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1994-05-17 Council minutesPage No. 4028 May 17, 1994 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, May 17, 1994 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 8:00 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 Krebsbach seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Huber moved approval of the minutes of the April 21,1994 joint Council/Planning Commission workshop as amended. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilmember Smith moved approval of the minutes of the May 3,1994 regular meeting as amended. Councilmember Huber seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Abstain: 1 Koch CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Koch moved approval of the consent calendar for the meeting, revised to move item 4d, Kensington Park reservation to the regular agenda, along with authorization for execution of any necessary documents contained therein. a. Acknowledgment of the minutes of the May 10, 1994 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. b. Acknowledgment of the Treasurer's monthly report for April. c. Acknowledgment of the Fire Department monthly report for April. d. Authorization to appropriate a $2,000 contingency from the City Council budget for Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks expenses. Page No. 4029 May 17, 1994 e. Authorization of an expenditure of $5,154.00 for the purchase and installation of a MDV870 mobile data terminal for the police department. f. Acknowledgment of the resignation of Carolyn Dreelan from the Planning Commission, direction to staff to express Council's appreciation for her service, and direction to staff to advertise the vacancy. g. Approval of the list of contractor licenses dated May 17, 1994 and attached hereto. h. Approval of the list of claims dated May 17,1994 and totaling $202,744.66. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PARK RESERVATION Council acknowledged a request from five families for permission to reserve Kensington Park for a graduation party on June 14 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., along with associated staff reports. Mayor Mertensotto stated that since five neighbors are proposing to put together the party, it should be termed a neighborhood party rather than a graduation party. He stated that the police department has expressed concern about graduation parties, which generally result in many uninvited guests, however in this case he has been assured that attendance will be by private invitation. He asked if the residents plan to hire an off -duty police officer, as had been recommended by the Police Chief. Mr. Dick Spicer, one of the parties requesting approval, stated that the party sponsors will do whatever the Police Chief recommends, including the hiring of one or two off -duty police officers. Mayor Mertensotto stated that the party would be restricted to between 6 and 10 p.m. and that no music will be allowed after 9:00 p.m. He further stated that if the request is approved, it would be termed experimental as far as allowing neighborhood groups to hold neighborhood parties. He stated that the off -duty police officers will have the element of control and can order the party to cease, dispersing the group and withdrawing the permit, if there are any problems. Mr. Spicer informed Council that there will be between 100 and 150 people attending the party over the four hour period, which will be Page No. 4030 May 17, 1994 the equivalent of an open house, and that this is fewer people than a Sting game generates at the park. Councilmember Krebsbach moved to authorize the issuance of a permit for a neighborhood party on an experimental basis at Kensington Park on Tuesday, June 14 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the condition that all music come to a halt by 9:00 p.m. and that off duty police officers be hired by the sponsoring parents at Police Chief Delmont's discretion. Councilmember Koch seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilmember Huber asked that the sponsoring parties encourage guests to carpool to minimize parking and reduce the number of cars passing through the neighborhood. Councilmember Smith stated that she concurs with Councilmember Huber's concerns over disruption in the neighborhood around the park and considers the permit to be experimental. BDS BUILDING PERMIT /TIF Mayor Mertensotto gave a brief update on the issue, stating that one of the problems discussed on May 3 was whether identical architectural treatment would be used on all sides of the structure. He stated that Mr. Glowa has informed the City Administrator that using the same treatment increases the building cost by $22,000 and it has also been determined since the last meeting that additional $19,000 is needed for soil corrections. He explained that Mr. Glowa has informed him that the owner of BDS has asked why the same architectural treatment is required since the building back will face the railroad right -of -way and the R.L. Johnson warehouse and will have limited visibility. Mayor Mertensotto asked what material is proposed to be used on the back. Mr. Glowa responded that rock faced block, which is the predominant material used on the entire building's exterior, is proposed for the rear. He explained that the only difference between the rear and the remainder of the building is that the dark accent proposed for the front and sides is split faced block with burnt flash banding. He stated that he proposes to paint a dark band on the rock faced block on the building's rear wall to match the band on the rest of the building. He stated that the proposal before Council on May 3 did not include the painted band. Responding to a question from Mayor Mertensotto, he stated that the need for maintenance of painted block is