1995-10-17 Council minutesPage No. 1
October 17, 1995
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, October 17, 1995
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the regular meeting of the City Council, City of Mendota
Heights, was held at 7:30 o'clock P.M. at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota.
Mayor Mertensotto called the meeting to order at 7:30 o'clock P.M. The following members were
present: Mayor Mertensotto, Councilmembers Huber, Krebsbach and Smith. Councilmember Koch had
notified Council that she would be absent.
MISCELLANEOUS Mayor Mertensotto notified Council that Airport Relations
Commission member Dr. James Olin had notified him that he will
be resigning from the Commission due to ill health. He asked
representatives of the local newspapers who were present to publish
a press release notifying community residents of the pending
vacancy.
AGENDA ADOPTION Councilmember Smith moved adoption of the revised agenda for the
meeting.
Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Krebsbach moved approval of the consent calendar
for the meeting, revised to move 4d, designation of Thanksgiving
holiday, to the regular agenda, along with authorization for
execution of any necessary documents contained therein.
a. Acknowledgment of the minutes of the September 6, 1995
Airport Relations Commission meeting.
b. Acknowledgment of the minutes of the October 10, 1995 Park
and Recreation Commission meeting.
c. Acknowledgment of the Treasurer's monthly report for
September.
d. Approval to appoint David Paton, Ronald Katzem eier and
Michael Brennan to permanent firefighter status.
e. Adoption of Resolution No. 95 -56, "A RESOLUTION OF
INTENT REGARDING THE MASTER PLAN FOR THE
Page No. 2
October 17, 1995
NORTH URBAN REGIONAL TRAIL," and direct staff to
convey the resolution and the city's intent to Dakota County.
f. Acknowledgment of a monthly park status report and police
park activity report for September.
g. Acknowledgment of Metropolitan Council Transit Operations'
information regarding transit options.
i. Approval of the list of contractor licenses dated October 17,
1995, and attached hereto.
k. Approval of the List of Claims dated October 17, 1995 and
totaling $278,61426.
Councilmember Smith seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
HOLIDAY DESIGNATION Council acknowledged a memo from Administrator Lawell
requesting that Council designate November 24, 1995 (the day after
Thanksgiving) as a fixed holiday for non -union employees for 1995.
Mayor Mertensotto felt that designating a fixed holiday would set an
unfavorable precedent and that City Hall should remain open,
perhaps with a limited staff, since the day is not a legal holiday. The
Council members concurred and took no action.
IVY HILLS PARK Council acknowledged memos from Park Project Manager
Kullander regarding bids received for installation of trees, shrubs,
edging, etc., at Ivy Hills Park and research on possible negative
aspects associated with establishing and maintaining natural prairie
grasses and wildflower plantings.
Mr. Kullander explained that two contractors bid on the project,
Minnesota Green Landscaping and Blaeser Landscaping. He stated
that if the low bid of Blaeser Landscaping is approved, the total
budget for the job, including stone work and landscape
improvements for the wild flowers, the total cost for the job will be
$20,235, versus the original estimate of $20,000. With respect to
wildflower plantings, he stated that he has contacted experts on
some of the aspects of wildflower plantings and prairie grasses and
each of the three experts he contacted agreed that this is a modest
project, about 2/3 of an acre in wildflowers and prairie grasses, and
that this is very manageable and a good step towards achieving a
natural environment. He explained that the maintained turf area
around the wildflowers and prairie grasses will hold the small
Page No. 3
October 17, 1995
rodents that live in the area in the area, as they do not like to come
out and be exposed to their enemies. He stated that wildflowers will
attract insects and birds.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that it appears that there is a certain
amount of maintenance required for the wild grasses, and nurturing
is needed so that weeds do not take over. He asked if the city is
prepared for that effort.
Mr. Kullander responded that staff can handle the maintenance or
the city can consider getting a maintenance contract with Prairie
Restorations for the first year or two.
Councilmember Krebsbach asked if the neighborhood wanted the
natural environment concept.
