Ms. Walton stated that she will do what she can, but if plantings are added and they die they will only be replaced once, by the contractor. She stated that she would have to get approval from the Mn/DOT safety people but will try to defend shrubs in the median. She informed Council that she will not put trees in the median. She suggested that Council write a letter to Mn/DOT, because her carrying the message back will not hold as much weight. Councilmember Smith stated that if it is at all possible, an extension of time would be helpful. Ms. Walton responded that the plan could be delayed until May or perhaps June, but it is a big project and July is the absolute latest that the contract can be let. Mayor Mertensotto stated that Ms. Walton did a very good job and expressed Council's appreciation for the presentation. He stated that the city will contact the District 9 Engineer. Ms. Walton stated that she must get the final plan done by March 15 and that she would return to the next Council meeting with plan revisions. Page No. 22 February 20, 1996 CELLULAR TOWERS Council acknowledged a memo from Administrative Intern Hollister regarding cellular tower regulations and a memo from Public Works Director Danielson regarding cell phone antennas. Mr. Paul Janssen, from TEA Group, representing APT, was present for the discussion, along with Mr. John Barstow from APT. Mayor Mertensotto stated that APT is primarily looking at what the city will do as far as additional antennas on the water tower. He asked whether APT needs accessory structures. Mr. Janssen responded no accessory structures are needed for equipment, which is about the size of a refrigerator. He stated that it is proposed to put the equipment inside the water tower. Mayor Mertensotto stated that the city uses the base of the tank for storage. He asked if APT ever installed its equipment at an elevated level. Mar Barstow responded that they will need to install a pair of cabinets, needing a total space of about 1300 square feet, and he would like them to be on the concrete floor. Mayor Mertensotto stated that AT &T built an accessory structure which included a separated storage area for city use. Mr. Barstow responded that he is present this evening to see what space is available for accommodating APT, whether it is inside our outside the tower or elevated within the tower. Mayor Mertensotto stated that there will possibly be a half dozen more companies in the cellular phone business and once an antenna tower goes up it is difficult to relocate them. He further stated that Mendota Heights has been fortunate that it has controlled the height of the once that have been approved, and even AT &T had to reduce its tower from 100 feet down to 75 feet. Mr. Barstow stated that he has seen tower heights come down from 150 feet to 70 and 80 feet also, and he can see in the future greater strengthening of existing light poles and putting APT antennas on top of them. He explained that for now he would like to install six foot panel antennas, 8 inches wide and four inches thick on the water tower. Page No. 23 February 20, 1996 Mayor Mertensotto informed Mr. Barstow that the city is looking at adopting an ordinance relative to location of antennas and cannot give him information on that at this time, as information is being gathered now. He stated that Council does not want the water tower to look like a pin cushion. Councilmember Krebsbach asked Mr. Barstow is he plans to be able to service the Dodd/T.H. 110 intersection from the water tower. Mr. Barstow responded that he is not familiar with the intersection but that a line of sight is needed for service. He stated that he is looking for sites now and has looked at water towers because then APT does not have to request approval to build its own towers. He further stated that when fill -ins are done in the future they would be shorter heights because APT would already have the height on the water tower. He explained that the effective range of the APT antennas right now is six to seven miles, but he did not know what it would be in this area as he is just in the beginning stages of the project now. Mayor Mertensotto asked how many of the digital towers /cell towers are needed in the city. He explained that Council has heard vendors j say that if a tower is approved they would not ask for another, but Council does not know if there will be six other companies making the same request. Mr. Barstow asked whether Council had received any plans for joint ventures by the cellular companies. He stated that APT uses monopoles which are not very visible and uses whatever strength poles it needs from what is currently available. He stated that he will provide information to the city on what is currently available in mono - poles. Councilmember Krebsbach informed Mr. Barstow that the city charges a fee for use of the tower. Mayor Mertensotto pointed out that maintenance of the tower is very expensive and Council needs to see what information is available from other cities on their fee structures. Mr. Barstow responded that if APT causes any damages to a tower it repairs the damage. He stated that Burnsville has done much work on fee structures. Mayor Mertensotto informed Mr. Barstow that Council hopes to have an ordinance in place soon, and is not prepared to give Page No. 24 February 20, 1996 feedback on the APT request until there is an ordinance in place. He suggested that APT keep in contact with the city if it wishes to continue its interest. TREE POLICY Council acknowledged a memo and proposed resolution from Administrative Intern Hollister regarding extension of the tree removal moratorium. Responding to a question from Mayor Mertensotto, Mr. Hollister stated that there have been several permits processed by the Council under the moratorium resolution, and all have been in conjunction with new development. Mayor Mertensotto asked how long a moratorium can be in place, pointing out that it has now been in place for six months. He stated that he did not know if the city would be ready to adopt an ordinance in the next six months. Acting Attorney Michael Duffy responded that he has not reviewed the issue yet but will research the question of how long a moratorium can be in place. He stated that he believes the moratorium resolution would be appropriate as the substance of an ordinance. Interim Administrator Batchelder stated that the last time the issue was before Council, it was left that staff would work with the Dodge Nature Center and the Ridders to craft something that would be workable for owners of large undeveloped properties. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that it would be nice to have an ordinance in place, and the wording in the resolution is about as simple as an ordinance could get. Mayor Mertensotto directed the City Clerk to put the substance of the moratorium resolution into ordinance form for the first meeting in March. Councilmember Smith felt that the resolution does not address the concerns of the Dodge Nature Center. Mayor Mertensotto pointed out that the Nature Center could come before Council to get a permit. Councilmember Krebsbach moved adoption of Resolution No. 96- 12, "RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE LIMITED TREE Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 RESCHEDULE MEETING Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 Page No. 25 February 20, 1996 REMOVAL MORATORIUM," extending the moratorium to May 1, and directed staff to prepare a draft ordinance based on the moratorium provisions for review by the Planning Commission. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Council acknowledged a memo from the City Clerk recommending that the March 5 Council meeting be rescheduled so as not to be in conflict with the precinct caucuses. Councilmember Smith moved that the March 5 Council meeting be rescheduled to Thursday, March 7. Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion. COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Mertensotto informed Council that the M.A. Mortenson Company is considering purchasing the Cray Research building for the Brown Institute. He indicated that there is a possibility that TIF assistance will be requested. IT1 • ' Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 ATTEST: There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilmember Krebsbach moved that the meeting be adjourned. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 12:08 o'clock A.M. Charles E. Mertensotto Mayor Kathleen M. Swanson, City Clerk LIST OF CONTRACTORS TO BE APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL Masonry Contractor License Asfeld Construction B.R. Moline Masonry, Inc. Wayne Concrete Excavating Contractor License DSM Excavating Co., Inc. Nova-Frost, Inc. Royal Excavating, Inc. Gas Piping Contractor License Earl Arneson Jr. Heating & A/C Heights Mechanical Co., Inc. Jim Murr Plumbing, Inc. Peterson Bros Sheetmetal Wenzel Heating & A/C HVAC Contractor License Heights Mechanical Co., Inc. Peterson Bros Sheetmetal Wenzel Heating & A/C General Contractor License Keller Fence Company Inc. J.N. Johnson Sales & Service, Inc.