1989-11-21 Council minutesPage No. 2642
November 21, 1989
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, November 21, 1989
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
Anderson, Blesener, Cummins, and Hartmann.
AGENDA ADOPTION
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Hartmann moved adoption of the
revised agenda for the meeting.
Councilmember Blesener seconded the motion.
Councilmember Blesener
minutes of the October
correction.
Councilmember Hartmann
moved approval of the
17th meeting with
seconded the motion.
Councilmember Hartmann moved approval of the
minutes of the November 7th meeting.
Councilmember Anderson seconded the motion.
Councilmember Cummins 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
November 14th Park and Recreation
Commission meeting.
b. Adoption of Resolution No. 89 -124,
"RESOLUTION ACCEPTING WORK AND APPROVING
FINAL PAYMENT FOR IMPROVEMENT NO. 87,
PROJECT NO. 5."
c. Adoption of Resolution NO. 89 -125,
"RESOLUTION ACCEPTING WORK AND APPROVING
FINAL PAYMENT FOR IMPROVEMENT NO. 89,
PROJECT NO. 2."
Page No. 2643
November ?11989
d. Acknowledgement of a memo regarding
purchase of a copier.
e. Approval of the list of contractor
licenses dated November 21, 1989 and
attached hereto.
f. Approval of the list of claims dated
November 21, 1989 and totalling
$345,677.44.
g. Acknowledgement of a letter of
appreciation from Mr. and Mrs. Art Miller
for the City's efforts in raising the
water pressure to their home.
h. Acknowledgment of a letter from the
Regional Transit Board and appointment of
Acting City Administrator Danielson as
the RTB contact person.
Councilmember Hartmann seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
SALE OF CITY ACQUIRED Council acknowledged and discussed a memo
HOME from Engineer Klayton Eckles recommending the
sale of the City acquired home located at
2143 Highway 55 to Tom Doroff for $200.
Engineer Eckles also recommended that Council
rescind the salvage rights to this property.
Mr. Bill Nelson, who had been granted salvage
rights at the November 7th meeting, was
present for the discussion. Mr. Nelson took
exception to a statement in the memo which
indicated that he is unhappy with the idea of
the City selling a home he intended to
salvage. He stated that his concern is that
items that could be salvaged might end up in
a landfill, and that he felt that he had the
right to salvageable items after the last
Council meeting.
Mayor Mertensotto pointed out that Council's
salvage approval was subject to execution of
a memo of understanding.
Mr. Nelson responded that he does not feel it
is fair to him for Council to rescind the
salvage approval. With respect to a comment
in the report that the salvage agreement
could create the potential for unauthorized
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
DUFFY DEVELOPMENT
Page No. 2644
November 21 , 1989
salvage, he informed Council that the comment
is probably related to the fact that he has
notified the Police Department that some
steps and an air conditioner were removed
from one of the homes after it was sold to
the City.
Mayor Mertensotto informed Mr. Nelson that if
there are incorrect statements made in the
report Council apologizes, however the City
must get the maximum potential income from
the properties.
Councilmember Blesener pointed out that
staff's recommendation is to rescind salvage
rights to all of the unsold properties.
Engineer Eckles responded that staff is
concerned about liability issues that may
require more than a staff prepared memo.
City Attorney Hart stated that his firm has
prepared the agreements with respect to the
houses which have been sold and that he and
Engineer Eckles can prepare an agreement
relative to salvaging.
Council directed that staff work out the
details on an agreement for salvaging from
the two remaining City-owned structures.
Mr. Nelson stated that he would like to
decrease his bid because of the items which
have been taken from the structures.
It was the position of Council that the bid
was only $10 per house and a decrease would
not be considered.
Councilmember Cummins moved to amend
Resolution No. 89-123, "RESOLUTION ACCEPTING
BIDS AND AWARDING SALE OF HOMES," to include
the sale of the house at 2143 Highway 55 to
Tom Doroff for his bid of $200, and further,
to rescind Council's action of November 7th
allowing the salvage of 2143 Highway 55.
Councilmember Hartmann seconded the motion.
Council acknowledged a report from Acting
Administrator Danielson regarding a proposed
resolution to approve the preliminary plat
Page No. 2645
November 21, 1989
and PUD for the Lexington Plaza Business
Development.
