1989-11-07 Council minutesPage No. 2724
November 7, 1989
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, November 7, 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.
The Oath of Office was administered to Councilmember Burt Anderson.
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
Councilmember Blesener moved adoption of
the revised agenda for the meeting.
Councilmember Hartmann seconded the motion.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of the minutes of the October 17th
meeting was tabled to November 21st.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember moved approval of the
consent calendar for the meeting along with
authorization for execution of any
necessary documents contained therein.
a. Acknowledgment of the Treasurer's
monthly report for October.
b. Acknowledgment of the minutes of the
October 24th Planning Commission
meeting.
c. Acknowledgment of the minutes of the
October 24th Park and Recreation
Commission meeting.
d. Acknowledgment of a letter from the St.
Paul Water Department regarding repairs
to the water service connection at 8
Dorset Road (D. Johnson residence).
e. Acknowledgment of the Code Enforcement
monthly report for October.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
PUBLIC COMMENTS
• Acknowledgment of a proposed purchase
agreement for the C.G. Rein Company
property.
g. Adoption of Resolution No. 89-120,
"RESOLUTION ACCEPTING PETITION AND
ORDERING PREPARATION OF FEASIBILITY
REPORT FOR MENDOTA WOODS SUBDIVISION."
h. Approval of the list of contractor
licenses dated November 7, 1989 and
attached hereto.
i. Approval of the list of claims dated
November 7, 1989 and totalling
$295,396.85.
Councilmember Cummins seconded the motion.
Mr. Dan Johnson, 8 Dorset Road, informed
Council that the solution suggested by the
St. Paul Water Utility with respect to
charges for service connection repair at
his home is not acceptable. He indicated
that his primary objection to the charge is
that he had no bargaining power at all and
was never given an opportunity to contract
with outside sources for the repairs. He
estimated that his cost would have been
$200 if he had contracted the repair as
opposed to the $850 charged by the water
utility.
Council discussed the issue with Mr.
Johnson, who expressed his appreciation for
the City's efforts on his behalf. He
stated that he had hoped the City would be
more successful in dealing with the water
utility than he has been and informed
Council that since the City has no
recourse, he will pursue the matter with
St. Paul Water.
CUB SCOUT RECOGNITION Mayor Mertensotto informed the audience of
volunteer work done by the members of Den
5 of the Cub Scouts of Mendota and Mendota
Heights in cleaning debris and trash from
the Wentworth and Rogers Lake Park. Mayor
Mertensotto recognized and expressed
appreciation for the efforts of Cub Scouts
Lyle Berg, Donovan Dinger, Gregory Gestner,
Beau Heidelberg, Shawn Kelly, Robin Johnson
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
CASE NO. 89-39,
VISITATION SIGN
and Brian Sunberg, and Scoutmaster Frank
Heidelberg.
Councilmember Cummins moved to commend Den
5 of the Cub Scouts of Mendota and Mendota
Heights for their volunteer work and their
time and effort in maintaining and
improving City parks.
Councilmember Blesener seconded the motion.
Mr. John Dietrich, from Damon Farber
Associates, was present to represent
Visitation Convent in its request for a 10
square foot sign size variance. Mr.
Dietrich informed Council that Visitation
is requesting approval of a 22 square foot
sign proposed to be located at the
northeast quadrant of Mendota Heights Road
and Visitation Drive. He further informed
Council that the original fence height
variance has been deleted from the
application, but that Visitation is
requesting approval of 7'6" tall sign
piers.
Responding to a question from Councilmember
Blesener, Mr. Dietrich stated that the
proposed sign location is north and east of
the present sign and that the applicant
proposes to fill the corner area (at the
intersection of Dodd and Visitation Drive)
approximately 4 feet.
Mayo Mertensotto expressed concern that as
cars are approaching the stop while
travelling Visitation Drive to Mendota
Heights Road there may be a blind spot
looking to the left. Councilmember
Blesener asked whether the sign would not
be just as visible if moved further to the
north and east.
