1993-02-02 Council minutesPage No. 3516
February 2, 1993
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, February 2, 1993
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 7:40 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, revised to
move item 5k, temporary liquor license, to the
regular agenda.
Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Krebsbach moved approval of the
minutes of the January 19, 1993 regular
meeting.
Councilmember Huber seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Abstain: 1 Koch
CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Smith moved approval of the
consent calendar for the meeting along with
authorization for execution of any necessary
documents contained therein.
a. Acknowledgment of the minutes of the
January 26th Planning Commission meeting.
b. Acknowledgment of the Code Enforcement
monthly report for January.
c. Acknowledgment of information on the 1993
National League of Cities conference.
d. Approval of a proposal from Barr
Engineering to assist in technical
analysis of the Ivy Falls Creek design
work for an amount not to exceed $6,400.
e. Acknowledgment of bids for a Bobcat for
the Public Works Department and
Page No. 3517
February 2, 1993
authorization for the purchase of a Bobcat
from Tri State Bobcat, Inc. for its low
bid of $23,700.51.
f. Approval of a permit for Allstate
Insurance for the installation of an
internally lit 24 square foot sign at 2515
Northland Drive.
g. Adoption of Resolution No. 93 -06, "A
RESOLUTION APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT FOR GEORGE WATERS AND DOROTHY
WATERS AND GEORGE'S GOLF RANGE, INC."
h. Approval
licenses
attached
i. Approval
February
$221,755
of the list of contractor
dated February 2, 1993 and
hereto.
of the list of claims dated
2, 1993 and totalling
.92.
j. Acknowledgment of information on Planning
Commission action regarding a proposed
minor Comprehensive Plan Amendment with
respect to non -point source pollution.
Councilmember Koch seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
TEMPORARY LIQUOR Council acknowledged and briefly discussed
LICENSE a memo from the City Clerk regarding a request
from the Convent of the Visitation School for
a temporary on -sale liquor license for
February 12th and 13th in conjunction with its
Merrie Market fund raising activity.
Councilmember Koch moved to authorize the
issuance of a temporary on -sale liquor license
to the Convent of the Visitation School for
February 12th and 13th, in conjunction with
its Merrie Market Fund Raiser, subject to the
approval of the Commissioner of Public Safety
and further subject to all of the applicable
conditions imposed by State Statute and city
ordinances.
Councilmember Smith seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Page No. 3518
February 2, 1993
FIRE SAFETY Fire Chief Maczko and Fire Marshall Kaiser
RECOGNITIONS were present to acknowledge significant fire
safety efforts made by several community
businesses in 1992.
Plaques recognizing a commitment to fire
prevention and safety and a violation free
year were awarded to : SOS Market,
Resurrection Cemetery, Riverwood Place,
Esslingers, General Pump, Larry Dennison, Dr.
Tom Koepke, Beth Jacob Synagogue and Circle
Air Freight. Plaques recognizing a timely
response to correction of deficiencies were
awarded to Ecolab, Fotomark, GNB, St. Thomas
Academy, Courtyard by Marriott, and Cray
Research.
VOLUNTEER WEEK Councilmember Krebsbach moved that the week of
March 7th to the 14th be proclaimed Volunteers
of America Week.
Councilmember Huber seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
CASE NO. 92 -25, Mr. Steven Patrick, 2350 Arbor Court, was
PATRICK present to request approval of the division of
Lot 11, Mendota Woods Addition, moving the lot
line 20 feet to the north and adding 20 feet
to Outlot A, a lot width variance for Outlot
A, and a wetlands permit to allow a driveway
extension to within 80 feet of the wetlands
area.
Mr. Patrick explained that Arbor Court was
constructed last summer to serve eleven lots
in the subdivision and that Outlot A had been
platted with the intent that it would be sold
to Centex, but that Centex has since backed
out of the arrangement. He stated that he
would like to turn the outlot into a buildable
residential lot but that the townhome
homeowners' association will not grant access
to Brookfield Lane. He proposed that access
to Lot 11 and Outlot A be by private driveway,
which would require a yard width variance for
Outlot A since it does not front on a public
street. He informed Council that the existing
garage located on Lot 8 (Mr. Patrick's lot) is
served by a driveway from Arbor Court, and
this driveway would be extended to serve the
two lots. An easement would be granted across
Lot 8. He stated that the Planning
Commission's question over emergency vehicle
access to the lot was reviewed by the Fire
Page No. 3519
February 2, 1993
Chief who responded that the Uniform Fire Code
requires a 20 foot minimum unobstructed access
and be capable of supporting 22 tons of
emergency equipment. He explained that at the
narrowest point the driveway is 12 feet wide
and that to widen the drive to 20 feet would
cause the loss of trees. When he explained
the hardship to Chief Maczko, he was informed
that the Fire Code provides for variances if
houses have fire protection systems. He asked
Council to grant him the option for either a
20 foot wide drive or a 15 foot drive if the
buyers of the two lots install fire protection
systems.