Mr. Kullander responded that most of the neighbors were concerned
about maintenance of the pond and the need to keep the duck weed
down.
Councilmember Smith asked which types of plantings are proposed.
Mr. Kullander responded that the architect selected plants which are
native to the area, and a mixture of plantings which will be
blooming at different times so that there is constant color throughout
the season.
Councilmember Krebsbach moved to accept the low bid of Blaeser
Landscaping for $8,925 for landscape improvements and to accept
the bid of $6,910 from Prairie Restorations for wildflowers and
prairie grass seeding and the installation of wildflower plants, plugs
and seedlings.
Councilmember Huber seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
CASE NO. 95 -26, Council acknowledged a memo from Assistant Batchelder relative
CONWAY to continued discussion on an application from Mr. and Mrs. John
Conway for a 3.58 foot rear yard setback variance to allow
construction of a three season porch addition to within 26.42 feet of
the rear property line at 2288 Apache Street. Council also
acknowledged letters from Mr. & Mrs. Conway, from the
contractor, Valley Investments, from Realtor Jim Diamond and from
Mr. & Mrs. Lionel Greenberg, 756 Pontiac Place.
Page No. 4
October 17, 1995
Mayor Mertensotto stated that the matter had been continued from
the October 5 meeting, primarily at his request, because he wanted
to visit the site to see the physical layout of the Conway lot. He
stated that what he observed is that the Greenberg home sits at
somewhat more of an angle than the road and most of the back of
the Conway house is immediately seen. He further stated that the
angulation causes the nearest point of the Greenberg house to be
within 10 feet from the sidelot, and there are also three or four
Norway pine trees on the Greenberg lot just south from the end of
their house, two of which had been cut off. He pointed out that the
Conway lot has three 30 foot setbacks and the front yard may even
be about 34 feet back since what is difficult to conceive is the net
affect from the Greenberg view whether there is a 10 foot wide or 14
foot wide porch. He pointed out that the Greenbergs will see porch
when they come into their back yard, regardless of the size.
Mr. Greenberg responded that he does not want neighbors any closer
than necessary and granting a variance will put the Conways 3.5 feet
closer. He stated that all he is asking is that the ordinance be
followed. He further stated that there is no hardship, and if the
Conways want a three season porch, they can build a porch the
number of square feet they want without asking for a variance. He
felt that the value of his property is lowered the closer the neighbors'
structures get to his lot. Referencing the Planner's report regarding
where variances have been granted, one of the instances is in
Delaware Crossing and backs up against Friendly Marsh; another
related to a fence rather than a porch, and the third is not in Friendly
Hills, and no one objected in any of the three cases.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that Council has granted many variances,
but most on larger lots. He pointed out that the lots in Friendly Hills
are 10,000 to 11,000 square feet, generally, rather than the 15,000
square foot city standard. He agreed that the variances referred to in
the planning report were for pools, etc. within 10 feet of the rear lot
line. He stated that, as Mr. Greenberg has pointed out to him, the
lots were back to back rather than a back yard of one house adjacent
to the sideyard of another and when the Conways are on their patio,
which extends out 14 feet from their house, they can see everything
going on in the Greenberg lot and the reverse, so there is a limited
amount of privacy to begin with. With respect to Mr. Greenberg's
contention that his property value would decrease, he did not see
what the diminution in property value would be if there were a 14
foot porch rather than a ten foot porch because it would be so hard to
discern the size difference from the Greenberg property.
Page No. 5
October 17, 1995
Mr. Greenberg responded that if one prospective buyer looks at two
different houses and the neighbor to the west in one house is 36 feet
away but in next house is 30 feet away, he would say that the
prospective would purchase the one where the neighboring home is
farther away. He asked Council to compare the use of a patio to the
use of a three season porch, which can be used every day regardless
of the season.
Mayor Mertensotto responded that the Conways could construct a 10
by 14 foot addition without a variance and he did not know how Mr.
