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1988-03-01 Council minutesPage No.2291 March 1, 1988 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, March 1, 1988 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, 750 South Plaza Drive, 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, Hartmann and Witt. AGENDA ADOPTION Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PROCLAMATION APPROVAL OF MINUTES Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Hartmann moved adoption of the revised agenda for the meeting. Councilmember Witt seconded the motion. Mayor Mertensotto proclaimed the week of March 6th through the 13th as Volunteers of America Week. Councilmember Hartmann moved approval of the minutes of the February 16th meeting. Councilmember Blesener seconded the motion. Councilmember Hartmann moved approval of the consent calendar, along with authorization for execution of all necessary documents contained therein. a. Acknowledgment of the Code Enforcement monthly report for February. b. Adoption of Resolution No. 88 -11, "RESOLUTION ACCEPTING WORK AND APPROVING FINAL PAYMENT FOR IMPROVEMENT NO. 84, PROJECT NO. 4," authorizing final payment of $8,896.41 to Brown & Cris, Inc. for Yorkton Centre Pointe South improvements. c. Acknowledgment of a letter from the Northern Dakota County Chamber of Commerce regarding the City's contribution to the Community Services Directory. d. Acknowledgment of a letter from the Dakota County Administrator regarding the County Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 INTRODUCTIONS EASEMENT VACATION Page No.2292 March 1, 1988 Board's position paper on tax increment financing. e. Acknowledgment of. the Fire Department monthly report for January. f. Acknowledgment of the minutes of the February 24th Planning Commission meeting. g. Approval of the list of contractor licenses dated March 1st and attached hereto. h. Approval of the issuance of a rubbish hauler license to Mendota Heights Rubbish, Inc. i. Approval of the issuance of a cigarette license to D.V.M., Inc. j. Approval of the List of Claims dated March 1, 1988 and totaling $123,502.76. k. Adoption of Resolution No. 88 -12, "RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL PLAT FOR SIBLEY HEIGHTS," and Resolution No. 88 -13, "RESOLUTION ACCEPTING ENGINEER'S REPORT, . ORDERING IMPROVEMENT AND PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR SANITARY SEWERS, WATER, STORM SEWERS AND STREETS TO SERVE SIBLEY HEIGHTS SUBDIVISION (IMPROVEMENT NO. 87, PROJECT NO. 5)." Councilmember Witt seconded the motion. Mayor Mertensotto introduced State Representative Art Seaberg, who informed the Council briefly on tax reform proposals and other issues which are being discussed by the legislature and answered Council questions. Mayor Mertensotto opened the meeting for the purpose of a public hearing on an application from the Edward Tilsen estate for the vacation of a utility easement across a portion of Lot 6, Auditor's Subdivision No. 2. Public Works Director Danielson explained that the City's sanitary sewer easement which had been filed several years ago was incorrectly described and that the existing incorrect Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 CASE NO. 88-07 GELDERMAN Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 RAILROAD CROSSING Page No.2293 March 1, 1988 easement must be vacated and a new one must be filed. Mayor Mertensotto asked for questions and comments from the audience. There being no questions or comments, Councilmember Blesener moved that the hearing be closed at 7:45 p.m. Councilmember Cummins seconded the motion. Councilmember Cummins moved adoption of Resolution No. 88-14, "RESOLUTION APPROVING VACATION OF A DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENT," conditioned upon the filing of a corrected easement. Councilmember Witt seconded the motion. Mr. John Gelderman was present to request approval of a wetlands permit and setback variances to allow construction of a home on Lot 5, Block 1, Ridgewood Park addition. Mr. Gelderman explained the lot constraints, including soil conditions and an existing utility easement over, the lot, and showed a model of the proposed home as it would be located on the lot. Councilmember Blesener asked whether the City will be provided with construction drawings which will control the amount of filling allowed. After discussion, Councilmember Blesener moved approval of a six foot variance from the front yard setback requirement for the home, a 12 foot front yard setback variance for the garage, and a wetlands permit to allow a home to be constructed within 10 feet of the wetlands area on Lot 5, Block 1, Ridgewood Place, along with waiver of the wetlands hearing requirement, conditioned upon the applicant extending the storm sewer outlet on the north lot line at no expense to the City. Councilmember Hartmann seconded the motion. Public Works Director Danielson reviewed his memo regarding a proposed agreement submitted by the Soo Line Railroad addressing funding Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 CASE NO. 88-05 VICTORIA HIGHLANDS Page No.2294 March 1, 1988 and responsibilities of the railroad for the Northland Drive Railroad Crossing project. He explained that the City would deposit the estimated project costs in an escrow account, and that American National Bank and Trust Company would be the escrow agent. City Attorney Hart stated that the escrow agent will require a formal escrow agreement and will not rely on the agreement submitted by Soo Line. Councilmember Cummins moved to