Councilmember Hartmann was concerned that
the proposed filling might cause drainage
problems.
With respect to the proposed filling, Mr.
Dietrich was advised to gain approval of
the City's Engineering Department as a
precaution. He was informed that if the
filling is done without City engineering
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
CASE NO. 89-41,
LEXINGTON HEIGHTS
ASSOCIATION
involvement the applicant runs the risk of
being notified to remove it.
Councilmember Blesener stated that she
would prefer to see the sign pulled back
about 20 feet from the property line to
create a better line of vision.
Mr. Dietrich expressed concern over sign
visibility if it were to be moved further
north.
Councilmember Anderson informed Council
thatC many of Council's concerns were
addressed by the Planning Commission, and
that as a Commission member at that time,
he personally made a visit to the site. He
observed that if everyone stopped at the
stop sign before pulling up to the
intersection there would be stacking room
for 5 to 6 cars. He stated that he tends
to agree with the applicant that if the
sign were moved it would not be of any use
and would not be visible.
Councilmember Cummins moved to grant a 10
square foot variance to the sign size
requirement to allow Visitation Convent to
construct a 22 square foot sign with 7 foot
6 inch posts, at the location shown in the
drawing presented this evening.
Councilmember Hartmann seconded the motion.
Ms. Virginia Faulkner, Lexington Heights
Apartments Property Manager, was present to
request approval of a variance to allow
construction of a 63 square foot
identification sign on the Lexington
Heights Apartment complex property. Ms.
Faulkner reviewed the request for Council,
explaining that the proposed sign would be
permanent, the lettering would be six
inches tall, and the sign would be
internally lighted. She informed Council
that two existing temporary signs will be
removed and that the sign would be placed
ten feet from the street right-of-way and
be perpendicular to Lexington Avenue.
Acting Administrator Danielson confirmed
that the sign is proposed to be located ten
feet from the right-of-way as is required
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
CASE NO. 89-37,
J.A. DEVELOPMENT
by ordinance. He further stated that there
will be no site grading required.
Responding to a question from Councilmember
Anderson, Ms. Faulkner stated that there
are three entrances to the complex and that
the sign will be at the main entrance.
Mayor Mertensotto pointed out that Planner
Dahlgren suggested that approval of the
application be conditioned upon the
applicant's agreement that there will be no
additional signage in the future.
Ms. Faulkner agreed, stating that the
applicant has no intention to install
additional signs except for a directional
type of sign at the entrance to the rental
office.
Councilmember Blesener moved approval of a
57 square foot variance from the 6 foot
sign size requirement for construction of a
63 square foot sign in the requested
location with the condition that the
approved sign would be the only signage on
the site except for a small interior
directional sign.
Councilmember Hartmann seconded the motion.
Mr. John Mathern was present to request
approval of the subdivision of three
townhouse lots in the Victoria Townhomes
Addition into two lots. Mr. Mathern
informed Council that the current request
is not for the combination of the lots
which already have existing basements.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that Victoria
Townhomes is a planned unit development and
that he would like to see the developer to
make a commitment that he will develop the
property in accordance with the original
PUD.
Mr. Mathern responded that his firm has
been working with City staff and the
existing townhome owners and that the
developers are committed to development as
originally approved. He stated that his
firm will work within the existing design
and colors, and informed Council that the
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
CASE NO. 89-38,
BRUBER
townhome owners have agreed in writing that
J.A. Development can, in certain
circumstances, reduce the density from two
to three townhomes per block. Mr. Mathern
also stated that his firm would have no
objection to giving the City a written
commitment to developing according to the
original PUD plan. He informed Council
that he make application and follow the
same procedure as in this case if the
desire for combining three lots into two
arises again. Mr. Mathern stated that his
firm will also abide by the existing
landscape, utility and street plans.