Greenberg would notice the difference. He stated that the
Greenbergs have been long time residents of the city, and the house
the Conways own was constructed about the same time as the
Greenbergs'. He stated that Council is trying to accommodate both
parties and find a solution to the problems. He asked Mr. Greenberg
what his feeling would be if the Conways did landscape screening to
provide more privacy to the Greenbergs.
Mr. Greenberg responded that this would not take care of the
ordinance or the reduction in his property value or the fact that the
porch will be 3.6 feet closer to his house than if the variance were
not granted. He asked who would enforce the plan and guarantee
that the plantings would live and grow. He was also concerned that
the height of the plantings should not be allowed to grow to a height
that would further shade his yard.
Mayor Mertensotto responded that if the plantings were done and
did not survive the first winter, the Conways' warranty from the
landscape contractor would require replacement.
Mr. Greenberg stated that he is opposed to the variance and if it is
granted, he would hope that Council follows the planner's
recommendation for plantings, although this would not satisfy him.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that Council is looking for a compromise
and that he does not believe there would be a diminution in the
Greenberg property value. He asked Mr. Conway if he would be
prepared to provide screening recommended by the planner, with
plantings beginning at the northerly extension of the porch from the
house south to provide a screen to the south, such as a six foot
hedge.
Mr. Conway responded that he would accept the requirement and
would provide a landscape screen.
Page No. 6
October 17, 1995
Mayor Mertensotto stated that Council will ask the City Planner to
propose a landscaping plan.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated that if Mr. Greenberg is strongly
opposed to the variance, she would support him even though she
would like to see some type of accommodation.
Councilmember Huber referred to the letter from Mr. Dimond which
stated that he felt the proposed porch would have no negative impact
on property values in the neighborhood. He stated that Mr.
Greenberg has stated that he as been advised that there would be a
negative impact. He asked Mr. Greenberg if he has anything in
writing from a realtor. Mr. Greenberg responded that he does not.
Councilmember Huber stated that he is also looking for a
compromise, and that having been on the property and seeing the
way they are angled, he tried to see what the impact would be on the
Greenbergs if the variance were granted.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that in this particular case there is a
practical hardship, and the impact of the porch on privacy can be
mitigated through screening.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she feels that Council speaks
for the sole resident who feels some assurance in the city ordinances
that when their time comes that there is something they oppose and
they take the position that a variance should not be approved unless
there is a hardship, as Mr. Greenberg has, she could not support the
variance. She did not see the size of the porch as a hardship and
stated that she would not support the variance unless Mr. Greenberg
changes his position.
Councilmember Smith stated that she does not look at it as the size
of the porch in particular but the fact that the Conway house is set
back approximately four feet further from the street than the
neighboring house to the south, and any kind of addition to the back
of the house could be a maximum of ten feet. She pointed out that
there is already a two foot chimney which would have to protrude
into the room, so she did not think that a room eight feet wide is a
reasonably sized room. She stated that while she is not particularly
defending 14 feet, a useable eight feet would not be adequate and
she did not feel that Council would be doing anyone kind of service
by denying the request and allowing the Conways only to put an
eight foot usable space in back of their house. She pointed out that
the lot is undersized, the house is set back an additional four feet,
which limits what can be done to the back of the house, and stated
Page No. 7
October 17, 1995
that she feels it is reasonable to build a porch to the back. She felt
that the structure must be greater than the ten foot width that would
be allowed by ordinance.
Mr. Greenberg stated that the porch could be built to the north
without reducing the size of the garage or the size of the porch.
After continued discussion, Councihnember Smith moved to grant a
3.58 foot rear yard setback variance based on findings that the lot is
under sized, that the house is set back an additional four feet from
the property line, that the existing chimney will protrude into the
porch, and the Conway house is approximately at right angles to the
Greenberg house, so that no one could look directly into one house
from the other, on the condition that the applicant will agree to
install a screening hedge in accordance with a planting plan to be
developed by the City Planner.
Councilmember Huber seconded the motion.
