1988-08-02 Council minutesPage No. 23 -1
August 2, 1988
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, August 2, 1988
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the regular meeting
of the City Council, City of Mendota Heights, was held at
7:30 P.M. at City Hall, 750 South Plaza Drive, Mendota
Heights, Minnesota.
Mayor Mertensotto called the meeting to order at 7:32 o'clock
P.M. The following members were present: Mayor Mertensotto,
Councilmembers Blesener, Cummins, Hartmann and Witt.
AGENDA ADOPTION
Councilmember Hartmann moved adoption of
the revised agenda for the meeting.
Councilmember Witt seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Blesener moved approval of
the minutes of the July 5 meeting with
correction.
Councilmember Witt seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Abstain: 1, Hartmann
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Hartmann moved approval of
the consent calendar for the meeting with
authorization for execution of all
necessary documents contained therein,
and with the addition of item 9 h. - CASE
NO. 88 -30 Rubin, Variance, granting a
nine foot side yard setback variance and
a one foot rear yard setback variance for
1303 Sylvandale Road, Lot 9, Block 2, Ivy
Falls 2nd Addition, to allow expansion of
a two car garage to a three car garage at
the home of Mr. and Mrs. Steven Rubin.
a. Acknowledgement of the July Code
Enforcement Report.
b. Acknowledgement of the July 26
Planning Commission minutes.
c. Approval of a Change Order to
Northland Plaza for Improvement No.
85, Project No. 3, allowing the
developer to raise the street grades
up to 2 1/2 feet, for sewers, water
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Ayes: 2
Nays: 2 Mertensotto
Blesener
CASE NO. 88-19
C.G. REIN
Page No. 2403
July 19, 1988
Garden Lane makes more sense than vacating
Eugenia.
Councilmember Blesener moved to close the
hearing. Motion died for lack of a second.
Councilmember Witt stated that she is in
favor of vacating Eugenia.
It was pointed out by the Public Works
Director that the hearing notice only
included the area of the right-of-way
adjacent to the Peyer lot because the
request was originally made by Ms. Peyer in
connection with her subdivision
application..
Councilmember Blesener moved that the
hearing be closed at 8:54 P.M.
Councilmember Witt seconded the motion.
Councilmember Witt moved to adopt the
proposed resolution approving the vacation
of Eugenia.
Councilmember Hartmann seconded the motion.
The motion failed for lack of majority.
Mayor Mertensotto reviewed the history of
the proposed development for the audience.
He stated that 34 lots in the Mendakota
Estates Planned Unit Development were
platted as single family residential and
the balance of the land was platted as
Outlot A, to be developed into 106
apartment units, and public open space.
He informed the audience that C.G. Rein's
application is to develop 106 units on
Outlot A. He noted that there has been
some question raised as to whether the City
Attorney had a conflict of interest at the
time he rendered to the City Council in
1986 a legal opinion as to approval of a
mixed use PUD by conditional use permit. He
stated that because of this question, the
City has requested and received an opinion
from Attorney Tim Kuntz, from the firm of
LeVander, Gillen, Miller, Anderson & Kuntz.
He then asked Mr. Kuntz to review his
Page No. 23 -2
August 2, 1988
and street improvements.
d. Adoption of Resolution No. 88 -54,
"RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL PLAT FOR
VICTORIA HIGHLANDS 2ND ADDITION ".
e. Adoption of Resolution No. 88 -55,
"RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT
FOR BRIDGEVIEW SHORES 1ST ADDITION ".
f. Adoption of Resolution No. 88 -56,
"RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL PLAT FOR
COPPERFIELD IV ", subject to side yard
easements for utilities being
adjusted by the engineering
department.
g. Adoption of Resolution No. 88 -57,
"RESOLUTION APPOINTING 1988 ELECTION
JUDGES ".
h. Approval of six real estate tax
abatements dated July 27, 1988 and as
recommended by Assistant County
Assessor Peterson, and attached
hereto.
Approval of the list of contractor
licenses dated August 2, 1988 and
attached hereto.
j. Approval of the list of claims dated
August 2, 1988 and totalling
$178,105.15.
Councilmember Witt seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
LOGO Graphic artist Robyn Huspek was present
as Council discussed her various logo
presentations. After a brief discussion,
Councilmember Hartmann moved approval of
the upper left logo, of MH with pine
trees, as submitted in the August 2, 1988
Council agenda packets.