Mayor Mertensotto pointed out that the
conditions listed in the proposed resolution
do not include a requirement for a covenant
from Mr. Curley with respect to the existing
wall. Mr. Danielson responded that the issue
is proposed to be addressed in the
developer's agreement.
Attorney Hart informed Council that he has
submitted a copy of the proposed agreement to
Mr. Duffy but has not yet received a
response. He stated that he does not
anticipate and difficulty with respect to the
agreement and suggested that Council make the
proposed resolution subject to execution of
an acceptable developer's agreement.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that withoutthe
condition about the covenant in the
resolution he can see the issue getting lost.
He felt there should be some reference
incorporated into the resolution. He also
suggested that there should be area
limitations on the permitted uses.
Further discussion was continued to such time
in the agenda when the applicant is present.
Council acknowledged a report from Engineer
Eckles regarding bids received for
preparation of the state mandated local
watershed plan.
After brief discussion, Councilmember
Blesener moved adoption of Resolution No. 89-
126, "RESOLUTION ACCEPTING PROPOSALS AND
AWARDING PREPARATION OF A LOCAL WATERSHED
PLAN," awarding the contract to the Dakota
County Soil and Water Conservation District
for its low bid of $32,120, which includes
$26,048 of SWCD work and $6,272 of City staff
work.
Councilmember Anderson seconded the motion.
Mayor Mertensotto opened the meeting for the
purpose of a public hearing on an application
from William Strub for the vacation of a
portion of City street right-of-lying
adjacent to Lot 5, Block 3, Somerset No. 2.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
DUFFY DEVELOPMENT
Page No. 2646
November 21, 1989
It was noted that street in front of the
property was originally a cul-de-sac and a
large circle of right-of-way was necessary.
Sutton Lane has been extended and no longer
ends in a cul-de-sac, therefore there is
excess right-of-way.
Mr. Strub, present for the discussion, stated
that he would like to purchase the property
and that the adjoining property owners have
joined him in the petition for vacation.
Mayor Mertensotto asked for questions and
comments from the audience.
There being no questions or comments,
Councilmember Cummins moved that the hearing
be closed at 8:04 P.M.
Councilmember Hartmann seconded the motion.
Mayor Mertensotto pointed out that the
proposed resolution for vacation includes a
requirement that all adjoining property
owners dedicate a ten foot drainage and
utility easement to the City. Mr. Strub
stated that he is in agreement with the
condition.
Councilmember Anderson moved adoption of
Resolution No. 89-127, "RESOLUTION APPROVING
VACATION OF A STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY," subject
to the granting to the City of easements as
described by the City Engineering Department
and completion of a certificate of survey
showing the location of the 10 foot easement
along the east right-of-way line.
Councilmember Blesener seconded the motion.
Mr. John Duffy was present with respect to
his request for approval of the preliminary
plat and PUD for the Lexington Plaza
development.
Mayor Mertensotto informed Mr. Duffy that the
proposed resolution contains ten conditions,
but none specific to the restriction with
respect to a covenant against removal of the
existing wall. He stated that he would like
to see item 1 include language regarding the
Page No. 2647
November 21, 1989
covenant. He also stated that the resolution
does not address limitations on space. He
asked whether such limitations could be the
basis of a percentage of overall square
footage.
Mr. Duffy agreed with a percentage of space
limitation and informed Council that the
furniture store will occupy 7,000 square feet
of the total 25,000 square feet, and that the
furniture store could be expanded to 10,000
square feet. He also informed Council that
the minor auto repair facility will occupy
2,000 square feet and the bank 2,000 square
feet.
Councilmember Blesener suggested that the
furniture store be limited to no more than
50% of the net floor area and all other
limited uses be restricted to no more than
10 %. Mr. Duffy responded that the
convenience store will occupy 3,000 square
feet.
It was Council consensus that the convenience
store be not more than 15% of the net floor
area, the furniture store no more than 50 %,
the minor auto repair, no more than 10% and
the drive -in bank no more than 10% of the net
floor area.
Councilmember Blesener suggested that Mr.
Duffy give staff a list of relative sizes for
each of the uses proposed for the center and
that the list be available to Council at the
next meeting. She also asked staff for
clarification on item 6 of the resolution,
rezoning of the Ethan Allen site.
