1995-04-18 Council minutesPage No. 4360
April 18, 1995
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, April 18, 1995
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the regular meeting of the City Council, City of Mendota
Heights, was held at 8:00 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.
BOARD OF REVIEW Mayor Mertensotto opened the meeting for the purpose of
continuation of the April 4 Board of Review meeting. Council
acknowledged correspondence from the Dakota County Assessor's
office regarding its responses to letters from residents objecting to
their valuation increases.
AGENDA ADOPTION Councilmember moved Smith adoption of the revised agenda for the
meeting, fin-ther revised to move item 1 Of, water tower
reconditioning, to item 10a.
Councilmember Koch seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Huber moved approval of the corrected minutes of
the April 4, 1995 regular meeting and the April 4, 1995 Board of
Review meeting.
Councilmember Smith seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Krebsbach moved approval of the consent calendar
for the meeting, revised to move items 5a and 5b, acknowledgment
of the minutes of the Airport Relations Commission and Planning
Commission, and 5i, CAO No. 94-02, to the regular agenda, along
with authorization for execution of any necessary documents
contained therein.
a. Acknowledgment of the Treasurer's monthly report for March.
b. Adoption of Resolution No. 95-20, "RESOLUTION
ACCEPTING REPORT, ORDERING IMPROVEMENT
AND PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
FOR SANITARY SEWERS, WATER, STORM SEWERS
AND STREET CONSTRUCTION TO SERVE SWANSON'S
2ND ADDITION AND ADJACENT AREAS
(IMPROVEMENT NO. 95, PROJECT NO. 2)."
Page No. 4361
April 18, 1995
c. Authorization to prepare plans and specifications and advertise
for bids for the 1995 street overlay project.
d. Acknowledgment of a memo from Police Chief Delmont
regarding 1995 squad cars and approval to purchase two 1995
Chevrolet Caprice patrol vehicles at a cost not to exceed a total
of $30,000 including equipment change overs and graphics.
e. Acknowledgment of the minutes of the April 11 Park and
Recreation Commission meeting.
f. Acknowledgment of a memo from Treasurer Shaughnessy and
acceptance of the Premium Refund Option for Worker's
Compensation renewal.
g. Acknowledgment of a letter of commendation from the
Dakota County Attorney's Office to the police department.
h. Acknowledgment of a memo from the City Clerk regarding
quotes received for computer equipment and authorization for
the purchase of two IBM compatible Pentium computer
systems from Krech's Business Systems for its low quote of
$4,550.00 plus tax.
i. Approval of the Prime Net landscaping plan subject to review
and approval by the City Planner.
j. Approval of the list of contractor licenses dated April 18, 1995
and attached hereto.
k. Approval of the list of claims dated April 18, 1995 and
totaling $,.
Councilmember Smith seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
PARK CELEBRATION Council acknowledged a memo from Celebrate Mendota Heights
Parks steering committee members Kim Blaeser and Shelli Heinsch
regarding the 1995 community celebration. Administrative
Assistant Batchelder reviewed the memo for Council and the
audience.
Councilmember Smith moved to authorize expenditures of up to
$2,000 from the City Council budget for contingency purposes for
Page No. 4362
April 18, 1995
the Annual Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks! event to be held on
July 22, 1995.
Councilmember Koch seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
BID AWARD - FRIENDLY Council acknowledged a memo from City Engineer Mogan
HILLS IMPROVEMENTS regarding bids received for the Friendly Hills area improvements.
Engineer Mogan reviewed the memo for Council and the audience.
Councilmember Huber moved adoption of Resolution No. 95 -21,
"RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING
CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF WATERMAINS,
STORM SEWER AND STREET IMPROVEMENTS TO SERVE
FRIENDLY HILLS REARRANGEMENT, HASELBERGER
ADDITION, SIMEK REARRANGEMANT AND
SURROUNDING AREAS (IMPROVEMENT NO. 92, PROJECT
NO. 6)," awarding the contract to Valley Paving, Inc. for its low bid
of $1,176,982.78.