Ayes: 3
Nays: 1 Krebsbach
NATIONAL ROD END Council acknowledged a memo from Treasurer Shaughnessy
regarding a request from the Tuthill Corporation, National Rod End
Division, for $185,000 in pay -as- you -go tax increment financing
assistance in the construction of a 25,000 square foot manufacturing
plant on the "Brooks" site, located south and east of George's Golf
Range. Mr. Mark Steingas, President of Benson -Orth Associates,
the general contractor for the project, Mr. Vincent Jiovanazzo,
General Manager of National Rod Ends, Mr. David Clark, the
project architect, and Mike Munson, from Benson -Orth, were
present for the discussion.
Mr. Steingas stated that he feels the project will be a great benefit to
the city because of increased job base and the number of jobs.
Mr. Jiovanazzo explained that National Rod End is a manufacturer
of industrial bearings which are marketed world wide. He explained
that National is a subsidiary of Tuthill, with 39 employees, and is
currently located in leased space in Eagan. He stated that there are
eighteen divisions of the Tuthill Corporation and the divisions are
decentralized. He explained that no die casting is done and all of the
waste, low carbon steel and metal, will be stored in doors, and
shipping is done daily by local freight haulers. He stated that there
will be one drive -in and three drive -up loading docks with standard
eight by eight doors. The loading dock and most of the parking will
be behind the building and virtually impossible to see from any
public area.
Page No. 8
October 17, 1995
Mr. Steingas explained that there will be a public entry in front and
staff entry in the rear. He stated that the manufacturing area is
predominant and there will be about 3,500 to 4,000 feet of office.
Councilmember Krebsbach asked if it is a 24 hour operation, and if
not, if it would become a 24 hour operation.
Mr. Jiovannazo responded that it is currently a one shift operation
but that could change as business increases, although it would have
to increase substantially to do so.
Mayor Mertensotto asked about the exterior of the facility.
Mr. Steingas responded that the manufacturing area will be pre -cast
with a painted finish, and the front office will be Dryvit finish with a
light stucco finish and a band and continued glass.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that Council is always interested in adding
to the industrial area, and it seems like a very plain warehouse.
Mr. Steingas responded that Tuthill gave him the charge to design a
facility for the local company and aspire to the corporate mentality
but still stay in budget. He stated that he could try to do something
around the entire facade of the building or concentrate dollars in
specific areas for maximum impact. He explained that he developed
overhangs and continuous glazed areas and lighting under the soffits
and light steel detail to make the building look better in the front.
He informed Council that landscaping is important and he would
prefer to put money into landscaping. He then reviewed the
landscaping plan.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that the building still has a concrete box
look and Council has been requiring something more than the
concrete box structure, particularly where TIF is used.
Mr. Munson responded that he picked the pre -cast because it is far
superior to a masonry or block building and has very high thermal
characteristics and sound attenuation plus it fits the project. He
pointed out that there is a masonry building just behind the property.
He stated that the pre -cast panel is really high quality and nice
looking.
Mr. Jiovannazo stated that Tuthill is very conscious of its image and
one thing he does not want for his division is a concrete box
building, so he asked the architects not to put a racing stripe around
the building so that it looks like a concrete box with a racing stripe.
Page No. 9
October 17, 1995
He stated that what has been done is painting the building with
medallions to accentuate it. He stated that he wants a high image to
the office and the glass and lighting is more effective. He explained
that some of the plantings towards the edge of the building, along
with the proposed lighting structure, tend to break up the box look.
He stated that any future manufacturing expansion, hopefully to be
done in a five year period, will be done behind what will be seen
from the road.
Mr. Steingas stated that part of the reason for requesting TIF is
because they are spending a lot of extra money to get the building up
to Tuthill's image yet still work within the budget that National End
can work with to bring the business to Mendota Heights. He stated
that Tuthill wanted a very high class building, but that cannot be
accomplished without TIF assistance because of National Rod End's
budget constraints.
Councilmember Huber stated that there was a TIF project on a
United Properties proposed project where Dryvit was proposed and
Council said no because it did not like the Dryvit. He stated that if
no assistance was being requested, Council could likely not stop the
project, but in this case TIF is requested and Council has more
influence.