Councilmember Hartmann moved adoption of
Resolution No. 89-121, "RESOLUTION
APPROVING THE LOT DIVISION OF LOTS 1, 2 AND
3, BLOCK 4, VICTORIA TOWNHOMES,"
conditioned upon the developers agreeing to
undertake the original developers
agreement, including materials similar to
the existing structures so that the project
will be identifiable as one development.
Councilmember Cummins seconded the motion.
Mr. Bill Devlin, from Harvey Homes, was
present to request approval of a wetlands
permit to allow grading (excavation of
fill) within 100 feet of the wetlands area
on Lot 12, Block 1, The Ponds of Mendota
Heights. The grading as proposed would
allow construction of a walkout home on the
lot.
Mayor Mertensotto pointed out that the
request had received the unanimous
recommendation of the Planning Commission
subject to four conditions on the extent of
grading and erosion control.
Mr. Devlin informed Council that the
original erosion control is still in place
and in tact. He agreed that if it is
determined that the existing control is not
adequate he will correct it.
Councilmember Blesener stated that the
question before Council is that the
applicant is trying to put a walkout house
onto a flat lot, so the lot must be cut
back towards the house. She asked whether
a mining permit will be necessary.
Mr. Devlin stated that he feels the
application is really for mining and that
only 400 cubic yards can be removed without
a permit, although he did not know the
amount of fill which must be removed.
Acting Administrator Danielson stated that
the applicant is here because the wetlands
ordinance requires a permit for excavation
in excess of 100 yards. He stated that
staff did not anticipate at the time of
application that the excavation would
exceed 400 cubic yards.
Councilmember Blesener asked how many feet
above high water level the proposed
basement floor will be. She expressed
concern that the grading might create a
"pool" on the lot.
Acting Administrator Danielson responded
that if grading is done according to the
plan, water will drain out. Mr. Devlin
stated that the high water level is 926 and
that the basement level is 936. He stated
that he is trying to get drainage off of
the basement level and the lot will
actually be draining from the 936 level to
932.
Councilmember Anderson stated that he
believes that Planner Dahlgren found that
the original plan had a drop of 1:1, which
is why the Planning Commission
recommendation for approval was contingent
on a slope of 3:1.
Councilmember Cummins moved approval of a
wetlands permit as requested with the
following conditions: that the grading not
occur below the 932 elevation; that the
maximum slope allowed on the site be 3:1;
that erosion control measures be installed
before grading occurs; and that the erosion
control measures be maintained in place
until turf is established.
Councilmember Anderson seconded the motion.
FRIENDLY HILLS TOT LOT Park Commission Chairperson John Huber was
present to review Commission
recommendations with respect to the
Friendly Hills Tot Lot. He reviewed a
letter from Attorney Sherman Winthrop
written in 1983 and read the declaration of
covenants. Mr. Huber stated that the 1989
referendum provides for improvements to all
of the neighborhood parks, however, no
money was provided for the tot lot, nor was
any intended to be provided. He informed
Council that an old swing set and one other
play apparatus exist on the tot lot and
both appear to be in poor repair. It was
the unanimous recommendation of the
Commission to recommend disposing of the
property and using the funds from the sale
to improve the Friendly Hills Park. The
Commission has a history of not wanting to
maintain tot lots, and the play structure
in the Friendly Hills park will be very
near where the tot lot is located.
Mr. Huber informed Council that the Park
Commission feels the most appropriate
method of disposing of the property would
be to option 3 recommended by Mr. Winthrop,
to initiate proceedings to clear title to
the lots.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that there are two
issues: dilapidated play equipment which
could be dangerous and presents a potential
liability, and that the tot lot area is
four residential lots. He stated that tot
lots do not fit into the park maintenance
scheme, and in this particular case, there
is a tot lot within 300 to 400 feet of a
major park where the tot facilities could
be duplicated and put to a wider use. He
informed Council that the problem is that
the City has title to four lots but there
are restrictive covenants stating that they
must be used for a public use for a 25 year
period unless 65% of the homeowners
petition to vacate. He suggested that the
play equipment be removed immediately, that
action to clear title be started, and that
if sold, the sales revenue from the lots be
dedicated to create a special tot lot area
within the Friendly Hills park. He
recommended that Council hold a public
hearing, with two week mailed notice to
Friendly Hills Rearrangement homeowners and
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
DUFFY DEVELOPMENT
double publication. If the response is
favorable, Council could commence action to
clear title.