about the same as color impregnated block - impregnated block must be sealed every 10 years and painted block must be repainted every 10 years. He explained that the appearance of the building will be the same on all four sides, the only difference Page No. 4031 May 17, 1994 being type of block used in the band on the north wall. He informed Council that the backs of all of the buildings in the Mendota Heights Business Park are done the same way as had been proposed for BDS. He informed Council that the owner of BDS has stated that if Council feels strongly that the same material must be used in the band, he will do so. Mr. Glowa pointed out that the building could have been designed with lesser quality materials but BDS wants to do something special with its building, which is why they asked Mr. Glowa to appear before Council this evening. Responding to a question from Councilmember Smith, he stated that there will be two truck docks at the back of the building. Councilmember Smith stated that Council has been consistent in requiring that all four sides of a building be the same, and if there was any other expectation it was incorrect. She stated that the trail which will be constructed in the railroad right -of -way will have visibility and that her preference would very much be to fmish all four sides. Mr. Glowa responded that the rear will have the same architectural treatment as the rest of the building and no one could tell the difference in the band unless they were close to the wall. i Councilmember Smith stated that she thinks people look at every building from many angles and the difference would be quite apparent from other angles. She asked Mr. Glowa what the distance will be between the building and trail Mr. Glowa estimated the distance to be about 115 feet. He also informed Council that he met with the city staff yesterday regarding development of the adjacent property and that the truck dock for that building will face the back of the BDS building. He informed Council that the proposed structure will be designed the same on all four sides. He stated that the BDS project came to him prepared by another architect with a painted cinder block exterior, but that United Properties redesigned it with the upgraded rock faced block. He explained that the building could be redesigned with rock faced block all around, at a significant cost savings, but it was designed as proposed to give the building a special look. Mayor Mertensotto pointed out that all four sides have the same architectural treatment except that the banding on the back would be different. Page No. 4032 May 17, 1994 Councilmember Krebsbach asked Mr. Glowa if he has any verification on the cost of the soils correction and whether this cost is part of your rational for not doing the same banding on the back. Mr. Glowa responded that the soils report he received last week indicates 15 to 20 feet of uncompacted fill on the site, which will cost about $19,000 to correct. He explained that the owner was aware that there may be soil correction costs but did not know the extent of the soil correction. He informed Council that the owner asked him to appear before Council on the additional block material because he said he could have done a precon building but instead chose to do something special by adding the dark material and rounded corners and other details not normally seen in this type of building. Mayor Mertensotto asked if there is any glass in the back of the building. Mr. Glowa responded that there is no glass, as it is a warehouse area of the building. Mayor Mertensotto felt that this is justification for allowing the painted band. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that the structure as proposed is a good looking office space, and the more Council can do to keep the area high quality the more subsequent high quality buildings the city will attract. She pointed out that the common goal is attracting the highest quality buildings and therefore if it is a significant cost factor to have the back the same, she would not want the rest of the building to change, preferring the back as Mr. Glowa proposes. Mayor Mertensotto stated that he appreciates the owner's honesty - he could have said that changing the rear would be a deal breaker but did not, and is just asking for Council's justification for asking him to spend this additional money. He stated that the building will actually have the same architectural treatment all around except not having the same material in the band, but rather painting it to look the same. Councilmember Smith stated that she appreciates the desire to create a very attractive building but is still uncomfortable with the front and sides being different. She stated that in instances where there have been deviations from the policy on all four sides being the Page No. 4033 May 17, 1994 same, Council has insisted on significant commitments from the building owners. Council briefly discussed the possibility of using additional TIF money to support the cost of the soil correction, and requiring the same banding on the rear wall. Mr. Glowa stated that another alternative would be to use rock faced block all around the building, eliminating the split faced rock banding. Councilmember Huber stated that he would rather approve what is proposed than have the rock faced block all around. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she likes the upgraded front and sides and would support approval of the building as proposed as long as it is comparable in the back and is well maintained, with landscaping around the trail. Councilmember Koch stated that she likes how the building has been upgraded and the use of glass and would support the proposal if painting the band on the rear will make it look the same. Councilmember Smith asked Mr. Glowa if he would add landscaping on the back to soften the image. Mr. Glowa responded that there is already quite a bit of landscaping proposed and he would be happy to work with city staff if they have suggested upgrades. He informed Council that the quality of the landscaping plan is the same as has been used in the business park and that he will retain as many trees on the north property line as possible. Councilmember Smith expressed concern over setting a precedent for future projects. With respect to precedent, Mr. Glowa stated that both Solvay buildings have different materials in the truck dock area and three buildings in the business park have painted cinder block on the back. Councilmember Smith stated that if the request is approved, there must be justification so that a precedent is not set. Mr. Glowa stated that the justification is that there is a limited view of the rear of the building and the material used on the back is the Page No. 4034 May 17, 1994 predominant material in the building. He pointed out that in the case of Associated Bureaus, the building was approved with brick on the rear and the brick was eliminated and exchanged with painted cinder block. He stated that there is no cinder block in the remainder of the building and that its rear wall is the most visible side of the building. He stated that the standard for allowing what he requests could be that the alternative material in the rear band is the predominant material used in the remainder of the building exterior. Councilmember Smith stated that Council would have to apply a minimum standard, since there are other properties in the industrial park over which United Properties has no control. Councilmember Koch stated that one big thing to look at is that the rear wall has the same materials as the rest of the building. She stated that BDS has certainly gone beyond the existing standard by using upgraded material and tried to do something more and better. She did not feel that approval would be a departure from policy since the back will be finished with the same materials as the other sides, and only the banding will be different. Councilmember Krebsbach moved adoption of Resolution No. 94- 34A "RESOLUTION APPROVING VARIANCE AND BUILDING PERMIT FOR UNITED PROPERTIES FOR BDS, INC. PROJECT," revised to state "consistent with representations made to the Council at its meeting on May 17, 1994" and to direct staff to prepare the tax increment developers agreement. Councilmember Koch seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 LIQUOR LICENSE HEARING Mayor Mertensotto opened the meeting for the purpose of a public hearing on an application for Club On -Sale Liquor License renewal from Mendakota Country Club. Council acknowledged a report and recommendation from the City Clerk. Mayor Mertensotto asked for questions and comments from the audience. There being no questions or comments, Councilmember Huber moved that the hearing be closed. Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilmember Huber moved to approve the renewal of a Club On- Sale Liquor license for Mendakota Country Club. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Page No. 4035 May 17, 1994 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 LIQUOR LICENSE HEARING Mayor Mertensotto opened the meeting for the purpose of a public hearing on an application for Club On -Sale Liquor License renewal from Somerset Country Club. Council acknowledged a report and recommendation from the City Clerk. Mayor Mertensotto asked for questions and comments from the audience. There being no questions or comments, Councilmember Krebsbach moved that the hearing be closed. Councilmember Koch seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilmember Huber moved to approve the renewal of a Club On- Sale Liquor license for Somerset Country Club. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 LIQUOR LICENSE HEARING Mayor Mertensotto opened the meeting for the purpose of a public hearing on applications from the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel for renewal of its On -Sale and On -Sale Sunday Liquor Licenses. Council acknowledged a report and recommendation from the City Clerk. Mayor Mertensotto asked for questions and comments from the audience. There being no questions or comments, Councilmember Krebsbach moved that the hearing be closed. Councilmember Huber seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilmember Koch moved to approve the renewal of a Limited Service Hotel On -Sale Liquor and Sunday On -Sale Liquor Licenses for the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 DAKOTA ALLIANCE FOR Mr. Bill Payne, the City's representative to the Dakota Alliance for PREVENTION Preservation (DAP), and Ms. Jane Palumbo, DAP Community Health Specialist, were present to update the Council on the activities of the DAP. Ms. Palumbo gave the Council and audience a presentation on the background of DAP and responded to Council questions. Page No. 4036 May 17, 1994 Mr. Payne informed the Council on DAP's goals and projects, the benefits to the city, and informed Council on ways the city can help the organization in its efforts to prevent the illegal use or the abuse of alcohol and other drugs. He asked for Council's support by including information in the city newsletter, providing opportunities for youths to work with adults on city projects; recruiting youths to serve on advisory commissions, and supporting policies restricting underage access to alcohol and tobacco products. Council thanked Ms. Palumbo and Mr. Payne for their presentations and expressed appreciation to Mr. Payne for serving as the city's representative to the DAP. MENDOTA HEIGHTS ROAD Council acknowledged a memo from the Public Works Director TRAFFIC SIGNALS regarding the Dodd/Mendota Heights Road traffic signal. Mr. Glen Van Wormer, from