Loading...
1994-09-20 Council minutesPage No. 4152 September 20, 1994 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, September 20, 1994 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 CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Krebsbach moved approval of the consent calendar for the meeting, along with authorization for execution of any necessary documents contained therein. a. Acknowledgment of receipt of the unapproved minutes of the August 10, 1994 NDC -4 meeting. b. Acknowledgment of the Public Works Department monthly report for August. Acknowledgment of the Treasurer's monthly report for August. d. Approval to purchase new and replacement turnout gear for the Fire Department from Smeal (DANKO) for its low quote of $3,158.00. e. Approval to continue the employment of Chris Arlandson as a part-time engineering aide on an as- needed basis from October 1, 1994 to December 16, 1994. f. Acknowledgment of a memo regarding installation of a gas conversion plant at the Public Works Garage and direction for the engineering department to prepare a more detailed report including the pay -back period. g. Adoption of Resolution No. 94 -64, "A RESOLUTION SEEKING FUNDING FROM DAKOTA COUNTY FOR Page No. 4153 September 20, 1994 CONTINUATION OF COMMUNITY LANDFILL ABATEMENT PROGRAM." h. Approval of a request from the Convent of the Visitation to reserve the Rogers Lake Park tennis courts from August 29, 1994 to October 21, 1994 from 3:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. i. Approval of the issuance of a cigarette license and off -sale 3.2 non - intoxicating malt beverage license to Twin City Stores, Inc., #573 (formerly Fina). j. Approval, of the list of contractor licenses dated September 20, 1994 and attached hereto. k. Approval of the list of claims dated September 20, 1994 and totaling $815,188.06. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 FIRE STATION FLOOR Council acknowledged a memo from Assistant Fire Chief Neska SEALING regarding bids received for sealing of the apparatus floor at the fire station. Assistant Chief Neska was present and responded to Council questions. Councilmember Koch moved to acknowledge bids for shotblasting and sealing of the fire station apparatus floor and award a purchase order to PSI Concrete Surfacing for its low quote of $8,440.00. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Mayor Mertensotto suggested that the savings between the award price and the budgeted amount for the floor sealing be used for maintenance of the exterior trim on the fire station. Assistant Chief Neska announced the dates of the annual Firemen's Dance and the Fire Department Open House. NORTHLAND PARTNERS Council acknowledged a memo from Treasurer Shaughnessy TIF regarding a request from Northland Partners for tax increment financing assistance to assist in the rehabilitation and sprinkler system installation at their facility located at 2510 Northland Drive. Page No. 4154 September 20, 1994 Mr. Dave Gravelle, from Northland Partners, stated that he is requesting $70,000 in assistance in the cost of installing an automatic sprinkler system estimated to cost $75,000. Mayor Mertensotto stated that staff has recommended several improvements to be made to the exterior of the building, as well as landscaping, berming, drive and paving replacement, signage, etc., at an estimated cost of $125,000 to $130,000. Mr. Gravelle responded that Northland Partners is willing to do the recommended upgrades. Mayor Mertensotto suggested that for concept purposes, the city participate, through tax increment financing, in the cost of sprinkler system installation for life safety purposes on a 50150 basis. The city would reimburse Northland Partners 50% of the $75,000 cost for the automatic sprinkler system after the system is installed. If all of the improvements recommended by city staff are accomplished, the city would then reimburse Northland for its share of the sprinkler system cost. He suggested that, in consideration of the $26,000 in annual tax increment received in the Tax Increment District from the building since 1981, the tax increment fund contribute $65,000 towards the improvements recommended by city staff, for a total cap of $140,000 in tax increment assistance. Attorney Hart stated that he will work with Northland Partners' legal counsel to make sure that all of the costs are approval costs for tax increment financing. Councilmember Krebsbach asked if Council would continue to approve the concept even if Mr. Gravelle cannot do all of the upgrading. She pointed out that Northland Partners would need to have evidence of financing for its part of the improvement. It was the consensus to give concept approval to the tax increment assistance for sprinkler system installation and participation in building and site upgrades within the guidelines suggested by Mayor Mertensotto. HEARING - VICTORY Mayor Mertensotto opened the meeting for the purpose of a public AVENUE VACATION hearing on an application from United Properties for the vacation of a portion of Victory Avenue located on the north side of the Prime Net Data Systems site. Council acknowledged a memo from the Public Works Director informing Council that United Properties no longer needs the right - Page No. 4155 September 20, 1994 of -way for the Prime Net site and that there is some question as to whether Victory Avenue was part of the old MAC plat and whether it would revert back to United Properties if vacated. Mr. Dale Glowa, representing United Properties, informed Council that United Properties withdraws its request for the vacation. Councilmember Krebsbach moved that the hearing be closed. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilmember Koch moved to approve the applicant's request to withdraw the street vacation request. Councilmember Huber seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PRIME NET FINAL PLAT AND Council acknowledged a memo from Public Works Director BUILDING PERMIT Danielson regarding a request from United Properties for approval of the final plat, sign setback variance, 18 foot parking stall "proof of parking" and building permit for Prime Net Data Systems. Mayor Mertensotto stated that Council has given approval for the use of TIF for the project. He pointed out that no request is being made for parking spaces or driveways within the parking lot. He stated that the applicant is asking for proof of parking but is actually stating that the contemplated use needs fourteen fewer spaces than are being provided. He stated that he would have no problem with approving the proof of parking, since there is sufficient space for additional parking as required should the building use change or become more intense. Councilmember Smith stated that Council discussed possibly including additional landscaping to screen the truck dock area where the future expansion will be. Mr. Glowa responded that he will leave as many trees in that area as possible and will buffer the dock area from the nearby residential area. He stated that the building will be all tilt up concrete panels. He informed Council that although the plan showed 18 foot deep parking stalls, they have been changed to be 20 feet deep. Councilmember Huber moved adoption of Resolution No. 94 -65, 'RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL PLAT FOR MENDOTA HEIGHTS BUSINESS PARK 5THADDITION," and approval of variances for a 20 foot front yard sign setback variance and 18 stall proof of parking, since the owner has space for additional parking as Page No. 4156 September 20, 1994 required by ordinance should the use change or become more intense, and authorization for the Code Enforcement Officers to issue a building permit to allow construction of the Prime Net Data Services building. Councilmember Koch seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 GENERAL PUMP Council acknowledged a letter from Lilyholm & Lilyholm, Inc., on behalf of General Pump, requesting tax increment financing assistance for General Pump, along with an associated report from the Public Works Director and Administrative Assistant addressing TIF and building permit review. Mr. Joseph Zwack, legal counsel for General Pump, stated that after the September 6 Council discussion on the matter, the General Pump site plan has been revised to address Council's concerns relative to the visual impact of the building and the site. He explained that the truck dock has been relocated and the service area has been moved in a southeasterly direction so that it is totally screened from T.H. 55. He stated that he believes the revised site plan address all of the stated concerns of Council and that the building will be a first -class facility, and reviewed the site plan for Council and the audience. j' The project architect a reviewed exterior elevations of the building. He informed Council that the service level is at the lowest elevation, facing the freeway, and only the top of the facility will be seen from the freeway. The building will be constructed out of pre -cast architectural concrete panels which have special aggregate, and a special finish which will provide a contrasting band without any painting. The band will wrap all around'the building. Responding to a question from Mayor Mertensotto, Mr. Zwack stated that by turning the building around, it has been possible to pull the parking onto the lot and no variance is needed. He stated that some of the excess soil from the site will be used on the adjacent Lot 4. He stated that Lot 4, also owned by General Pump, will be graded, seeded and landscaped. The General Pump structure will be a 52,000 square foot building with a footprint of 40,000 square feet. Mayor Mertensotto stated that he has spoken to General Pump's Mr. Christopherson today and was told that approximately $238,000 is needed for soil correction to Lots 3 and 4 and that possibly also, because the city asked that the building be reoriented, there will be about $28,000 in additional landscaping costs. He stated that Council had originally discussed an economic development grant, Page No. 4157 September 20, 1994 via TIF, of $200,000, to assist in making the site developable because of soil problems. He stated that to make it possible to build on the site, Council is considering a $200,000 grant for soils correction and $28,000 for added landscaping, but that the financing would not be made available until after General Pump receives a certificate of occupancy for the building. Mr. Zwack responded that this would be an acceptable condition. He informed Council that when the landscaping is installed it will be adequate screening, in a size adequate to totally screen the building. The project landscape architect reviewed the landscaping plan, stating that the trees will be well above the six foot height required by city ordinances. The project engineer, Roy Anderson, stated that he has met with Mn/DOT and had preliminary discussions regarding the pond and will be pursuing the plan with a Mn/DOT drainage application. He informed Council that the pond was designed to adequately detain the water for a future building and parking on the adjacent Lot 4. Councilmember Krebsbach moved to approve the project as submitted and on file and to approve the site plan, drainage and landscaping to be consistent with the plans that have been submitted, and in conjunction with the approval, to give approval to contribute $228,000 in TIF payable upon issuance of the certificate of occupancy, with the understanding that Lot 4 will be graded, and seeded as part of the site preparation and will be landscaped. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 T.H. 55 STUDY Council acknowledged a proposed contract from Dahlgren, Shardlow and Uban for the Highway 55 Land Use Study along with an associated memo from the Administrative Assistant. Mayor Mertensotto informed the audience that it is proposed that the study be done in four phases, that the estimated cost for expenses materials and optional services is $850 and the proposed contract cost has a $12,950 cap. He stated that the contract should be modified so that Council can monitor the phases and authorize each phase prior to the consultant commencing work on each phase. Councilmember Smith stated that under proposed phase two, as the options are being developed they will be submitted to the Planning Commission at regularly scheduled meetings. She stated that this Page No. 4158 September 20, 1994 should not be limited to the Planning Commission but should also involve the Council. Mayor Mertensotto agreed, stating that Council should have input at all of the phases, and although Council is relying on the Planning Commission for review and recommendation, the recommendation for each phase should come to Council before further work is done. Councilmember Krebsbach moved to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the proposed contract for professional planning services for the Highway 55 Land Use Study, including the $12,950 cap, subject to amendment of the contract to stipulate that the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights shall authorize each phase in writing prior to the consultant commencing work. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 MENDOTA BRIDGE OPENING - Council acknowledged a memo from Public Works Director FRONTAGE ROAD NAMES Danielson regarding suggested Mendota Interchange frontage road names. Mayor Mertensotto informed the audience that a grand opening celebration for the Mendota Bridge will be held on October 14 and the bridge will open to traffic the next day. He stated that in conjunction with all of the work which has been done at the east end of the bridge, names must be designated for new frontage roads. Council reviewed the names suggested for frontage road names, and the following names were selected: Perron Road West and Perron Road West, Waters Drive, LeMay Lake Road, and Centre Pointe Curve. There was considerable discussion over the naming of old Trunk Highway 13, and it was the consensus to select the name "Galtier Road" and to direct staff to circulate the proposed frontage road names and report comments to Council. TRAFFIC SIGNAL BIDS Council acknowledged a memo from Public Works Director Danielson regarding bids received for construction of the Dodd Road/Mendota Heights Road traffic signal project. Referring to Mn/DOT contract amendments discussed by Council on September 6, Mayor Mertensotto informed Council that there is some question as to whether the city can get Mn/DOT approval to put the signals in place without an executed contract. He explained that Mn/DOT has informed staff that the contract that was proposed Page No. 4159 September 20, 1994 is a standard contract and it is very difficult to make changes because it must go to the offices of the Attorney General and many others. He explained that Mn/Dot is willing to approve the conditions on signal timing and salvage rights with a memorandum to the agreement which has been drafted by Public Works Director Danielson. Councilmember Huber moved adoption of Resolution No. 94 -66, "RESOLUTION APPROVING AGREEMENT NO. 72616 BETWEEN THE STATE OF MINNESOTA, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND THE CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS," and the memo of understanding between Public Works Director Danielson and Mr. Anthony Winiecki, Mn/DOT Division Signal Design Engineer which will accompany the agreement. Councilmember Koch seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Huber informed staff on complaints he had received regarding the parking of semi trucks in the Chippewa/Miriam and Hiawatha/Chippewa area. Staff was directed to notify the property owners that the activity is in violation of city ordinances. Councilmember Krebsbach expressed concern about traffic on ( Mendota Heights Road and asked whether the city can limit truck traffic on T.H. 110 between Lexington Avenue and T.H. 55 and I- 35E. Public Works Director Danielson responded that T.H. 110 is not within the jurisdiction of the city and stated that the problem has been greatly reduced since I -494 was constructed. Mayor Mertensotto directed Public Works Director Danielson to ask Mn/DOT for a response to the city's letter regarding landscaping along T.H. 110. Councilmember Smith informed Council on a complaint she had received regarding the condition of the former fire station site and also regarding storage occurring at the Fischer's 66 site. Public Works Director Danielson responded that the fire station lot is mostly weeds and may need additional top soil. He stated that he will direct Public Works to add topsoil and seed. He informed Council that the Code Enforcement Officers will look at the Fischer's site and he will report to Council on what types of violations are occurring. Page No. 4160 September 20, 1994 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: 5 Nays: 0 TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:17 o'clock P.M. Kathleen M. Swanson City Clerk ATTEST: Charles E. Mertensotto Mayor LIST OF CONTRACTORS TO BE APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL September 20, 1994 Concrete Contractor License Steenberg- Watrud Construction Excavation Contractor License Bohnsack Hennen Excavating Inc. General Contractors License L. H. Buldoc Co., Inc. McPhillips Bros Roofing New Age Designs Stiglich Construction Inc. Gas Piping Contractor License Heights Mechanical Co., Inc. Suburban Air Conditioning HVAC Contractors License Heights Mechanical Co., Inc.