Mayor Mertensotto felt that the survey
descriptions were very confusing - that Parcel
A should be called Lot 11. He asked what
hardship exists, since there is no home on Lot
11, and asked why variances should be allowed
for two lots which do not have adequate street
access.
Mr. Patrick responded that Lot 11 does have
street frontage and the issue of driveway
width was not raised at the time of platting.
He stated that the hardship concerns Outlot A.
At the time of platting he had an agreement
with Centex, and now that Centex is not going
to purchase the outlot, he would like to be
able to sell the parcel as a single family
lot.
Mayor Mertensotto asked about the ownership of
Lot 7 and Outlot B. Mr. Patrick responded
that he does not own Lots 1-7 or Outlot B, and
platted the subdivision in partnership with
another developer who owns those parcels.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that the future
buyers of the subject lots have the right to
911 service and the city must provide access.
Mr. Patrick stated that part of the reason for
the requested lot division is to provide a
house pad above the wetlands area, that the
bulk of the proposed new driveway is outside
the 100 feet wetlands setback requirement, and
the wetlands permit is only necessary to
increase the width of the existing driveway,
which is 12 to 14 feet wide at one section and
40 feet wide near the garage. He stated that
it would be a significant change to widen the
first section of the driveway to 20 feet.
Page No. 3520
February 2, 1993
Councilmember Smith asked if the existing
driveway would be upgraded to provide access
if it is approved. Mr. Patrick responded that
it would be designed to meet Uniform Fire Code
standards and that he would prefer that it be
gravel.
Councilmember Krebsbach felt that it would
make sense to cut the driveway into Mendota
Heights Road. Mr. Patrick responded that the
grades are too difficult.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she is
very concerned about the level of the drop off
from the driveway coming into the garage and
the level of drop-off from such a narrow
driveway.
Councilmember Smith stated that she drove the
driveway and agreed that it is steep and if it
is to serve three homes it would be dangerous
because of its narrow width and steepness..
Councilmember Krebsbach asked how the driveway
would be managed considering an average of
eight trips per day per household.
Mr. Patrick responded that once past the
garage it would be very simple to construct
the driveway to a 20 foot width. Responding
to a question from Councilmember Smith
regarding guard rails to protect those
traveling on the driveway Mr. Patrick
responded that there is an existing wooden
guard rail. He further stated that he would
like not to destroy the trees to widen the
first part of the driveway.
Mayor Mertensotto pointed out that the buyers
have a right to emergency services. He asked
if sanitary sewer and water are available.
Mr. Patrick responded that it is available to
his lot and stubbed in to the property line
for Lot 11. Nothing was done for Outlot A,
but it would be simple to connect to sanitary
sewer and water would be connected at
Brookfield.
Public Works Director Danielson informed
Council that the outlot would be served by a
private service to the public sewermain.
Page No. 3521
February 2, 1993
Administrator Lawell informed Council that the
preliminary plat for Mendota Woods shows
driveway access to Lot 11 from Brookfield Lane
and that it is likely that Centex intended to
build a manor home on the Outlot, with access
through Brookfield.
Councilmember Smith stated that she is
satisfied that at the time of platting access
was planned for the two lots and that she
believes there is a hardship, but the question
is how best to achieve access.
Councilmember Krebsbach asked if the city has
any leverage with the homeowners' association
in view of the prior arrangement for the lots.
Administrator Lawell responded that there was
nothing in the plat that would compel the
association to make the access connection and
that he dows not believe the city can compel
the homeowners' association to grant access.
He explained that at the time of platting, Lot
11 was intended for single family use and
Outlots A and B were intended for manor homes.