Mayor Mertensotto seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
SEAL COAT
BID AWARD
Councilmember Cummins moved approval of
the 1988 seal coat bid award, awarding
the contract to Allied Blacktop Company
for their low bid of $22,244.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
BRIDGEVIEW SHORES
BID AWARD
Page No. 23-3
August 2, 1988
Councilmember Hartmann seconded the
motion.
Seven bids were received for the
Bridgeview Shores public improvements.
Councilmember Hartmann moved adoption of
Resolution No. 88-58, "RESOLUTION
ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF SANITARY SEWER, WATER,
STORM SEWER AND STREET CONSTRUCTION TO
SERVE BRIDGEVIEW SHORES 1ST ADDITION
(IMPROVEMENT NO. 88, PROJECT NO. 1)".
Councilmember Blesener seconded the
motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
CASE NO. 88-15, Mayor Mertensotto noted that this item was
PERRON, LOT SPLIT continued from the June 21 meeting, and
that staff had researched into other areas
of the City where variances had been
granted. Mr. and Mrs. Perron, 1940 South
Lane, were present for the discussion.
City Administrator Frazell reviewed the
Perron request for approval of a lot split,
of their 185 foot wide lot to allow a new
home to be constructed on an 85 foot wide
newly created lot. He noted that according
to City ordinance language, the "hardship"
must be unique to the property, not to the
property owners, and that if literally
enforce, would deny the property owner any
reasonable use of his property. He cited
four previous cases of variances that were
granted as noted by the Perron's at the
previous meeting.
Mayor Mertensotto noted his main concern
was with setting a precedent in this case
if the lot split were approved. He felt
that since many of the homes are on large
lots, the City may receive many more
requests to subdivide the lots to allow
construction of a new home, and if this
were granted for the Perron's, in the
future many more variances would have to be
granted. He also pointed out that the
subdivision request of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph
Schuster, of Bunker Hills, has twice been
denied due to the detrimental effect on the
character of the neighborhood.
Page No. 23 -4
August 2, 1988
Councilmember Blesener said she still
supports the case, and felt that the
hardship is evident as in the other cases
cited.
Councilmember Witt felt there was no
hardship presented, as required by City
ordinances. It was noted that the size of
the lot now is the same as it was when the
Perron's purchased it.
Councilmember Witt moved to deny the
requested lot division on the basis that no
finding of "undue hardship" which would
serve as the basis for the granting of a
variance had been demonstrated.
Councilmember Hartmann seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 1, Blesener
CASE NO. 88 -28,
BARTUSCH, LOT
DIVISION
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
CASE NO. 88 -26,
HASTINGS, WETLAND
PERMIT & VARIANCE
Mr. Rollin Crawford, attorney representing
Mrs. Florence Bartusch, 1753 Sutton Lane,
was present to request a lot division to
add three more feet from the rear of the
lot behind hers to her lot.
Councilmember Cummins moved adoption of
Resolution No. 88 -59, "RESOLUTION APPROVING
THE LOT DIVISION OF THE EAST 20 FEET OF LOT
4, BLOCK 1, SOMMERSET PARK NO. 3 ", along
with waiver of the $335 filing fee.
Councilmember Witt seconded the motion.
Mr. Crawford also presented this request
for a wetlands permit and variance to allow
construction of a single family home on Lot
3, Valley Curve Estates for Mr. and Mrs.
Thomas Hastings. He noted that the
applicant requests a seven foot front yard
setback variance from Marie Avenue, which
is 1/3 the lot depth, and a wetlands permit
to allow construction within 55 feet of the
wetlands. Mr. Crawford noted that he will
request a utility easement vacation at a
later date via a formal application. He
also asked that the $250 easement vacation
fee be waived.
Councilmember Blesener moved approval of a
seven foot front yard setback variance and
a wetlands permit granting approval to
build within 55 feet of the wetlands area,
Page No. 23 -5
August 2, 1988
for Lot 3, Valley Curve Estates.
Councilmember Cummins seconded the motion,
and noted that the applicant should submit
the easement vacation fee with the
application and the Council would consider
waiver of the fee at the time of the
easement vacation hearing.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
CASE NO. 88 -29, Mr. Dick Bjorklund, Jr. was present to
BJORKLUND, WETLAND explain the requested variance and
PERMIT & VARIANCE wetlands permit for Lot 2, Valley Curve
Estates.
Councilmember Blesener moved approval of a
14 foot front yard setback variance and a
wetlands permit to allow construction of a
single family home within 54 feet of the
wetlands area on Lot 2, Valley Curve
Estates.
