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1984-01-17 Council minutesPage No. 1948 January 17, 1984 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, January 17, 1984 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 the City Hall, 750 South Plaza Drive, Mendota Heights, Minnesota. Mayor Lockwood called the meeting to order at 7:30 o'clock P.M. The following members were present: Mayor Lockwood, Councilmembers Hartmann, Mertensotto and Witt. Councilman Losleben notified that Council that he would be out of town. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Lockwood moved approval of the minutes of the January 3, meeting. Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. Councilman Hartmann moved approval of the consent calendar as submitted and recommended for approval as part of the regular agenda, along with authorization for execution of all necessary documents contained therein. 1. Acknowledgement of the minutes of the December 14, 1983, NDC4 meeting. 2. Acknowledgement of the engineering status report, Fire depart- ment report, and treasurer's monthly report for December. 3. Approval of the List of Claims dated January 17, 1984, and totalling $618,856.69. 4. Approval of the List of contractors licenses, granting licenses to the following: Arcade Concrete Construction Boehm Heating Co. Centraire, Inc. Centraire, Inc. Central Air Condt. & Heating Co. Central Air Condt. & Heating Co. Richard T. Cousins Dodd Construction Fredrickson Heating & A/C Fredrickson Heating & A/C Genz-Ryan Plumbing & Heating Horwitz, Inc. Housley Construction, Inc. Imperial Developers Krumwiede Construction John Larson Roofing & Sheet Metal Mrozik Construction, Inc. Wm. Murr Plumbing, Inc. Ryan Plumbing Masonry License Heating & A/C Heating & A/C Gas Piping Heating & A/C Gas Piping Masonry General Contractor Heating & A/C Gas Piping Gas Piping Heating & A/C Plastering/Stucco Excavating Excavating General Contractor General Contractor Excavating Excavating Page No. 1949 January 17, 1984 Schomaker Construction Geo. Sedgwick Heating Geo. Sedgwick Heating The Snelling Company The Snelling Company Suburban Cement Construction Sussel Corporation Theissen-Nonnemacher United Water & Sewer Co. Valley Investments Ray N. Welter Heating Co. Ray N. Welter Heating Co. Scott Zimmerman General Contractor Heating & A/C Gas Piping Gas Piping Heating & A/C Masonry General Contractor General Contractor Excavating General Contractor Heating & A/C Gas Piping General Contractor 5. Approval of the issuance of 1984 cigarette sales licenses to Getty Self Service Station and Somerset Country Club. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 HEARING -- CASE NO. Mayor Lockwood opened the meeting for the purpose of a public 83-02, CULLIGAN hearing on an application for subdivision and critical area site SUBDIVISION plan approval for the proposed Valley View Oak 2nd Addition. The Council acknowledged a memo from Public Works Director Daniel- son recommending that the public hearing be continued to March 6th, pending resolution of issues relating to a Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Mendota. It was noted that the developer is in concurrence with the hearing continuation and was not in attendance at the meeting. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 FIRE STATION There being no public comments, Councilman Mertensotto moved that the hearing be continued to 7:30 P.M. on March 6, 1984. Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. Architects Jim Jordan and Bruce Caulfield from Trossen-Wright, were present to review plans for the proposed fire station and request authorization to advertise for bids. Mr. Jordan reviewed the project development schedule for the Council. He also reviewed the several add-alternate provisions in the specifications and bid document. He indicated that the plans call for a 76 foot by 80 foot bay and shelled office and activity areas. The add-alter- nates would allow construction of the bay area to 99 feet in 4!8" increments, finishing of the public areas, and finishing of the activity areas. Mr. Caulfield described the building design and site plan for the Council. Councilman Mertensotto asked that the_bid documents include the right of the City to reject any and all bids, particularly in the instance where a contractor does not bid on all alternates. He also expressed concern that the lighting be adequate and appropri- ately located. After discussion, Councilman Mertensotto moved approval of the plans and specifications for the new fire station and authorization Page No. 1950 January 17, 1984 to advertise for bids, subject to approval of plans and spec- ifications by the Fire Marshal and Code Enforcement Officer. