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1993-08-17 Council minutesPage No. 3724 August 17, 1993. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, August 17, 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 7:30 o'clock P.M. The following members were present: Mayor Mertensotto, Councilmembers Huber, Koch, Krebsbach and Smith. AGENDA ADOPTION Councilmember Krebsbach moved adoption of the agenda for the meeting. Councilmember Huber seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Smith moved approval of the consent calendar for the meeting, revised to move item 4i, Civic Center ballfield dedication, to the regular agenda, along with authorization for execution of any necessary documents contained therein. a. Acknowledgment of the Treasurer's monthly report for July. b. Acknowledgment of the minutes of the August 10th Parks and Recreation Commission meeting and direction to staff to inform the Commission that Council's discussion with respect to the planting of vines and lilac bushes along the fences at Kensington Park was directed towards the screening of the freeway from the park and not to provide a noise barrier. c. Authorization for the retention of Jardine, Logan and O'Brien as the city's defense counsel in the Rottlund/Putnam appeal. d. Acknowledgment of the Fire Department monthly report for July. e. Authorization to advertise for bids for the Mayfield Heights storm water project. Page No. 3725 August 17, 1993 f. Authorization to advertise for bids for the Marie Avenue overlay project. g. Acknowledgment of a reminder of upcoming Council workshops. h. Acknowledgment of the minutes of the July 7 NDC-4 meeting. i. Approval of the list of contractor licenses dated August 17, 1993 and attached hereto. j. Approval of the list of claims dated August 17, 1993 and totalling $124,584.48. Councilmember Koch seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 BALLFIELD DEDICATION Council acknowledged a memo from Administrative Assistant Batchelder regarding the dedication of the civic Center ballfield in honor of Richard "Jake" Grauman and Korean War veterans, along with a letter from Mr. & Mrs. Daniel O'Keefe, copy of the guidelines for dedication of park fields and facilities, and a copy of the March 9th Parks and Recreation Commission minutes relating to field dedication. Mayor Mertensotto stated that his only concern is that the Civic Center field is not a part of the parks system but rather is a part of the civic center site and was built to serve as a field until such time as the land is needed for building expansion, etc. He suggested that a different field be selected for dedication. Councilmember Krebsbach suggested one of the adult softball fields at Mendakota Park. Councilmember Smith responded that if Council only dedicates one of the Mendakota fields that opens the question of whether the other fields will be dedicated in the future. She recommended that the Mendakota Park be the site of the dedication and leave it open as to whether or not one or all of the fields should be dedicated to Mr. Grauman and the Korean War veterans. Page No. 3726 August 17, 1993 Councilmember Krebsbach felt that one field should be named as Grauman field to avoid confusion and also there may be a desire to dedicate the other fields in the future for Vietnam veterans or others. Mayor Mertensotto stated that at least field one should be dedicated. Assistant Batchelder recommended that the field in the northwest corner be dedicated since it is the most visible to those entering and leaving the complex and is the closest field to the concession stand. Councilmember Huber stated that referring to the field as Grauman field when talking to people outside the city would be confusing and that in scheduling, staff should refer to it as field one as clarification for those coming to the fields. Councilmember Smith preferred that all four fields be dedicated. Councilmember Huber responded that there might be other appropriate dedications that might occur and Council would not want to be put into the situation where it would have to take the name off of one field to put someone else's name on. Mayor Mertensotto stated that the problem is that there is a limited number of adult fields and he felt that if the complex were dedicated Council would lose the option for naming the other three fields in the future. He suggested that the northwest field be dedicated since it is the most prominent field. Mr. O'Keefe suggested that perhaps naming the four-field complex as Grauman Fields 1, 2, 3 and 4 would solve the confusion and scheduling problems but stated that otherwise dedicating one field would be fine. Mayor Mertensotto responded that Council will leave the option for the dedication of all four fields as Grauman Fields open. He stated that Council could dedicate the northwest field this evening and if the Parks Commission feels all four fields should be dedicated this can be done in the future. Page No. 3727 August 17, 1993 Assistant Batchelder stated that he will raise the matter at the September Parks Commission meeting. Mayor Mertensotto read the proposed plaque inscription as follows: " GRAUMAN MEMORIAL FIELD; DEDICATED IN HONOR OF ALL KOREAN WAR VETERANS AND SGT. RICHARD E. (JAKE) GRAUMAN CO F 7TH INF REGT 3RD INF DIV MISSING -IN- ACTION HUKSU -RI NO KOREA 3 DEC 1950 A REMEMBERED CITIZEN SOLDIER FROM THE FORGOTTEN WAR KOREA 1950 -53; DONATED BY DANIEL OIKEEFE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF JAKE." He suggested that the date of dedication by the City Council included on the plaque. Councilmember Smith moved that the northwest field at Mendakota Park be dedicated as Grauman