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1995-03-21 Council minutesPage No. 4334 March 21, 1995 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, March 21, 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, Koch, Krebsbach and Smith. AGENDA ADOPTION Councilmember Smith moved adoption of the revised agenda for the meeting. Councilmember Koch seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Koch moved approval of the minutes of the regular meeting with corrections. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Koch moved approval of the consent calendar for the meeting along with authorization for execution of any necessary documents contained therein. a. Acknowledgment of the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting held on March 14. b. Adoption of Resolution No. 93-16, "A RESOLUTION NOMINATING THE MENDOTA HEIGHTS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR THE 1995 MINNESOTA FIRE DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD." c. Approval for an expenditure of $10,000 to replace the Police Department 1991 Mercury Cougar with a special use vehicle. d. Acknowledgment of quotes and award of the contract for 1995 street sweeping to Mike McPhillips, Inc., for its low quote of $58.00 per hour, sweeping to begin as soon as the contractor is available. e. Approval of the standard Mn/DOT agreement for traffic signals at T.H. 13 and Pilot Knob Road. Page No. 4335 March 21, 1995 f. Approval of the 1995 -1996 Police Labor Contract between the City of Mendota Heights and Law Enforcement Labor Services and authorization for execution of a formal labor contract document subject to review and approval by the city's legal counsel for labor negotiations, and acknowledgment of receipt of a Uniform Settlement Form and direction to staff to forward the document to the Bureau of Mediation Services as required by state law. g. Approval of the list of contractor licenses dated March 21, 1995 and attached hereto. h. Approval of the list of claims dated March 21, 1995 and totaling $368,663.85. Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 WATER TOWER Council acknowledged a letter from TMI Coatings regarding compression of its work schedule and longer working hours /days and an associated memo from Public Works Director Danielson, along with a subsequent facsimile agreement from TMI for working off hours and weekends. Council also acknowledged a proposed modified sprinkling plan for the community while the tower is out of service. Mayor Mertensotto informed the audience that Council has approved a contract with TMI for reconditioning of the city's water tower and placed work hour limitations of 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., weekdays, on the project. He explained that the contractor has indicated that he would like to extend the work week and hours under certain conditions and the city has been negotiating with him. Mayor Mertensotto read the conditions contained in the proposed agreement from TMI, stating that the contractor has agreed to do no exterior sandblasting after 4:00 p.m. and no exterior sandblasting on Sundays, that the air compressors will be kept on the south side of the tank to minimize the noise and use the water tank as a buffer between the compressors and the apartments. Under the agreement, the city would allow TMI to perform other work, including interior sandblasting (no later than 8:00 p.m.) and painting, exterior painting, moving scaffolding, etc., after 6:00 p.m. and on Sundays. Mayor Mertensotto stated that he feels that TMI has made compromises and pointed out that they have agreed to concrete rules about the work hours. He informed Council that TMI started work on the tower on March 17 and that he has asked the Public Works Page No. 4336 March 21, 1995 Superintendent to keep a log of the working hours and weather conditions. Administrator Lawell stated that the contractor is pleased with being on the site as early as they are and that they have informed him that removal of the existing paint is much easier and going more quickly than they had anticipated. He stated that it is hoped that the project will be completed in advance of the contract deadline. Mayor Mertensotto stated that he has informed the contractor that there is no way Council will authorize the $180 /day compression schedule bonus so that they can complete the project before the contract deadline. He recommended changing the work days and hours as set forth in the agreement proposed by TMI. Councilmember Krebsbach asked if TMI really wants to stop exterior sandblasting at 4:00 p.m. rather than 6:00 p.m. She was concerned about the two hour gap between the schedule previously stipulated by the city and the proposed schedule. Mayor Mertensotto responded that the agreement would allow them to work on Saturdays and Sundays with the condition that there be no exterior sandblasting on Sundays or after 4:00 p.m. on week days and that there be no interior sandblasting on week days after 8:00 p.m. so that the compressors will not run after that hour. Councilmember Smith stated that the revised work schedule would be a change in the contract rather than a schedule of hours. Administrator Lawell informed Council that staff will notify the contractor by letter based on Council action and will reference in the letter what had been previously approved. He stated that TMI transmitted the proposed schedule to the city, and it will apply until the city may determine a need to change it. He agreed that there is a two hour window, but pointed out that it specifically states in the agreement that there will be no exterior sandblasting after 4:00. Councilmember Smith stated that the extension of hours concerns her if children will be playing t -ball nearby at Resurrection. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that even though there will not be any exterior sand blasting after 4 p.m. the contractor can do exterior painting until 8 p.m. Page No. 4337 March 21, 1995 Public Works Director Danielson responded that paint will be power- rolled on the tank exterior and there should not be any airborne paint. Councilmember Smith stated that her research indicates there can be some spray in windy conditions even if the paint is rolled on. She thought it would be appropriate to discuss the t -ball fields before making a decision on the work hours. Mayor Mertensotto stated that the proposed total sprinkling ban has caused considerable alarm from the residents, who are concerned that if there is a total ban until the tank project is done their lawns and landscaping, etc., will be damaged. He explained that Council is sensitive to those concerns, and for that reason he worked out the proposed modified sprinkling plan which divides the city into six zones. He felt that the plan will work and stated that Public Works Director Danielson has asked St. Paul Water to run the plan through its computer model for water pressure and flow. He reviewed the hours, days and zones contained in the plan, and stated that in the event the residents are unwilling to voluntarily cooperate with the plan, the city will have no alternative but to return to a total sprinkling ban to assure that there will be an adequate supply of water for fire safety. Councihember Huber stated that everyone has to cooperate. He suggested that neighbors could work together to assist each other in sprinkling during their designated sprinkling hours if one of them is at work or unavailable to sprinkle. Responding to a question from Councilmember Krebsbach, Public Works Director Danielson stated that water pressure is affected by many things - one is the distance from the source, and another is the elevation. He stated that the industrial park is one of the lowest elevations in the city and for that reason is a high pressure area. He explained that St. Paul Water will do measurements on the water level in the tanks that serve Mendota Heights lines and will keep staff informed. Councilmember Smith pointed out that the sprinkling ban won't last long, as the contract calls for completion of the project by July 5 and if everything goes well it is possible that the tank will be filled up by July 1. Councilmember Huber moved to adopt the 1995 Mendota Heights lawn sprinkling rules and modified sprinkling plan. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Page No. 4338 March 21, 1995 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 T -BALL FIELDS Council acknowledged a memo from Assistant Batchelder regarding t -ball fields at Resurrection Cemetery, along with a letter from The Catholic Cemeteries approving temporary city improvement of a portion of the cemetery property for two t -ball fields for use by children aged four to six, and a copy of a sample temporary use agreement. Mayor Mertensotto stated that the matter has not worked out as he had hoped. He stated that there is approximately 8 to 10 acres of unlandscaped cemetery land which The Catholic Cemeteries have indicated would not be used for up to fifteen years. He felt that The Catholic Cemeteries thought process is that they do not want more than two t -ball fields and be up against the south property line. He stated that he would not support an $8,000 expenditure to build parking lots and two t -ball fields. He noted that the Board of Directors will not meet again until June 22, and the only thing their staff can consent to is the two fields. In light of the sand blasting and painting work that is being done on the water tower, he felt that discussion on the Resurrection fields should be curtailed. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that there is a great need for the fields and Council, at its last meeting, was willing to spend $20,000 for four temporary fields. Mayor Mertensotto responded that while this is true, the fields were not just for t -ball but also for the transitional teams. He felt that there would be no economy in building two temporary t -ball fields. Mr. Norm Gellerman, from the Mendota Heights Athletic Association, stated that t -ball uses any open field space and there are very few fields available. Mayor Mertensotto suggested that the soccer area at Mendakota Park could be used for t -ball. He stated that the city needs to have its fields utilized more. Mr. Charles Godbout, from the athletic association, stated that the association uses 31 fields, and in the past four years, those fields the fields have been used for games Monday through Thursday of every week. He stated that by adding the transitional teams the organization has created a new demand for the existing fields and has to fit those games in a certain sized field. He explained that t- ball can be played on open green spaces, and the grass area at Sibley and the old soccer field at Visitation and some of the St. Thomas Page No. 4339 March 21, 1995 area are used for t -ball. He