Councilmember Smith seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Staff was directed to return all bid bonds except those submitted by
the low bidder and second lowest bidder and to release those bonds
after execution of the construction contract.
WATER TANK Council acknowledged a memo from Public Works Director
RECONDITIONING Danielson regarding the water tank reconditioning project.
Representatives from TMI Coatings, Inc., Project Manager Gary
Johnson and General Manager Jim Emery, were present for the
discussion.
Mayor Mertensotto informed the audience that tests conducted on
the primer material which had been sand blasted from the tank
contained from eight to sixteen parts per million Hexavelent
chromium, which exceeds federal standards. Consequently, the city
has no alternative but to curtail the sandblasting activity, dispose of
the sand, and use a power wash rather than sandblasting on the
remainder of the tank exterior. He explained that one method of
disposing of the contaminated material is to transport it to a
hazardous waste site in Peoria, and paperwork for the process is
underway.
Mr. Johnson informed Council that he has completed the necessary
applications and has submitted them to Public Works Director
Danielson.
Page No. 4363
April 18, 1995
Mr. Danielson stated that he has received the completed application
from Mr. Johnson and has signed and filed it with the appropriate
agencies.
Mr. Emery explained that his recommendation is to get entirely
away from the sandblasting. He informed Council that he has only
heard of one other tank in the U.S. that has had this kind of problem
with chromium in the paint at such a high content. He explained
that the best way to get around the problem is by power washing the
tank with trisodium phosphate and applying a primer to all surfaces.
Councilmember Huber asked if the expected life of the revised
coating, 15 to 20 years, is the same as if the entire tank had been
sand blasted.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that there was no recommendation in the
city's files as to the substituted materials. He informed Council that
Mr. Emery has indicated that he will provide the city with a letter for
its files so that future Councils will know where the
recommendation came from and that TMI, as the general contractor,
is the primarily responsible party as to the quality of the finished
project.
Councilmember Krebsbach pointed out that Council is not
committing future City Councils to the same procedure of power
washing and painting.
Mr. Emery responded that he will submit a hazardous materials
sheet to the city. He explained that the existing paint that has not yet
been sand blasted will stay in place. He stated that the chromium is
well adhered to the tank and is suitable to the paint that will be put
on the tank. He stated that there is no hazard to the water supply and
that his crews will cover the ground before power washing.
Councilmember Krebsbach informed Mr. Emery that he should take
whatever precautions are needed in terms of handling the rest of the
project. She stated that she was concerned about contaminants
getting into the tank in terms of the power washing and sand
blasting.
Mr. Johnson responded that the power washing will be done on the
outside of the tank before any sand blasting is done inside.
Mr. Emery stated that there is a new federal standard regarding the
paint on the interior of tanks and his firm is following the new
standards. He further stated that he does not want to get wait any
Page No. 4364
April 18, 1995
longer than necessary to ship the contaminated sand and that it is
covered now and marked as hazardous. He did not anticipate any
additional measurable quantity of contaminants since only a minor
amount of paint will be scraped off the tank.
Councilmember Huber asked what would happen if any agencies
want to test the water running off the tower from the power washing.
Mr. Johnson responded that he does not anticipate any problems.
Mayor Mertensotto informed Council that city and TMI
representatives have met with Dakota County staff and they had no
concerns over lead, only chromium. He explained that the
contractor is going to cover the ground during the power washing
and there will not be much material coming of the tower.
Responding to a question from Councilmember Krebsbach over
costs, he stated that the contract price was $474,900 and TMI has
offered a $20,000 credit for power washing. He stated that it is
estimated that shipment of the waste to Peoria will cost about
$8,000.
Mr. Emery stated that his firm is within the contract that was
awarded to it and has doubled the warranty to the city at no
additional cost to the city and will pass on any savings in material
cost resulting in power washing versus sand blasting.