With respect to the request for the option of
20 foot driveway width/installation of
sprinkler systems in the homes, Mayor
Mertensotto stated he feels it would be better
judgment on the city's part to require proper
access.
Mr. Patrick suggested that it could be
controlled by covenants - whatever provision
is agreed to could be made in a covenant for
the two lots - that they are required to put
in sprinkler systems or widen the drive to 20
feet. He again expressed concern over loss of
trees.
Mayor Mertensotto suggested that the driveway
could be extended to the north without cutting
into the slope and removing trees, and that
the best approach would be to have a 20 foot
wide drive in place before the property is
sold.
Councilmember Huber suggested that the
driveway be widened to just west of the
existing garage, resulting in only one
driveway access for the three lots.
Councilmember Smith stated that she is also
concerned over having two driveways and asked
Page No. 3522
February 2, 1993
if there could be only one entrance at the
street. Mr. Patrick responded that this would
be possible.
Mayor Mertensotto asked how Council could be
certain that the appropriate covenants
providing for a 20 foot wide drive, 33 foot
wide turnaround and 40 foot wide private
driveway easement are filed so that they run
with the lots.
Mr. Patrick responded that an easement over
Lot 8 is being prepared and that it and the
covenants would be filed with the city and the
county.
Mayor Mertensotto suggested that Mr. Patrick
return on February 16th and Council will then
take up the question of easements and whether
they will be handled through deed
restrictions, and change the certificate of
survey
Councilmember Smith
any unobtrusive way
along the roadway,
property owners, so
of the driveway, at
reflectors.
asked if there would be
to protect travellers
visitors as well as
that they don't drive off
least by installing
Councilmember Huber asked if there would have
to be some condition in the resolution as to
what standards the driveway will be
constructed to and maintained to and who will
maintain it.
Mayor Mertensotto responded that
need to be an agreement from Mr.
the driveway will be constructed
wide driving surface, to standari
accommodate 22 tons of emergency
and that there will be a 40 foot
easement.
there would
Patrick that
to a 20 foot
Is which would
equipment,
wide driveway
Attorney Hart suggested that there should be
an agreement from the developer to the city in
recordable form. He pointed out that private
covenants can be amended by agreement of all
property owners involved. The agreement to
the city could include maintenance of the
driveway, and there would need to be a
continuing covenant that would bind the three
property owners.
Page No. 3523
February 2, 1993
It was the consensus that the matter should be
returned on February 16th, that the forty foot
wide easement and turn-around area and
building pads should be shown on the survey,
that the identification of the lots should be
changed on the survey (Parcel A/Parcel B) for
clarification purposes, that the developer
should provide an agreement in recordable form
covering the driveway width, easement and
maintenance, and the driveway construction
standards (22 ton minimum equipment
capability). It was further the consensus
that the driveway should be widened to the
north, which would not intrude into the
wetlands area, with a single access point at
Mendota Heights Road and that the proposed
approval resolution incorporate the conditions
enumerated by the Planning Commission, except
to require the 20 foot driveway width and not
provide the option for sprinkler systems vs.
20 foot driveway width, that it should include
the basis for hardship, and that a park
contribution should be required for the
outlot. Mr. Patrick was also directed to
provide the city with a copy of restrictive
covenants which would bind the future owners
of the three lots to maintenance of the
driveway, and to file a 40 foot wide driveway
easement.
Councilmember Krebsbach moved to continue
discussion on the matter to February 16th.
Councilmember Smith seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
CASE NO. 93-02,
Mr. Bob Hughes, representing Turner's
TURNER'S GYMNASTICS
Gymnastics Center, was present to request
approval of a variance to allow a temporary
100 square foot banner sign proposed to be
placed on the east (freeway) side of the
Turner's building two to three times during
the year. He explained that the hardship is
that the center needs to increase its
membership because much of the charitable
gambling funding it has depended upon in the
past is no longer available. He informed
Council that a recently completed Turner's
marketing survey indicates that the best
method of acquiring new members is through
referrals and the next best method is seeing
the building. The proposed sign would provide
the needed visibility.
Page No. 3524
February 2, 1993
Mayor Mertensotto stated that Council tries to
protect the city's industrial area from sign
proliferation and does not want the city's
freeway areas to be cluttered with signs.