SEH, was present to inform Council on the details of the operation of the signal. He explained that SEH has been retained by the city to prepare the plans and specifications for the traffic signal, and that he anticipates that the plans and specifications for the project will be delivered to Mn/DOT next week. Mr. Van Wormer stated that he is aware that Council had questioned whether the signal will cause additional traffic delays at the intersection, and explained that there will possibly be delays but not enough to force people to take another route. He explained that the signal will be synchronized with the other signals on Dodd Road which are associated with I -494. Councilmember Smith stated that she was concerned because Mendota Heights Road is the primary ingress /egress to the southeast quadrant of the city and that all other routes go through residential areas and are not intended or built for a great deal of traffic. She was concerned that the signal may create a barrier to people who should be using Mendota Heights Road and if all four signals are coordinated there may be a great delay getting onto Dodd from Mendota Heights Road. She stated that many people will likely also want to get onto I -494 and will have to wait for a lengthy time to go west on Mendota Heights Road and then west onto I -494. Mr. Van Wormer responded that it is currently very difficult to get onto Dodd during the morning rush and that he does not know how anyone gets across when the school traffic is in place. He felt that the existing delay will be reduced by the signal and that the hazard will be significantly reduced for those making left turns. He Page No. 4037 May 17, 1994 explained that when the signal is in operation, people will be guaranteed of a gap in traffic . Councilmember Smith asked what time delays Mr. Van Wormer expects in the morning when there is a steady stream of traffic. She asked what the maximum delay will be going west on Mendota Heights Road. Mr. Van Wormer responded that the system will run on about a two minute cycle in the morning. He explained that the system is run by computer and the computer forces the signal to go to the cross streets after certain lengths of time. He stated that while he does not know the exact maximum, he would anticipate about a 90 second maximum to get a green light during peak traffic and probably 55 to 75 seconds off -peak. He explained that the computer automatically changes the cycle length during the time when there is little traffic. Councilmember Smith responded that the lights at I -494 are not visible to those waiting at the Dodd/Mendota Heights Road intersection and they will not know they are waiting for a group of traffic to clear a signal that is two blocks away. Mr. Van Wormer responded that the computer will turn the lights green at the same time - as a group of cars gets from one light to another it will turn green. He explained that there is a certain time in the cycle that allows for the green light to be shown to Mendota Heights Road and the light to Mendota Heights Road would not be red if the platoon of traffic is two blocks away. Councilmember Smith stated that she is very happy that the signal will be installed because of the safety factor but remains concerned about people using different routes to avoid delays. Mr. Van Wormer responded that people could take Huber to Decorah to get to 149 and try to find a gap in traffic or they could come to Mendota Heights Road and be guaranteed of getting a gap. He felt that from his experience they will use Mendota Heights Road because they will be guaranteed that the signal will give them a green light, guaranteeing a gap in traffic. Responding to a question from Mayor Mertensotto, he stated that there will be left arrows from Mendota Heights Road south and also for east bound left turns to go north. Public Works Director Danielson informed Council that there will be walk/don't walk signals in all directions. Page No. 4038 May 17, 1994 Councilmember Krebsbach pointed out that another advantage of the signal is that traffic on Mendota Heights Road going east to St. Thomas or Visitation will also have a break in traffic. Councilmember Huber asked how many cars can get through the intersection in a green light cycle. Mr. Van Wormer responded that everyone waiting at the intersection should get through. He explained that the current south bound traffic from Mendota Heights Road is 233 vehicles maximum and it should not be difficult to accommodate the count. He stated that the only problem would be if a school bus were to hold up traffic. He informed Council that Mn/DOT has a number of computer programs designed to minimize delays and suggested that Council have Mn/DOT watch the intersection to be sure the signal is working properly and make adjustments if needed so that it works efficiently. Responding to a Council question, Public Works Director Danielson stated that the signals are being funded with fiscal year 1995, so the bid letting cannot occur until after July. He informed Council that Mn/DOT is hoping to have the lights operational by Thanksgiving. FINAL PLAT - TUMINELLY'S Council acknowledged a memo from Public Works Director CARMEN COURT Danielson regarding a request from Carmen Tuminelly for approval of the final plat for the Tuminelly's Carmen Court Addition. Mayor Mertensotto asked the status of discussions with Mn/DOT over the frontage road. Mr. Tuminelly responded that Mn/DOT has agreed to constructing an overlay on the frontage road from T.H. 110 to the proposed cul- de -sac in his plat prior to conveying the frontage road to the city. He informed Council that Mn/DOT is also discussing the possibility of improving the T.H. 110 turn lanes. Public Works Director Danielson stated that Mn /DOT representatives are going to investigate the possibility of improving