Councilmember Cummins expressed his total
support for the immediate removal of the
play equipment.
Councilmember Blesener suggested that
Council should have some general idea of
what the proceeds might be and what the
money could be used for. She suggested
that the Park Commission be asked to give a
recommendation for use of the proceeds.
Councilmember Blesener moved to direct
staff to remove the Friendly Hills Tot Lot
play apparatus as soon as is reasonably
possible.
Councilmember Hartmann seconded the motion.
Councilmember Hartmann moved to schedule a
public hearing for January 16th with
respect to the possible elimination of the
Friendly Hills Tot Lot along with direction
to staff to publish notice of the hearing
in two successive issues of the legal
newspaper two weeks prior to the hearing
and to mail notice of the hearing to
Friendly Hills Rearrangement homeowners.
Councilmember Anderson seconded the motion.
Mr. John Duffy was present to discuss the
proposed developers agreement for the
Lexington Square shopping center.
Mr. Duffy read four issues contained in a
letter from City Attorney Tom Hart
regarding minimum assessed value, insurance
against major loss, public improvement
costs and a letter of credit.
In response to a question from Mayor
Mertensotto, Mr. Duffy stated that he does
not have a mortgage commitment at this
time.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that the mortgagee
must subrogate its interests to the City in
the event of fire loss - the City must be a
named insured. He also stated that one
point that is unclear in the agreement is
the existing evergreen trees and wall. He
stated that it was his understanding that
Mr. Curley would place recorded covenants
against each of the lots to stipulate that
the wall and screening would not be removed
for a three year period after the berm is
in place. He informed Mr. Duffy that such
a provision must be made in the agreement.
Attorney Tom Hart informed Council that the
three year provision is not in the
developers agreement, but rather that the
berm and screen must be maintained in its
then current condition during the period of
construction. He informed Council that the
provision recommended by Mayor Mertensotto
can be inserted into the agreement and
stated that the owner of the property
should be consulted as a party to the
agreement.
Mayor Mertensotto pointed out that the lots
cannot be sold or built on for three years,
and that Mr. Curley has indicated he would
agree to the condition.
Mr. Duffy responded that Mr. Curley is
aware that all of the work must be
completed and then he will have to replat
the lots. He stated that it will be a
considerable time before the lots could be
built on, he does not know that Mr. Curley
has agreed to a three year moratorium.
Councilmember Cummins stated that Mr.
Curley may not have understood that he
could not build or sell the lots for three
years and that Council should have his
agreement to the condition.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that he feels Mr.
Curley must make the concession not to
remove the wall and existing screen until
the berm and trees are established. He
felt that this is a concession Mr. Curley
must make in order to provide the existing
residents some protection.
Attorney Hart informed Council that
subparagraph 3 of page 8 of the agreement
can be amended to insert the language
stating that the developer agrees to retain
and maintain the existing screening wall
BRASLAU CONTRACT
and trees for a period of three years from
and after the certificate of completion.
Mayor Mertensotto indicated that he would
have no problem in approving the agreement
with those conditions. He also informed
Mr. Duffy that the City officials will not
execute the agreement until it has been
signed by all other parties.
Mr. Hart pointed out that the assessment
(valuation) agreement must also be approved
by the Dakota County Assessor.
Mayor Mertensotto suggested that Council
could this evening pass a motion
conditionally approving the agreement
subject to all required signatures being
given as required and with the conditions
stated this evening. He pointed out that
the City officials would not execute the
agreement until all modifications to it
have been made.
