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1994-08-16 Council minutesPage No. 4111 August 16, 1994 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, August 16, 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 and Smith. Councilmembers Krebsbach had notified the Council that they would be out of town. AGENDA ADOPTION Councilmember Smith moved adoption of the revised agenda for the meeting. Councilmember Huber seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Huber moved approval of the minutes of the August 2, 1994 regular meeting with corrections. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 Abstain: 1 Koch CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Huber moved approval of the consent calendar for the meeting, revised to move items 5k, Ivy Keep North final plat, 5n, NDC -4 budget, and part of 51, preliminary assessment roll information on Ivy Keep North, to the regular agenda, along with authorization for execution of any necessary documents contained therein. a. Acknowledgment of the minutes of the August 9, 1994 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. b. Acknowledgment of the Fire Department monthly report for July. c. Approval to issue a purchase order for new play components and modifications to the play equipment area at Wentworth Park to Earl F. Anderson, Inc., for its low quote of $16,999.00. d. Approval of the issuance of a two -day, on -sale 3.2 malt beverage license to St. Peter's Church for September 17 and Page No. 4112 August 16, 1994 18, 1994, in conjunction with its Annual Father Galtier Days, along with waiver of the license fee. e. Adoption of Resolution No. 94 -51, "RESOLUTION APPOINTING 1994 ELECTION JUDGES." f. Authorization to release to Associated Bureaus the escrowed TIF funds in the amount of $50,000 which had been held pending completion of the Associated Bureaus landscape plan and painting of the west wall of the building. g. Acknowledgment of the Public Works Department monthly report for July. h. Acknowledgment of the unapproved minutes of the July 6, 1994 NDC -4 meeting. i. Acknowledgment of the Treasurer's monthly report for July. j. Approval of the issuance of a sign permit to SignArt for a 38.25 square foot sign at the Mendota Plaza for Family Tyme Video. k. Acknowledgment of assessment information and preliminary assessment rolls for the Mendota Heights Business Park 4th Addition (Associated Bureaus), the Pilot Knob Road watermain project, and the Mendota Interchange project (8420 -4C), and London Downing Street rehabilitation. 1. Authorization for the issuance of a building permit to LCS for construction of an addition to its facility located at 1480 Sibley Memorial Highway, subject to staff review and approval of completed construction plans. m. Approval of the list of contractor licenses dated August 16, 1994 and attached hereto. n. Approval of the list of claims dated August 16, 1994 and totaling $236,080.63. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Council directed the City Administrator to notify the Police Chief of the residents' concerns and direct him to have the police department monitor speeds on Mendota Heights Road between Dodd and Delaware and report back to Council. 1994 AUDIT Council acknowledged receipt of the city's 1993 Audit. Mr. Steve Laibel, managing partner from KPMG Peat Marwick, was present for the discussion. Mr. Laibel briefly reviewed the city's financial position and responded to Council questions. Page No. 4113 August 16, 1994 IVY KEEP NORTH Councilmember Huber moved adoption of Resolution No. 94-52, "RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL PLAT FOR IVY KEEP NORTH ADDITION." Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 Abstain: 1 Mertensotto IVY KEEP NORTH Councilmember Huber moved to accept assessment information ASSESSMENTS and the preliminary assessment roll for Ivy Keep North improvements. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 Abstain: 1 Mertensotto, NDC-4 BUDGET Council acknowledged a memo from NDC4/NDC-TV Executive Director Jodie Miller regarding the proposed 1995 NDC-4 budget. Ms. Miller gave Council a brief overview on the proposed budget and an update on the 1994 NDC-4 budget and responded to Council questions. Councilmember Smith moved to direct the City Administrator to notify the NDC-4 that Council has passed upon the proposed 1995 budget without objection. Councilmember Koch seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Casey Hill and Mr. George Spanjers, Jr., residents on Mendota Heights Circle, appeared before Council to express concern over speeding, 45 to 50 miles per hour, on Mendota Heights Road between Delaware and Dodd. They asked Council to direct city staff to look at the possibility of installing stop signs and other speed controls, and possibly including reducing the speed limit. Council directed the City Administrator to notify the Police Chief of the residents' concerns and direct him to have the police department monitor speeds on Mendota Heights Road between Dodd and Delaware and report back to Council. 