1987-02-05 Special Council mtg minutesPAGE NO. 2386
FEBRUARY 5, 1987
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Special Meeting
Held Thursday, February 5, 1987
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the special meeting of
the City Council, City of Mendota Heights was held at 7:00 o'clock
P.M., at the District #197 Board Room, 1897 Delaware Avenue,
Mendota Heights, Minnesota.
School Board Chair Joyce Walker called the meeting to order at
7:04 P.M. Councilmembers present included Mayor Mertensotto,
Councilmembers Blesener, Cummins, and Hartmann. Councilmember
Witt had advised the Council that she would be late. Also present
was City Administrator Frazell, Parks Commissioners Bob Leffert,
Bob Doffing, Marsha Knittig, and Carol Damberg.
The first item of business was a presentation by Consultant Barry
Warner regarding the proposed joint development of the Henry
Sibley Athletic Complex by School District #197 and the City of
Mendota Heights. Warner highlighted the issues which had been
dealt with in his joint memorandum revised as of January 5, 1987.
Property owners Milt Hildebrandt and Kathy West raised concerns
about the amount of money which was shown in the project budget
for acquisition of their properties.
Neighbors in the Ponds subdivision development raised questions
about regulation of drinking, on-street parking, and lighting for
evening hour activities. Parks Commissioner Doffing, who also
works with Mend/Eagan Athletic Association, said that most of
their activities do not go past 10:00.
Board Member Kitty Haight raised a question about the split in
costs between the two governmental entities. City Administrator
Frazell responded that during the discussions, staff of the School
District and City had generally agreed that the cost split of 50-
50 would be fair. It was pointed out, however, that the lighting,
both cost of installation and an on-going energy consumption,
would be solely for the benefit of the City, and the cost born by
the City.
Both Mr. Hildebrandt and Ms. West indicated that they were not
opposed to the project, but wanted a fair price for their
properties.
Mayor Mertensotto raised a question about ownership of the
property. He said that a simple joint powers organization would
not be sufficient to protect the City's interest, and that the
City would want to have some type of undivided half interest in
the land. There was general agreement that as a concept this
PAGE NO. 2387
FEBRUARY 5, 1987
would be a fair approach.
Questions were also raised about the need for night-time custodial
attendance and vandalism to Henry Sibley High School.
Board Member John Neimeyer offered that he thought it was a good
program, and was hopeful that the two organizations could agree to
the joint development. Councilmember Carl Cummins indicated that
time was of the essence to the City, with a bond referendum
planned for April 21. He indicated that while he didn't think it
was necessary to get all the details worked out, he hoped that at
the next meeting, the Board could give some indication of whether
or not it was willing to begin work on reaching a final agreement.
Upon on informal poll of other Board Members, Lee Bakewell, Kitty
Haight, and Herb Strozinsky all felt that it had been a good
effort and was worth pursuing. Board Member Judith Pendergrass
indicated her opposition to the program, both because of the on-
going financial cost to the School District, and also because she
did not wish to see more land in Mendota Heights developed. Board
Chair Joyce Walker indicated that she was currently in between on
the proposal, and did not know how she would vote the following
Tuesday.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:50 P.M.
Kevin D. Frazell
City Administrator
ATTEST:
Charles E. Mertensotto
Mayor