Memorial Field with the dedication plaque to read as proposed, including the dedication by Council. Councilmember Koch seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 AIRPORT RELATIONS Mayor Mertensotto described the problems COMMISSION which will face the Airport Relations Commission and its charge. He then introduced Commission members Bill Healy, Ellsworth Stein, Dr. James Olin and Joseph Leuman to the audience. He stated that the first commission meeting will is scheduled for September 8th at 8:00 p.m. and that Council asks that the commission meet on a monthly basis and that members who cannot attend a meeting call in advance. He expressed appreciation to the commission members to volunteer their service on the commission. PARKS CELEBRATION Administrative Assistant Batchelder reviewed his report on the celebration and recognition of volunteers and sponsors. Mayor Mertensotto stated that over forty sponsors contributed in excess of $1,400 to the event and that there were 18 volunteers addition to the Parks and Recreation Commission members, the steering committee and city staff. He further stated that it takes a great deal of work to put together all -day program and the attendance was in excess of 1,000 people. in an Page No. 3728 August 17, 1993 On behalf of the City Council Mayor Mertensotto presented a plaque to representatives of the Volunteer Fire Relief Association and the Ladies Auxiliary for their significant efforts in preparing for the event, running the concession stands and volunteering their labor throughout the day and clean up after the event. PUD AMENDMENT Council acknowledged a proposed draft of an amendment to the Planned Unit Development section of the Zoning ordinance, along with a proposed summary publication of the amendment and copy of the minutes of the associated Joint Council/Planning Commission workshop held on June 3rd. Mayor Mertensotto informed the audience that the Planning Commission has conducted a public hearing on the proposed amendment and that it has been reviewed by city staff and the City Attorney. He stated that the document includes to changes he had recommended, including a revision on page 114, adding the language "unless expressly waived by the Council." He explained that requiring the provision of a landscaped buffer around the perimeter of the entire project area would not be practical for an industrial or commercial project on a large parcel and the proposed language would allow Council to waive the requirement if it were deemed appropriate. Administrator Lawell stated that the amendment is very lengthy and difficult to review and expressed confidence that all of the changes which have been recommended by Council and the Planning Commission have been incorporated into the draft. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that before adoption she would like to see a copy of the proposed amendment without the edits in order to see what the final document will look like. Councilmember Smith agreed. Administrator Lawell responded that removing the revision marks and deleted language is the next step in the process and will be available as the official copy. Mayor Mertensotto asked if any applications for PUD's which would be affected by the Page No. 3729 August 17, 1993 amendment are pending and if the document can be put into final form for adoption at the next Council meeting. Administrator Lawell responded that there is the potential that an application would come in before the next meeting, and if this were to occur it would have to be processed under the existing ordinance. Mayor Mertensotto stated that applicants could be informed that Council has reviewed the proposed amendment which would have been adopted this evening but for the Council's desire to have a clean copy before adoption. Councilmember Krebsbach moved to table the proposed ordinance amendment to September 7th for the sole purpose of having the ordinance in its final form including the incorporation of all existing amendments. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilmember Smith stated that she would also like Council to address Section 13 of the Zoning Ordinance and recommended that similar changes be made to Section 13 to avoid inconsistencies between the two sections and that Section 13 be restricted to the Southeast area of the city. Administrator Lawell responded that the Planning Commission will be directed to review Section 13. There was discussion over confusion about language in the Zoning Ordinance relating to garages, and whether a garage is an accessory structure. Councilmember Smith moved to direct the Planning Commission to review the problem of what an accessory structure is as it relates to garages and also the potential amendments to Section 13 of the Zoning Ordinance to bring it into conformance with the PUD section. Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 BIEL/KENNEDY Council acknowledged a memo from Assistant ASSESSMENT ROLL Engineer Eckles and proposed resolution to adopt the assessment roll for water Page No. 3730 August 17, 1993 improvements to serve the Kennedy and Biel properties on Delaware Avenue. Mayor Mertensotto pointed out that the staff report states that the third lot, which would be able to be served by the watermain extension, is proposed not to be assessed but rather to be charged a hookup charge before it will be allowed to connect to the watermain. He asked why the owner of the property, Mr. Kane, did not join in the project. Public Works Director Danielson stated that at the last minute Mr. Kane backed out. Mayor Mertensotto stated that he would have no objection to adopting and deferring the making of the assessment for the Kane property and certifying the deferment resolution county. He pointed out that if this action is taken, anyone who purchases the property in the future would know that they cannot connect to the watermain without paying the assessment. Public Works Director Danielson responded that Council would have to conduct a public hearing on the Kane assessment. Councilmember Smith moved adoption of Resolution No. 93-44, "RESOLUTION ADOPTING AND CONFIRMING ASSESSMENTS FOR WATER IMPROVEMENTS TO SERVE THE BIEL AND KENNEDY PROPERTIES (IMPROVEMENT NO. 93, PROJECT NO. 2)." Councilmember Huber seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilmember Krebsbach pointed out that only 2/3rds of the cost will be recaptured because the Kane property is not included in the assessment roll. Public Works Director Danielson responded that since the east side of Delaware is in Sunfish Lake and the properties cannot be assessed, the Water Revenue Fund will finance the amount which would otherwise would have been assessed. Councilmember Smith moved to direct staff to call for a public hearing and to notify Mr. Kane of the amount which can be assessed against his property and to further inform him that he can request a deferment of the assessment, which would then be collectible Page No. 3731 August 17, 1993 with accrued interest at such time as he wishes to connect to the water system or when the property is sold. Councilmember Koch seconded the motion. PARK BRIDGES Council acknowledged a memo from Assistant Batchelder and Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander regarding the replacement of pedestrian bridges at Valley and Wentworth Parks. Mayor Mertensotto pointed that the Park Commission's recommended source of funding is the Special Park Fund, and noted that Councilmember Krebsbach has asked whether the bridges should be replaced in 1993 or 1994. Assistant Batchelder stated that the Valley Park bridge, budgeted for replacement in 1993, is in a severe state of disrepair and that staff feels it should be replaced immediately. The bridges in Wentworth Park are also in disrepair but are not as bad as the Valley bridge. Responding to a Council question, Administrator Lawell stated that quotes will be taken for the bridges and that installation will either by hired by day labor or done by city staff. Councilmember Smith stated that she has no objection to the recommended improvements and that her only question is where funding will come from. She stated that she understands there are three possible funding sources, the Special Park Fund, referendum funds or the General Fund. She further stated that she recollects that the Special Park Fund has not been defined for use and that she would like further Council discussion an its use. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she is also concerned over the source of revenue and further that Council would have to approve a transfer from the Special Park Fund to the General Fund to pay for the bridge work. Councilmember Huber asked what type of bridge is proposed for Valley. Public Works Director Danielson responded that it would be similar to the bridge at Somerset Elementary School, the one in Bridgeview Shores, and the one in the middle of the Valley Park trail. Page No. 3732 August 17, 1993 Councilmember Huber responded that he feels the bridges should be flat, perhaps with arched railings. He stated that the curved bridge in Valley is very difficult for biking. Assistant Batchelder stated that they will be flat and did not know if the railings can be arched. Councilmember Huber stated that he is concerned about using the Special Park Fund for funding replacements, and that he believes most of the fund is dedicated for other purposes. Assistant Batchelder stated that the referendum funds are earmarked. Councilmember Smith stated that Council has not established funding for capital replacements in the parks and suggested that Council address the issue. Assistant Batchelder informed Council that the Special Park Fund has two sources of revenue each year, park dedications and interest, and the estimated revenue for 1993 is $28,000 to $30,000. He informed Council that an expenditure of $11,000 for one bridge this year would not bring the fund level below where it was at the beginning of 1993. Mayor Mertensotto stated that the Valley Park bridge is included in the 1993 Special park budget and that the bridge can be financed by the fund. He further stated that before the end of the year Council could transfer the charge from the Special Park Fund to another fund if it is deemed appropriate. There was brief discussion over the design of the bridge. Assistant Batchelder stated that the engineering plans for the bridge have been designed and it will take about six weeks before the bridge replacement can be completed. Mayor Mertensotto stated that Council has been advised of a dangerous situation and cannot take the time to bring the engineering plans before Council for aesthetics but rather that the engineering staff should use its judgment. Page No. 3733 August 17, 1993 Councilmember Smith moved to authorize replacement of the Valley Park Bridge with a 36 by 5 foot flat design bridge with flattened slopes on both ends, at a maximum cost of $11,000 to be financed by the Special Park Fund with the reservation that a transfer of funds may be made before the end of the year when Council discusses the replacement of the Wentworth Park bridges. Councilmember Koch seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Public Works Director Danielson pointed out that the bridge proposed to be replaced in Valley Park is the one closest to the parking