1994 AUDIT Council acknowledged receipt of the city's 1993 Audit. Mr. Steve Laibel, managing partner from KPMG Peat Marwick, was present for the discussion. Mr. Laibel briefly reviewed the city's financial position and responded to Council questions. Page No. 4114 August 16, 1994 Councilmember Smith moved to acknowledge receipt of the Annual Financial Report for 1993. Councilmember Koch seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 NORTH KENSINGTON PARK Council acknowledged a memo from Administrative Assistant Batchelder regarding concept plans for the North Kensington Park. Ms. Joni Giese, the landscape architect retained by the city to prepare the plans, was present for the discussion. Ms. Giese reviewed concept drawings, including an activities concept, ground design, tree canopy design and elevations. She also gave a brief analysis of the site and its constraints. Ms. Giese reviewed the ultimate concept for the park, including four small gathering areas that would be developed for family picnics and sitting areas. She that the elevation of the picnic areas would be raised to create swales to take ground water from the residential areas around the park to the detention and then to the drainage system. She gave a brief slide presentation on native grasses that are proposed to be used in the park and on the sandstone which will be used for retaining walls. Mayor Mertensotto asked what size trees are proposed to be planted for the tree canopy and how long it will take before they have an affect. Ms. Giese responded that sugar maples grow relatively fast and the size of the trees will depend upon how much money is available in the budget for the project. She further stated that it takes two to three years for native grasses to mature. Councilmember Smith stated that some of the residents at the recent neighborhood meeting were not in favor of putting a shelter in the location that had been proposed but that they were not necessarily opposed to a shelter. Mr. Dan Rostratter, 2483 Stockbridge, stated that he was not at the neighborhood meeting but talked to city staff and his neighbors. He stated that the he understands that those who attended said the shelter was fine but the home owners wanted it moved closer to the townhomes and the townhome residents said it should be moved closer to the single family homes. He felt that no one really felt there is a need for a shelter. Councilmember Smith responded that the park will serve a larger area than the neighborhood and that it was discussed that the shelter Page No. 4115 August 16, 1994 could go on the knoll behind the homes on Stockbridge and would not be visible to them. Mr. Rostratter stated that he would not see it but three other homes would. He further stated that it is not the understanding of the homeowners who attended the meeting that there will be a shelter, because neither group could agree on a location, and that it may be proposed at a future time. Mayor Mertensotto responded that the Park Commission has recommended that the shelter decision be postponed for a year. Mr. Rostratter stated that he is concerned over the path from North Kensington Park to South Kensington Park, since all of the traffic to the parks will be brought through an uncontrolled street (Stockbridge Road). He felt this would be a dangerous situation for children crossing between the parks, and that stop signs should be installed. Mayor Mertensotto responded that perhaps pedestrian crossing marking and signs could be installed and stop signs could be considered at a later time if they are deemed necessary. He stated that staff will inform the Park Commission of Mr. Rostratter's concerns. Councilmember Huber stated that the concern is that if the city installs stop signs where people do not expect them, drivers will roll through them. Children would expect drivers to stop for the signs, and in effect, placing stop signs could create a safety hazard. Administrator Lawell stated that the crossing can be painted on the pavement and signed. He suggested that the issue be put on the Park Commission's long term agenda so that they monitor the situation after the park has been in use for a season. Assistant Batchelder was directed to notify the Commission of the concern over potential traffic problems. Councilmember Smith stated that Council has heard primarily from the surrounding property owners and has tried to accommodate their need to preserve their privacy. She felt that the plan as presented makes a good definition between public and private space. She stated that the park is intended to serve a greater area and for that reason she supports having a shelter in such a location that it will not be directly adjacent to a private property. She felt that people should have some shelter should conditions require it, and that the shelter is Page No. 4116 August 16, 1994 an important addition to the park for the greater surrounding area. She stated that she would prefer not delaying the construction of the shelter, as it would be the only place in the trail system from the north that would provide any shelter. It was noted that the shelter would be small, approximately ten to 15 foot square. Assistant Batchelder responded that the shelter, in a more desirable location, will be included in the concept plans and stated that a decision on the shelter must be made before the project is bid. It was the consensus to approve the concept plan and authorize Ms. Giese to commence work on the final design. Council commended Ms. Giese for her work, and directed Assistant Batchelder to draft a letter