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1988-02-02 Council minutesPage No.2277 February 2, 1988 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, February 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 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 SERVICE CERTIFICATES APPROVAL OF MINUTES Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Abstain: 1 Mertensotto CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Cummins moved adoption of the agenda for the meeting as amended to move item 6k to the end of the agenda. Councilmember Blesener seconded the motion. Mayor Mertensotto presented service certificates to Police Officer David Olmstead, Public Works Leadman Len Kanitz and City Clerk Kathleen Swanson, and, in absentia, to former Park Commissioner Marsha Knittig and Public Works Department Mechanic Fred Pfeiffer. Councilmember Hartmann moved approval of the minutes of the January 19th meeting. Councilmember Witt seconded the motion. Councilmember Hartmann moved approval of the minutes of the January 26th Joint Council/Planning Commission meeting. Councilmember Witt seconded the motion. Councilmember Witt moved approval of the consent calendar as amended, along with authorization for execution of all necessary documents contained therein. a. Approval of a 1988 Gun Club Lake WMO contribution of $1,139.33. b. Approval of the modified critical area site plan for part of Lot 6, Auditor's Subdivision No. 2 (Case No. CAO 88-01, Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 HEARING - SOUTHEAST AREA IMPROVEMENTS Page No.2278 February 2, 1988 Husak) along with refund of the $100 application fee. c. Approval of the modified critical area site plan for 1132 Sibley Memorial Highway (Case No. CAO 88 -02, Stroh) along with waiver of the application fee. d. Acknowledgment of the Code Enforcement monthly report for January. e. Acknowledgment of the minutes of the January 26th Planning Commission meeting. f. Acknowledgment of the minutes of the January 12th Park and Recreation Commission meeting. g. Acknowledgment of a report from the Public Works Director regarding City Hall parking lot light fixtures. h. Approval of the list of contractor and cigarette licenses dated February 2, 1988 and attached hereto. i. Approval of the list of claims dated February 2, 1988 and totaling $126,286.74, subject to staff review of the Barefoot Lawn Service claim. j Approval of partial payment number 2 to Doody Mechanical, Inc., for $4,180.00 for work completed on City Hall. Councilmember Blesener seconded the motion. Mayor Mertensotto called the meeting to order for the purpose of a public hearing on proposed construction of Mendota Heights Road /Huber Drive sanitary sewer, water, drainage and street improvements. Public Works Director Danielson briefly reviewed the project feasibility study including the proposed method of assessment and answered questions from the Council. Mayor Mertensotto asked for questions and comments from the audience. Page No.2279 February 2, 1988 There being no questions or comments, Councilmember Witt moved that the hearing be closed at 7:53 P.M. Councilmember Cummins seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilmember Hartmann moved adoption of Resolution No. 88-06, "RESOLUTION ORDERING IMPROVEMENT AND PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR SANITARY SEWERS, WATER, STORM SEWERS AND STREET CONSTRUCTION TO SERVE THE SOUTHEAST AREA OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS (IMPROVEMENT NO. 86, PROJECT NO. 1). 11 Councilmember Witt seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 CASE NO. 88-04, FISCHER Mr. Jim Fisher was present to request approval of his application for wetlands permit to allow him to construct a new home at 1901 Warrior Drive, Lot 6, Block 1, The Ponds, within 75 feet of the wetlands area. Mr. Fisher explained that the property is heavily wooded and it is his intention to keep as many of the trees as possible. Public Works Director Danielson explained slope characteristics and the need for placement of the structure to maximize the basement elevation because of the location of the sanitary sewer main invert elevation. Councilmember Blesener pointed out that when the preliminary plat for the Ponds was approved, building pads were shown for the lots east of the pond and Council fully expected that wetlands variances would be requested for those lots. Mayor Mertensotto warned Mr. Fisher about the possibility of peat in the soil, particularly in the soil close to the pond. Councilmember Cummins moved approval of a wetlands variance to allow construction of a home at 1901 Warrior Drive, 75 feet from the pond, based on hardship created by the unique slope of the land and the intent to preserve mature oak trees. Councilmember Blesener seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Page No.2280 February 2, 1988 HEARING - CASE NO. Mayor Mertensotto called the meeting to order 88-01, MENDAKOTA for the purpose of a public hearing on an application from Mendakota Country Club for conditional use permit and wetlands permit to allow construction of a new clubhouse facility. Mr. Lanier Oxton, from BWBR Architects, reviewed the site plan and a drawing of the proposed clubhouse for the Council. He stated that the clubhouse is proposed to be located on the existing eighth green and that the green will be relocated. He also informed Council that there will be a service road/emergency exit north of Mendakota Drive. Mayor Mertensotto stated that there is mention in one of the reports that Howard Bream is willing to deed some of his property to Mendakota and asked Mr. Oxton to elaborate. Mr. Oxton responded that Mr. Bream is concerned that if Mendakota does not take the land, Mr. Bream will have to maintain it and that Mr. Bream would prefer to deed the property to Mendakota in return for maintenance and landscaping by the