the westbound T.H. 110 turn lane into the area but they are concerned about the deep ditch which runs along the highway. He explained that the turn lane is 20 feet wide now and there is not much ability to widen it because of the ditch. He informed Council that a 2 inch overlay on the frontage road should last 20 to 25 years. Responding to a question from Mayor Mertensotto regarding an existing hydrant located in the new plat, Public Works Director Page No. 4039 May 17, 1994 Danielson stated that the hydrant was originally installed to flush a dead -end manhole, and that while he does not know if it is necessary to retain the hydrant, an there is easement to the hydrant on the plat. Councilmember Krebsbach asked if the cul -de -sac is proposed to be half - circle as shown on the plat. Public Works Director Danielson responded that it will be a full cul -de -sac but only half is shown because the rest of the cul -de -sac area is currently on Mn/DOT right- of -way. Mr. Tuminelly informed Council that he has applied for permits from Mn/DOT. He explained that he cannot install utilities until the cul -de -sac is put in and that he will grade the cul -de -sac now and complete it as soon as he gets the permit from Mn/DOT. Mr. Tuminelly stated that he does not understand developer's agreement requirements regarding submission of plans to the city and inspections by the city, since St. Paul Water is doing the water installation. Public Works Director Danielson responded that the agreement refers to inspection of the cul -de -sac and that the city needs the plans for the cul -de -sac and will inspect its construction. Councilmember Krebsbach moved adoption of Resolution No. 94- 34, "RESOLUTION APPROVING TUMINELLY'S CARMEN COURT FINAL PLAT," subject to execution of the Developer's Agreement by Mr. Tuminelly. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Public Works Director Danielson informed Council that Mr. Tuminelly has requested that the city rename the frontage road from the point where it turns into Crown Point to the Tuminelly plat as Carmen Court. He felt that the city should get the approval of the homeowner on that section of the road before changing the name. Mr. Tuminelly stated that he sees no problem in getting the homeowner's approval. He informed Council that he will be moving into the former Landreville home and would like to have the street name change occur before moving in. Mayor Mertensotto responded that the city can rename the road after its turn-back and that the homeowner's written approval of the name change should be submitted to the city before the turn-back occurs. Page No. 4040 May 17, 1994 Public Works Director Danielson stated that Mn/DOT will allow the city to make the name change now if it chooses. He stated that he will contact the homeowner. Councilmember Huber moved to approve the renaming of that portion of the frontage road lying west of Crown Point Drive as Carmen Court subject to approval by the property owner currently residing on that portion of the frontage road. Councilmember Koch seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Administrator Lawell stated that it has been recommended that Council approve the frontage road turn -back subject to putting in the deceleration lane along T.H. 110. Mayor Mertensotto responded that Council has not yet approved the turn -back, only the renaming of the street. Mr. Tuminelly stated that there is a turn lane existing and what he has been discussing with Mn/DOT is the possibility of widening the lane. MENDOTA HEIGHTS MOTEL Council acknowledged a request from Ms. Toni Bedi, owner of the Mendota Heights Motel, to allow payment of the $7,200 Sewer Availability Charge (SAC) for connection of the motel to the sanitary sewer system in three installments. Council also acknowledged an associated memo from the City Administrator. Ms. Bedi informed Council that she wants to connect to the utilities this summer for environmental reasons and does not want to delay the connection until winter. Administrator Lawell informed Council that because the parcel is included in the Tax Increment District, the city can fund the payment to the MWCC and Ms. Bedi would be responsible for repaying the city in three monthly installments. He explained that Ms. Bedi has not asked for any reduction in the SAC charge, but that MWCC requires payment of the charge at the time sewer and water permits are issued and has shown no willingness to compromise in the timing of the payment. Councilmember Huber moved to approve the request by Ms. Bedi to pay the $7,200 SAC costs associated with hooking up to the city's sanitary sewer system in three equal payments of $2,400 each, payment to be received by July 1, August 1, and September 1, 1994. Councilmember Koch seconded the motion. Page No. 4041 May 17, 1994 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 SENIOR HOUSING Council acknowledged a memo from Administrator Lawell regarding potential senior housing sites. It was noted that on April 19 Council had favored Site 6, located east of the Dakota County State Bank, and Site 5a, located east of Dodd and north of Freeway Road. Councilmember Smith stated that she would support Site 6 as long as it does not restrict future roadway planning. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she favors the Lexington/ 110 site as the third potential site. Councilmember Krebsbach moved to authorize staff to inform the Dakota County HRA that Council's preferred sites for senior housing, in following order of preference, are Site 6, Site 5a, and Site 4. Councilmember Koch seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PURCHASE OF PROPERTY Council acknowledged a memo from Treasurer Shaughnessy FRANSON /PERRON regarding purchase of two parcels of land, owned by the Franson and Perron families, south of Acacia Boulevard, between Pilot Knob Road and Highway 55. Responding to a question from Mayor Mertensotto, Treasurer Shaughnessy stated that the original city appraisal was $0.75 per foot for parcel one and $0.65 for parcel 3. He explained that when the appraisal was done, there were some restrictions on access to Acacia Boulevard from parcel 3, but those restrictions were eliminated when Acacia was reconstructed, and the city offered $0.75 per foot for both parcels. He informed Council that the property owners had an independent appraisal done which valued the property at $1.25 per foot, which is also the price that United Properties received for some of its land in the MAC area. He stated that he has informed the property owners that in the past Council has generally arrived at a price somewhere between the square foot value in the city's appraisal and the independent appraisal, and suggested $1.00 per square foot. The property owners countered the offer with $1.10 per square foot. Mr. Shaughnessy recommended that the property owners be responsible for payment of pending assessments in connection with the Mendota Bridge project and pro -rated payment of this year's real estate taxes. Page No. 4042 May 17, 1994 Mayor Mertensotto stated that the owners should already have paid the first half taxes and that they are responsible for payment of certified and pending assessments. He further stated that if they accept the city's offer, they must provide a abstract continuation to check the title and they must provide a warranty deed to the city. He directed Mr. Shaughnessy to inform the owners that if they accept an offer of $1.00 per square foot, cash would be available ten days after the abstract is brought to date and submitted to the city and title is found to be marketable. Councilmember Koch moved to direct staff to make an offer of $1.00 per square foot to the property owners subject to the conditions recommended by Mayor Mertensotto with respect to abstract, title, deed and assessment payments. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 REGIONAL BLUEPRINT Council acknowledged a memo from Administrator Lawell regarding the draft Metropolitan Council Regional Blueprint, along with information from the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities. Council also acknowledged a draft response prepared by the City Administrator, draft comments from representatives of Burnsville, Cottage Grove, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka and Oakdale, and a copy of a meeting notice from Dakota County. Administrator Lawell informed Council that the closing date for submitting written comments is June 6, which is before the next regular Council meeting. He informed Council that a Dakota County meeting on the issue has been scheduled for May 16 and Metropolitan Council hearings are scheduled for May 19 and 20, and that comments made at those meetings will be made available. He suggested that Council appoint a committee to draft comments for city submission to the Metropolitan Council. After discussion on the draft blueprint, it was the consensus to appoint Councilmembers Huber and Krebsbach and Administrator Lawell as a committee to draft the city's response to the Metropolitan Council. It was the further consensus that copies of the response be submitted to all Council members for review and comment before submission to the Metropolitan Council. JOINT WORKSHOP Council acknowledged a memo from Administrator Lawell regarding potential dates for a joint workshop with the Airport Relations Commission. Page No. 4043 May 17, 1994 Councilmember Smith informed Council that she would be out of town from June 9 through June 21. After discussion, it was the consensus of Council to select June 16 as the recommended workshop date for consideration by the Airport Relations Commission. COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Mertensotto informed Council of the status of the Cohen storm sewer connection matter. He stated that he would like the matter placed on the June 7 agenda, and directed staff to so notify the property owners whose lots would be affected by an easement. Councilmember Smith informed the Council on a resident's concern that a neighbor's house is being built thirty feet from the rear yard setback and the house plan calls for a deck which would be within the setback. She asked staff to research the Zoning Ordinance to determine if decks can be built within setbacks and to further research if there is consistency with the provisions on setbacks in the Wetlands and Critical Area Ordinances. Mayor Mertensotto expressed concern over the increasing deer population and associated problems. Administrator Lawell responded that staff is doing research on the issue of whether past deer hunts have been successful and if they should be continued. Mayor Mertensotto asked about the status of providing a senior citizen activity center. He directed the City Administrator to work with the school district's community education department to see what can be done through the department and also to see what space is available in the Mendota Plaza and at what cost. ADJOURN There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilmember moved that the meeting be adjourned. Councilmember Huber seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 10:53 o'clock P.M. Kathleen M. Swanson City Clerk 11� � — em.4 Charles E. Mertensotto Mayor 0 04-199ffoluffe- on il, M V OWATOW to) May 17, 1994 1 Excavating License Duane Herman Excavating Wenzel Plumbing & Heating Inc. Concrete License Berthrand Masonry Hicks Concrete Construction Inc. L.C. Wahlstrom, Masonry Gas Piping License Kleve Heating HVAC License Kleve Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. Anderson Heating Inc. General Contractors License Able Fence Inc. Sign License Norquist Sign Company