Responding to a question from Mayor Mertensotto, Administrator
Lawell stated that there are several buildings in the park where
Dryvit is not the primary material but has been used for decorative
facia material around the entryway, such as Big Wheel.
Mr. Steingas responded that the Dryvit is just being used on the top
facade of the office, and below the window line stone faced block is
proposed. He stated that painted random rib pre -cast tilt -up panel
goes all around the building. He explained that it is a superior tilt -up
panel.
Councilmember Smith stated that at the proposed value and 25,000
square feet, that comes to $56.00 per square foot. She asked how
that compares to other buildings in the industrial park.
Administrator Lawell responded that staff has not done that analysis
so he could not respond.
Councilmember Smith asked if the TIF calculation includes the
value of the land. She stated that Council typically does not include
land. She stated that Council needs to see the assumptions used.
Page No. 10
October 17, 1995
Mr. Steingas responded that the $1.4 million does include the land -
the values are $1,055,000 for the building and $350.000 for the land.
He stated that the calculation for TIF is based on the $1,050,000. He
stated that the assumptions will be submitted as the project goes
along with Tuthill.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated that the property is a very
desirable industrial lot. She asked what the plan is for George's
Golf Range, and what screening there is to George's.
Administrator Lawell responded that the owner has been approached
a number of times by industrial concerns but he has not been
interested in selling to this point. He stated that it is a fair
assumption that at some time in the future the land will change use,
but that is up to the owner.
Mr. Steingas stated that there is a stand of trees between the
properties, and he has tried to hide all truck traffic behind their
building. He explained that the building exceeds the budget for
National Rod End but it is what Tuthill wanted.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that because of the nature and appearance
of the structure, he would like to see some other treatment and
would like to see what the tilt -up panel options are. He further
stated that if the land is taking up 30% of the budget, too much
cannot go into the building. He was especially concerned about
what the building will look like from T.H. 55.
Mr. Steingas responded that he has looked at other buildings in the
park, which is why the panels have been upgraded by $3.00 per
panel. He stated that the only upgrade to the proposed panel is
exposed aggregate, and no one could tell that that is an upgrade as
they drive by on the highway. He felt that what is proposed is a
good industrial project.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that he is not satisfied with the proposed
appearance and would like to look at options. He stated that at the
present time he would like to say that Council wants to work with
National Rod End but he is not ready to say yes to TIF participation
at this time.
Councilmember Huber stated that Council has spent several
workshops on development of the T.H. 55 corridor and wants to be
sure that the building is what Council is looking for if there is to be a
TIF investment in the project.
Page No. 11
October 17, 1995
Mayor Mertensotto stated that since this is the Council's first
exposure to the proposal, he would like to look at the city's and
Eagan's industrial developments where there is very little office.
Mr. Steingas stated that he would prepare a list of structures.
Administrator Lawell referred to a ponding issue - Mn/DOT
purchased only an easement for the area on which it constructed the
ponding area, not fee title, whereas Tuthill thought it was looking at
the balance of the site, exclusive of the pond.
Mr. Jiovanazzo the parcel was advertised acreage wise, less the
ponding area, and National Rod End is concerned about the future
liability of owning the pond. He stated that the parcel is 4.7 acres
without the ponding area, which is 2.75 acres approximately.
Administrator Lawell stated that the issue becomes that Tuthill does
not want to acquire the ponding area, if they are going to acquire the
property, it would entail splitting the property and leaving the pond
as a separate parcel. He stated that the issue is whether Council
would consider a division in the future.
Mr. Jiovanazzo stated that his corporation has an environmental
issue with the pond, and there are very few advantages to the firm to
own the pond, and much potential liability in the future should there
be a spill from a tanker truck in the future. He stated that it becomes
a legal issue, and Mn/DOT has indicated that they would be
apprehensive about indemnifying Tuthill from any liability. He
stated that the issue just came up and has not been resolved.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that his initial response to dividing off the
pond would be no.