explained that in the transitional league, the children are older (ages 7 and 8) and need defined bases and backstops. Mayor Mertensotto asked how many fields are needed for coach - pitch and how many are available. He felt that the city could be oversupplying fields on one end and not supplying enough on the other. He stated that the cemetery is not giving the city what it desires even though it is not using the open, unlandscaped area. Councilmember Krebsbach responded that Catholic Cemeteries did agree to a five year contract. She stated that she is not opposed to their offer and understood that there is a real need for t -ball fields. Ms. Sue Hanson, from the athletic association, stated that the t -ball fields on cemetery property is a trail basis for Catholic Cemeteries as well as the city, and the city has to respect that this is the cemetery's property. She pointed out that Catholic Cemeteries has indicated that they are more than willing to look at the option of another field in the future. She stated that for the seven year olds who are beyond the grass fields, she thinks everyone should be appreciative of what Catholic Cemeteries has offered. She felt that if the experience with the two fields is positive, the Catholic Cemeteries would tell the city to go ahead with the third field next season. Councilmember Smith asked Ms. Hanson if the proposed fields would replace fields on which 7 year olds could play. Ms. Hanson responded that she is looking at the fields for the transition teams, and the Catholic Cemeteries letter said four to seven year olds. She stated that if only grassy areas were needed, the association would not need to use the Resurrection site. She stated that it was obvious in the original proposal with Catholic Cemeteries that there was no intention of doing more than the two fields. She pointed out that it is not city -owned land nor up to the city to decide the number of fields. She stated that the association really needs the two fields. Mayor Mertensotto stated that the four -field proposal was a good idea but it did not work out. He felt that building two temporary fields with parking and backstops for $8;000 would be a very poor investment. He asked what other areas the association has investigated and if all of the available fields, including those at Sibley, are being used. Ms. Hanson asked about the fields at Mendakota. Page No. 4340 March 21, 1995 Assistant Batchelder stated that one field may be open one night a week but noted that the policy is that the Mendakota fields be for softball only. Councilmember Smith stated that she is concerned about the safety issue relating to fields at Resurrection. She stated that the city received many requests to speed up the water tower project and has received a proposal for expanded hours from the contractor. She explained that Council's original concern over limiting hours was the noise issue. The contractor has agreed not to do exterior sandblasting after 4:00 but would like to continue working until 8:00 p.m., moving scaffolding and doing exterior painting as well as interior work. She felt that it is entirely possible that there could be some kind of fall out from painting and stated that she would like consideration of the Resurrection fields set aside for this year because the fields would be so close to the water tower. Ms. Hanson asked if the city would investigate the possibility of the transitional teams using Mendakota. Assistant Batchelder responded that he did not feel the transitional ball would be a problem, pointing out that the concern at Mendakota is foul tips from baseballs, and this should not be a problem since the transitional ball would involve coach pitch and seven year olds. He stated that the other issue is fitting the transitional ball in with the softball team schedule, but staff would do its best to accommodate them. He informed Council that Mendota Heights Athletic Association is using every available field. Mr. Godbout informed Council that the association uses all of the fields available in the community, including those at Mendota School and Sibley, from Monday through Thursday. They are also using fields in Eagan, West St. Paul, and the private schools in Mendota Heights. He stated that there will be 110 to 120 children in the seven year old program and two games will be played each week. Responding to a question from Mayor Mertensotto, Mr. Gellerman stated that t -ball does not use any of the park fields - they are only used by players aged 8 and up, and the association needs fields somewhere to accommodate 10 games per week for the transitional teams. He stated that fields at Resurrection would solve the problem because they would allow 8 games to be scheduled during the week, or the possibility of doubling up, which is exactly what is needed if there are ten teams each playing two games per week. Page No. 4341 March 21, 1995 Councilmember Huber stated that he is concerned over Resurrection is from the standpoint of the paint issue more than the cost issue - for the children's safety and paint getting on cars, etc. He felt that if the real issue is paint rather than cost, there is no point in proceeding on the Resurrection fields. Councilmember Smith responded that there is a very find fihn that is created from rolling the paint and the film gets in the air - people breathe it and it could be a health issue. She stated that there have been incidents of claims