Councilmember Smith asked why a test was not initially done for
chromium. She also asked how many times the tank can be power
washed and recoated.
Mr. Emery responded that normally 99.9% of the time the only
hazardous material found is lead. He stated that the chromium
content is very unusual and the city's tank experience will establish
new testing procedure for the entire area. Mr. Emery informed
Council that the tank can be power washed and repainted five or six
times, He stated that the areas which have been sandblasted but not
primed and are rusting, he explained that primer will be applied as
well as two additional coats of paint and the rust will not come
through the primer.
It was the consensus to give informal approval to a "deduct" change
order to discontinue sand blasting and to pressure wash, spot hand
tool/power tool clean rusted areas and to prime and paint the tank
exterior with "Tnemec" products recommended by TMI, subject to
receipt of a letter from TMI stating that the Tenemec materials
proposed to be used are as good as the materials which had
originally been proposed.
Page No. 4365
April 18, 1995
BRIDGEVIEW SHORES Council acknowledged a memo from Administrative Assistant
TRAIL Batchelder regarding continued discussion on the proposed trail
construction along the north side of Mendota Heights Road from the
Bridgeview Shores Addition to Dodd Road. Council also
acknowledged letters from Mr. & Mrs. Abu Islam, 810 Westview
Circle, and Mr. & Mrs. Gary Ruhhnann, 816 Westview Circle. Mr.
& Mrs. Islam were present for the discussion.
Mr. Islam gave a history of his knowledge of the proposed trail. He
informed Council that he is concerned over loss of privacy. He
stated that it is his understanding that one member of the traffic light
task force whose child attends Visitation initiated the trail
discussion. He felt that the process was secretive and that the task
force member and Park Commission member Linell have a vested
interest in the trail, since Mr. Linell's brother lives in Bridgeview
Shores and wants the trail. He felt that the Commission members
came to the public meeting on the trail with their minds made up.
Mr. Islam informed Council that one member of the Commission
suggested that he plant shrubs between his pine trees for added
screening. He stated that he received a letter from Assistant
Batchelder yesterday informing him that the Park and Recreation
Commission did not feel he would have any loss of privacy.
Mayor Mertensotto responded that he did not feel the suggestion
about shrubs is the appropriate course of action, as the pine trees will
eventually grow closer together and the shrubs would die because of
lack of sunlight.
Mr. Islam stated that at the last Council meeting he was told the trail
was for Bridgeview Shores residents. He submitted a document
signed by Bridgeview Shores residents, stating that when he
contacted the residents only one of the ten residents he contacted
wanted the trail. He stated that he is concerned about privacy and
informed Council that he has planted some shrubs and is considering
planting spruce trees on his property, but it will take four to five
years before the trees would impact the privacy issue.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that trails are very popular in the city and
that Mr. Islam is no different from any other property owner. He
explained that no one wants a trail in back of his house and if
Council decided against trails for that reason, there would be no
trails. He stated that Council's dilemma is to either support trails or
not have them at all.
Page No. 4366
April 18, 1995
Responding to a question about trails in the Bridgeview Shores area,
Assistant Batchelder showed a graphic depicting all of the trail
sections in the southeast area.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that there is a way for the people from the
area of Delaware Crossing and Friendly Hills to come along the trail
system to Bridgeview Shores and if a trail is not constructed on the
north side of Mendota Heights Road, the city would be asking young
children to cross that busy road to get to the trail on the south side to
get west of Dodd. He informed Mr. Islam that the entire task force
certainly discussed the trail, and it was included in the construction
project. He stated that he would like to see what can be explored to
screen the trail so that it will not be a problem for the Islams to
lessen the impact.
Mr. Islam responded that his neighbors do not want the trail either,
but it impacts his family the most. He stated that he has talked to
landscape people and they can put some trees in but it will be three
to four years before they will have an impact on the privacy. He
asked that Council wait three or four years and then raise the trail
issue. He also suggested that the trail be four feet wide rather than
eight feet wide. He stated that he has conceded as much as possible,
including paying for the trees at $40 a foot.