Mr. Jiovanazzo stated that his firm would do the maintenance on the
pond but is concerned about liability. Responding to a question on
the project timetable, he stated that he is contemplating winter
construction.
Further discussion on the matter was tabled.
PAGEL ROAD STOP SIGNS Council acknowledged a memo from Engineer Mogan regarding
four way stop signs at Pagel Road and Keokuk Lane. Council also
acknowledged a letter from James Losleben, 815 Hazel Court,
objecting to the proposed change from a three -way stop intersection.
Page No. 12
October 17, 1995
Mayor Mertensotto stated that the Losleben letter indicates most
people are speeding through the intersection as they come off T.H.
149 onto Pagel. He also felt problems at the intersection would
increase in severity because the pedestrian path will not be striped
until spring. He felt that the intersection should be made a four -way
stop before the pedway is completed, in order to keep people from
speeding through the intersection.
Mr. Losleben stated that the he believes people will continue to
speed through the intersection regardless of a fourth stop sign. He
felt that people just need to be reminded from time to time, by police
ticketing, that the speed limit is 30 miles per hour. Regarding the
pedway, he stated that it should be much safer now, because the
roadway will be much wider, the roadway has been lowered, and the
pedway will be striped. He opposed the stop sign, feeling that the
situation is safer now because the street is 32 feet wide and there
will be a dedicated pedway.
Councilmember Smith asked if the existing signs are just stop signs
or if there is signage that the fourth part of the intersection does not
stop.
Mr. Losleben responded that there is no other signage but it would
be helpful if signs were installed to notify people that it is a three -
way stop intersection. He felt that there should be more publicity on
the issue so that people can give their input, and asked that a
decision be delayed until after the street is finished and some police
enforcement has occurred.
Further discussion on the matter was tabled until November 21 to
allow additional citizen input.
COLONY TOWNHOUSE Council acknowledged a memo from Engineer Mogan regarding
STORM WATER PROJECT bids received for the joint Lilydale /Mendota Heights Colony
Townhome storm water improvement project.
After brief discussion, Councilmember Krebsbach moved to grant to
the City of Lilydale approval to accept the low bid of Lametti &
Sons, Inc., and to execute a contract for the construction of the storm
sewer improvements, with the condition that Lilydale be notified
that Council wishes to approve any change orders.
Councilmember Smith seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Councilmember Smith asked about costs if Mn/DOT does not
participate.
Page No. 13
October 17, 1995
Public Works Director Danielson responded that the Joint Powers
Agreement calls for a 50150 cost split and that he is confident that
Mn/DOT will participate.
WETLANDS REPLACEMENT Council acknowledged a memo from Engineer Mogan regarding
wetland replacement plan approval for the Mendakota Country Club.
Mayor Mertensotto briefly reviewed the plan. He stated that what is
proposed is an improvement to the Mendakota property.
Public Works Director Danielson stated that the proposal is
consistent with the wetlands permit which the city granted subject to
whether or not a wetlands conservation act permit was needed. It
has been determined by Barr Engineering that there was more than
400 square feet of wetlands being filled, and there is 3,000 square
feet to be filled. He informed Council that notices have been sent to
all necessary agencies and there have been no negative comments.
He pointed out that the wetlands replacement is more than ten to
one. He stated that the only staff concern now is the elevation of the
water - Mendakota is looking at raising the water a little higher than
staff would like because of concern over back up into the storm
sewer line that feeds into the site.
After discussion, Councilmember Krebsbach moved to approve the
wetlands replacement plan for the creation of 0.90 acres of
replacement wetland on the Mendakota Country Club on the
Southeast quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 26, Township
28 North, Range 23 West in the City of Mendota Heights subject to
the conditions stipulated at the time the wetlands permit was
granted.
Councilmember Smith seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
CELLULAR TELEPHONE Council acknowledged a memo from Assistant Batchelder regarding
TOWER AMENDMENT a proposed ordinance amendment to address cellular telephone
towers.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that he thinks that at the present time,
Council has set the criteria and precedent for 75 feet, and he feels
that the current ordinance conditional use procedures and zoning
district standards are adequate and gives Council more flexibility in
dealing with applicants.