Mr. Duffy stated that Council has not taken
any action on preliminary plat approval as
yet. Councilmember Blesener pointed out
that the preliminary plat must be brought
before Council as a separate request.
Acting Administrator Danielson informed
Council that there are a number of
conditions under which the preliminary plat
was proposed to be approved, and a
resolution must be adopted stipulating
those conditions. The resolution will be
prepared for Council consideration at the
next regular meeting.
Mr. Duffy informed Council that he does not
intend to line up a mortgage until he has
preliminary plat approval and all details
are ironed out.
Attorney Hart was directed to incorporate
all of the changes into the developers
agreement for review at the November 21st
meeting.
Council briefly discussed a proposal from
David Braslau to provide consulting
services to the City in implementing the
airport noise fanned corridor proposal.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
TAX LEVY HEARING
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Councilmember Blesener moved to authorize
the Acting City Administrator to execute
the memo of agreement with David Braslau
Associates on behalf of the City,
authorizing steps 1 through 10 to be
completed, and providing for a 30 day
cancellation clause and $15,000 cap on
costs.
Councilmember Anderson seconded the motion.
Council acknowledged memos from staff
regarding the preliminary tax levy and
public hearing requirements.
Councilmember Cummins moved to rescind
Resolution No. 89-109, "Resolution Amending
Tentative 1989 Levy Collectible in 1990,"
and to adopt Resolution No. 89-122,
"RESOLUTION AMENDING TENTATIVE 1989 LEVY
COLLECTIBLE IN 1990," that the December 5th
regular meeting be rescheduled to
Wednesday, December 6th, and that the levy
hearing be held on December 6th with a
tentative date of December 20th for
continued hearing, if necessary.
Councilmember Blesener seconded the motion.
Staff was authorized to publish notice of
the hearing in accordance with State
mandate. Council directed that additional
language be inserted into the notice to
inform residents that the anticipated
valuation growth of the City should reduce
the impact to a much smaller amount
Treasurer Shaughnessy informed Council on
recent news articles on County and School
District levy increases of 12% and 13.8%
respectively. He informed Council that no
allowance was factored into the school
district formula for growth, and that when
everything is factored in there would be a
slight increase in taxes for a $68,000 home
in Mendota Heights as the City budget is
currently proposed. There would be a
reduction in taxes for homes of greater
value.
BUDGET WORKSHOP It was the consensus of Council to conduct
a Council/Department Head workshop at 6:30
FURLONG STREETS
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
SAC REFUNDS
P.M. on November 21st to review possible
budget cuts. The Commission interview
process which had been tentatively
scheduled for November 21st was rescheduled
to December 6th.
Council acknowledged a memo from Engineer
Klayton Eckles regarding Council's request
for staff research into the possibility of
reconstruction by Mn/DOT at the
intersections of Lakeview, Furlong, Kendon
and Victory with Highway 55. In his
report, Engineer Eckles asked for Council
direction on financing methods: assessment
or City financing.
Acting Administrator Danielson informed
Council that City staff estimates that the
repair cost will be approximately $6,000 if
the work is completed by the City. He also
stated that there is sufficient funding
available in the seal coating line item if
Council chooses not to assess the project
costs.
It was noted that this is a special
circumstance in that repairs are only being
made at intersections of three streets at
the highway.
Councilmember Hartmann moved to direct the
engineering staff to complete the Furlong
area turn radii construction, costs to be
financed from the seal coating line item.
Councilmember Anderson seconded the motion.
Council acknowledged a memo from Engineer
Eckles regarding MWCC sewer availability
charge (SAC) refunds which are available
for homeowners who have paid SAC charges
for septic systems.
Councilmember Blesener moved adoption of
Resolution No. 89-123, "RESOLUTION
REQUESTING THE METROPOLITAN WASTE CONTROL
COMMISSION REFUND ALL ELIGIBLE SEWER
AVAILABILITY CHARGES IN THE CITY OF MENDOTA
HEIGHTS," and directed that notice of the
refund eligibility be placed in the next
issue of the Heights Highlites.