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 COMMUNICATIONS The Council acknowledged a letter from the United States Postal Service indicating the Service is considering moving its Postal Data Center from Fort Snelling and that the City is included in the preferred area for siting of the facility. The matter was referred to staff. COMMISSION RESIGNATION Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 RACE TRACK The Council acknowledged a letter from Sandy Butler in resig- nation from her position on the Planning Commission. Councilman Mertensotto moved the adoption of Resolution No. 84- 04, "RESOLUTION COMMENDING SANDRA BUTLER FOR CITY SERVICE", expressing the Council's regret for her resignation and appreciation for her service. Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. The Council acknowledged a letter from Mr.. Bernard Friel and a letter and draft resolution from the Friendly Hills Civic Association requesting that the Council oppose the proposed siting of a race track facility in the northern portion of the City of Eagan. The Council also acknowledged a letter from Councilman Losleben relative to the race track issue. Numerous residents of the Friendly Hills and Delaware Crossing areas were present for the discussion. Mr. Friel was present to represent both himself and the Friendly Hills Civic Association. He reviewed the project EAW prepared by the City of Eagan, and described the location and proposed uses for the 494 acre site, and the hours of operation of the proposed race track facility. Mr. Friel explained that the neighbors have four principal concerns: the potential for pressures on the City Council to rezone the property adjacent to Friendly Hills and Delaware Crossing from residential to commercial or light industria: if the track facility is constructed; the noise from the race track public address system and crowd noise; traffic increases which will be generated because of the facility; and increase in aircraft noise from potential re-routing of air traffic to accommodate race activities. He stated that the Metropolitan Airports Commission staff has also expressed concern over the potential pressures to divert aircraft away from the racetrack site if the facility is constructed. He stated that he is deeply concerned over the impact such a facility would have on his own-property and urged the Council to take formal action to oppose the proposed location of the race track facility and urge Eagan in conducting an Environmental Impact Statement to address the impact such a facility would have on Mendota Heights. Mr. Carl Cummins, 2312 Nashua Lane, supported Mr. Friel's remarks and submitted and read a proposed resolution he had prepared for Page No. 1951 January 17, 1984 Council consideration. He stated that the project EAW which will become the basis for the EIS for the project does not address impacts on Mendota Heights. He expressed his opinion that the Eagan site is in strong contention and would have a negative impact on the Mendota Heights residential areas. He asked that the Council consider his resolution and take action to request the,City of Eagan to address impacts on Mendota Heights within the EIS. Mr. and Mrs. Augustus Hipp, Ms. Edie Lancaster, Mr. Richard Gabriel,.Mr. Ultan Duggan, Mr. Richard Zahn, and Mrs. John Sukalo, expressed their concerns and opposition to the proposed facility, asked that the Council formally oppose the site and asked that the impacts on Mendota Heights be studied in the EIS. Mayor Lockwood reviewed the role of the Metropolitan Council in the siting process and informed the Council and audience that he had discussed the matter with the Metropolitan Council District Representative, Carol Sindt. She informed him that the report of the Metropolitan Council committee which studied the siting process included a major amendment which states.that the racing commission and all potential site developers be advised that the report does not commit the Metropolitan Council at this time to any system improvement or modifications and that the selection of the site should not be premised on the assumption that the Metropolitan Airports Commission or Metropolitan Council will make fundamental changes in plans, such as air traffic lanes, so as to place burden on properties not presently so burdened. Mayor-Lockwood stated that he has asked the City Planner to contact the Eagan planners to make certain that the concerns of the City of Mendota Heights, many of which have been addressed by the residential property owners present this evening, are going to be.addressed in the EIS. He informed the audience of recent conversations with Eagan Mayor Bea Blomquist, and stated that the Eagan City Council has indicated that it would be happy to make available to Mendota Heights and its residents the Eagan consultants and developers involved in the race track proposal. He stated that the parties involved would be willing to make a presentation to the Mendota Heights residents and City Council during the time the EIS is being prepared. He pointed out that when the Mendota Heights City Council first heard about the Eagan proposal approximately three months ago, the Council requested that they be.kept informed by the City of Eagan and notified Eagan representatives that Mendota Heights City Council is concerned about the process. Councilwoman Witt informed the audience that there will be a public hearing on the draft EIS and a public