Acting Administrator Danielson responded that
the City is asking the developers to proceed
with an application to rezone the site to B -2
so that the zoning for the total Curley
property is zoned the same. The developers
would then need to ask the City to grant a
use variance for the Ethan Allen store.
Councilmember Blesener asked whether Council
can amend the resolution if it has overlooked
any conditions which have already been
discussed. She stated that there have been
so many details discussed over the period of
time that the development has been discussed
Page No. 2648
November 21, 1989
that she is concerned something may have been
overlooked.
Attorney Hart responded that it would be
difficult to go back and change the
restrictions of a PUD /CUP once it is
approved. To the extent that Council recalls
any conditions which are not included in the
resolution, those items can be incorporated
into the developers agreement.
Item 8 was revised to delete the language
that all other developer proposals are deemed
suitable uses within the B -2 district, etc.
Item 10 was revised to include final review
by Planner Dahlgren.
Councilmember Cummins moved adoption of
Resolution No. 89 -128, "RESOLUTION APPROVING
A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A PLANNED UNIT
DEVELOPMENT AND PRELIMINARY PLAT TO ALLOW
DUFFY DEVELOPMENT COMPANY TO CONSTRUCT
LEXINGTON PLAZA BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LOCATED
AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LEXINGTON AVENUE
AND TRUNK HIGHWAY 110," subject to the
amendments agreed upon by Council this
evening, and to authorize staff to hire a
surveyor to locate the frontage road, all
costs of which are to be funded by the T.I.F.
and deducted from the $450,000 tax increment
cap on the project.
Councilmember Blesener seconded the motion.
Mr. Duffy stated that he has seen something
far more important than this development; he
has seen the neighborhood get together and
the Council address concerns of the
residents, keeping the interests of the
property owners in mind. He stated that the
democratic process is in place in Mendota
Heights.
Mr. Harry Wise asked that the height of the
wall behind Ethan Allen be addressed. He
stated that there was an agreement over the
wall in 1967 that is being ignored - the
barrier that was built then is going away
now, and he is concerned that what is going
to be installed will be totally inadequate.
Council informed him of its discussions over
the proposed three year moratorium on the
residential lots and a restriction against
BIKE TRAIL PLANS
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
FRIENDLY HILLS PARK
STORM SEWER
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
GARRON SITE
Page No. 2649
November 21 , 1989
early removal of the existing screening has
been included in the resolution.
Council acknowledged and discussed a memo
from Administrative Assistant Batchelder
informing Council with respect to bike trails
and informing Council of the Park and
Recreation Commission's recommendation that
Council authorize preparation of plans and
specifications for eleven segments of trails.
Councilmember Blesener moved to direct staff
to prepare plans and specifications for the
following trail segments: Valley Park, Marie
to Highway 13; Valley Park, Marie to Highway
110; Highway 110, Crown Point to Dodd Road;
Marie Avenue, I-35E to Dodd Road; Marie
Avenue, Dodd to Delaware; Highway 149 R.O.W.,
Dodd Road/Highway 110 to Decorah; Delaware
Avenue, Highway 110 to Huber Drive; Victoria
Avenue, Lexington to Marie;
Wachtler/Wentworth, Emerson to Dodd; Laura
Court, extended to Somerset School trail;
trails in the Rogers Lake, Ivy, Marie,
Wentworth, Victoria Highlands and Friendly
Hills neighborhood parks.
Councilmember Anderson seconded the motion.
Council acknowledged a report from Adminstra-
tive Assistant Batchelder regarding a
recommendation from the Park and Recreation
Commission that the existing drainage
way/ditch to the pond in the Friendly Hills
Park be replaced with a storm sewer pipe.
Councilmember Cummins moved to authorize
staff to prepare plans and specifications for
the Friendly Hills Park storm sewer
improvement.
Councilmember Blesener seconded the motion.
Council acknowledged a memo from Engineer
Eckles recommending that staff be directed to
update the feasibility report for the Garron
Site, located north of Acacia Drive and west
of Highway 55.
Mayor Mertensotto asked whether an
engineering escrow has been submitted.
Treasurer Shaughnessy responded that an
Page No. 2650
November 21, 1989
escrow had been submitted for the original
study and that the update will require very
minimal work, consequently staff has not
asked for additional escrow money.