from auto owners about damage to their vehicles from paint spray in winds of 10 to 15 miles per hour. Mayor Mertensotto stated that he is sorry he originally suggested using the Resurrection property and suggested that Council should look for another site. He stated that the city does not own the property or have control over it, and The Catholic Cemeteries is only allowing two fields for children six and under. Councilmember Krebsbach agreed that another site should be sought. Councilmember Smith stated that if Council is talking about a - $10,000 investment at Resurrection that would last five years and benefit 100 children per year, the cost would only be $20 per child per year. She stated that she would be willing to approve fields at Resurrection on that basis but is not willing to go along with it because of the health issue. Councilmember Krebsbach responded that one option would be to wait on the Resurrection site until next year. She also suggested that the Freeway Road site or the shopping center property might be potential field sites if there is adequate room. Assistant Batchelder responded that he believes there would be enough room for fields at the Mendota Plaza. He stated that the Park Commission had originally recommended that the fields be located on the front lawn of the Public Works Garage because it was city -owned land and staff was also directed to look at the Friendly Hills tot lot as an option. Councilmember Krebsbach felt that if the city was willing to make the investment in fields for five years, businesses in the shopping center would benefit from the added traffic, and the shopping center is unlikely to expand during that time. Page No. 4342 March 21, 1995 Assistant Batchelder responded that the question is the amount of work that would have to be done on the site and if the fields could be ready by the start of the season. He stated that the fields could certainly be ready by the 1996 season and there is probably enough room for four fields. Councilmember Huber asked if there is any potential for using the former St. Croix Lutheran fields. Mr. Gellerman responded that all of the back stops have been removed and the fields are not being maintained. Councilmember Smith stated that there is a flat, grassy area at Hagstrom/King park, and although the first priority for the area is tennis courts, it could be used on a temporary basis for t -ball. Assistant Batchelder responded that the park was designed with a flat area to accommodate tennis and tennis courts were included in the capital improvement plan for the referendum if funds were available. Councilmember Huber stated that given the paint situation it would not be appropriate to bring people into the Resurrection or Public Works garage sites this year and he wondered if staff should be asked to explore is something can be done at Mendakota Park to solve the problem for this season. Mayor Mertensotto suggested the soccer area at Mendakota as an option. Ms. Hanson responded that the soccer fields would not meet the association's needs because defined base lines and other improvements are needed. Mayor Mertensotto stated that he will contact the owner of the shopping center about using shopping center property. He asked staff to see what is available and what can be fit in for use by t -ball to alleviate the use of the other fields. He stated that the problem is that the association started a new program this year without having any commitment on fields. Mr. Gellerman responded that the seven year olds have played in the t -ball program from age five on and coach pitch is from 8 to 9 years old. He explained that some of the seven year olds have been allowed to play coach -pitch and last year many of them moved into the lower level of the coach pitch. The transitional ball for 7 year Page No. 4343 March 21, 1995 olds was started last year, and this year the association said that it would have a 7 year old league. He explained that this creates a need for more defined fields than t -ball needs but the association will adapt to what is done. Mayor Mertensotto stated that this issue of utilization has not been dealt with. He noted that the fields are probably only being used for two hours out of 24 and that is not very good utilization. Mr. Gellerman responded that the association programs are night programs. He explained that when Mend -Eagan took over the t -ball program from the city there were only 50 to 60 participants in the day time. Now that it is an evening program, there are over 300 five to seven year olds involved. He did not think the association could run a daytime program since everyone involved is a volunteer. He suggested that perhaps the city could run a day time program. Ms. Hanson stated that if the city wants to take over the program so that the fields are better utilized and hire people to run it, that would certainly be an option. Mayor Mertensotto responded that it may be better for the city in j terms of cost to hire high school students to work in the summer programs. He felt that something must be done to better utilize the fields. Councilmember Huber stated that he would like to thank Catholic Cemeteries for its offer and keep it in mind for the future, but not for this year. Councilmember Smith agreed, stating that she appreciates their offer and would like the city to keep in contact with them. Mayor Mertensotto stated that he has no problem if Catholic Cemeteries wants to look at the matter again in the future but he could not in good conscience build a parking lot and other improvements at a cost of $8,000 just for two t -ball fields. He pointed out that the city would be responsible for maintaining the fields as well, and the t -ball fields would not solve the athletic association's needs. He felt that the city needs to take a better inventory of what is available including the shopping center. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that if there really is a log jam on fields needs, Freeway Road should be looked at. She stated that the site has a lot of unused space that the city should utilize, but that her first priority would be the shopping center. Page No. 4344 March 21, 1995 Council directed staff to inventory what is available and report back to Council, and to see what field time is available at Mendakota. WATER TOWER Councilmember Smith moved that the previous conditions on the work schedule which were set in conjunction with the TMI contract for water tower reconditioning be modified to adopt the schedule as set forth by TMI in a facsimile agreement dated March 21, 1995. Councilmember Huber seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 CONCESSION STAND Council acknowledged a memo from Assistant Batchelder regarding operation of the Mendakota Park concession stand. Mayor Mertensotto stated informed the audience that the Fire Relief Association has contracted with the city for operation of the stand for the past two years but no longer wishes to continue. He stated that Council must decide if it wishes to solicit interest from non- profit civic or athletic groups or advertise and rent the stand to an independent contractor. He suggested that if the stand is rented, utility costs and other costs should be factored into the rental. He noted that a civic group might run into the same difficulty of finding enough volunteers to man the stand as the relief association did. He asked how other cities operate their concession stands. Assistant Batchelder responded that most have seasonal workers how run the concessions under supervision, but that West St. Paul has an independent contractor and Eagan uses its Park employees. He informed Council that the relief association has made a profit both years, but much of the profit was from the big weekend tournaments. He stated that there is little revenue on week days. He stated that he has been contacted by a vendor and by a volunteer organization which would like to operate the stand only on weekends. Mayor Mertensotto stated that the stand was intended for the convenience of the residents rather than to make money. He felt that if the stand is not operated during the week, there will likely be vendor trucks. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she likes the idea of providing a concession stand and felt that if people are in the park they should have concessions available, whether they are available at the stand or from a vendor truck. Assistant Batchelder informed Council that the Park Commission consensus was for staff to do limited advertising for operation of the Page No. 4345 March 21, 1995 stand by an independent contractor and contact local athletic, booster or civic groups to determine if there is any interest. Councilmember Huber stated that he has no objection to contacting civic groups but it should be stipulated that the stand should be operated during the week as well as on weekends. He stated that he understands and appreciates that they might have a hard time getting volunteers to man the stand but the city made a significant investment in the concession stand and it should be used. Staff was directed to contact civic and non - profit organizations, followed by advertising for someone to lease the facility if no interest is shown by non - profits, with the understanding that the facility is to be open all week. RECREATION Council acknowledged a memo from Administrative Assistant PROGRAMMING Batchelder regarding a recommendation from the Park and Recreation Commission that Council direct staff to examine and analyze the feasibility and impact of establishing a full -time recreation programmer position. Assistant Batchelder informed Council that as part of the Council's target issues process, it requested the Park Commission to address a number of issues including capital improvement planning, funding sources, park dedication fees and recreation programming. He explained that the commission has discussed those items over the past several months and, with respect to programming, felt that a city of Mendota Heights' size should look at the feasibility of establishing a full -time recreation programmer position. The commission asked that staff be directed to explore the need for the position. Councilmember Huber stated that preparing a study would be all right but Council originally discussed that by and large the existing part time position would have to be supported by program fees. He stated that he would be willing to explore expansion of the position but not until he knows how the city is doing on the relationship between fees and city costs, pointing out that the challenge is to try to develop programs that will cover costs. Mayor Mertensotto stated that he believes Councilmember Krebsbach initiated the discussion because of concern over what should be done with respect to further capital improvements now that the referendum funds