Councilmember Witt seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
ASSESSMENT ROLLS Mayor Mertensotto opened the meeting for
the purpose of a public hearing to consider
the proposed assessment roll for Park
Place. He asked for questions or comments
from the audience. There being no
questions or comments, Mayor Mertensotto
moved to close the public hearing at 8:25
P.M.
Councilmember Hartmann seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Councilmember Hartmann moved adoption of
Resolution No. 88 -60, "RESOLUTION ADOPTING
AND CONFIRMING ASSESSMENTS FOR SEWER,
WATER, STORM SEWER, STREETS, CURB AND
GUTTER IMPROVEMENTS TO SERVE PARK PLACE
ADDITION AND ADJACENT AREAS (IMPROVEMENT
NO. 86, PROJECT NO. 12) ".
Councilmember Cummins seconded the motion.
Mayor Mertensotto opened the meeting for
the purpose of a public hearing to consider
the proposed assessment roll for the Ponds
of Mendota Heights and Rolling Woods. He
asked for questions or comments from the
audience.
Mrs. Mimi Krueckeberg, recent purchaser of
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
CURLEY TOT LOT
Page No. 23 -6
August 2, 1988
Lot 17, Rolling Woods, asked why the amount
was now $10,350, when her real estate
agent, Floyd Unruh, told her it would be
about $9,000, but no higher than $9,500.
There being no further comments or
questions, Councilmember Blesener moved to
close the public hearing at 8:29 P.M.
Councilmember Hartmann seconded the motion.
Councilmember Witt moved adoption of
Resolution NO. 88 -61, "RESOLUTION ADOPTING
AND CONFIRMING ASSESSMENTS FOR SEWER,
WATER, STORM SEWER, STREETS, CURB AND
GUTTER IMPROVEMENTS TO SERVE THE PONDS OF
MENDOTA HEIGHTS, ROLLING WOODS ADDITION,
ROLLING WOODS 2ND ADDITION AND ADJACENT
AREAS (IMPROVEMENT NO. 86, PROJECT NO. 9) ".
Councilmember Hartmann seconded the motion.
Mr. Dave Ayres was present for the
discussion regarding tot lot improvements
on Lot 10, Block 1, Curley's Valley View.
Mayor Mertensotto expressed his concern
over what would happen if the neighbor's
disbanded - who would maintain the park and
who could the Council contact with their
concerns? He felt there should be a
default provision in a written developer's
agreement so that future council could deal
with this property.
Councilmember Cummins asked who will mow
and maintain the park. He felt the
neighbors should be responsible for that
aspect.
It was determined that the concensus of the
Council was to proceed with the proposal by
drawing up an agreement with the property
owners.
Councilmember Witt stated she opposes the
proposal, as she has stated on previous
occasions. She felt that the City would be
creating a substandard size park, there
would be increased liability and
maintenance, that it was an inappropriate
use of City monies, and that this would be
setting a terrible precedent.
Page No. 23-7
August 2, 1988
Councilmember Hartmann said he does not
want to see staff or public works personnel
maintaining the park, that this should be
the responsibility of the neighborhood
association.
After further discussion, Council directed
staff to draw up an agreement for their
review and endorsement.
CASE NO. 88-27, Mr. Steven Patrick, 737 Mendota Heights
PATRICK, SUB- Road, was present to request approval of a
DIVISION subdivision of his 6.75 acre property. He
proposes three new lots, plus the lot his
present home is on, and an out lot. He
plans to sell the lots for single family
homes, while maintaining his existing home.
This property is located south of Mendota
Heights Road, and across the street from
the Marvin Anderson Homes single family
development. Mr. Patrick noted that Mr.
Irving Clark owns property to the west and
south of his, and that Centex Homes is
planning to build multi-family homes to the
east of his site. He described his
property as secluded, and very hilly and
wooded. Two of the proposed new lots would
contain over 20,000 square feet, and the
4th lot would have almost 53,000 square
feet of area. Access to Lots 1, 2, and 3
(which is the Patrick residence) would be
via a proposed public cul-de-sac on the
west side of the Patrick property.
Mr. Patrick stated that he has a purchase
option on Mr. Irving Clark's to the west,
and that Mr. Clark is in favor of
developing the remainder of his land, but
at present has no plans prepared for future
development. Both Mr. Patrick and Mr.
Clark noted that the proposed plat shows a
temporary cul-de-sac, but that at some time
in the future, this could be extended to
serve the remainder of the property to the
south, east or west.
Council advised Mr. Patrick that this
property is in airport noise zone IV, and
that potential buyers must be made aware of
this, and also be advised that the
temporary cul-de-sac will be extended in
the future.