Council has been very judicious on issuing
signs, and requires all industrial buildings
to be finished on all four sides so that a
good appearance is presented along the
freeways. He stated that the zoning ordinance
allows temporary signs of 25 square feet in
size for a duration of 30 days, and the
applicant is asking for a 100 square foot sign
for no longer than 30 days at a time, four
times a year.
Administrator Lawell informed Council that the
sign provisions exempt residential real estate
marketing by signs, and there is a sign on the
freeway side of the Lexington Heights
Apartment. He pointed out that there is no
ordinance exemption which would allow the
Turner's sign.
Mr. Hughes stated that a permanent sign is
planned to be installed in the next couple of
years.
Councilmember Huber stated that if Turners
came to Council requesting a temporary sign to
just announce the building that would be a
different matter. He stated that he would not
be in favor of a sign announcing registrations
for a two week period, as an example, and
would not want people driving along the
freeway trying to write down a number to call
for registration information. He was very
concerned about setting a precedent.
Mayor Mertensotto asked how many participants
are in the programs now. Mr. Hughes responded
that there are currently 450 individuals
registered and that the program could carry
650 to 750 within the current schedule.
Councilmember Krebsbach suggested a one-time
only sign. She asked Mr. Hughes if Turners
would agree to a permit on a one-time basis,
since the sign has already been acquired.
Mr. Hughes responded that the sign would be
needed for three or four weeks at a time, and
that Turners would certainly be willing to
live with a temporary sign three times a year
for two years, when a permanent sign can be
Page No. 3525
February 2, 1993
installed. He stated that a sign will be
needed in August to announce a registration
period.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that he would not
want to set a precedent, and that the city
would not allow the industrial firms along I-
494 to install advertising signs along the
freeway. He suggested that Turners select a
30 day period for the temporary sign. He
informed Mr. Hughes that he could agree to
allowing the sign to the extent of granting a
single 30 day period to allow Turners to use
the sign they have acquired.
Councilmember Huber asked Mr. Hughes what is
envisioned for a permanent sign. Mr. Hughes
responded that he does not know yet, but
probably some type of programmable,
informational sign.
After discussion, Councilmember Huber moved to
approve a variance to allow a temporary sign,
up to 100 square feet in size, for a 30 day
period which must start in August, 1993 or end
in August, 1993 subject to written notice to
the city from Turner's Gymnastics on when it
would like the thirty days to commence.
Councilmember Smith seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
CASE NO. 93-01, BUFFIE Mr. Randy Buffie, architect representing Mr. &
Mrs. Robert Mersky, was present to request
approval of a four foot front yard setback
variance to allow a proposed addition to the
Mersky home located at 1758 Sutton Lane. Mr.
Buffie described the addition and
modifications proposed to be made to the home
and informed Council that a four foot variance
is required to accomplish the proposed design
of the structural entry columns of the
addition. He informed Council that a hardship
exists because the current entry foyer is a 6
by 4 foot area which is very cramped and out
of scale with the rest of the rooms. The
proposed design would open the front of the
existing foyer and make it a two story space.
The coat closet would have to be eliminated
unless a variance is granted.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she
supports the variance, and that based on the
Page No. 3526
February 2, 1993
drawings presented, the scale proposed for the
front entry is necessary.
Councilmember Smith asked what the setback
from the front of the vestibule would be from
the lot line. Mr. Buffie responded that the
vestibule setback would be 30 feet and the
columns would be 26 feet from the property
line.
Councilmember Krebsbach moved to grant a four
foot front yard setback variance to allow a
home addition consistent with the plans
submitted by the applicant.
Councilmember Koch seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
CASE NO. 92-37, Representatives of the Volleyball Institute
VOLLEYBALL INSTITUTE of Minnesota (VIM) were present to request
OF MINNESOTA approval of a conditional use permit for
participative athletics in the industrial
zone. Council acknowledged reports from the
City Planner, Public Works Director,
Administrative Assistant, Fire Marshall and
Code Enforcement Officer, and the following
information from VIM: a letter of intent with
respect to hours of operation, concessions,
facility use, court surfacing, and maximum
participant usage; a response to code and
planning issues, and a copy of its executive
summary (mission statement) expressing
philosophical principles, long range goals and
model.
Mr. Ted Klinger, founder of VIM, stated that
the group's foundation is family and sport.
He paraphrased VIM's mission statement for
Council. HeAnformed Council that the VIM
plans to lease 28,000 square feet of the R.L.