authorize the Mayor to execute the Soo Line agreement and any other escrow agreement which receives the approval of the City's legal counsel. Councilmember Hartmann seconded the motion. Mr. Howard Bream and Mr. Jim Hill were present to request approval of the preliminary plat for the townhouse portion of the Victoria Highlands Planned Unit Development and approval of the final Planned Unit Development Plan. Mr. Hill informed Council that there are 32 townhouses proposed, which is consistent with the original concept plan for the PUD as approved several months ago. He reviewed the site plan and landscape plan, and stated that access to the townhouse development will be from Marie, with emergency access from Marie also. Mr. Hill stated that there will be a homeowners' association to maintain the building exteriors and the private court, and that easements will either be addressed in the association agreement or will be placed in the covenants. He stated that seven of the units would be located on platted lots and that the remainder of the townhouse development would be developed on nine outlots, each of which will be platted as individual units are sold. Mr. Bream stated that there will be three 2- unit buildings and that the remainder will be three-unit buildings. He stated that he will offer eleven different types of plans ranging from two-story to ramblers and walkouts, that some will have lofts, there will be an option for three-car garages and screened porches and glassed rooms. He stated that the sizes will range from 1640 square foot on the main floor Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 CASE NO. 88-06 MARVIN ANDERSON HOMES BRIDGEVIEW SHORES Page No.2295 March 1, 1988 for the ramblers to 2,450 square feet for the two-stories. The prices will range from $225,000 to $300,000. Mayor Mertensotto expressed concern over traffic control in the area and the need for a four-way stop at Marie and Victoria. Council directed Public Works Director Danielson to again request the County to install four-way stop signs at the intersection. Responding to a question from Councilmember Blesener, Mr. Hill stated that the parking ratio is 4.5 spaces per unit. Mr. Bream stated that the covenants for the development will only allow parking (guest) on one side of the private drive. There was also discussion over the use of surmountable curbs in the development. Councilmember Blesener moved approval of the preliminary plat for the Victoria Highlands townhouses and approval of the final PUD development plan subject to the following conditions: that no greater number of units be prepared other than the 32 as set forth in the PUd plan; that there be a minimum 20 foot utility easement space provided between Outlots A and B for a storm sewer line; that there be a minimum 50 foot utility easement space provided between Outlot A and Outlot I for utility and street construction. Councilmember Hartmann seconded the motion. Mr. Fred Haas, Vice-President of Marvin - Anderson Homes, was present to request approval of the preliminary plat and wetlands permits for the proposed Bridgeview Shores addition, located at the northeast corner of Dodd Road and Mendota Heights Road. Mr. Haas explained that the proposal is for 70 single family lots with an average size of 19,000 square feet, not including water area, and stated that it is his company's policy to purchase land, develop it and build the homes on it. He stated that it is not the company's intent to develop the land and sell lots. He reviewed the proposed plat for the Council and pointed out that many constraints in developing the property have resulted in long cul-de-sacs and wetland permits needs. Mr. Page No.2296 March 1, 1988 Haas informed Council that the plan originally included a 75 foot long pedestrian bridge across a pond area, and that the bridge has been expanded to 10 feet wide at the request of the Planning Commission to provide for access by light-weight emergency vehicles. In reviewing the site plan, Mr. Haas stated that his firm is requesting 26 wetlands permits and that the house footprints have been placed on each of those lots to show where they would be located in relation to the wetlands. He indicated that there is, however, the possibility that the number of wetlands permits needed can be reduced to 19. Mr. Haas stated that his company is very concerned about trees and keeping as many of the existing trees as possible: the developer will also heavily tree the area along Dodd Road. He stated that he has worked with the City Planner and staff to come up with the best design possible so that the development will be an asset to the community. Councilmember Blesener expressed concern over the temporary cul-de-sac proposed to be constructed on the School District property east of the site, and what will happen to the cul-de-sac when the school site develops. Mr. Haas responded that Apache Lane must come through to Mendota Heights Road and has always been planned to be extended; the School District recognizes that and also wants to be able to access their property from Bridgeview Shores. He stated that the school district is willing to grant him a temporary easement for the cul-de-sac. Mr. Haas stated that his firm is very explicit in its ads and other documents relating to this development that this is only a temporary cul-de-sac and one of the conditions of sale is that the area be dedicated to the City. Councilmember Blesener pointed out that the Friendly Hills Park is just north of this property and there is no access planned to the park from