lot. Acting City Attorney Evan Coobs suggested that Council direct staff to evaluate the other bridges to make sure that they are not a safety hazard. Councilmember Smith stated that it is Council's intention to revisit the issue of the Wentworth Park bridges when it determines priorities for the funds in the near future. Staff was directed to review the bridges and give Council an update on their status. MISSISSIPPI RIVER Council acknowledged a memo and proposed resolution from the City Administrator with respect to the draft Comprehensive Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA). Councilmember Krebsbach asked if the draft in any way includes riverboat gambling. Administrator Lawell responded that there is no provision in the document that would call out or permit riverboat gambling. Councilmember Smith stated that the intent of the legislation is to create a pedway from Dayton to Hastings. She informed Council that there will be a meeting of the Minnesota River roadway group on August 21st. She stated that she is concerned that efforts of the two groups not be duplicated and that she will attend the meeting. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she will also attend. Page No. 3734 August 17, 1993 Administrator Lawell informed Council that the MNRRA hearing period will close on September 10th and the proposed resolution would provide the city's input prior to the hearing. He suggested that because of the involved nature of the plan and the resolution Council may wish to defer adoption of the resolution to the September 7th meeting. Councilmember Smith stated that she believes the points stated in the resolution are well stated but there is room for expansion. She further stated that she would be willing to work on a committee with the Administrator and another Council member to develop a more comprehensive response. Councilmember Koch volunteered serve on the committee. Further discussion was tabled to September 7th. MASAC Treasurer Shaughnessy gave Council a synopsis of the recent MASAC Operations Committee meeting, particularly as it related to requests for ANOMS information. He responded to Council questions and informed Council of the availability of a monthly Technical Advisor's report. It was the consensus to include the monthly report in future Council agendas. BUROWS FARM Mayor Mertensotto updated Council on the Burows farm matter, stating that it is possible that it will be necessary to go back to the original idea of a non-profit corporation. He stated that Ronald Smith is working on setting up a funding mechanism and that there are many questions which must be answered and many items which need to be given serious thought. He suggested that a task force be set up for brainstorming. Councilmember Krebsbach volunteered to serve on the committee. Mayor Mertensotto stated that he will also participate as much as possible. It was the consensus that the Burows farm issue be placed on the goal setting workshop agenda. Page No. 3735 August 17, 1993 COMMUNITY SURVEY Administrator Lawell updated Council on the status of the Dodd/110 community survey. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Huber updated Council on the status of the NDC-4 selection process for replacing Holly Yerrigan. Councilmember Huber informed Council that the last Mend-Eagan newsletter discussed the possibility of the group combining with the West St. Paul Athletic Association. He suggested that staff contact Mend-Eagan and ask to be brought up to date on the discussions. He pointed out that Mend-Eagan handles many of the athletic programs in the city but the city also has a part-time recreation coordinator, and Council must consider how the combination of the operations of the two groups would impact what the recreation coordinator does. He felt that the city should be kept appraised of the discussions, and needs to know what impact there would be on city fields, etc. Council directed the Administrator to contact the West St. Paul City Manager and the School District to find out what contacts have been made, and also to contact Mend-Eagan. Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she would like to have a discussion on the comprehensive plan as it affects T.H. 55 to be placed on the goal setting workshop agenda. PART 150 Mayor Mertensotto asked if applications for Part 150 funding for noise attenuation are being taken from Furlong residents. Administrator Lawell responded that he continues to receive more optimistic information on funding from MAC to assist in the sound insulation program, and that the 1994 allocation to the city will be an additional $840,000. He stated that the money available should complete the insulation program in 1995, and that staff will be sending letters to all eligible home owners this week to invite them to attend a meeting. At the meeting residents will be asked to indicate their interest in the program. He suggested that people be selected for the program on a random basis. Councilmember Smi allocation raises sound proofing is use. She further decision on sound smaller amount of Page No. 3736 August 17, 1993 th stated that the larger the question of whether the method Council should stated that Council made its proofing based on a much money. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Koch informed Council that she will not be able to attend the goal setting workshop. ADJOURN There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilmember Smith moved that the meeting be adjourned. Councilmember Huber seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:44 o'clock P.M. Ka+-hleen M. Swanson City Clerk ATTEST: Charles E. Mertensotto Mayor