of commendation to be directed to her dean. COMMUNITY EDUCATION Council acknowledged a memo from Assistant Batchelder regarding the desire of the School District 197 Community Education Department to lease space in the Metro II building, 1300 Mendota Heights Road, for programs such as extended day care, Early Childhood Family Education and pre - school, which are not permitted or conditional uses in the industrial zoning district. Council also acknowledged letters from Ms. Bev Fritz, Director of Community Education, describing the details of the proposed use. Ms. Lois Rockney, Business Manager for the school district, Ms. Fritz, and Ms. Joanne Chabot, from Metro II, were present for the discussion. Ms. Rockney stated that the district has negotiated a three year lease from Metro II for space for some of the district's community education offices. She explained that some of the uses proposed are non - conforming uses in the industrial district. She informed Council that many Mendota Heights residents have been going to Bidwell Avenue in West St. Paul for the services which will be provided at the Metro II site. She stated that the district requests either a change in the Zoning Ordinance to allow the uses or a non - conforming use permit. Mayor Mertensotto stated that he is concerned over how many people will be on -site at one time and how many parking spaces are available. Ms. Rockney responded that the offices will be occupied all of the time for twelve months. Ms. Fritz informed Council that there will - be approximately six full -time staff members in the office space and Page No. 4117 August 16, 1994 another six to ten teachers who will not all be on the premises all of the time. Assistant Batchelder informed Council that Metro II lost a portion of its parking lot when United Properties bought one of the Metro II lots for Northland Insurance. Metro II has 116 parking spaces and 120 are required by Ordinance. He informed Council that Metro II will be coming before the Planning Commission next month to request a parking space variance. Mayor Mertensotto stated that in the past Council had granted a special non - conforming use permit to a church to use rented space in the industrial park on a temporary basis. He stated that he would prefer this approach over amending the ordinance, but that parking must be worked out. Responding to a question from Councilmember about trips per day, Ms. Fritz stated that she anticipates that fifteen families will participate in the one and one -half to two hour parenting program in the morning and the same number in the afternoon. The extended day program will be for kindergarten children only - children will arrive at the site after morning kindergarten at 12:30 and will be picked up no later than 5:30 p.m. She explained that the facility will have a capacity for forty children. Ms. Chabot stated that she believes Metro II has adequate parking but will be asking for a variance from the Planning Commission so that Metro II can meet all city ordinances. She explained that in the worst case situation the existing parking lot will more than adequately handle Metro II's parking needs and those of the school district. She informed Council that Metro II has 36 employees and trains teachers at the facility - the teachers will arrive before people pick up their children from extended day. After discussion, Councilmember Huber moved to grant a special non - conforming use permit to Independent School District 197 to conduct community education and extended day care programs as requested at the Metro II building in the industrial park for three years with the condition that the permit will be reviewed by Council annually. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 GENERAL PUMP Council acknowledged a letter from General Pump, Inc., regarding its desire to construct a 54,000 square foot office /warehouse facility Page No. 4118 August 16, 1994 on Lots 3 and 4, Block 1, Northland Plaza (south and east of Northland Drive and east of T.H. 55) along with a memo from Treasurer Shaughnessy regarding tax increment financing assistance for correction of soil problems on the site. Mr. Joe Zwack, representing General Pump, stated that his firm's current lease runs out in February, 1995 and the firm hopes to have its new facility completed by that time. He asked Council to authorize staff to work with him to put together a TIF proposal to bring back for Council approval. He informed Council that the purchase agreement for the property is contingent on Council approval of TIF assistance and stated that General Pump would like Council to consider TIF to offset soil correction costs and perhaps noise abatement in the building and extensive landscaping. He explained that office space will be on the east side of the building, facing I -35E, to the south not much of the building will be seen from I -494. He stated that the building will be totally visible from Northland Drive and T.H. 55. Mayor Mertensotto stated that the site is very visible from I -35E and T.H. 55 and the portion of the project that would be most visible is the truck dock area. The project architect reviewed the site plan and building elevations. He stated that the area around the truck dock area will be raised and bermed so that only about half of the building elevation will be