Mayor Mertensotto responded that trails must be eight feet wide for
maintenance purposes. He also pointed out that the trail would be
constructed because it is part of the overall trail system of the city.
He stated that it may make some sense to wait until the trees grow
up, but if a school is built to the east he would anticipate that there
will be a continuation of the trail to Huber. He explained that if the
city constructs the trail section to Westview Circle now, the cost will
be a part of the current project and at least half of the cost will be
paid by MSA funds. He pointed out that this is part of the trail
system and in public right-of-way and Council cannot set a
precedent by giving in to pressure, as no one wants a trail in their
front or back yard.
Mr. Islam responded that all of his home's living space is at the back
of the house. He showed Council pictures of his property.
Councilmember Huber stated that he looked at the trail tonight and
viewed Mr. Islam's property. He stated that he feels the Islams
would have difficulty seeing how wide the trail is because their patio
is below the trail. He pointed out that the privacy issue is not driven
by the width of the trail.
Page No. 4367
April 18, 1995
There was discussion over the width of the right -of -way, and it was
noted that the trail would be at least five to eight feet from the Islam
property line.
Councilmember Smith stated that she was on the task force, and the
group had to plan for the trail system crossing over to the north side
of Mendota Heights Road to link up with the trail on the north side
on the west of Dodd. She explained that the issue was raised
because of safety issues and she thinks of it as a logical outcome of
the safety discussions. She informed Mr. Islam that the trail issue
was not discussed in a clandestine manner and she was not aware of
any over -riding personal interests except the safety of the
Bridgeview Shores residents. She explained that the north trail
section would primarily serve the residents of the northeast quadrant
of the intersection.
Mrs. Islam stated that she has read the task force minutes to
determine the reasoning for the trail and could find no discussion on
the trail. Councilmember Smith responded that the task force
definitely discussed the issue and it would be unfortunate if the
discussion was not recorded.
There was discussion over the potential impact a new school on
Mendota Heights Road would have on trail needs.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated that people who use the trails are
moving and pay little attention to what they are walking by. She felt
there would be impact on the Islams' privacy. She asked how soon
a decision must be made on the trail, and further asked if the trail
construction could be delayed until fall to allow one more growing
season for the Islams' trees and shrubs.
Mayor Mertensotto responded that the trail was part of the bidding
contract for the project. He asked Public Works Director Danielson
to talk to the contractor to see if the trail can be delayed until fall.
IVY FALLS PARK Council acknowledged a memo from Assistant Batchelder regarding
the proposed landscape design plan for the Ivy Hills Park pond
restoration. Council also acknowledged a letter from Mrs. Judy
Mooney, 594 W. Butler, regarding the plan. Mr. Jim Hagstrom,
from Savanna Designs, was present for the discussion.
Mr. Hagstrom reviewed the landscape plan for Council, including
changes which had been made as a result of the Park and Recreation
Commission's neighborhood meeting. Responding to a question
from Mayor Mertensotto regarding the slope of the pond, Mr.
Hagstrom responded that the pond was designed for a specific storm
Page No. 4368
April 18, 1995
water holding capacity and the berm was designed for that capacity.
He explained that he used the city's contour map for the design but
had nothing to do with the grades of the pond or the grading of the
berm. He stated that a number of trees that were removed from the
park have been replaced in the landscape design.
Public Works Director Danielson explained that the city relocated
within the park as many of the removed trees as possible but there
were many wild trees adjacent to the pond that were removed.
Councilmember Smith stated that one important part of the plan is
breaking up the expanse of the berm. She stated that she understood
that there has been a concern about the trail on the top of the berm in
terms of safety. She asked how access was provided to the west side
in the past.
Mr. Hagstrom responded that there was a wood chip path but he felt
that the area on the west is too steep for a trail.