Councilmember Cummins seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
COMMISSION RESIGNATION Councilmember Cummins moved to regretfully
acknowledge the resignation of Beverly
Lachenmaier from the Park and Recreation
Commission and to commend and thank her for
her four years of service to the community.
Councilmember Hartmann seconded the motion.
Ayes: 45
Nays: 0
COMMISSION Council acknowledged a memo from Acting
APPOINTMENTS Administrator Danielson regarding
Commission appointments. It was noted that
applications for appointment to vacancies
on the Park and Recreation and Planning
Commissions will be accepted until 4:30
P.M. on November 10th. Council interviews
with the candidates will be conducted on
December 6th.
LMC POLICIES
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
SOMERSET COUNTRY
CLUB WATER
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Council acknowledged a memo regarding an
upcoming League of Minnesota Cities
Legislative Policies meeting.
Councilmember Cummins moved that Kevin
Batchelder be directed to attend the
meeting on the City's behalf and also that
he be delegated as the Mendota Heights
voting delegate.
Councilmember Blesener seconded the motion.
Council acknowledged a report from Acting
Administrator Danielson regarding a water
hook-up request from Somerset Country Club.
It was noted that the connection is
necessary in order for Somerset to install
a fire sprinkler system as required by the
City Fire Marshal.
Councilmember Hartmann moved to establish a
$1,664.00 water connection charge to allow
Somerset Country Club to connect to the
City watermain on Dodd Road.
Councilmember Cummins seconded the motion.
VALLEY VIEW HEIGHTS
PARK
CDBG AGREEMENT
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
U.S. WEST BUILDING
Council acknowledged and discussed a report
from Acting Administrator Danielson
regarding a request from the Valley View
Heights residents that the City officially
rename the Curley's Tot Lot as the Valley
View Heights Park.
Mayor Mertensotto pointed out that the City
has a contract with the Association and
that action on a name change should be
subject to and consistent with the park
development agreement between the City and
the neighborhood association.
Staff was directed to direct the Park and
Recreation Commission to hereafter refer to
the park as the Valley View Heights Park.
Council acknowledged a letter from the
Dakota County HRA requesting a modification
in its agreement with the City. Council
also discussed appointment of a CDBG
District 2 representative to replace former
Councilmember Witt.
Councilmember Hartmann volunteered for
appointment.
Councilmember Blesener moved to authorize
the Mayor to execute the "Supplement to the
Existing Cooperation Agreement for the
Dakota County Community Development Block
Grant Program", and to appoint
Councilmember Hartmann as the City's CDBG
District 2 representative.
Councilmember Cummins seconded the motion.
Council acknowledged and discussed a memo
from the Acting City Administrator
regarding the need to replace the 1" water
service to the U.S.West building to a 2"
service. It was noted that staff
recommends that the Water Revenue Fund
finance the change.
Councilmember Hartmann moved to approve the
payment of $7,050.00 to Langer Construction
Company for the installation of a 2" copper
water line and associated work, the cost to
be financed by the Water Revenue Fund.
Councilmember Blesener seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
PARK SERVICES CONTRACT Council acknowledged a memo from Acting
Administrator Danielson regarding the
Barton-Aschman contract for design services
for the Park Bond Referendum.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
ACQUIRED PROPERTIES
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Councilmember Blesener informed Council
that the Park and Recreation Commission
wants to put the new neighborhood park
playground equipment out for proposals, and
that Barton Aschman would be used for
everything beyond the playground equipment.
City Attorney Hart reviewed changes which
have been made in the proposed contract.
He informed Council that Barton Aschmann
will not proceed with any park without
authorization from the City and will not
proceed to the next task in any one park
without written direction from the City, in
accordance with the revisions.
Councilmember Blesener moved to approve the
Barton Aschmann contract as amended.