Mayor Mertensotto felt that both Mr.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
DNR DEER HUNT
Page No. 23 -8
August 2, 1988
Patrick and Mr. Clark should be committed
to single family homes for this land, not
just four single family homes surrounded by
multi - family units.
Mr. Irving Clark arrived at this point, and
noted that multi - family homes are
designated for the area along the freeway
according to the City's Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Clark also stated that he is receptive
to Mr. Patrick's proposal, but that he has
no specific plans for development of the
remainder of his land.
Mayor Mertensotto felt comfortable on the
R -1 zoning but wanted to see what is
planned for the Clark property also. Mr.
Patrick responded that he couldn't purchase
more of the Clark property until he is able
to sell his proposed three new lots. He
noted that he has a purchase option on the
Clark property to the west, but not on the
south property.
Councilmember Hartmann noted that he would
like to see a unified treatment of the
Clark property, considering what would be
developed on both sides.
After much discussion about the proposal,
Mr. Patrick noted that he had no further
interest in the Glewwe home which he had
originally planned to move onto one of his
newly proposed lots.
Councilmember Blesener moved to table this
request to the August 16 Council meeting
and asked that the developer or owner of
the surrounding properties be present for
the discussion.
Councilmember Cummins seconded the motion.
Mr. Jon Parker, DNR, was present to submit
a proposal for deer population control in
public lands in the Minnesota River Valley,
and to seek Council approval of the
proposal. The three proposals are for:
a. Special Shotgun Hunt, November 5 -6 &
12 -13.
b. Archery Hunt, November 14 to December
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Page No. 23 -9
August 2, 1988
31.
c. Sharpshooting, January through March,
1989.
Councilmember Cummins moved approval of the
proposal as submitted by Mr. Parker of the
Department of Natural Resources.
Councilmember Hartmann seconded the motion.
It was Council concensus that Mr. Parker
present more detail about the proposed
citizens task force at a later meeting.
CASE NO. 88 -24, The applicant was not present for the
PEYER, LOT SPLIT discussion, therefore Councilmember Cummins
moved to table action on this request to
the August 16 meeting and if the applicant
is not present, to move to deny the
requested lot split.
Mayor Mertensotto seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
FEASIBILITY REPORT Council acknowledged receipt of the
COPPERFIELD IV feasibility report for improvements to
serve the Copperfield IV plat.
Councilmember Hartmann moved adoption of
Resolution No. 88 -62, "RESOLUTION ACCEPTING
ENGINEER'S REPORT, ORDERING IMPROVEMENT AND
PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS TO
SERVE COPPERFIELD IV AND ADJACENT AREAS
(IMPROVEMENT NO. 88, PROJECT NO. 2) ".
Councilmember Blesener seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
WATER CONNECTION
REQUEST, SWANSON
Councilmember Blesener moved adoption of
Resolution No. 88 -63, "RESOLUTION APPROVING
FINAL PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND
AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR
IMPROVEMENTS TO SERVE COPPERFIELD IV AND
ADJACENT AREAS (IMPROVEMENT NO. 88, PROJECT
NO 2) ".
Councilmember Witt seconded the motion.
The Council acknowledged receipt of a
request from Mr. Burt Swanson, 1720
Delaware Avenue, West St. Paul, to be
allowed to connect to the Mendota Heights
waterline located in Delaware.
Councilmember Hartmann moved to approve the
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
KENSINGTON PUD
EXTENSION
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
PERSONNEL
Page No. 23-10
August 2, 1988
concept of Alternate #2, in Public Works
Director Danielson's memo dated July 28,
1988, which would cost Mr. Swanson $2,244
to hook up to City water.
Councilmember Witt seconded the motion.
Councilmember Hartmann moved approval of an
extension to the developer's agreement for
the Kensington Planned Unit Development,
with an extension to December 31, 1988,
subject to approval by the developer.
Councilmember Witt seconded the motion.
Councilmember Witt moved to approve the
permanent status appointment of Police
Officer Dona Currie, effective August 3,
1988.
Councilmember Hartmann seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
CITY HALL STREET Council acknowledged a memo from the City
NAME Administrator asking for a new name for the
street that the new city hall is located
on. Administrator Frazell noted that
several property owners will be affected by
any proposed name change.
It was Council concensus that the affected
neighbors should be invited to the August
16 Council meeting for their input and
suggestions.
SPECIAL MEETING Fire Chief John Maczko requested an
information meeting with Council to go over
long-range plans for the department.
Council felt that the meeting should be
conducted on Tuesday, August 16, at 6:30
P.M. at the Fire Station.