Johnson warehouse, located at 2444 Enterprise
Drive. The lease would be for ten years.
Mayor Mertensotto expressed concern over how
many people can occupy the facility at one
time based on exits and ventilation. He also
asked about the overlapping use within the
remainder of the building and expressed
concern about routing of traffic.
Mr. Klinger explained that exiting is designed
for 571 people, but that the request is for a
200 person occupancy because of parking
availability; ventilation is designed for 200
Page No. 3527
February 2, 1993
people. He stated that the use will be
strictly limited to volleyball. He further
stated that there is sufficient parking for
both portions of the building, and that the
VIM traffic will be at one end of the building
away from truck traffic at the other end of
the building (Bachman's).
Responding to a question from Councilmember
Huber, Mr. Klinger stated that many of the
volleyball participants will be adult,
primarily because there is not a strong youth
program, but that approximately 60% of the VIM
participants will be age 18 and under.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she
understood it to be an adult facility. Mr.
Klinger responded that it has always been
discussed as adult and youth and that VIM has
been trying to develop a facility where people
can enter the building at court level and will
provide a drop-off area at the west end.
Mayor Mertensotto reminded Mr. Klinger that
all state statutes addressing concessions and
the dispensing of food must be met. He asked
whether there will be sufficient bathroom
facilities, and how the applicants would
respond to complaints to the city that the
facilities are inadequate.
Mr. Klinger responded that all code
requirements will be met with respect to food
service and that additional bathroom
facilities will be added if there are
complaints. In response to a question from
Councilmember Krebsbach, he reviewed the hours
of operation, and stated that there will be no
one under age 18 in the facility after 10 p.m.
He informed Council that there will be no
alcohol allowed in the facility - the
governing body of VIM does not permit alcohol.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that the use will be
limited to volleyball activity only and asked
if the applicants would agree to a condition
that the conditional use permit will
automatically terminate if the use ceases for
a 6 month period. Mr. Klinger agreed to the
condition.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she would
like some reference in the approving
resolution to the codes and regulations
Page No. 3528
February 2, 1993
fostered by the Institute regarding hours of
operation, etc. Mayor Mertensotto agreed,
stating that the permit can require that the
activity be consistent with the rules,
regulations and practices of VIM.
Councilmember Krebsbach moved adoption of
Resolution No. 93-07, "A RESOLUTION APPROVING
A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR PARTICIPATIVE
ATHLETICS FOR THE VOLLEYBALL INSTITUTE OF
MINNESOTA," subject to amendments to the
resolution limiting the use to volleyball
activity only, stipulating that the volleyball
activity will be consistent with the rules,
regulations and practices of Volleyball
Institute of Minnesota as amended from time to
time, providing that if the use ceases for a
period of six months the conditional use
permit will automatically terminate.
Councilmember Smith seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
MPRS LITIGATION Council acknowledged a memo from Administrator
Lawell regarding legal representation by
Holmes and Graven for the Minnesota Police
Recruitment System (MPRS) litigation.
Mayor Mertensotto felt that there would be
conflicts if one firm represents both the city
and MPRS, and stated that he would prefer
separate legal counsel. He asked why the
LMCIT will not defend the city.
Administrator Lawell stated that the city is
one of thirty-six members of MPRS and that
each of the cities is represented on the MPRS
board. With respect to the refusal by LMCIT,
he stated that LMCIT will not undertake the
city's defense, or that of the other 31 MPRS
member cities who are insured by LMCIT,
because the activity (MPRS joint powers
agreement) was not scheduled in their
insurance provisions. He informed Council
that an appeal will be made to the LMCIT Board
at its next meeting.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that he feels there
would be too many pitfalls for one counsel.
He stated that he has no objection to
empowering Holmes and Graven to enter an
answer to the court on the complaint, which
must be made by February 20th, so that the
city is not in default.
Page No. 3529
February 2, 1993
Administrator Lawell stated that the intent
was to proceed as far as possible with a joint
defense and then split the defense if it seems
appropriate. City Attorney Hart informed
Council that the city can certainly substitute
counsel at any time.
Mayor Mertensotto expressed concern about the
allocation of defense costs being determined
by the MPRS Board and felt that Council should
have more control. The MPRS has set the test
parameters and if there is a problem with the
test it will go back to the MPRS Board, which
should have its own defense counsel.