Councilmember Koch stated that there was no formal trail from
Maple Park and Sylvandale going along he pond, but there was a
path.
Assistant Batchelder stated that the southwest part of the park was
very wooded and there was a worn, informal trail at the southwest
corner of the park. Now that the berm is in place, the elevation has
changed quite a bit, and the proposed trail provides natural access
along the south and east of the pond. He stated that the top of the
berm is flat and the trail that is proposed provides a looped system to
allow people to walk along the top of the berm. He explained that
the Park and Recreation Commission felt that if the project goes
over its $20,000 budget, the trail could be delayed until some future
time.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that he would prefer spending the money
on landscaping to soften the impact of the berm.
Councilmember Smith felt that the trail would be an invitation for
people to go along the top of the berm and it would not be safe.
Councilmember Koch stated that if there are going to be flowers and
other plantings along the berm, Council would not want people in
that area tramping them down.
Park Commission member Stan Linell, present for the discussion,
stated that the trail evolved because the commission thinks people
Page No. 4369
April 18, 1995
will walk there anyway and the flowers and plantings will be an
attraction for people to go up the north trail area to see them.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that he does not think it would make sense
to construct a paved trail because of maintenance concerns. He also
pointed out that children will bring their sleds to slide down the
banks in the winter time.
Mr. Linell responded that the sledding will occur whether or not a
trail is built.
Councilmember Huber asked if the pond will be maintained at a
consistent level, and if there were a 100 year storm, it the pond
would fill up and kill the plantings on the berm.
Public Works Director Danielson responded that the pond is
designed for 100 year storms and he did not think the plantings
would be killed because they would only be submerged for a matter
of hours.
Mr. Hagstrom explained that the plantings could handle flooding for
a matter of hours and that wetland plantings are being used to the
second skimmer.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that he would like the Park and Recreation
Commission to look at whether there should be a blacktopped path.
Responding to a question from Councilmember Krebsbach,
Assistant Batchelder stated that when the Park Commission met
with the neighborhood residents, the residents were primarily
concerned over storm water quality and water management issues.
He felt that the commission might agree that additional landscaping
is preferable to a blacktopped trail. He stated that his understanding
of the commission's discussion was that the policy is that if the trail
is too expensive to construct they would prefer that the funding for
he project be earmarked for landscaping and that the trail be placed
in the capitol improvement plan.
Councilmember Smith asked if the plan includes enough contrast
with evergreens and other plantings that will hold their shape and
color in the winter.
Mr. Hagstrom responded that he would not put evergreens in areas
that may flood but that he could look at some other evergreen
plantings for the plan.
Page No. 4370
April 18, 1995
Mayor Mertensotto suggested that Mr. Hagstrom could work on his
construction drawings knowing that the trail may be deleted. He
expressed Council's concerns about the elevation of the berm and
about the trail.
Assistant Batchelder was directed to poll the Park Commission
members regarding the trail issue and report back to Council at its
next meeting.
VALLEY VIEW HEIGHTS Council acknowledged a memo from Assistant Batchelder
BASKETBALL regarding a request from residents of the Curley Valley View
Heights neighborhood for city installation of a basketball halfcourt
in the Valley View Heights park. Mr. Dave Ayers and other
residents of the neighborhood were present for the discussion.
Mr. Ayers stated that the Valley View Heights residents have gone
before the Park Commission several times and they were generally
receptive to the idea of a basketball court but were concerned about
financing and how much neighborhood support there is. He stated
that he understands there may be some money left from the
referendum as an option and the other option would be to make it
part of the 1995 capitol improvement plan. He further stated that for
capital improvement funds to be used, the park may need to formally
designated as an official park. Mr. Ayers submitted a petition from
the neighborhood for the basketball court.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that that the lot does not have to be part of
the park system to receive maintenance, pointing out that there is no
city ordinance that stipulates that the lot will not be maintained by
the city if it is not in the park system. He explained that Council did
not put the tot lot into the park system because if another park area
were found in the neighborhood, the tot lot could not then be sold
for other purposes. He stated that just because the lot is referred to
as Valley View Heights Park does not make it part of the park
system. He further stated that there is no money left from the
referendum and whether money for a basketball court comes from
the Capitol Improvement Plan or another source is a budgetary
question. He informed the residents that Council is trying to avoid
getting tot lots into the park system because they are very expensive
to maintain. Mayor Mertensotto asked if the basketball court can be
fit onto the site without interfering with the trail.