Page No. 14
October 17, 1995
Councilmember Smith stated that her concern is that technology is
rapidly changing and it would be very difficult to set down
appropriate standards.
Councilmember Krebsbach supported the comments, but asked that
staff research what other communities are charging for the use of
water towers.
It was the consensus to take no action on the matter.
VARIANCE PROCEDURES Council acknowledged a memo from Assistant Batchelder regarding
a proposed amendment to the variance section of the Zoning
Ordinance.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that he has spoken to Attorney Hart about
the proposed amendment and Attorney Hart is very concerned that
Council give careful thought to the proposal. Attorney Hart's
concern was that if an applicant had the consent of his neighbors, he
might think it is implied that the variance would be granted.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she feels that it would not be
appropriate for Council to base approval solely on consent. She
stated that there are other factors which must be considered in
addition to consent of neighbors.
Councilmember Smith felt that the intent is to give Council greater
latitude in making decisions but agreed that the provisions would be
interpreted differently.
It was the consensus to take no action on the matter at the present
time.
MONITORING WELL Council acknowledged a memo from Public Works Director
AUTHORIZATION Danielson regarding the installation of a monitoring well at the SOS
station.
Public Works Director Danielson explained that the SOS has taken
some borings and discovered that there is ground pollution as the
result of its gas operation, and have hired a contractor to work with
the PCA to clean up the site. He informed Council that the
contractor has done some soil borings to determine the extent of the
pollution and is still working towards that end and has installed an
extraction well on the site, and has done a test boring on the city
property to the west, and has found that the pollution extends over to
that site. He stated that the contractor would like to put a monitoring
well on that site to determine how well the extraction process is
Page No. 15
October 17, 1995
working, and they need city approval since the well would be on city
property.
Mayor Mertensotto responded that the city must know how long the
well will be in place.
Public Works Director Danielson responded that the well is just a
hole with a pipe that will come out of the ground about two feet. He
stated that it is unknown at this time how long it will take to clean
the site, but it will be fairly close to Lexington.
Councilmember Smith asked if the location of the well is in a place
that the city would find acceptable if it becomes a long -term venture.
stated that she would like SOS to work with the city over the
location of the well to ensure that there is some utility to the
property so that the city is not responsible for paying for relocation
in the future should the lot develop.
Public Works Director Danielson responded that the maximum
duration of the well use would five to seven years, and the plume
will dictate where the well must go.
Mayor stated that it should be somewhere within 10 feet from the
right -of -way, because that would be the absolute minimum setback
for development.
Acting City Attorney Michael Duffy stated that the right -of -entry
agreement should clarify that SOS will cap the well when they are
finished using it and the city may also want to ask for an
indemnification so that if there is gas on the property they will have
to clean it up.
Councilmember Huber suggested that SOS also be required to
submit certification to the city when the well is capped that the area
is clean.
Councilmember Krebsbach moved to authorize the Public Works
Director to execute a "Right of Entry/Monitoring Well Installation"
and Dakota County Environmental Management Department's
forms, conditioned that when the monitoring well be certified to be
clear upon abandonment, and that it be located no further than ten
feet of any existing road right -of -way.
Councilmember Smith seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Page No. 16
October 17, 1995
RESCHEDULE MEETING Councilmember Krebsbach moved that starting time of the
November 7 meeting be delayed to 8:00 p.m. due to the fact that the
school district is conducting a referendum on that date.
Councilmember Huber seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
COUNCIL COMMENTS Council discussed a complaint received over late construction noise
on the Heaver project.
ADJOURN There being no further business to come before the Council,
Councilmember Krebsbach moved that the meeting be adjourned.
Councilmember Huber seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0 TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 11:37 o'clock P.M.
ATTEST: 16thleen M. Swanson, City Clerk
Charles E. Mertensotto
Mayor