Club. Councilmember Cummins expressed concern over flow of traffic through the parking lot, and Mr. Oxton responded that he is working with the City Planner and will prepare a plan satisfactory to Mr. Dahlgren. Councilmember Blesener asked how much of the proposal is planned for the future. Mr. John Carl, Vice President of Mendakota, stated that the tennis court, swimming pool and chipping green are in the future plans, and that the clubhouse is designed in such a manner that it can be expanded for dining capacity. He stated that the current plan is for construction of the new clubhouse and demolition of the existing clubhouse and maintenance building, and that the existing pro-shop will be used as a maintenance facility for three to five years until a new maintenance facility is constructed. Mr. Carl stated that access to the tennis court area will be from Dodd and that the existing south driveway will be used for emergency access to the clubhouse. He noted that the Club plans to expand the tenth green and will probably close the existing northerly Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Page No.2281 February 2, 1988 driveway. Responding to a question from Mayor Mertensotto, Mr. Carl stated that the Club would prefer to delay paving of the service road until such time as the maintenance facility is built because of funding constraints. Mr. John Todd reviewed the present budget for the program, stating that $2.7 million is available for building the clubhouse and parking lot, site lighting, demolition of the clubhouse and other items. Responding to a question from Councilmember Witt on signage, Mr. Oxton stated that the Planning Commission wanted to talk to Mr. Bream on what he intends for signage and that the Country Club would like some signage on Dodd and will come back to the Council for approval of a signage plan. Public Works Director Danielson informed Council that an easement for the storm water pond will be necessary and recommended that a condition of approval be execution and submission of a drainage easement. Mayor Mertensotto asked for questions and comments from the audience. There being no questions or Councilmember Cummins moved be closed at 8:28 P.M. Councilmember Witt seconded comments, that the hearing the motion. Councilmember Cummins moved adoption of Resolution No. 88-07, "RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND A WETLANDS PERMIT TO ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW CLUB HOUSE AND MAINTENANCE FACILITY FOR MENDAKOTA COUNTRY CLUB," subject to: receipt of a storm drainage easement prior to issuance of a building permit for the club house; Council approval of plans for the maintenance facility at such time as the facility is proposed; paving of the existing, graveled south access drive in conjunction with construction of the maintenance facility; approval of a signage plan by City staff; and preparation of changes in the traffic pattern in the parking lot satisfactory to the City's planning staff. Councilmember Witt seconded the motion. NORTHLAND DRIVE RAILROAD CROSSING Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 CITY HALL BRICK Page No.2282 February 2, 1988 Public Works Director Danielson reviewed his report regarding the proposed Northland Drive Railroad Crossing, and he and Treasurer Shaughnessy answered questions from the Council. Mr. Danielson stated that although there is no potential for Mn/DOT funding for the project, the Mn/DOT has approved the project and in fact supported the City in its litigation with the railroad. Councilmember Blesener expressed concern over the potential of traffic stacking up. Mr. Dale Glowa, from United Properties, was present and expressed his company's support for the crossing project. Councilmember Witt moved to authorize an expenditure of $200,000 from the Tax Increment Fund for construction of the Northland Drive Railroad Crossing. Councilmember Hartmann seconded the motion. City Hall Architect Dick Gilliard showed the Council pictures and samples of the brick choices for City Hall. After discussion, Councilmember Hartmann moved that Academy Number 656 brick be purchased for City Hall. Councilmember Blesener seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 1 Witt CASE NO. 88-02, CLEARY Mr. & Mrs. Michael Cleary were present to request Council approval of their application for variances to allow installation of a swimming pool seven feet from the side property line, five feet from from the rear property line and eight feet from the house. Councilmember Cummins moved approval of a three foot sideyard setback variance, five foot rearyard setback variance and two foot pool setback variance from the house for Lot 5, Block 2, Crown Point Addition, 1965 Crown Point Drive. Councilmember Blesener seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Page No.2283 February 2, 1988 CASE NO. 88-03, Councilmember Blesener moved to approve a STAPLES wetlands permit to allow construction of a home at 727 Spring Creek Circle, Lot 5, Spring Creek Acres, along with waiver of the public hearing requirement. Councilmember Hartmann seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 REFERENDUM Council acknowledged a report from Administrator Frazell regarding the recommendations of the Parks Program. Review Committee. Councilmember Cummins, speaking on behalf of the Committee, stated that the Task Force has held two lengthy meetings and spent significant time scrutinizing the plan which had been approved by the Council some time ago. He stated that the Committee refers to the plan as the Mendota Heights Recreation Area. Councilmember Cummins stated that it was the general consensus of the Committee that the earlier approval was more than what is needed and that the Committee has made some discreet changes. He then described the recommended changes as follow: elimination of the baseball and parking fields