Public Works Director Danielson responded that the court will fit on
the lot. Mr. Ayers stated that the basketball court would be located
in front of the existing play structure.
Page No. 4371
April 18, 1995
There was discussion over maintenance of the lot. Mayor
Mertensotto stated that the neighborhood had agreed to maintain the
lot when the play structure was constructed but has not done so. He
stated that the lot is costly to maintain because the large city
equipment cannot be used, but if a basketball court is added, the city
will have to maintain it.
There was discussion over funding. Assistant Batchelder informed
Council that the 1995 CIP was included in the 1995 budget and the
Park Commission will have to balance its priorities.
It was the general consensus to endorse the Park and Recreation
Commission's consideration of the request subject to funding and
other considerations. It was noted that the commission must decide
the priorities and funding from the Special Park Fund.
TREE PERMIT Council acknowledged a memo from Public Works Director
Danielson regarding a request from the Royal Redeemer Lutheran
Church for a tree removal permit.
Mr. Les Ackmann, representing the church, explained that they wish
to remove mostly wild trees and cottonwoods to improve the site.
He stated that the stumps will be removed and flower beds and
benches will be added to the church property.
Councilmember Huber moved to authorize the issuance of a permit
for removal of trees at the Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church
property, removal to be consistent with the plan submitted with the
application for permit.
Councilmember Koch seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
MENDOTA PLAZA Council acknowledged a memo from Public Works Director
Danielson along with a letter from Paster Enterprises requesting TIF
assistance in upgrading the parking lot at the Mendota Plaza
Shopping Center. Mr. Ed Paster and Mr. John Streeter, from Paster
Enterprises, were present for the discussion.
Mr. Paster explained that the shopping center has been in existing
since 1971 and needs improvements which are outside of the scope
of what he can do financially. One improvement needed is a storm
sewer system to change the runoff to the shopping center which has
caused deterioration to the parking lot. He stated that improved
access from Dodd Road is also needed and part of the proposed
improvement.
Page No. 4372
April 18, 1995
Mr. Streeter reviewed a drawing showing ponding on the site and
reviewed the proposed drainage improvements which were designed
by Bolton & Menk Engineering for the shopping center.
Responding to a question from Mayor Mertensotto, he explained
that the McDonald's property will not be affected by the drainage
improvement, stating that currently all the water runs to McDonalds
whereas if the underground system is installed, very little would run
down to the McDonald's property.
Mr. Streeter explained that details on the widening of the entrance to
the plaza from the south have not yet bee solidified but he would
like to install some overhead lighting at the entrance also. He stated
that six additional lights would be added to the site, two in front and
three to the rear and one at the entrance. He fin-ther stated that the
rear parking lot would be enlarged. Responding to a question from
Councilmember Krebsbach about lighting, Mr. Streeter stated that
the lights will be designed to shine down rather than away from the
site.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she is concerned about
lighting to the back being seen off -site.
Mr. Paster responded that there will be "eyeshades" on the top of the
lights to intensify the light in a narrow path near the building.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that Council is concerned about the
appearance of the site and that he would like to see some additional
plantings and islands in the parking lot, from east to west, to break
up the expanse of blacktop.
Mr. Paster responded that he will make note of the landscaping
concern and also the concern over lighting.
Councilmember Smith stated that her concerns are over adding
plantings in islands within the parking area and controlling lighting
so that it does not affect residences.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that Paster Enterprises is asking for
$200,000 in TIF assistance. He pointed out that the legislature is
considering TIF legislation which would impact the city, so any
approval on the request would have to be a tentative commitment.