Councilmember Cummins seconded the motion.
Council acknowledged a memo from Engineer
Eckles regarding bids received for the sale
of City-acquired homes and closure of
wells.
Councilmember Cummins moved adoption of
Resolution No. 89-123, "RESOLUTION
ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING SALE OF HOMES,"
authorizing the sale of homes located at
1805 Delaware Avenue, 1199 Rogers Road and
2141 Highway 55 to the highest bidders.
Councilmember Blesener seconded the motion.
Mr. Bill Nelson, present for the
discussion, asked Council for its
consideration of his salvaging bid of
$10.00 per structure for each of the unsold
structures.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
PLAY STRUCTURES
Councilmember Cummins stated that he
believes the value of the structures to the
City is greater for Fire Department
training than it is for salvage value.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that Mr. Nelson's
bid is confusing in the resolution and that
he would like all reference to the salvage
bid deleted from the resolution. He
further stated that there should be a
separate memo of understanding with Mr.
Nelson as to what he would do in terms of
salvage and what would be required by the
City.
Council was directed to prepare a memo of
agreement between the City and Mr. Nelson
accepting his salvage bid of $10 per
structure.
Councilmember Cummins moved that staff be
directed to prepare an agreement to allow
$10 per house for the unsold properties for
salvaging and that the Fire Department be
authorized to use the unsold houses for
fire training purposes until May 1, 1990.
Councilmember Blesener seconded the motion.
Councilmember Blesener moved to authorize
issuance of a purchase order to Associated
Well Drilling for the capping of the wells
at the six acquired properties for a cost
not to exceed $10,290.
Councilmember Cummins seconded the motion.
Mayor Mertensotto suggested contacting the
Dakota County HRA for a list of contractors
who provide well capping service.
Acting Administrator Danielson explained
his memo regarding new neighborhood park
play structures. He informed Council that
as part of the referendum, every existing
neighborhood park is to receive new play
equipment. It was the recommendation of
the Park Commission to solicit design
proposals for each park from play equipment
suppliers - a fixed price per park is
determined and the suppliers submit a
design to match the funds allocated.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
CABLE TV APPOINTMENT
COUNCIL COMMENTS
COUNCIL COMMENTS
After discussion, Councilmember Blesener
moved to authorize the Park and Recreation
Commission to solicit proposals, at a cost
not to exceed $17,500 per park.
Councilmember Cummins seconded the motion.
Council acknowledged a memo from Acting
Administrator Danielson regarding the need
for appointment of a Councilmember to
replace former Councilmember Witt as the
Mendota Heights Cable Commissioner.
Action on the matter was tabled to January.
Councilmember Blesener stated that at the
Wagon Wheel Trail improvement hearing staff
was asked to look at financing alternatives
and also the Park Commission was asked to
look at financing possibilities for the
trail. She asked what possibilities there
might be to complete the project but keep
the burden to the property owners in line
with the street reconstruction policy.
City Attorney Hart stated that he has taken
a very quick look at the question and does
not know of any statutory limit on the
making of an assessment.
Treasurer Shaughnessy stated that generally
staff has looked at about 5 or 6 different
ways to help reduce the cost or delay part
of the cost, and still trying to keep the
assessments in line with the proposed
street reconstruction policy, and that
nothing staff is considering would affect
the Park and Recreation Commission. He
informed Council that a memo discussing
options will be prepared for the next
agenda.
Councilmember Blesener stated that she has
received calls from Ivy Falls residents who
complained about high speed traffic,
particularly after school, and also about
trees obstructing the view at the
intersection of Ivy Falls Avenue and Dodd
Road.
ADJOURN There being no further business to come
before the Council, Councilmember Hartmann
moved that the meeting be adjourned to 6:30
P.M. on November 21st..
Councilmember Blesener seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 10:09 o'clock P.M.
Ka hleen M. Swanson
City Clerk
ATTEST:
Charles E. Mertensotto
Mayor