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1992-09-15 Council minutesPage No. 3410 September 15, 1992 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, September 15, 1992 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 7:30 o'clock P.M. The following members were present: Mayor Mertensotto, Councilmembers Blesener, Cummins, Koch and Smith. AGENDA ADOPTION Councilmember Cummins moved adoption of the revised agenda for the meeting. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Smith moved approval of the minutes of the September 1, 1992 regular meeting. Councilmember Koch seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Cummins moved approval of the consent calendar for the meeting, amended to move items j, contract award for Marie Avenue mill and overlay, and k, approval of equipment certificate sale, to the regular agenda along with authorization for execution of any necessary documents contained therein. a. Acknowledgment of the Treasurer's monthly report for August. b. Acknowledgment of a reminder of the October 6th workshop scheduled for discussion of storm water drainage funding options. c. Approval of the "Role of the Park Commission" document as recommended by the Commission. d. Acknowledgment of the minutes of the September 8th Park and Recreation Commission meeting. Page No. 3411 September 15, 1992 e. Adoption of Resolution No. 92 -61, "A RESOLUTION SEEKING FUNDING FROM DAKOTA COUNTY FOR CONTINUATION OF COMMUNITY LANDFILL ABATEMENT PROGRAM." f. Approval of the sale of the following Code Enforcement and Engineering surplus vehicles to the high bidders: 1987 Chevrolet to Guy Kullander for his high quote of $1,112.00; sale of the 1985 Chevrolet to Blia Xa Lee for his high bid of 4500.00. g. Award of contracts for Kensington Park improvements to the following low bidders: quarry tile to Image Builders for $1,525.00; painting and staining to Image Builders for $2,460.00; stainless steel counter to JTS Services, Inc., for $698.00. h. Adoption of Resolution No. 92 -62, "A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT FOR KENSINGTON PUD 6TH ADDITION." i. Acknowledgement of an update from Public � Works Director Danielson on the Mn /DOT right -of -way issue (downtown area). j. Approval of the list of contractor licenses dated September 15, 1992 and attached hereto. k. Approval of the list of claims dated September 15, 1992 and totalling $324,235.87. Councilmember Koch seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 MARIE AVENUE OVERLAY Council acknowledged a tabulation of bids received for the Marie Avenue overlay between Dodd Road and Delaware Avenue. In the memo, Engineer Eckles had recommended that a portion of Marie Avenue between Dodd and Sutton Lane be included in the project in view of the favorable bids received. Councilmember Cummins moved to award the contract for Marie Avenue overlay improvements j to Bituminous Roadways for its low quote of $37,954.00 and to authorize an increase in the project scope to include the section of Marie Page No. 3412 September 15, 1992 Avenue between Dodd Road and Sutton Lane subject to a maximum additional cost of $10,000. Councilmember Blesener seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 EQUIPMENT CERTIFICATES Treasurer Shaughnessy reviewed bids received for the sale of $250,000 in equipment certificates. After brief discussion, Councilmember Smith moved adoption of Resolution No. 92 -63, "RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID ON $250,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION EQUIPMENT CERTIFICATES OF 1992, PROVIDING FOR THEIR ISSUANCE AND LEVYING A TAX FOR THE PAYMENT THEREOF," awarding the bid to Cronin & Company for its low interest rate of 3.621 %. Councilmember Koch seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Dave Hettlund, field representative for Congressman Ramstad, introduced himself to the Council and audience and informed Council that Congressman Ramstad is interested in learning about issues facing the city, explaining that the city is currently within the legislative district represented by Congressman Ramstad. WMO PLAN Council acknowledged a memo from Public Works Director Danielson regarding the City's proposed WMO Plan prepared by Barr Engineering. Mr. Denny Palmer and Mr. Tim Anderson, from Barr, were present for the discussion. Mr. Palmer explained that Mendota Heights is a member of three watershed management organizations and that a water resource management plan is required by state law He stated that the plan is a road map of development of water resources and is a flexible plan identifying items of importance. He gave Council and the audience a brief overview of the report and asked for questions and comments. Mayor Mertensotto stated that a comprehensive program should be developed for City j Engineering to assist in determining the size - of drain lines. Mr. Anderson responded that Page No. 3413 September 15, 1992 there is a computer program available to the city. After further discussion, action on the matter was tabled to allow Council adequate time to review the plan. NDC-4 FACILITY Council acknowledged a memo from Administrator Lawell and Treasurer Shaughnessy regarding NDC-4 facility needs and the Commission's desire to purchase the former Aircom facility in Inver Grove Heights, along with a letter from Holly Yerrigan, Executive Director of NDC-4, a financial projection summary, financial projection details, a draft building floor plan and a project and organizational history. Representatives of the cable commission were present for the discussion. They included Ron Rogosheske, Mendota Heights citizen representative, Holly Yerrigan, commission Attorneys Mike Sokol and Tom Creighton, and Dale Gilmore, Non-Profit Access chair. Mr. Gilmore gave Council a history of NDC-4, its activities since formation in 1987, its responsibilities and success, and information on programming. He stated that NDC-4 and its affiliated nonprofit public access corporation, NDCC-TV have outgrown current facilities and need additional space. The Commission has developed long range goals, searched for facility sites and