the development, no trail has been provided. She also expressed concern over the length of the cul-de-sac which begins at Pagel Road and Hazel Court. Mr. Haas responded that he could tie a trail system in coming in back of the trees on the east side of plat up to Mohican Court. With respect to the cul-de-sac length, he responded that this appeared to be Page No.2297 March 1, 1988 the best solution because of the grade differential and the numerous trees and was arrived at after working with the City Planner and staff. Councilmember Biesener felt that an additional outlet for the Friendly Hills neighborhood should be provided. She felt that it would make sense to tie the cul-de-sacs in the plat together and to do some master planning for traffic patterns in the area. Mayor Mertensotto and Councilmember Cummins expressed their concerns over the wetlands permit requests. Mayor Mertensotto pointed out that Council must hold a public hearing on the wetlands permit applications, and , because of public notice requirements, the hearing cannot be held until April 5th. Councilmember Biesener asked Planning Commission Chairperson Jerry Morson to review the Commission discussions on the applications. Mr. Morson stated that the Commission had touched on all of the concerns expressed by Council and their greatest concern was over the wetlands setbacks. He stated that the cul-de-sac length was touched upon but not brought up as an objection. Mr. Morson stated that bridging from Pagel Road to the cul-de-sac south of the pond would only bring increased traffic into the Pagel Road neighborhood as a shortcut to Mendota Heights Road. He pointed out that the topography of the land also precludes designing the streets much differently from what is proposed: road construction difficulties and the number of trees existing would not allow connecting the ends of the cul-de-sacs on the east side of the property. He stated that he believed Mr. Haas had answered most of the Commission's concerns and that with the peculiarities of the site, topography and other constraints involved, he felt it was a very good development. He pointed out that the number of setback variances that are critical is limited to four. After discussion, it was Council consensus that staff and the City Planner be directed to meet with the developers to resolve the following concerns: access to the Friendly Page No.2298 March 1, 1988 Hills Park, connection of the cul-de-sacs on 1 the east side of the plat, the temporary cul- de-sac and the wetlands setbacks. Councilmember Cummins moved that discussion on Bridgeview Shores be continued to April 5th. Councilmember Blesener seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PROPERTY APPRAISALS Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 REFERENDUM CITY HALL Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 The Council acknowledged and discussed a report from the City Administrator regarding a proposal from the firm Davis & Lagerman to prepare appraisals of the Mulvihill area residential property, the Acacia Park Cemetery area holdings and the Rogers Road. Administrator Frazell's report indicated that the appraisal costs would be financed by tax increment funds and that if Council approved the proposal, the Rogers Road appraisals would not begin until staff is convinced that the neighborhood supports the buy-out. Councilmember Blesener moved to authorize Davis and Lagerman, Inc. to do complete property appraisals as outlined in their letter of proposal dated February 24, 1988. Councilmember Cummins seconded the motion. Council acknowledged a memo from the City Administrator regarding the park bond referendum marketing program. City Hall architect Bob Pierce was present and reviewed recommendations of the City Hall Subcommittee regarding the reception desk, office systems furniture, microphones and Council Chambers changes. Councilmember Cummins moved approval of a change in the Council chambers microphone specifications, on the basis that quality and aesthetics would be improved, for an estimated cost increase of $2,078 over original specifications. Councilmember Witt seconded the motion. Councilmember Blesener moved to authorize an additional expenditure, not to exceed $1,500, to provide a one-riser platform for staff in Page No.2299 March 1, 1988 the Council chambers and to increase the ) Council platform to two risers. Councilmember Hartmann seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Mr. Pierce showed the Council two models illustrating reception area options discussed by the Committee. Mr. Pierce stated that the first model illustrated the station as envisioned in the plans specifications, modified to include windows in the wall behind the reception area and a credenza, and that the second model represents an alternate which changes the philosophy of the station, opening the office up more to the visitor. Councilmember Cummins felt very strongly that Council should stick to the original design, which he felt would make the lobby area more warm and inviting, and stated that he did not like the alternative at all. Councilmember Blesener agreed that the intent was to have a nice, welcoming front desk but that staff needs to interact and communicate with each other and the original design does not provide for this interaction. She felt that it would be far worse to have someone come to the reception desk and have to wait to be seen by staff in the absence of the receptionist than it would be to redesign the station as proposed and open the area so that other staff members would be