Administrator Lawell responded that the Board
has no assets and no identity other than the
36 cities that participate in it 7 all 36 city
Councils signed a joint powers agreement to
form the MPRS, and the intent was to create a
valid, defensible testing tool.
After discussion, Councilmember Krebsbach
moved to retain the firm of Holmes and Graven
on a temporary basis to represent the city to
interpose and answer to the court so that the
city is not in default with the lawsuit, and
to direct staff to submit Council's concerns
over joint representation of the MPRS and the
individual cities to the MPRS Board and ask
that the response be directed to City Attorney
Hart.
Councilmember Koch seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS Council acknowledged memos on the appointment
of Planning Commission and Parks and
Recreation Commission members to fill the
unexpired terms of Councilmembers Krebsbach
and Huber, and the reappointment of members
whose terms have expired. Mayor Mertensotto
informed the audience that Council had
convened earlier in the evening to interview
candidates for the commissions.
Councilmember Krebsbach moved to reappoint
Carolyn Dreelan to a three year term on the
Planning Commission and Vicki Katz and Dick
Spicer to three year terms on the Parks and
Recreation Commission.
Ayes: 5 Councilmember Huber seconded the motion.
Nays: 0
Administrator Lawell responded that the reason
why the city has used the rental approach in
the past is that NSP has only provided a
purchase option for the last few years.
Public Works Director Danielson stated that
the decorative lights in the industrial park
are city-owned and maintained, and that city
ownership has worked well. He explained that
the only way the city could get decorative
lights for the industrial park was to buy
them, and that he has not done an analysis on
cost effectiveness. He further explained that
two of the styles available must be purchased
and are not available for rental.
Councilmember Huber asked who would pay for a
light at the end of Warrior Drive (requested
by the Callahan family) if a light is
purchased, since the light would only benefit
a small number of people.
Mr. Callahan stated that there is a public
right-of-way in the area where the light is
requested.
Page No. 3530
February 2, 1993
Councilmember Smith moved to appoint Dr.
Steven Hunter to the Planning commission to
complete the unexpired term of Councilmember
Krebsbach.
Councilmember Koch seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Councilmember Koch moved to appoint Stan
Linnel to Dr. Hunter's unexpired term on the
Parks and Recreation Commission and to appoint
David Libra to Councilmember Huber's unexpired
term on the Parks and Recreation commission.
Councilmember Smith seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
STREET LIGHTING
Council acknowledged a memo from Public Works
Director Danielson regarding selection of a
street light standard.
Mayor Mertensotto expressed concern that the
energy cost to the city for rented lights is
three times what the cost would be if the city
purchased the lights. He asked whether
ownership and reduced energy costs is a better
option than rental and increased energy costs.
Administrator Lawell responded that the reason
why the city has used the rental approach in
the past is that NSP has only provided a
purchase option for the last few years.
Public Works Director Danielson stated that
the decorative lights in the industrial park
are city-owned and maintained, and that city
ownership has worked well. He explained that
the only way the city could get decorative
lights for the industrial park was to buy
them, and that he has not done an analysis on
cost effectiveness. He further explained that
two of the styles available must be purchased
and are not available for rental.
Councilmember Huber asked who would pay for a
light at the end of Warrior Drive (requested
by the Callahan family) if a light is
purchased, since the light would only benefit
a small number of people.
Mr. Callahan stated that there is a public
right-of-way in the area where the light is
requested.
Page No. 3531
February 2, 1993
Mayor Mertensotto pointed out that a light in
the requested location would be more than a
residential light and would be installed in
conjunction with the existing walkway on
public property.
It was the consensus of Council that they
would have no objection to the installation of
lighting for safety purposes to light the
public walkway at the end of Warrior Drive.
Staff was directed to prepare a report and
recommendation for residential lights, buying
versus leasing, lumen power needs, etc., so
that a standard can be adopted.
COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Huber informed Council on the
Newly Elected Officials Conference that he and
Councilmember Krebsbach had recently attended.
ADJOURN There being no further business to come before
the Council, Councilmember Koch moved that the
meeting be adjourned to closed session at 6:30
P.M. on February 16th for discussion of the
Rottlund litigation.
Councilmember Smith seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 10:52 o'clock P.M.
Aathleen M. Swanson
City Clerk
ATTEST:
Charles E. Mertensotto
Mayor