Mr. Paster asked for concept approval subject to statutory authority.
Councilmember Huber stated that he would have a hard time
supporting over 40% of the cost of the project. He stated that the
Page No. 4373
April 18, 1995
center is 25 years old and replacing blacktop is not unreasonable in
that amount of time. He further stated that this is part of the cost of
doing business and that while he would like to see the shopping
center do better he feels a city investment of 40% of the project cost
is too heavy.
Mayor Mertensotto pointed out that the project will cost at least
$400,000 and in order to get some improvements to dress up the
center the city would have to contribute some TIF. He felt the
shopping center has just started to take off and improved access and
surface water drainage system would certainly be an improvement.
Mr. Paster stated that the project will improve the center, which will
increase the property taxes the city will receive.
Councilmember Huber stated that Council just recently considered
and denied a variance for a lighted sign nearby, yet it is considering
added lights at the shopping center.
Mayor Mertensotto pointed that the circumstances are different. He
informed Mr. Paster that Council would have to know that he has
money available on deposit or a letter of credit so that there are
matching funds or more.
Mr. Paster responded that he has had preliminary discussions with
his financing institutions and has received preliminary indication
that he will get a commitment. He stated that he understands he will
have to submit financial instruments before entering into an
agreement with the city.
Councilmember Krebsbach was concerned about how the
improvements would affect the lease rights of the existing tenants. \
Mr. Paster responded that all of the tenants have long term leases
and will not be affected. He further stated that the leases are not
affected by capitol improvements, just maintenance items such as
lawn mowing, plowing, etc. He explained that the proposed project
cost is estimated at $421,500 with a $63,000 contingency, bringing
the total to $484,000. He asked that the city support up to one half
of the cost, not to exceed $200,000. He explained that if the city
deems it appropriate and approves the commitment of not to exceed
$200,000 and the project increases in scope, he will be fully
prepared to proceed with the project.
Page No. 4374
April 18, 1995
Mayor Mertensotto stated that he is concerned that this be a first
class project so that there is substantial physical improvement,
improved access from T.H. 149 and aesthetic improvements.
Councilmember Smith stated that she agrees this is a large level of
city participation but Paster Enterprises has been making
incremental improvements to the property and there is community
support for the shopping center. She stated that she would be
willing to approve of $200,000 in TIF.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated that her only concern was that the
project not have an adverse affect on existing businesses.
There was discussion over a corral area for truck traffic. Mr.
Streeter stated that he would appreciate any help the city can give
him with respect to truck traffic.
Mayor Mertensotto suggested that it could be made a condition of
city participation in the project that there will be no parking of semi
trailers in the parking lot except in specific areas.
Councilmember Koch stated that she has no problem with a
$200,000 TIF investment and that she looks at it as part of a larger
package including senior citizen housing, ballfields, etc. and all of
the improvements already done to the center.
Councilmember Huber stated that he cannot support the request.
There was discussion of potential impact of pending TIF legislation.
Mr. Paster was directed to work with Treasurer Shaughnessy.
Treasurer Shaughnessy was directed to contact the city attorney for a
cost estimate for preparation of agreements (cost to be split 50150
between Mr. Paster and the city).
CABLEVISION Council acknowledged a memo from Administrator Lawell
regarding a proposed Continental Cablevision contract with the
FCC. Discussion was tabled to the next meeting.
AIRPORT ISSUES Council acknowledged and discussed a memo from Administrator
Lawell regarding selection of airport related topics for discussion
amongst Northern Dakota County communities.
Page No. 4375
April 18, 1995
ADJOURN There being no further business to come before the Council,
Councilmember Huber moved that the regular meeting and
continued Board of Review meeting be adjourned.
Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0 TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 12:00 o'clock A.M.
Kathleen M. Swanson
City Clerk
ATTEST:
Charles E. Mertensotto
Mayor