on the west end of the site; expansion of one of the three softball fields to baseball field size; elimination of the hockey rink; elimination of the tennis courts; reduction of the comfort station size; the addition of a flat-court facility for volleyball and basketball; the addition of a warming house structure and light standards for a free skating area on the pond; widening of the entrance road into the park and providing a center divider; and a change in parking capacity to provide 120 paved spaces and an additional sixty overflow spaces in a grassy area. With regard to trails, Councilmember Cummins stated that NSA will cover the cost of trail construction along Huber and Mendota Heights Road, so those costs will not be included in the bond issue. He stated at the recommendation of staff, the Committee looked at the desirability of constructing the proposed trail sections along Pilot Knob north of Mendota Heights Road and along TH 110 from Lexington to the Mendota Bridge. The Committee felt that the Pilot Knob section should be deleted, since the road will be Page No.2284 February 2, 1988 dramatically reconfigured when TH 55 is upgraded and future construction of the trail will benefit from County and State funding. The Committee also felt that the TH 110 section should not be included in the bond issue because the trail would need to be financed entirely by the City and would only be destroyed at such time as the TH 110 upgrades occur whereas if its construction is deferred, the City can anticipate Mn/DOT participation in the cost of trail construction. Councilmember Cummins then reviewed anticipated costs for the recommended program. He informed Council that the Committee plans to present its recommendations to the Park Commission at their next meeting and then come to the February 16th Council meeting with a final recommendation on the Mendota Heights Recreation Area. Councilmember Blesener stated that she feels the proposed parking is inadequate. Mayor Mertensotto suggested that consideration be given to adding a band shelter in the future. He also asked whether horseshoe pits had been included in the program, and Councilmember Cummins stated that the Committee had not considered them since no mention had been made in past discussions. Councilmember Cummins informed Council that the Committee had also looked at the need for a safe way to get across TH 149 and TH 110 and has asked Barton Aschman to look at the cost of constructing a tunnel/underpass. He stated that $300,000 is a rough estimate of cost and that it is contemplated that the question could be placed on a separate ballot: the Committee will discuss the matter with the Park Commission. Responding to a concern expressed by Mayor Mertensotto over safety aspects of an underpass, Councilmember Cummins stated that the probability of going over #110 with anything other than a full scale bridge is unlikely and that Mn/DOT requirements for a bridge would make it cost prohibitive. Mr. Dick Putnam, present for the discussion, suggested that the Committee contact other Park and Recreation Departments about parking FURLONG AREA Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 SPECIAL OLYMPICS Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 SNOWPLOWING Page No.2285 February 2, 1988 needs and ballfield sizes, rather than relying solely on the City's consultant. He felt that the fields will be used for softball, baseball and soccer during the same time, and that the parking proposed will be inadequate. He also stated that the outfields appear to be "scruntched" together and should be spaced out better since there is adequate room to move them. He suggested that the baseball centerfield should be 400 feet deep and there should be at least 300 feet foul -lines on the softball fields. He cautioned the Council about allowing beer because youths and adults will be using the fields at the same time, and suggested that it might be wise for the City to have a beer concession rather than allowing teams to bring their own because the City would then have better control. Councilmember Blesener strongly supported Mr. Putnam's comments on parking needs. Staff was directed to research Mr. Putnam's suggestions with other cities. Council acknowledged a report from the City Administrator regarding marketing of the Furlong area for redevelopment and a proposal from Dahlgren, Shardlow & Uban for preparation of informational materials to be used to solicit development interest. Councilmember Blesener moved to accept the plan as proposed by Dahlgren, Shardlow & Uban for first phase marketing of the Furlong area at a cost not to exceed $1,000. Councilmember Hartmann seconded the motion. Councilmember Cummins moved to authorize an expenditure of $100 toward the start -up costs of the South Region for the Special Olympics. Councilmember Witt seconded the motion. Council acknowledged and discussed a report from Public Works Director Danielson regarding snowplowing. It was the consensus of Council that the City should be divided into four routes and that a contractor be hired for plowing of the fourth route. Page No.2286 February 2, 1988 , SQUAD CAR Councilmember Cummins moved to authorize the Police Department to increase the expenditure for an unmarked vehicle by $800 plus the required excise tax. Councilmember Blesener seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 COUNCIL COMMENTS ADJOURN Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 ATTEST: Councilmember Hartmann asked whether the City can take any action against people plowing snow from their drives onto plowed streets. There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilmember Cummins moved that the meeting be adjourned. Councilmember Hartmann seconded the motion. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:50 P.M. Charles E. Mertensotto Mayor drzatto, K hleen M. Swanson City Clerk