engaged an architect to develop ideas. A purchase agreement with Aircom has been signed for the purchase of a facility on Blaine Avenue, near Upper 55th Street East in Inver Grove Heights. He stated that it will be an excellent production facility and will allow cable commission staff and administration to be housed under one roof. Ms. Yerrigan explained that in 1988 the commission established a goal to bring all of the NDC-4 operations under one roof. In 1989 Sibley High School was vandalized and as a result, the NDC-4 studio was relocated to South St. Paul. Subsequently, a building search committee was established, a site search began, and a cash flow study was completed. It was determined that a purchased facility would be more cost effective than renting. The Commission then explored the Page No. 3414 September 15, 1992 potential for tax exempt financing from the City of Inver Grove, and in September, its City Council adopted a bond resolution to authorize the issuance of an industrial revenue bond on September 14th. She informed Council that NDC-4 representatives have appeared before the Inver Grove Heights and South St. Paul City Council's and have received their endorsement for the project. The matter will be discussed with the West St. Paul City Council on September 28th. Attorney Creighton explained the financing and stated that the note can be retired through budgeted proceeds of the commission. He stated that it is important to note the advantage of the NDCC-TV's non-profit status and that there are no ties to the treasuries of the NDC-4 member cities. The NDC-4 representatives responded to several questions from Mayor Mertensotto regarding the legality of the transaction, the use of franchise fees, financing for the facility, and the powers of the Commission. Mayor Mertensotto pointed out that the purchase price of the building, $250,000, and remodeling costs, $180,000, total an expenditure in excess of $400,000, and that the unpaid indebtedness will total $380,000. He stated that there are many buildings available in the member cities which would cost far less to rent than the purchase proposal. He stated that West St. Paul feels that the NDC-4 facility should be located in West St. Paul and that Mayor Bisanz is concerned about the matter. Councilmember Smith, the Council's representative on NDC-4, stated that leasing versus purchase or building a facility has been explored. Attorney Creighton stated that the member cities do not have to formally approve the purchase, that franchise fees are not at stake, nor is the tax base. Councilmember Cummins stated that he has no problem with the purchase of the facility but that perhaps Council should defer action out of courtesy to West St. Paul Mayor Bisanz. Page No. 3415 September 15, 1992 Councilmember Blesener felt that Council is being overly influenced by West St. Paul's mayor and that it seems to be a sound proposal. Councilmember Smith agreed, stating that she does not understand how Mendota Heights would benefit by waiting for a decision from West St. Paul. After discussion, Councilmember Cummins moved to table action to October 6th. Councilmember Blesener seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Ms. Yerrigan asked if Council would indicate its endorsement to the proposal. Councilmember Smith responded that there does not appear to be any objection by the City Council at this time. AIR NOISE UPDATE Council acknowledged a community air noise update memo from Administrator Lawell. Council also acknowledged a letter from Mr. Joe Maeghre, asking that he be placed on the agenda to discuss air noise zones, a copy of a press release to be published in the Sun Newspaper, and a copy of the 1983 "Guidelines for Land Use Compatibility with Aircraft Noise" amendment to the Aviation Chapter of the Metropolitan Council's Metropolitan Development Guide. Mayor Mertensotto reviewed the Administrator's memo and informed Council on discussion held at the September 8th MAC Planning and Environment Committee meeting. Mr. Maeghre distributed a hand-out to the Council, and stated that the southern corridor boundary is an artificial barrier. He asked why Council opposes noise over the southeast area of the city. Mayor Mertensotto responded that biggest air noise problem is repetitive overflights and that a 90 to 150 degree corridor would relieve the problem. Councilmember Smith stated that the P&E Committee is considering alternatives and that the city must formulate a plan so that the committee understands what the city is doing. Page No. 3416 September 15, 1992 Councilmember Blesener agreed that a strategy must be developed, and suggested lobbying the committee so that they understand the magnitude of the problem. It was the consensus that a position paper be prepared outlining the city's position and graphically outlining the problem so that Council can sit down and discuss the issue with the P&E Committee. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Blesener asked that additional information be prepared for the September 29th workshop to address resident concerns. She stated that action to acquire right-of-way south of the shopping center should be conditioned that it will be utilized for trail purposes, exclusively on excess land. She further stated that Council should take action to provide assurance that Dodd Road will not become a four lane road. Mayor Mertensotto stated that he feels that bending T.H. 149 down South Plaza Drive would be an inappropriate design. Councilmember Cummins informed Council that he cannot be present at the joint workshop. ADJOURN There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilmember Cummins moved that the meeting be adjourned to the joint Council/Planning commission Workshop scheduled for 7:30 P.M. on September 29th. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 10:40 o'clock P.M. Z11; V —4cs, M KAthleen M. Swanson City Clerk ATTEST: Charles E. Mertensotto Mayor September 15, 1992 General Contractors License Langer Construction Expert Construction, Inc. A LaPointe Sign, Inc. Pro Lawn Landscaping Plaster /Stucco License Hendrickson Bros. Drywall, Inc.