Councilmember Hartmann moved adoption of
Resolution No. 89 -129, "RESOLUTION ACCEPTING
PETITION AND ORDERING THE PREPARATION OF A
FEASIBILITY REPORT FOR THE GOULD PROPERTY
(GARRON) (IMPROVEMENT NO. 84, PROJECT NO.
2). ”
Councilmember Blesener seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
ZONING RECODIFICATION Council acknowledged a report from the City
Clerk regarding the status of the Zoning
Ordinance recodification and amendment
project.
MEETING SCHEDULE
HUEBNER PROPERTY
Mayor Mertensotto felt that the draft
document should be reviewed separately by the
Planning Commission and Council.
Councilmember Blesener felt that since the
process has taken several years, she would
like to have a joint workshop.
Councilmember Cummins stated that a joint
workshop would be worthwhile, and pointed out
that there has been a 50 to 75% change in the
Planning Commission since the recodification
process first started.
Staff was directed to submit draft copies of
the document to Council after the City
Planner, City Attorney and staff have met and
made any necessary adjustments in the
document.
Council acknowledged a memo from Assistant
Batchelder regarding a closed session
workshop for City Administrator recruitment.
Mayor Mertensotto informed the audience that
this evening's meeting will be adjourned to
7:00 P.M. on November 29th for interview of
applicants for Commission appointment
followed by a 7:30 P.M. closed session for
discussion of City Administrator recruitment.
Council acknowledged a report from Treasurer
Shaughnessy regarding the purchase of the
Hollis Huebner property at 1305 Kendon Lane.
Attorney Hart stated that the City should be
in a position to close on the home in 2 or 3
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
LILYDALE AGREEMENT
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
COPIER PURCHASE
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Page No. 2651
November 21, 1989
weeks. He stated that the Huebners had
indicated they may need to lease property
back for a period of time, but that the lease
back period will be shortened significantly
because they have purchased a home.
Councilmmember Hartmann moved to authorize
execution of a purchase agreement with Mr. &
Mrs. Hollis Huebner subject to a closing date
being specified in the agreement and
confirmation by the Dakota County Health
Department on the condition of the on-site
water and sewer systems.
Councilmember Anderson seconded the motion.
Council acknowledged and discussed a memo
from Treasurer Shaughnessy recommending that
Council authorize a mutual service agreement
to allow staff to provide Gopher State One
Call responses on behalf of the City of
Lilydale.
Public Works Director Danielson informed
Council that the only utility affected is
sewer.
It was the consensus of Council that the
agreement should require that Lilydale
provide a waiver of liability.
Councilmember Blesener moved adoption of
Resolution No. 89-130, "GOPHER STATE ONE CALL
MUTUAL SERVICE AGREEMENT, CITIES OF MENDOTA
HEIGHTS AND LILYDALE," subject to inclusion
of a clause requiring a Lilydale disclaimer
with respect to liability to Mendota Heights.
Councilmember Cummins seconded the motion.
Council acknowledged and briefly discussed a
memo from the City Clerk regarding the
purchase of a copier. Staff was directed to
seek additional quotes and submit a
recommendation at the next Council meeting.
Councilmember Blesener gave Council an update
on negotiations with the school district with
respect to park issues. She also informed
Council that she will be unable to attend the
December 19th regular meeting.
MEETING SCHEDULE
ADJOURNMENT
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Page No. 2652
November 21 , 1989
Acting Administrator Danielson reminded
Council and the audience that the next
regular meeting has been scheduled for
Wednesday, December 6th.
There being no further business to come
before the Council, Councilmember Hartmann
moved that the meeting be adjourned to 7:00
P.M. for a Commission candidate interview
session to be followed at 7:30 P.M. by a
closed session workshop on City Administrator
recruitment.
Councilmember Cummins seconded the motion.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:05 o'clock P.M.
thleen M. Swanson
City Clerk
ATTEST:
Charles E. Mertensotto
Mayor
LIST OF CONTRACTORS TO BE APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL
ON NOVEMBER 21, 1989
Excavating License
Ostertag Cement
Gas Piping License
Paragon Heating & Air Conditioning
General Contractors Licenses
Automatic Garage Door Co.
B.A. John Construction
Northern Classic Homes, Inc.
Professional Painting & Finishing By Dan
S.E. Hanson, Inc.
Thomas McGowan Construction, Inc.