comment period after the EIS is completed. She also suggested that the Council and residents accept the offer of the Eagan officials to make presentations so that more information could be available to Mendota Heights residents. At the time of the presentations, the concerns of the residents and City Council could be expressed to the Eagan City officials. Councilman Mertensotto informed the audience that the City of Mendota Heights and the City of Eagan are involved in many Page No. 1952 January 17, 1984 cooperative agreements and that, because of the cooperation which has existed between the two communities, he did not believe that formal opposition to the project would be appropriate at this time. He felt that the Mendota Heights City Council should advise the Eagan City Council of the several areas of concern stated by the residents and the City Council, which include noise, diversion of aircraft, traffic increases, and other issues. After considerable discussion, Councilman Mertensotto moved to direct staff to prepare a letter for Mayor Lockwood's signature to be directed to the Mayor and City Council of the City of Eagan, advising the Eagan city officials: that numerous Mendota Heights residents appeared before the City Council this evening requesting that the Council take an official stance opposing the race track; that the City Council declined to do so but that the Council, by submission of the letter, formally advise 6 the City of Eagan that there are many areas of concern to the residents of Mendota Heights, including potential rezoning pressures, noise, public safety problems, potential increased crime factors, diversion of air traffic and additional air noise, potential traffic increases; and expressing the Mendota Heights City Council's main concern is that the EIS to be prepared on behalf of the developers address these problems as they relate to Mendota Heights; copies of the communication to be submitted to the Metropolitan Council, Metropolitan Airports Commission, Dakota County Board of Commissioners, the Minnesota Racing Commission, and the Friendly Hills Civic Association. Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 RECESS Mayor Lockwood called for a recess at 9:35 o'clock P.M. The meeting reconvened at 9:50 o'clock P.M. NDC-4 The Council acknowledged a letter and copy of the proposed budget for the Northern Dakota County Cable Communications Commission. The Commission, in its letter, requested Council approval of the City's 1984 NDC-4 member city contribution assessment in the amount of $1,900. Councilwoman Witt moved to approve the disbursement of $1,900 for the 1984 contribution to the Northern Dakota County Cable Communications Commission. Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 COMMISSION Mayor Lockwood moved that James Stein and Robert Doffing and APPOINTMENTS Mary Jeanne Schneeman be reappointed to three year terms on the Park and Recreation Commission. Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Mayor Lockwood moved to reappoint John Frank and Janet Blesener to three year terms on the Planning Commission. Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. Page No. 1953 January 17, 1984 Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 SNOWMOBILE The Council acknowledged and briefly discussed a memo from REGULATIONS Police Chief Delmont regarding snowmobile laws. MISCELLANEOUS The Council acknowledged a memo from Police Chief Delmont regarding fire wood sales at 1472 Sibley Memorial Highway and recommending return of an escrow submitted by Mr. George McNeill in September, to guarantee compliance with the City's requirement to cease firewood storage and sales at the subject property. On the recommendation of Police Chief Delmont, Councilman Mertensotto moved to return the $250 escrow submitted by Mr. George McNeill. Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 CAPITAL PURCHASES The Council acknowledged a memo from Fire Chief Noack requesting permission to update the Squrt unit for an approximate cost of $4,100, along with acquisition of bunker pants and air pacs. The Council briefly discussed the need for 31 pair of bunker pants and asked questions of several fire department members present for the discussion, including describing the improvements to the Squrt. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 SQUAD CARS Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 After a brief discussion, Councilman Mertensotto moved to include the update of the Squrt unit in the Equipment Certificate budget, along with approval of the acquisition of the bunker pants as requested. Mayor Lockwood seconded the motion. The Council acknowledged a memo from Police Chief Delmont regarding acquisition of squad cars for 1984. In his memo, Chief Delmont advised the Council that the low bid received through the bidding process for Ramsey County, Washington County and Hennepin County, the State of Minnesota, St. Paul and Minneapolis, was submitted by White Bear Dodge for Dodge Diplomats. He recommended that the Council award the bid for three 1984 squad cars to White Bear Dodge. Mayor Lockwood moved to approve purchase of three 1984 Dodge Diplomats from White Bear Dodge for $9,980 per vehicle, as recommended by Chief Delmont. Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. TREASURER The Council acknowledged a memo from City Administrator Johnson COMPENSATION recommending an increase in the hourly rate for the City's Treasurer/Financial Advisor. Councilman Mertensotto moved that the compensation for Treasurer/ Financial Advisor Shaughnessy be increased to $30.00 per hour Page No. 1954 January 17, 1984 for 1984. Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PERSONNEL The Council acknowledged a proposed resolution to amend the provisions for the transition of City Administration from Orvil Johnson to Kevin Frazell, wherein Administrator Johnson would formally retire from the position on February 3rd, and continue with the City as a part-time Special Projects Assistant through July 6th. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 JOINT MEETING Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 FIRE DEPARTMENT COUNCIL WORKSHOP AIRPORT LAND Mayor Lockwood moved the adoption of Resolution No. 84-05, "A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE PROVISIONS FOR THE TRANSITION IN THE POSITION OF CITY ADMINISTRATOR FROM ORVIL-J. JOHNSON TO KEVIN D. FRAZELL". Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. The Council acknowledged a memo from City Administrator Designee Frazell recommending that the Council conduct a joint meeting with the Park and Recreation Commission on January 24. Commission member Bob Doffing was present and reviewed Park Commission activities with the Council, requesting that the Council approve the joint meeting to discuss development of a bike trail system within the City. Councilman Mertensotto moved that this evening's meeting be convened on January 24th, at 7:30 P.M., as an adjourned meeting for the purpose of meeting with the Park and Recreation Commission to discuss trails and for discussion of any other matters which may come before the City Council. Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. Administrator Designee Frazell briefly reviewed his memo on Fire Department matters, along with a proposed time table for accomplishing the selection of new department officers and revision of organizational documents. Mr. Frazell indicated that he would attend the January 18th Fire Department meeting to discuss department operations with the members, and informed the Council that he would submit fire department job descriptions to the City Council for review on February 7th. The Council acknowledged and discussed a memo from Administrator Designee Frazell recommending that the Council conduct a goals and objective workshop on January 31st. It was the concensus of the members of the Council that the workshop should be conducted. on January 31st at 7:00 P.M. Councilman Mertensotto reviewed a memo prepared by him and Financial Advisor Shaughnessy relative to the Airport Joint Zoning Board proposed ordinance amendment to apply the density transfer concept to B zones within the City. DEFERRED COMPENSATION Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Page No. 1955 . January 17, 1984. On the recommendation of Assistant City Attorney Tom Hart, Councilwoman Witt moved adoption of Resolution No. 84-06, "RESOLUTION APPOINTING COMMITTEE UNDER DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN", appointing Mayor Robert Lockwood, City Administrator Designee Kevin Frazell, and Treasurer Larry Shaughnessy to the committee. Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion. LILYDALE POLICE Assistant City Attorney Hart reviewed the proposed Police AGREEMENT Service Agreement with the City of Lilydale, and informed the Council that the document has been executed by Lilydale officials. Councilwoman Witt moved adoption of Resolution No. 84-07, "RESOL- UTION APPROVING LILYDALE POLICE SERVICE AGREEMENT", authorizing its execution by the appropriate City officials. Councilman Mertensotto seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 FIRE STATION Assistant City Attorney Hart informed the Council on the status SITE of the Warnke license and purchase agreement. There was con- siderable discussion over insurance for the residential structure and rights of transfer, among other things. MISCELLANEOUS ADJOURN Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 ATTEST: Robert G. Lockwood Mayor City Administrator Designee Frazell informed the Council that Metropolitan Council Representative Carol Sindt has agreed to be present for a forthcoming Council meeting to become acquainted with the Council. He also informed the Council that he has been advised by United Properties representatives that U.S. West will be an occupant of Phase I of the Mendota Heights Business Center. There being no further.business to come before the Council, Councilman Hartmann moved that the meeting be adjourned to 7:30 o'clock P.M. on January 24. Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 11:15 o'clock P.M. JOJL- thleen M. Swanson City Clerk