CITY HALL ART
Councilmember Blesener moved to approve
an expenditure of $6,500 to purchase
24 pieces of artwork for the new City Hall.
Councilmember Cummins seconded the motion.
Ayes: 3
Nays: 2, Hartmann and Mertensotto
MISCELLANEOUS Councilmember Cummins felt that the parks
should contain signs reminding persons of
ADJOURN
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Page No. 23 -11
August 2, 1988
the City's recently adopted dog waste
removal ordinance.
Councilmember Blesener noted a concern from
a resident over purple loosestrife in the
area of Dodd and TH 110. She also asked if
staff could cut down the dead trees in the
ponds now that the water level is so low.
There being no further business to come
before the Council, Councilmember Hartmann
moved that the meeting be adjourned to 6:30
P.M. August 16, at the Fire Station.
Councilmember Cummins seconded the motion.
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 10:23 o'clock P.M.
Charles E. Mertensotto, Mayor
ATTEST:
Mary £;'n DeLaRosa
Deputy City Clerk
ABATEMENTS --
Real Estate: Approved
Lawrence Wenzel
#27- 16400 - 250 -00
Mendota Heights, City of
Robert Spurr
#27- 49200- 020 -02
Mendota Heights, City of
Leo Culligan
#27- 81250- 010 -02
Mendota Heights, City of
Leo Culligan
#27- 81250- 020 -02
Mendota Heights, Cityof
Lawrence Culligan
#27- 81251- 010 -00
Mendota Heights, City of
Johnson Brother Corp.
#27- 40100 - 035 -00
Mendota Heights, City of
#27- 40100 - 030 -00
July 27, 1988
The house was burned dcwn by the Mendota Heights
fire Dept. for practice purposes in the spring of
1986. The value therefore, should be reduced to
land only. The estimated market value should be
reduced form $44,500 to $21,000. The assessed
value should be reduced from 12m460 to $8,400.
Full depth, full width shed dormer was put on full
value as complete for 1987 values. It is still only
35% complete as of May 19, 1988. The estimated
market value should be reduced from $83,300 to
$78,900. The assessed value should be reduced from
16,724 to $14,503.
Upon review the properties were found to be
unbuildable until the reconstruction of Hwy 110
per the Mendota Heights Public Works Director.
The 1985 estimated market value should be reduced
from $4,900 to $2,300. The assessed value should
be reduced from $1,960 to $920. The 1986 estimated
market value should be reduced from $8,000 to
$2,300. The assessed value should be reduced
from $3,200 to $920. The 1987 estimated market
value should be reduced from $8,400 to $2,300.
The assessed value should be reduced from $3,360 to
$920.
The estimated market value should be reduced
from $4,900 to $2300 for 1985. The assessed value
should be reduced from $1,960 to $920. The 1986
estimated market value should be reduced from
$8,000 to $2,300. The assessed value should be
reduced from $3,200 to $920. The 1987 estimated
market value should be reduced from $8,400 to
$2,300. The assessed value should be reduced
from $3,360 to $920.
Upon review of the property it was found to be
unbuildable until the reconstruction of Highway
110 per the Mendota Heights Public Works Director.
The 1985 estimated market value should be reduced
from $29,700 to $10,400. The assessed value should
be reduced from $8,613 to $3,016. The 1986
estimated market value should be reduced from
$32,800 to $10,400. The assessed value should be
reduced from $9,184 to $2,912. The 1987 estimated
market value should be reduced from $37,700 to
10,400. The assessed value should be reduced
from $10,556 to $2,808.
Property was not revalued when put on the tax
rolls. Property was exempt in 1986. The 1987
estimated market value should be reduced from
$60,000 to $500. The assessed value should be
reduced from $24,000 to $200. On the second
parcel the estimated market value should be
reduced from $30,000 to $900. The assessed value
should be reduced from $12,000 to $360.
LIST OF CONTRACTORS TO BE APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL
ON AUGUST 2, 1988
Excavating Licenses:
Associated Enterprises of Lake Elmo
Klamm Mechanical Contractors, Inc.
Gas Piping Licenses:
Al's Heating & Air Conditioning
Smith Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.
General Contractor Licenses:
A-1 Roof Doctor
Applied Roofing Systems, Inc.
Dundee Nursery & Landscaping Company
E.T. Hughes Construction, Inc.
Fence Specialist
Imperial Developers
Rainflow Systems
Heating & Air Conditioning Licenses:
Al's Heating & Air Conditioning
Krinkie Heating & Air Conditioning