more accessible. She stated that functionally and staff wise, she does not think the original is the right solution. Councilmember Witt agreed, stating that the City cannot isolate one person from the work group with such a small staff and that she prefers the alternate proposal. Mayor Mertensotto stated that if the original design is retained, it will mean that the City will have to hire an additional person, since someone will have to man the reception desk during all office hours. Mr. Pierce informed Council that the alternate proposal is a major change from the specifications and would require a drop-down grate, all of which would cost approximately $9,000. Page No.2300 March 1, 1988 Subcommittee member Sharon Koll stated that the alternate proposal is not unanimously recommended by the subcommittee and that she has concerns about the change, including the view when someone comes into City Hall and, in the evening, people will be greeted with a steel firewall rather than a warm front desk. Subcommittee member Jerry Morson stated that the question is one of aesthetics versus practicality -- the original design is definitely more attractive than the proposed counter design. Responding to a question from Councilmember Blesener, Mr. Pierce stated that the modifications for windows and backwall in the original design will add some costs to the contract, but he had no exact figure. After discussion, Councilmember Hartmann moved to approve the original reception area design, modified to provide two windows and a credenza, and to direct the architects to prepare a change order for Council approval. Councilmember Cummins seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 1 Blesener TREE PLANTING PROGRAM Council discussed a community tree planting program proposed by the Public Works Director. After brief discussion, Councilmember Hartmann moved to approve a tree planting program whereby the City would provide trees to property owners for planting in boulevards only, only at the request of the property owner, and on a first-come, first-served basis, in consideration of a $50 per tree up- front cost participation by the recipients. Councilmember Cummins seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 MISCELLANEOUS Council acknowledged and briefly discussed a memo from the City Administrator recommending that the City participate in the suburban tax lobbying effort and notifying Council of a meeting to be held on March 10th in Minnetonka. STREET NAME CHANGE Councilmember Cummins moved adoption of Ordinance No. 252, "AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 SNOWPLOWING COUNCIL COMMENTS ADJOURN Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 30 / Page No.1.1 March 1, 1988 THE CHANGE OF NAME OF "BOARDWALK" TO "BOARDWALK COURT. " Councilmember Hartmann seconded the motion. The Council acknowledged and discussed a memo from the Public Works Director regarding contract snowplowing. It was the consensus of Council that the Public Works Director should proceed with the proposal to use Pine Bend Paving to assist with snowplowing during heavy snowfalls this year to see how the proposal would work, and to plan for a fourth plowing route in 1989. Councilmember Witt stated that she would like an update from the Park Commission on the recreation program. Administrator Frazell stated that a report will be submitted for the March 15th agenda. There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilmember Blesener moved that the meeting be adjourned. Councilmember Hartmann seconded the motion. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 10:01 o'clock p.m. Kathleen M. Swanson City Clerk ATTEST: )2,E„z -g Charles E. Mertensotto Mayor 1 LIST OF CONTRACTORS TO BE APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL ON MARCH 15, 1988 Excavating Licenses: Danner Landscaping Dasen Contracting. Ralph's Plumbing. Gas Piping License: PremAir Heating & Cooling, Inc. General Contractor Licenses: C.J. Homes, Inc. Ingram Excavating, Inc. John David Contracting K & P Drywall Klemmensen Builders, Inc. Lund Martin Construction, Inc. McDonald Homes, Inc. Natural Designs Construction Reliable Homes, Inc. Woodmaster Foundations, Inc. Heating & Air Conditioning License: PremAir Heating & Cooling, Inc. 1988 CIGARETTE LICENSES: Snyders Tempco-Employees Party Club 1988 3.2 NON-INTOXICATING MALT LIQUOR LICENSE Tom Thumb Food Markets, Inc. (Off-Sale) Par 3 Golf, Inc. (On-Sale) LIST OF CONTRACTORS TO BE APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL ON FEBRUARY 2, 1988 Concrete Licenses:: Bruce Stanke Masonry H. Stockness & Sons Jesco, Inc. Tom Ostertag Masonry Excavating Licenses: Commercial Utilities Johnson Excavating London Construction Nova -Frost Pete Smith Excavating Rauchwarter, Inc. Shamrock Excavating Gas Piping Licenses: Earl Arneson, Jr. Fred Vogt & Company General Contractor Licenses: Albrecht Construction All Season Remodlers Brelje Construction, Inc. D.S. Trudeau Construction Joseph Toussaint Carpentry J.P. Homes, Inc. K & K Heating & Plumbing, Inc. K.W. Dahm Construction Lampert Yards Lemke Construction Major Wood Construction McDonald Construction Metro Summit Builders M.J. Moser Construction Midwestern Mechanical Morgan Fox, Inca Providence Builders Corp. Stephenson Developments Viking Automatic Sprinkler Heating & Air Conditioning Licenses: Gopher Heating & Sheet Metal Midwestern Mechanical Sign Erecting License: Midway Sign Company, Inc. 1988 CIGARETTE LICENSES: Country Club Markets Serve Mendakota Country Club Somerset Country Club Tom Thumb Twin City Vending Co., Inc.