seen from T.H. 55. The elevation at Northland at the northwest will be the main entrance. Mr. Zwack stated that he plans to add landscaping and trees to additionally screen the truck docks and it is proposed that the property adjacent to T.H. 55 could be developed into a small office building in the future. Mayor Mertensotto pointed out that the whole parking lot looks at Northland Drive and the office area of the building is facing to the ravine. Mr. Zwack stated that the office area faces I -35E but a major portion of it also faces Northland. He informed Council that the building will be very nicely textured in gray and blue tones and that the firm is trying to leave land between the building and T.H. 55 so that in the future it can build a small office building which would additionally screen the truck dock area from T.H. 55. I ! Page No. 4119 August 16, 1994 Councilmember Smith stated that she has difficulty with the fact that the truck area faces the most prominent corner of the site as far as incoming traffic. She felt that the vegetation would not do much to accomplish what Council has in mind and would do very little to screen the dock area. The architect responded that the site plan is only preliminary and the elevations can change - the elevation is being cut from 910 to 896 and considerable soil will which needs to be moved can be used on the site. He explained that the entire site could be bermed if Council desired but stated that in his opinion the plan proposed will be very attractive from all views. He informed Council that the building will be 360 feet from T.H. 55. Mayor Mertensotto stated that General Pump is requesting TIF funds because the project would not otherwise be economically feasible because of the need for soils correction and site grading. Treasurer Shaughnessy informed Council that there will be no increment on the building as the parcel is not identified in the city's Tax Increment District. Mayor Mertensotto stated that Council has been very judicious in using TIF, making sure that buildings are finished on all four sides and that truck docks are kept away from the visible areas of a site. He informed Mr. Zwack that there is the potential for considerable traffic coming through the area after completion of T.H. 55. He stated that if Council agrees to TIF participation, it will want something in return, which would include upgrading of the building, screening of the truck docks and relocation of the parking lot and truck docks away from the most visible area of the building. Mr. Zwack responded that the topography of the lot does not allow the docks to be in another area. He explained that the building will be screened so that no matter where one is on T.H. 55 he would be looking at an architecturally well treated building rather than the docks. He explained that the six foot change in grade on the docks and the berm and landscaping on the parking lot will keep them from being visible from T.H. 55. Responding to a questions from Councilmember Smith, Mr. Zwack stated that access to a second building (on the adjoining lot) would have to be shared with this site and would come from Northland Drive. He also stated that any building expansion would have to be towards T.H. 55. Page No. 4120 August 16, 1994 Councilmember Smith stated that there are a number of appealing aspects to the project but she has difficulty with the truck docking area facing as it does because of the unknown of what may come in the future on this very visible corner. She stated that Council has found that it is preferable to put a dock area in a place that is far less visible from even a normal street. She asked that the docks be relocated elsewhere, wherever they will not be visible. She also suggested that perhaps a wall could be built to screen the dock area, pointing out that the truck docks can be seen from any angle of the approach to the property. She stated that she does not object to the building, just the orientation. Mr. Zwack responded that he must deal with site constraints and economics and the only way he can make sure the docks cannot be seen from the highway and still maintain economic feasibility is with berming and landscaping. He pointed out that the loading docks are to the northwest side of the building, about 300 feet from T.H. 55 which is lower than the elevation of the dock area. He stated that it may be possible to extend a wall for screening as Councilmember Smith suggested. He stated that he is present this evening to present the concept and to ask for Council's feedback on the proposal and a sense of direction with respect to the request for $200,000 in T.I.F. He asked if Council will consider TIF if he can come up with a plan that satisfies the Council's concerns over visibility of the facility from the highway. Mayor Mertensotto stated that General Pump is located in the city now and Council would like to keep them and see them expand. He stated that if Mr. Zwack can come up with a reoriented building or a different plan, Council will certainly welcome him back. ADJOURN There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilmember Koch moved that the meeting be adjourned. Councilmember Huber seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 10:14 o'clock P.M. athleen M. Swanson City Clerk ATTEST: Charles E. Mertensotto Mayor