are gone. He felt that the real problem of under utilization of existing facilities is the real problem. He stated that the city is spending about $380,000 per year for parks and recreation now plus an additional $70,000 for maintenance and more Page No. 4346 March 21, 1995 - for capital improvements. He stated that for the money being spent the city must increase utilization of the facilities. He stated that the Mendota Heights Athletic Association is doing an excellent job, serving 500 children in its basketball program, 500 in soccer and 1100 in tee -ball through baseball. He stated that the city spent considerable money on the Henry Sibley site for youth ball and the pinwheel design at Mendakota for adult softball, and the question is whether the city is doing a good job with the athletic program for the existing facilities. He asked whether the Sibley fields can be used more since the city has a need for them, and further asked how the city is coordinating those fields into its programs. Assistant Batchelder responded that the school district schedules use of the fields. He stated that coordinating and scheduling use of the fields is part of the recreation programmer's job and she is very busy now on the ball programs. He further stated that there are other recreation programs offered by the city which fill up immediately. Mayor Mertensotto stated that the focus should be where the need is greatest - the number of children in ball sports. Assistant Batchelder responded that when the part time recreation programmer position was created it was with the covenant that the city would pay the salary and overhead for that person and the programs would be self- supporting. He informed Council that all of the programs are user fee supported, and music in the park program is supported by the fees from the other programs. Mr. Batchelder stated that except for the recreation programmer's salary and the fee - supported recreation programs, the $373,000 budgeted in the park department budget this year is budgeted for park expenditures. He explained that the Park and Recreation Commission feels that the city could offer more user fee supported programs. He stated that when the programmer position was established, it was done with the understanding that the city would not duplicate any of the programs that are offered by the athletic association or school district, and the Commission wants to look at providing programs that would address the needs other age groups. Mayor Mertensotto stated that people involved in the athletic programs now are frustrated because of the lack of fields and playing time. He stated that existing fields are not being utilized, and Council should stand back and look at what is currently being done and whether the problems are being addressed. Assistant Batchelder responded that what the Commission is talking about is additional programs that may not need fields - they may Page No. 4347 March 21, 1995 need downstairs space at City Hall, for instance. He explained that the Commission would like staff to conduct a feasibility study to see if the needs of the community are being served and to look at the gaps in service to see if there are recreation programs the city should be offering. Councilmember Huber stated that there may be some question about whether or not fields are being utilized but what Mr. Batchelder is getting at is if the city should be looking at expanding its programs, beyond simple youth activities, that will not need fields. He suggested that the city could look at using ballfields during the day but that is another set of issues - the fields are being heavily used evenings and weekends now. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she would not want to see the city compete with community education and that many of the suggested programs, such as CPR, are currently offered by community ed. She felt that the city should keep its mission to the athletic aspect. Councilmember Smith stated that she sees the city's roll as a facilitator rather than a program provider, and that the city should j work with the athletic association and Sibley Sting to coordinate efforts. She suggested that the city could facilitate a walking club, as an example. Councilmember Huber stated that what Assistant Batchelder would do is take a look at what community education is offering and see if there is something it is not offering that the city should. He felt that the Parks Commission should perhaps be doing that any way, without Council discussion, as part of their regular agenda. He stated that if the commission identifies needs, they could bring the issue back to Council. Mayor Mertensotto suggested that Council hold a workshop with the Park Commission and Mendota Heights Athletic Association to identify problems and how to solve them. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that if needs are identified, the community education people should be informed that they are programs Mendota Heights residents need. Mayor Mertensotto stated that Council should find out what the problems are, such as is there a problem with basketball in the winter months, or soccer, and the city should do a better job for those who are now involved in the activities. Page No. 4348 March 21, 1995 Councilmember Huber responded that Council should keep in mind that there are possibly 1,000 children involved in the youth programs but that leaves 9,000 other residents. He felt that the recreation programmer's role should be something more than just scheduling ballfields. He asked if the birdhouse building program filled up. Assistant Batchelder responded that all of the programs which the city has offered have been filled almost immediately. It was the consensus to conduct a joint workshop within the next three months. WORKSHOP Council acknowledged a memo from Administrator Lawell regarding the scheduling of workshops for discussion of the St. Paul Water contract and the T.H. 551110 land use study. Treasurer Shaughnessy informed Council on tax increment financing bills being considered by the legislature. Administrator Lawell informed Council that the people (Dakota Bank) who are looking at the Curley site would like to spend some 1 time with Council to see what type of development Council would like for the property and would like to address the land use issues. There was discussion over whether time should be allotted at the T.H. 55 workshop for discussion with the representatives of the bank. Councilmember Huber stated that he did not want to get involved in the discussions to early. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that everyone is concerned about getting the property cleaned up. She suggested that perhaps the bank representatives could be invited to come at the beginning or end of the T.H. 55 workshop with some parameters. Mayor Mertensotto stated that he has no concept of how the site should develop, further stating that he is not the developer and is not at risk. He stated that the bank must find a major developer for the site. Councilmember Krebsbach felt that Council should hear their plans and discuss with them what the city would consider appropriate for ( ) that corner. She stated that the bank wants some direction from the Page No. 4349 March 21, 1995 city before they progress further and felt that Council should provide them with an opportunity to discuss the matter. Administrator Lawell informed Council that Planner Uban will present some options and development scenarios for the site as part of the T.H. 55 study. Councilmember Smith stated that she thinks it would be useful to discuss some of the issues with them, such as the fact that the city wants a fourth triangle. She noted that Council has talked about the possibility of residential use and if it is the bank's choice to go in that direction, Council should give them some parameters. She felt that it is appropriate to talk about the site in light of the discussion of the T.H. 55 corridor and stated that she would like to have the discussion with the bank after the corridor is discussed. major developer for the site. Councilmember Smith stated that Council does not have to commit to anything but has talked about developing the site in such a way that it would serve the city rather than just those passing through. She stated further that Council would not set the parameters for the development but could give the bank guidelines and indicate what is appropriate. City Attorney Hart stated that if Council schedules a workshop discussion, it is very important from a legal perspective that it needs to be clear in writing to the bank that Council would simply be reacting to ideas and hearing concepts rather than directing what should go on the site. He pointed out that it is up to the future developer as to what gets proposed. Administrator Lawell stated that another option would be for the bank representatives to appear before Council with a sketch plan before they go to the Planning Commission. Councilmember Huber stated that he feels that if Council met with the purchasers at a workshop it would be setting an undesirable precedent and while it is laudable that they are looking to Council for direction there is a line Council does not want to cross. Mayor Mertensotto felt that it would be a bad policy to meet with the bank representatives at this time. He stated that he would have no objection to Councilmembers Smith and Krebsbach and staff meeting with them before the T.H. 55 workshop as long as no commitment is made and the City Attorney advises them on the parameters of what can and cannot be discussed at the meeting. Page No. 4350 March 21, 1995 Councilmember Krebsbach moved to conduct a joint Council/Planning Commission workshop on the T.H. 55 study at 7:00 p.m. on May 9. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 It was the consensus that no workshop is needed for discussion on the water service contract since a Council negotiating subcommittee is working on the matter and will report to Council. ADJOURN There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilmember Huber moved that the meeting be adjourned. Councilmember Koch seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 10:28 o'clock P.M. 5� �, 1-h kathleen M. Swanson City Clerk ATTEST: Charles E. Mertensotto Mayor March 21, 1995 Cement/Masonry Contractor License Garvey Construction Inc. O'Leary-Omodt Masonry, Inc. Excavation Contractor License Herman Excavating Kline Bros Excavating Specialized Turf, Inc. Gas Piping Contractor License Sylvander Heating Inc. Wohlers Southside Heating & A/C Cedar Valley Heating HVAC Contractors License Peterson Bros Sheetmetal Wohlers Southside Heating & A/C General Contractors License M.P. Johnson Construction Inc. Lantis Construction Inc. Stucco/Drywall Contractor License Scandia Stucco Co. Rubbish Haulers License Highland Sanitation